OMG! Is there a decent resort?

[Hernandez]

Punta Cana is good if you like unlimited alcohol in your All Inclusive Resort. That's why Russians love Punta Cana . For REALLY DECENT resort you better go to another Caribbean Island, but it will be much more expensive.

 

[Castellamonte]

Given that price is not the first priority; maybe they should try if Villa Castellamonte is something for them...

Do you do airport pick-ups, Castellamonte? If not I might be able to refer you to reliable transport..

Interestingly enough, Villa Castellamonte is less expensive than Hard Rock in Punta Cana. In mid-season you can rent Villa Castellamonte for $500 nightly (per person) which is not all that different than the Hard Rock's higher end rooms. But at Villa Castellamonte EVERYTHING is dedicated solely to your group (no sharing with 2000 strangers), including dedicated staff. Sorry to sound like an infomercial but you mentioned price, so....

 

[PeterInBrat]

Just what is the argument for staying in an AI instead of this? Not that I could afford it, but damn...

 

[MerengueDutchie]

Interestingly enough, Villa Castellamonte is less expensive than Hard Rock in Punta Cana. In mid-season you can rent Villa Castellamonte for $500 nightly (per person) which is not all that different than the Hard Rock's higher end rooms. But at Villa Castellamonte EVERYTHING is dedicated solely to your group (no sharing with 2000 strangers), including dedicated staff. Sorry to sound like an infomercial but you mentioned price, so....

Good to know this!

I mentioned price as to rule out the cheaper AI's...

 

[Drperson]

Private villas for weddings are a good alternative to AI's

My friend asked me to help her look for a resort to have her wedding next year. She wants to go to Punta Cana, as I've never been there, I told her I would be doing the same thing she would be doing....Google and TripAdvisor.
I have spent several hours on TripAdvisor and am very disappointed. I thought Punta Cana was the sh*t. I like to look at the traveler's photos because the facility photos sometimes aren't what you get. All of the rooms look just like what we get for $75/night RIU Bachata in POP where I take the kids for weekends :-(
Anyone been to a Punta Cana resort that is Upscale but allows children also? She is an Anesthesiologist and her husband is a Gastro-Intestinal surgeon so I don't think money is an object (although I didn't ask her specifically).
I mean, nice suites, not just the honeymoon suite being upscale because she wants her friends and family to be pampered also. Beautiful grounds and beach, nice pools, good food, etc. Does this exist? I'm not finding it yet :-(
She was hoping for all-inclusive but if you know of ANYTHING....let me know so she can check it out.
After all of these years and people saying Punta Cana is the place to go....I'm highly disappointed in what the internet is showing me.

Thanks for your help.


SHALENA

There are private villas like this one www,dominicanweddings.ca who specialize in weddings . They offer a much more private and upscale alternative. This also is located in cabarera about 40 minutes from Sosua and is georgeous

 

[MJSantoDomingo]

As with all AIs, you need to read there offer - some show you a price "per room for two adults", some show you a "per person" price. When I did the Hard Rock, the price was "per room for two adults" and I believe they still show their rates that way online, not per person. Another "small print" that you have to look for with AIs is if the taxes are included in the rate they are showing you online - most places do, but look to see before you book, because a 28% increase from what you originally thought the expense would be at the end of a week at an AI can be a big hit on the credit card.

 

[Expat13]

Does the wedding planner include bail money if you get too drunk and punch-out a Russian for being too slow in the buffet line?

 

[Castellamonte]

Nope! But we don't have buffet lines, either :cheeky: !

 

[jeb321]

I just saw your post and regrettably need to offer my opinion that there is most probably not one really classy hotel with
excellent service anywhere here most unfortunately. Go to Hawaii if you are looking for real excellence and a 5 star wedding.
if that is not an option there is a boutique hotel in Samana mentioned a lot ... That sounds very nice.

