Hi Coopers,
I havent stayed at this hotel, but have been to The Dom Rep twice before once to the Puerto Plata area, Once to Punta Cana area.
Main difference been the beaches at Puerto Plata (North of island) are not as nice, dont reflect the true Caribbean, where as the Punta Cana (East of Island) Are breathtaking, powdery white sands etc.
Main tip i would give you is remember it is a third world country. Also if you leave resort (sometime locals will set up on resort once a week) then a firm no is a must if you dont want to buy anything, if you do though remember to barter well they will start buy asking some daft amount like £25 for a keyring because it as there local gemstone (larimar) in it, but you will be able to get them down to bout £1.50 / £2.00 (just remember they will not sell unless they make a profit, so dont feel bad its all part of the fun.)
I would also reccomend if you have the space to take some gifts for the locals, ie, the maids, gardeners etc.
The love stuff like toothpaste, make up, nail varnishs, pens, pencils, sweets all the things we take for granted. We normally take a selection of pens, pencils, sweets, a variety of the things that are light and leave a couple of items on the bed every day or two. Then at end of holiday whatever is left that we have taken (toiletries wise) which is normally a lot most unopened (i soo overpack) we give to maid, was a full carrier bag full. They were overmoon they are soo grateful it helps them out sooo much as stuff like that is very expensive and they are on a pittance. And plenty of $1 notes for tips. They are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Also remember you will prob not need any towel, as even beach towels are normally provided all inclusive.
Also remember a smile and Hola! goes a long way.
If you are thinking of doing any trips Ocean World is Fantastic, You can swim/meet dolphins, swim/meet sea lions, swim with sharks, theres a tropical aquarium for snorkelling, tropical birds, tigers, a sea lion show which is fantastic, and even a private beach (manmade) entry also includes BBQ lunch. It is quite expensive though me and my boyfriend went for my 21st in 2005 spent about £350 for the day including 1 dolphin swim for me and some photos of the even, also pics of us with tropical birds etc, and a video of the dolphin swim. Have a loook at the website http://www.oceanworld.net its a great day out if the budget allows. Another excursion highly reccomended although i havent done it myself was the Monster Truck Safari, (remember sweets and pencils for the local children you will meet) i heard loads of people rave about it, will really open your eyes to the real dominican republic.
There will be plenty of shows and things to do etc on site if you choose not to do any excursions though so you will be fine.
A big must is HIGH factor sunlotion the sun is sooooo intense and lotion very expensive i would say minimum spf 30 if you tan easy, higher if you burn easy, i am inbetween and start off on spf 50, lowering to 40 then sometimes 30 right at end of hol, but extra caution is a must i got burnt my first ever day in dom rep and spent the next 2 days in bed couldnt even bear the sheet against me, luckily it rained them 2 days, i still had to stay covered up for bout 3 days after the 2 in bed too (i dont want to frighten you but its sooo easy to not apply often enough especially if its cloudy)
Cant really think of anything else, i have probably waffled way too much and you have already fallen asleep any questions though do ask.
Just remember you are on holiday and relax have fun, and dont expect anything done in a hurry the dominican people are sooo chilled out and dont rush for nothing.......but its great.
And dont forget that smile, even if pi**ed off with something, it will get you a lot further than ranting and raving.
Have fun and let us know how it goes.
Sweet x

thanks for all the information, very useful, was unsure whether to take beach towels or not, now I won't and can fit in case extra goodies for the maids etc. Hope we can afford the trip to ocean world.
Injections are recommended and I didn't want to take any chances with the children, not sure if all doctors charge differently but our injections cost us the price of a prescribtion for the adults each, the children where free, worth every penny for peace of mind, although our arms for sore for a few days.

i'll be staying in the north in holiday village resort, we go on the 30th September, is the weather any good around this time in the north?!
Also, what trips can anyone recommend for us to go on? It will be our 1st time to dom rep.

Danielle

Hi danielle, we went slightly later -october- it was hot in the day and rainy and humid late afternoon. take a look at isaira tour. we used them and they were fantastic.

thanks care bear for your information

you're welcome. you'll have a fab time!

I'm thinking of Dom Rep for next year. Could anyone help with, what is a good time of year to go, what part to go and how much for 2 adults and 2 children.....?

Cheers

Hi, we are going to Punta Cana in December this year just for a week, staying at Gran Bahia Principe. Any info regarding weather at this time of year, excursions (and costs) available from this hotel, currency to take etc most welcome, one last thing, have had all jabs necessary for Cuba earlier this year so will we need anything further for D.R?
many thanks in advance
Katie.

Hi Katie

You may find the vaccination info you require HERE.

In case you haven't seen them we have reviews for the Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana HERE.

Pippy

Hi,

I have booked to go the Dom Rep in October. Do we need to get any injections etc before we go?

Has anyone been to the Ocean Sand/Blue Resort and does anyone know what the weather is like mid October?

Thanks
Lyns

Hi Lyns

Please see the link in my post above for vaccination info

We have a review for the Ocean Sand Resort HERE.

Pippy

TOURIST CARDS:
did anyone that has been find it easier to get them via the embassy before they travelled or was it easy and straight forward once you arrive?
I know you have to sent a photocopy of your passport off to the embassy can this be in black & white?

Thanks for any help, Danielle

Hi Danielle

You'll find the Dom Rep tourist cards thread HERE

Hope that helps.

Pippy