My husband and I have traveled alot but never to the DR. I am researching resorts and am very overwhelmed. There are so many all-inclusives. I am trying to narrow down 5 to choose from. We like a fun and energetic atmosphere where we can meet other couples. A place with alot of activities and night life but also a good balance of quiet and relaxation. We are looking in the 4 star range.
- Thread starter knelson1003
- Start date
Punta Cana Recommendations
We have been to a lot of them here, and so far my favourite four star was the Catalonia, Beautiful grounds, the rooms were okay, and the food was out of this world. The beach was also very nice, no boats, no seaweed. When I stay at an AI, the food and the beach are the two most important things. Everything else is not important lol. We also liked the Be Live. There is another hotel attached to it, I forget what it is called. Except there are some boats in that area. The nice thing was it had more than one pool. But for us, we would go back to the Catalonia in a heart beat, and I think we have been to about fifteen AI's on this island.
If you insist on Punta Cana's AI world (which I abhor), I suggest the Hard Rock. I was convinced to go there and was pleasantly surprised at the level of service and amenities. The food is pretty much what you get at an AI but a notch or two higher. The workout facilities are awesome and the casino is fun without being too much.
I've stayed at others there back in the 1990's which convinced me to (mostly) never go to an AI so that wasn't my first Punta Cana rodeo.
I've stayed at others there back in the 1990's which convinced me to (mostly) never go to an AI so that wasn't my first Punta Cana rodeo.
One of the best holidays we ever had was at the Club Med in Punta Cana. They are known for their food and sports.
Hard Rock is a good choice, a very big resort but has pretty much what you seem to be looking for. Barcelo Palace Deluxe is also a good choice. One side the Barcelo Bavaro Beach is the adult side and the other side the Palace is for all ages. They have done a remodel and I think it is a nice resort. Great beach also. Food to me at a AI is pretty much hit or miss, some days good some days not so good. I know quite a few people that like the Majestic Resorts, Colonial and Elegance but I am not sure if they would have the "energy" you may be looking for, but they both are 2 very nice resorts. One that I want to try is the Iberostar Grand Bavaro. Have heard nothing but good things about it. Whatever you choice have a great getaway.
We actually prefer not to do all-inclusive but since we aren't familiar with the area we thought it would be a good way to explore it. What would your suggestions be for doing non-all-inclusive?
We actually prefer not to do all-inclusive but since we aren't familiar with the area we thought it would be a good way to explore it. What would your suggestions be for doing non-all-inclusive?
In reality, one A.I. is pretty much the same as the next one... within the same class or number of stars. Some are a little better in one category, (food, room, beach, entertainment, etc.), others are better in different category. The one exception to this is that newer or recently remodeled properties are generally nicer than old ones. What I would suggest, (as I always do), look for the best deal you can get. Sometimes you can get a bargain.
We are just a couple and have never been there, live on North Coast. Want a little "vacation".
Would it be better to just drive to Punta Cana and see what's available when we arrive next week? I don't know about doing that with an AI. Looked online and prices are all over the map.
From what I've heard, you'll get a better price at an AI by booking in advance. Walk-ins pay more.
There are a few non AI hotels around... there's a big new one ... I can't remember the name, but it's a recognized "brand". There are also a few independent places, but I'm not familiar with them. I think there might be a list here on DR1 in the PC info.
Another option is renting a condo... but it's still high season and I'm not sure you'd be able to get one for less than a week rental... but who knows... with luck, maybe, especially if one was being rented out by the owner instead of an agent or manager. The thing is, they can be pricey too... especially by the day and only for two people.
If your arrival is next week, you might find a good deal somewhere that has vacancies, since they are unlikely to fill the space at this point. The Barcelo Dominican Beach is right in the middle of "town" so you can walk outside the resort if you want. It's a bit older and smaller than most, but I stayed there a couple of years ago, and it was OK. Not the most luxurious, but also a bit cheaper.
I guess in the end it all depends on your tastes and budget.
There are a few non AI hotels around... there's a big new one ... I can't remember the name, but it's a recognized "brand". There are also a few independent places, but I'm not familiar with them. I think there might be a list here on DR1 in the PC info.
Another option is renting a condo... but it's still high season and I'm not sure you'd be able to get one for less than a week rental... but who knows... with luck, maybe, especially if one was being rented out by the owner instead of an agent or manager. The thing is, they can be pricey too... especially by the day and only for two people.
If your arrival is next week, you might find a good deal somewhere that has vacancies, since they are unlikely to fill the space at this point. The Barcelo Dominican Beach is right in the middle of "town" so you can walk outside the resort if you want. It's a bit older and smaller than most, but I stayed there a couple of years ago, and it was OK. Not the most luxurious, but also a bit cheaper.
I guess in the end it all depends on your tastes and budget.