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Punta Cana All-Inclusives (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter offdee
- Start date
offdee
Footballguy
Have heard that it's reasonably priced, beautiful and it's somewhere that the GF and I have never been before (not interested in Jamaica, Hawaii or Mexico or Cruises)
If you have other suggestions for tropical all-inclusive destinations that won't break the budget, I'm all ears.
Baloney Sandwich
Footballguy
Going to Breathless in March for a work reward and have heard heard great things. Our best friends stayed there for their honeymoon and loved it.
offdee
Footballguy
I've heard this from others around these parts in the past. What makes this one so great?
comfortably numb
Footballguy
I was looking last month for the same thing and found Costa Rica to be better priced, leaving from NJ anyway.
belljr
Footballguy
I haven't stayed at any other resorts down there.
Take it with a grain as it was a long time ago.
Good food and variety of restaurants
Private clean beach
No kids
Another place in Jamaica was grand lido brace which I don't think exists anymore. Walked out my room onto. Beach
Ookie Pringle
Footballguy
IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Bávaro
Blind Tiger
Footballguy
I also have not stayed at any other resorts in Punta Cana, but we did honeymoon at Excellence in February for a week.
Positives:
- Beautiful private beach, which was nicer than a couple of other resorts that we saw when on excursions
- No kids
- Good food (I'd avoid the Mexican option, but the Asian place was great, lobster place, other good options)
- Room had an amazing view beach/water and hot tub on the balcony
- Plenty of bars and staff to provide drinks
- Premium liquor in the room (Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Gin) that we requested before we got there
- Staff was on top of everything we could possibly need to make our stay comfortable
- A lot of recent refurbishment of rooms and resort
Negatives:
- Not a lot of night life options if that's your thing. We were on the younger end of the curve at 39 and 37. The dance club was open until 2 or 3 and we went there one night but it was dead (maybe a dozen people) and I think most other bars closed between 10 and 12.
- Entertainment was average at best. Michael Jackson show was cool, but for the most part the shows weren't great.
If you stay there I recommend the Excellence Club membership. For an extra fee per day you get access to a number of perks including a private beach, many of which may or may not be helpful. Some people say it's not worth it, but my wife said it was worth every penny even if only because of how much more comfortable the deck chairs are that are on the "private" beach versus the "non-private" beach considering the number of hours spent on the beach.
Here's the list of club "benefits"
- Excellence Club includes private check-in and check-out / late check-out and early check-in, subject to availability.
- Private concierge service 7:00am – 11:00pm
- Private lounge - 7:00am to 11:00pm with free internet access, smart buffets and bar service
- Superior VIP toiletries by Bvlgari, upgraded mini-bar including wine and liquor preference and room-service menu
- Private beach
- Daily complimentary newspaper
- Beach bag
- Shoe shine service
- Daily fruit
- Fresh flowers in room upon arrival
- 37-Inch flat screen satellite television
- Radio/alarm clock with iPod connectivity
Valjean
Footballguy
We have gone to the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe the last two years. First time just my wife and I and the second time with two other couples who are close friends. The first year was during the Super Bowl at Metlife Stadium. (Wife planned that one). I planned the next one with our friends. We all Love this place. Steak House is great. Japanese Place is Great. Casino is fine. Spa is wonderful. Got a couples massage and wife was silly enough to ask me which girl I wanted for the massage and I blurted out the really hot one. Big mistake since it would have been better to watch the hot one give my wife the massage. lol. This year we are going with just one of the couples (We Share 4 season tickets to the Jets together) to Aruba again during the Super Bowl. With my luck the Jets will pull the greatest upset of all time and get into the Super Bowl and I will be chosen in the Season Ticket Lottery to go to the game. We are going to Aruba just to see if we like it better. I doubt it. I really loved the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe. By the way while watching the Super Bowl during the game Robert Herjavec from Shark Tank was next to us. He is a cool guy. Very friendly. I figure if he was OK with this place it is good enough for me. The Asian man he was with had shoes that are more expensive than my entire collection of cloths my wife said. She would know since she is in the fashion industry. lol
offdee
Footballguy
Great info, thanks! Talk to me about the premium liquor comment...all inclusives that I've been at in the past all had rail watered down liquor. Puts a damper on the festivities. Is that not the case here at the bars and in the rooms?
belljr
Footballguy
Blind tiger we got the package too. No idea what it's like without it. No one seemed to be checking that the club members were the only ones in their area. That could have changed.
