First visit to DR

Keith&Cris · #1 08-22-2002, 10:25 PM

Cris and I are doing a two week all-inclusive at RIU Bachata in Puerto Plata, at the end of November 2002. Any comments on this resort? Any inside advice for two newbies?
I like the smiling-finger-wagging at vendors hint! Any more tips like this that'll help us understand/appreciate the local customs and improve our vacation experience? Thanks for any info!

Escott · #2 08-23-2002, 08:25 AM

See the Fort, go to the top of the Mountain.

Go and spend a day in Sosua and another in Cabarete. Great beaches and nice enough towns to waste away in for 12 hours.

Don't take any wooden nickles

Dolores · #3 08-23-2002, 08:41 AM

Check out http://www.dr1.com/travel/index.shtml and see the Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Playa Grande pages for info on what to do and see.

richard · #4 08-23-2002, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Keith&Cris
Cris and I are doing a two week all-inclusive at RIU Bachata in Puerto Plata, at the end of November 2002. Any comments on this resort? Any inside advice for two newbies?
I like the smiling-finger-wagging at vendors hint! Any more tips like this that'll help us understand/appreciate the local customs and improve our vacation experience? Thanks for any info!

Be sure to go into Puerto Plata and take a walk around the Central Park, the people watching is great; the church is a beautiful spot to sit and relax for a few minutes; the gazebo in the centre of the park is very attractive. Around the park are some classic examples of Victorian architecture. You may enjoy shopping at Casa Nelson Stop by Sam's Bar it's about 100 metres from the park and have a chat with local ex-pats, and Joanne the owner. Not far from Playa Dorada is Cafe Cito. It's owned by Tim Hall, the Canadian Counsel and is located in the Harrison's plaza. Tim is a very congenial type and his bar/restaurant is a cool watering hole.

http://www.popreport.com/Cafe_Cito_Web_Page.htm

In Sosúa you will find a quaint attractive town; tree-lined streets, great beaches and excellent yet inexpensive restaurants. There is a lot to enjoy in the area so try to get out and enjoy.

By the way Sosúa beach is at its best on Sundays when Dominican families head there in droves to enjoy their day of rest.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sosuadominicanrepublic/

mkohn · #5 08-23-2002, 10:54 AM

About a block away from the Central Park is the amber museum. It is in a big white (looks like a southern plantation) building. There is amber to buy, some good deals. There is another amber museum across from the codetel office. There is a dinosaur statue. Nice history, displays. And at the end there is a guy rolling cigars. You can buy some if you want. A gift shop is near the exit. You can get "mamajuana" there, a potent drink.
If you have time check out La Isabella. There is a nice historical display, and a layout of how it probably looked when Columbus was there. You get to see a lot of the countryside on the way. AND there is a really neat old church out there. If you go up to the balcony, look down to see some bricks in the floor. I think they are supposedly the outline of the original church built during Columbus' time.
If you're interested in a great American breakfast while you are there, check out Sofy's B&B. gillin.n@codetel.net.do Whether you stay there or not, the food, atmosphere, dominican coffee and company are great.
Did anybody mention the cable car? We didn't take it, but AZB did a nice post on it a while back, I think. You could check the archives.
We found a great Italian restaurant up from the new ayuntamiento (is that finished yet?). Toward Sosúa.
We did a tour of the Brugal rum plant also. Pretty interesting, fairly modern facility. And there is a rum drink after the tour. Nine AM was not the best time to be drinking, but what the hey, we were on vacation.
Have a great time.
mk

jojocho · #6 08-23-2002, 11:17 AM

Have dinner at the Puntilla de Piergiorgio in Sosua. Nice!

richard · #7 08-23-2002, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jojocho
Have dinner at the Puntilla de Piergiorgio in Sosua. Nice!

Absolutely, fantastic view .The Waterfront is also a good choice.

Emma148 · #8 08-23-2002, 11:53 AM

I think that the Riu Bachata is one or two hotels from where i stayed this summer in Playa Dorada. Is a lovely place you will have an amazing holiday, i had such a lovely time am booked to go back in December. I agree with what the guys say about gettin out and away from Player Dorada - your rep will tell you it is unsafe - this is not true - if you don't put yourself in the wrong place you will have no ploblems, i went out (23 year old female) on my own to Perto Plata and had a great day, doing excatly what they said above.
if you want some info on the resort iteself /trips run locally pm me, am happy to tell!!!

Emma // uk

Hillbilly · #9 08-24-2002, 10:45 AM

You will be located on a little beach known locally as the Playa de los Cocco-the family that used to own the area.

You can get public transport at the highway into POP. As you leave the complex, with your back to the sea, traffic going right to left is going into POP and traffic going left to right is going towards Santiago.

Do be a little adventerous and use this type of transport. You will be swamped with hospitality.

HB