April in Dominican Republic

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Kate

Guest
Can anyone tell me what the Dominican Republic is like in April. We went to Barbados in September last year and were disappointed that it was the local holiday season and many areas were closed. Is it livelier in D.R. in April ? I would also like to hear the views of others about personal safety issues in D.R. as I am getting conflicting views from friends that have previously had the experience. Where is the best area to stay ?
 
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Ronald McIntosh

Guest
Sounds to me like your only ready for Punta Cana *DC*
 
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James Paige

Guest
You shouldn't have a problem if you don't go around Easter. Holy week is normally a big Dominican vacation time. Some businesses may be closed and the beaches are crowded during this time. In re: safety, I've been traveling to Santo Domingo for about 13 yrs. and only had a single incident many years ago involving an aggressive prostitute touching me. My advice to you is to conduct yourself as you would in any big city if you decide to travel to the capital, Santo Domingo. I have always lived in a big metropolitan area and know how to conduct myself. Santo Domingo has about 3 million inhabitants and the people, restaurants and night life are wonderful. Boca Chica beach is about 30 mins. from the capital near the international airport. The DR occupies 2/3 of Hispaniola Island, the 2nd largest Caribbean island, and has probably more resorts and hotel space than any other island. Continue to use the great resources of the DR1.com website for info about the DR including its message archives.
 
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Tom

Guest
April is off the hook in DR, especially around Easter. The weather is great, it's a gorgeous place. And for the last time - it's safe. Just use the same common sense you would anyplace else. GO THERE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
 
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Bob Morris

Guest
The only time you are liable to encounter bad weather in the DR would be hurricane season which is Oct - Nov. Even then it seldom hits the north coast. Others have mentioned Santo Domingo which is the capital and the largest city and is on the south coast. My wife and I for the past 4 years have gone to the north coast, specifically Playa Dorada, which is just outside of Puerto Plata.
Again, primarily because of the warm greetings we have always received, we have gone to a resort called Gran Ventana.

We are older and appreciate the service there. For the younger, and more adventurous, there are a number of activities and tours that can be taken, most of them will pick you up right at the hotel.

Easter could be a problem for crowding, and the Gran Ventana seems to even attract many of the locals at holiday times. However, if you are on site you will find a little more crowding but usually the service and food are excellent to better.

Enjoy
 
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jen

Guest
I am going the week after Easter 4/17-23. Will the sports ban be lifted and will it be less crowded with locals, people off from work, etc. I don't mind people, just not so many that is is impossible to participate in actitivies.
 
K

Kate

Guest
Thanks for all the replies. My partner and I have booked today to go to a new hotel on the East Coast from May 8 to May 22.We hope this will be a good choice for our first visit. Anyone know anything about the Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort at Macao Beach, Punta Cana.?
 
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Ian Thwaites

Guest
KATE, Re: Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort

We have just returned from 2 weeks at the Sirenis Cocotal. It is a fantastic resort, very quiet and relaxing. Plenty of activities throughout the day, but night entertainment a bit poor.

The beach is fantastic, good water sports, rooms are excellent as you would expect being a new hotel. Food very good, although a bit repetitive. The resort is very isolated, completely on its own. We would definitely recommend it.

I note from your earlier messages you were concerned about "personal safety". The second week we were there, there were 2 seperate muggings just yards up the beach outside of the security guards view. There are security guards all around the resort and you feel very safe, but we would not recommend anyone taking valuables if strolling along the beach. We went for a walk along the beach ourselves before the muggings took place and we were being observed from the palm trees along the beach, we had nothing but our swimwear, but we felt uncomfortable and made a hasty retreat back to the hotel. We were very lucky.

Generally though we found the people and the staff very friendly, they couldn't do enough for you.

Hope you have a great time. If you require any further information contact us at our email address.

Ian & Kim
 
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Lina

Guest
The Bavaro Barcelo Garden

Hi! We are just wondering about the layout of the Garden--is it similar to the adjacent beach hotel which has five separate buildings? Are there any particular rooms to request? Are the rooms in good condition? Any info. would be appreciated for our April trip! Thanks!
 
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Jim Hinsch

Guest
Re: The Bavaro Barcelo Garden

Click on the link below for the answer.
 
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hlywud

Guest
JIM Re: The Bavaro Barcelo Garden

Jim. pic is of the beach resort not the Garden which is next door
 
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Jim Hinsch

Guest
Re: JIM Re: The Bavaro Barcelo Garden *PIC*

That's correct. The photo is of the beach section. Lina posted "... beach hotel which has five separate buildings". My comment says it looks like only 4 buildings on the map.

The Garden Hotel has an entirely different layout (see www.BocaChicaBeach.net, click on LINKS, then see the MAPS category) or see photo below.
 
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