First timer-Honeymoon,Juan Dolio,Coral Costa Carib

My future wife and I are staying at the Coral Costa Caribe in Juan Dolio at the end of June. I have a few questions? Coral Costa Caribe- any personal experience info? I have read about everything on any website about the resort. Taxi- to resort from airport, and to Santo Domingo (daily trans.)any advice? Money- resort, bank, or 'money store' Safety- anything we should know about the area? Rental car- is it OK for Americans to rent cars, is it easy to get around? I've heard a few of those stories about Police pulling you over for no reason. Food- looking for quality & quantity, not necessarily elegance. Any good little seafood or native food shacks in the area. Saona Island- Is it worth visiting? How do you recommend to get there? Touring- any good company in the area?

Thanks, Jason

There is a bus that runs daily from San Pedro de Macoris along the highway to Santo Domingo - just go out on the road and wave for it to stop. It's so cheap, takes an hr or less I think, and runs frequently during the day - check hotel desk for time it stops. Dominicans drive like maniacs so if you rent a car, be prepared. I've only been in cars with Dominicans, and yes the police do stop people for no apparent reason (cash exchanges hands) but I don;t know if they frequently stop tourists. I was on my own when in Juan Dolio, so took the all-inclusive to save $$, but from walking around i saw lots of local places along the beach road that are probably not too expensive and are good. S P de Macoris has lots of places to eat, see merengue bands and walk along malecon. Maybe take a bus in and walk around to learn more. Happy Honeymoon!

Hi,

you picked a nice place for your vacation. Costa Caribe is one of the best hotels in this area. Juan Dolio is a very small village --- not a lot to do. San Pedro is about 12 miles to the east ---- and I agree with Doreen, go to see the Malecon --- best on a weekend. Bus service is not regular --- sometimes 5 buses in 2 minutes and sometimes you have to wait 15 minutes. The fare to San Pedro is 5 peso. Driving is OK --- just be very careful. To rent a car is between 30 and 70 $ US. Any more questions ---- sent an e-mail. nolteuwe@aol.com Best regards. Uwe Nolte (Germany)