First travel to DR in June - Barcelo Colonia Tropical - Any advice / tips?

[Lyliani]

First, i'd like to say "Thanks!" for this very informative site! I'm so glad i found it

I would like to ask of anyone has any information on tours and activities that my boyfriend and i could do while we are in the Dominican Republic. We will be travelling there in the middle of June. I've already looked into the Sanoa Island tours - at the cost of $70 / person. Is that worth it? I also am interested in the Crazy Horse Ranch horse riding, but cannot find a website.

Are there any other touring information available at the hotels?
How is the food at the Barcelo Capella / Tropical since we'll be spending most of our time at the Capella? What other things should i bring besides bug spray, sun screen, and beach shoes?

Sorry to ask so many questions - i'm a worry wart, and i like to gather as much info as possible before travelling so i can make most of my time while i'm away!!

Thanks in advance,
Carrie

[riravaga]

I guess you didn't use a travel agency to book the hotel, in the hotel you will find many options for tours, they are at the hotel travel agency's representants that offer differents kind of tours, check all of them and pick the better.

ah, don't forget the sunglass and have a great time.

[Lyliani]

i booked through expedia. I guess i will have to check out the area when we get there. I searched through the forums, and may people had a lot of great suggestions. I'll definitly need to take the guaguas to get around to save some money! I can't wait to go!

Thanks everybody!
~Carrie

[dulce]

You will find guys on the beach at Capella selling from Crazy Horse Ranch. There are several options for booking your tours. Representatives from many tour operators set up in the foyer across from Capella's reception area. You should shop around town to compare prices. A couple of cheaper places to book tours from is at the Chocolate Plaza and also across the street from Playa Real. Ask at the reception desk and they can tell you how to get to these places. They are all in walking distance and you will enjoy shopping on Calle Blvd and the Chocolate Plaza. Do check out Guilla's Sports bar on Calle Blvd. on Monday nights for a live band entertainment and a chance to meet many locals. Plaza Real is a good Italian resturant if you tire of Capella's food.Also check out Chuck's Sports bar across the street from Capella.
Be careful when eating or drinking at the Colonial Tropical because I think that breakfast is all that is included in your All inclusive there. All your meals and drinks are included for the Capella. Also the things in the fridge and snacks in your room at Colonial are not included. I have seen many tourists assuming these things are included and they end up with a big bill at the end of the week. The food at Capella is unpredictable especially when it is not high season. Typically, breakfast is the best and the food at El Pescador resturant is better with good service and overlooking the beach. Again you must pay attention because not all food on the menu is included in your package. Have fun!!!!!

[riravaga]

A tip for your booking:

I hope you have printed the page on expedia.com where appear all the info about your booking, at the moment of the check in show it with some ID of you, and before to arrive make a call to confirm that they have your reservation.

I worked for 3 months as receptionist in a hotel and sometimes the reservations didn't appear on the system.

[Lyliani]

Riravaga - Thanks so much for the tips - i already printed out my itinerary, and will be sure to call the hotel before i travel there. I really appreciate you looking out for me

Thanks,
Carrie

[Lyliani]

Dulce - Thanks for the great information! I will definitly remember to go to Chocolate Plaza, and Playa Real and try to compair the prices !!

[GalenaCole]

You will have a blast! My boyfriend and I just returned from Guayacanes (the town next to Juan Dolio) in April.

Definitely take the Isla Saona tour if you want to take a guided tour. Ours was $60 for an 11-hour trip that took us to Altos de Chavon (a old-looking arts/tourist town), a speedboat ride to a natural swimming pool (shallow spot in the middle of the water), then to the BEAUTIFUL island with a full lunch and open bar. They brought us back on a catamaran where there was drinks and dancing. I cannot remember the name of the company but I am pretty sure they stopped at the Barcelo resorts in Juan Dolio, so just ask at the hotel.

We walked into Juan Dolio one evening and ate at Grotta Azzura and drank at Il Capuccino--both were great and affordable. If you want to get out of the resort (which you should), walk out to the highway and stand by the road. A bus called a guagua will magically arrive. Tell the attendant where you want to go (I suggest Boca Chica or Santo Domingo) and explore the country. Make sure you speak a little Spanish and check with your hotel for the guagua prices.

That is all. Have a great trip! I want to go back soon!