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Tara
Guest
Hi, I'm planning a trip to Puerto Plata in January....should I go for the all-inclusive package or not? Let me know what you think and any suggestions for places to stay in the moderate price range.Thank-you!!
to go all-inclusive or not?
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aristoba
Guest
the all inclusive is in general excelent value. But if you can afford it don't . I found that without the all inclusive ( the food is paid for, therefor you stay on the property) you have a much better oppertunity to get to know the country and the people by exploring and looking for different places. Its more expensive but absolutly worth it.
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golfarch
Guest
I'll advocate for the all-inclusives. For me, I'm going primarily to enjoy the weather, relax, and relax and relax - so you see, I generally don't want to be bothered with making decisions about where I eat, and whether I should be going where the taxi is taking me. I also drive alot for my job, so I really don't want to do that either. The all inclusives are pretty close to my idea of a perfect vacation. I have always found the food to be good or better and although I have heard some complaints about the drinks, I have had very few complaints myself.
I do usually take a couple of tours - usually snorkeling and/or a Catamaran Cruise and if it's available, I may play a round or two of golf, and hit the Casinos a few nights, but for the most part, I like to pull up my lounger, take out my book and read and look at the sights
.
If you want/need to be entertained, there are lots of things to do, and I find that we always meet people from all over the world and establish mini relationships. I really enjoy getting to know the staff people and letting them know we appreciate their service. We usually try and learn a few words of the language, and they always try and help us learn.
I hope this has helped you make your decision.
I do usually take a couple of tours - usually snorkeling and/or a Catamaran Cruise and if it's available, I may play a round or two of golf, and hit the Casinos a few nights, but for the most part, I like to pull up my lounger, take out my book and read and look at the sights
.If you want/need to be entertained, there are lots of things to do, and I find that we always meet people from all over the world and establish mini relationships. I really enjoy getting to know the staff people and letting them know we appreciate their service. We usually try and learn a few words of the language, and they always try and help us learn.
I hope this has helped you make your decision.
S
Susanne
Guest
It is difficult to give you any precise advice, as I don't know who you are or what you like.
However, my personal opinion is: All-inclusives are generally excellent value - but I'd go independently any day. When I travel I want to get the feel and colour of the country, I want to meet the locals, I want to discover all the joys of shopping at the local market, picking and chosing from a wealth of different restaurants, local waterholes etc. I want to go on tours when I feel like it, I want to be able to do spontaneous things and say "let's forget lunch and take a picknick with us down to the beach instead" or "let's jump on the bus to Santiago".
If you go all-inclusive you will be almost certain of a large range of facilities, food enough and local drinks galore. You will almost certainly be on an excellent beach there will most likely be good medical care close by and the resort might have their own watchmen. You are in other words in a very safe place but unless you are really eager and make an effort yourself, you will not meet many local people and you will be on a schedule. By this I mean that most of the all-inclusive hotels have rules as to how long and at what time a day you can use their activities for free. For example: Horseback riding - every day, one hour between two and three o'clock. Same thing could go for windsurfing etc.
Also, several of the resorts boast that they have for instance four restaurants. What they don't say so loud is that maybe not all of them are included in the all-inclusive programme or only on special terms. In other words - before you decide whether the overall value is good, get the exact conditions for your plan.
It is not necessarily a lot more expensive to travel independently as food and local drinks are very reasonably priced in the Dominican Republic (depending on where you eat, of course). We are two adults and two children - age 3 and 5 - and we have chosen to stay at Villas Olas Tropicales in Costambar which is a quiet residential community but close enough to Puerto Plata for night life, facilities etc. For the room - including private bathroom and breakfast - we pay for all of us for 14 days 650 dollars. Other simple but good places that I know of include "On the Waterfront Hotel" in Sosua - very cheap and reputedly with the best restaurant in town, Sofy's Bed and Breakfast in Puerto Plata, and El Marinique Resort and Villas Serena - both on the Samana peninsula away from everything except for one of the best beaches in the world and great natural beauty. (We are going to stay there a few days ourselves). There will be dozens more to chose from, but have a look and surf the net yourself. Debbies Dominican Travel Pages are a good place to start - follow link below. You might also find a few B&B's on www.popreport.com.
