Playa del Carmen vs. Punta Cana
 

My husband and I are trying to decide between Playa del Carmen and Punta Cana. We are planning to go in mid-March. We have been to Cancun and eventhough we liked it we would like to avoid the spring break crowd and it is really the only time we can go. We are in our mid-30s. We would like some relaxation and but we also like the nightlife. Wondering what others think we might prefer. The hotels we are considering are Iberostar Dominicana or Bavaro in Punta Cana or in Playa del Carmen Gala, Copocabana or maybe one of the Iberostar resorts there. Any other hotel recommendations would be great. Thanks for your input.

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PDC does not cater to the spring break crowd as does the town of Cancun. I have been to Punta Cana. The nightlife there is pretty limited to the resort you stay in and what is available. They usually have a show in the p.m.'s which I enjoyed but my husband found it to be somewhat redundant. Leaving the resort and going to a town is not an option. (Unless it has changed since we were there several years ago.) PC does have a nice beach. For reviews on your choices in Punta Cana check debbiesdominican.com. To be thruthful, just my opinion of course, I would go back to PDC.

IF YOU ARE INTENDING TO GO TO PUNTA CANA I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND SECERETS EXCELLANCE.

Went to Playa last year and stayed at Gala. 2adults and 2 small children. We loved it - beaches were beautiful, rooms nice and service very friendly. Food was good although you do get tired of it after a week. <BR><BR>Playa is very pretty and there are great tours you can take - Tulum and Xelha is one we opted for. You can book at hotel or go into town and book directly for much less.<BR><BR>We are going back again in April and my husband doesn't like to travel. That says alot for Playa as well as the gala.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Thanks for the input. Does any one have any other hotels in Playa del Carmen that you would recommend?

How much do you want to spend?<BR>AI or no?

I would recommend Aventura Spa Palace in Playa Del Carmen. We went last summer and it was wonderful. It does not have a beach there though if that is what you are looking for. But other than that it was great. Staff was very friendly, food was good and entertainment was great.

Laurie, if you decide to go to Punta Cana (excellent beach!!!!), the Iberostar Dominicana or Bavaro are excellent choices.<BR><BR>If you decide on Playa del Carmen, I can recommend either the Barcelo Maya Beach resort or the Iberostar Paraiso. Both of these are about 20 minutes out of PDC. The Barcelo has the best beach/pool combination with an excellent disco every night. The Iberostar Paraiso has the better lobby/rooms but their beach isn't as nice as Barcelo's. Personally, if you are going south for a hot holiday, why would anybody pick a resort without a nice beach? I would not pick Adventura Spa Palace for this reason alone. Both the Barcelo and Iberostar are within easy taxi ride into Playa.

Been to Barcelo Bavaro P.C. and Barcelo Maya,Mexico slight edge to P.C.'s beach very slight!But in Punta Cana there's nothing to do off the resort.We find PDC has so much to do that it's become our fave.