Just returned from Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus in La Romana
Jun 4th, 2003, 01:32 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just returned from Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus in La Romana
In case any of you have questions about this wonderful new hotel, I'll be happy to fill you in.
We just came back from a short honeymoon in this AI hotel and are very happy we chose it. The hotel is quite new, they opened in late 2001. The weather was superb, partly cloudy in the mornings (thank god) and not a cloud in the sky in the afternoons. Not a bug in sight, beautiful white sand beach, a divine all inclusive, amazing service and beautiful places to take pictures all around the complex.
The village of Altos de Chavon is quite near and from what I heard (didn't go myself) deserves a visit.
I'll give out more details in case anyone's interested !!
Paulie
We just came back from a short honeymoon in this AI hotel and are very happy we chose it. The hotel is quite new, they opened in late 2001. The weather was superb, partly cloudy in the mornings (thank god) and not a cloud in the sky in the afternoons. Not a bug in sight, beautiful white sand beach, a divine all inclusive, amazing service and beautiful places to take pictures all around the complex.
The village of Altos de Chavon is quite near and from what I heard (didn't go myself) deserves a visit.
I'll give out more details in case anyone's interested !!
Paulie
Jun 4th, 2003, 05:38 PM
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello,
We were actually considering this resort/area for our vacation in October, but everyone suggests we go to Punta Cana. TAs actually said the Bayhibe area was primitive and the beaches not as nice as Punta Cana. Can you comment or provide more information on the resort such as proximity to the beach, accomodations, staff, etc.? Any information is appreciated as we've yet to book. Thanks very much!
We were actually considering this resort/area for our vacation in October, but everyone suggests we go to Punta Cana. TAs actually said the Bayhibe area was primitive and the beaches not as nice as Punta Cana. Can you comment or provide more information on the resort such as proximity to the beach, accomodations, staff, etc.? Any information is appreciated as we've yet to book. Thanks very much!
Jun 4th, 2003, 05:46 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Welcome home! Glad you had a safe and wonderful vacation.
I have a bit of an odd question for you. We actually looked into the Hanceinda Dominicus in La Romana last year but changed our minds and went to Turks and Caicos. We are returning to Turks again this summer. But we are considering a Dominican Republic vacation next year, probably at this resort.
My question is about the beach. How would you describe the beach at the hotel? Calm? Clear? Waves? And most importantly, was there seaweed at all?
Thanks!
I have a bit of an odd question for you. We actually looked into the Hanceinda Dominicus in La Romana last year but changed our minds and went to Turks and Caicos. We are returning to Turks again this summer. But we are considering a Dominican Republic vacation next year, probably at this resort.
My question is about the beach. How would you describe the beach at the hotel? Calm? Clear? Waves? And most importantly, was there seaweed at all?
Thanks!
Jun 5th, 2003, 09:05 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Darra,
We went to La Romana this time because we had already visited Punta Cana in 2001. As much as I enjoyed the Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana, I can say I liked this hotel better.
As for the area, I think La Romana has some pretty good side trips you can do that you won't find in Punta Cana.
We were told that Altos de Chavon was a lovely town to visit, with a Marina that harbours some pretty impressive yatchs and sailboats that belong to very rich people that like to visit this place because of it's secluded beauty.
Also, you can take a day tour of Santo Domingo and visit the old town, full of old forts and castles which I've also heard is very nice since they say it is the oldest city in America, founded by Columbus' brother around 1500.
Our hotel had the beach right on the spot. It's not as long as the bavaro beach so don't expect to walk on the beach for hours, but we didn't consider it all that important because the sun was really very intense on the seashore and we prefered to stay in the shade.
The accomodations were really very nice. Our room was impeccable, with everything we needed and a nice view of the gardens. The service is really worth mentioning, as we were surprised of how kind the staff was. I don't know if it was because we speak spanish and could converse with them. But I watched as other europeans were treated and I think they were very content with the service.
I'll write more about my trip later. But I would reccomend you visit www.debbiesdominicantravel.com.
I read the reviews posted about this hotel before I left and they were very helpful in giving me a picture of what to expect. And it was very accurate!
Paulie.
We went to La Romana this time because we had already visited Punta Cana in 2001. As much as I enjoyed the Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana, I can say I liked this hotel better.
