Puerta Plata DR

[greenclan67]

Just wondering if any of you lovely people can offer any advice on a vacation to the Dominican? My sister and her family ( older kids in early 20's), and my hubby and I with younger kids (7 & 9) We have never done this type of vacation before and really don't know where to start. Is Punta Cana better or Puerto Plata? Should I look at renting someones timeshare? A distant friend in my hometown has offered her timeshare for Lifestyle Crown Vacations VIP but it is $1200 for a 4 bdrm villa, and you have to pay your all-inclusive fee on top of that to the resort once you arrive, which is $47.50 per adult/per day, and $23.50 per child, per day. Plus flights. That seems a tad expensive.
I am also looking at Puerta Plata because they have Ocean World there, and my kids love Sea World. Is there anything like that on the Punta Cana side. Any advice, tips, timeshare rental ideas, would all be greatly appreciated. So bring them on. We are looking for March 2010. Please help fellow disers.

 

[mickilee]

I have numerous times. That does seem a bit steep. You should look around first. Since you want to go in March, including April * US spring break* . Please be aware if its near Spring break. Find a resort that doesnt allow under 21. It can get nasty there with the students. Since the staff do service alcohol to minors.

Ocean World is good, but dont expect it to be like Seaworld. You are traveling to a 3rd world country. I prefer Puerto Plata over Punta Canta. You get a more of experience of what its really like there. And also its way cheaper.

Punta Canta has manati park.. YUCK. Its not worth the money. What you heard is probably true.

Most people end up pick one side over the other ...Puerto plata is way cheaper, more to do there. Punta Canta does have way nicer beaches though. So if you are a beach person pick Punta Canta for its white sands..

Remember picking a resort there. our 4 star isnt like their 4 star. Standards are way different. I have had only had 1 problem at one resort. Once you complain, there are on it. Ok not right on it. They go by Dominican time. No one is in a rush there.

If you need more info please pm. I have tons of info. I will be moving there in a few years. I also know a great travel service and their prices always seem to be cheaper then anyone else if you are in the Toronto area. I have over 3000 pictures ..

 

[Alderbrook]

We've been to PP twice. We loved the RUI's. The time you're going is high season though. We went 7 years ago in Sept for 2 weeks & paid $1300 pp all inclusive for a 5 star. Day trips are EXPENSIVE!! Be aware that if you're planning on doing any take LOTS of cash.

Check out selloffvacations.com I always book thru them whenever we do all-inclusive. I really LOVE Cuba. Very safe there compared to DR. i also found DR dirty compared to Cuba.

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

We have been to DR several times and I think the last time we went will probably be our last! We have stayed at both sides and Punta Cana is definately nicer, newer resorts, nicer beaches, etc. The locals use to be very nice and now they seem to be very demanding. They will not leave you alone to get your stuff, it drove me crazy on our last trip that I had to stop going to the beach b/c one lady kept staking me. Definately go 4 or 5 star all-inclusive resort, and stay on the resort as much as possible. There are great deals to DR so just keep checking!

 

[tracycd2]

We have been to the DR 5 times.
We have been to Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and La Romana.
The Most beautiful beaches are found on the south side of the island
in La Romana. The south side of the island is on the Carribean Sea, not
the Atlantic ocean where it can get pretty rough some times.
There are some very nice resorts in the DR, I am sure you will enjoy
yourselves no matter where you choose.