Front of property
Check availability

Reviews of Villa Serena

3.5 out of 5
Villa Serena
Samana, Las Galeras, Samana

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 101 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Edward

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Small walk to town; property is beautiful. Our rooms a bit dated, and we couldnt figure out the shower to get hot, water barely came out. The instructions, seemed outdated, so the buttons didnt work. One of our rooms A/C leaked the last night, all of our bags that we left on the floor and also the Chair. luckily our passports werent damaged. I expected a credit or our troubles, but none was offered. Front desk wasnt always staffed so couldnt get bottled waters or ask for help with the A/C; Food was great and Bar staff friendly. The grounds and iew are absolutely beautiful. Would return again though
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from Hotel Villa Serena on Apr 18, 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful property and the great food, as well as the friendly bar staff. We apologize for the issues you encountered with the dated rooms, shower, and A/C leakage. Your experience does not meet our standards, and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused. We will adress these issues promptly to ensure they are resolved for future guests. We appreciate your understanding and hope to welcome you back for a smoother stay next time.

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice hotel in Las Galaras
Lovely location right on the water, with a great beach (la Playita) a short 10 minute walk away. Complementary yoga in the morning was a highlight. Town unfortunately has way too much noisy and polluting traffic as is the case throughout Samana peninsula, but the hotel is super nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Angelina on Jan 9, 2024
Thank you for your positive feedback on our beachfront location and complimentary morning yoga. We're sorry to hear about the noise and pollution in the town, and we're actively working on solutions. We're glad you enjoyed our hotel and hope to welcome you back soon.Best,Hotel Villa Serena Team

8/10 Good

Armando

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Excelente ubicación, servicio al cliente, deben mejorar la limpieza de las sabanas.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Villa Serena on Nov 16, 2023
Estimado Armando,Agradecemos sus comentarios positivos sobre nuestra excelente ubicación y servicio al cliente. Lamentamos cualquier problema con la limpieza de las sábanas y tomaremos medidas para mejorar. Esperamos darle la bienvenida nuevamente pronto.Atentamente, Hotel Villa Serena

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It has a great view of the ocean which creates a relaxing environment. Staff is very friendly and cordial. The room has a relaxing decoration as well great view of fhe ocean and the small cayo which is right in front of fhe property. If anyone is looking for quiet/tranquil plave in Las Galeras this is the right place.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Response from Hotel Villa Serena on Oct 8, 2023
Thank you for sharing your positive feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the great ocean view, the friendly staff, and the relaxing room decoration. It's wonderful that you found our property to be a quiet and tranquil place in Las Galeras. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for more relaxing moments in the future!

10/10 Excellent

Albert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I just enjoyed staying there!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Hotel Villa Serena on Oct 8, 2023
We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us! Your satisfaction is our priority, and we can't wait to have the pleasure of hosting you again in the future for another enjoyable experience. Thank you for choosing us!

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spectacular location. Gorgeous property. Good restaurant and amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from Hotel Villa Serena on Oct 8, 2023
We're delighted to hear that you found our location spectacular, the property gorgeous, and that you enjoyed our restaurant and amenities. Providing a memorable experience for our guests is our goal, and your positive feedback is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exceptional visit in the future!

10/10 Excellent

Kay

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
El personal de restaurantes es súper amable. La propiedad es muy linda y súper tranquila
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

William joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise
Wonderful secret place. Villa Serene is a very spectacular property
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from Hotel Villa Serena on Oct 8, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you found Villa Serena to be a wonderful and spectacular property. We aim to provide our guests with a special and memorable experience, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again in the future for more wonderful moments at our hidden gem.

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was sad to arrive after dark and leave in the morning after only one night! What a beautiful property. The rooms are spacious, everything was clean, staff were very helpful. The food was good and reasonably priced, and the restaurant staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. The only improvement I could see is that some soft furnishings - throw pillows etc. - looked like they could use replacement or cleanable covers (maybe they can be/are cleaned but it was hard to tell). Can't wait to return next year!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from Hotel Villa Serena on Oct 8, 2023
We're delighted to hear that you had a positive experience during your stay at our beautiful property, and we appreciate your kind words about our spacious rooms, cleanliness, and helpful staff. It's great to know you enjoyed the food and the friendly restaurant staff as well.Thank you for your feedback regarding the soft furnishings; we'll certainly take it into consideration for improvements. We can't wait to welcome you back next year, and we look forward to providing you with another memorable stay.

