Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

Any good suggestions on where to stay in the Dominican Republic (or where not to stay)?

We're considering a trip there later this year.

One key thing is that we want to be able to swim in the ocean and not deal with rocks or seawead. I want nice, soft sandy beaches and clean, clear water. Is this possible in DR?

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

We stayed at the Riu Naiboa. There are actually 5 resorts on the property and we styaed at the cheapest one. Our section was really nice, but there was no swim up bar. But you could use the ammenities at any of the other sections, except for the Palace. The food was ok for an all-inclusive, I've had better and I've had worse. The beach was absolutely amazing and we hund at the Bambu section the most.

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

I'm going to Iberostar Bavaro in May--will definitely give you a review.

melbalalala has stayed in DR twice--you should FM her--she's a pro at that island!

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

We stayed at Excellence Punta Cana in Jan of this year. It's an adults only all inclusive resort. It was beautiful. I have pics in my album if you want to take a look.

The water was rough and we were only allowed to swim in a small area on the beach. But the sand was beautiful.

Good luck in your search

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Mssisssy - we stayed at Excellence in the Riviera Maya last June. The resort was beautiful, so relaxing. It looks like the one in DR is very similar. The restaurants even have the same names!

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

Excellence Punta Cana...loved it! Definitely stay at a 4-5 star property in Punta Cana. It is so run down outside of the resort.

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

I would stay away from the Barcelo chain.
Also, the Santo Domingo area is not the best in terms of beaches.

Message edited 3/5/2008 6:57:39 PM.

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

We also stayed at Excellence......the rooms were nice sized and clean...mini bar had snacks and drinks all included..room service was included too......... friendly staff.... made those cute little towel animals and even drew us a flower bath..They bring you pizza,snacks, and drinks poolside....service wasn't as great on the beach.....the sand is soft, the water is beautiful..... a little rough at times....there is a coral reef a few feet from the shore-line that shouldn't be missed....snorkel gear is all included,as is boogie boards....They run activities every hour and perform cute shows at night.....My only complaint was we weren't crazy about the food(esp. seafood), but we tend to be a little picky....... Excursions we loved.....swimming w/sharks....so fun...it's on a party boat w/dj, dancing and drinks........ATV tour.....they toured the island including a cave and they brought you to calm swimming spot the was gorgeous....HTH.......

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

We stayed at Casa de Campo and it was absolutely gorgeous. But it was a bit far from everything. There was tons to do there on the property (golf, beach, pools, etc) but the bigger towns were pretty far. We did go to the rainforest and that was close.

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

We went to Excellence Punta Cana for our HM. Absolutely loved it. We plan to go back for every 5th anniversary. Here's a link to my review and pics on LIW

Re: Dominican Republic - where have you stayed?

Thanks ladies for all of your suggestions!!!

Looks like we'll be going to Barbados instead! We're going early September, and we wanted to be as far south as we could get to avoid the hurricane belt. We've already been to Aruba, so we're hitting up Barbados this time around.

And for all of you who suggested Excellence, we were conidering it since we stayed at Excellence in the Riviera Maya for one week last year. The resorts seemed very similar though.

Thanks again (maybe all your suggestions will help us the next time around!).