We are thinking of going to DR in the beginning of May. How is the weather then?
We are adults in our 50's and are looking for good food, nice swimmable beach, snorkeling and a nice big room. We don't mind kids but would like a place where you can find a quiet spot. Are we asking for too much??? These are the choices we have in accomodations.
Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus
Iberostar Bavaro - Bavaro suites
Paradisus Palma Real (I think it is new)
Sunscape Casa Del Mar
Secrets (but heard the beach is not swimmable)

Please give input and thanks for your help in advance

It depends on what you mean by "swimmable". I stayed at Secrets and loved it. We went in the ocean everyday with no problem. DId we actually swim in it? No, but I rarely do that anywhere.
I've read that Secrets will be under new management next year some time.

Schmer, thanks for responding. I spoke to a couple that went there on their honeymoon and they said that the water was rough. I was wondering if the ocean is too rough to even venture in. My husband and I like to swim out and snorkel. Tell me more about Secrets if you don't mind. Did you like it and what did you like about it. Thanks.

Your friends are right in saying the water there is not good for snorkeling. As I said, we went in the ocean every day, but it was too rough for good snorkeling.
The food at the resort was wonderful. Service was also great. The rooms are HUGE with a jacuzzi for two right in the room.
There are activities during the day if you choose to do them, or you can just sit back and relax. This was the first adults only, all inclusive resort I experienced. The lack of children gave it w whole different atmosphere. Very relaxed and laid back. No one running to reserve chairs early in the AM. We enjoyed it a great deal.

By the way...you mioght want to check out this site for great info on the DR
http://debsdrtravels.proboards47.com/

Check out the resort reviews at http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com/

The La Romana area has calmer beaches, some very swimmable and frequently snorkeling right from the resort beach. I've been to Sunscape Casa del Mar and there are quiet spots as well as activity-rich spots, calm water with a nice ebb & flow & snorkeling. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The rooms might be fancier/bigger at the IBHD - room category may determine size as well as location. Check out photos from nice woman from Baltimore who has been to both resorts and has photoshows posted at http://photoshow.comcast.net/maryweil

We just returned from a week at Paradisus Palma Real. We were supposed to be going to Melia Caribe but they were overbooked so they transferred us. And gave us a free week to use next year!

The Paradisus is brand new and still under construction in a lot of spots. There were power failures almost daily. The restaurant food was very good. The buffet food was good, bad, and indifferent. We got the impression that they are still working on getting the place and staff and the food up to speed. Lots of little glitches.
The wind blows constantly on Punta Cana so there are always waves. The beach is fun to play in but would be tricky to snorkle.

We stayed at the El Portillo its an all inclusive but laid back and peaceful. Away from the Punta Cana side of things. It was very clean and well kept and beautiful snorkeling right from the beach. Horseback riding also included. We had a great time. We had the only children and they had a ball.