AI or non AI, that is the question: "General recommendations" Top 5 Page for this destination Dominican Republic Hotel Tip by marielexoteria

In DR you'll find 2 basic kinds of hotels: AI (all-inclusive) and non AI. The advantage of the AI hotels is that you pay one price that includes the room, the 3 meals, snacks, all the local alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, entertainment and taxes. The price will obviously vary depending on the room you choose (with or without ocean/garden/pool view, standard or suite, etc.), how long in advance you book and if the chosen dates are low or high season or red days. The bad thing about AI is that you're pretty much stuck in there and you don't get a feel of the real culture - I mean, you've paid for all 3 meals so it wouldn't be too much of a good deal to go out and around on your own or even paying an excursion (not that there's anything wrong with it). By all means, if you find an excursion that you like and if the price is right go for it!

The non AI hotels give you the freedom to come and go as you please, as you only pay for the room and their prices include taxes and sometimes breakfast.

Having said that, choosing a hotel will depend on what you want to do, where you're visiting and how much Spanish you know. That is, if you just want to relax at the beach then by all means go for an AI. Some provinces have non AI hotels that don't cater tourists basically because tourists don't go there in such numbers that they feel the need to look for bilingual staff and this is where Spanish comes in handy. However, don't let the lack of knowledge of Spanish discourage you from exploring the hidden gems of my country, just bring a Spanish phrase book; pointing and body language always help ;) and Dominicans are always willing to help you out.

As in all other parts of the world, prices can go from cheap to most expensive, being (IMO) Casa de Campo hotel in La Romana and the Punta Cana/Bávaro area the most expensive areas. Juan Dolio and Puerto Plata/Sosúa/Cabarete hotels have average prices.

Address: Dominican Republic
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