| | Playa Arena Gorda, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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Overall Community Rating: |   9.8 (based on 1 user reviews) |
 Iberostar Punta Cana: Fabulous holiday! by Holidayangel |
| Posted 06 December 2005 about a visit in August 2005 | Overall rating: 9.8 |
We (myself, hubby & two children, aged 10 & 8) visited the Iberostar Punta Cana from 24 August x 2 weeks. It was absolute paradise from the moment we arrived - so much so that we've just booked for next year!
We flew with First Choice from Manchester to Punta Cana airport. The flight was on-time and the new F.C. planes are much better - inflight entertainment in every seat, pleasant hostesses, clean. However, they did run out of blankets & pillows so it may be worthwhile getting yours asap. The food was passable.
The check-out at P.C. airport was efficient & the bus ride to the hotel was fine - took around 35 mins.
Upon arrival at the hotel we were greeted very warmly by reception. The check-in was extremely efficient and the welcoming cocktail was very welcome!
We had requested a top floor, sea facing room. We did get the top floor but it was not sea view - not a problem, as the grounds are absolutely immaculate so it was a pleasure to look at these!
POOL/BEACH
The grounds are superb as are the swimming pools. One is called the Punta Cana pool - tends to be quieter although there is a net for volleyball, and the other is the Dominicanapool - this is where the entertainment team organise activities. However, if this is not your thing.........get to the beach! The beach is fantastic - gorgeous white, find sand. The sea can get quite rough - both me and hubby proved this by losing our sunglasses (goodbye £250!!) - but who in their right minds wears s/glasses to swim!!!
People do reserve beds at both the pools and the beach. You really do not need to do this unless you are the type that must sit in exactly the same place every day. We liked a change and always got beds at any time of the day. Towels are provided f.o.c. Books/games can also be borrowed from the towel shack.
ENTERTAINMENT
The entertainment team worked their socks off. They will keep you entertained all day and night if that is your thing. Equally, if you prefer to just chill they do respect this and will simply stop by for a chat. The shows are at the Dominicana side where drinks are waitress style. We only saw a few shows, very mixed. Some very good others not up to much.
We preferred to sit in the Punta Cana lobby. Here they played soft music and again drinks were waitress style. A few nights there were singers.
FOOD
There are two identical buffet restaurants. You can eat in either. The breakfasts had everything you could want. At lunch you can either eat on the beach, close to beach/pool or in the buffet restaurants. We preferred the buffets where drinks are brought to your table. Food at lunch was lovely and great for the children as they can try a variety. The kids didn't touch the chips - much more adventurous!
The speciality restaurants are really worth a try. Otherwise it may get too monotonous eating in the same place for a fortnight.
The Mexican had nice food but on the night we ate there the air conditioning had broken which made it much too hot. We didn't stay too long after eating!
The Tropical was our least favourite - just down to personal choice I guess. Nothing wrong with it but we probably wouldn't choose to eat here again.
The Steakhouse was really nice - you can eat your meal and hear the sea! The steaks served here are very good. We travelled to the North of the D.R. last year and the food did not compare to here (however, it was not an Iberostar last year so not comparing like for like!).
The Oriental and the Gourmet restaurants were our favourite. The food was superb and you are very well looked after. We would definately try and eat here again.
At the speciality restaurants reservations must be made with guest services. They were really accommodating and we ate at these restaurants more than the usual allocation. Just ask and if there is availability, they will book you in.
The Star Rock Cafe is also good. We ate in here a couple of times. You do not need to reserve, simply turn up and if there is availability you stay. Both times we went we had no trouble getting a table and didn't see anyone else struggling. The air con is exceptionally effective in here - quite a welcome relief!
ROOM
We loved our room - very, very clean. The maid was lovely and came every day making swans etc from the towels and leaving choccies. The minibar (beer/water & soft drinks) is replenished every day - if you need extras just leave a little note. The air con is good (our kids kept turning it off because they felt cold!).
TRIPS
We were very lazy this year and did not book excursions with the rep. We did the parasailing from the beach which was fantastic and cost around $160 (I think, but there was no haggling). Last year we did the outback safari and loved it - will probably do again next year. Some of the friends we made did the dolphin experience - quite mixed reviews. Some loved it but others that had tried it elsewhere (i.e. Mexico) did not think it lived up to expectations.
TIPPING
You do not need to tip. However, we felt the service we received warranted it. We left a $2 tip every day for the maid and at the end of the hols we left lots of kids clothes, some makeup and colouring pencils - she was very grateful. We tipped the waiter/resses when we wanted to - a couple of dollars each time. It's also a good idea to tip the bartenders - they'll remember what you want! Tipping isn't expected but the wages aren't good and the people really help to make your hols.
WEATHER
Whilst we were there it was very, very hot (lovely!). We (myself & kids) did not burn. However, on the first full day it was quite overcast so hubby thought suncream was an unnecessary annoyance - he didn't the day after! The motto being, even if it's overcast slap plenty on!
We had no rain at all during the day but the thunderstorms at night were quite spectacular.
CHEMIST
There is a dr/chemist on site. We did need to buy eardrops (for me) which worked great and eczema cream (for my son). Buying here is expensive and there was quite a huge language barrier with the Chemist but we got there! The motto here is, take Boots with you. I thought i'd covered every eventuality but obviously not! I would suggest taking Pepto Bismal, or similar, as I think everyone is affected at some stage - not a major prob, but better to be dealt with. Having said that, the kids did not suffer at all and were much more adventurous foodwise than me.
KIDSCLUB
This seemed very well run with lots of exciting activities. However, my kids didn't want to join this year so cannot comment in too much detail.
Sorry to have waffled on so much but as you can tell, we cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. We have already booked for '06 and would probably not want to go anywhere but Iberostar in the future - they've really got it cracked. If you've already booked - you'll love it. If you're thinking of going - get it booked!
This review is the opinion of a diytravel.co.uk user and not of diytravel.co.uk. |
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