Massachusetts Mom

We are planning on traveling to the Punta Cana in July and are trying to decide between staying at the Melia Caribe, one of the Iberostar hotels, or one of the Barcelo hotels. We are 2 adults and 2 children (ages 7 and 11). I am interested in hearing comments regarding these hotels. Which hotel in the Barcelo resort would you recommend most for a family? Looking for nice accomodations, good food, great pools, and a beautiful beach area.

Massachusetts Mom

ttt, please!

Diane

Have you read the reviews on:<BR>www.debbiesdominicantravel.com<BR><BR>The reviews might help you to decide which suits you better....I know all three are great!

Massachusetts Mom

Diane..thank you for replying. I have read the reviews on Debbie's and they are very mixed. The Melia Caribe seems to have the least favorable while the other two are about neck and neck. The one thing stated several times about the Barcelo was that the rooms furnishings were very out dated....does this translate to dingy? I would like to see some comments concerning particular accommodations at both the Barcelo and Iberostar resorts. Also, I read alot about topless women on the beach. We have 2 boys (ages 7 and 11)who I am not sure are ready to see something like that. Am I being a prude or is it in such abundance that it is inappropriate for young children to see?

Diane

I have only stayed at the Iberostar Dominicana and I can tell you that it's a great resort...about 7 years old now (Iberostar Punta Cana should be about 5 years old now). It's great for a family...all aspects are good, including a wonderful beach. I know the Barcelo would be older than that but don't know exact age. As for topless on the beach, that's everywhere in the caribbean and the kids just sort of ignore it after a day or two. Personally, I wouldn't worry about that. I believe the Iberostar would suit your needs but can't comment on the others.

massachusetts mom

Diane........thanks again for your reply. I was reading somewhere that men must wear pants in the restaurants at the Iberostar. Is that true for all of the restaurants? I am assuming this is only in the evening and not at breakfast or lunch. What about my boys ages 7 and 11? What about dressy shorts for my husband and the boys (chino type, like dockers)? Do you know how old the Iberostar Bavaro is? How close are the Iberostar hotels from eachother? Is there transportation between them offered? I understand you can use the facilites/restaurants at all of the Iberostars, correct?

Diane

I believe the men only need long pants at night (dinner) for the specialty restaurants....not the main buffet. At the main buffet you can usually wear shorts. Now, it has been two year's since we were there so I just might not be right about that. Did the reviews mention it? You can post a question like that at the website I gave and someone who's been more recently can give an up-to-date reply. <BR><BR>I think the Iberostar Bavaro would be about the same age as the Dominicana (maybe one year older/newer). All three are right beside each other. The Dominicana and Punta Cana are mirror images of each other and face each other with swimming pools in between. The Bavaro is next to the Dominicana...so, it's Bavaro, Dominicana, Punta Cana. The resort next to the Punta Cana is the RIU chain (5 in a row). You can very easily just walk between the resorts and they share some common facilities (disco, etc.). If you stay at the Bavaro (5 star), you may use the facilities at all three. If you stay at the Dominicana or Punta Cana, you can only use the facilities at those two (4 star resorts). The Bavaro is different in design also. It consists of many two storey buildings with either 4 or 8 (can't remember) suites per building. <BR><BR>If you pick the Iberostars, you will be pleased with any of the three. If you want to have the kids in the same room with you, the Bavaro suites are bigger with a (sunken, I think) sitting area...don't know about beds. The Dominicana had a sitting area with a futon style couch that you simply removed the back cushions and it became a sort of day bed. <BR><BR>Hope this helps.

Kelly

I stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace -- but hands down I would stay at the Beach hotel if I was to go back. Highly recommend it. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

sch

We just returned from the Barcelo Bavaro Beach resort (12/30-1/4). We are a family of four adults and enjoyed our stay. The beach is outstanding; we were able to enjoy our pool plus the pools at the other 4 resorts. In fact the beach at the Garden and Beach resort is the best! The atmosphere is fun but you can find very quiet areas to get away and relax. The rooms were a bit dated....looked like motels in the 80s. But you are RARELY in your room and it never bothered us really. The staff keeps the rooms spotless and each room has a nice balcony most with a view of the beach. The staff is very nice and tries hard to keep everyone happy. Shows are amateur but no one seems to mind. The breakfast buffet is outstanding! Pizza and snacks at the pool are very good too. You can dine around at all the other resorts except the Palace. It would have been nice to be able to eat at the Palace but there are many other possibilities for eating and we tried 2 buffets, the steakhouse, Italian, Mexican and seafood on the beach. Some were better than others but we didn't go to the DR for gourmet dining. We went for sun, beach, fun and relaxation and have no complaints. There is a little activity center for the children. But if your children like the beach and pool you are all set. Bring a couple of snorkel sets,a couple of pool floats, deck of cards. etc and the sun will provide the rest. There are free things to do on the beach (windsrfing, paddle boats, kayaks, sunfish) and things to rent. Excursions are offered and the Outback Safari is recommended. We had a fun day, learned about the Dominican people, and the boogie boarding at the end of the tour was great. My husband and i have been to many great vacation destinations and this ranks among the most relaxing ones we've had.

Massachusetts Mom

I think I have it narrowed down to the Iberostar Bavaro Suites and the Melia Caribe Tropicale. I am not that happy with what I have read about the rooms at Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort. Would love to hear additional comments about the accomodations and pools at these places. Also, I understand that the Melia Caribe Tropicale and the Paradisus are owned by the same people. If you stay at one of them, do you have privledges at the other as with the Iberostars?

Susan

Massachusetts Mom,<BR>Our travel agent is recommending Breezes for our family of six. I saw you on another post. Did you drop Breezes for some reason? We're still doing our homework too.

Diane

Susan, the SuperClubs Breezes is an excellent family resort. We were there this Xmas. It's very active, beautiful layout, loads of things to do. The ONLY complaint I had was with the rooms...they are small and need some attention. SuperClubs is renovating the resort and we saw them working on a couple of the rooms so maybe they will upgrade all rooms eventually. Go to:<BR>www.debbiesdominicantravel.com for some great reviews.<BR><BR>Your kids will love the resort.

Massachusetts Mom

Susan....yes, I think we have eliminated Breezes. I read too many negatives about the rooms. Other than that, the resort sounds great! The price is lower than the others so that is attractive. My travel agent said that the lower price is a reflection of the fact that Breezes just took it over so they are running alot of specials. What have you found out about Breezes or the others? Thinking about Aruba too....any other family destinations/resorts that you have been to and would recommend?

debbie

hi there, we stayed at the Paradisus last year with our children and had a ball. i have a complete review at www.concierge.com under travelogs. Checkers43. The only thing i would say about the Dominican is nightlife starts very late so if your kids need constant entertainment this may not be for them.

Massachusetts Mom

Debbie...what time does the entertainment usually start? What types of entertainment is available and where? What about activities during the day besides the pool and the beach? Are there any excursions or places to see that you might recommend for those traveling with children?