Elaine22

We have never been to the Dominican Republic, but the posts make it seem very appealing for a one week holiday. My husband and I would like to stay in at least a four star hotel, and would like to golf about three times, so we don't want a package that includes daily golf. What area has better golfing (reasonably priced and not too challenging!),and also beautiful beaches and pool areas?

Also, I have been noticing reports about restrictions in regard to the restaurants in the all inclusive resorts. What does that mean? If they are restricted, and the resort is an AI, then who gets to eat in those restaurants?

doug_stallings

Casa de Campo has some of the finest courses in the Caribbean. But it's a fairly expensive place ... sometimes very expensive. This is the best resort in La Romana. You could stay at the Iberostar in Bayahibe and play at Casa, but it's going to cost you dearly to do it. Punta Cana Resort and Club has a fine course---some people might say a great course. It's more like a four-star, and not nearly as expensive as Casa. I'd suggest you go there. It's not an AI, but if you stick to the more expensive room categories, I think you will be pleased.

doug_stallings

Sorry .. I didn't really speak to your second question. The beaches at Punta Cana are excellent, particularly at the PC Resort since it is on the Caribbean side. Casa has a so-so beach for such a fine resort, but the beaches in Bayahibe are excellent.

If restaurants are restricted at AIs, it usually means that they are reservations-only, and you can only go to a certain number of these during your stay (otherwise, you are relegated to the buffet). If that's not your bag, then you might not like an AI.

Elaine22

Thanks for the information, Doug. Would you suggest that I look for a vacation package that includes golf? Are there such packages available? If so, which hotels offer them.

In regard to the all inclusive hotels, do you have to accept the full meal package, or can you stay "a la carte" or perhaps just get a breakfast package?

doug_stallings

At true all-inclusives, you usually don't have a choice about the mealplan (and wouldn't want one). There are remarkably few independent restaurants in either La Romana or Punta Cana, so you're usually better off with the mealplan anyway. (All the restaurants in La Romana outside of resorts are in Casa de Campo itself). If you go to Casa de Campo and can get the meal plan, I'd encourage you to do so. Restaurants at the resort are incredibly expensive and overpriced.

If you stay at Casa de Campo, you can pay a supplement for golf every day or pay by the course (but it's over $100 for the green fees for each round of play). Punta Cana Resort is similarly priced.

For these very good courses, you definitely pay for the privilege. I'm not sure if you will consider that too expensive, but these are better rates than you'd pay at top courses in the States.