Dominican Republic - Vacation

[real chili 83]

We are considering a vacation in March in the Dominican Republic.  We are early on in looking into it.  Has anyone been there before?  What can you share regarding properties, beaches, costs, etc?

Thanks in advance.

[Coleman]

We are considering a vacation in March in the Dominican Republic.  We are early on in looking into it.  Has anyone been there before?  What can you share regarding properties, beaches, costs, etc?

Thanks in advance.

Haven't been to the Dominican but if you are considering all-inclusive I recommend staying at a Riu Palace, I know there is at least one in the Dominican. All-inclusives are nice because you can forget about money and just relax once you are there.

We stayed at a Riu Palace in Costa Rica for our honeymoon and it was fantastic. Very nice for an all-inclusive with good food and drinks. Don't stay at the normal Riu, they are a step down and not as nice.

Just my 2 cents.

[CreightonWarrior]

Haven't been to the Dominican but if you are considering all-inclusive I recommend staying at a Riu Palace, I know there is at least one in the Dominican. All-inclusives are nice because you can forget about money and just relax once you are there.

We stayed at a Riu Palace in Costa Rica for our honeymoon and it was fantastic. Very nice for an all-inclusive with good food and drinks. Don't stay at the normal Riu, they are a step down and not as nice.

Just my 2 cents.

+1. Riu Palace Mexico in Playa Del Carmen is one of my favorites, freshly remodeled within the last few years. Headed back in March.

[keefe]

This subject just came up in the lab the other day. There is a an all-inclusive resort that specializes in providing the ultimate Caribbean beach vacation experience. Take pics for Scoop!

http://www.hedonism.com/

[real chili 83]

This subject just came up in the lab the other day. There is a an all-inclusive resort that specializes in providing the ultimate Caribbean beach vacation experience. Take pics for Scoop!

http://www.hedonism.com/

Ha, I'd be dead before I hit the ground if I bring that one up to Mrs. C.

[robmufan]

Went to the DR for my honeymoon a few years back. I can't recall the exact resort, but while shopping around, it seemed cheaper than all other destinations in the Caribbean.

Basically your standard all inclusive spots, excursions offered, lots of drinking and hanging in a pool/the ocean.

[Spotcheck Billy]

I've never been to the DR but we go to Negril regularly and we cannot justify a stay at an AI. We find it much cheaper to eat, drink, snorkel etc. outside the confines of an AI. We enjoy our time spent with the locals vs. being cooped up with just other tourists and locals that wait on us.

But Negril is a very tourist friendly location perhaps the DR is not safe outside of an AI, although that's what a travel agent told us about Negril 25 years ago and we learned firsthand that she was wrong.

[Chili]

Went last year to the DR and did all inclusive. Was bored out of my mind after 2 days since you really cant go exploring towns and such and do what the locals do. We stayed at the Hard Rock. I have heard if you go to the north part of the island (not punta cana) you can get a more authentic dominican vacation. It's where more Euro's go.

Place most people I know have been going is Tulum. Get a great airbnb and it's awesome. Just my $.02. Though I guess I hate all inclusive type sit on your as-s vacations.

[real chili 83]

Went last year to the DR and did all inclusive. Was bored out of my mind after 2 days since you really cant go exploring towns and such and do what the locals do. We stayed at the Hard Rock. I have heard if you go to the north part of the island (not punta cana) you can get a more authentic dominican vacation. It's where more Euro's go.

Place most people I know have been going is Tulum. Get a great airbnb and it's awesome. Just my $.02. Though I guess I hate all inclusive type sit on your as-s vacations.

We've never done an AI before.  Until last year, lucky enough to have in-laws with a place right on the GOM. 

I'm intrigued by an AI from a gluttony perspective, but also like to get out and see the local sights.  I'll also want to do at least one charter fishing excursion. 

I appreciate the suggestions.  Even Keefe's, and his first hand experience perspective.  Keep them coming. 

[Coleman]

Some interesting perspectives here, some contrary to my experience. Of course, it all depends on which AI you stay at in what area, but it was by far the most economical option we found, very high quality, and did not hinder our ability to get off the resort and explore.

My wife and I spent 9 nights in Costa Rica at the Riu Palace, and it was $2400 total (that is $266 per night for 2 people in our room, including all food and drinks, or $133 per person per night). One thing to keep in mind is that all-inclusives do charge per person because of the food and drink, not per room. So if you are bringing a family of 4 that would otherwise be squeezing into one normal non-AI room, it might not be as economical as 2 people on a honeymoon.

However, I thought the Riu Palace was a great deal for us considering the quality of the restaurants (five different restaurants available to us, plus a buffet and 24/7 appetizer bar) and the amount of alcohol we consumed. We got our airfare on rewards miles so I thought under 3 grand all-in for a honeymoon, including excursions, was a fantastic deal.

