where to stay in Dominican Republic

[walterscott]

hi,

what are the areas where hotel resorts are located? im trying to get an idea because we're booking our trip. Any ideas please? thanks!

[VacationBuddy]

hi there,

To give an idea of the main areas in Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Punta Cana, Playa Dorada and Cabarate are the main areas to stay on the island.

The capital of Santo Domingo offers buzzing restaurants and bars and historical monuments so it is great if you are planning to see and do a lot of things.

If you're looking for a more relaxing vacation, Punta Cana is a great as it offers all inclusive resorts and untouched beaches.

Hope this helps
Vacationbuddy

[The Travel Slut]

My first time to both the D.R. and P.C. was awesome.

I have friends that had previously visited the Dominican Republic and specifically, the Punta Cana resort area on the southeast side of the island. They all raved about the sand, the beaches, the water and the resorts.

Flying into Punta Cana you land on a modern "tropical" airfield and the terminal is built into huge thatched "palapas" or buildings.

The weather at 17 degrees latitude is more tropical than Florida but not so different that I was affected. Most tourists are European. Americans were scarce when I was there.

People come here from all over the world & I can see why. If I did not have similar beaches and water where I live, I would be more amazed at what Punta Cana has to offer. The beach sand is some of the best you will experience and there is plenty of it--miles in fact.

The Caribbean blue water is inviting and about 85 degrees F right now.

Everyone can enjoy either the sun (be careful though, it burns fast at this latitude) or the shade of a palm tree on the beach.

Most resorts are all-inclusive (all you can eat, drink and be entertained with) and nearly all are beachfront or beach-close. I stayed at the Bahia Principe between Breezes and the Riu at the far east end of Punta Cana.

I was able to walk the beach onto Riu property but Breezes was too far away for a quick walk-on inspection.

My resort offered modern amenities, good food, good drink, and a great staff of friendly, helpful people. English was spoken (or understood enough) by 99% of the staff and combined with my limited Spanish, communication was not an issue.

PC is relatively inexpensive and uncrowded, very friendly from my experience.

The Travel Slut Top 10 Tips for Bahia Principe Resort & Spa in Punta Cana:

1) Upgrade to the Royal Golden Principe club which entitles you to a room closest to the beach area and several other worthwhile amenities. If you do, remind your driver to drop you off at each special lobby.
2) Bring a "coozie" or insulated cup if you plan beach or pool time. Ice in your drink will melt before you can reach your lounger.
3) Expect staff to greet you with "Ola" and a smile no matter where you are on property.
4) Different color wristbands identify your classification as regular, diamond or gold members.
5) Bell service is essential. They are quick and friendly and run 24-7.
6) Be sure to check out the Principe "Village" of shops, casino and outdoor entertainment near the resorts' entrance.
7) Ask for two room keys. You can then leave one in the power socket so when you exit the room the air conditioner remains on.
8) Make your dinner reservations for the theme restaurant of your choice early in the day as they tend to be filled up after 3 PM
9) If you want to check daily activities or check a map of where you are on property, look for the large marquee-type signs at various tram-trolley stops along the resorts central walkway.
10) Be sure to allow plenty of time for check-out. You will need an exit ticket from reception indicating you have settled your bill prior to leaving

This resort came recommended and I can see why.

The resort's 1,500 junior suites on 3 separate but adjoining properties all have modern amenities, are spacious, & clean, My room was #1101 & closest to the beach & pool. 24 hour room service included.

There are 6 bars including a swim-up bar. Odalis is the best bartender @ the lobby bar. He's funny, charming, & makes a great "Dirty Monkey".

There are several themed restaurants: Japanese, Mexican, Steak House, Fish & Spanish. All require reservations & dress-up.

There are 5 pools, a childrens section and all are very nice.

Non-motorized sports & activities are included @ 1 hr. per day. There's an activity director w/staff who keep people busy poolside/beachside if so desired. All watersports are offered. Remember at latitude 17, you will sunburn quickly. I didn't use the spa/gym this trip but they are full service and new.