10/10 Excellent

Dominique

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jairy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excelente beach front property
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Iris, Elmont

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The sound of the ocean while I slept
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Response from Marina on Apr 23, 2022
It’s so soothing, isn’t it? 😊 We greatly appreciate your positive feedback and can't wait to have you back!

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

hernando

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice and pleasant environment but I feel that managerial supervision needs to be enhanced
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Zaida

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spectacular views. Excellent customer service, spacious rooms, and very serene environment.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

2/10 Terrible

Charlie

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No A/C, no towels for the pool, terrible manager, nobody speak english
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel has the best location in Las Galeras, near to all beaches and a walk from the village. Service was excellent. Enjoyed the restaurant and local dishes, exquisitely prepared. No TV and reliable wi-fi. For a wonderful experience away from crowds and a spectacular view, I consider Villa Serena highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, nice view, friendly staff. Some rooms needs to remodel its bathroom
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel, great location, will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice, quiet, boutique hotel, situated on a very nice beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise on earth
It truly doesn't get any better than this!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location ,Location, Location. The most beautiful spot in the island.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms need some repair
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

olga, Dominican Republic

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and quiet Hotel . Beautiful location . Great Ocean view from our room in the second floor. Pet friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

AnthonyMendoza, Dominican Republic

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Holidays that are spent very well, quiet in a wonderful and beautiful place, excellent food and first class attention...
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Since a get there I like everything, good service and nice room but it doesn’t include food so I have to spend a lot of money on food and also pay for the they which was very expensive to not offer food.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

6/10 Okay

Johanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Too many extra charges
The hotel is very quiet. Perfect to relax. The down side was charged way over the amount that hotels puts on their portal room said it was $130 ended up paying close to $200 that included the $10 they charge to use the air conditioner mind you I only stayed 1 night. The problem with the A/C didn’t really cool the room. My husband and I hardly slept. We only had breakfast. Didn’t like it only really enjoyed the coffee. I don’t think I will return.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Haven
Fabulous and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Marina Vesanovic on Sep 24, 2019
Thank you!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, but will be better once renovations have been completed. Reception area furniture wasn't set up, and check-in/check-out was extremely slow. However, staff were friendly, food in the restaurant was great, and there was a quiet beach only a 10 minute walk away. WiFi was strong and reached throughout the property.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019
Response from Marina Vesanovic on Jul 10, 2019
Dear Guest, We would like to thank you for sharing your experience and for mentioning good WiFi, our friendly staff and great food. We hope to see you soon again! Best regards

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Calm, peaceful, off the beaten track. Near some lovely beaches and only 30 minutes from Samana.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is in such a beautiful place! A hidden gem that is truly hidden - somewhat hard to get too on roads that are terrifying to drive. However, it is well worth the effort. The lofty colonial style building is beautiful but diminished compared to the grounds, small but gorgeous private beach and ocean view. Service and food was delicious and I was delighted to find healthy (raw vegan and GF options) on the breakfast and regular menu. My only complaint is of the bed which was uncomfortable and the comforter and linens which were dated and grotty. For such a lovely place I would hope to see a newer bedspread or comforter and pillowcases. Overall though, I give this hotel a big win and we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A serene getaway close to world renowned beaches
My wife and I loved our time at Villa Serena. We spent 3 nights there after spending 4 nights in Las Terrenas area. From the moment we got to Villa Serena to the moment we left, we experienced a peace and serenity. Both the town of Las Galeras and the Villa Serena are like an oasis in the DR allowing you to really relax and enjoy the beauty around you. My wife said, "Villa Serena frees you to feel whatever you need to." Overall, we had an incredible time and would've loved to have spent an extra week there. Some things we loved: -The details put into the guest's experience (fresh juice on arrival, fresh flowers and unique bed setting each morning, folded toilet paper to look pretty, custom soaps and conditioner) -The views from grounds and balcony (the Mts and ocean were a great combo) -The great-tasting and fresh food at restaurant -The customer service-every staff member from hostess to maintenance made us feel very welcomed -Snorkel gear, kayaks, bikes, etc being available for usage for free -Room- our room was large, balconies were awesome with ocean views, and AC worked great -Javo beach (short walk) was an awesome place to hang out for the day Things we didn't love that could be improved: -Hot water didn't work for more than 2 mins even after following hot water system steps (probably needs an upgraded system) -Fridge was very small and didn't get cold for first two days even on max setting
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A highlight of our trip
Location is stunning with a view of a small beach and island. The hotel offers a number of great facilities, such as free yoga and kayaks, and the staff are all very friendly and helpful. The hotel and the room we stayed in are beautiful and peaceful at night, but are in need of some modernising in places. There is a wide range of options for breakfast. The small town centre and a number of beaches are within short walking distance.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The view is spectacular, if your looking a place to rest this a excellent option.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

