Puerto Plata Resorts

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jimbo1965

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I am planning our first vacation (total of 2 couples) to the DR early in 05. I would like to stay in the Puerto Plata area. What are some good resorts? When is the best time to go in early 05? When should I start looking for some good deals?

Thanks
 

vee

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jimbo1965 said:
I am planning our first vacation (total of 2 couples) to the DR early in 05. I would like to stay in the Puerto Plata area. What are some good resorts? When is the best time to go in early 05? When should I start looking for some good deals?

Thanks

We stayed at the Allegro Playa Dorado for two weeks this March/April and had a wonderful time. Food was great...room was excellent...staff was friendly...and we were just a short taxi ride from Puerto Plata. We would definitely go back again.

vee
 

NY1

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Although not the fanciest of all Hotels in POP, I've stayed at Jack Tar Village about 3x. What I enjoy most about the resort is that there are no kids allowed. Not that I have anything against kids, but its so much nicer to sit around the pool and not have kids running and jumping all over the place.


I've also stayed at the RIU Hotels which are also very nice, just outside of town, the only drawback is that the beach is very rocky.


Anytime after Jan 15 is a good time to go. The flights tend to be a little cheaper then. Some of the companies offer earlybird specials for bookings done now. The best thing about booking sooner than later if you're concerned about price, is that you can put a deposit down on a vacation and not have to pay the balance until 45 days prior to departure for most companies .
 

stormer

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jimbo1965 said:
I am planning our first vacation (total of 2 couples) to the DR early in 05. I would like to stay in the Puerto Plata area. What are some good resorts? When is the best time to go in early 05? When should I start looking for some good deals?

Thanks
Puerto Plata has many good resorts. You will probably want to be in Playa Dorada, very touristy. If thats what you are looking for. Some good ones: Gran Ventana, Grand Flamenco, Allegro, Jack Tar, and Paradise Beach & Casino.
 

Escott

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If you plan on staying in Playa Dorada complex these are all inclusives. You can close your eyes and imagine yourself anywhere in the world with nice weather because they all look the same, the food always leaves a lot to be desired and you don't get out to see what is all around on one of the most beautiful Islands in the world. I say this from experience, I went to club med before I got married and was forced to go to a few more while I was married because my wife viewed these as a low cost babysitter.

I would just book airfare and start looking for the cheapest prices. There are numerous threads about cheap airfares on this board if you just search or even just read current threads. If you post where you are flying from you will be informed of a price range for airfare.

I rent out lux condos in Sosua http://dr1.com/directories/rental/dominican_condo_rental.shtml is the web address if you want to see pictures and get other info.


A breakfast at Rockys which is a popular Expat hang out which serves real good tasting food is about 1.50 to 2.25 a person with all the coffee you can consume and a bunch of regulars that will keep you there talking for hours. Steak dinner is under 6 dollars and a garlic or lime chicken dinner is even less. All priced in pesos but I am just trying to give you the translation. A beer at the bar is about 1 dollar. Beers for the house cost about 50 cents when bought at the supermarket. Good bottle of rum is about $4 dollars.

AI's are not cheap when you figure out the end result and you just don't get to experience the beautiful country or the great people who always have a smile on their faces.

Scott

You can rent villas that go up to 15,000 US Dollars for one week depending on what you are looking for.
 
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Music

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I stayed at the Paradise Beach Hotel in Playa Dorada over a month ago it was good. But Escott made some comments which are correct the food is repetitive and for me it gets boring. On this last trip I left the resort everyday and I had the best trip ever!! I went to the AI because I got a great deal and it was perfect for my budget but I knew I wasn't planning to stay there all day every day. I would definatley want to do a NON AI on my next trip and explore the rest of the DR. If you go to an AI just be sure to leave the resort to have some REAL FUN, it was the best thing I ever did!!!!
Have fun!
 

johnsr

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Escott said:
food always leaves a lot to be desired and you don't get out to see what is all around on one of the most beautiful Islands in the world. I say this from experience, these as a low cost babysitter.


AI's are not cheap when you figure out the end result and you just don't get to experience the beautiful country or the great people who always have a smile on their faces.

