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The resort offers a full-service tour desk so you can arrange trips to Cabarete to see the windsurfers (or to try it yourself), the magnificent little town of Sosua with its rich cultural heritage, the rum factory, the cigar factories, horseback riding, golf, and other pursuits. There is also a complete Internet Center which is very reasonably priced. Right now it is operated by an outside company that is contracted to the hotel but the hotel may soon take it over, which would, I think, increase customer service and responsiveness.

As for customer service on the part of the hotel staff, it is exceptional. Every one of the service people and the front office staff is genuinely interested in making your stay enjoyable. Since tipping is included with your rate, the cheerful demeanor and can-do attitude of the employees is a hallmark of the high standards of the resort and not a ploy for tips. (Unlike some all-inclusive resorts on other islands, accepting tips is not forbidden. Extra-special service might well warrant an extra-special monetary "thank you," but no staff member whom I saw acted in any way as though tipping was expected.)

My sojourn at Marien ended all too soon. I had just unwound enough to start enjoying the delights of the resort when it was time to leave, and it made me sad to say goodbye. I had been away from Puerto Plata too long, and now that I've found Marien, I won't hesitate to go back again as soon as I can.


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