 

[Lobo Tropical]

Riu

My friend asked me to help her look for a resort to have her wedding next year. She wants to go to Punta Cana, as I've never been there, I told her I would be doing the same thing she would be doing....Google and TripAdvisor.
I have spent several hours on TripAdvisor and am very disappointed. I thought Punta Cana was the sh*t. I like to look at the traveler's photos because the facility photos sometimes aren't what you get. All of the rooms look just like what we get for $75/night RIU Bachata in POP where I take the kids for weekends :-(
Anyone been to a Punta Cana resort that is Upscale but allows children also? She is an Anesthesiologist and her husband is a Gastro-Intestinal surgeon so I don't think money is an object (although I didn't ask her specifically).
I mean, nice suites, not just the honeymoon suite being upscale because she wants her friends and family to be pampered also. Beautiful grounds and beach, nice pools, good food, etc. Does this exist? I'm not finding it yet :-(
She was hoping for all-inclusive but if you know of ANYTHING....let me know so she can check it out.
After all of these years and people saying Punta Cana is the place to go....I'm highly disappointed in what the internet is showing me.

Thanks for your help.

SHALENA

Try this one:
Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana - Hotel in Punta Cana

I like this one, more conservative.
Great restaurants, grounds and service. Gym, bars, spa ect. also a bar in your room. All Inclusive.
It also gives one access to the other RIU hotels which are situated side by side on a beautiful beach.
The newest is the RIU Palace Bavaro which is more modern in decor.

 

[HIRAM]

Sivory boutique hotel

My friend asked me to help her look for a resort to have her wedding next year. She wants to go to Punta Cana, as I've never been there, I told her I would be doing the same thing she would be doing....Google and TripAdvisor.
I have spent several hours on TripAdvisor and am very disappointed. I thought Punta Cana was the sh*t. I like to look at the traveler's photos because the facility photos sometimes aren't what you get. All of the rooms look just like what we get for $75/night RIU Bachata in POP where I take the kids for weekends :-(
Anyone been to a Punta Cana resort that is Upscale but allows children also? She is an Anesthesiologist and her husband is a Gastro-Intestinal surgeon so I don't think money is an object (although I didn't ask her specifically).
I mean, nice suites, not just the honeymoon suite being upscale because she wants her friends and family to be pampered also. Beautiful grounds and beach, nice pools, good food, etc. Does this exist? I'm not finding it yet :-(
She was hoping for all-inclusive but if you know of ANYTHING....let me know so she can check it out.
After all of these years and people saying Punta Cana is the place to go....I'm highly disappointed in what the internet is showing me.

Thanks for your help.

SHALENA

My choice :
SIVORY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Punta Cana Hotel | Sivory Punta Cana | Dominican Republic Resort

Sincerely,
Hiram.

 

[jinty05]

Visited this hotel 4 weeks ago.....poor quality food at incredibly expensive prices....pure con re the dollar exchange rate......they insist you pay in dollars

my friends tell me hard rock resort in PC is great...

 

[webmacon]

I would say check out the Melia Caribe Tropical, or upscale even the Paradisus Palma Real or Paradisus Punta Cana, one of the have suites and even Villa rich on the beach with about 1,000 sq feet. should find the on melia.com

My friend asked me to help her look for a resort to have her wedding next year. She wants to go to Punta Cana, as I've never been there, I told her I would be doing the same thing she would be doing....Google and TripAdvisor.
I have spent several hours on TripAdvisor and am very disappointed. I thought Punta Cana was the sh*t. I like to look at the traveler's photos because the facility photos sometimes aren't what you get. All of the rooms look just like what we get for $75/night RIU Bachata in POP where I take the kids for weekends :-(
Anyone been to a Punta Cana resort that is Upscale but allows children also? She is an Anesthesiologist and her husband is a Gastro-Intestinal surgeon so I don't think money is an object (although I didn't ask her specifically).
I mean, nice suites, not just the honeymoon suite being upscale because she wants her friends and family to be pampered also. Beautiful grounds and beach, nice pools, good food, etc. Does this exist? I'm not finding it yet :-(
She was hoping for all-inclusive but if you know of ANYTHING....let me know so she can check it out.
After all of these years and people saying Punta Cana is the place to go....I'm highly disappointed in what the internet is showing me.

Thanks for your help.

SHALENA

 

[redserge]

Check out Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe, they have a family section, kids pools etc etc. they are upscale and have an amazing
beach. We used to stay there before we started spending our winters there in a condo now that we are retired. The food is great the buildings are all new and the place is amazing go tot he actual barcelo site at bercelo.com and see there what they have to offer.

 

[Sam Wilson]

There are some good ones over here in Bayahibe / Dominicus.... I heard the other day that 2 foreign girls got a week for $375.00 by crying to the ft. desk guy.... Price was $700.00 LOL