Scott

For a first time visitor to the Dominican Republic the AI's are not a bad idea! However, I agree that to really appreciate the beauty and the people you must get away from the resort, even if only for a few day trips. As you become more familiar and comfortable then it's time to move away from the AI's. Scott, I know we have different opinions of the AI's but for us, and apparently for you they were a good place to begin!! :classic:
John
 

tired_boy

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Escott said:
If you plan on staying in Playa Dorada complex these are all inclusives. You can close your eyes and imagine yourself anywhere in the world with nice weather because they all look the same, the food always leaves a lot to be desired and you don't get out to see what is all around on one of the most beautiful Islands in the world.

I am currently in the Gran Flamenco for a 2 week stay. I have been quite suprised by the variety of food. I have stayed in Playa Dorada 6 times now and this has (so far) been the best and most varied selection of food. Breakfast can be quite repetetive but the evening meals are very nice.

I don't think it is true to say you can close your eyes and imagine you are anywhere in the world. The DR experience is very different for us Europeans, we are more used to Spain, Portugal, greece, the canaries etc etc. The DR is completely and utterly different, even if you are in an AI in Playa Dorada you are still in the DR and it isnt right to say you might as well be in Alcudia, Majorca.
If an AI is your cup of tea, or it makes things simple for you with your situation, then do it but just make sure you get out aswell and see the island properly. You will have a great time!!

:)
 

Minni

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We stayed in the Riu Mambo last August. Had a wonderful time. The place was beautiful. We went out dancing almost every night into the city. When we didn't go out, we would hang out by the bar or the pool. I can't say enough great things about it.

We also went in October and stayed in an Aparta-hotel called El Castillo del Ambar. Very pretty little place that offers mini suites. That was also pretty good.

In February we rented a villa in Casa Linda (Sosua). That was also beautiful. The only thing is that we still ended up almost every night in Puerto Plata. Sosua is very pretty, the beach is lovely, we had a wonderful time once again.

If you've never been to the Dominican Republic, I suggest that you stay in an AI but head out into the city and surrounding areas. Don't hole yourself in there cuase you'll miss out on all the wonderful things the country has to offer.

We are planning for our fourth trip in September. I want to go to an AI this time, stuck between Coral Marien and the Riu. We of course will be going out of the resort when we are there.

Hope this helps.
Minni
 

Escott

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johnsr said:
For a first time visitor to the Dominican Republic the AI's are not a bad idea! However, I agree that to really appreciate the beauty and the people you must get away from the resort, even if only for a few day trips. As you become more familiar and comfortable then it's time to move away from the AI's. Scott, I know we have different opinions of the AI's but for us, and apparently for you they were a good place to begin!! :classic:
John
Well for me it was a horrible place excepting at Club Med I met a nice woman and never left the resort. After that I was with my wife... Kidding, I really didn't want to stay in an AI but my wife thought about it as a baby sitter.

I would actually consider staying at an AI if I had a woman I wanted to spend a romantic weekend with. Just not a great way to travel.

Scott
 

urose

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love it!!

I was at the Grand Flamenco for one week in April! I loved it- The staff was amazingly kind and considerate to me:) You need to eat at the Oriental some time again this week and order their fried banana cinnamon icecream dessert. Felix was a wonderful server there. Let me know how you enjoyed your dinner!!



tired_boy said:
I am currently in the Gran Flamenco for a 2 week stay. I have been quite suprised by the variety of food. I have stayed in Playa Dorada 6 times now and this has (so far) been the best and most varied selection of food. Breakfast can be quite repetetive but the evening meals are very nice.

I don't think it is true to say you can close your eyes and imagine you are anywhere in the world. The DR experience is very different for us Europeans, we are more used to Spain, Portugal, greece, the canaries etc etc. The DR is completely and utterly different, even if you are in an AI in Playa Dorada you are still in the DR and it isnt right to say you might as well be in Alcudia, Majorca.
If an AI is your cup of tea, or it makes things simple for you with your situation, then do it but just make sure you get out aswell and see the island properly. You will have a great time!!

:)
 

purplebunniern

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Hey there...

