Couple in Mid-20's - Grand Paradise Bavaro...

Have you traveled internationally before? To the Caribbean? Keep in mind that this is a different culture, with different priorities and customs. "Island time" moves at a slower pace. You sound like easy going, laid back folks, the type of people who will enjoy the D.R. It's the picky, fussy, self-important types that tend to have problems. Even at the very best resorts there will be things that aren't "perfect", so they have their whole vacations ruined because they were short a towel in their bathroom, had to wait a few minutes for a drink, or saw a bug somewhere. It's the tropics and they expect there to be no bugs? The staff are genuinely dedicated to you enjoying your vacation, they are not ignoring you.

It is far better to address any "problem" you may encounter with a smile and a polite request to remedy it. "Por Favor" and "Muchas Gracias", go a long way. Angry, obnoxious demands will also be met with grace and manners... but guess which tactic gets results.

It is important that you take all the things you've heard and read with a grain of salt. The room safes ARE safe... sometimes too safe.. I locked myself out once. LOL When you read reviews on Trip Advisor, et. al., keep in mind that some people just have an axe to grind and will say ANYTHING, (real or fictional) to try and get revenge against a hotel or other establishment. Those kinds of reviews are easy to spot, since they usually focus on a traveler's greatest fears, crime and disease.

As for leaving the resort.... DO IT!!! One of my regrets is not having done that the first couple of times I visited the D.R. Starting on the transfer bus from the airport, the resort staff and travel group reps, (Apple, etc.) will use scare tactics to keep you in the resort, and tell you to only venture out with THEIR tours. Yes, they want to "protect" you, and to a degree that is a valid reason because some tourists are very naive; but it's also a tactic to keep your business inside the resort. You will be perfectly safe as long as you exercise common sense and normal precautions that you would use anywhere, even at home. Punta Cana is particularly safe, and tourists are almost immune from any kind of crime, (except MAYBE petty theft as a crime of opportunity.)

I'm not familiar with your particular resort, but I've stayed in five star and in 3 to 4 star places. I don't know if I would quite agree with your theory of the 5 stars being filled with snobs etc. Actually, you can find rude people everywhere in the world, in all walks of life, and at all socioeconomic levels. Also, there will be travelers there from places who have different customs, (never heard of waiting in line, etc.) Try to ignore these things, you'll enjoy your time more. In my somewhat limited experience the primary difference between hotels at the different levels is how large and plush the rooms are and the quality (not quantity) of the liquor served. I've found the service to be good regardless of stars. Good is a relative term though. At the 5 star places as well as others you might have to wait a bit at times, your table service won't be like the best restaurants back home, you might have to request things you would expect to be automatic; but in the end you'll get what you want. One thing I will suggest, (others might dispute this), I find it helpful to go with a pocket full of small bills, and am pretty generous with rewarding service. Does this mean I'm "buying good service"? Maybe so, but it works. I know people think, "ALL inclusive" means no tipping, and honestly it is not necessary, but it is greatly appreciated by the hotel staff who make very, VERY low wages. I haven't quite yet figured out though, which is more effective; the small tips or the smiles and good will, but I like the "belt AND suspenders" approach. LOL

As for the club scene, I don't know. I think you're right with it really depends on who else happens to be there, either in the A.I. or in town. My kids... roughly your age, have had a BLAST at the hotel clubs, (I even have pics of my son behind the bar mixing drinks for the other guests while his new amigo, the bartender, took a quick break. I'm sure he would have been fired if his boss found out, LOL. They've also really enjoyed some of the local places too, but it was low season when they explored them, so there were less people around. I've also heard some of the clubs in the area can be a lot of fun too, with the added bonus of experiencing some of the local flavor. Again... try both and go with what works!



You're going to have a great time... just relax and enjoy.

You'll be fine, there is a massive young foreign following around bavaro. The most dangerous thing in bavaro is the brugal.
You can find bars/clubs open 24/7, just ask the barstsff when you get there. Hard rock cafe on a Friday night gets good, a local cover band plays there and they have a little groupie thing going on where everyone meets up and then heads off elsewhere once the set is finished for cheaper drinking and partying. Get along, everyone is super friendly and welcoming, unless you are an arsehole or trouble maker.

Have fun!!

This would be fun for you guys ....Imagine… it is a really kool club that is in a cave ....sometimes they offer transportation to and from, admission, and open bar for like 40 per person.. great deal... another spot is called hurracan..more of a restaurant but really nice right on the beach... need to take cab to and from and good idea to have person wait for you.. have fun