Punta Cana-Best Place To Stay?

[jsttaylor]

Looking at vacationing in Punta Cana this winter. Anybody have any recommendations on the best places to stay? Or places to avoid? Golf as an option would be nice but not totally necessary. There will be 6 of us traveling. 4 adults and 2 teenagers.

[rezadue]

We loved it here and the golf course was great:

http://www.solmelia.com/hotels/domin...esort/home.htm

[jeffc]

we stayed at the Paradisus. I would recommend it, though the one above looks even nicer. Bavaro beach is awesome btw, one of the nicest beaches anywhere.

[Weazl]

Was there in March with another couple and stayed at the Gran Bahia Principe in Punta Cana and it was fabulous! 5*

Golf was very expensive though, although I'm told deals could be arranged if you went to the course and didn't book through the hotel. Was around 250.00US through the hotel for green fee, mandatory caddie, and clubs with lunch included.

Beach, pools and all facilities were amazing. Food was good, not great! We had 4 kids with us and never a worrry.

Have fun!

[LobWedge]

I've stayed at the Iberostar Bavaro twice and loved every minute of it. They have 4 hotels there now, Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominicana, and the new Grand Hotel Bavaro. There were just the first 3 when I was there last year, and the Bavaro gave you access to all the properties and activities. I would definitely go back.

http://www.iberostar.com/EN/Punta-Ca...varo_3_61.html

[geronamo]

For reviews check here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1...ic-Hotels.html

I have stayed at the Majestic Colonial and would recommend it to anyone.

[powerlefty]

Stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach a couple years ago. It had 5 hotels, casino, nightclub, golf course and probably 20 restaurants and almost as many bars all onsite. We stayed at the Palace which was the high end hotel and we were allowed to use all services, bars and restauarants at all the hotels. Guests at the other hotels were more limited in what services they could use. Also received free golf at the onsite golf course. Course was OK, not great, not very busy, but the staff would pick you up at your room and drive you to the course. Beach was fantastic and just a few steps from the hotel room. There was a stage show every night.

[The Saint]

Looking at vacationing in Punta Cana this winter. Anybody have any recommendations on the best places to stay? Or places to avoid? Golf as an option would be nice but not totally necessary. There will be 6 of us traveling. 4 adults and 2 teenagers.

Jeff, my wife and I stayed at the Melia Caribe, nice place, all inclusive and golf has included at the Cocotal Golf Course. It has 27 holes. It was a nice track. We have gone 2 years in a row.

http://www.meliacaribetropical.com/

[jsttaylor]

Thanks Chris. Is this who you booked through also? Or did you use someone else?

[Wilster]

I've been twice , the caribe club princess 4.5 star ,which was great , beautiful part of the beach but limited no. of loungers (get down b4 7 am if you want one)

The second time was at Dreams punta cana 5 star , which was the better of the 2 , The resort was amazing and boasts the largest swimming pool in the caribean ,the beach is pretty good too though.Food and service was great i'd recommend it to anyone , though the golf courses were not on site.
http://www.dreamsresorts.com/drepc/resort-map.html

[1800Duffers]

I've been to the Bahia Principe and Melia Caribe. The beach is fantastic and goes forever. The Melia was better in my opinion, but, suggest reviewing the area through tripadviser or debbiescaribbean. I didn't golf but it was included in the Melia trip. The Melia is more expensive but deals can be found on the net.

[rossigm]

I would also suggest The Majestic Colonial or The Majestic Elegance which are right next to the golf course.

I've been to the Majestic Colonial twice and both time we really enjoyed our stay. I didn't play golf but I took a picture of the course while walking to the local market. See attachment.

http://www.majestic-resorts.com/

Ross

[The Saint]

Thanks Chris. Is this who you booked through also? Or did you use someone else?

We booked through Trip Central

http://www.tripcentral.ca/PHP/util/v...s.php?airpid=1

http://tnpack.tripcentral.ca/txpackt...,0,0,0,0?a2=56

[Chambokl]

Just a note... going to Punta Cana you should visit your local Health Unit and get protection against Malaria.

[powerlefty]

Just a note... going to Punta Cana you should visit your local Health Unit and get protection against Malaria.

And Hep A, Hep C, Tetanus, and get Dukorol for e-coli. Take Immodium with you as well as some gastralite. Drink bottled water and avoid uncooked food.

The DR has issues with its water supply and every once in awhile there are minor outbreaks of nasty bugs that cause some Gastro-Intestinal issues. I did all the above and still had a nasty GI session that lasted about 8 hours (started at mdnight and ended early morning so I was able to play golf the next day!). I attribute the problem to either a drink or a sandwich I had on a swin-with-the-sharks boat cruise earlier that afternoon