I hope this is helpful to you...
My husband, my 8 year old son, and I just returned from a week at the Iberostar Dominicana (Aug. 14th-Aug. 21st). We had a great time!!
Beach: The beach was everything we had heard it would be. Lots of room, powdery soft, fairly calm waves, and clean. The only downside at the beach would have to be the lack of chairs (that are shaded). We never rushed down to claim them, but lots of other people did if they wanted any shade! I was a bit put-off by the number of people that appeared to "reserve" the best chairs at the pool AND the beach, leaving the rest of us with nothing. But, you can't let stuff like this ruin an otherwise wonderful trip.
Pools: The pools are nicely set-up, but not nearly enough chairs. I did notice one thing about the Iberostar that seemed different from other resorts we had visited. Usually, there is at least one bar for the pool, and at least one bar for the beach. There was only one bar that sat between the pool and the beach, and that you shared. This tended to make for a longer wait, although not bad.
Restaurants: The restaurants were good, although not excellent. We never went hungry, and the food was just fine. Nothing to remark on either way, except that none of us got sick, which is a bonus over Mexico, where we usually tend to. T
Room: he room was a nice large size. Plenty of space for the 3 of us, and in nice shape. The rooms were set up in one large building that ran the length of the property from the lobby to the beach. We were about midway down the building, which gave us good proximity to everything. The row of shops was behind our room, which was nice and convenient. Women, there is a blow-drier in the room, but I wish I had packed mine. Definitely take yours!! Theirs was sufficient for drying your hair, but only after a long, long time, and no good at all for styling. Just didn't give off much air. Another important note- If you take ANYTHING that needs plugged in that is any larger than a standard plug head, you will need an adapter. The current is the same as in the USA, but the outlets were slightly recessed, and large power heads couldn't reach in. We ended up going down to the gift shop in the front lobby where there was a box of adapters on the check-out counter. (cost about a dollar) It provides enough extension to get past the recessed area, and allow you to plug things in (like our digital camera battery!)
Misc.: We found all the people that work at the resort extremely helpful and friendly. They always had a smile for you, and jumped to help in any way they could. We have to agree with the prior review that talked about the "cultural differences" between the Americans and the Europeans. I personally try to overlook those things, but they were still apparent. We were constantly being forced off the sidewalk by the oncoming group that didn't give any space. I had people butt in front of me in line several times. My son had so many problems with people taking his toast from the toaster in the morning buffet, that he came to me in tears one morning and asked me to do it instead. Who takes food from kids? Again, a noticible problem, but we need to remember that we all do things differently, and things like lines are obviously handled differently in Europe. Probably not intentional. (I hope) I have just re-read my review, and want to add something...This resort is excellent. I have absolutely no hesitation recommending it, and loved the entire stay. It is one of the better resorts we have ever stayed at. I am simply listing the things that I noticed. It sounds sort of negative, and I think I am highlighting those things just so people know what we found. We were way more pleased than displeased!! If you are on the wall, pick this resort!!! You won't be sorry.
Enough on the resort, and on to the island: The reports on the crystal clear water and wonderfully soft sand are not exaggerated. Take a few excursions to see more of the area than just the resort. I would have to highly, highly recommend the Outback Safari Trip we booked through our Apple Vacations Rep. There appear to be lots of companies that run this type of excursion, but we were very impressed with ours for these reasons. The guides were funny! Very engaging. Also very informative. While we drove through the wonderful scenery of the island, the guide filled us in on local customs, history, etc. A wealth of information!! One other big bonus. We DID NOT drive through towns feeding candy, etc. to kids. Our tour company strongly feels that practice simply teaches the kids to skip school and wait for the hand-outs. Instead, the Outback Safari company sponsors several local schools, and supports them through donating part of what we spend with them. If you buy a shirt, hat, bag, whatever, a part of the money goes to the schools that they sponsor. The tour took us through a real, local Dominican home, a coffee plantation, etc. We stopped at one area and saw a couple of the cocks that they use for cock-fighting (but they DID NOT put on a cock fight for us. I would have had a problem with that!!) At the end of the day they took us to Macao beach, which had incredible boogie boarding. All in all, one of the best tours I have ever taken on vacation (and I have taken more than a few!!) We also did an excursion to the Marinarium and swam with Nurse Sharks and Sting Rays. A very enjoyable trip, that my son really loved. My husband and I love to snorkel, and really prefer to not be led around in a group, so we didn't like that, but the coral and the fish were beautiful, and it was neat to see the sharks and stingrays. A very enjoyable half day.
Oh, by the way, if you are staying at the Iberostar, there is a great shopping area right off the resort. Just walk down to the beach, take a right, and walk along the beach for about 5 minutes. You will get to a little row of shacks where they sell lots of local goods. Be ready to haggle!! Take any price they give you, cut it in half, and maybe in half again, and start there. You'll have fun, and get some lovely things.
Money: Travellers checks are NOT widely accepted on the resort. I know it goes against the traveling grain, but you will need to take plenty of cash. The shops on the beach only take cash, and the places in the resort take credit cards. There is a bank on the property, sort of hidden so ask at the front desk. You can go in there with your credit card and your passport and get cash from your credit card, but even the resort doesn't take travellers checks. Opposite of most trips we have taken, so be aware!!
I think I have said everything I wanted to. To sum it up, this trip rated very high on our favorites list. The water was second in line only to Bora Bora, and that is hard to beat. Cozumel and Hawaii come right after the Dominican Republic, then the Riviera Maya and Jamaica. The resort is lovely, the island is inviting, and the overall experience is wonderful. You can't go wrong! I am more than open to any questions, so please feel free to e-mail me at
MariePrei@comcast.net . I know I had questions before I went, but didn't find many people leaving their e-mail. I would be happy to help, so feel free! Enjoy your trip!!!!! Marie
Author
