Bahamas vs DR

Talldrink · Jun 3, 2004

This is an unusual trip report, as it is not a DR trip...

I went to the Bahamas with the kids and Hubby sometime last month for 4 days. Although it was amazingly beautiful and peaceful, by the second day a beach is a beach and a pool is a pool.

This is where the comparison comes in. I found the entire vacation to be overrated. With the money that we spent in 4 days, I could have stayed 10 in DR at a comparable hotel (we did 4 stars).

In DR, the ambiance is different, the people are livelier, the food is always amazing (AI or outside) and the music is in the air. I've never been bored in DR, not even for a moment. If it is not one thing, is the other but there is always something happening - dancing, talking, people-watching, anything and everything is alive and captivating.

At the Bahamas I was bored! The food was not all that great and expensive. The people were there to work and thats it. There was NO animacion (or team) whatsoever, and the music was what I would hear in my car going home. Is funny, we complain about the Sankies on this board, but they sure make the resorts a more interesting place!

So anyway, in closing I would say to those who have not visited MY beautiful Dominican Republic, do so. Then you will have something to compare. If you are looking for an affordable Caribbean vacation to keep you motivated and happy the entire time you are there, The Dominican Republic is the place to be.

Never again will I choose another over you - So long, I should be there very soon!!!

Ken · Jun 3, 2004

I agree there is no comparison. Bahamas are flat, dry and uninteresting and the people not nearly as warm and welcoming as Dominicans.

appleman · Jun 3, 2004

Thanks for the post

I am going to print this out so when my wife starts talking vacation trips to places other than the DR, I can show it to her. I love the ambiance in the DR. If I just wanted a beach I can go to Florida.

Conchman · Jun 3, 2004

I have lived in both places so I think I can give good comment on this. Generally, I agree with what you are saying.

The Dominican All Inclusive Experience is surely different than the (catering to the US market) hotel experience in The Bahamas. The US market would find the animation thing a bit tacky and therefore in The Bahamas you don't see it so much except Breezes and Club Med. So you can find this in the few All inclusive hotels in The Bahamas but most are not AI.

Price wise there is no comparison, The Bahamas is way more expensive, both rooms and food. Service can be slow in both places but people are generally more friendly in the DR.

I disagree a little with the comment about things to do. The Bahamas actually offers more when it comes to island excursions, diving, water sports, etc. But this is outside the hotel. I assume you were bored INSIDE the hotel, right?

But in Bahamas you can also meet people outside the resorts the same as in the DR.

But beaches and the water are much nicer in The Bahamas (even though Punta Cana comes close).

In terms of price/value the DR beats The Bahamas hands down.

Narcosis · Jun 3, 2004

Conchman said:
I have lived in both places so I think I can give good comment on this. Generally, I agree with what you are saying.

The Dominican All Inclusive Experience is surely different than the (catering to the US market) hotel experience in The Bahamas. The US market would find the animation thing a bit tacky and therefore in The Bahamas you don't see it so much except Breezes and Club Med. So you can find this in the few All inclusive hotels in The Bahamas but most are not AI.

Price wise there is no comparison, The Bahamas is way more expensive, both rooms and food. Service can be slow in both places but people are generally more friendly in the DR.

I disagree a little with the comment about things to do. The Bahamas actually offers more when it comes to island excursions, diving, water sports, etc. But this is outside the hotel. I assume you were bored INSIDE the hotel, right?

But in Bahamas you can also meet people outside the resorts the same as in the DR.

But beaches and the water are much nicer in The Bahamas (even though Punta Cana comes close).

In terms of price/value the DR beats The Bahamas hands down.

I respect your opinion on the "service quality" of excursions being much better in the Bahamas much not much else. You should get out of POP and see more of the island. Bahamas has only one type of beach the DR has many, from the desert meets the ocean of Bahia de las Aguilas to mountain streams flowing into the ocean of San Rafael Barahona or Samana.

Marianopolita · Jun 3, 2004

Estoy totalmente de acuerdo

Talldrink,

I totally agree with you. Remember the Bahamas had a lot of popularity in the 90's as a vacation get away but it has slowed down tremendously over the last 5 years. The DR and Cuba (hasta cierto punto) are much more popular. I have never been to the Bahamas because I suspected that I would not enjoy it so I am not willing to take the risk. Now you confirmed my suspicion. I agree 100% that the DR is the place for vacationers of all kinds. All inclusive or not. The resorts do go out of their way to make it fun. As you said "animaci?n". Nightime entertainment is important. The other issue with me is I prefer to travel to places where Spanish is spoken. I have never taken a vacation where Spanish was not the principal language and I know I need to get out of this mind set but I am not interested yet. So I agree with you but I would say try another Latin country. I think you would be able to relate- obviously. I have been to Panama, the first time at an all inclusive and then the second time on my own "y me gust?". Tremendo pa?s. Also, I visited Colombia several times, Venezuela and Puerto Rico all nice. Especially PR. I appreciate your feedback and I agree the DR rules! (for now).

