Ron_Gilmore

debating 1. Negril, Jamaica 2. Punta Cana, DR 3. Riviera Maya, Mx. Please give opinions and reasons for opinion. Bottom line I want is 1. Nice beach/water 2. Good food/drink 3. decent room (meaning i don't expect ultra luxury, but i don't want motel 6). 4. Price has got to be great. I will not pay sandals type prices. 5. Don't care so much about outside bar/restaurant activity-why have all-inclusive if I'm going to be eating outside the resort. as a reference for you, we've been to Mo Bay, Jamaica 2x-stayed at Holiday Inn nothing special but we loved it so again doesn't have to be Sandals type resort. Going in August most likely

qwovadis

www.cancun.bookit.com best value with best beach/water usually

Might choose sale options there you like check TripAdvisor

for reviews some fake most good.

DR www.cheapcaribbean.com browner beaches cheap though

Negril a bit more money dodgy rasta vibe good beach.

Happy Hunting,

KVR

We've been to many AI's in the Riviera Maya. Look at the Royal Playa del Carmen or their sister resort, the Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen. Check out the RIU's, Iberostars, Barcelos and Occidentials. Any of the Secrets are good. Mexico has completed a beach renovation, so the beaches are really nice.

In Negril, Jamaica look at Couples or Sunset at the Palms. In Ocho Rios look at the newly opened Jewel Dunn River. Used to be a Sandals, prices might be more than you are wanting. There is also a RIU and Sunset Grande there.

You should find good prices for August and it is one of the prime months for hurricanes. Get the insurance to be on the safe side. Mexico will be stifiling hot. We've been many times and will not go again in that month, it's just too hot even walk around. We tend to go in November/December now and it's much better.

We've been to the DR once and really no desire to return there. If you looking for a vacation where you just hang at your AI resort and not do much off propery, it may be the choice for you. There AI resorts are huge complexes with many activities.

Steelersfan

Been here four times.

http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...ta-cana-dr.cfm

suze

Well first know that it's going to be HOT and humid and possibly rainy in all of those places in August.

I think you'll find the best value and selection going with somewhere on the Mayan Riviera around the Playa del Carmen area.

Personally I love Negril Jamaica but it's more about the people, the culture, the vibe, and doing things off the property. It's more expensive and harder to get to, for just staying only on the resort property. Would not be worth it imo. You'd get more bang for your buck in Mexico.

Steelersfan

1. Nice beach/water 2. Good food/drink 3. decent room (meaning i don't expect ultra luxury, but i don't want motel 6). 4. Price has got to be great. I will not pay sandals type prices. 5. Don't care so much about outside bar/restaurant activity-why have all-inclusive if I'm going to be eating outside the resort.



Check out Applevacations for Punta Cana, many choices and price ranges with everything you list.
The place I linked above (Bavaro Princess) would meet your criteria.
Although we did not go to the different a la carte restaurants, there are 5 or 6 at no extra charge, and one fancier place that is included if you take the Premium upgrade package, which includes other extras that may or may not appeal to you.
Iberostar resorts are another good, reasonably priced option.
Generally PC resorts are just a bit less $$ than the comparable place in Riviera Maya. But some recent bad press for Mexico may affect prices.
A great place in Riviera Maya is Grand Sirenis. Beach is not great for walking or relaxing waves, but has excellent snorkeling, as it is in a rocky cove.
If soft sand and calm beach that goes on and on is your preference, Punta Cana (Bavaro Beach area) would be better.
Lots of choices!

lisanewby72

we've stayed in Sandals thrice. we had a change of plan last year and we wanted to stay in not a sandals type resort. Our friends who just came back from Jamaican at that time mentioned about lemer luxury villas. It is located in lances bay (between negril and mobay w/c is perfect).

We booked at lemer and loved our stay there. its the place we were lookig for (secluded, private, relaxing and laid back - much different from AI resorts we used to stay in). My kids love the activities arranged by the owners (Coleman & karen).

If you want to go out, night bars are just a taxi away. Lots of restaurants down the road (or you can request Karen to cook real jamaican food for you - jerk chicken, goat curry, etc).

Check out their photos, videos and services here: http://lemerluxuryvillas.com/

Lemer villa is a bang for the buck. Enjoy your trip!

bebethecandy

I agree with Steelersfan, I'd suggest Dominican Republic, Punta Cana.Here are the list of all inclusive resorts below;
Allegro Playa Dorada, Barcelo Bavaro Palace, Barcelo Dominican Beach Resort, Barcelo Punta Cana, Bavaro Princess Resort, Club Med Punta Cana, Dreams La Romana, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Excellence Punta Cana and Grand Oasis Marien. If you're looking for 'true' beachfront resorts and hotels of all budgets, have a look at this beachfront resorts map http://www.thebeachfrontclub.com/bea...public/#d3-170 it might help you find something beautiful for your stay in Dominican Republic. Agoda is the booking agent, and the info it is pretty good, I'm sure you'll be finding new, nice and right places to go.