Anyone been to the Dominican Republic?
 

All,
I will visit the Dominican Republic in a week or so. I will be staying in Punta Cana. Has anyone ever been there? Have any suggestions for things to do or not do?

SC

^^^ I'm sooooo glad you posted this. I will be going at the end of the summer!:)

Stay at the resort.
www.virtualtourist.com
http://www.tripadvisor.com/
http://www.independenttraveler.com/
www.igougo.com
www.mytravelguide.com
http://www.frommers.com/
http://www.fodors.com
http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ *********
http://www.travelsecrets.com/ ******
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm!!!!!!!
http://travel.state.gov/

What do you mean by "stay at the resort"?
I will be staying at the Paradisus Punta Cana, which is a resort but I am under the impression that there are a number of resorts there, in the city of Punta Cana.

I see your list. I have seen these lists as well through general internet research. If you've actually been there or heard anything about it from someone who has been there, do you recommend any particular activities, sights to see, tours, etc.?

SC

I hear it's a very popular destination now. I had no idea until my travel agent mentioned it. What city will you be visiting?
SC

Was down in the DR Nov 2001.
Great time at the 5 star all inclusive. Did not have any need or wish to go into town; which I would normally do.

And that list is only part of the sites I keep and use for my own travel research.

Been very popular for several years.
Cost factor vs other islands major factor.

My friends and I will be going to celebrate our 21st birthday's. We are going to Puerto Plata, and staying at the Sun Village Resort and Spa. I don't really know much about the DR, but I have been checking out sites like tripadvisor.com and epinions.com to see what people have to say about the hotels and restarants, etc. Also, I was told to look at the State Department's website, they put out a yearly report on different countries.

Did you stay at the Paradisus Punta Cana? It's also five stars. Are you saying that there is only one resort in the city of Punta Cana? I thought that the entire area was pretty much resorts. If you stayed at the Paradisus, did you enjoy it? Would you recommend any of the activities or restaurants. I have the 24/7 all-inclusive with the mini bar in the room that they refill at no cost and butler service. I am looking forward to it. Shoot, I never heard of butler service before. That's a blessing.

Anyway, let me know about your experience instead of making all of these cryptic posts that aren't answering my original question - which is, what activities do you recommend or not recommend based on your experience or even based on hearsay. :)

SC

I stayed at the Paradisus Puerto Plata with my ex boyfriend. My family loves the Dominican Republic and we try to go once a year. I've stayed at several resorts in Punta Cana, and have visited the territories of some of the other ones. The Paradisus is gorgeous. The food and accomodations at the one in Puerto Plata were great, so I'm assuming it wouldn't be any different for the one in Punta Cana. Definitely get a massage there. The massages are great and cost less than they would in the U.S. You're going to have a great time!

Sorry, was not my wish nor intent to be cryptic. The resort that I stayed at has changed names and I do not recall what it is now. In 2001, was only a few year old and was an adult only. Was on the South-East shore line.

And neither my girl-friend nor I had any wish to leave the property. Something we both would, and have, normally done.
Armed guards at gates et al.....however the people that we did meet were very nice.
And given that it was right after 9.11 and the plane crash, it was very interest to talk to people about both.

And between asking for advise here and reading on the other sites, IMHO you would be better off reading the other sites you have either found on your own or have been provided here. For they would have a far bigger pool of information than here.

Thanks Tunatartare! I will put a few dollars away for a massage.
Appreciate the information.
SC

We went to the DR in August 03 and we stayed in Punta Cana. Nice all inclusive resort, trust when I say we got our party, drink and eat on!! We did go into town one day, and it was an experience to say the least, but we had a blast none the less.

Thanks KimL,
So going into town wasn't worth it?
SC

Most of the resorts are not near any of the "major" cities.
As I said, the best intructions you can find would be on the web sites.
Or ask the front desk once you are there.

Very few people at the resort I stayed at stepped a foot off of the property.