We were not bored or confined to the resort at all. We booked excursions for zip lining, snorkeling, jet skiing, river cruises, coffee tours, water taxi to the nearby towns for authentic dining, etc. We basically alternated between a lazy pool day and excursion day for the duration of the trip. I thought it was perfect. There was also a casino, owned by the resort but open to the public, on the grounds, and we spent a couple evenings there. Resort also had a spa and I got the wifey a spa day while I spent more time at the blackjack tables.

Of course, you pay for the excursions, and they are not all cheap, they ranged from about $50 a person (zip lining) to over $150 a person (coffee tour and river cruise), but transportation and meals were included in the all-day excursions.

Everyone's experience is different, but I think if you are bored at an all-inclusive it is because you did not take the initiative to find things to do.

[rocket surgeon]

   my son just got married there a year ago.  beautiful!  if you golf-there are some real gems but can be pricey.  they had some reasonable courses too, but one of them-corrales was a pebble beach in the Caribbean.  met jay overton, a great guy and the golf pro; be ready to shell out $4-500+ per person.  stayed at larimar-now.  the complex was beautiful, but the people were a little f 'd up.  we were supposed to get the suites on the sea over looking our private pool, large private patios with jaccuzzi playpens...they were undergoing remodeling.  seriously?  then why did they reserve them for us??  they put us in a replacement room that looked out at the service drive with no a/c-that's when schmit hit the fan.  then they put us in an acceptable replacement and we were treated like royalty.  if you bitch, they will act.  plus the travel agent gave us some money back.

all in all, punta cana is gorgeous, the beaches, the water...excellent!  try not to fly american-i've NEVER had a flight with them that didn't go without an issue.  our flight down is a whole 'nother story.  there are other resorts.  and DO NOT drink the water.  they give you plenty of bottled water. 

oh, and make sure you get a room where you have access to the VIP lounge-it was like having a 24 hour concierge.  coffee, food, beverages, tv.  we watched the packer game in there   

[keefe]

I appreciate the suggestions.  Even Keefe's, and his first hand experience perspective.  Keep them coming.

I will admit that Hedonism has not been on my travel agenda but after reading their ad copy I am certainly intrigued...

Hedonism clothing optional resorts have enjoyed a reputation for shattering inhibitions and provoking the kind of behavior people don’t talk about in polite circles. It’s what happens when you combine warm water, a white-sand beach, open bars, and open minds.

Sooner or later, it’s gonna happen.

The primal urge to just let go, unwind, and unplug. Hedonism II on world-famous Negril Beach of Negril, Jamaica was created as a reward for all those times you’ve had to deny your basic instincts. In these lush gardens of pure pleasure, the word “no” is seldom heard.

I mean, who in their right mind could say "no" to that?

Chili, read those words to Mrs C and I guarantee you'll be booking your flight to Jamaica!

[Spotcheck Billy]

I forgot to add that staying non-AI you of course need $, since we are on vacation and don't ever have to drive anywhere (taxis and walking) we do stop at bars as we walk the beach/have meals. I budget $100/day for the 2 of us. That covers all meals, drinks, souvenirs, excursions, transportation i.e. everything. I usually have only spent half of that ($50/day).

Since we don't stay at an AI we do bring some scotch to keep in our room that we sip on the balcony and buy beer locally and keep in the room fridge otherwise our bar tab at the hotel would be much higher.

and my best vacation travel advice is "pack 1/2 the clothes and twice the cash".

[Spotcheck Billy]

I will admit that Hedonism has not been on my travel agenda but after reading their ad copy I am certainly intrigued...

Hedonism clothing optional resorts have enjoyed a reputation for shattering inhibitions and provoking the kind of behavior people don’t talk about in polite circles. It’s what happens when you combine warm water, a white-sand beach, open bars, and open minds.

Sooner or later, it’s gonna happen.

The primal urge to just let go, unwind, and unplug. Hedonism II on world-famous Negril Beach of Negril, Jamaica was created as a reward for all those times you’ve had to deny your basic instincts. In these lush gardens of pure pleasure, the word “no” is seldom heard.

I mean, who in their right mind could say "no" to that?

Chili, read those words to Mrs C and I guarantee you'll be booking your flight to Jamaica!

plus they give trapeze lessons on their very own trapeze but make sure you don't accidentally swallow any of the pool water

[keefe]

and my best vacation travel advice is "pack 1/2 the clothes and twice the cash".

If you go to Hedonism you ought not to pack any clothes other than what you will need for the return flight...

[Spotcheck Billy]

the problem with Hedo II in Negril is the male:female ratio is probably 5:1 unlike a Sandals that requires couples, Hedo bunks single guys together

let alone most of the people you wish would have brought clothes, the beach is completely public so if one walks past Hedo you can't help but notice and shudder

[Eldon]

We are considering a vacation in March in the Dominican Republic.  We are early on in looking into it.  Has anyone been there before?  What can you share regarding properties, beaches, costs, etc?

Thanks in advance.

