has anyone been to the dominican republic?

if so, what hotel would you recommend/not recommend?

also, what do you think of the Dominican Republic? I am currently going to Jaimaca, but I am now having second thoughts....

I prefer a place that has its own currency (preferably lower than the USD), great food, and seafood.....

Will be taking my 1yr old with me....do not need/want all inclusive if there are enough places to eat around the hotel.....

well .....went ahead and booked a room at the Paradisus Punta Cana....any comments/reviews/suggestions? Can always change if want to....


I sprung for the Royal Service with a junior suite...

What is there to do in the Republic.....I will of course be visiting the cigar factories and be bringing back some of the finer cigars....

We did Punta Cana last year. I must honestly admit that the beach was almost perfect. We found no compelling reason to leave the resort. We stayed at the Iberostar, which was fantastic for an all-inclusive.

I'm a cigar smoker myself and I was quite disappointed. I figured that I could pick up some Fuentes at a reasonable price but everything on the beaches were counterfeit and the hotel stores prices were crazy. Was told by a cigar store owner that most Fuentes are bound for export which drives their price up in the DR market.

Go figure.

We did Punta Cana last year. I must honestly admit that the beach was almost perfect. We found no compelling reason to leave the resort. We stayed at the Iberostar, which was fantastic for an all-inclusive.

I'm a cigar smoker myself and I was quite disappointed. I figured that I could pick up some Fuentes at a reasonable price but everything on the beaches were counterfeit and the hotel stores prices were crazy. Was told by a cigar store owner that most Fuentes are bound for export which drives their price up in the DR market.

Go figure.


You did not visit the factories themselves....

I really liked my 10 night stay at RIU Hotel Palace Macao.. very nice hotel ;) I liked the service.. there are around 4 restaurants: El Patio, The japanese, Caribbean Grill, Mediterranean.. 3 last is a la carte. They prepare beatifull cocktails and daily shows.. its 24 hours all inclusive.

I really liked my 10 night stay at RIU Hotel Palace Macao.. very nice hotel ;) I liked the service.. there are around 4 restaurants: El Patio, The japanese, Caribbean Grill, Mediterranean.. 3 last is a la carte. They prepare beatifull cocktails and daily shows.. its 24 hours all inclusive.


I have read a lot of mixed reviews on the RIU ... how was the food? And is there an upgraded service plan?

I stayed at the absolutely massive Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147293-d478252-Reviews-Gran_Bahia_Principe_Punta_Cana-Punta_Cana_Dominican_Republic.html) back in 2003. There's not much around the hotel, but the ala carte and buffet is pretty decent and the beach is nice. If all you want to do is splash around in the pool, lie on the beach or play around in the sand, it's a good choice.

Greg

We did Punta Cana last year. I must honestly admit that the beach was almost perfect. We found no compelling reason to leave the resort. We stayed at the Iberostar, which was fantastic for an all-inclusive.

I'm a cigar smoker myself and I was quite disappointed. I figured that I could pick up some Fuentes at a reasonable price but everything on the beaches were counterfeit and the hotel stores prices were crazy. Was told by a cigar store owner that most Fuentes are bound for export which drives their price up in the DR market.

Go figure.

Which Iberostar is the best in Punta Cana? I see they have three listed.

Thanks!

I have read a lot of mixed reviews on the RIU ... how was the food? And is there an upgraded service plan?

The food was great.. everyday.. another food.. one mexican night, paella,etc. I guess you can just slip 20$ to the clerk ;) but on the a la carte restaurants.. nothing special.

PS: look at my other post.. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=615731 its regarding the 20$ tip :)

take care,
RH.

Which Iberostar is the best in Punta Cana? I see they have three listed.

Thanks!


Anyone?

Anyone?

Dominicana and Punta Cana are right next to each other. Bavaro might be a little closer on the road from Higuey. We stayed at the Dominicana, I believe and were quite happy. Great place. Check Tripadvisor.com