However, if all you want is basically to bask in the sun, enjoy the heat, have a few drinks by the pool and occasionally make an excursion I would advice all-inclusive. Good value, few choices, very relaxing.
Whatever you decide I wish you a good journey. I'm going in less than a week now!
Regards, Susanne
However, my personal opinion is: All-inclusives are generally excellent value - but I'd go independently any day. When I travel I want to get the feel and colour of the country, I want to meet the locals, I want to discover all the joys of shopping at the local market, picking and chosing from a wealth of different restaurants, local waterholes etc. I want to go on tours when I feel like it, I want to be able to do spontaneous things and say "let's forget lunch and take a picknick with us down to the beach instead" or "let's jump on the bus to Santiago".
If you go all-inclusive you will be almost certain of a large range of facilities, food enough and local drinks galore. You will almost certainly be on an excellent beach there will most likely be good medical care close by and the resort might have their own watchmen. You are in other words in a very safe place but unless you are really eager and make an effort yourself, you will not meet many local people and you will be on a schedule. By this I mean that most of the all-inclusive hotels have rules as to how long and at what time a day you can use their activities for free. For example: Horseback riding - every day, one hour between two and three o'clock. Same thing could go for windsurfing etc.
Also, several of the resorts boast that they have for instance four restaurants. What they don't say so loud is that maybe not all of them are included in the all-inclusive programme or only on special terms. In other words - before you decide whether the overall value is good, get the exact conditions for your plan.
It is not necessarily a lot more expensive to travel independently as food and local drinks are very reasonably priced in the Dominican Republic (depending on where you eat, of course). We are two adults and two children - age 3 and 5 - and we have chosen to stay at Villas Olas Tropicales in Costambar which is a quiet residential community but close enough to Puerto Plata for night life, facilities etc. For the room - including private bathroom and breakfast - we pay for all of us for 14 days 650 dollars. Other simple but good places that I know of include "On the Waterfront Hotel" in Sosua - very cheap and reputedly with the best restaurant in town, Sofy's Bed and Breakfast in Puerto Plata, and El Marinique Resort and Villas Serena - both on the Samana peninsula away from everything except for one of the best beaches in the world and great natural beauty. (We are going to stay there a few days ourselves). There will be dozens more to chose from, but have a look and surf the net yourself. Debbies Dominican Travel Pages are a good place to start - follow link below. You might also find a few B&B's on www.popreport.com.
However, if all you want is basically to bask in the sun, enjoy the heat, have a few drinks by the pool and occasionally make an excursion I would advice all-inclusive. Good value, few choices, very relaxing.
Whatever you decide I wish you a good journey. I'm going in less than a week now!
Regards, Susanne
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Donna
Guest
My vote is with the all-inclusive!I guess I don't have the spirit of adventure that others have. No decisions to make except the time for dinners. This is truely a relaxing vacation for me.Like golfarch said, a good book(I'm still hoping a few more titles will come my way before my Jan. date)and a drink in hand by the beach taking in the sights, ah! What more can you ask for? The only problem I see is your choice of the island. I did not like the beach at Puerto Plata at all were I stayed at the Flamingo several yrs ago.Can't you go to the southern part or the South east,much nicer beaches!
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golfarch
Guest
Donna,
I agree with you about the all inclusives and beaches of Puerto Plata. We also stayed at the Flamingo a few years ago. This year we are heading to Juan Dolio, which I understand isn't as nice as Punta Cana where I was last year. We too are headed there in January.
I agree with you about the all inclusives and beaches of Puerto Plata. We also stayed at the Flamingo a few years ago. This year we are heading to Juan Dolio, which I understand isn't as nice as Punta Cana where I was last year. We too are headed there in January.
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Phyllis
Guest
Going all inclusive on a fancy resort is okay; you get pampered, relax well and have everything you need at your finger tips. However, you don't experience the "real" Dominican culture. Personally, I would recommend staying off a resort. If you have any specific questions, just send me an email psarault@hotmail.com
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Donna
Guest
How do you experience the Dom.culture?
I've heard this said time and again, what is the best way to experience the Dominican culture??
I've heard this said time and again, what is the best way to experience the Dominican culture??
