Lonely Planet Dominican Republic (Travel Guide) by Planet Lonely & Grosberg Michael & Raub Kevin

Author:Planet, Lonely & Grosberg, Michael & Raub, Kevin [Planet, Lonely]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Published: 2014-08-31T21:00:00+00:00

Playa Dorada & Costa Dorada

These two adjacent pretty beaches a few miles east of Puerto Plata string together a handful of all-inclusive resorts and one five-star hotel. Both developments are marked by large archways – Playa Dorada is the much larger one and the first you come to on the highway from the airport. A prolonged downturn in Puerto Plata’s mass-market tourism has led to the mothballing of many properties, reminders of developers’ outsized ambitions and subpar products, and of the national government’s prioritizing of resort projects in the southeast. However, signs point to a small-scale revitalization that might see a contraction in the number of rooms with a renewed focus on quality.

Names and parent companies have changed over the years; however, a few worth considering, in addition to those reviewed below, are the Gran Ventana Beach Resort, Be Live Grand Marien and Celuisma Playa Dorada. Most offer day and night passes (US$45 to US$60), which entitle you to unlimited access to their facilities and a buffet lunch or dinner. The Playa Dorada mini-mall has a handful of infrequently visited shops selling cheap souvenirs and package tours, a cinema (closed due to remodeling on our visit), two banks with ATMs and a Budget car-rental agency.

Activities

Playa Dorada Golf Club GOLF

( 809-320-4262; www.playadoradagolf.com; 7am-7pm) This well-regarded 6218m, par-72 Robert Trent Jones course is the centerpiece of the Playa Dorada complex. The greens fee for nine holes is US$50, for 18 holes, US$75; caddies (US$8/15 for nine/18 holes) are obligatory, golf carts (US$15/25 for nine/18 holes) are not.

Sleeping & Eating

Suncamp APARTMENTS $

( 809-320-1441; www.suncampdr.com; Calle Principal; campsite US$10, r US$20; ) Surrounded by lush jungle and set on a river near the village of Muñoz, 3km inland from Playa Dorada, thoroughly rustic Suncamp looks like a typical Dominican compound – concrete floors, corrugated-iron roof and makeshift furnishings. A stay here can be worthwhile if your standards of comfort are low.

There’s a variety of rooms, some have private bathroom (basically, a curtained-off toilet) and their own kitchen, though appliances are aged. Bring a flashlight and mosquito repellent. Diane, the Canadian owner, is friendly and welcoming and can help you plan trips in the region; airport transfers (US$30). Popular with young volunteers as well as retirees looking for an inexpensive way to while away the days.

Barcelo Puerto Plata RESORT $$

( 809-320-5084; www.barcelo.com; Playa Dorada; r from US$75; ) Good value, though pretty much a by-the-numbers all-inclusive, Barcelo has managed to remain vital at least in part because of its discounted internet deals enjoyed by a mix of Dominican families and guests from abroad, both young and old. The tile-floored, attractive rooms have comfortable beds and maintenance is prompt with repairs.

Granted, the pool areas aren’t the elaborate fantasias of some resorts, but the beachfront lives up to most people’s Caribbean expectations. Like most of its kind, check-in and check-out can be slow and there’s a hefty charge for wi-fi.

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa LUXURY HOTEL $$$

( 809-320-3232; www.casacolonialhotel.com; Playa Dorada; r US$450-1450; ) This extraordinary hotel is one of the finest in the country.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.