Anyone been to Punta Cana?

[big a]

Awhile back I asked about taking a vacation to Myrtle Beach. Well we have book our trip but I am always on the look out for other deals. I came across an all-inclusive trip to Punta Cana though Groupon. I had planned on spending ~$2,000 for Myrtle Beach and could go to Punta Cana for $1800 + passport and special activities if we want to do anything there. It seems like a no brainer to do an all inclusive but for whatever reason I'm on the fence. Questions i had.

Has anyone been on vacation there? how was your experience?

Anyone happen to of stayed at Be Live Grand? The reviews online seem positive for the most part. As with any place there is always some people that had a bad experience.

Anyone ever booked their trip though Vacation Express?

[shilala]

We've been there, but we stayed at the Punta Cana Excellence. It was incredible.
I never heard of the Be Live Grand, but here's the thing with the places we bused through, they're kind of maintenance deferred. They're not bad by any means, just not as clean and manicured as everything here.
If you go, you need to take a couple hundred dollar bills for tipping. It's a custom throughout the country, everyone tips for everything. Literally.
No, I've never used Vacation Express, either.

[big a]

Originally Posted by shilala

We've been there, but we stayed at the Punta Cana Excellence. It was incredible.
I never heard of the Be Live Grand, but here's the thing with the places we bused through, they're kind of maintenance deferred. They're not bad by any means, just not as clean and manicured as everything here.
If you go, you need to take a couple hundred dollar bills for tipping. It's a custom throughout the country, everyone tips for everything. Literally.
No, I've never used Vacation Express, either.

As always, thanks Scott. Lots of good info

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by shilala

We've been there, but we stayed at the Punta Cana Excellence. It was incredible.
I never heard of the Be Live Grand, but here's the thing with the places we bused through, they're kind of maintenance deferred. They're not bad by any means, just not as clean and manicured as everything here.
If you go, you need to take a couple hundred dollar bills for tipping. It's a custom throughout the country, everyone tips for everything. Literally.
No, I've never used Vacation Express, either.

I stayed at the Majestic Elegance last May.
In the top two or three there.
Impossible not to have a great time.
Best way to describe it, a cruise on land.
Didn't care to do much in the area and just chose to stay at the property.
We did the Elegance Club, for adults only, private butler, etc. what a bang for the buck.
Also, tip the bartenders by the pool real well and watch how a special drawer with the top shelf booze becomes available to you.
Don't forget the mamajuana. They swear it has "stiffening" properties for men.
Have to agree with them.

[Blueface]

I stayed at the Majestic Elegance last May.
In the top two or three there.
Impossible not to have a great time.
Best way to describe it, a cruise on land.
Didn't care to do much in the area and just chose to stay at the property.
We did the Elegance Club, for adults only, private butler, etc. what a bang for the buck.
Also, tip the bartenders by the pool real well and watch how a special drawer with the top shelf booze becomes available to you.
Don't forget the mamajuana. They swear it has "stiffening" properties for men.
Have to agree with them.

[Blueface]

No more early morning drinking and posting for me.
Seems I repeat myself.

[NeuRon]

ive been to Punta Cana the past few years, and its been some of the best vacations ive had.. and much cheaper than some of the other Caribbean vacations as well..

for 6 nights, continental direct flight from newark to DR, all inclusive, shuttle bus, all the bells and whistles, we ended up paying $879 each with tax... it is literally a no brainer.. i cant even FLY to California for $700. Nevermind stay at a hotel and then pay for overpriced food and lackluster service. lol.. i couldnt say enough about the kind people on that island too..

edit: ive never been to the place you speak of.. my stay was at the Grand Bahia El Principe . look it up! i swear by it! fabulous beaches!

[mjdx88]

I was planning on going to Punta Cana for our honey moon a month ago, but it didnt work out so we did cancun. While in Cancun we stayed at the Excellence, it was amazing! I have heard their resorts are held to all of the same standards and the restaurants are very similar.

I would say go for them if you can, it will be awesome!

[big a]

Thanks for all the tips. We went ahead and pulled the trigger. Got our passport apps in yesterday. Now we just have to wait. Did anyone take their own cigars with them or is that a no no?

[NeuRon]

i smuggled my cubans into the country.. they dont care.. just remember.. you can take them in but you might get some flack taking them back.. plan and allocate wisely

[big a]

Originally Posted by NeuRon

i smuggled my cubans into the country.. they dont care.. just remember.. you can take them in but you might get some flack taking them back.. plan and allocate wisely

That is what i had thought and I am trying to avoid buying some fake random cigar off the beach. i don't plan to bring anything back as i just dont want the hassle.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by big a

That is what i had thought and I am trying to avoid buying some fake random cigar off the beach. i don't plan to bring anything back as i just dont want the hassle.

Took my own.
Had some left to bring back.
Just removed the rings and no worries.

[NeuRon]

^^ that too.!

[Sweet_Leaf_PDX]

I was in Punta Cana last week! Stayed at the Majestic Colonial, in the Colonial Club (adults only section). Had a great time and highly recommend it. I booked my trip through Costco Travel and feel that I got a good deal. They throw in a discount at the resort spa and you get $100 towards off resort activities of your choice. Let me know if you want more info and I would be happy to elaborate.

[big a]

Originally Posted by Sweet_Leaf_PDX

I was in Punta Cana last week! Stayed at the Majestic Colonial, in the Colonial Club (adults only section). Had a great time and highly recommend it. I booked my trip through Costco Travel and feel that I got a good deal. They throw in a discount at the resort spa and you get $100 towards off resort activities of your choice. Let me know if you want more info and I would be happy to elaborate.

I will have to look into Costco for the next one, I always forget they have trips. Was your beach private? Ours isn't and I have heard mixed reviews of the locals walking along the beach trying to sell stuff.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by big a

I will have to look into Costco for the next one, I always forget they have trips. Was your beach private? Ours isn't and I have heard mixed reviews of the locals walking along the beach trying to sell stuff.

At the Majestic Elegance and sister property next door Majestic Colonial, they did a pretty good job of keeping them out BUT, regardless, they were there every chance they could but a simple NO will do and they leave you alone. In fact, I recall them just walking down the beach close to the water and not around folks laying on the beach.

[Sweet_Leaf_PDX]

Originally Posted by big a

I will have to look into Costco for the next one, I always forget they have trips. Was your beach private? Ours isn't and I have heard mixed reviews of the locals walking along the beach trying to sell stuff.

Lots of locals trying to make a buck. The beach I was at was pretty good, they don't really bother you if you are sitting in the loungers. Just say no thanks and they will move on.

[big a]

For you guys that took cigars, did you carry them on or put them in your luggage?

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by big a

For you guys that took cigars, did you carry them on or put them in your luggage?

Carry on. Always.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Carry on. Always.

Ditto