Punta Cana or Puerta Plata
 

2 adults Travelling to Dominican Republic end of April. Don't want a romantic spot, want a nice beach with water sports, nightly entertainment and good food. What is the difference between Puerta Plata and Punta Cana? Looking at all-inclusive. Any suggestions for hotels? Need answers ASAP so I can book by April 26th..

I went to Puerto Plata in October of 2000 and hated it. We stayed at Sosua by the Sea and it was very poor and slummy. I would stay in Punta Cana - I have friends that have been to Punta Cana and they absolutely loved it. When we compared notes about the two their choice sounded wonderful. Email me at [email protected] and I will go into detail as to why I disliked it there so much.

Donna: Just returned from the Paradisus resort in Punta Cana. Had a great time. It seems like it has everything you're looking for in the way of beach, watersports, great food (7 restaurants) and nightly entertainment. Check out www.debbiesdomincantravel.com. Not only are there reviews of all the resorts in DR but she even provides information on the different regions. One other thing to consider: the airlines are now flying directly into Punta Cana airport which is only 20-30 minutes from all the Punta Cana resorts. It was nice to be able to fly out (of BWI for us) in the morning and be on the beach by 3:00 that afternoon. Please let me know if I can help with other info.

Having been to the D.R. five times and getting ready to go to Punta Cana...my advice...stay away from Puerta Platta.. I hated it.. the beach was dirty and that was just the beginning.. Go www.debbiesdominicantravel.com. to get reivews... Last year we went to Casa del Mar and loved it in La Romana... gorgeous beach, romantic sunsets and wonderful resort.. Punta Cana has 20 miles they tell me of gorgeous beach and lovely water... will be going March 31st. tto the Catalonia which looks pretty romantic to me..hammocks on the balcony, jacuzzi for two in the room.... for pictures of Casa Del Mar..write... but stay away from Puerta Platta, my least favorite area..

My vote goes to Puna Cana as well and definitely an all inclusive in this area. It's not a short stroll to other properties/restaurants. Glorious stretches of white/pink sand and turquoise water, beach walkers heaven ... Most 4* resorts are spacious, well groomed and provide excellent amenities. We have considered Catalonia for our next trip .. sounds delightful, but will likely return to the Iberostar P.C. simply because we trust this resort and love an oceanview balcony. Do visit debbiesdominican site mentioned earlier... very detailed ...plan to do a lot of reading. <BR>P.S. I suggest you pack a facecloth and tissues .. some hotels provide, some don't ..

returned from punta conta 2/2/1, <BR>stayed at melia tropical. great beach, huge pool but yet you have your own area, shows every night at the tropical and the melia caribe which is right next door, disco at tropical and casino at the caribe. 5-6 buffet rest's. and 4 ala carte. a lot to do or do nothing.see debbies dominican travel.

We stayed at the Playa Naco resort at Porta Plata and it was fabulous. I've heard that the beaches on the punta cana side of the island are prettier and that could be. Maybe next time I'll try that but you wouldn't be disappointed with porta plata either.

whoops - spelled it wrong - that sould be puerta plata not porta plata. too many bahama mamas I guess!

whoops - spelled it wrong. That should be puerta plata not porta plata!

sorry sandy..you spelled it wrong again...it's PUERTO PLATA !! and no..donna, don't even try puerto plata if you can spend your money in Punta Cana. There's absolutely no comparison between the two..many more luxurious hotels in punta cana and the food is great..very safe and you don't need to leave the hotel during your stay..

<BR>one other suggestion. don't stay at the OCCIDENTAL FLAMINGO..very few beach huts and lots of sun, no shade. better try the paradisus punta cana or the Barcelo Bavaro..both are top notch