benefits of living outside AI Resort

adsilva · #1 08-01-2006, 10:04 AM

I've always traveled to AI resorts but I'm considering the opposite this time. Can anyone share their thoughts on the benefits of living in a private villa rather than an AI resort.

To me the prices seems the same with flight + taxes and AI or private villa. Except in the Private Villa there is no food provided (the food usually sucks in the AI resort anyways but there's plenty of alcohol)

Your thoughts...

Thank You
AD

Beads · #2 08-01-2006, 10:40 AM

Skip the AI buddy youll be miserable in one of those prison camps! Any group of young single guys should experience the DR outside the AI. Itll be a trip youll NEVER FORGET!

sweetdbt · #3 08-01-2006, 10:56 AM

The cost of villas varies enormously dependent on the size, level of luxuriousness, and most importantly the location. AI prices can also vary a lot, based on season, facilies, location and reputation. I assume you are looking at particular properties in making comparisons. In general, from a strictly economic standpoint, it is tough to beat an AI package deal for airfare, lodging, booze and food.

Having said that, I have never stayed in one, because IMHO I would give up so much in other areas. I think no matter how determined the AI customer may be to get out and experience the "real" DR, the draw of the already-paid-for food and booze and the scare tactics of the hotel staff, constantly warning of the dangers out there, often keeps them from exploring all the possibilities. Also, if you are a single traveler, it presents obstacles for making "connections."

Other options would be to stay in a non-AI hotel or to rent a condo, which should cost less than a villa.

Hillbilly · #4 08-01-2006, 11:25 AM

Let's look at this.
1) Where are you (you guys) heading? South Coast? North Coast?
2) Are you timid or adventerous?
3) Do you like vigorous activities like wind surfing, sailboarding, golf (yeah, I know, not so vigorous)....hiking..non-stop partying...

If you are on the North Coast, I can almost guarantee a great time if you go the non-AI route. You can eat at a ton of places, quite inexpensively. Your stay will be reasonable. You will meet a whole bunch of people like yourselves that are more than the average traveller.

Perhaps the denizens of the South Coast can predict the same thing down there, I don't have that much experience there....

HB>>>>>>>>>

skyblue · #5 08-01-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adsilva

I've always traveled to AI resorts but I'm considering the opposite this time. Can anyone share their thoughts on the benefits of living in a private villa rather than an AI resort.

To me the prices seems the same with flight + taxes and AI or private villa. Except in the Private Villa there is no food provided (the food usually sucks in the AI resort anyways but there's plenty of alcohol)

Your thoughts...

Thank You

AD

yes, get out of the AI's, the country is gorgeous and you will love it!!! NORTH COAST is awsome and you can rent an apartment or a place near the beach for peanuts. i rented a one bedroom apt blocks from the ocean for RD$12000/month. w/kitchen, marble bathroom, electricity, HOT WATER, tile, security, tv, cable, cleaning lady every other day, ect......

AI's are overrated, get out.

give us more details about where you want to go so we can be more specific. also price range, although i think AI's come out more expensive.

adsilva · #6 08-01-2006, 12:31 PM

Thanks for the responses. Here are some more details:

Traveling date - Sept 2 - 9th
5-6 single guys
Looking to party with locals and tourists
Traveling to North Coast

We're just worried that during the day we may find it boring if we stay at a private villa as usually in an AI resort you will have the chance to meet other singles at the AI resort and invite them to take the local scene together or party at night.

Also is Sept 2-9 a decent draw for tourists to visit the north DR coast?

Finally anyone know where to buy cheap round trip tickets to the DR from Toronto?

Thanks
AD

snowqueen · #7 08-01-2006, 12:33 PM

My top 10 reasons to stay out of the resorts:

1. The local people are great
2. I eat what I want when I want
3. The fridge is nice & close, no more 5 min walks to get a drink
4. The pool area is quiet, no loud games, loud music, or megaphones
5. No more listening to daily complaints by unpleasant,noisy tourists with high expectations
6. The public beach is generally quiet & uncrowded (during the week anyway)
7. Many good restaurants with varied menus close by
8. The daily walk to the little market is good exercise
9. I don't overindulge in food/drink on a daily basis
10. Oh yeah, did I mention the local people are great

Sorry, there is an 11th reason. No more listening to screaming children being ignored by their parents.

Beads · #8 08-01-2006, 12:35 PM

If your not in the resort the last thing your gonna be is bored. youll wish the days had more hrs in them (especially with the new curfew during the week).

Kyle · #9 08-01-2006, 02:01 PM

i go to sosua for 612 air and 150 hotel for 5 days==750....an AI would surely cost me more than 750. i dont eat that much food nor drink that much alcohol so there is no benefit to me for an AI. i use to think security but the dominican people are friendly and very helpful. just remember if you're out past 12:01 a.m, you're probably a criminal !!! LOL

tarrantino · #10 08-01-2006, 02:18 PM

I did a lot of walking around when I was there last month and I noticed that there were some condos or it looked like apartment buildings across the street from the Super Super. Are they apartments? can someone tell me what they actually are?

We are thinking of staying there in Sosua/Puerto Plata for a 3-4 month stint and rather than stay at a resort would like to stay in a condo to get the feel of the place for if and when we decide to make the move to stay longer. I like the idea of security at the A1's, but there must be some condos that have security also.

So first are those bulidings across from the liquor store condos and do people who work in Sosua live there or on the outskirts?

Thanks in advance for answering my rambling question.