Once you narrow down your city, check out this place for lodging:

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/caribbean/dominican-republic

VRBO is site where people with fantastic homes/condos/penthouses rent them out to you.  The homes are not "homes" per se, i.e., there aren't pictures of people's families laying around or anything.  The homes/condos are fully furnished (furniture, TV, dishes).  The homes are typically very cheap when compared to the hotels in the area.   

I've used VRBO for a handful of trips to Latin America. 

[ZiggysFryBoy]

the problem with Hedo II in Negril is the male:female ratio is probably 5:1 unlike a Sandals that requires couples, Hedo bunks single guys together

let alone most of the people you wish would have brought clothes, the beach is completely public so if one walks past Hedo you can't help but notice and shudder

Personal experience,  a'ina?

From the pool side, not the beach side.

[keefe]

Personal experience,  a'ina?

From the pool side, not the beach side.

"I know this guy..."

[rocket surgeon]

the problem with Hedo II in Negril is the male:female ratio is probably 5:1 unlike a Sandals that requires couples, Hedo bunks single guys together

let alone most of the people you wish would have brought clothes, the beach is completely public so if one walks past Hedo you can't help but notice and shudder

wait a minute-bunks single guys together??  and they said the word "no" is seldom used???   ROH-ROH!  i think if i were a single guy bunked with some other random guys,  i would be using more than the word NO.  sorry, but that part of the anatomy is EXIT only

[drewm88]

   my son just got married there a year ago.  beautiful!  if you golf-there are some real gems but can be pricey.  they had some reasonable courses too, but one of them-corrales was a pebble beach in the Caribbean.  met jay overton, a great guy and the golf pro; be ready to shell out $4-500+ per person.  stayed at larimar-now.  the complex was beautiful, but the people were a little f 'd up.  we were supposed to get the suites on the sea over looking our private pool, large private patios with jaccuzzi playpens...they were undergoing remodeling.  seriously?  then why did they reserve them for us??  they put us in a replacement room that looked out at the service drive with no a/c-that's when schmit hit the fan.  then they put us in an acceptable replacement and we were treated like royalty.  if you bitch, they will act.  plus the travel agent gave us some money back.

all in all, punta cana is gorgeous, the beaches, the water...excellent!  try not to fly american-i've NEVER had a flight with them that didn't go without an issue.  our flight down is a whole 'nother story.  there are other resorts.  and DO NOT drink the water.  they give you plenty of bottled water. 

oh, and make sure you get a room where you have access to the VIP lounge-it was like having a 24 hour concierge.  coffee, food, beverages, tv.  we watched the packer game in there

I'm headed to Larimar in June. Anything else I should know?

[warriorchick]

Ha, I'd be dead before I hit the ground if I bring that one up to Mrs. C.

Glow and I were there 25 years ago.  They had a nude side and a prude side back then.

[rocket surgeon]

I'm headed to Larimar in June. Anything else I should know?

they have 3 restaurants separate from the buffet dining room.  american, italian and mexican i think.  the italian one was the best.  nice variety on both the menu and the buffet.  you order your main course, and then hit the buffet for a nice variety of salads, artisan pizzas, cheeses, vegetables...that restaurant was really busy so make reserves early during your stay.  i don't remember eating at the mexican one.  the american was ok.  depending on your expectations, my wife hates buffets, but if they offer a nice variety, i like them for a change-larimar isn't bad.  their outdoor lunch buffets are actually pretty good.  make sure you check out the one just outside the private pool area-a little more authentic.

other than that, we golfed a lot and hung out at the pool/sea.  well, and then the wedding, which they did a really nice job.  we were there in october and it was hot and humid.  june?  probably hotter and more humid is my guess

we didn't do any excursions or anything-sorry. 

on the last day, an hour before we were to catch the bus back to the hotel, we got locked out of our room. our keys, the maids keys, the janitors keys did not work.  fortunately we had our bags packed and ready to go.  locksmith took 30 minutes to come, then another 15-20 minutes to get us in...needless to say, we had to run to catch our bus to airport-pissed me off-other people said the same happened to them but not at last minute.  not the best way to say goodbye.  don't know what the problem was-didn't have time to chat

all in all, if not for the wedding, golf, scenery and weather, i might have been more disappointed. the grounds were beautiful

oh-one last thing-do not leave anything valuable on your beach chairs.  even if you think you are covering it up with towels-the towel boys watch, will come by and act like they are picking up dirty unused towels, grab the whole pile, throw it in their bin and move on.  they took my nieces kindle and we caught him trying to muscle some other misc. stuff.  they just deny, act stupid and move on. when you complain, they act like they are looking in to it...  i'd love to see their laundry room - hope that wasn't a buzz kill-can happen on any vacation-just a heads up-

[rocket surgeon]

Glow and I were there 25 years ago.  They had a nude side and a prude side back then.

sun burn on those nether regions sucks heyna?

[real chili 83]

How's the drink selection at an AI?  Is it all rail booze, or can a fella (watch out for autocorrect on that word) get a Crown on the rocks or Hendricks in their G&T?  Thunderbird or Silver Oak Cabernet?