My parents and sister want to come down to the DR for a visit. They have an interest in Punta Cana All-Inclusives to stay for a week. My wife and kids (3 and 9 years old) would all go for the week as well. Probably in June or July. Which AIs are better for families and kids? On Tripadvisor, the Majestic Colonial keeps coming up with good recommendations. But, I thought it might be a good idea to ask here. My wife and I stayed at the Hard Rock before it was the Hard Rock (when it was just opening and it was the Moon Palace) - it was very nice - though it seems to be a lot more expensive now and not sure if it is the best for kids. I am open to any suggestions that people have for a family vacation. I would be traveling from Santo Domingo and my parents and sister would be traveling from the US to the Punta Cana airport.
- Thread starter MJSantoDomingo
- Start date
Good family AI in Punta Cana
Additional question - my parents have RCI, so if any of the recommendations have an association with RCI, then they could possibly trade time to get some rooms for all of us. But I am guessing there would be an up charge for the All-Inclusive, because the place they go to in Mexico is not all-inclusive...
RCI will show what hotels/resorts could be available, but it is not the best resource for what the hotel/resort is really like - but, DR1 will have people who travel to Punta Cana or live in the area and know the resorts better than the average "Tripadvisor" ratings (and give more honest answers usually) - so that is why I am asking for recommendations from people here on DR1. I have seen, read and gotten good advice on hotels from DR1 before - that is why I put the question here before booking a family vacation.
I have been to the "Vik Arena Blanca" a few times. Once with the whole Family. We liked it because it was small. Some resorts are so large now you don't know which pool or restaurant everyone is at. We have been to a dozen hotels in Punta Cana, all are great, but some I find are just too much now. The Vik doesnt get great reviews but I really like it. It's on a fantistic part of the beach too. You can walk to the beach market in a few minutes. Not fancy but it's got what you need.
One thing about Hard Rock you might want to consider, as you have small kids, is that the sea there is very rough. Same applies to resorts in Uvero Alto, the northern part of Punta Cana.
For guaranteed calm water look at resorts south of Carabella Bavaro Beach resort ie. Cortecito and south on the actual Bavaro Beach. Anything in Cabeza de Toro or south of there will be the calmest. Do a Google Image Search for "Punta Cana Maps" to see where hotels are located.
Dreams Palm Beach is in Cabeza de Toro and is known for their kids Explorer Clubs.
Club Med is strong on the kids front too. Both are very close to the airport and the end of the Coral Highway.
For guaranteed calm water look at resorts south of Carabella Bavaro Beach resort ie. Cortecito and south on the actual Bavaro Beach. Anything in Cabeza de Toro or south of there will be the calmest. Do a Google Image Search for "Punta Cana Maps" to see where hotels are located.
Dreams Palm Beach is in Cabeza de Toro and is known for their kids Explorer Clubs.
Club Med is strong on the kids front too. Both are very close to the airport and the end of the Coral Highway.
I think the bottom line is that any of the newer resorts, (not beat to death and needing refurbishing), will be great for the kids. You'll get pretty much what you pay for... i.e. the higher end places will have a little better amenities. Some resorts are arranged in complexes with adjoining resorts of the same brand, and you can take advantage of the other facilities, (with some restrictions.) My very first A.I. experience was at the RIU Palace Punta Cana and it was great. BUT... my suggestion is to LOOK FOR THE BEST DEAL YOU CAN GET, and jump on it. They all have "kids clubs", they all have swim up bars, they all have various places to eat... yadda yadda. as the price goes up, the hotel might be a little nicer.. .but they're all pretty good. (except the old crappy places.) Send the kids to the club... drink some rum... and have a blast.
You will find what is good at one will be bad at another and vice versa. Finding a good deal is key. Barcelo Palace Deluxe has a good area for kids and the beach is great. The Hard Rock while its nice for me it is just too big. For me when we go it is about relaxing and having a good time. I don't stress the food so much and other stuff. Just a clean room, nice beach, good pool area, that will do me fine and oh yeah a good price..
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I am still searching, and I will look at the suggestions given.
also need info
Hi im also looking to go around the same time in addition to a good AI resort, does anyone know of a resort that is close to locals, I would like to be able to spend time and get to know the culture, so if anyone can provide that info I would be very grateful. Thanks
Hi im also looking to go around the same time in addition to a good AI resort, does anyone know of a resort that is close to locals, I would like to be able to spend time and get to know the culture, so if anyone can provide that info I would be very grateful. Thanks
Punta Cana is not really known for the "local culture" as say the North Coast is. There are tours offered in Punta Cana that will provide you a glimpse into the "local culture" but not much more than that. Punta Cana is a very nice tourist destination where most that visit do not leave the resort area. There are some shopping areas that are nice and local restaurants also that are pretty good places to go. I would look into some of the different tours that are offered. I have known quite a few who have taken these tours and really enjoyed the glimpse into the Dominican culture.
You could try the Samana area. Nice beaches and more local culture than Punta Cana. Puerto Plata for the local culture is the best choice but I am not fond of the beaches there but that is just my opinion. There are some beautiful beaches here but in more out of the way areas so if it is the local culture you want then try Samana or Puerto Plata. You can go to the North Coast forum here and see if anyone can recommend a good AI in Puerto Plata. For AI's though I think Punta Cana pretty much owns the market so to speak.