last minute advice

duffs · #1 12-06-2005, 12:48 PM

Will be leaving Minnesota (-5 below zero) on Sat. and was wondering if anybody had any last minute advice for us about Punta Cana. We will be staying a Paradisus Punta Cana and will be there for 7 days. We can't wait to get out of this cold weather, couldn't have picked a better time to go. Any input is great.

Thanks
Chad

Ricardo900 · #2 12-06-2005, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duffs

Will be leaving Minnesota (-5 below zero) on Sat. and was wondering if anybody had any last minute advice for us about Punta Cana. We will be staying a Paradisus Punta Cana and will be there for 7 days. We can't wait to get out of this cold weather, couldn't have picked a better time to go. Any input is great.

Thanks
Chad

Did you go to the Travel section of DR1 yet?
http://dr1.com/travel/prepare/pack.shtml

jackquontee · #3 12-06-2005, 02:44 PM

Duffs, though not an expert on Punta Cana, I've been there a few times and have stayed at the Bavaro Princess each time. The fact of the matter is that there isn't much to do in PC as it is largely a resort area full of hotel compounds. However, you can set up a few day trips to ride ATV's (I did, and it was alot of fun), ride jet boats, and go snorkeling. There is an outdoor shopping area just down the street from Paradisus, and a couple of clubs (one called Areitos, I believe, and Mangu's). You can also get over to Cortecito, which is about a 15 minute ride from your hotel, though I didn't find much there. However, if you explore a bit you might do better than I did. Be sure to share your experiences with us when you return, and have a good time.

Hlywud · #4 12-06-2005, 05:55 PM

duffs, you picked a class resort, I guess everyone in Minnesota is rich!

Jack is correct on the clubs and Cortecito, but you can walk the beach easily to the Cortecito markets, best place to buy Domijican Rum is in the super mercado Amalia in Cortecito, right where the local Dominicano's shop.

PTB · #5 12-07-2005, 01:17 PM

My wife and I are leaving Friday from the frozen tundra that is the Twin Cities as well. We are staying at the Melia Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana.
We cannot wait! This is our first time to the DR and hopefully not the last.

I've been reading these forums for some time now and finally registered.
There is so much helpful information on the boards.

I was wondering what to wear on the plane, since we will be departing from sub-zero temps and arriving to the tropics! I told my wife that I was going to wear something comfortable like jeans and a t-shirt with a fleece over it.
No jacket. She thought that I was over doing it. What are your thoughts?

Dolores · #6 12-07-2005, 01:22 PM

Remember that airplanes can be chilly. Also, nights in Punta Cana can be chilly too, by Dominican standards -- 70F! Bring at least one light jacket and at least a shawl for the lady.

laurapasinifan · #7 12-07-2005, 01:39 PM

I talked with my buddy who has made several trips to that area over the last few years. he said the Paradisus and the Bavaro Princess were outstanding hotels. But the one all the way down on the south end of the beach was awfull. They got stuff stolen out of their room everyday. The place was kaos all the time, and they got sicker than they ever have their entire life on the very last day!!!!! So they dont know what caused it. It was some intestinal bug that needed to be starved to death to be rid of. They could'nt eat for 2 weeks!.....so take it for wjhats its worth. They got sick 2 years ago. He couldnt remember the name of the hotel, but did remember where it was to the other hotels they liked a lot. The bad hotel also had a casino.

good luck...bob

PTB · #8 12-07-2005, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurapasinifan

I talked with my buddy who has made several trips to that area over the last few years. he said the Paradisus and the Bavaro Princess were outstanding hotels. But the one all the way down on the south end of the beach was awfull. They got stuff stolen out of their room everyday. The place was kaos all the time, and they got sicker than they ever have their entire life on the very last day!!!!! So they dont know what caused it. It was some intestinal bug that needed to be starved to death to be rid of. They could'nt eat for 2 weeks!.....so take it for wjhats its worth. They got sick 2 years ago. He couldnt remember the name of the hotel, but did remember where it was to the other hotels they liked a lot. The bad hotel also had a casino.

good luck...bob

I hope it wasn't the Melia! Actually I haven't heard much on these board about this resort. At least not as much as some of the others. The reviews are like all the rest, some good, some not so good...

playacaribe2 · #9 12-07-2005, 07:44 PM

Duffs & PTB:

Both resorts make my top 5 in Punta Cana/Bavaro.

#1 Enjoy yourself.
#2 Dress for the climate you are heading to.
#3 Learn a little Spanish before you go.
#4 Tip early (dollar bills are fine) and try to learn the names of your room and
wait staff (you should/will be pleasantly surprised).
#5 Bring comfortable walking shoes as both resorts are fairly large.
#6 DO NOT LET CHECK IN STRESS YOU OUT. Sometimes this is the most
frustrating process at the resort (next to getting reservations at the
gourmet restaurants).
#7 ALWAYS remember Rule #1.

If you have any further questions, ask away.

Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

nlove88 · #10 12-07-2005, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dolores

Remember that airplanes can be chilly. Also, nights in Punta Cana can be chilly too, by Dominican standards -- 70F! Bring at least one light jacket and at least a shawl for the lady.

YES! We changed in NYC from winter to summer clothes and we froze all the way to Santiago. Good advice.

If you are able to, take some time and get off the resort...visit local hangouts, go to local resturants, see the Dominican culture! I know many resorts will tell you its very unsafe to leave the resort area, but in my opinion...bulls*it!