New questions now I know what I want & Dom Rep advice?

MrsE_2

EDITED TO CHANGE QUESTION:D
Now I know what I want!!!
Can any Dom Rep regulars recommend me an AI hotel.

My wants are (in order of importance).

1. A beautiful palm beach & calm very clear warm sea (east or south I guess for this?).

2. Great food - a good selection of a la cartes in addition to buffet would be idea.

3. Hubby wants somewhere with an adults only pool (we stayed at the Reef Oasis Blue Bay in Sharm last year & they had one & it was heaven). Adults only hotel would be OK too.

4. A coral reef & good snorkling, would be a bonus.

5. We do like day trips & excursions (is the east too far away from everything?).

We hardly drink, so are not worried about bars/nightlife. We don't bother with the evening entertainment - so don't care how dire it is.

Someone told me this place has an adults only pool
http://www.bahia-principe.com/en/Hotels ... /index.htm

http://www.excellence-resorts.com/all-i ... erview.htm
Liking this, but cheapest I can find is £1411 (each).

Also heard of Blue Bay adults only hotels, but I think I seen a watchdog programme on the TV which said the Cancun one was seedy & full of swingers:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
Many thanks for any replies

Incapuppy

Maybe the premium seats have already been sold for the dates you are looking at - have you tried another few dates to check?

spender

The upgrade is normally about £250.00 per person return. It depends whether the slightly extra leg room and wider seat and free drinks make the price worth it. Quite frankly we use "Your seat your choice" for about £75.00 and chose the two seats at the back. We spend about £30.00 on drinks and snacks so therefore save on the upgrade price. OH is 6'2" and with the seat pitch of 34" anyway has no problems.

stephb34

Ring your local thomas cook travel agent as they'll help you with exactly what you want and if you mention the internet they'll probably match the price depends when it is you want to go, also it maybe cheaper at the travel agents it isnt always cheaper on the net. Premium seat prices depend on the date you want to go as they generally start from £149 but when we did cuba at easter they were £259 each.
Tell us the dates, airports, people etc and we'll have a look.

M4RKM

maybe ask in the flights forum - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=193

MrsE_2

stephb34 wrote: »

Ring your local thomas cook travel agent as they'll help you with exactly what you want and if you mention the internet they'll probably match the price depends when it is you want to go, also it maybe cheaper at the travel agents it isnt always cheaper on the net. Premium seat prices depend on the date you want to go as they generally start from £149 but when we did cuba at easter they were £259 each.
Tell us the dates, airports, people etc and we'll have a look.

I'm really easy about dates, would like to go in November (if we can afford it) or maybe March or April 10 if not (don't want to go May to Oct in case of hurracaines:eek:) & don't want Dec or even Jan/Feb (as too near Xmas).

Like the look of the Iberostar Costa Dorada

http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/travel24.html



Ranked no 1 (of 60) on Trip Advisor

stephb34

No probs il have a look tomorrow i take its for 2 people, 1 week or 2 and where do you want to fly from.

brazilianwax

MrsE wrote: »

I'm really easy about dates, would like to go in November (if we can afford it) or maybe March or April 10 if not (don't want to go May to Oct in case of hurracaines:eek:) & don't want Dec or even Jan/Feb (as too near Xmas).

Like the look of the Iberostar Costa Dorada

http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/travel24.html



Ranked no 1 (of 60) on Trip Advisor

I was in Puerto Plata in July 98 and there was a hurricane - truly one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen and not at all scary.

Mind you I was in a family run hotel in a small village rather than the huge resort which meant I lived it with the locals rather than tetchy tourists

Other than that be aware that the resort that hotel is on is massive - all concrete hotels and pools and thousands of British/American/German tourists (the only locals will be working there). I think they make you wear armbands at all times to show which hotel you're staying at, and although some allow you to eat in other hotels in the resort, the choice may be limited. The resort has armed guards on the entrance and you won't be able to explore alone - if you want to get out of the resort you'll have to do an organised excursion. We were able to wander around the village freely, but with the resort that's all there is. I think they make you wear armbands to show which hotel you're staying at, and although some allow you to eat in other hotels in the resort, the choice may be limited.

Fine if you want a pool holiday, but not great if you get bored easily (IMO).

MrsE_2

brazilianwax wrote: »

I was in Puerto Plata in July 98 and there was a hurricane - truly one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen and not at all scary.

Mind you I was in a family run hotel in a small village rather than the huge resort which meant I lived it with the locals rather than tetchy tourists

Other than that be aware that the resort that hotel is on is massive - all concrete hotels and pools and thousands of British/American/German tourists (the only locals will be working there). I think they make you wear armbands at all times to show which hotel you're staying at, and although some allow you to eat in other hotels in the resort, the choice may be limited. The resort has armed guards on the entrance and you won't be able to explore alone - if you want to get out of the resort you'll have to do an organised excursion. We were able to wander around the village freely, but with the resort that's all there is. I think they make you wear armbands to show which hotel you're staying at, and although some allow you to eat in other hotels in the resort, the choice may be limited.

Fine if you want a pool holiday, but not great if you get bored easily (IMO).

Thank you.

Reading the reports people say its a short 10-20 minute stroll along the beach to the main town (& a cab/bus ride) to Puerto Plata, so people are walking out & about.

Its not a huge hotel, only about 500 bedrooms.

I do want mainly a beach (not pool) holiday. We tend to do two days beach & sea and one day out.

There are 3 a la cartes & one main buffet restaurant, so can vary it around.

Only one AI I've ever stayed in made the guests wear wrist (not arm) bands. If the hotel is secure they don't often bother.

MrsE_2

stephb34 wrote: »

No probs il have a look tomorrow i take its for 2 people, 1 week or 2 and where do you want to fly from.

2 people, 2 weeks, Gatwick.

:beer:

Thank you:D

Interested in Nov & March 10.

dorsetjohn_3

MrsE wrote: »

I'm really easy about dates, would like to go in November (if we can afford it) or maybe March or April 10 if not (don't want to go May to Oct in case of hurracaines:eek:) & don't want Dec or even Jan/Feb (as too near Xmas).

Like the look of the Iberostar Costa Dorada

http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/travel24.html



Ranked no 1 (of 60) on Trip Advisor

look at iberostar punta cana on the east coast . slighlty nicer hotel and a far superior beach