Dominican Republic, Who's been?

[wizbangdoodle]

Looking for a vacation spot that is actually open. We normally go to Grand Cayman, but they are dragging their feet and doesn't look like we'll get down there this year.

The wife was looking at different places and came across an all inclusive in DR and it looks pretty nice. Anyone have experience with going to DR? Let's hear your reviews!

 

[DriftwoodSVT]

My wife and I got married in DR (Punta Cana) in 2011. I don't recall what resort we stayed at. The entire area felt pretty poor though, even right outside of the resort.

 

[cidsamuth]

I love Punta Cana, though its admittedly been a few years since I went. Cheaper than Jamaica, and a shorter flight from the east coast.

If you are looking for an all-inclusive, I recommend looking at Hard Rock. I found the beach cleaner, food better, staff friendlier, and more amenities than some of the cheaper resorts there.

 

[TerminatoRS]

Went there about 3-4 years ago with two other couples. Flight/airport was standard stuff. We didn't deplane at an actual gate. Instead you stop near the airport and walk over to it.

However, when we arrived at our resort, we were immediately hustled into an office/lounge in the back. Now, I'm pretty good with Spanish, but the dialect they use down there sounds like gibberish to me. They tried to explain what was happening while pushing this document we needed to sign. At first, I thought they were trying to sell us a timeshare. Upon further review, they had overbooked the resort and needed the green light to put us up in their sister resort which was supposedly nicer. Okay fine. What choice did we have at that point anyway.

Taxi ride over to the new joint was unnerving. Cruising down what seemed like an alley, three dudes with bandanas over their faces reaching into the back of a garbage truck...yeah no thanks. Like Driftwood said^, seemed pretty rundown and sketchy.

Arrived at resort #2. Two of the three rooms were ready. Naturally, mine wasn't. Sat at the lobby bar for two hours waiting (not the worst thing...lots of tail to look at). Got our room. Two full beds when we booked a king. Now, I'm sure most of us men wouldn't mind having our own bed and a basic room to call home for a few days. But of course my lady wasn't pleased so she had to make a stink. Counter clerk told us to push the beds together. My braud declined so we had to wait even longer and ended up on the total opposite end of the resort from the other two couples.

Food was good. Resort was nice. "Top shelf" booze still cost a few shillings even though we supposedly paid for an all-inclusive. I didn't much care cuz I'm a simpleton who's fine with whatever beer is on tap. But for those fancy fellas (aka my BIL), it was annoying. I'm convinced that the original resort was fully all-inclusive while this one had various levels indicated by the color wristband you wore.

In all, it wasn't awful. I was persuaded into returning this December on the grounds that "I just had a bad experience the one time and this time will be better." Well, time will surely tell. Honestly, Mexico has always been so easy that I'd prefer to just keep it simple. Climate, atmosphere, food...etc is all negligible in my experience. I will say that DC attracts a wider variety of folks from around the globe, however, which I think is kinda nifty.

Long opinion, but since you asked...lol

 

[PC03GT]

If you're on a budget it's not a bad place. You're kind of secluded to your resort because the poverty there is on another level. Hopefully if you do go there isn't any gust of winds from Haiti, it doesn't smell very good.

 

[wizbangdoodle]

All good info guys. Thanks.

The resort we're looking at is Secrets Cap Cana. Never heard of it myself. I'm a diver, so I'd like to get in the water, but I don't see much offered in the way of dive trips.

Keep the opinions coming.

Move on, nothing to see here.

 

[Blackoyote]

We went for our honeymoon to Punta Cana...if your objective is to go all inclusive and you just want to drink, chill on the beach and at swim up bars, it is hard to beat.

 

[Machdup1]

Nothing to worry about, just don’t leave the resort.

Dominican Republic Travel Advisory

 

[Stanley]

My wife and I went nearly 20 years ago. We thought it was reasonably nice for the cost. It was nice being able to put my wallet in the room safe when we got there and not need it again until we left. It was my first all inclusive.

