Amazing beach view condo

We stayed for 2 nights only and I wish we could have stayed longer. The apartment was very comfortable for 4 of us, beautiful beach / pool and fast internet. There are nice restaurants across the street from the complex. Melvin was easy to work with, excellent communication via Whatsapp.

We spent a month and enjoyed it very much. Our owner was very attentive--he arranged for a cab to pick us up and return us to the airport. He checked in to make sure that everything was OK and gave us advice on restaurants, etc. Very enjoyable establishment--safe and clean.

We stayed 6 weeks in December and January. The view and pictures are exactly as presented.

Melvin was helpful with information as this was our first visit to the Dominican Republic. He also met us on arrival to show us his unit. The tv and Sono sound system were all great! Restaurant at the pools was good as well. The building complex is well maintained on a daily basis as well as the beach area. Washer and dryer in the unit was a real plus for a longer stay. Weather was 80's daytime 70 at night. We would not of needed the air conditioning except that some flies and mosquitos appeared after some of the heavier rains, and there are no screens. I am sure they do not normally need them as we were told the rains were unusual for our time of stay. There were just a couple of minor issues with the condo that Melvin was addressing after we let him know, but they did not bother us enough to mention further here. Marbella is the nicest complex that we saw on our beach walks. Security is heavy but we really didn't see any issues anywhere in Juan Dolio, even walking after dark. The local restaurants of Sal Marina (our favorite) Paladart, El Meson, Giuilia's, Bistro and MBG (US comfort food!) were all good and within walking distance.There are also two small grocery stores within walking distance but if you want a larger selection you will need to rent a cab to San Pedro. $35 for trip and one hour at Jumbo. Car rentals across the street are $50 a day but unless you have good insurance I wouldn't recommend it! The driving is like nothing we are used to seeing. Any vehicle can be going in any direction on any street at any time when you get into the towns! This is a family atmosphere, especially on the weekends when owners arrive to get away from the city. We enjoyed seeing and hearing the kids have fun but if you are looking for an adults only spot this isn't it. If you are coming from the US for the first time this is NOT the US! Spanish is the language spoken here, VERY little English so be prepared to use a translation app to try and get by. That is not their fault it is OURS! The culture in the DR is more laid back. Trash along the streets and stray dogs fighting at night are not a big concern. Sit back, relax, and enjoy their culture!

a couple days ago I reached Melvin Pena the property owner to mention I send him a message. He mentioned the days where available and suggested I send him the payment to his personal account. I mentioned I had already process the payment in the Home away from home website. I advised I was waiting on him to approve. Melvin who has been very responsive became unresponsive claiming he was out of town. He then reached back and mentioned the apartment was already taken by someone else as he had difficulties retrieving the payment from Home Away From Home. Please be mindful prior to booking properties at this website as some home owners like Melvin may seem to have issue retrieving payments asking to send to them directly. Melvin seems like nice person but I preferred using the website a instructed however that did not work out.