Iberostar Dominicana Review - March, 2007 - "BP"

[George]

Where do I begin!! My husband and I would go back in a heartbeat and I want to offer some tips for before you go. Read all the reviews you can and make your own judgement. I did and I'm glad I did.

Food: If you're looking for American food, stay in America. Be prepared for different style of cooking and if you're looking for steak, hit Outback Steakhouse before you leave. I would NOT recommend steak at the restaraut called Rock Star Cafe, I think I ate a German Shepard (not really but it was a funky cut of meat and taste). This was the only horrible meal. La Cana steak house did have a good rib eye though. You are guarenteed so many a la carte dinners based on your stay but if you go back to the reservationist the next day, you can ask if there are any canellations and she'll usually give you another reservation. My husband's favorite was the Mexican place, I loved la Sibilia for the grilled lobster. I have never had more fresher fruit in my life, oh and don't expect salad either, they don't really know what lettuce is but you can find everything else that goes in it. You can find food that is very good and the breakfasts are really great, I suggest having the fresh made omelets.

Bars: Definately bring a travel insulated mug with you. The bartenders do NOT mind filling it up for you. Go real easy on the Pina Coladas because pineapple juice and coconut milk are natural laxatives, I suggest the banana daquiris, drank those all week and have them make you a chocoate milkshake with cream de menthe, another favorite and filling too. Don't expect to get a buzz unless you specifically ask for top shelf liquor. Only buzz I got was when I asked for a bloody mary with smirnoff, otherwise, I drank banana daqs starting at 10am and never got drunk and I'm a serious lightweight.

Evening activities: If your not a gambler, there really isn't much to do at night. The shows are pretty boring, we couldn't sit through them so ended up sitting out by the beach or on the beach at night just relaxing with a cocktail and taking in the ocean and doing some serious relaxing. If you bring a teen, they will be bored off their butts.

Day activities: Starting at 10:30 am, there are plenty of things to do from yoga classes to archery to salsa lessons and beach volleyball. These things last until around 5pm and there is always something to be involved in if you want to. The staff is wonderful and does not pressure you in doing any of them, totally your choice but watch out for the people who walk the beach trying to get you on their excursions, those guys apply pressure. I really laughed when the hotel staff was gathering people for archery, he was walking the beach hollaring out, "Robin Hood, anyone Robin Hood". The staff walks the beach finding people for activities too but if you say no to them, they keep going.

Tipping: All inclusives you don't need to tip but we found that a $3 a day tip to your chambermaid with a note that read SU PROPINA kept our towels fresh, our fridge well stocked daily and a different beautiful towel sculpture in our room daily. She also came back 2-3 times a day and not just once. Tipping your bartender $1 every once in awhile too isn't a bad idea because he'll wait on your a lot faster and just seems to be more friendly, even thought they are ALL very friendly, they just go that extra for you and will joke around like crazy.

Tans: If your white as a ghost, hit a tanning booth before you leave for Punta Cana or bring SPF1000. The sun is strong and hot and you can easily burn. I hit about 4 sessions of tanning before I left and glad I did. I came back golden brown, not red and burnt.

Other points: Nudity on the beach but this resort seemed more high end so not many families or spring breakers to worry about if you want to go with the flow (yes I did and don't regret it). Never did see a heavy woman topless (yes I wanted to see one) but heard they were at other resorts. Take in the sunrise in the morning, you won't regret it. Learn a few words of spanish other than Hola, the staff does speak many languages but not fluent and sometimes its hard to communicate if you need something you can't find. Learn to haggle, there is a great little flea market on the beach in a 10 minute walk and you can get some great deals if your smart enough!!! Never saw people getting stupid drunk which was very good. Not crazy about the disco opening up at 11pm so we never saw it. Bring the pepto and the imodium in case but use your head about the water and the juices. I have a very sensitive stomach and had NO problems but popping a pepto tablet in the morning wouldn't hurt just in case. They supply you with bottled water - DRINK IT! Dehydration and excessive sun cause tummy problems too. My rule was, 1 drink, 1 water, 1 drink, 1 water, etc.
Borrowed post fro another board - "BP"