penny31

We are trying to decide between this resort and the Iberostar Bavaro in the Dominican Republic. We will have 2 adults, a 1 1/2 year old and 2 teenagers with us.
Which one would be best? The only really troubling thing I have read is that the pools aren't heated? Is it hot enough in either place in March for this to not be a problem? Is the Tucan worth the extra money (v/s the Bavaro).
Thanks!
Phoebe

alde

Firstly .. did you compare prices betwen the two resorts through funjet.com? I used funjet to book my stay at the Riu Palace inPlaya del Carmen last year. They are not only very reliable but their prices were far better than any I found (Expedia, travelocity, Liberty .. etc)

After reading all the negative reports about going to DR, I am seriously thinking of returning to Mexico. But just to give you an idea of the price difference

It would cost us around $4600 to go to the Iberostar Tucan vs $4300 to go to the Iberostar Bavaro. This price inludes everything for a family of 4 where one child is a 13 y/o and hence pays as an adult.

I've heard to many downsides to DR such as poor quality food, poorly kept premises but the most significant thing was that the A/C in the rooms in the DR turn off automatically after you're out of the room for about 20 mins. I suppose energy in the DR is a real premium so they have to cut energu costs where they can. I don't know about you, but when I come back in the late afteroon being in the sun a good portion of the day, I want to come into room that is somewhat comfortable.

I suppose the one thing that I keep hearing over and over again is that they "try" hard in the DR, but since tourism is fairly new, they've got a lot to learn in terms of service.

Mexico is already there!

Just my personal popinion

Delboy_P

Hi

I've never stayed at either but have stayed at several Iberostar Hotels in Europe. They are without doubt the best Hotels I have ever stayed in for the money. the service is great and they realy look after you. If Iberostar put their name to a hotel it must be good, so I think you'll be happy with either.
That is however my own humble opinion

Every tour rep at an Iberostar hotel has said to us ' you never get a complaint here' And I can believe it

Derek

newyorker

The Tucan is a nice natural type resort. You definetly have a much better selection of off premises activities in Mexico. The food at the Tucan is ok. The beach is nice.

I was at Punta Cana in December and stayed at a different all inclusive. The beach there is very nice, similar to Mexico. The food in the DR is usually worse than Mexico. The service is usually worse in the DR. There is a reason why the DR is cheaper. But the biggest difference is that in Mexico you have outstanding off site activities, like checking out ruins, cenotes, etc.

megz

heyy ...ive seen both hotels as i have been to the riu taino in dominican and the riu yucatan in mexico. the iberostars were basically right next door to both of the hotels which i stayed at. they definitly looked nice. my dad's friend stayed at the one in mexico...rite next to our's (the riu yucatan) and she absolutely loved it. they have a really awesome jungle thingy with flamingo's in the inside of the hotel and a really neat pool

nibos

We stayed at the D,R. Iberostar in La Romana and it was wonderful. The resort is only a couple years old, the service was outstanding, the rooms and the property were beautiful, the food was good, the beach was nice, and there were lots of on-site activities. I'd like to try the Tucan myself because of all the off-site options you have there. We were pleasantly surprised by the La Romana resort, but it's true that you never leave the property.

Cdanjon

My family of 4 stayed at the Iberostar Tucan in the Maya Riviera. This was my first trip to Mexicao and an all inclusive. Service, rooms, pools and activities were 5.5 star. We loved the hotel, service etc. The food was good and always available. I loved the place and the staff was so friendly. We didn't do any excursions as my 13 and 15 yr old boys were very happy at the pool and the disco at night. My girlfriend and I are planning to go somewhere next Feb. 2005. After reading previous posts I thinking about going back to the Tucan. How's the weather in February and what day excursions are worth the money and time. Can anybody offer any other AL resorts in that area that compare to the Iberostar? The only draw back was the rough ocean waves. I pictured smooth glass-like water but my boys loved the waves. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks, Carla