Not using all inclusive

Has anyone been to a resort in DR and not used the all inclusive package? Does that create a problem?

Usually only co-owners have that privilege. I have rented and not done the all-inclusive. I prefer it. The grocery stores in PP have everything that we do in Canada. I have even taken frozen meat with me in a cooler bag. It stays frozen. There are lots of good restaurants in PP and the area for eating out.

You might not have an equiped kitchen where you are staying therefore, you won't be able to cook. Which resort are you thinking of staying at? Most only run all-inclusive now.

Whether or not it can pay off to stay at a resort without using their all inclusive is usually dependent on whether you will have an apartment or a room. If you cannot cook yourself, it is cheaper to go for the all inclusive (as a general rule), even if you do not eat all your meals on the spot.

However, I would personally advice you to go to a resort that doesn't do all inclusive. What can discourage me from the use of all inclusives is the mass tourism and that doesn't disappear although you chose not to buy the all inclusive package. Whereas if you go to a smaller and more independent resort/hotel the guests will usually also be more independent.

This is all a matter of preference. You figure out what you prefer and stick by it. Lots of people are very happy with the all inclusive concept. If that is what you feel like - with the lively night life, entertainment by the pool, lots of guests and guided tours - don't let anybody change your mind.

If you think independence sounds better, then try for individual apartments in for instance Costambar and Cofresi - just to the West of Puerto Plata - or try Samana where mass tourism is still at its very beginning. The beauty of Samana is stunning. More information on www.samana.net - link below.

Enjoy yourself.

Regards,
Susanne

For the last 10 years I never did all-inclusive. There is so much to do and see outside the resorts. And most off all not that many people.
I've seen everything been everywhere and never have had any problem, only a lot of fun and mostly with the locals.
They are so sweet and nice and appreciate when you come to their shop/restaurant or whatever.
I think I would miss that if I went to an AI.

We find that the all inclusive resorts are a good place to start your vacation in the DR. The all inclusive properties provide nice accomodations, regular meals and well kept properties. We use the resorts as a home base (packages are relatively inexpensive) then we travel into the country from that home base. We have been fortunate (after 10-years of travel to the DR) to have made friends with several Dominican families. These families have treated us like we are members of their families. We visit their homes, bring gifts to their children (mothers and grandmothers also) and cook meals in their kitchens. They also accompany us, as guides, on trips around the country. My point is that if you use the all inclusive resorts as a homebase, you can also visit the rest of the country without taking the packaged tours. Just make friends with a Dominican family and then live life as an adopted Dominican.

When in Sosua, i have stayed in the All inclusive resort Casa Marina Beach, but i have never had the all inclusive deal, just the room with breakfest. I'm going back in just a few days, ofcourse without all inclusive. It's so much better to go outside the resort, and eat and drink on the local resturants and bars in Sosua.

I agree with Rob and Tor. often when people stay at an all inclusive resort they might just as well be in Miami Beach. However for some tourists who are a little unsure of themselves, an AI may suit them until they get the feel of the country.

beach in Sosua. We'll be staying in Playa Dorada, but want to go hang out in Sosua a couple of days during our 2 wk stay. What would you suggest I "do"? So far, we plan to go to Eddies Bar and Grill for lunch and then would like to head to the beach for the afternoon. Is it easy to walk to from Eddies? Where in relation is Eddies to the beach, and what else is around it? Please describe if you wish, and thank you.

Eddy's is about a 10 to 30 minute walk from the beach, depending if you stop for a cold Presidente or 2 on the way. Just walk up the lane fromn the beach to (Pedro Clisante the main street. La Roca is on the corner. Turn right and start walking for about 4 blocks until you see a large supermarket (Super Super) on one corner, Banco de Reserves on another. You are at the city hall street. Turn left and keep walking. After about 100 metres you will see the city hall on the right. Eddy's is about another 30 metres on the right. If you have any problems, ask anyone. Everyone in town knows Eddy. Have a Presidente or more (muy frio por favor) for me.