Second the night life. We did kill time in the casino a lot
The lounge with free Internet was money to set my lineups lol
Second the night life. We did kill time in the casino a lot
The lounge with free Internet was money to set my lineups lol
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sbonomo
Footballguy
not bad at all...i will spend that in booze on trips.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
That's where I stayed. If I remember correctly, it had really good food.
Arizona Ron
Footballguy
Been to DR for work and vacation about 8 times. What are you looking for?
Resort only?
You alone or coupled up?
Want to explore a bit?
Want to see the city?
How's your Spanish?
Also, the resorts tend to change names/hands there some times especially the closer to Santo Domingo (e.g. Boca Chica has it's up and downs, La Ramana is very cool with local great food, San Pedro de Macoris is an amazing view [some of Jurassic Park was filmed there).
Ask me anything. Oh and the "ladies" give you receipts there btw.
Resort only?
You alone or coupled up?
Want to explore a bit?
Want to see the city?
How's your Spanish?
Also, the resorts tend to change names/hands there some times especially the closer to Santo Domingo (e.g. Boca Chica has it's up and downs, La Ramana is very cool with local great food, San Pedro de Macoris is an amazing view [some of Jurassic Park was filmed there).
Ask me anything. Oh and the "ladies" give you receipts there btw.
offdee
Footballguy
Just me and the GF. Just resort and relax time mostly. No spanish and don't need to see the city.
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Cold Dead Hands
Footballguy
I stayed at The Reserve.
There are actually three Melia owned resorts next to each other and you get access to the food and accommodations at the other two resorts as well. Triples the number of restaurants, bars, and pools that you have access to. They allow kids but have a kids zone water park that most of the kids go to during the day. I saw maybe 5 kids on the beach all week and saw two in the pool outside my room. All of the rooms have pool access right outside the building as the pool wraps around the grounds. Free internet in the rooms. I'd get a ground floor, pool view as you get a large patio with a private cabana and private access to the pool right outside of your room.
There are actually three Melia owned resorts next to each other and you get access to the food and accommodations at the other two resorts as well. Triples the number of restaurants, bars, and pools that you have access to. They allow kids but have a kids zone water park that most of the kids go to during the day. I saw maybe 5 kids on the beach all week and saw two in the pool outside my room. All of the rooms have pool access right outside the building as the pool wraps around the grounds. Free internet in the rooms. I'd get a ground floor, pool view as you get a large patio with a private cabana and private access to the pool right outside of your room.
Stayed at the Riu Macao in September and the Bahia Principe Ambar in 2013. Both are adults only, but the Macao is supposed to be changing sometime next year. The beaches at both are excellent with plenty of areas for sun and shade. The big difference was the food. The Ambar had much better food than the Riu. Breakfast and lunch were comparable, but dinner was very repetitive at the Riu and lesser quality. We enjoyed both trips and the price couldn't be beat compared to Jamaica.
Bogeys
Footballguy
I went 3 years ago with my wife and stayed at the Catalonia Royal Bavarro adults only. If you can swing a pool suite it is pretty nice...although don't expect any privacy in your pool, the sidewalk runs right by it.
Very low key place so if you are looking for any excitement I would go elsewhere...no loud music or party type things going on here.
Oh...and go do the zip lines! By far the best zip lining experience I have ever had. Double lines so no sagging and really long runs.
Very low key place so if you are looking for any excitement I would go elsewhere...no loud music or party type things going on here.
Oh...and go do the zip lines! By far the best zip lining experience I have ever had. Double lines so no sagging and really long runs.
