doried

7 of us - 4 adults and 3 teenagers ---- We'd like to fly Christmas day to New Year's Day. We love DR and Jamaica, not as fond of Grand Cayman. We'd love an all-inclusive so I know that DR or Jamaica would probably be the best bet. We'd also love renting a house. We've never done that in the Caribbean but love doing that every where else.
Child's wedding coming up in spring so looking to spend as little as possible!
Thanks so much - Dorie

RoamsAround

What is your actual budget range? Nothing in the Caribbean is "cheap" the week between Christmas and New Years.

doried

You know, we've just started talking about it. I don't know yet. We got such a great deal the last time the four of us went to DR ($1300 airfare and resort for 6 nights during the EAster week). I think we're looking to for nothing more than $5,000 for the 7 of us. We're not even sure if it's possible.
Thanks, RoamsAround

schmerl

During that week the prices can actually be double what they normally are. Your best bet would be to rent a condo or villa.
Look into the Playa del Carmen area of Mexico. Prices are comparable to the DR and there is a lot to do. Ruins to explore, cenotes to snorkle, zip lining, etc.
Does that $5000 include airfare for all of you also???

RoamsAround

$5,000 for 7 people during Christmas week in the Caribbean is a tall order - that come to a little over $100 per day per person. What makes it even more difficult is many places have minimum stay requirements (10 to 14 days) for that period which will limit your options. You instincts about renting a house (villa) are right on the money, assuming you can find one that will accommodate your group that is within your budget.

I second the suggestion of Playa del Carmen - it's one of the least expensive destinations in the Caribbean. Look too at Belize and Isla Mujeres - both are still a bit undiscovered and can be economical destinations.

Do a google search using ugh topics as "NAME OF ISLAND Villa Rentals" or "Condo Rentals + NAME OF ISLAND" and you find lots of links where you can check prices and availability.

virginia

http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/gatos.html?ID=890
not beachfront. 3 br for $1960. short walk to snorkeling or beach. no grocery in walking distance. if you arranged a van from cancun to the house you could stop at, i think it's sorianna, the huge grocery in playa del carman.

i know dom rep has some really good deals on villas but as i've never been on dr i don't know which are good locations. i hear they come with lots of staff who will shop & cook for you so it might be worth a bit of net-searching. sort of ai in a villa 8-)

FrankS

Hotwire sent me an email, they have two AIs(3.5* & 4*) in Punta Cana for about 275/nt around Christmas. Im guessing one was Barcelo Punta Cana which gets mixed reviews...I couldnt figure out the other. but for sub $300....its about as cheap as an AI will get at that time

doried

Thanks all