 

[sonicx]

Island Got Hit pretty hard with Covid. Only reservation id have going back (temporary) otherwise do a little homework in what resort you want. Basically all of them are 99% to a varying degree of slightly difference in amenities and costs. Most people pick ones where they never leave and / or if you do go off site you’re carted to wherever your excursion is or paid for set up by your resort. I strongly advise not getting off base as the locals can spot tourist a mile away and some will try to take advantage of you knowing or unknowning. It’s pretty poor and rundown. Quite sad the have vs the have nots. I’ve been off once and did my own thing; stupid maybe; but I wanted to get the full island experience. I did, just need to keep your head on a swivel and travel with at least another body.

 

[wizbangdoodle]

That travel report is eye opening. Probably no different than Mexico I suppose. No plans to leave the resort.

Move on, nothing to see here.

 

[VegasMichael]

We went for our honeymoon to Punta Cana...if your objective is to go all inclusive and you just want to drink, chill on the beach and at swim up bars, it is hard to beat.

Honestly, I think that the Cayman Islands fit that objective perfectly. Great place to get away from city life for a few days. Not far either. Only about two hours or so from Houston. Not much nightlife, just a relaxing place for a few days. No language barrier either.

 

[wizbangdoodle]

Preach on brother. Been going there since '96. Problem is, they aren't opening up soon enough. We have time shares on the east end and that is very relaxing.
If you ever get the chance, go to little Cayman. Best vacation ever.

Move on, nothing to see here.

 

[Stanley]

Have you been to Aruba? We took a group trip (16 people) a few years ago and had a great time. Rented a big house and split food and cooking. Booked our own activities and stuff. Went out at night a few times and never felt like it wasn't safe to be out and about.

 

[CobraBob]

Nothing to worry about, just don’t leave the resort.

Dominican Republic Travel Advisory

THIS! Although I personally would not want to vacation in DR, pretty much everyone emphasizes to STAY within the confines of the resort you choose. Do NOT leave the resort.

 

[Blown 89]

If you can't leave the resort what's the point of choosing a shit hole?

 

[CobraBob]

Ever been to Aruba? My wife and I have been there, as have my brother and sister-in-law. Pretty nice vacation spot IMO. I honestly prefer vacation spots where you can venture out and enjoy the locale and meet the people.

 

[IA Shelby]

We went to Secrets 3 years ago. Very nice resort. great pools, beaches, drinks. service was good.

No issues with transportation. They tried to sell me a timeshare and I told them to pound sand.

negatives - meat, bacon was not good. always smelled like they used some super strong cleaning solution in the motel rooms.

Wife loved it. I give it 6/10. We went to Maui the next year which cost 3x of secrets but worth it. I would go back to Maui in a heartbeat but would not go back to Secrets DR.

 

[95oRANGEcRUSH]

Been 3 times, all booked thru Apple Vacations (which I’ve used 5 times; zero issues).

Stayed at Natura Park in 2007, Bavaro Princess in 2011 & 2012.

Haven’t been back due to kids and life changing but no reason I wouldn’t go back. However, we did Couples Negril for our honeymoon in 2013 and that set a high bar.

 

[wizbangdoodle]

Have you been to Aruba? We took a group trip (16 people) a few years ago and had a great time. Rented a big house and split food and cooking. Booked our own activities and stuff. Went out at night a few times and never felt like it wasn't safe to be out and about.

Ever been to Aruba? My wife and I have been there, as have my brother and sister-in-law. Pretty nice vacation spot IMO. I honestly prefer vacation spots where you can venture out and enjoy the locale and meet the people.

My brother has been to Aruba several times. He said we should go, but we've ben so happy with Grand Cayman that we never felt the need. Anyway, my brother said the same as you guys, great place, good diving. My wife looked at it, but couldn't find anything we could trade into right now.