Dominican Republic

kk2187

Member
My friends and I are looking into all-inclusives in Punta Cana, DR..

Has anyone been there with suggestions?

Thanks.
 

Chasey_Lane

Salt Life
I haven't, but I've been researching it lately as my next getaway. It's between Excellence and Paradisus for me. Both have great consumer reviews!

May seems to be their rainy season (double all other months). Weather seems constant (80's all year long) with a low in the 70's.
 

migtig

aka Mrs. Giant
RIU Resorts. When you get there it's a "compound" and by going all inclusive, you can visit any of the other RIU resorts within the compound. You get a wrist bracelet to wear that shows you are an all-inclusive guest. There are also extras you can arrange, such as parasailing, swimming with dolphins, excursions, etc, but there was plenty to do within the resort complex without paying extra.

Also, no matter where you go in the DR
1) Always make your arrangements through the hotel or a travel agent for excursions. There are guys that park a boat off the beach and jump ashore and try to convince you to book something through them. Not good deals when you factor in they may not be reputiable.
2) Do not rent a car, arrange transportation to and from the airport. Any excursions will come and pick you up at the resort you stay at. There is no way an American can navigate those roads safely. You want a car cab or van and you will have to specify that or they'll come get you on a motorbike.
3) Pack your own asprin, sunblock, aloe vera, etc. American conveniences are really pricey.
4) The weather is really comfortable, but always wear sunblock as the sun is much more direct.
5) Don't be shocked when you see folks go topless at the beaches.
6) Don't gamble. Gambling is not regulated as it is in the US.
7) Don't drink the tap water. Make sure the bottled water is sealed.
 

KariAnne456

New Member
Ocean Blue & Sand
We went last year May 20-27 and had a great time. Only rained one day, for about an hour. The resort was very clean. The staff friendly and the food was great. They had many activities for everyone!
We are going back this year at the beginning of May to get married!
Good luck with your research!
 

kk2187

Member
I haven't, but I've been researching it lately as my next getaway. It's between Excellence and Paradisus for me. Both have great consumer reviews!

May seems to be their rainy season (double all other months). Weather seems constant (80's all year long) with a low in the 70's.

Those are a bit pricey for us but I would love to stay there! :lol: Both look like great choices. We'll be going late May so hopefully the rain is tapering off by then or we'll just have to sit inside and enjoy the free beverages :otter:

RIU Resorts. When you get there it's a "compound" and by going all inclusive, you can visit any of the other RIU resorts within the compound. You get a wrist bracelet to wear that shows you are an all-inclusive guest. There are also extras you can arrange, such as parasailing, swimming with dolphins, excursions, etc, but there was plenty to do within the resort complex without paying extra.

Also, no matter where you go in the DR
1) Always make your arrangements through the hotel or a travel agent for excursions. There are guys that park a boat off the beach and jump ashore and try to convince you to book something through them. Not good deals when you factor in they may not be reputiable.
2) Do not rent a car, arrange transportation to and from the airport. Any excursions will come and pick you up at the resort you stay at. There is no way an American can navigate those roads safely. You want a car cab or van and you will have to specify that or they'll come get you on a motorbike.
3) Pack your own asprin, sunblock, aloe vera, etc. American conveniences are really pricey.
4) The weather is really comfortable, but always wear sunblock as the sun is much more direct.
5) Don't be shocked when you see folks go topless at the beaches.
6) Don't gamble. Gambling is not regulated as it is in the US.
7) Don't drink the tap water. Make sure the bottled water is sealed.

Thanks for the advice! Esp about aspirin etc.. those things always seem to get left behind!

I learned in the Bahamas to stay away from those shady people offering $1 tours of the island! :lol:

Ocean Blue & Sand
We went last year May 20-27 and had a great time. Only rained one day, for about an hour. The resort was very clean. The staff friendly and the food was great. They had many activities for everyone!
We are going back this year at the beginning of May to get married!
Good luck with your research!

Congrats and best wishes to you two! DR looks like an awesome place to get married :yay:
 

godsbutterfly

Free to Fly
My friends and I are looking into all-inclusives in Punta Cana, DR..

Has anyone been there with suggestions?

Thanks.

My husband and I went 2 years ago and it was wonderful! I really want to go back! We stayed at the Paradise resort and loved it.
 

Chasey_Lane

Salt Life
Mig -- what month did you travel to DR? Were there a lot of kids at your resort? I've found a few results that are adults only all inclusive, and I'm leaning toward them.
 

migtig

aka Mrs. Giant
Mig -- what month did you travel to DR? Were there a lot of kids at your resort? I've found a few results that are adults only all inclusive, and I'm leaning toward them.

September - which is an "off" month. The locals though said that was the best weather - not too hot and didn't understand why American tourists came when it was so hot. :lol: I explained it was considered hurricane season and they looked at me like I was crazy. However, for "off" season the resort was packed with Germans and other nationalities.

There were a "few" kids. But there were specified kid zones (like a daycare type of center with their own pool that I saw). So I usually only saw them when walking through areas in passing. I even believe they were staying in a different part of the resort complex than us.
 
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