JohnK Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 Who's been the the Dominican Republic, North coast, Playa Dorrada in particular? What did you think of it? Any tips? What excursions are worth going on? I've read conflicting things on these. Your thoughts please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 Hi John Weve been to Sosua. Enjoyed it; went horse riding (donkeys lol) into the mountains; cigar factories and all that. Food was good. Beach and hotel very good standard. Good snorkelling on speedboat trip through mangrove swamps etc. 52 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris aka fonz Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 Hi mate , we went to playa Dorada last year . Really enjoyed it , we stayed in the paradise beach hotel and it was spot on , the food was real good but a little rich so we often ate out , Pizza Hut and a place called Hemmingways which was spot on . We booked our trips with a guy on the beach (Alberto) , we payed half of what the people who booked through Thomson did and went on the same trips . The paradise island trip is good , get to snorkel which is great , buy a disposable underwater camera , a kodak one is about £12 over there and they are great quality . Take a few colouring books for the kids who live out there , in places they dont even have shoes on their feet , people give them sweets which they sell on but i think they would get more out of a pair of cheap flip flops or something like that . You'll enjoy it anyway , id go back definatly ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milocoon Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 Been here 3 times now, stayed at the Riu Merengue twice (they`ve just recovered from a major Norwalt Virus epidemic - a Canadian brought it into the country) and its 4 star luxury with great food and facilities. Also stayed at the Iberostar Costa Dorada (you can walk to Playa Dorada from here) - we experienced a few big earthquakes here but it didn`t spoil our holiday once we realised the hotel was well built. Again 4 star luxury with a great pool. Playa Dorada still has building work going on near the beach but it shouldn`t affect you. If you`ve read this far you might be thinking not for me matey ! However its fantastic here even with the regular afternoon rain storm (Hurricane Season is from June until October BTW) Really good trips to go on are either the Monster Jeep or Outback Safari, the Amber Museum and Puerto Plata tour are a bit naff, if the Atlantic Ocean is calm then a Catamaran trip is well worth it. You will stay mainly in the complex apart from trips as there is nowhere to go like in Britain, crime is low but don`t wear jewellry on the beach, leave it in your room safe. Sun Tan Cream take PLENTY as its very expensive, take some Mosquito Repellent with DEET in (we had some brand called Jungle). The sun is very strong so take it easy for the first few days and keep out of the sun at lunchtime, never had a dodgy tummy but if your omelette or eggs are runny then get the cook to cook them a bit longer. Take some larger trousers as you will gain at least 1/2 a stone for the trip home. The Duty Free at Puerto Plata airport is well stocked and cheap, local rum from a shop outside is about £1.50, 151 Rum (yes 70% proof) is really a cocktail rum and I was told not to take it on an aircraft as its classified Highly Flammable, the normal Brugal Brown rum is OK though ! For more advice and reviews on your Hotel go to http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/ Cheers ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 We went last December, best holiday yet by far. Stayed at the Sirenis cocotal beach resort which is a 5 Star, with a huge sprawling complex and perfect pool by the private beach Made a lot of the Euro hotels I've been to look like like cheap B+B's in fact. The place was so comprehensive we barely left it in the 2weeks we was there apart from walks down the beaches. There was 10 different restaurants, approx 10 bars a couple of theatres, a casino (not my scene) and a night club as well as live bands etc in the main reception bar area. It was about an hour from Punta Cana airport in east of the island and we loved it. My brother and his wife have been to the north of the island and they had a great time too. Take plenty of mozzy spray though Have a good time if your going, I'll be going back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz38 Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 just got back from dom rep had a great time, stayed at iberostar dominicana on bavaro beach which i much prefer to the north cost, caribbean sea is warmer and calmer. i agree with all the other comments but had no problems with mozzys. downside are to many spanish and definitely dont go with thomas cook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supra steveo Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 yup ive been there really good, went there for my honeymoon the 151 is awesome i set my inlaws carpet on fire watching an england match and it wouldnt go out (ooops) the locals are very nice untill you get on the beach then they try to sell you every thing from there little stores, but yes go if i had the chance to go again, i would Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 the locals are very nice untill you get on the beach then they try to sell you every thing from there little stores, but yes go if i had the chance to go again, i would I keep reading about this but have to say that we had no bother at all when we stayed within the private beach as 'traders' weren't allowed to come on and bother us, there was a security hut at each side of the beach section and they kept them away not that I saw any of them try it. When walking further along the beach past the traders huts you would get them calling out greetings and some would come over and try and talk you into having a look at there stuff. Suppose it depends where you go and how you deal with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK Posted August 27, 2005 Author Share Posted August 27, 2005 Im going to the Gran Vetana Bech resort at the end of Sept. 4 so should be ok. Ive heard good and bad things about the area hence the enquiry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzeh Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 Go to Puerto Rico Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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