Just to clarify, because info given although appreciated, is all over the place. My friends ARE staying at Dreams resort at Punta Cana. Is there NO inexpensive hotel nearby to crash for 1 night? I am talking less than 50 bucks. I am not looking for a 30 minute cab ride either. Thanks for the help
that's what PCMike and myself tried to figure out to be clear where you will stay, because like i think we mentioned above, AT Punta Cana, in this wide area, we have 2!!! Dreams Resort.
on Dreams Resort in Punta Cana is simply named "Dreams Punta Cana", the other Dreams Resort in Punta Cana is named "Dreams Palm Beach", both are 45-50 driving minutes away from each others, so we would need to know at which one you stay to recommend lodging nearby.
if your friends stay at the Dreams PC you will not find any cheap non AI lodging nearby which would not make a cabby ride neccessary, and our cabbies over here are sorrily anything but cheap. in that case a room with AI together with your friends at the Dreams PC would be the better solution.
if they stay at the Dreams PB you will find a room right in town, Cabeza de Toro, no problem, but we are talking PC, don't expect any cheap, in addition to that you would need to pay your food and drinks when meeting your friends, who would not have AI at your meeting place neither.
to pay a 'cheap' room nearby and then a daypass to visit your friends at the resort for an afternoon would in my opinion finally add up to the same than to take a room there for a night and enjoy that AI together with your friends the whole day and night long. you always find $15-$20.- bucks caba?a rooms up in Veron and thouout the whole bavaro area(nothing near the Dreams Punta Cana), but cabby fares and extra food/drinks when meeting the friends would add up easily to what a room with AI there would cost you.
happy Valentine's weekend
Mike