Playa Naco Hotel and teenagers

[Karina]

Has anyone just got back from this specific hotel? Will it be fun for two teenage girls? What is the horseback riding like? Nightly entertainment - please give me an example. What about the disco, I hear it's open till 4:00 am and that locals are allowed in. Is this true, is it safe? Any other info is much appreciated. What type of tipping is expected to the dining room servers, maids, bartenders. Thanks!

 

[josgon]

As a Dominican "native," I find your comment on the "locals" being allowed into a disco in their own country highly offensive. Perhaps you should limit your vacations, and your daughters' exposure, to places where the "locals" are more like yourselves.

 

[Phyllis Sarault]

I agree with you josgon, her comment is totally offensive! When I was in PP I enjoyed having the Dominican people around me in the disco's; in fact they are the BEST dancers and MOST friendly people I've ever met.... I will be back foresure!

 

[Karina]

On the contrary!

On the contrary. One of the best parts of my vacations IS the interaction with the local folks. This will be our third visit to the DR, the other times we went to the south side, and th last time took our daughter who was 11 at the time. I just want to warn the girls about the young men, as I know how very charming the Dominican men can be! Another favourite pastime when travelling is taking down clothing, toys and other articles to give away to some of the favourite Dominican people I meet. I have a well used baseball glove and am looking forward to making a young boy happy when he receives it! I hope I havn't disappointed you; you took my message entirely the wrong way. If you choose to post back, could you please advise as to what I could take down that may be hard to get in the DR, for example, soap is hard to come by (and expensive) in Cuba. Thank you.

 

[Billy]

Re: On the contrary!

Ms. Karina, please. Why would take a "well worn" baseball mitt as a gift, instead of a new one. What's worse is that you say it with an air of pride. I don't dislike you, but your thoughts can make one ill. Have a good trip.

 

[Patria]

Re: On the contrary!

Give Karina a break! She is trying to make a good dee. At least she is bringing something!

 

[josgon]

Re: On the contrary!

I don't want to give Karina any more of a hard time than she's already gotten in this particular exchange, but to a certain degree I share Billy's reaction to her response. There is indeed great need and poverty in Sto. Domingo, but the issue is not lack of supply or scarcity of goods as in Cuba. Dominican stores these days are teeming with everything you can find in the States and then some. The problem is one of uneven distribution of wealth and the un- (or under) employment of a large percentage of the population--a problem that the occasional grant of worn hand-me-downs is not going to alleviate. I certainly don't want to discourage a charitable impulse, it's just the noblesse oblige, Lady Bountiful attitude attached to it that is a little disturbing. Enough pontificating! I hope you have a great time in the DR, Karina.

 

[Marlie]

Karina, I worked at Playa Naco and I believe your teenagers will have an excellent time, tennis, work out room, pool activities and the beach right in front with afternoon activities as well. I am a mother and I understand where you are coming from. I have many wonderful Dominican friends and you can trust them, if anything, they just want you to enjoy yourself. The hotel staff are trained professionals and want you to leave the Dominican with a great feeling as they have for their country. A note for gifts: My Dominican women coworkers loved it when I brought them back from trips home: lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara, nail polish. Check with your local Avon rep, they always have samples etc that they just give away! Enjoy your trip, Marlie

 

[Gage]

Just got back from the Paradise, right next door to Playa Naco. Had only 1 day of rain in 2 weeks, clear, sunny and HOT the rest of time, especially last week. Your weather reports are wrong. Have fun. If you want a cheap excursion, go to the Paradise front lobby and ask for George, tell him Gage from Canada sent you. He is an extremely pleasant guy and will probably show you around on his days off if you befriend him. He has invited us back to stay with him and he would guide us around for free next time down. The disco at the Paradise is supposedly the better one, and is also attended by the local people who are great dancers and very polite, no need to worry about the locals, More the tourists :O) I dont dance, but my wife and other female friends had a great time. Everyone just loves to dance. Another great excursion was the ATV four wheelers. There are many different operators, but the best and newest bikes are from the outfit at the Paradise front. Look for a little guy on the beach front of the Paradise by the name of Francisco.Say Gage from Canada talked to you. Really friendly and honest as you can get. He took us to his house for a lunch and drink. He sells the bike tours which were a real blast. Check him out.and he needs the commission which is his only source of revenue.

 

[Karina]

Thanks a lot Gage!

I will definitely look up George and Francisco! We had hoped to rent a car, but it will probably be a much better way to go, to have a guide with us. I love the countryside! We are also from Canada, - Ontario. Thanks again for the response, we're really looking forward to Puerto Plata!

 

[Karina]

Thanks Marlie!

Your response was very much appreciated. We're looking forward to yet another excellent trip to the DR!

 

[Norman]

Re: On the contrary!

I am amazed by how often the question of what gifts to bring to the Dominican Republic comes up on the message board. I have a suggestion. Bring money. Money will take up very little room in a suitcase, is appreciated by people of all ages, and with it they can buy anything they want.