Talldrink said:
This is an unusual trip report, as it is not a DR trip...

I went to the Bahamas with the kids and Hubby sometime last month for 4 days. Although it was amazingly beautiful and peaceful, by the second day a beach is a beach and a pool is a pool.

This is where the comparison comes in. I found the entire vacation to be overrated. With the money that we spent in 4 days, I could have stayed 10 in DR at a comparable hotel (we did 4 stars).

In DR, the ambiance is different, the people are livelier, the food is always amazing (AI or outside) and the music is in the air. I've never been bored in DR, not even for a moment. If it is not one thing, is the other but there is always something happening - dancing, talking, people-watching, anything and everything is alive and captivating.

At the Bahamas I was bored! The food was not all that great and expensive. The people were there to work and thats it. There was NO animacion (or team) whatsoever, and the music was what I would hear in my car going home. Is funny, we complain about the Sankies on this board, but they sure make the resorts a more interesting place!

So anyway, in closing I would say to those who have not visited MY beautiful Dominican Republic, do so. Then you will have something to compare. If you are looking for an affordable Caribbean vacation to keep you motivated and happy the entire time you are there, The Dominican Republic is the place to be.

Never again will I choose another over you - So long, I should be there very soon!!!

Conchman · Jun 3, 2004

Narcosis said:
I respect your opinion on the "service quality" of excursions being much better in the Bahamas much not much else. You should get out of POP and see more of the island. Bahamas has only one type of beach the DR has many, from the desert meets the ocean of Bahia de las Aguilas to mountain streams flowing into the ocean of San Rafael Barahona or Samana.

But which beaches did you see in The Bahamas???

Have you been all around the Exumas? Treasure Cay in the Abacos? Pink Sands in Harbour Island?

Conchman · Jun 3, 2004

Lesley D said:
Talldrink,

I totally agree with you. Remember the Bahamas had a lot of popularity in the 90's as a vacation get away but it has slowed down tremendously over the last 5 years. The DR and Cuba (hasta cierto punto) are much more popular. I have never been to the Bahamas because I suspected that I would not enjoy it so I am not willing to take the risk. Now you confirmed my suspicion. I agree 100% that the DR is the place for vacationers of all kinds. All inclusive or not. The resorts do go out of their way to make it fun. As you said "animaci?n". Nightime entertainment is important. The other issue with me is I prefer to travel to places where Spanish is spoken. I have never taken a vacation where Spanish was not the principal language and I know I need to get out of this mind set but I am not interested yet. So I agree with you but I would say try another Latin country. I think you would be able to relate- obviously. I have been to Panama, the first time at an all inclusive and then the second time on my own "y me gust?". Tremendo pa?s. Also, I visited Colombia several times, Venezuela and Puerto Rico all nice. Especially PR. I appreciate your feedback and I agree the DR rules! (for now).

You think Bahamas has slowed down in tourism since the 90's?

Since 1994, Sun International (Atlantis Resort and Casino) has invested $1Billion in phase one and two, they are about to start with phase III another $1.2B since their hotels are always sold out. In addition, many other hotel properties were re-furbished and new investments were made.

The Bahamas now has over 4 million tourists per year, so your assertion that Bahamas is going downhill with tourism numbers is incorrect. It has been increasing since 1995.

Narcosis · Jun 3, 2004

Conchman said:
But which beaches did you see in The Bahamas???

Have you been all around the Exumas? Treasure Cay in the Abacos? Pink Sands in Harbour Island?

I don't want to get into a comparison match with you because in my sport (Scuba Diving) their is little comparison as far as facilities and quality of dive operations. Comparing Unexso out of Grand Bahama to anything in the DR is foolish I agree.

Apart from Diving and maybe New Providence/Paradise Island/Nassau and Port Lucaya areas it seems all the same, very nice but limited. Mind you I don't know the Out Islands, I would like to go to Andros which I know is only 15 min flight out of Nassau and check out the blue hole.

Marianopolita · Jun 3, 2004

Interesting when you give the numbers but the DR tourist numbers have increased as well over the same time frame. That was my perception about the Bahamas prior to your stats anyway.

Merci (beaucoup)!

Conchman said:
You think Bahamas has slowed down in tourism since the 90's?

