Cuba or Dominican Republic *updated could be Jamacia *

[angel659]

I am thinking of going to either one. I really like the hotels in Bavaro at DR. It looks lovely with the palm trees. Cuba also looks nice, however the beaches seem to lack palm trees. It doesnt get me. Although the sea looks amazing compared to Dominican Republic. I was hoping that there maybe a few people on here who has been to both.

Which one did you prefer??

 

[cabmom]

Hi, we were in Cayo Coco, Cuba the last week in March. It was beautiful! We were to DR about 10 yrs ago and would not go back.

I have pics if you liked to see them.

Also, I stayed with a family on Hawthorne Ave. Rainham for a couple of summers!

 

[Chilly]

My parents have been to Cuba twice now and they love it, they don't normally go back to places twice.

They also visited DR for one night (long story) and were not impressed. Actually the 2nd time they went to Cuba they were going to give DR the benefit of the doubt and give it a try but Cuba won out in the end.

 

[PoppyAnna]

Never been to either as yet, but I would love to go to Cuba, we had a trip planned, but I got pregnant, it's a long story! The history of the place facinates me. DH would love to try the cigars and the food and music are a big attraction for me too.
IMO, there's a great deal of culture and history in Cuba whereas I see DR as a Caribbean holiday island destination (which could be totally unfair ).
If you asked me to choose one having never visited, I'd say Cuba everytime.

 

[CustardTart]

Out of the two, Cuba! Going back next November - would never go to Dom Rep as have heard very negative tales from friends! We're going to Cayo Libertad Royal Island - it's gorgeous..

And there's just so much to do/see there...

Barbados, however, is my one true Caribbean love...

 

[angel659]

Thanks everyone. We are only going for a week and will be leaving the children at home to celebrate my birthday. We wont be doing any excursions. Literally beach, pool and hotel.

I am having problems finding hotels in Cuba that have good reviews on Trip Advisor thats within budget. I am still looking.

Oh thats a lovely picture where was that taken?

Which hotels have you stayed in??

 

[Goofyish]

Everytime I see DR mentioned on TV it seems to be about food poisoning!

 

[wideeyes]

My parents went to Cuba and loved it and I would love to go. I would not go to DR though, I have never heard any good about it.

 

[carolfoy]

Cuba definately, if you had to keep calling people to tell them their hotel has been shut due to food poisoning like I have to do sometimes, you'd know why.

the cayo cocos have reasonable hotels, flight code CCC if you're looking it up online, varadero area on the mainland is the main resort, go above 3 * if you can, particularly if you're all inclusive, (the three stars are limited on meal choice, you'll probably get bored!)

 

[~Piglet~]

We wont be doing any excursions. Literally beach, pool and hotel.

I stayed at the Iberostar Costa Dorada in Puerto Plata last September and really enjoyed it, despite my doubts! I am not one for sitting round the pool & sunbathing etc but due to my Sister getting married I had to go

The hotel was spot on, very friendly staff and gorgeous food (I still dream about the food ). Even though it is a fairly big hotel you never felt overcrowded by the pool, which was enormous, and the beach is a short walk away (100m-ish). Have a look on 'tripadvisor' (although how some people rate it badly is beyond me ).

There were 50+ of us and nobody had any problems with dodgy tummys etc although most had problems after a night of cocktails due to the strong measures

 

[angel659]

Thanks everyone. The problem I have found is that Cuba is colder in January. Dom Rep is warmer.

We have chosen the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus on Bayahibe. We havent booked anywhere yet. The reviews on Trip Advisor is excellent.

Although reading on here now about food poisening is worrying. I hope its 3 star hotels that caused this.

 

[cabmom]

OOPS, that's not Cuba that's a picture from our house in winter!

 

[irongirlof12]

we had a 2 week stay in DR for our honeymoon, the island was just starting our in tourism then. Our hotel was really nice and the beach and clear blue sea were amazing. as a beach holiday it's fab, but not a lot else to do , for a week you should be okay. I wasn't keen on the food and we didn't get food poisonisng. we had a lot of goat stew and lamb and i'm more of a chicken person. the breakfasts were nice and we could get pizza and burgers at the snack bar.

I'm sure you will have a fab time, it's a great place and the locals are very friendly. if you take a footie shirt for the bar staff they will love you forever

 

[torsie24]

Cuba! I'd love to go there, and I don't know anyone who hasn't gone to DR and not got food poisoning!!

 

[~Piglet~]

We have chosen the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus on Bayahibe

If the Hacienda Dominicus is up to the same standard as the Iberostar Costa Dorada you will have a great time

 

[luke]

Hi, we were in Cayo Coco, Cuba the last week in March. It was beautiful! !

Oh we went there 2 years ago, it was so nice, just after i finished my teacher training so literally wanted pool, beach and bar, and couldn't have asked for more.

Stayed at the Melia Cayo Coco, no children allowed and it was bliss!!

We were there in June tho so got a good few thunder storms and the mosquitos were a killer, however the rum helped get of them :lmao

So another recommendation for Cuba here

 

[angel659]

We have had some good quotes with Thomas cook for Jamacia. The couples negril and Then a Sandals resort in Ochio Rios. I am now confused. Where do we go!! Lol.

 

[natalielongstaff]

We loved Jamaica when we went (it was 10yrs ago tho )

Dunns river falls is amazing !

 

[luke]

Friend of mine went to Jamaica and hated it, tho i guess you have to take anyone's accounts of any holidays with a pinch of salt, after all there are some people who've probably hated WDW

 

[angel659]

I was looking at Dunns as well. Looks so pretty. Something that I would have to do when we were over there.

I think Cuba is off the cards, because of the weather. Its not as hot as Jamacia, Dom Rep or some other islands.

If it was Cuba I have seen a nice hotel called Iberostar Varadero.

Decisions. I am taking my time with this one. I dont want to rush into anything. lol