8/10 Good

MGC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great view but faulty wifi -- the rest of my review is in a long blog post so I can't post it here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Marina Vesanovic-Dvornik on Feb 4, 2019
Dear Guest, We would like to thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We would be honored to welcome you once again at Villa Serena, best regards, Marina Vesanovic-Dvornik

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
The place is beautiful but the prices are severely misrepresented by Expedia. We booked at 130 per night but when we checked out the room alone was over 200 per night - outright fraud
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Marina on Aug 1, 2018
Dear Guest, thank you for your time to share your opinion with us and others on Expedia! We would like to explain the price difference you noticed; the basic room rate for a standard double room with a ceiling fan is 130$, but there is additional charge for the third or forth adult, air conditioning, kids etc Hope this was helpful, it's been a great pleasure to welcome you here and we're looking forward to welcome you soon again!

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful view from room, kayak to small island
Small and very quiet hotel. Close to some very beautiful beaches within driving distance. Property is beautifully landscaped and pool is very nice. Not much of an actual beach for sunbathing. There are kayaks available at the hotel for guest use. We used one of the kayaks to paddle to the island that is super close, it is a very easy trip. Be sure to bring shoes if you want to explore the island as it is very sharp and rocky. Included breakfast was just okay, nothing special. We had room service pasta one night and it was not good at all. It also did not help that they only brought one fork for two dinners. We also tried to order a dessert from the menu and were told they were out of that item, so we ordered a different dessert. What arrived was neither the unavailable one, nor the second choice ordered one. The restaurant could use some help with the recipes/menu and the freshness of the food served. If you are looking for a quiet (no tv's), pretty place to stay for a couple of nights while exploring the area, this place is great.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

herve, Washington

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very quite and relaxing colonial-style hotel
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Christie, Toronto Canada

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hotel lobby was beautiful. Outside lovely.Beautiful pool overlooking the ocean. We loved this place although it is a bit outdated. Needs a update painting outside. Things like light switches, remote were very dirty. Did not like that at all. If you are looking for a serene, very zen hotel, this is it. Beautiful
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Chillin at Villa Serena
Had a really nice peaceful relax at Villa Serena. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Food was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Very expensive for what you get....no tv....no air
The hotel is very expensive for what you receive in return. No TV. No air conditioning....hot as hell at night. Mosquitos galor and the water pressure is very low so it takes forever to shower. They try and act like a fancy boutique hotel but they cut corners in every way...very cheap. Even the bar of soap they give you to bath is 1 inch in diameter....real tightwads

10/10 Excellent

Go Kayaking

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Small paradise in the corner of DR
Great beach, superb view, went kayaking to the Cayo Galeras. Rooms have an amazing view and size wise are perfect. Breakfast is amazing! Kelvin was very nice and attentive. Thank yo for the great memories.

10/10 Excellent

PPC, Caracas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
beautiful hotel beach front
great experience and recommended to relax and enjoy a quiet vacation

8/10 Good

Kari , R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing views, impecable service!!
You must see the ocean views from this hotel. The rooms are simply stated and very clean. The staff are very helpful and friendly. A short boat ride to many private beaches. A must see.
View from our balcony
Near by playa rincón

10/10 Excellent

Jeff, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect for a drop out get away.
Simple but comfortable rooms. No TV. No phones. Excellent friendly staff. Perfect location. I've been coming here for 12 years. Perfect place to drop out.

10/10 Excellent

DASHA, SAN JOSE, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
AMAZING!!!!
BEAUTIFUL PLACE, PICTURES DO NOT LIE PAMPERING EVERY GUEST LIKE A FAMILY....PATIOS WITH ROCKING CHAIRS AND A HAMMOCK, COMPLIMENTARY WATER BOTTLE DAILY, ANTI MOSQUITO PLUG-IN AND CANDLES GREAT POOL AND SMALL BEACH DELICIOUS BREAKFAST ONLY ISSUE WAS BOOKING THROUGH TRAVELOCITY: THEY CHARGED ME WRONG FOR THE HOTEL AND I STILL HAD TO PAY EXTRA WHEN CHECKING OUT. NOT GOOD!!!! THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE CHARGES AFTER DEALING WITH AGENT TO AVOID ISSUES