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Dominican Republic Hotel, Resort & Villa Reviews
Grand Paradise Bavaro 09/01/2003
Reviewers Rating:  Great
Returned from Grand Paradise resort on August 31st after 1 week stay with family. I would rate the vacation overall as very good in all aspects. I am pleased to respond to particular questions by email.
Punta Cana Airport: Passing through the airport was a breeze. They will take a picture and you will have the option to purchase for $6 on departure. The bus trip to Grand Paradise is about 30 minutes, and will be an eye opener in terms of the local driving situation, local living conditions, etc. Departure was a little more complicated as a few buses arrived simultaneously. You will pay your $20 departure tax per person at the airport. Don’t be fooled - prices at the airport are outrageous - best to take a taxi to town ($12 one way to Plaza Bavaro) where better deals four souvenirs, cigars, beverages, are negotiated. The taxi ride is another eye opener as above.
Hotel Check In and Layout: Check in was fine for us, as I had emailed ahead as suggested by others. Showed the desk the copy of my email, and sure enough they complied with my request. We were in building #3 , ground floor, facing one of the pools (2nd pool from the beach). At check-in we received 2 room keys, 4 beach towel cards, the TV remote, and I returned later for the key for the safe and an internet card (to access one of the two computers at the sports bar). The room was large and well maintained - ample room to acquire a cot for our son. I would say the buildings are layed out very well, spacious, and you would only walk a few minutes from any part of the resort to get to the pools or beach. Nevertheless, if you are fussy about location, building 6 and 3 would be the best, with rooms ending in even numbers facing the pools located in the resort’s interior. Odd numbered rooms face the other way. Building #2 towards the beach (even numbered rooms), would also be very good. It is unrealistic to request ocean view as there are none (or very few). The buildings meet the beach area on a 90 degree angle, and do not face the beach. Those that do, the view might be obstructed by palm trees, etc. There are three pools and a Jacuzzi suitable for all ages. But no infant’s wading pool that I could see.
Beach: Very long and stunning, with good surf for beach fun. Good for long walks (Breezes Resort is next door to the left, the only resort neighbour - you have to see their lobby!!!), and the small flea market is about 10 minutes walk to the right. We snorkelled and fed fish bread from our hands (some people said bananas were just as good) and took pictures. The beach is enclosed with buoys to keep the boats out of the swim area - or people out of the boat area. A rocky area to the far left just inside the buoys will offer the best view of fish. The beach has many cabanas/huts and since I am an early riser, I would place our towels out there at about 6:45-7am to reserve a spot.
Activities: There will be many options, however, I found them to be pricey. We did most of the inclusive activities like scuba lessons in pool, ping pong, beach volley ball, horse back riding, but paid for extras such as parasailing. The theatre shows were excellent (3-4 large shows, magician, and 3-4 audience participation shows) usually intermingled with dance sessions, etc.
Food: We found the food to be excellent. The three al la carte restaurants (Cana Grill steak house, The Chinese Food, and Italian) were superb in quality and service. We had breakfast always at the buffet and that was excellent , and we had a very good lunch always at the Cana grill (BBQ chicken, pizza, hot dogs, fries, fish, burgers, salads, etc) - all very good. We don’t trust dairy products though. Stick with bottled water provided in your room fridge, or at the bars when they have a supply). There is very good ambience in all the restaurants but our favourite was the Cana Grill at night eating by the ocean.
Economy: US Dollars are universally accepted anywhere. We tipped $2 for the maid each day and got very good service - and a few waiters whom we got to know by name were given $1 occasionally (for blender drinks with real fruit added - bananas for the Bahama Mamas!!). We also tipped at the a la cartes $3-4. Don’t get pesos at the Hotel- they will only give you 29 per dollar. You will get about 35 pesos at the bank at Plaza Bavaro. So the Hotel takes 20% off the top. It’s a moot point again since most will take $US. The whole economy is based on negotiation. I got a CD for $10 not $20. Hair braiding for our daughter for $25 at Plaza Bavaro, not $55 asked for at the Hotel. Trinkets are always $3-4 dollars and jewellery about $10 . Paintings $10-20. And so on...
Tips: We brought two cheap inflatable rafts for the beach; insulated travel mugs for the drinks; fooz ball and pool are available in the sports bar, and internet access; plenty of strong sun screen needed, and for light skinned persons, limit your sun exposure to avoid sunburn; take immodium, Tylenol, antacid, and emergency kit for any scraps; might consider water shoes for kids as there is the odd rock at the surf’s edge that could be sharp but no problem really; we brought our own snorkel equipment even though it is provided; usually enough shade at the beach; we decanted water from the large bottles into smaller ones to take with us; there were no mosquitoes, just the odd sand flea at dusk - we would brush them off;
Negatives: Occasional language barriers; occasional indifference among bar tenders; a few delays but as other reviewers have stated , “Chill out” this is a different country.; somewhat pushy vendors at the Flea Market or Plaza Bavaro; you don’t need pesos even if told you need them, if you do get them, go to a bank; poor road conditions and risky driving behaviour; some rudeness among foreign guests; hi prevalence of smoking among foreign guests; noise levels in ground level hallways may permeate ground level rooms; ensure locks on ground level patio doors are functional; occasional bad TV reception - (satellite); avoid hi prices in resort gift shop; finally I found this destination slightly pale in character and is less carribbeanized than other locations such as Barbados, St. Lucia, Cuba. It is basically a beach vacation within this all inclusive resort with all the bells and whistles. You rarely travel on your own outside to explore the culture. Some destinations like Cuba, Hawaii, Jamaica, etc, have an allure. But if it is one of the greatest beaches you want, you will find it here!!!!
Pleased to respond to any questions at ejodoin2@cogeco.ca
Ernie
Ernie
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