I think you should be able to get something in your price range in the Dominican Republic if you are looking for something different. I know it is long haul but if you were to book with Eclipse / First Choice you will travel on their newly upgraded planes which offer 33" seat pitch in economy which is better than the likes of BA and virgin, so no need to upgrade.
The north coast is historically cheaper than the south and decent hotels where i think you will get two weeks within your budget include
Gran Ventana
Casa marina Reef
Riu Merengue
The casa del mar is in the south which also may just be within your budget.
I too would reccommend may - a great month to go to the Caribbean. I did try and look at some prices for you but both Eclipse and first choice sites and closed for essential maintainence - they should be up and running shortly though.
If you go long haul you will have to go from gatwick - Stansted does not serve any long haul destinations.
Hope this helps
Tracy
Tracy - Thats sounds really good how long is the flight to the DR? I'm assuming they have inflight entertainment. So may would be the cheapest time to go, I'll have a look at that too but if you don't mind having and look that would be great as you may be able to come out with a better deal than I can. Thankyou
What about the Red Sea area. I've been researching it for a one week hol in April but I have to look out for school hols. There seem to be loads of AI hotels, and for your Dad it would only be a five hour flight. From what I have seen you would probably get 4* or 5* for your budget if travelling off peak.
Have to say Egypt looks a good bet. Haven't been there myself but I'm sure others can help! Any other questions - just ask away!
Thomson do a flight from Stansted to Egypt, but only winter season & i think its on a 757 which will have limited legroom.
I went to the Red Sea in the Summer, stayed at the Conrad Sharm El Sheikh Resort. We all had a fab holiday and would love to return to this hotel.
Check out the reviews http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/egypt/sinai-penninsula-and-red-sea/sharm-el-sheikh/coral-sea-sensatori-hotel/
Pippy
Flights to the Dom Rep are approx 9 hrs (about an hour less on the return). First choice planes do have an excellent entertainment system and personal seat back TV's with movies, tv progs and interactive games.
Had a quick look and the cheapest time in May seems to the the first week. I have got total prices for 2 adults departing on the 6 may from Gatwick of £1588 to the Riu merengue (which I have been to twice and is wonderful) of £1638 to the Gran Ventana.
On the East coast, I have a departure on the 3/5 to the Sirenis hotel for £1589 total.
Tracy
We have lots of reviews for the Costa Caribe hotel http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/caribbean/dominican-republic/juan-dolio/coral-costa-caribe-resort,-spa-and-casino-hotel/
Also reviews for the Riu Merengue Hotel (latest one October 2005) http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/caribbean/dominican-republic/puerto-plata/clubhotel-riu-merengue-resort-hotel/
Glynis HT Admin
We have 2 sites the Reviews site which covers accommodation reviews from people who have stayed at the hotel/apartments. This is available via the link at the top of each page 'Hotel Reviews' or via this link http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/
Then we have here, the forums where you are now for members to ask or assist with any holiday related queries.
just read your post again, don't i look stupid yeah I get ya.
Flight looks as if it is with Thomson Aka Britannia which are the standard charter cramped flights - so done't expect much legroom. Only FCA offer the extra seat pitch in economy.
I went to thomas cook and they game me a price of £990 with premium seats to the Occidental Allegro Jack Tar, Puerto Plata. They say it's a good price what are your views can I get cheaper???
Thankyou x
If your dad insists on the premium cabin it does reduce your budget a lot - premium cabin is £200 per person extra.
I had a look on eclispe and the riu merengue departure on the 7 July can be upgraded to premium with a total cost of £1926 - just under budget. I seriously doubt you would get a two week holiday. at a decent 4 star plus hotel for 2 with premium upgrade for £1500 total unless you got a last minute bargain. I imagine if you shopped around you might get something a little cheaper (maybe £100) - but I doubt the hotel would be as good as the Merengue. In the Dom Rep, it really is a case of you get what you pay for.
As i said above, if you fly with first choice you really don't need the upgrade - I flew to Cuba with them in may for 10 hours with no problems and will be using them for a holiday to the maldives which is 11 hours next May. All the other charters (mytravel, britannia, monarch) i wouldn't travel on without the updrade but personally, I don't feel it's worth it with first choice.
I really didn't think it would be possible to et it at £1500, but it it really worth waiting to book last minute? This Riu Merengue scores quite highly then? and is it all inclusive 24hrs?
I just relaised I have been saying July when I have ment JUNE!!! Sorry guys, will that bring the price down??
June is actually cheaper than July - its not during the kids holidays. Departure on 11 June is £1418 in economy or £1826 in premium with First choice through Eclipsedirect. A week before or after that date sees the price go up by £100 in total.
If you go back to the travel agent ask them to price up some deals with Kuoni from there Tropical sun brochre and Hayes and Jarvis. They used to have some good prices and use a lot of schedule flights giving you some extra leg room. Both of these companys do a limited edition/special offer brochre which they bring out a few times a year usually for travel in the next 4 months or so. YOu can view offers on line.
Longwoods are supposed to be good on prices for Egypt. Somak and Libra also do some good prices.
First choice and Eclipse do Egypt within your price range from Gatwick and they also offer more leg room have a look at there website or have a look at their flights in the flight only section of Holiday Truths.
Good Luck
Christine W
Cynic- The merengue, is that the one where you can us ehte other rui hotels included and the others can't us the merengue???
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