Since 1994, Sun International (Atlantis Resort and Casino) has invested $1Billion in phase one and two, they are about to start with phase III another $1.2B since their hotels are always sold out. In addition, many other hotel properties were re-furbished and new investments were made.

The Bahamas now has over 4 million tourists per year, so your assertion that Bahamas is going downhill with tourism numbers is incorrect. It has been increasing since 1995.

NALs · Jun 4, 2004

Conchman said:
You think Bahamas has slowed down in tourism since the 90's?

Since 1994, Sun International (Atlantis Resort and Casino) has invested $1Billion in phase one and two, they are about to start with phase III another $1.2B since their hotels are always sold out. In addition, many other hotel properties were re-furbished and new investments were made.

The Bahamas now has over 4 million tourists per year, so your assertion that Bahamas is going downhill with tourism numbers is incorrect. It has been increasing since 1995.

I think that was is starting to happen with the Bahamas is that its becoming a "old" destination. Many many Americans (in particular) have vacationed in the Bahamas. Many are perfectly happy with it, but others want a change of scenery, ambiance, people, culture, etc. Thus the DR is coming up (especially with the word of mouth spreading the beauty of Punta Cana and the genuine hospitality of the people in the DR).

Imagine a hotel like that in the DR! I know there are gigantic hotels in the DR, practical satelite cities, but most hotels don't have a very well defined theme. They tend to mellow it out between being environmental relaxing type of places. Atlantis is like a Disneyworld, something new and different. If a Resort like Atlantis opens in the Juan Dolio area or Punta Cana area that would really elevate the sense of family vacations in the DR to the next level! What should it be called? Oh, I know, El Dorado. It should be that place of gold and riches that Columbus never really found on this island. I know Cap Cana will set the record for the affluent market vacationing in the DR, I think we need a resort to set the standard for family vacations. We do have great family resorts but which one would be the optimum representative resort of a family resort in the DR? They are all pretty much the same!

The Bahamas maybe increasing, but the DR is not far behind. Remember, Punta Cana alone has more hotel rooms that Puerto Rico. The DR has more hotel rooms than any other country in the Caribbean. Also, the DR has an average occupancy rate that ranges from 75% to 90% depending on the time of year. Samana is still in the beginning stages of tourist explosion. There is still room for further growth in Puerto Plata and vicinity. The Cordillera Central has a potential to becoming the Caribbean preferred Mountain getaway destination for people with money living all over the islands. The southwest is just absolutely gorgeous, wait when it gets the attention it deserves. It might be called the Cote D'Azur of the Caribbean! Juan Dolio still has room to improve if they improve the beaches there. Punta Cana is not even a quarter full. The area around Miches has not been discovered yet. Monte Cristi is still waiting its discovery, etc. And the Capital could become a Latin version of Miami or the Caribbean version of Rio de Janeiro once the politicians decide to create a nice long beach along the malecon. Like I said, the Bahamas might be going up but the DR is not far behind, maybe even a bit ahead of the Bahamas. The DR is also the golf capital of the Caribbean with more golf courses than any other island (it has been nicknamed as Tropical Scotland). Vibrant metropolises, rural backwaters, beautiful coutry scenery, glorious fauna and diversity of cultures, races and natural scenery. The DR has not reached its zenith in tourism, in the contrary, its just beginning. I can't wait until Cap Cana is finished!

rallimike · Jun 4, 2004

Fwiw

I have been to Jamaica 10 times; Mexico (Cancun) 5 times; Nassau 2 times; Freeport 2 times; and Eleuthera 6 times. I have only been to the DR (Punta Cana) 1 time. These trips have had a variety of hotels, AI, and villas. I have gone on many of these trips scouting for a place to live in the winter.
Generalities:
Jamaica is fun, and there are some really good people there, but I won't return. Real esate opportunities are slim, and the beach 'salesmanship' can be tiring. Only 2 airports limit where you can go.
Cancun is fun as well. The Mexicans are very nice people- friendly and anxious to please. The water is not quite as pretty as Jamaica. Real estate is expensive, unless you travel far from the airport.
The Bahamas has the prettiest water and beaches I have seen. Airport access is good. Real estate prices, at least in Eleuthera, are reasonable. Problem is, most Bahamians have a chip on their shoulder. Clerks in stores are unfriendly. Service in restaurants is poor. Jamaicans are all trying to sell you something; Bahamians don't want to be bothered.
Last spring, we went to Punta Cana. Our experience was generally good. The people seem friendly, the hotel management incompetent, the restaurants good. Our next trip will be to the North Coast, hopefully in a villa. If that experience is good, we'll probably buy something.

rmary · Jun 5, 2004

Nal0whs said:
I think that was is starting to happen with the Bahamas is that its becoming a "old" destination. Many many Americans (in particular) have vacationed in the Bahamas. Many are perfectly happy with it, but others want a change of scenery, ambiance, people, culture, etc. Thus the DR is coming up (especially with the word of mouth spreading the beauty of Punta Cana and the genuine hospitality of the people in the DR).