Ive been staying at the RIU resorts for the last three years and have had an amazing time. The only thing I would say is to head out of the resorts at night for true night life.
Heading back in Sept and after reading this forum looking forward to partying in Sosua.:bunny:
 

Snowbird

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A Very Acceptable Resort

My wife and I have been staying at the Fun Royale/Fun Tropicale resort for the past seven years. FRT is a 3 star property. The food is very good for an AI resort, and the staff is outstanding!! FRT is not located on the beach, but they do provide shuttle service to the beach, or you can enjoy a lesiurely 10 min walk. The resort does provide food/beverages at the beach. At the resort proper you will have access to a daily buffett, an Italian sit down, a Brazilian sit down, as well as daily pizza along with nightly grill food. There are 3 bars, a swim up and 2 others. The regular bars are open from
10 am-2 am.

If you would like more info, please email me.

Also please remember to take a look at the thread entitled Fundacion Patria. It's a way for you and others to help the Dominican school children.

Enjoy your Dominican experience :)

SB
 

tondra

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Okay, I will venture a recommendation for the Villa Doradas

I had very little funds to visit and so I chose the cheapest AI, Villas Doradas. I had no complaints (Johnny Honda suggested a second floor room, which I got) and enjoyed my stay immensely. I did get off the AI and I would strongly suggest the same for you. Since I was travelling alone, it was a little more of a challenge for me, but I took it and am glad I did. I still hope to make it back again (even though ole' Bushey--not Grahame :), has taken my business for a big nose dive).

Have a great time and take a taxi anywhere you are drawn to go. My taxi driver was very "protective" of me. I felt as though my big brother was with me.

Tondra
 

NO-IDEA

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Vegetarian ??

Hiya I am visiting Puerto plata in Sept with my husband for our 1st wedding anniversary. I wondered if anyone could advise me is there much in terms of vegetarian food within AI? We are coming from the UK and also wanted to know in comparison how much are things in Dominican Republic?
Clothes, Food, Souvenirs , Taxi's

Thanks

These main concerns ...
 

OttawaTom

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Although not a vegetarian, I've always noticed quite a few meatless dishes. I've stayed at the Fun Royale in POP and the Barcelo complex in Punta Cana.

I find things are much cheaper in the DR than Canada, if you shop a bit and barter when appropriate.

Tom

NO-IDEA said:
Hiya I am visiting Puerto plata in Sept with my husband for our 1st wedding anniversary. I wondered if anyone could advise me is there much in terms of vegetarian food within AI? We are coming from the UK and also wanted to know in comparison how much are things in Dominican Republic?
Clothes, Food, Souvenirs , Taxi's

Thanks

These main concerns ...
 

wjtoll

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Snowbird said:
My wife and I have been staying at the Fun Royale/Fun Tropicale resort for the past seven years. FRT is a 3 star property. The food is very good for an AI resort, and the staff is outstanding!! FRT is not located on the beach, but they do provide shuttle service to the beach, or you can enjoy a lesiurely 10 min walk. The resort does provide food/beverages at the beach. At the resort proper you will have access to a daily buffett, an Italian sit down, a Brazilian sit down, as well as daily pizza along with nightly grill food. There are 3 bars, a swim up and 2 others. The regular bars are open from
10 am-2 am.

If you would like more info, please email me.

Also please remember to take a look at the thread entitled Fundacion Patria. It's a way for you and others to help the Dominican school children.

Enjoy your Dominican experience :)

SB
my wife and i just returned from POP in end of may. we stayed in the gran ventana resort,great place,good food. as everyone tells you go visit sosoua and puerto plata city.you should not listen to people who say "don't leave the resort"live life see the real dominican republic.any questions ,just ask.
bill and linda
 

sunnyvillas

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jimbo1965 said:
I am planning our first vacation (total of 2 couples) to the DR early in 05. I would like to stay in the Puerto Plata area. What are some good resorts? When is the best time to go in early 05? When should I start looking for some good deals?

Thanks

I have to agree with Scott and Jimmy. if you are in the AI resort, you hate to go out and spend more money on the food and drinks and tend to never leave the proeprty and never really enjoying the country itself.

As an agent, I market all the AI resorts and can stay in them for free most of the time, but I still rent and pay for a private villa or a condo and enjoy the country and the propele so much more that way.

As for the AI resorts , which is better and which is not, it also all depends what you like to spend on your vacation and when it comes to AI resorts: you always get what you pay !!!

nedd mre help with any accommodation, do not hesiate to contact me anytime, I will be glad to answer any questions you might have,a s I know the area very well, lived there for a while:)

Have a great time and best of luck!
Sunny regards
Rimma
 
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