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Donna
Guest
What was the attraction to go to Juan Dolio area? What resort are you staying at? Where did you stay in Punta Cana and was it good? You also mentioned you enjoy reading a good book, any suggestions? I'm headed to Barnes & Noble next wk for my beach selection? Nothing too heavy I might add!I find it difficult to concentrate after a couple of El Presidente's!!
Donna
Donna
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T Santos
Guest
Re: How do you experience the Dom.culture?
Just put on a backpack and get into any areas where there are few tourists or better yet no tourists and eat at thier resturants drink thier beer(Presidente),travel by Gua-Gua when ever you have time and just mingle with the people,stay in the budget hotels and soon enough you'll be enjoying the true Dominican lifestyle.Like Mr.Nike says.....just do it T.S
Just put on a backpack and get into any areas where there are few tourists or better yet no tourists and eat at thier resturants drink thier beer(Presidente),travel by Gua-Gua when ever you have time and just mingle with the people,stay in the budget hotels and soon enough you'll be enjoying the true Dominican lifestyle.Like Mr.Nike says.....just do it
T.S
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golfarch
Guest
Donna,
I emailed you a response. After, I realized your email address doesn't appear to relate to your name. Hope it wasn't a problem. If you didn't recieve it, let me know.
Marv/golfarch
I emailed you a response. After, I realized your email address doesn't appear to relate to your name. Hope it wasn't a problem. If you didn't recieve it, let me know.
Marv/golfarch
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Tara
Guest
Thanks to everyone who answered, fantastic! To let you know what I was looking at: my Travel agent quoted me with this price for a two week stay in Sosua;
Two people for two weeks departing in January: all-inclusive at the Casa Marina is $1659. per person (canadian) We depart from Vancouver the flight by itself with no hotel would be about $750. per person. So....what kind of deal have I got myself here?? One of the responses, I think it was Susanne..seems to have a much better deal and that includes her two children...Hmmmm?? Any thoughts on this??
Two people for two weeks departing in January: all-inclusive at the Casa Marina is $1659. per person (canadian) We depart from Vancouver the flight by itself with no hotel would be about $750. per person. So....what kind of deal have I got myself here?? One of the responses, I think it was Susanne..seems to have a much better deal and that includes her two children...Hmmmm?? Any thoughts on this??
G
golfarch
Guest
Time of year could be a big factor. If you are looking for a deal, I don't see how you can beat the all inclusives with charters.
J
Jim Hinsch
Guest
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Nanni
Guest
hello tara,
is depented, what you want. do you want to see the real Dominican life, you never will find it at an all-inclusive-hotel or resort. if you only want to have a nice vacation time with no difficulties is an ai-hotel/resort the best. but I believe you will known the country much more better, if you stay outside ai and you will also have a lot of fun.
is depented, what you want. do you want to see the real Dominican life, you never will find it at an all-inclusive-hotel or resort. if you only want to have a nice vacation time with no difficulties is an ai-hotel/resort the best. but I believe you will known the country much more better, if you stay outside ai and you will also have a lot of fun.
S
Susanne
Guest
I obviously don't know how it works in other countries, but in Scandinavia you can usually take advantage of the charter companies and buy just the air fare through them and then book the hotel or resort yourself. That's how we have done it and their flights are really cheap.
As to the overall price, I did a little research, and as an example I got a quote on Villas Bavaro in late November, early December. We could go all inclusive for 50 dollars each a person - and we didn't have to pay for the children, age 3 and 5. That turned out to be cheaper than the package tour to the same hotel. As stated earlier, we chose not to go all inclusive, but it can pay off to do a little footwork - or mousework if you like.
I doubt you can get a deal like that outside low season, though, but it is definitely worth a try.
Regards, Susanne
As to the overall price, I did a little research, and as an example I got a quote on Villas Bavaro in late November, early December. We could go all inclusive for 50 dollars each a person - and we didn't have to pay for the children, age 3 and 5. That turned out to be cheaper than the package tour to the same hotel. As stated earlier, we chose not to go all inclusive, but it can pay off to do a little footwork - or mousework if you like.
I doubt you can get a deal like that outside low season, though, but it is definitely worth a try.
Regards, Susanne