Imagine a hotel like that in the DR! I know there are gigantic hotels in the DR, practical satelite cities, but most hotels don't have a very well defined theme. They tend to mellow it out between being environmental relaxing type of places. Atlantis is like a Disneyworld, something new and different. If a Resort like Atlantis opens in the Juan Dolio area or Punta Cana area that would really elevate the sense of family vacations in the DR to the next level! What should it be called? Oh, I know, El Dorado. It should be that place of gold and riches that Columbus never really found on this island. I know Cap Cana will set the record for the affluent market vacationing in the DR, I think we need a resort to set the standard for family vacations. We do have great family resorts but which one would be the optimum representative resort of a family resort in the DR? They are all pretty much the same!

The Bahamas maybe increasing, but the DR is not far behind. Remember, Punta Cana alone has more hotel rooms that Puerto Rico. The DR has more hotel rooms than any other country in the Caribbean. Also, the DR has an average occupancy rate that ranges from 75% to 90% depending on the time of year. Samana is still in the beginning stages of tourist explosion. There is still room for further growth in Puerto Plata and vicinity. The Cordillera Central has a potential to becoming the Caribbean preferred Mountain getaway destination for people with money living all over the islands. The southwest is just absolutely gorgeous, wait when it gets the attention it deserves. It might be called the Cote D'Azur of the Caribbean! Juan Dolio still has room to improve if they improve the beaches there. Punta Cana is not even a quarter full. The area around Miches has not been discovered yet. Monte Cristi is still waiting its discovery, etc. And the Capital could become a Latin version of Miami or the Caribbean version of Rio de Janeiro once the politicians decide to create a nice long beach along the malecon. Like I said, the Bahamas might be going up but the DR is not far behind, maybe even a bit ahead of the Bahamas. The DR is also the golf capital of the Caribbean with more golf courses than any other island (it has been nicknamed as Tropical Scotland). Vibrant metropolises, rural backwaters, beautiful coutry scenery, glorious fauna and diversity of cultures, races and natural scenery. The DR has not reached its zenith in tourism, in the contrary, its just beginning. I can't wait until Cap Cana is finished!

one thought. The fact that it is NOT all of these things is the reason why I keep coming back. If it became all of that, I would not continue to returen

Rose

NALs · Jun 5, 2004

rmary said:
one thought. The fact that it is NOT all of these things is the reason why I keep coming back. If it became all of that, I would not continue to returen

Rose

Do you mean the fact that the DR is not how I would like it to be (more tourism) which is why you keep coming back, or the fact that the Bahamas Tourism (in your opinion) is not what I said it is, is why you keep going back to Bahamas. I'm confused since you're sentences could be applied to both scenerios that I pin pointed out here. But, I'll respond to both scenerio.

Scenerio 1: I would like to see more tourism in the DR for the sole purpose of putting more people to work. Unemployment is still in the double digits here. Other sectors of the economy can't really expand by much. Financial can't expand because we don't have the brain power yet, Trade could increase but you need a brain power to deal with this also, etc. Only Tourism and Free Zones can expand and get its job positions filled up because many Dominicans are within the minimal qualifications for such job position. All other economic sectors if they expand would need to import brain power because whatever brain power exist in the DR already have a job and our 40 universities are only giving around 25,000 degrees every year nationwide. If you won't come to the DR based on the fact that it might become "too touristy" you can always comeback with the notion that (A) the people now have jobs and you're going to support them with your visit and/or (B) The Cibao and the San Juan Valleys will never get overruned by tourist due to the simply fact that these places lack beaches. Not too many tourist venture out away from the coast.

Scenario 2: If you don't think the Bahamas are an old destination, then that's your thought. That place has been a favorite among Americans since the 1920s basically. The DR is this exotic tropical island that for many years was off limit due to war and political upheaval. People now want to see what this island (the eastern 2/3 of it anyways) is all about. For many, its paridise, but if you like the Bahamas, that's fine too!

Conchman · Jun 5, 2004

Nal0whs said:
I think that was is starting to happen with the Bahamas is that its becoming a "old" destination. Many many Americans (in particular) have vacationed in the Bahamas. Many are perfectly happy with it, but others want a change of scenery, ambiance, people, culture, etc. Thus the DR is coming up (especially with the word of mouth spreading the beauty of Punta Cana and the genuine hospitality of the people in the DR).

