you don't need to drive a porche to be able to afford the DR. :rambo:
but since you are travelling with kids, i would suggest not to stay close to or in Santo Domingo but to travel to the north coast to the Saman? Peninsula, there it is really pretty and you will find some amazing deals. It is considered by many Dominicans and visitors alike to be the prettiest part of the Dominican Republic. I really like Las Terrenas, you can find lots of info on the DR1 site or more on
www.samana.net
you know of course that you are going in high season, but it's still very cheap. i always stay at hotel residence Playa Colibri, it is not the cheapest, but it is the best, they have apartments for your whole family, and if you book in advance they can get you one with a loft for the kids. their site is www. playacolibri.com or got to
www.tripadvisor.com to find out more about good hotels in the DR
I'm looking for something for December 10-31. It's for 1 adult and two kids: 10 & 13.