Knitwit11

My SO and I are looking to take a 4-night trip to Punta Cana at the end of January, beginning of February. We're looking for an AI, near the beach, upscale, some kind of entertainment at night, decent or better food. Mostly we just want to chill. We prefer adults only but that's negotiable (especially if the property has a non-kids section). I've spent the last 2 days looking at reviews and photos: my eyes are crossed and I don't feel any smarter than I did 48 hours ago. We're looking at Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro, Paradisus Las Palmas, Excellence, Gran Bahia Principe, Majestic Excellence, Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe. (As you can see, I haven't managed even to narrow this list down to a manageable 2 or 3.) Is there another property we should consider? What are your top recommendations for us?
Thanks!

schmerl

From the ones you mentioned, I would narrow it down to Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro, Paradisus Las Palmas, and Excellence,
They are all wonderful resorts.

qwovadis

www.luxurylink.com Excellence or Hard Rock more party my favs.

Knitwit11

Thanks for the advice. Is there a particular area in any of those hotels that's recommended?

schmerl

Hard Rock is NOT adults only. I don't know why "q" keeps recommending it to people looking for AO!
When we were at Excellence we upgraded to the "royal" service. I don't really think it was worth the extra $$$.

BellaClaire

Anyone have any comments on the Majestic Elegance? I'm going there in Feb and would appreciate any insight you all have.

dbaker75

I am in the same exact dilemma....looking for four nights, nice place on the beach to do nothing but get great service, have some drinks and good meals. I will tell you that I know people that stayed at the Paradisus....they said the property is gorgeous BUT the food is lacking. They also said the resort is soo big that depending on what room you are in you may have to take a shuttle to get to the beach or pool. That being said, I just discovered the Excellence which i read about last night and the majority of the reviews said the food is great and that the beach and pool bar and food service is fantastic and that they were waited on hand and foot. So after looking into about 20 hotels i think I am booking Excellence today. One drawback is i think it is almost an hour from the airport but i feel good about what i have read so i think the longer ride is worth it. Make sure if you do book Excellence that you ask for a room away from renovations...i heard there is a few bldgs being redone and you dont want to have to hear the men working.

dbaker75

One more thing, if anyone has stayed at Excellence Punta Cana, can you just tell me if it is worth getting a nicer room or is the standard good enough?
Also, being that it is adults only, do you find that the couples are much older? We are 36 going on our 10 yr anniversary trip...not looking to party till 3am but would like there to be some sort of nightlife. thank.s

BellaClaire

dbaker....check out iberostar grand and secrets sanctuary.....based on the number of people in my party we had to eliminate iberostar and secrets was a bit expensive for us.....a friend of mine stayed at Excellence...she really liked it, although she did say it was far away from everything...not sure that matters at an all inclusive though!

schmerl

We have stayed at Excellence and loved it. Yes...it is a long drive from the airport but it is not too bad.
The beach is great...the pools are great...the service is great...the food is great AND you don't have to make reservations for dinner.
There was a very mixed age group when we were there. A lot of honeymooners, so no...not an older crowd. There were also quite a few weddings while we were there.