As for the area, I think La Romana has some pretty good side trips you can do that you won't find in Punta Cana.
We were told that Altos de Chavon was a lovely town to visit, with a Marina that harbours some pretty impressive yatchs and sailboats that belong to very rich people that like to visit this place because of it's secluded beauty.
Also, you can take a day tour of Santo Domingo and visit the old town, full of old forts and castles which I've also heard is very nice since they say it is the oldest city in America, founded by Columbus' brother around 1500.
Our hotel had the beach right on the spot. It's not as long as the bavaro beach so don't expect to walk on the beach for hours, but we didn't consider it all that important because the sun was really very intense on the seashore and we prefered to stay in the shade.
The accomodations were really very nice. Our room was impeccable, with everything we needed and a nice view of the gardens. The service is really worth mentioning, as we were surprised of how kind the staff was. I don't know if it was because we speak spanish and could converse with them. But I watched as other europeans were treated and I think they were very content with the service.
I'll write more about my trip later. But I would reccomend you visit www.debbiesdominicantravel.com.
I read the reviews posted about this hotel before I left and they were very helpful in giving me a picture of what to expect. And it was very accurate!
Paulie.
Jun 5th, 2003, 01:44 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
About the beach, I can say I really liked it better than the Punta Cana beach. It has very white sand. Some reviews on Debbie's web page complained that the sand was hard to walk on as it wasn't compact, but I really didn't care for such comments and didn't even think they were altogether true. I'm a skinny person myself and had no problem walking on the beach. Maybe heavier people are the ones who complained because the beach has a small inclination (to get to the palapas from the shore, you have to go up a little slope).
The water was quite warm (reminded me of Aruba in regards to temperature) and wasn't really wavy. Just enough small waves to make it comfortable to swim on. I saw absolutely no seaweed this time, whereas I did see quite a lot when I visited Punta Cana in 2001. I don't know if the time of the year has anything to do with the appearance of algae (I went to Punta Cana in November).
The water is a greenish blue (very nice) and there is a small coral reef just where the safety buoys end. I saw a lot of people snorkeling there and I myself went right over the reef while kayaking.
There are palm trees where the palapas are and on our time there the hotel wasn't overcrowded so there were many empty palapas and we didn't have to wake up early to get to the beach. By the way, they have signs on each palapa saying that you are not allowed to reserve them.
Lastly, there was a very pleasant breeze throughout our stay. Thank goodness for it! If there weren't any wind I think it would have been a bit suffocating.
I can't think of any more comments about the beach. Hope this helps, and in case you come up with other questions, let me know.
Paulie
The water was quite warm (reminded me of Aruba in regards to temperature) and wasn't really wavy. Just enough small waves to make it comfortable to swim on. I saw absolutely no seaweed this time, whereas I did see quite a lot when I visited Punta Cana in 2001. I don't know if the time of the year has anything to do with the appearance of algae (I went to Punta Cana in November).
The water is a greenish blue (very nice) and there is a small coral reef just where the safety buoys end. I saw a lot of people snorkeling there and I myself went right over the reef while kayaking.
There are palm trees where the palapas are and on our time there the hotel wasn't overcrowded so there were many empty palapas and we didn't have to wake up early to get to the beach. By the way, they have signs on each palapa saying that you are not allowed to reserve them.
Lastly, there was a very pleasant breeze throughout our stay. Thank goodness for it! If there weren't any wind I think it would have been a bit suffocating.
I can't think of any more comments about the beach. Hope this helps, and in case you come up with other questions, let me know.
Paulie
Jun 5th, 2003, 03:21 PM
#6
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. It sounds like you had a great time!
I've been living at Debbie's site the last few weeks and became very interested in the La Romana/Bayhibe area after reading the reviews. I noticed the reviews on the resorts seemed to be much more positive than the reviews on the resorts in Punta Cana.
I haven't been able to make a decision yet, Punta Cana or Bayhibe, but I'm guessing either way we'll have a great time!
Thanks!
I've been living at Debbie's site the last few weeks and became very interested in the La Romana/Bayhibe area after reading the reviews. I noticed the reviews on the resorts seemed to be much more positive than the reviews on the resorts in Punta Cana.
I haven't been able to make a decision yet, Punta Cana or Bayhibe, but I'm guessing either way we'll have a great time!
Thanks!
