Re: Debbie's site
I once wrote the below commentary to help put reader in perspective when they read reviews about resorts in the Dominican Republic. I don't think Debbie's site tells it any different than the way the contributers' told it. You can check a dozen other sites with reviews and comments and they all follow the same pattern. 95% glowing reviews, often for properties I've visited personally and know for a fact that they aren't so great. Here's my take on why:
When booked through a good tour operator, one can typically get prices at a typical all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic in the range of US$40-70 per person per night depending on the specific property. At those price, it can be an outstanding value.
Consider that all-inclusive resorts at other Caribbean islands start at around US$175/night per person at the low end.
Dominican resorts mostly fill up with European tourists who will pay as low as US$900 per person for 14 days including airfare from Europe. The vast majority of people visiting these resorts don't travel much, perhaps once a year, and have little to compare their experience to. Hence, most are thrilled with both the experience and the value. Even as budget resorts, many of them are very beautiful. Landscaping, their giant swimming pools, and the architecture in their lobbies and dining rooms are their strong points.
Where they lack tends to be in individual service, attention to detail, handling problems, and quality in just about every category. Still, most guests are so happy to be in the Caribbean and at a beach, in warm weather, and to be sucking down a tropical drink that the don't even notice the little things. Little things for example, like not being able to get something to drink until half-way through dinner, air conditioners that don't get the room cold, procedures designed with the staff in mind instead of the customer (like "all dinner reservations must be made between 9 and 10am at this desk" so get in line early).
Expect something compared to those $200 per person per day resorts elsewhere in the Caribbean, and you'll likely be disappointed. Where you will probably be thrilled will be with the resort grounds. Throughout the Dominican Republic, resorts have done a beautiful job of landscaping their properties, putting in massive swimming pools, and making tremendous statements with their lobbies. My take on it all is that appearancing at the high end is given more importance than actualy delivering at the high end, and for many that don't know any better, they'll never know the difference.
Finally, not every traveler puts the same weight on different aspects of their vacation. For one traveler, a broken air conditioner, lack of hot water, or the pool being closed for maintenance is a trip that is ruined while another just says no big deal. One guy blames the whole country for a week of bad weather while the next doesn't even consider it when reporting on a property. Etc.
So read all those reports with a grain of salt, and remember to discount those reports where everything was great because they had a great time. Likewise, give proper weight when somebody let a small thing tarnish their whole experience.