E-Z Glider
Footballguy
I get not wanting to go to Jamaica, but what's not to like about Riviera Maya? We went there over Thanksgiving because the airfare was much cheaper than Punta Cana. Once you get a little south of Cancun, its really nice. Nice beaches/snorkeling, cool towns (like Tulum and Akumal), and the cenotes are awesome. We did Grand Bahia (which was really nice), but seems like all the mega-resorts there get good reviews.
Arizona Ron
Footballguy
Stay in Punta Cana then. Just search resorts there. There's an airport in Punta Cana; make sure you fly in there - don't fly in Santo Domingo International (even though it's usually cheaper) because the drive from SD to Punta Cana is way too long, dangerous and will ruin your trip.
El Floppo
Footballguy
yeah- I'm not an AI guy, so I can't talk to prices or specifics, but these two places also jump to mind that have them that I've been to and are less expensive than a lot of the caribbean: Antigua, Riviera Maya (Tulum area in Mexico).
I just got back from Antigua- crazy cheap direct flight from NYC and it's a really nice island (English, with some decent culture and history there). seems to have a fair number of AIs ranging from one of the nicer ones in the caribbean (Jumby bay) to Sandals, to a lot of others that are a range of prices.
I've only been to DR once (punta cana... wish I could remember the hotel, because it wasn't great) and wasn't blown away. but caveat that my experience was severely limited by the place we stayed which had crap food, tiny beach-front jammed with guests, meh water, great pool, decent room.
eta: I just remembered we went to an AI on Barbuda (sister island to Antigua) 10+ years ago which was amazing. The Beach House
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jb1020
Footballguy
The wife and I went to Now Larimar last spring. It was a free trip with her work so I didn't complain too much. I'd say it was all average at best. I don't know that I would go back even if it was free.
I'd rather spend $4000 and go back to Costa Rica and rent a house for a week than go back to DR for free.
I'd rather spend $4000 and go back to Costa Rica and rent a house for a week than go back to DR for free.
Blind Tiger
Footballguy
Premium means different things to different people, but we called ahead and asked for Vodka, Rum, Tequila, and Gin to be in the room. In our room were unopened 750 ml bottles of Absolut, Ron Barcelo Premium, Bombay Sapphire, and Don Julio. They replaced each bottle when requested with new unopened bottles. After a couple of days we replaced the Absolut with Grey Goose after talking to the concierge and the rum with J.D.
Also in the room was beer, wine, soda and all the other stuff you'd expect. The bars did use well/rail liquors unless a premium was requested. I never got the sense that anything was watered down, but wasn't really worried about it since the drinks were mixed and it was free anyway.
We did take advantage of the free internet in the lounge as our phones were off and in the safe virtually the entire trip. The lounge was accessible with your room key. In response to Bell's comment about checking the club area for members, it only happened a couple of times but they did check. I assume the worst that happened was they made you go to the other area.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Grand Palladium has a resort in PC. I've not stayed there (a friend has), but I've stayed at their Riviera Maya resort 8 or 9 times and love it. They have exclusive adults-only sections that have upgraded services, better booze, etc.....in all of their resorts. If you're interested, I can shoot you some links. Again, I've only stayed GP RM and would strongly recommend that place, but have heard good things about all of their locations.
Polish Hammer
made of glass
Most of the resorts recommended here are adults only. Any experience with ones allowing kids? Looking to take my wife and kids (7&9) on a trip in early 2016. Looking for AI so wife gets drunk and 
.
Stayed at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya last December and had a great experience there.
.Stayed at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya last December and had a great experience there.
Cold Dead Hands
Footballguy
The melia resorts I mentioned are family friendly.
NutterButter
Footballguy
I'm going to Moon Palace in Cancun in a week with my 6 and 9 year old girls. I'll let you know how it goes.Most of the resorts recommended here are adults only. Any experience with ones allowing kids? Looking to take my wife and kids (7&9) on a trip in early 2016. Looking for AI so wife gets drunk and
Stayed at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya last December and had a great experience there.
wilked
Footballguy
All-inclusives are for middle-America
If you are looking Carribean, couple good options that can be done on the cheap:
-Pick an island in Puerto Rico (Culebra or Vieques)
-St Johns
-Belize (Amergris Caye good choice)
Galileo
Footballguy
Good to hear this...I am heading there with the family the week after Christmas.Most of the resorts recommended here are adults only. Any experience with ones allowing kids? Looking to take my wife and kids (7&9) on a trip in early 2016. Looking for AI so wife gets drunk and
Stayed at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya last December and had a great experience there.
