Iberostar Punta Cana

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Josh

Guest
We are staying at the Iberostar Punta Cana soon. We have seen that several people that have stayed there have become ill - is there anyone who can recommend the food there? Also, is there really great snorkeling right off the beach?
 
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Sammy

Guest
I stayed there last year and had a small case of the runs. My girlfriend had no problems whatsoever. So I don't know if it was the food or just too much drinking. You never know, could of been that the ice was not treated, or just not used to some of the strange food I ate. I'll try anything once, and I usually like it. As for snorkling, it was my first time. I thought it was great, but I've heard there is a lot better at other islands. We took a snorkling tour, it was cheap. I think it was $10 american each. I could be wrong though.

Let's put it this way, I'm going back to Iberostar June 19. Little runs never killed anyone. But if anyone has heard otherwise, let me know. And if anyone has experienced this firsthand, let me know. I've never spoken to the dead! Enjoy yourself, but bring imodium.
 
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Tanya

Guest
If you have not visited the Iberostar Punta Cana yet you really should check out this website: www.computan.on.ca go under "your reviews". I have posted a review from my honeymoon from April 19-26th. (also posted pictures) There are also alot of other reviews giving different types of feedback. I guess you can only be so careful when you go away sometimes you will get sick and sometimes you won't. Good Luck!
 
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Pam

Guest
We just returned from the Iberostar Punta Cana Sunday, May 16, and we did have the runs. I only drank bottled water for the first 2 days and then drank some from the dispensers in the restaurants, that is when the runs set in. They were violent, at times, and we took Equate brand anti-diarrheal medication and it was cleared up. Also, I only drank several frozen margaritas. The food could be better, and was really boring after 3-4 days, but you could always find something to eat. The best place we found to eat was at the Beach Grill in the evenings. You have to make reservations for it (between 9-11 a.m.). The Italian restaurant was not good in my opinion, and we didn't try the Mexican after seeing reviews. If you want a papala at the beach, be prepared to go out at 4 a.m. At the pool, they go between 6 and 7 a.m. People save them the night before after coming from the casinos or whatever, and no one removes the stuff used to save, which was mentioned on another website. I think in a few years, after a little "americanization", including the food, the place would be much nicer.
 
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Sammy

Guest
I think the fact the place wasn't americanized is the reason i'm going again. I love meeting people from other countries. If I wanted americnization, I'd go to Jersey!
 
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Big John

Guest
I agree with this post. My wife & I had some minor health problems & we met people that had some much worse than ours. The food was less than I've grown to expect from an all inclusive of this caliber (rated a 5 out of 6 by our tour co.) having been to nearly 20 others. Aside from the service (or lack of) the rest of the resort was very nice! clean rooms, great grounds, and to die for beach! Oh yes take Bug spray as well as a large supply of Amodium, and possibly a batch of anti biotics from your family doctor, because you wont feel like running out to look for them when you need them, but running for other reasons yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I heard comments about the Bavaro Palace,Beach,and Gardens from both friends at home and people on our plane and it sounds as if the food was much better at that group of resorts. I'll give them a try before giving up on the D.R.
 
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Big John

Guest
P.S. take your own wash cloths if you'll need or want them, as they don't have them in the D.R.
 
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Pam

Guest
I don't think the place should become "american", like Jersey, just that some of the food could be recognizable and more of the waiters could understand simple English. When ordering at the grill, we asked what something was, in English and German, and the cook just smiled and said yes to everything. We asked about one item, and were told it was fish, chicken and pork, by the cook. I think more Americans would be drawn to the place if this were so. It is true at many other islands I have visited, and hasn't hurt them.
 
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Mark

Guest
It's pretty arrogant to assume that someone speak your language in their own country. You forget there are Germans, French, English, Portugese and many other tounges arriving at this resort and I'm sure they all think the same. Do you speak five or six languages?? We went last year and did just fine...As for the food..why do Americans complain endlessly if they dont get served Denny's Grand Slams?? This is third world country and most people eat less in one week than you do in a day. The food was fine. I can appreciate the unpleasantness of having the runs, again that comes with the territory. The Dominicans are very laid back people and don't cater to the North American idea of wanting everything yesterday..I learned that years ago on my first trip. I hope the island stays the same..there are enough places that are Americanized in the world..lets leave this one be.
 
