Punta Cana

[Deborah]

Will be going to Punta Cana Aug 7-14. Has anyone stayed at any of the Barcelo Resorts and how was it? Does anybody know any tours and their costs?

 

[scott blackhurst]

hi debbie,i well be staying at the allegro resort the same week.it's my first time to punta cana.i'm leaving out of cleveland then to cincy then to p.c.

 

[Loren]

Barcel? resorts are great. The prices are good for the quality, also...but I flew into the capital from Ohio and purchased the lodging in the country. I drove from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. I paid about $89 per person per night (2 people)for Bavaro Palace, which is supposed to be more expensive than the other Barcel? hotels. If this will be your first time in the country, I STRONGLY recommend you spend a couple of days away from the resort, because the resorts will not give you even a clue as to what an exciting country it is. Try to spend some time in the capital if you can. There are plenty reviews of Punta Cana in DR1's resort database. Be sure to read those.

 

[Joseph]

We are also going back to Punta Cana to The Paradisus as we did last year and loved it there. The country is beautiful! Have a great trip and read on about the area and plan your trip well!

 

[Lizette]

Just got back from Punta Cana (4 days now!). We stayed in Hotel Villas de Bavaro which is a neighbour of the Barcelo Resort. The entire aera is well kept (within the gates) and there is plenty to do as well on the beach as in the hotel(s). Excursions, though, are a bit expensive. Bavaro-Runners (=jeep) costs USD 75,-- each, Dolphins USD 79,-- each, you even can make flights (USD 205,-- each). However you must not miss them. I've never seen such a beautiful country with different landscapes, plantations (coffee, bananas, mangos, coconut, coco etc.), poverty alongside the road, the beautifull carribean see and atlantic. We can't wait to go back next year to that paradise on earth. Enjoy the merenge and the dancing people everywhere. Lizette

 

[Scott]

i,m leaving this saturday. staying at the allegro resort. can anybody tell me more about this resort? i was in aruba last year and loved it. i sure hope punt cana doesn't disappoint me.give me some help please.

 

[Loren]

The high end resorts at Punta Cana are fancier than the high end resorts in Aruba. You will find the character of the islands and resorts extremely different. The entire population of Oranjestad, Aruba (The capital)could probably stay at the Bavaro and Allegro complexes in Punta Cana. Aruba has a much higher standard of living than the Dominican Republic. Items that you purchase away from the resorts will be a fraction of what you paid in Aruba.

When I was in Aruba I tried to get away from the tourists but I really couldnt because the island is so small. I enjoyed San Nicolas, though. If you have the opportunity to see Santo Domingo, the capital, I would recommend it, just to see the country. At least go to Higuey. The biggest difference is in Aruba it is easy to see the whole country in a day. In Punta Cana, you will be far away from most of the country and wont really get a flavor for the country if that is all you see.

Aruba is the perfect Rest & Relaxation country. The Dominican Republic is the perfect "Party till Dawn" country, though at the resorts you certainly can get away from it all. You should have a great time, and Punta Cana is on par or succeeds other international resorts.

 

[madeleine]

HI! Just got back from Punta Cana today!!!!! Stayed at Barcelo bavaro Beach Resort! Abssolutely one of the best times we have ever had. Been to nearly every island and found this one to be one of the few unspoiled ones left! Went horsebackriding on beach $21 US, swam with dolphins(NOT TO B MISSED)$65 US and took catamaran tour GREAT!!! $90 US also don't miss banana boat ride at resort as you will see beautiful turquoise waters. You can do as little or as much as you like. Plan to go back in winter.HAVE A GREAT TIME!

Madeleine in New Jersey

 

[Scott]

loren, thanks for the help. scott pittsburgh,pa