Provincia de Puerto Plata Hotel Tips by soundsgoodtome

The Riu Merengue was an excellent place to stay for tourists who want a nice, relaxing vacation with everything paid for and don't care to see much of the country. Everything you could possibly need is right here, but it is very touristy, although not too crowded, and is probably not the place for an adventurous traveler that wishes to see lots of the country. There are opportunities to take day trips for shopping, snorkeling, and various eco-tourist activities. The only time we left the resort was to go to Sosua for snorkeling, which was an excellent idea. (See my Sosua page for info and pictures) I highly recommend leaving the resort at least once to see what this country is really like, something not possible if you remain at the resort the whole time.

All-inclusive resorts are package deals only to my knowledge. This includes room and board and round-trip airfare. We had flights to Puerto Plata from Miami via Atlanta and five nights for about $900 each. I have no clue if this is an average price, I'm sure it depends on the time of year you come and where you fly from. They also have daily flights from Boston and a couple of Canadian cities, probably elsewhere too that I am not aware of. The website listed has info on all the packages you can get via expedia, travelocity, and other online travel agencies.

Unique Qualities: Being all-inclusive, you have the option of eating at several different restaurants at the resort, some of which are like buffets while others have menus and waiters. There are also several bars located all around with dozens of drinks to choose from, including some that are non-alcoholic. (drinking age is 18) The resort has two different beach areas, which are topless, with beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water. Along one beach is a row of souvenir shops with all kinds of jewelry, artwork, clothing, wood carvings, etc. to choose from. Be sure to bargain with the merchants, and be fierce. Their asking prices are way higher than what you should ever pay for everything, sometimes as much as 3 times the fair value. The resort has several pools and a couple of hot tubs, along with a stupid discotech place that I recommend you stay away from less you become embarrassed from such a waste of space. Also, remember to not drink the water or even use it to brush your teeth, thats why you are provided with so many bottles of water. Lastly, be sure to get some good cigars. Cubans are available, although not all are authentic, but the Dominican cigars are good too, as are those from Honduras. The beach merchants also sell plenty of these.

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