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Dominican republic vs. Jamaica vs. playa del carmen

Dominican republic vs. Jamaica vs. playa del carmen

Old Feb 10th, 2013, 05:02 PM
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Dominican republic vs. Jamaica vs. playa del carmen

My husband and 2 friends and I are planning on going on vacation and we are stuck between Punta Cana (DR) and Jamaica and Playa Del Carmen (Mexico). We are lost and looking for peoples opinion on which is the best of the 3 to go to. We are looking for all inclusive and around June-ish. We've been looking all over the internet, but keep coming up with bad things about them. HELP PLEASE
jessicalynlyp is offline  
Old Feb 11th, 2013, 09:18 AM
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Each of these three areas has a lot to offer, and I can't simply say which is "best". If you're seeing a lot of bad reviews, you are probably looking at mid-range to lower-end AI resorts and want a cheap vacation. In general, the one thing I can say is that you get what you pay for, and in most of these places you have few options to go off-site for a meal. So if you choose a cheap hotel, then you'll get mediocre food and maintenance issues in the rooms.

Of the three areas, I prefer Playa del Carmen. Mexican AIs are generally of better quality in my opinion. But it depends on the resort and how much you want to pay. There are excellent and horrible resorts in all three destinations.

If you can mention a few of the specific resorts you're looking at and give us a sense of your budget, we might have some suggestions.
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Old Feb 11th, 2013, 07:51 PM
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It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. We have been to Mexico x 12, Jamaica x 2 and the DR once. As you can see, we love Mexico. Probably will not return to Jamaica or DR, but we'll continue to go to Mexico.

One thing about researching AI's is to have your expectations in check. Most people that write negative reviews did not do their research and probably paid for 3* accomendations expecting 5* food and service. I agree you get what you pay for. However, I have paid for Sandals resorts and had a better time and better food at a 2* Mexico resort, so go figure.

Please provide more specific information as to what you are wanting in a vacation and your budget, that way we can make some recommendations.
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Old Feb 12th, 2013, 06:21 AM
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Personally I'd put Playa del Carmen as first choice. But then I love Mexico.

For Jamaica I have had three wonderful trips specifically to Negril (not so much interested in the rest of the island).

I've been to the DR twice but it was a long time ago. Mostly people now seem to choose Punta Cana when they want All-Inclusives, which is a 'built' area for tourists only and nothing that would interest me personally.
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