The resort property is HUGE. It's 1/2 mile long trolley-tram service between lobby & beach-pool area is in a loop so excessive walking is not a major concern.

Food: good variety & selection, above average quality, & choice of buffet or reservation-only/sit-down dinners. The teppanyaki-style Japanese dinner I had was OK & similar to a Benihana's.

Drinks: Domestic beer & rum offered. Top shelf liquor was available but not included. NOTE: premium wine was not available. Someone found me a "premium" bottle @ $24 U.S.. It was a $5 Woodbridge white zin. Pool bar drinks were not as good as other bars on property.

There were enough loungers & beach/shade.

Entertainment: Staff did nightly shows outdoors & while the music & dancing was fine, it was too hot & some people left early.

A few things I did not understand:
1) The in-room safe required an extra charge
2) The available wine was limited to primarily 1 brand
3) The outdoor entertainment was uncomfortably hot at night.
4) Why are the pools shut down at 8 PM?

I hope this helps a little.

Ann, T.S. :-)

[redsonja]

there are so many popular areas in Dom Rep that you can't go wrong, though my favorite areas are Punta Cana and Puerto Plata for their beautiful beaches and many resorts.

If you love surfing and wind-sports, the town of Cabarete is the best spot in Dom Rep for windsurfing and kite-boarding.

A few all inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic I suggest are Club Med Punta Cana, Viva Wyndham Tangerine and Dreams Punta Cana.

[pvetkin]

I'd suggest staying in the Zona Colonial if you enjoy atmosphere of hot tourist spots. Zona Colonial is really lively and you can enjoy a show with local music pretty much every day of the week.

There are cool attractions in the Zona Colonial like the unique cobblestone streets, some of the oldest buildings in all of the Caribbean, and museums like the Dominican Republic Museum of Modern Art, the Museo de las Casas Reales, and the Museo del Hombre Dominicano.

[Incapo]

To make it clear guys...

Punta Cana and Bavaro are located on the eastern part of the island of Dominican Republic

Cabarete, Puerto Plata, and Playa Dorada are located on the Northern Coast.

Boca Chica La Romana, and Juan Dolio are located on the Southern Coast.

Punta Cana is by far the most popular spot in Dominican Republic, but it's also the most expensive and most touristy.

[stevepalina]

I have been to Dominican Republic times in march and april, and one time in august, which was a mistake. I knew it was rainy season but wasn't expecting it to be that bad in the southern part of the island. I found out later that in the northern part of the island the weather is much fair much better when it comes to rain in August (d'oh)

Another annoying thing about traveling in August to Dom Rep if you're a couple is the amount of families an kids. Again, we din't think about the school holiday season this time of the year..anyway you get the picture.

[solomonG]

If you want the perfect honeymoon getaway, stay in all inclusive Dominican Republic resorts such as Natura Park Beach Eco Resort & Spa which boast amenities such as tennis, golf, spa, and watersports such as snorkeling and windsurfing.

If seclusion is what you want, then the best Dominican Republic resort has to be the Puntacana Resort & Club.

For partying and a cheap vacation, I'd head to one of Boca Chica resorts such as the Coral Hamaca, which is a popular evening hot spot where you can enjoy lively music well into the wee hours of the day.

[donaldsons]

Mangu at the Occidental resort is the only true party place in Punta Cana if want a party vacation like Ibiza or Aiya Napa. By the way, Mangu isn't a far taxi ride away from other resorts, though don't pay more than $10 for a 10 minute taxi ride.

Otherwise, I'd say overall that Punta Cana is relatively quiet as far as night life is concerned and it's more like a family-friendly place for the most part.

[pokhuy]

I stayed in La Romana in Punta Cana and had such a blast that I stayed 3 more nights. I had to fly home out of Punta Cana airport instead of La Romana, which took about 1 hour but it was the most wonderful ride as I got to travel through mountainous terrain, cities, and farmlands. I really got to see so much more of the Dominican Republic.

I would agree with others that Punta Cana is the tourist hot spot and a bit commercialized, though if you're looking to do snorkeling tours, jungle tours, water sports, etc, I would recommend PT.