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Hotel Reviews:
Dominican Republic
Iberostar Costa Dorada vs. Bahia Principe 05/15/01
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
The Iberostar was my choice for a trip in April 2000 with my best friend - based on price, location, and all-inclusive amenities. The only downfall to this resort is the lack of nearby snorkeling. Absolutely everything else was beyond compare. We enjoyed the activities, the pool and beach alike. The a la carte restaurants were excellent - but so was the general buffet, with many choices each night, very little repetition, and an opportunity to experiment with domestic Domincana foods. The entertainment, both during the day and evenings was superb, and we didn't miss a show. For the price, this resort is by far the best "bang for the buck".
On another note - to try something new, this past April 2001, I ventured a little further east on the north shore, and stayed at the Bahia Principe near San Juan. Part of the reason for this choice was proximity to the Playa Grande Golf Course - one the most exquisite golf courses I've ever played. Besides the golfing, the rest of the vacation paled in comparison to my stay at the Iberostar. The food was substandard, and the same meals were presented each night. We didn't partake in the Mexican a la carte based on poor reviews by other guests, although the Italian restaurant was a nice experience. The entertainment in the evenings was mediocre and we missed several performances without a care. The resort shuts down at 11:00 pm and guests are forced to open their wallets on the streets outside the resort if fun, dancing and drinking were to continue. This is not what I expect from an all-inclusive resort, and so will not be returning to this one.
Iberostar will be my preferred hotel in Dominican, and I suspect that the Iberostars throughout the Caribbean and Mexico are all of similar standard. I look forward to trying them all.
Laura Osborne
 Read more Caribbean Travel reviews at TripAdvisor
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