Domican Republic

Is this the right forum?

Was wondering if anyone has any experience staying with RCI in the DR?

Which area is most desirable? Considering a quick 5 or 6 night trip around 4th of July.

Thanks!

Dominican Republic, aka DR?

Yes, that was in the thread title.

Couldn't figure it out from your spelling

Crap on a cracker! Can't multitask at work and still spell! lol

We've been a few times. It's a third-world country, with crime, corruption and disease rife. If you stay in your resort, you should be OK. Last time we went (and I do mean it will be the last time), we were hijacked by a group of renegade armed police and soldiers on a remote road in the middle of nowhere on the way back to the airport. Our taxi driver wasn't as concerned as we were, some money changed hands, and we got to the airport. Would we go to DR again? No way!

Aactually you would enjoy yourself IF you research the areas you are considering. We all had a great experience and would highly recommend a visit. The people are wonderful, the police very helpful, and the beaches and islands are gorgeous. We stayed in Bayahibe (just east of La Romana on the southern coast). Enjoyed boating to Saona Island with Seavis Tours, and an amazing day sail to Catalina Island with Pro Excursions that included a run up the River Chavon and a sail past Casa de Campo. Both are excellent outfits right out of Bayahibe. So research that area for accommodations.
Many people head for Punta Cana, but there you have only resorts and nowhere to go. Staying in Bayahibe or Dominicus you can see these towns and experience the people and evening dinners. Guests staying in Punta Cana must also transfer to Bayahibe to take the best excursions. You can fly into La Romana or Punta Cana, we flew into Punta Cana and the drive to Bayahibe is on a newer highway.

I guess it all depends on what level of risk you (or your wife) is willing to accept. We went to Caliente Caribe, on the north-east coast. Never again.

Puerto Plata on the north coast is another secured tourist destination with high end gated resorts.

The DR can be whatever you want it to be, but as stated above, it is a 3rd world destination. Also, the prices are much cheaper than the rest of the Caribbean once you get out of the tourist areas

Risk is subjective and depends on your travel experience, destination, plans while there and so much more. We’ve never felt unsafe in Bayahibe or Dominicus, or where we live in Mexico. Research is an all-important component in enjoying any destination.

Third world destination describes everywhere we go to enjoy the beauty of the Carib!

Going to a gated resort in the secluded resort areas removes you from the real experience of meeting the wonderful people and seeing the abundant natural beauty, and often involves the “remote roads in the middle of nowhere” mentioned above. Again, research the areas, comparing Punta Cana to Bayahibe and Puerto Plata, etc, etc.

Just do some research on your own rather than relying only on this forum, even for quick getaway understanding the destination is very mportant. Sorry, cannot help with any RCI properties but research the different areas to find the one you want to visit. You can then research the properties in that area that interest you.

[EDIT]
We once stayed at Dreams La Romana in Bayahibe, that is listed by RCI but the AI cost will be pricey. The nice thing about that property is the 5 minute stroll into Bayahibe and to the Seavis Tours and Pro E excursions.

It has been a while since I have been to resorts there, but stopped at 2 locations in 2015 while on a delivery. We never felt unsafe we met a lot of great people, but also several people trying to rip us off with expensive cab rides for short distances, plus bribes for security people.. Everyone had their hand out for providing any type of tiny service. It is a poor country, so work is hard to come by.. Our stops were in Pendernales and Marina Zarbar.

Many years ago we did a private tour of Santo Domingo and it was great. One take away, the dogs would follow us, our guide said they knew that the white people would feed them.

With that said we stopped at Ile de Vacha in Haiti on the same trip. There is a small resort there, they people were amazing and not greedy money grubbing. I would go back there in a heart beat.

Thanks everyone for the insight. I definitely am not interested in Punta Cana or AI.

Beachkitten--if you definitely don't want to do a/I, I wouldn't consider the DR. What about Aruba???

What about the "Out islands" in the Bahamas? Beaches are breath taking. Locals are wonderful and it's peaceful and quiet.

I think she's trying to use RCI points, which I don't think there are any RCI resorts in the Out Islands??

I think you are right! There are a few in Nassau but that's not the best place.

Thanks for the ideas...

Just found this, not using RCI....kinda sounds like a good deal as I'm considering at the last minute going next weekend! lol

http://www.vacationexpress.com/trav...MAIL&utm_campaign=TZOObwiPUJ20180628

Bayahibe Beach was mentioned previously....

Not familiar with that resort, but seems like a good deal including air.

As a follow up. When we were at Marina ZarPar, We walked down to Playa Andres in Boca Chica, there were some amazing upscale restaurants and a decent beach (not BVI standard, but great locals people watching). Nothing AI and have no clue if anything RCI in the area. VERY convenient to Santo Domingo airport.

Just to clarify for the OP and others posting here who have only stayed at AI resorts in the DR, there are definitely great non-AI options around the Bayahibe/Dominicus area, and it is a very safe area to stay. Many travel here to stay in or near the villages to experience life here, and are here to take advantage of the excellent fishing and snorkeling options out of Bayahibe.
As far as RCI-affiliated options in the area all I know of are AI, but you often can get better deals by not using RCI.

Not sure why you would be looking at these AI properties if you are not interested in the AI option? Also, when using RCI points or weeks the AI portion of the cost is quite high of course.

And I recommended Bayahibe because there are non-AI options in and near the villages where you can feel safe and meet people and you are not stuck in the middle of nowhere in a gated resort.

There are RCI-affiliated resorts in Freeport and Abacos but not the more secluded islands. But Abacos is one option.

She was talking about going NOW, so not sure what happened with the trip.

Hi Carol! Yes, just sounded a bit all over the board so in case she was still pondering the very different destinations...
Hopefully she did/does enough research so no surprises whatever her choice...