Can anybody compare these 2 resorts? I hear they are sister resorts next to each other. Any info on size, food, entertainment, etc. is appreciated. Also, any casino, children allowed?

Hi Susan:<BR>The Paradisus (five star)is a bit more upscale than the Melia Caribe Tropicale (four star). The Melia is actually 2 resorts that merged into one, The Melia Caribe and Melia Tropical. They merged to form one very big resort with over 10 restaurants and diverse activities and entertainment (including a casino). The rooms in both properties are beautifully appointed and are junior suites with sitting areas. The Tropical section of the resort is more family oriented while the Caribe is for couples and singles. I would definitely recommend the Tropical for families since it has a kid's program and play areas for children. The Paradisus is a more deluxe property and also offers facilities for children. If you stay at the Paradisus you can share the facilities of the Melia but not vice versa. I'm a travel agent and have confidently sold these properties many times with very positive feedback. I have never been to Punta Cana but hope to visit in September and will be staying at the Melia Caribe Tropical.

Just returned from staying at the paradisus but I also visited the Melia caribe tropical. Staying in the paradisus and seeing the melia caribe I wish i would have stayed at the melia.<BR>Melia seems like more my type of hotel since everything seemed much more upscaled than the paradisus. Paradisus has alot of trees, water more of a natural environment. While I was at the paradisus I had to change my room 3 times since every room had an issue. The first room had ants all over the bathroom sink area plus the mirrors in the bathroom sink areas were filthy. The second room had a bad smell of cigarette smoke and the air conditioner was bloowing out musty humid air instead of cold air. The last room was not great but was much better than the previous rooms. We request a room with an ocean front, non smoke, king size bed, and on the second floor. We ended up with double beds, no ocean view, first floor but we finally did get the non smoke room. Overall my stay at the paradisus on a scale of 1-10 was a 6.5 wasnt that great but it wasnt that bad. It rained the whole time we were there except for 1 day...and we definetly took advantage of the sun that day.....water in the beach was cold so we went to the pool which was warmer. Restaurants are from ok to very good. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time ...try to snd emails to hotels with your requests. We also went to the market outside of the hotel entrance....What ever you do bargain bargain bargain. We purchased a nice Haitain painting which started out at being $20 and we got it down to $3.00. Good Luck

Hi Susan,<BR>Me and my fiance are staying at the Melia Caribe in mid July for our honeymoon. I've only heard great things about this place. Check out this site www.debbiesdominicantravel.com<BR>it has a lot of reviews on different hotels in DR..and other great stuff. Good Luck!!

Definitely stay at the Paradisus..my mom visited it some time ago and was awed by its beauty and luxury. I'm looking at a map of hotels in Punta Cana and I see that they're not located next to each other.<BR>I stayed at the Iberostar B&aacute;varo and found it absolutely great..quite luxurious and with a great activities staff. I would also recommend to read the posts on debbiesdominicantravel.com.<BR>They were extremely helpful when I had to choose which hotel to stay at.