Jun 5th, 2003, 05:08 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Paulie,
Thanks so much for your detailed reply! La Romana sounds like the destination we will look into when we go to the DR.
Do you happen to have any pictures you could provide a link for?
Thanks so much.
Denise
Thanks so much for your detailed reply! La Romana sounds like the destination we will look into when we go to the DR.
Do you happen to have any pictures you could provide a link for?
Thanks so much.
Denise
Jun 6th, 2003, 06:16 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Denise, I'm expecting to have my pictures developed this weekend. I'll be happy to send you a few as soon as I can get them scanned.
I'm sure you'll have a great time if you decide to go to La Romana!
Paulie
I'm sure you'll have a great time if you decide to go to La Romana!
Paulie
Jun 6th, 2003, 01:32 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mariarosa, regarding the food at the Hacienda Dominicus:
The buffet breakfasts and dinners in the main restaurant were really "very" good, much like the buffets at the Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana.
Lots and lots of options to choose from...and all of them great, really!
We were a bit dissapointed with the Japanese restaurant because, although the food tasted well, we were expecting a finer Japanese cuisine, much like the japanese restaurants we have back home. Anyway, we had a blast watching Santiago (a really tall black dominican, not a japanese chef but tons of fun!!) prepare the dishes on the grill right in front of us. Took a great picture of that evening..
The mexican restaurant was OK, also not really surprised as we had been with the mexican restaurant at Iberostar Bavaro which is REALLY great.
We ended up thinking that the bufffet meals were so good that we would have been quite happy eating there every night.
There's also a Steak house and a Gourmet restaurant but we weren't allowed reservations for them since you're only allowed 2 restaurants if you stay less than a week.
The beach restaurant was also quite good (where you have lunch) with quite a wide variety of options. One day of the week they prepare a Paella on the beach..and you can't miss it..they have a band playing merengue while they cook the paella and it turns into a party right until the paella is cooked, then everyone dissapears to go eat it.
The drinks were REALLY good, especially the Bananamanas.. wow !! You can't stop drinking them !! Ask Ricardo the pool bartender to put a little "Vitamin" in your drink.. (synonym for Rhum!)
The piña coladas and the cocolocos were also great.
I came back with a little extra weight and I can tell you we pigged out every single day..
Paulie
The buffet breakfasts and dinners in the main restaurant were really "very" good, much like the buffets at the Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana.
Lots and lots of options to choose from...and all of them great, really!
We were a bit dissapointed with the Japanese restaurant because, although the food tasted well, we were expecting a finer Japanese cuisine, much like the japanese restaurants we have back home. Anyway, we had a blast watching Santiago (a really tall black dominican, not a japanese chef but tons of fun!!) prepare the dishes on the grill right in front of us. Took a great picture of that evening..
The mexican restaurant was OK, also not really surprised as we had been with the mexican restaurant at Iberostar Bavaro which is REALLY great.
We ended up thinking that the bufffet meals were so good that we would have been quite happy eating there every night.
There's also a Steak house and a Gourmet restaurant but we weren't allowed reservations for them since you're only allowed 2 restaurants if you stay less than a week.
The beach restaurant was also quite good (where you have lunch) with quite a wide variety of options. One day of the week they prepare a Paella on the beach..and you can't miss it..they have a band playing merengue while they cook the paella and it turns into a party right until the paella is cooked, then everyone dissapears to go eat it.
The drinks were REALLY good, especially the Bananamanas.. wow !! You can't stop drinking them !! Ask Ricardo the pool bartender to put a little "Vitamin" in your drink.. (synonym for Rhum!)
The piña coladas and the cocolocos were also great.
I came back with a little extra weight and I can tell you we pigged out every single day..
Paulie
Jul 30th, 2003, 04:44 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am planning to visit this resort in early September. I'm trying to decide between staying for 6 or 7 nights. The price for 6 nights is less, obviously, and that time frame works better for us. My concern is that for stays of 2-6 nights, you are only guaranteed one reservation in an ala carte restaurant, while with stays of 7 nights, you are guaranteed three reservations. I'm really not a fan of the buffet for dinner, so I am wondering what my chances are of getting more reservations than just the one? I'm thinking that because September isn't exactly high season, I might get lucky. Has anyone had any experience with this?
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mary
Caribbean Islands
9
Nov 25th, 2002 05:41 PM