Imagine a hotel like that in the DR! I know there are gigantic hotels in the DR, practical satelite cities, but most hotels don't have a very well defined theme. They tend to mellow it out between being environmental relaxing type of places. Atlantis is like a Disneyworld, something new and different. If a Resort like Atlantis opens in the Juan Dolio area or Punta Cana area that would really elevate the sense of family vacations in the DR to the next level! What should it be called? Oh, I know, El Dorado. It should be that place of gold and riches that Columbus never really found on this island. I know Cap Cana will set the record for the affluent market vacationing in the DR, I think we need a resort to set the standard for family vacations. We do have great family resorts but which one would be the optimum representative resort of a family resort in the DR? They are all pretty much the same!

The Bahamas maybe increasing, but the DR is not far behind. Remember, Punta Cana alone has more hotel rooms that Puerto Rico. The DR has more hotel rooms than any other country in the Caribbean. Also, the DR has an average occupancy rate that ranges from 75% to 90% depending on the time of year. Samana is still in the beginning stages of tourist explosion. There is still room for further growth in Puerto Plata and vicinity. The Cordillera Central has a potential to becoming the Caribbean preferred Mountain getaway destination for people with money living all over the islands. The southwest is just absolutely gorgeous, wait when it gets the attention it deserves. It might be called the Cote D'Azur of the Caribbean! Juan Dolio still has room to improve if they improve the beaches there. Punta Cana is not even a quarter full. The area around Miches has not been discovered yet. Monte Cristi is still waiting its discovery, etc. And the Capital could become a Latin version of Miami or the Caribbean version of Rio de Janeiro once the politicians decide to create a nice long beach along the malecon. Like I said, the Bahamas might be going up but the DR is not far behind, maybe even a bit ahead of the Bahamas. The DR is also the golf capital of the Caribbean with more golf courses than any other island (it has been nicknamed as Tropical Scotland). Vibrant metropolises, rural backwaters, beautiful coutry scenery, glorious fauna and diversity of cultures, races and natural scenery. The DR has not reached its zenith in tourism, in the contrary, its just beginning. I can't wait until Cap Cana is finished!

Yes, the DR has much higher growth than The Bahamas - mainly due to the high cost of hotel/food compared to the DR. For this reason, the DR will continue to see growth whereas The Bahamas has not seen much new development except for Atlantis. I guess thats why we're here!

ERICKXSON · Jun 5, 2004

I've been to bahamas many many times and have stay over friends and familly and visit everywhere the Bahamas are """""BORING""" GET FREAKING OVER IT AND DONT EVEN WASTE YOUR TIME COMPARING IT TO THE DR....

Red_Girl · Jun 25, 2004

You know, I went to the Bahamas when I was 18 and that was my first Carribbean vacation. I had a wonderful time, the beaches were beautiful, the water was spectacular. I wasn't a certified diver then, so I am sorry to say that I didn't experience any scuba. I thought it was great.

When I went to the DR for the first time, it was better than great - spectacular. There was so much to see and do, there were such friendly people, and it was so cool to practice Spanish. I think that I would have a hard time going somewhere else like Cuba or Mexico at this point - I just feel like anything next to the DR would be a bit of a disappointment. I can't wait to go back.

backinthedr · Jun 25, 2004

Well said!!

What great comments and oh, so true!! Come back soon!!!!!!!!!!!1

GREATZKY · Jun 26, 2004

Just For The Record Conchman Is An Expert When It Comes To Tourism In Either Country , He Knows His #%@! ....keep Up The Good Work.

ustelephone · Jun 26, 2004

As a pilot having flown many flights into the Bahamas, and having lived here in the DR for 6 months, the people here are much easier to deal with. The one thing that always sticks in my mind is how Bahamians hate cigarette smokers. Every time I asked for a light, I got a dirty look and a "I don't smoke" response. I'm not saying Dominicans are the perfect example of courtious, but they at least know how to pretend.

I agree that if you are looking to fish or dive, the Bahamas definately has more to offer. Also, for a resident of Florida, it's a great weekend getaway. In fact, most Floridians don't consider going to the Bahamas as an international trip. If you ask most people in Florida if they have ever traveled outside of the US, the answer usually is "No, just to the Bahamas".

My final vote: DR

Bahamas vs DR

El Mujeron

Platinum

New member

Silver

New member

Former Spanish forum Mod 2010-2021

Silver

Silver

New member

Former Spanish forum Mod 2010-2021

Economist by Profession

New member

New member

Economist by Profession

Silver

Bronze

New member

New member

New member

Member