SOS! - Punta Cana vs Sosua?

tdd3 · #1 12-06-2006, 02:10 PM

Hello All,

I am very new to this user community and thank you for your patience as I learn proper etiquette in connecting with people.

I have travelled for the last two years to Puerta Plata, but have actually stayed in Sosua, during the summer. My inaugural trip was in 2004 and I had such a great time I went again in 2005. This year I didn't think I would get a chance to go, but found out at the last minute that I could get out for a few days and was planning my annual, albeit very last minute trip, to Sosua. Unfortunately, I found out just yesterday that all the flights during the time I can go are booked. The only option that seems workable is Punta Cana.

The advantage of going to Sosua at the times that I did was the benefit of knowing someone who had already been there several times who could show me the ropes. I am sure it saved me a lot of time and money in finding an inexpensive and clean place to stay, in addition to ensuring I didn't get jipped at every junction by the locals (who case tourists from the time you deplane at the airport to determine how they can get your money). I developed a relationship with the people at the condo I stayed at, the places I went to eat, and, of course, having fun at the beach and clubs.

The prospect of traveling to Punta Cana, albeit at the very last minute, is a bit interesting because I don't know anyone there, don't know the places to go there, or where to stay. I was able to stay at a nice condo for just $50/night in Sosua and knew good places to each cheap. I didn't budget for an expensive hotel and don't particularly need a 5 star hotel to enjoy myself.

I will be traveling with my buddy, and he knows no Spanish, while I might know 17 words :-)

To the point, can anyone give me insight on how Punta Cana is versus Sosua, if there are any decent, clean and inexpensive places to stay there, and what good local spots I should visit if I do decide to go there. I am talking like next week if I plan to go.

Thanks.

Kyle · #2 12-06-2006, 02:58 PM

hang in there..i'm going through the Boca Chica vs Sosua situation so i completely understand.

Punta Cana has quite a few hotels. i would suggest doing a search on this forum first....

DavidZ · #3 12-06-2006, 03:44 PM

Im landing in Punta Cana next week, then heading up to Sosua/Cabarete. Ive only been to PC once, but one of my best friends lives there now. Figures, he's heading back to the states the day after I arrive. However, I do know it's completely different from Sosua. It is, basically, much more upsclae and has been designed from the start as a haven for All-Inclusive (AI) tourism. While over the last few years several non-AI hotels have opened, and condos have been built...as well as many restaurants, stores, etc, it's really designed for someone who wants to stay at their resort and relax. Unfortunately, I doubt you'll find many $50 a night condos or hotels. Definitely not a "walking town" like Sosua, it's very spread out, so I don't think you're going to find an area with lots of reasonably priced restaurants and bars, all within the same few blocks...

All that being said, if you do some research, you may find an AI resort for well under $100 pp that includes all you can eat and drink, in a nice resort with several restaurants, bars, pools, awesome beach, casino, entertainment, etc...

DavidZ · #4 12-06-2006, 03:46 PM

And kyle... Boca Chica is more similar to Sosua... if you look through the site, you'll see several hotels in the $50 or so price range, walking distance to the beach, and there are plenty of inexpensive restaurants and bars...many right on the beach...the major difference is the nightlife...it's MUCH quieter in BC

laurapasinifan · #5 12-06-2006, 03:48 PM

I think they are like night and day( sosua -punta cana).....playa dorado-punta cana is a closer match...but like a 3 star and a 5 star hotel comparison....I am talking the genral area....because you can probably find a dump in punta cana , and you can probably find a super palace someplace in the puerto platta area.

if you love the night life and meeting single women....punta cana COULD end be a little dissapointing....

I would classify the punta cana area as a PURE vacation paradise....killer beaches and hotels, and casinos.....but you will have less opportunity to mix it up.....at the very least it would take more effort.

and Sosua as a mixture of island life, resort, hub of vacation activity style.

generally speaking people who love the punta cana area , wont want to go to Sosua.... and the people that love what Sosua offers, wont have as much fun in Punta cana.

what ever you do...we want to hear about it afterwards

bob

cruzan · #6 12-06-2006, 03:59 PM

I was waiting for the 'locals' to wade into this one, but oh well......I think the biggest difference is when you go to Punta Cana, you'll have a tough time at the airport. Especially leaving. You will be 'stuck' at the hotel in PC which is not a bad thing, depending on where you are staying. There really is no such thing as a town or city of PC, it is an area. Sosua, as you know, is a town...nice beach, laid back,bars to walk to. PC is like going to Cancun....no city just a string of hotels... the hotels in PC are just as pretty and you lie around eating and drinking at the hotel..hope this helps

tdd3 · #7 12-06-2006, 07:26 PM

Hello new friends!

That has been absolutely GREAT feedback and just about what I expected with so much available seating to get to Punta Cana. I haven't been able to find anything in the way of flights to Puerta Plata, Santiago, or Santo Domingo, the last two of which I wouldn't have minded visiting if not to Sosua. I am interested in some R&R, but my goal is to have some fun and enjoy the night life. The great thing about my time in Sosua is that I completely forgot about home, work, and all the stresses after about 2 days. Can't remember the last time I felt like that.

If anyone knows of any other hidden, not so touristy, treasures that are good for a 4 to 5 day getaway, I would be greatful. The folks in Sosua are so friendly and make you not want to go home, like EVER! Those who have been there know what I mean. I miss it.

Cheers and thanks.

laurapasinifan · #8 12-06-2006, 11:17 PM

curious...what are the dates you NEED... and where are you flying out of?

Santiago is only an hour to an hour and a half from Sosua.....a lot of people will fly to STI and get a ride somehow to the north coast.....

bob

tdd3 · #9 12-07-2006, 12:01 PM

I was looking at leaving December 13 or 14 and returning on December 17 or 18. Flying out of Dallas/Ft. Worth International. All flights seem to be overbooked flying from DFW to POP, STI and Santo Domingo.

Kyle · #10 12-07-2006, 12:13 PM

David, i like a little quieter.hope BC is not like an old folks home. the curfew has quieted a lot of towns down....