puerto plata

ferociouskitten · #1 11-14-2005, 03:28 PM

hello- i am thinking of booking a trip to puerto plata mid january, staying at the Riu Bachata - can anyone tell me anything about Puerto Plata's beaches? Are they swimable? How about the Riu Bachata? Is it nice? Please help! I've never been to DR before, heard so many good things, want to take the hubby and kids! thanks so much!

planner · #2 11-14-2005, 03:35 PM

HI there, you've made a really good choice in coming to this country. This website is full of helpful information. Go to the search function on the top and search on the hotel, beaches etc. YOu will find lots to keep you busy reading for a while.

Whatever you don't find come on back and we'll be happy to answer your other questions.

The RIU's are very nice hotels, the beach is nice but not stunning. They've had some problems in the past but apparently they are fixed. I've not heard much lately as we are in low season.

ferociouskitten · #3 11-14-2005, 03:43 PM

thanks for the info. can you tell me what types of problems? just curious.

denisendavid · #4 11-14-2005, 04:06 PM

hello,
we just returned Sunday late evening from the RIU Bachata and we had a great time. yes, the beaches are not stunning to say but overall nice. actually there are 2 beaches, the one has not much sun due to lots of palm trees but the other is sunny and has all the water sports to use....paddle boats,parasailing, horseback ride (highly reccommend) etc. we stayed poolside more than the beach but overall was a great time. food and drinks were great, people and staff were very friendly. overall we would rate the hotel as a 4 out of 5. call ahead to make sure you have a room with hot water. the rooms were cleaned daily and the mini bar is full, and if you need anything refilled, just ask. daily activites were fun and the nightly shows were entertaining. we highly recommend goig on the jeep safari, not the outback safari or the monster jeep safari. the jeep safari offers a tour of a beautiful waterfall that you climb up 7 levels and slid/jump your way down...i only recommend if you are physically capable of this long 25 walk to the falls but a wonderful thrill when you get there. the people are great and friendly. i loved the trip and look forward to going back.

planner · #5 11-14-2005, 04:18 PM

Hey Denisendavid, obviously you got back to the hotel safe and sound. I left you 3 messages on Thursday and never heard back from you! I was a little concerned. Glad to hear the jeep safari was good. I love it too.

denisendavid · #6 11-14-2005, 04:26 PM

you left us messages??????????we asked at the front desk and they said no messages and no calls...............now i am really upset, thought we offended you in some way. we waited until 10:15 on friday morning and called you 2 times with no answer so we figured you were upset with us for some reason, so we just jumped a cab and went on to Sosua ourselves and snorkled and ate, had fun>>>>>>>

planner · #7 11-14-2005, 04:39 PM

Yup 3 messages!!! And nothing showed up on my cell phone from you at all......... damn I hate Verizon and some days you just can't get a message thru!

SO, for the OP going to the RIU - phone messages might not be received. Very similar in many of the hotels! You have to just keep trying to get someone directly on the phone.

Denise I sent you a PM.....

denisendavid · #8 11-14-2005, 04:57 PM

so sorry planner....hate that your day was shot waiting for us then worrying. we did have a BLAST that night we all went out, when we left you at the carwash, we went to MANGU for a few drinks then to the casino.and wow was Edwin amazed that we actually gambled american money and lost some at the tables. we could see him adding it up in his head what we spent compared to RD$. at the disco we got him a BUD LIGHT and a BUDWEISER to try and he liked them both, we also met his girlfriend that was there with her uncle and learned about the religious ways they are not to be seen out together. but all in all it was great to meet you and go out on the town, we had a blast that is beyond belief!!! wish we would have gotten those damn messages ........................

Syrita · #9 11-14-2005, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferociouskitten

hello- i am thinking of booking a trip to puerto plata mid january, staying at the Riu Bachata - can anyone tell me anything about Puerto Plata's beaches? Are they swimable? How about the Riu Bachata? Is it nice? Please help! I've never been to DR before, heard so many good things, want to take the hubby and kids! thanks so much!

ferociouskitten:
Hi, I was in Puerto Plata just recently and stayed at the Grand Flamenco. I loved our resort, it was amazing! The beaches are decent, not as nice as the other coast of D.R. but still nice. Check out this website, it has pictures and details on many resorts. www.livio.com

northbound · #10 11-14-2005, 06:19 PM

Which casino's are open earlier in the day?

Jack Tar starts at 4pm and I am looking for an earlier place.

Thanks