San Juan? Dominican Republic? Oh My!

Madam A

Has anyone been to either? DH & I are going INSANE trying to square away our vacation trip and now we're looking at options at these two destinations with CheapCarribbean.com.

Also, I apologize if my vacation-planning has become as cumbersome for you as it has for me...!!

PS: LOL that TK won't let me write the name of the town in DR - "Punt_ Cana"

amy727

I went to P*nta Cana about 8 years ago.  We had a lot of fun, but it is a place you don't want to leave the resort (at least at that time.)  I would recommend it.  My friend also went there for their honeymoon last year and loved it. 

miguelhilary2010

I've heard that the DR all inclusives are very nice.  I know it's a pretty island, but just like other caribbean islands the towns off the resort can be a bit sketchy.  I dont think you'll have any problems at the airport or getting to the AI.  My friend took her honeymoon to Puntacana and had a good time.

Madam A

Amy - That's where our dilemma is... We would probably do an AI there and not leave the resort. But part of me wants to be a little more adventurous and see some sights, and I think San Juan might nice for this... Ugh...

ButtonsPepper

madam - as long as I can come too, "we" can go wherever you want :-)

amy727

I remember when we went we did a horseback riding tour and did a snorkeling tour.  They were all scheduled through the hotel, Barcelo I think.  It was an AI and they also had a lot of stuff you could do at the resort.  I think there were 4 or 5 different hotels and you could take a little shuttle between all of them for free. 

Madam A

Here are the resorts we're considering at each:

DR: Catalonia Royal Bavaro (Adults-only AI)

PR: Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa OR InterContinental San Juan Resort, Spa & Casino (both are Non-AI)

The resorts in PR are a little more upscale and would be more about using the room and beach at the hotel and then going out in San Juan...

The resort in DR would be where we stay ON the resort the whole time...

miguelhilary2010

San Juan is the capital of PR and can be sketchy too.  Sorry to disappoint.  I think if you go to PR though it will be easier to travel (less customs stuff because they're a territory of the US) and there may be a better chance of them understanding English.

Madam A

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_pennsylvania-philadelphia_san-juan-dominican-republic-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:105Discussion:1b5a28c4-07ad-4f94-998d-29bf95813e79Post:a49b18f9-787f-47b5-974f-1c650567c3fd">Re: San Juan? Dominican Republic? Oh My!</a>:
[QUOTE]San Juan is the capital of PR and can be sketchy too.  Sorry to disappoint.  I think if you go to PR though it will be easier to travel (less customs stuff because they're a territory of the US) and there may be a better chance of them understanding English.
Posted by miguelhilary2010[/QUOTE]

All good points... Thanks, MH!

miguelhilary2010

If you go to PR or DR either way, don't be surprised to see guards in the street with guns.  Seriously.  I saw them in Jamaica, and I hear its the same in PR and DR.

Madam A

We did Jamaica for our HM and want to go back for our 5 year anniversary because we loved it sooo much. BUT we definitely don't leave the resort there! I'm thinking maybe we'll go to DR and do the same - stay on the resort the whole time...

We couldn't find any AI resorts in PR so we were thinking we'd have to venture off the resorts... Now I'm thinking maybe we want to pick one to stay ON.

Beagle211

I'm going to Excellence Pvnta Cana at the end of March.  I am so excited about it I could pee.

Madam A

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_pennsylvania-philadelphia_san-juan-dominican-republic-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:105Discussion:1b5a28c4-07ad-4f94-998d-29bf95813e79Post:082e56e4-0d8c-4008-9433-a020eb917d1b">Re: San Juan? Dominican Republic? Oh My!</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm going to Excellence Pvnta Cana at the end of March.  I am so excited about it I could pee.
Posted by Beagle211[/QUOTE]

LMAO.

Update: I just emailed DH and I think we are going to book the Adults-Only AI in Pvnta Cana.

Beagle - Excellene looks BEAUTIFUL but it is way out of our price range for a non-HM trip haha.