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Sammy

Guest
Just what I was trying to say Mark. When I leave the wonderful United States, I want to feel as though I left home. When I was there, I hung around with people from all over the world. I think it's a great learning experience! I am going back in 25 days and looking forward to making more new friend from the Dominican and other parts of the world. I see Americans every other day of my life!
 
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Mark

Guest
I am glad to see you share the same ideas. You no doubt enjoy your trips so much more than most people I see posting their complaints here. I am heading down again on saturday for my honeymoon. That is how much we have grown to love the DR. Enjoy your trip!
 
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Pam

Guest
I see that no one is allowed to offer their own point of view. Working in travel, I addressed things that clients have asked, requested, or have concerns about. The TNT brochure claims that the IPC is the place for "Americans", which, unfortunately, right or wrong, leads many to believe that English is spoken and what many term "American type" food is served, and my visit there did not show me that. These were my observations, based on my clientele. I did not expect fluent English, and spoke German to compensate. Nor did I expect Denny's, or even McDonald's. I enjoyed my trip very much, and the people were fabulous. What a shame that people aren't entitled to voice their experience or opinion without being attacked if it differs from yours.
 
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Mark

Guest
I never said you couldn't offer your own opinions on the resort. I mearly stated that you and many other Americans, have a twisted sense of what to expect from a foreign country. The fact you took the comment perfect for "Amercians" says it all. Being in the travel business one would think you of all people would understand when you leave your country, you leave your country.....nuff said.
 
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Sammy

Guest
It just seemed as though you were unhappy with your visit to the Dominican. Food is my living. I don't go on vacation for it. Sorry.
 
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Tom

Guest
I hope I got this under the correct part of this thread.

Food is NOT one of the prime attractions of the DR. This is not saying they don't have great special dishes, wonderful restaraunts (Vesuvios, Le Mezquita, La Bricioloa and up North, Marco Polo and La Punilla(sp), but don't expect a great "feast" as you would in a Club Med, Sandals etc.(Even though the breakfast buffet at the Hispanolia will keep you satisfied until Dinner) You are paying 1/2 the price and the cost has to reflect somewhere. remember most of the foods you "like" are imported, expensive and often hard to supply to thousands at the mega resorts.

What you do get, for very little money is beautiful weather, great drinks, beautiful beaches, friendly people etc.

If you want to eat, spend a ton of money and go to France and be insulted while you gorge on some of the best gourmet food in the world, and the ctrappiest weather. If you wish to relax in the gorgeous sun, go to the DR and live with "good" food. If you want it all, opt for a cruisefull of people just like yourself (Not meant as an affront, just mean you will miss out on the experience of the "Island" culture)

From my point of view, I usually stay in cheap local hotels and eat at local restaraunts, finding it adaquate and very inexpensive, and sometimes exceptional.

Tom
 
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Pam

Guest
You seems that you misunderstand my message. We had a wonderful time, and would definitely go back. I only was putting out information based on my experience and what I know people want to know about a place they have never been. Also, so that they don't fall for the "American" billing in the TNT brochures. I certainly don't go somewhere on vacation for the food....I only eat once a day. We had 3 1/2 days of rain and clouds and two power outages and still enjoyed it.
 
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Jim Hinsch

Guest
Re: Food in the DR

Of all the resorts I've visited, I found that Casa de Campo has food that is consistently (all their restaurants) on par with high-end American restaurants. Their beach and the rest of the resort? See my review on this site at <A HREF="http://dr1.com/hotels/database/SouLaCasaQ8B265KJ.htm">http://dr1.com/hotels/database/SouLaCasaQ8B265KJ.htm</A>.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM
 
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