CdnDisneyNut
<font color=coral>What way does the "C" go again?<
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2002
- Messages
- 7,185
Just back from a week in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) ; where the only ice we found was in our drinks.
There were a few set backs on our first day. To start off got ready to take the shuttle from the hotel to the airport. Arrived at he hotel lobby ant there where close to 100 people waiting for the shuttle. Ended up taking a taxi. Plane boarded on time and then announced navigation system was not working and the planes were dispatched manually and expected to be a 20minute delay. Next they told us that one of our flight attendants had car problems and was waiting for CAA for a boost; another 20 minute wait (if I had car problems would they hold the plane for me) I know that they probably needed x number of attendants per passengers before take off. Plane left the gate off to be de-iced and then the way we go. We made up some time on the flight down.
Glad to be the land of the sun. We left temperatures in the 12ºC to a balmy 29ºC.
No problem going customs and off to the bus to take us to resort. A passenger that was on our bus had problem with the luggage and had to file a damage report (another delay) Fifteen minutes latter on to the resort we go. We got half way to the resort and our bus encountered mechanical problems and another bus was dispatched. After transferring the luggage to the new bus we are the road again. Finally arrived at the resort.
At check in the hotel voucher only had my friend name (he had the booking) and no record of myself. After a talk to the tour rep everything got straighten out; given our resort bands and off to our room. Opened the hotel room and noticed only one king bed (requested two doubles). Back down to registration to get our room changed. View was not as good as the original room but at least we have two beds. We will not be in our room much anyway.
We stayed at the Occidental Allegro Punta Cana. I have read mixed review on the web about the resort (from the place was a dump to one of the best resort) Mixed reviews on the staff and food as well. Did not know what to expect. They had just finished a $6 mill US renovations. Renovations were not totally complete (95%). There were installing the TV cabinet doors in our building but hardly notice the workers. The resort was very clean. They had staff cleaning up the beach each morning picking up the seaweed that came ashore overnight. We were told if you wanted a lounge chair around the pool to claim them early. We had no problem getting chairs at any time of day.
The weather was great, warm during the day and slightly cooler in the evening (had to change from shorts to long pants). Hardly rained at all. Rained only three times and only lasted about half hour each time.
Food was good. We tried all of the specialty (Italian, Seafood, Grill and Caribbean) restaurants. We only wished there was more variety day to day at the buffet restaurant. The bars and bartenders were great. Sample a variety of drinks everyday
Took a truck safari trip to get a look at the true Dominican life. Toured the sugar cane fields, cigar museum, a Dominican home, .a schoolhouse. We had candies for the children we saw on route. At the schoolhouse a friend ha brought a couple of baseballs. You should have seen the smile on the kids face when they were handed the baseball. Look like they were given a million dollars.
The activation staff at the resort worked very hard. They had activities all day if you wanted to get involved. They had shows most evenings and were very entertaining.
Overall we had a very relaxed holiday. A little rest by the pool, a little swimming, a little stroll along the beach, a walk throughout the resort among other things
There were a few set backs on our first day. To start off got ready to take the shuttle from the hotel to the airport. Arrived at he hotel lobby ant there where close to 100 people waiting for the shuttle. Ended up taking a taxi. Plane boarded on time and then announced navigation system was not working and the planes were dispatched manually and expected to be a 20minute delay. Next they told us that one of our flight attendants had car problems and was waiting for CAA for a boost; another 20 minute wait (if I had car problems would they hold the plane for me) I know that they probably needed x number of attendants per passengers before take off. Plane left the gate off to be de-iced and then the way we go. We made up some time on the flight down.
Glad to be the land of the sun. We left temperatures in the 12ºC to a balmy 29ºC.
No problem going customs and off to the bus to take us to resort. A passenger that was on our bus had problem with the luggage and had to file a damage report (another delay) Fifteen minutes latter on to the resort we go. We got half way to the resort and our bus encountered mechanical problems and another bus was dispatched. After transferring the luggage to the new bus we are the road again. Finally arrived at the resort.
At check in the hotel voucher only had my friend name (he had the booking) and no record of myself. After a talk to the tour rep everything got straighten out; given our resort bands and off to our room. Opened the hotel room and noticed only one king bed (requested two doubles). Back down to registration to get our room changed. View was not as good as the original room but at least we have two beds. We will not be in our room much anyway.
We stayed at the Occidental Allegro Punta Cana. I have read mixed review on the web about the resort (from the place was a dump to one of the best resort) Mixed reviews on the staff and food as well. Did not know what to expect. They had just finished a $6 mill US renovations. Renovations were not totally complete (95%). There were installing the TV cabinet doors in our building but hardly notice the workers. The resort was very clean. They had staff cleaning up the beach each morning picking up the seaweed that came ashore overnight. We were told if you wanted a lounge chair around the pool to claim them early. We had no problem getting chairs at any time of day.
The weather was great, warm during the day and slightly cooler in the evening (had to change from shorts to long pants). Hardly rained at all. Rained only three times and only lasted about half hour each time.
Food was good. We tried all of the specialty (Italian, Seafood, Grill and Caribbean) restaurants. We only wished there was more variety day to day at the buffet restaurant. The bars and bartenders were great. Sample a variety of drinks everyday
Took a truck safari trip to get a look at the true Dominican life. Toured the sugar cane fields, cigar museum, a Dominican home, .a schoolhouse. We had candies for the children we saw on route. At the schoolhouse a friend ha brought a couple of baseballs. You should have seen the smile on the kids face when they were handed the baseball. Look like they were given a million dollars.
The activation staff at the resort worked very hard. They had activities all day if you wanted to get involved. They had shows most evenings and were very entertaining.
Overall we had a very relaxed holiday. A little rest by the pool, a little swimming, a little stroll along the beach, a walk throughout the resort among other things
But it sounds like everything settled down and you had a great time. I bet you were so glad to step off that plane into the warmth down there! What a nice break from this endless winter. I guess it's back to reality now.
popular date 
