Welcome to another post of helping a reader travel!
This weekly post is to help readers get a slew of travel advice from thousand of Deals We Like blog readers. Thus far, we’ve been able to help other readers travel to a slew of domestic and international destinations. Check out recent destinations and comment on suggestions here.
So this weeks travel destination includes the Dominican Republic. Here is an email from reader Tracey:
“I want to take my family on a trip to the Dominican, but I am overwhelmed on the number of hotels and different areas of the island. From what I see there are two areas – Punta Cana and La Romana. Would anyone recommend one over the other, or are there other areas to stay? And any particular hotel you’d recommend? It seems like most are all-inclusive. I’d also be interested in renting a house if anyone has done that before. We want a nice place, but also do not want to break the bank. It seems like the Dominican is overall affordable. Thank you to Deals We Like readers in advance for the help!”
If you’ve ever been to the Dominican and have any recommendations, let’s help out reader Tracey by commenting below. I personally was in the Dominican (Punta Cana) about 8 years ago with Mr. Deals. We had a nice and relaxing 5 day trip and stayed at the Majestic Colonial. It was a great resort at the time (relatively new), but that was awhile ago.
Also, if you have any upcoming travel where you need some help, feel free to email me at dealswelike@gmail.com to be a featured “Help a Reader Travel” Monday special. Thanks!
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Hi Tracey,
I am from the Dominican Republic and both places are great. If you are looking for more activities and family events I would recommend Punta Cana. La Romana (Casa de Campo)is great also but more for a luxury retreat. There are various options of hotels in Punta Cana. As well if you would like to enjoy activities outside the hotel I recommend the following:
-Saona Island trip
-Snuba, boating with Ocean Adventures http://oceanadventures-puntacana.com/bavaro-splash.html
-Fresh water natural sinkholes http://www.scapepark.com/en/hoyo-azul.php
-Ziplining http://www.scapepark.com/en/zip-line.php
If you need any other recommendations dont hesitate to contact me
David
I would recommend La Romana area – it’s on Caribbean side of the island (calmer waters, less crowded). Have stayed at Wyndham all-inclusive resort, it has bungalows as well as regular rooms – your choice. It was also the least expensive at the time (check specials on wyndham.com) Also if you plan to visit Santo Domingo for a day – it’s much shorter distance compare to Punta Cana. Book your day trip at the resort as well, decent price.
Santo Domingo worth a visit for historical/cultural value, but do your shopping in La Romana for cheaper (if needed to). With all-inclusive you don’t want to wander away from the resort much 🙂
Good luck! Have fun and relax!
Hello Tracey, good to hear you are thinking of coming to Dominican Republic. It sounds by your note that our resort, Puntacana Resort & Club is your best bet as we have various options that we have which will accommodate you, from large houses, to smaller houses, to apartments, to hotels (Tortuga Bay, Westin and Four Points)
In any case, you can send me an email to aabreu@puntacana.com with your requirements and we will send you all the information.
In the meantime, you may want to take a look at our website which explains our fantastic resort, http://www.puntacana.com , best regards,
Alberto Abreu
Director of Hospitality
We have a page on this! One of our bloggers goes there 2-3 times a year.
http://borderfreetravel.com/big-ricks-been-here-dominican-republic/
Hey! Went 8 months ago, Did Extensive research. La Romana, Not a whole lot going on over there unless your a big golfer….. The more tourist friendly place to visit would be Punta Cana. Which is where I stayed. When you fly in you’ll be hit up with pictures etc… everyone tries to get tourist money. Make sure you have DR Peso’s when you land Because you have to pay cash for a entry fee (they don’t take CC). The hotels will only take you to tourist designated areas (Ie.. places that are paying them to). So…. Here is what I STRONGLY suggest. Best tour guy on the island is Punta Cana Mike. Book Way in advance because he books up.. look him up online. He’s a local guy who does behind the scenes tours… really safe… Also if you ask him hell tell you the ins and outs. We did the whole tour where we ate local food, took us to the cocoa factory and cigar gig… the rest of the tours are to commercialized for my taste, I wanted to see local people. BTW, if you do his tour.. and have a old laptop laying around that you want to get rid of.. he takes to a local school and the kids there really need technology. A great way of getting around the island FYI is going to the dollar store and buying things like perfumes school supplies and giving those as tips, b/c Its a island and they don’t really have access to such things… means more than money to them. I wouldn’t stay in a house only because its not really that safe…. power goes out a lot on the island, and the hotels don’t have security locks on the doors, so don’t bring anything to valuable. I stayed in a 5 star resort I stayed at secrets… it was eh… nice/ok. Not the greatest, as I am used to 4-seasons… but it depends on what you like… I hear zoetry was a better hotel.. If you want high end you will need to stay in La romana, where oscar de la renta has his homes. DR…Think Mexico before it became overcrowded and touristy….. I would highly encourage you to pay for a cab and go have lunch by the water…El capitan and a few others on the same strip… fresh caught seafood… excellent.
I have toured the Dom Rep…I do love it there..I have had friends move there Sousa area..(Puerto Plata ) area. I have a travel blog w/ a section on where I have visited..have a look..hope this helps! Ask questions w/email on site as well!!http://borderfreetravel.com/big-ricks-been-here-dominican-republic/
Check out also Caribbean Buccaneers – Pirate Show and Dinner Excursion. It’s a night show with lobster dinner. Dinner is on a platform in the middle of the water and the show is fantastic. It’s a lot of fun for any age, and the reviews on Tripadvisor are excellent!
There are now excellent offers and discount for the summer season.