| Author |
Message |
    
Ink
Citizen
Username: Pageturner
Post Number: 137
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 4:16 pm: | 
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My extended family is looking into going to an all-inclusive place in one of these towns in the Dominican Republic. Any recommendations or places to avoid? |
r2boy
Supporter
Username: R2boy
Post Number: 270
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 4:23 pm: |
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I highly recommend the new Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana.
We were there this past February for 5 nights and loved every minute of
our stay..The place is gorgeous...beach superb and best of all as an all
inclusive you don't wear those horrible bracelets....The restaurants were
just great but if you are travelling with small children there are a few
that don't allow little kids...Check their website and see for yourself..
www.paradisuspalmareal.com...We are booked to return next year... |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 466
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 1:07 pm: |
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r2,
it looked amazing. Can I ask you some q's?
Does the beach get crowded or can you find an isolated spot?
Is it a long walk to the beach?
did you stay in a "royal service" suite?
are there varying age groups there, or mostly honeymooner-types?
did u play golf?
was there snorkeling?
Thanks! |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 604
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 2:30 pm: |
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The beach at Puerta Plata isn't great; Cabarete (just a few miles away) is much nicer. It's a smaller town, not much in the way of activities or nightlife, but the people are friendly, there are some very good restaurants, and it's a great place to relax. I've heard Punta Cana is really nice, but I haven't stayed at an all-inclusive in the DR, so can't really suggest anything.
Have you considered the Maya Riviera area in Mexico? we were at the Riu last winter--all inclusive. Price was reasonable and we were happy....
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2277
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 9:08 pm: |
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I stayed at Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana. Everything was excellent except the ocean was VERY rough. So much so that they wouldn't even let you swim. It is on the Atlantic side. I did hear that other resorts further down the beach didn't have rough water, but just something to keep in mind. (The pool with the swim up bar was a pretty decent substitute....) The resort itself was fantastic. |
Jgberkeley
Citizen
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 4637
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 9:23 pm: |
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We stayed at the Melia resorts in DR last February. It was the worst 7 day vacation we ever took. The place was beautiful and that is where it ended. The food stunk and all the included places, except, the grilled hambugers at the beach grill.
The bars could not mix a drink so we move to booze on the rocks or beer.
The service stunk.
After getting home we read the posting on Orbits for this place and they all said the same thing.
Do your research!
Later,
George |
r2boy
Supporter
Username: R2boy
Post Number: 271
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 7:41 am: |
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Mickey,
The beach has chaises all over with these thatched huts..You can walk
to whatever spot you want..The beach is right near all the pools so it
isn't a far walk at all...Bar service on the beach too...No, we didn't
stay in Royal Service at Palma Real...The guests were all types.Some with
young kids and some seniors...We fit the latter...However, there were enough
things for all groups to do...No, we didn't golf here..There is snorkeling
and other water activities...We just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves...Met
some very nice people...and our group is looking forward to returning..
My husband's only complaint was that the casino didn't open until 9 each night..We loved the lobby bar before dinner..Beautiful surroundings, nice
music, great snacks and good drinks..No reservations for dinner but we never
had a wait or problem...People dressed nicely there too..No shorts at night
which I liked..
Easy trip from newark..non stop...on Continental...
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grw
Citizen
Username: Grw
Post Number: 438
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 9:36 am: |
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I don't know George
We stayed at the Mele Caribe Tropical, it was more than great, nothing like what you posted. There were 15 restaurants, all good, service was good, two suites, it was great
5 of us, $3500.00 including air fare |
Claudia
Citizen
Username: Cabameyers
Post Number: 38
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 10:52 pm: |
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We've gone to Bayahibe (Grand Dominicus), Santo Domingo (El Embajador) and to the beach near the capital (i can't remember the name right now. The people, the hotels, the food, they'rea all great and your dollar goes a long way.
One thing you need to know about the DR is that all the beaches in the south (Caribbean sea) are the fabulous white sandy beaches you see in catalogs -- the ones on the north (Puerto Plata, Samana, etc) are on the Atlantic ocean and the're not as nice. Great place to see the whales but you won't be walking for half a mile on warm water with the water not reaching past your waist.
I highly recommend the hotels we stayed. Can't wait to go back.
Hope this helps. |
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