alisei hotel or Playa colibri?

[billf]

I am trying to make the same decision as Ryan --Colibri or Alisei or possibly a smaller villa through bealocation. We are a family of four (kids 11 and 13)
also any suggestions on where to fly into Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata. And is it best to just rent a car?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Bill

[drloca]

Originally Posted by billf

I am trying to make the same decision as Ryan --Colibri or Alisei or possibly a smaller villa through bealocation. We are a family of four (kids 11 and 13)
also any suggestions on where to fly into Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata. And is it best to just rent a car?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Bill

Would you not be able to take advantage of a direct flight from your area to El Portillo in Samana?

[dahlia]

Originally Posted by billf

I am trying to make the same decision as Ryan --Colibri or Alisei or possibly a smaller villa through bealocation. We are a family of four (kids 11 and 13)
also any suggestions on where to fly into Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata. And is it best to just rent a car?
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Bill

Well, Billf, with kids that age I wouldn't hesitate and I'd choose Playa Colibri mainly because of the beach : gorgious beach just in front of the Hotel, safe swimming space between the beach and the reef, easy lunch right on the beach - and a wonderful tropical garden in the residence. And with the money you save you make a lot of excursions that will please them - and you - so much they will never forget.(quad adventures, tropical rios , Los Haitises etc)
El Catey is of course the best place to land if you have that oppportunity - Otherwise thanks to the new road Sto Domingo is no longer so far and I think both Puerto Plata or SDQ are OK.
Rent a car... if you have never been there I would suggest you avoid it from airport to LT ... you will soon understand why .. although you may rent a car for one day once in a while to visit the country around LT once you understood how people drive here...
Don't forget your snorkeling material ! and enjoy your vacation.

[Juniper]

If you have money restrictions, then I agree with dahlia. You can always siwtch to Alisei once you are in LT if you are disatisfied.

I also agree that coming thru El Catey is your best bet.

But whatever you decide....DO NOT RENT A CAR to drive to LT, specially if you decide to come thru Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata. Remember that if you break down there is no AAA, and no DOT tow trucks or police to assist you on the road. Most of the area you will be traveling in do not have cell phone signal. Someone would eventually stop to help you out but not before you go thru a lot of aggravation. And God forbid if you have an accident, there are no ambulances that would come right away to take you to the nearest hospital (and there are none around). What about the language, do you speak Spanish?

Juniper

[Menstresdias95]

I've stayed at both places several times and they really are different in many ways. Overall, the amenities at Alisei are worth paying for. It is a MUCH more comfortable place to hang out at and it is a closer walk to the restaurant district. I also need access to the internet and really need the A/C. Colibri has a nicer beach in front of it but all of the beaches are completely open. In my opinion, spend the extra $600 and be comfortable.

[billf]

I am not having sucess finding flights to El Catey from US. From Denver by Miami I can get to Pueta Plata ($607) or SDQ (500$) To answer Juniper my kids speak spanish and i have rented a car in Mexico on several occasions.
So options then --fly from SDQ to El Porillo or take bus and then rent car in LT.
One more think i was just looking at las palmas al mar. I know it's across the street from the beach but the beach at punta popy look nice and not as crowded towards el portillo