Polish Hammer
made of glass
If you signed up with the promo where you get the "resort credit" this is actually a good deal. Basically, when you use them it is an 80% discount on the price of the services there. We pretty much used them for the palapas (or whatever you call them) set up on the beach. We ended up getting it for the day for like $20 or $40. It included champagne, an appetizer that was off the menu for the rest of the resort, and a staff member personally assisting you. We really liked it. He would just run and get us shots, food, drinks all day. Threw him some extra cash at the end for it and he was very grateful. Basically told him I wanted him to make sure the wife and I got drunk, and he did just that. Plus the kids loved him.Good to hear this...I am heading there with the family the week after Christmas.Most of the resorts recommended here are adults only. Any experience with ones allowing kids? Looking to take my wife and kids (7&9) on a trip in early 2016. Looking for AI so wife gets drunk and
Stayed at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya last December and had a great experience there.
The staff there was really great when we went. One guy who seemed to be a leader of the event staff was Cosme, and that dude is awesome. There are sports and activities for the kids and adults. We won a bottle of tequila for doing well at Pictionary at the bar one day. The Mexican restaurant (Frida?) was pretty good. If you get Pamela as a server, ask her to make the special coffee for you as dessert, it's a good show. They'll use rail liquor there, but if you ask for anything else you'll get it no questions asked. Some pretty decent tequilas were being served up there and it was awesome. If you have any questions, PM me.
RUSF18
Footballguy
Care to share where you stayed in Antigua? We're thinking of going in Jan/Feb. Flight prices were great like you said but hotels were more expensive than other locations so would like to target the best option if spending good money. Thanks.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
culdeus
Footballguy
I'm a fan of the AO/AI mainly for cost reasons. I did rent a place in Kauai for a week last year instead of the AOAI type deal. I still think for the money AOAI is a good value.
Most of the excellence type resorts have base rooms available in the $300-400/night range depending on when you book. I've gotten deal as low as $280 before but those days are over. It's hard to even get a decent VRBO alone for that cost let alone food and drink and etc.
I think people that do the AOAI understand there are tradeoffs. Same reason that people do cruises know there are tradeoffs.
NutterButter
Footballguy
Does anywhere do AI for just food or just alcohol? The days of getting my money's worth on the alcohol side of things are over. I do like to eat though.
culdeus
Footballguy
Yeah, there are a few like this. The Ritz all inclusives work like this on a split I think. You will not find it substantially cheaper, however. They may only credit you back like $25 a day and you get to wear the no-fun wristband all day.
sbonomo
Footballguy
I got married in St John. There is no way to do that area cheap unless you plan on renting a run down house and cooking all of your own meals.
All-inclusives are for middle-America
If you are looking Carribean, couple good options that can be done on the cheap:
-Pick an island in Puerto Rico (Culebra or Vieques)
-St Johns
-Belize (Amergris Caye good choice)
wilked
Footballguy
I found $400 flights in Feb (depends on exact schedule). This airbnb is $200/night for a sweet place.I got married in St John. There is no way to do that area cheap unless you plan on renting a run down house and cooking all of your own meals.
All-inclusives are for middle-America
If you are looking Carribean, couple good options that can be done on the cheap:
-Pick an island in Puerto Rico (Culebra or Vieques)
-St Johns
-Belize (Amergris Caye good choice)
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1218923?checkin=02%2F13%2F2016&checkout=02%2F20%2F2016&guests=2&s=_t3Sj32Q
Full kitchen so you can save dough by not eating out most meals. You are into it for $2300 for a couple for one week before any additions. Assume you have to rent a vehicle to really partake in the island, so in the end the final tally will be close to $3K. Still, for that plus the price of snorkel gear you will have a vacation that absolutely blows a Punta Cana out of the water, there is no comparison
