Intro and lots of questions

Britishbartender · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:38 am Post subject: Intro and lots of questions

Hi everyone,

My name is Neil from NJ and I just stumbled across this website and it has been a wealth of information.

This will be my first trip to the DR, only for 5 days but looking at all the pictures I wish it was longer.

Now on to the questions, I will be leaving 6/26 with my wife and 2 of my kids 13 and 10.

Which resort is most recomended? I am looking at the Bambu, it seems to have something for everyone, close to the beach some decent bars etc. What do you guys think?

Does Rui class my 13 year old as an adult and will I have to pay more for him?

Where is the best place to book? I have looked at the spirit airlines website and I can book everything through them or maybe just the flight and deal directly with Rui

Activities. The extra stuff, horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, powerboats, atv's etc. Does it have to be booked now or through the hotel when I arrive?

Is this the best part of the island or should I be looking at the North?

I think I have bothered you enough and I look forward to your replies.

Neil

peterhr · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:47 am Post subject:

Yep - Bambu would be best

13 yo as adult - you can do a trial pricing on the websites (www.riu.com, www.apple.com, etc) and plug in different ages - see what it does to the pricing ... it is possible that the prices offered may be per room.

Can you fit 2 Adults + 10yo + 13yo in one room easily - someone else would need to answer who has stayed at the bambu - most Riu caribbean rooms have two double beds (there should be room pictures on this site somewhere)
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pics > http://tinyurl.com/4wyys2

Rainbow · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:15 am Post subject:

...welcome aboard britishbartender!... Hug

...we're glad you found us!...
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Photos : 07, 08 & 09 : May 2007 : Older KISS

riu_4_life · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject:

welcome to the site Hug

hope you have a good trip Laughing

to be honest i might be wrong but i dont think there is anywere in the south where you can swim with dolphins - i know when my mam was booking we had to stop at the north because i wanted to swim with then - however you could just travel up somehow Laughing

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(i think its those dates Laughing

)

Riu olivia beach - 05
Riu merengue - 06
Riu merengue - 08 :( to long to wait but fiesta time Laughing

peterhr · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:08 pm Post subject:

There is a manati park in Punta Cana - but it - apparently - sells too many dolphin swims a year and the animals get really stressed out ... & it's not at all good for them.

Read the reviews on the 'net
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pics > http://tinyurl.com/4wyys2

riu_4_life · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:40 pm Post subject:

i would definatelty recommend going to ocean world it is fantastic - its just if you really want to either go to a hotel in the north or if you are willing to travel up
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(i think its those dates Laughing

)

Riu olivia beach - 05
Riu merengue - 06
Riu merengue - 08 :( to long to wait but fiesta time Laughing

peterhr · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:02 pm Post subject:

The beaches on the east coast are much better than the North ... you pay your money and make your choice - I prefer the east coast having been to both.

The Dolphins swim could be an issue if going to the east coast.
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pics > http://tinyurl.com/4wyys2

riu_4_life · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:12 pm Post subject:

correct peter - i have to admit though the beaches do look a lot nicer at the east than the north
_________________

(i think its those dates Laughing

)

Riu olivia beach - 05
Riu merengue - 06
Riu merengue - 08 :( to long to wait but fiesta time Laughing

Britishbartender · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 2:39 pm Post subject:

I appreciate all the info, you all have been a great help. Looks like we will off to Bambu.
All the day trips that are listed on this website, do they have to be booked now or when we arrive at the hotel? We are only going for 5 days and I want to make sure we get to do everything we want.

Neil

Rainbow · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 2:43 pm Post subject:

peterhr · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject:

Most people book trips while they're there - I don't think it makes a lot of difference on the price - but if you're armed with a weather forecast for while you're there - you might avoid booking a boat trip on what might promise to be a stormy day.

5 days - 4 full days on the resort, you'd only want to do trips for about 1 1/2 days

The monster jeep safari is good to go on (you will get dirty & wet) or saona boat trip (did i spell that right) both are a full day.

Then maybe you can find some quad bikes / ATV's (go with a recommeneded company so you dont get carp bikes with no brakes)
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pics > http://tinyurl.com/4wyys2

Britishbartender · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 3:51 pm Post subject:

I just booked everything through Spirit. Now comes the waiting.

Do I need to apply for a visa or is that all done when I arrive in the DR

Neil

peterhr · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:33 pm Post subject:

$10 entry for the entry visa - get it & fill it in at the airport when you arrive - You can get it in advance from the DR embassy - but it's really not worth the bother

$25 exit tax - but that is usually included in your ticket price if your flying to the USA

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pics > http://tinyurl.com/4wyys2

Britishbartender · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:52 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the help Peter. I am sure I will have more questions as it gets closer.
I am also from England

, the Isle of Wight. I think the weather in the DR will be a little nicer.

Neil

kerri · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:19 am Post subject:

We were at the Bambu from Jan 25 until Feb 3/07. We stayed with two children, 8 & 5 in our room. You should be fine with your two children in your room. Because they knew we were coming with two children, they put an extra double bed in our room. So, we had three double beds in the room. A little crowded, but worth it or the extra sleeping room. Truthfully, you spend so little time in your room, you should be fine with the four of you. Have a great time. I wish I was going again!