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OVERVIEW OF MELIA CARIBE TROPICAL Nestled
in an oasis of lush tropical palms and a championship golf course nearby, this family-friendly resort provides the perfect
setting for fun in the sun. An eco-zone runs through the middle of the hotel, pristinely separating the main hotel from the
lovely beach and pool areas where guests can enjoy a variety of sparkling pools, a Flintstones’ Land™ fun park
for kids, specialty restaurants, unique bars and a wide selection of water sports and activities. HOTEL OVERVIEW Number of Floors 2 Number of Rooms 1128 Year Built 1998 Last Renovation 2008 Check-in Time 3:00 PM Check-out Time 12:00 PM Check-in
Minimum Age 18 Atmosphere Both Active and Relaxed Hotel Appeals To All Groups HOTEL AMENITIES
Non-Smoking Rooms Available Some Rooms Handicap
Accessible Hotel Yes Number of Handicap Equipped Rooms 6 On-Site Shopping Multiple Shops Babysitting
Services Available Yes, Fees May Apply Babysitting Service Types On-Site Rollaway Beds & Cribs Yes, Complimentary 24-Hour Front Desk Wake Up Calls Concierge Baggage Check Available Courtesy Room Safety Deposit Box Available Yes, Fees May Apply Business Services On-Site Yes, Fees May Apply Description
of Business Center: Business Center with internet access, fax, copy machine, Internet Access Terminal Yes, Fees May Apply Housekeeping Daily Laundry Service
Yes, Fees May Apply Self Parking Yes, Complimentary Primary Airport Name PUJ Distance to Primary Airport Within 15 miles (24km)
HOTEL POLICIES Hotel Cancellation Policy *Cancellations made 20 days to 8 days prior to
arrival or no shows, incur a 50 percent stay penalty and applicable product penalties.(Dec 23, 2009 - Jan 2, 2010)(Dec 23,
2010- Jan 2, 2011) *Cancellations made 6 days to 2 days prior to arrival or no shows, incur a 2 night penalty and applicable
product penalties. (Jan 3, 2010- Apr 4, 2010)(Jan 3, 2011- Apr 4, 2011) *Cancellations made inside of 7 days prior to
arrival or no shows, incur a full stay penalty and applicable product penalties. (Dec 23, 2009 - Jan 2, 2010)(Dec 23, 2010
- Jan 2, 2011) *Cancellations made inside of 1 day prior to arrival or no shows, incur a 3 night penalty and applicable
product penalties.(Jan 3, 2010 - Apr 4, 2010)(Jan 3, 2011 - Apr 4, 2011) *Cancellations made inside of 2 days prior to
arrival or no shows, incur a 1 night penalty and applicable product penalties.(Mar 31, 2009- Dec 22, 2009)(Apr 5, 2010 - Dec
22, 2010)(Apr 5, 2011- Dec 22, 2011)
Length-of-Stay Policy Minimum night stay: 7 nights (Jan.
1, 2010 - Jan 2, 2010)(Dec 23, 2010- Jan 2, 2011) Minimum night stay: 5 nights (Dec. 24, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009) (Mar 28,
2010- Apr 4, 2010)(Mar 28, 2011- Apr 4, 2011) Minimum night stay: 4 nights (Jan. 3, 2010 - Apr. 4, 2010) (Jun. 28, 2010
- Aug. 22, 2010) Minimum night stay: 3 nights (Aug 23, 2009 - Dec 22, 2009)(Apr 13, 2010 - Jun 27, 2010) (Aug 23, 2010
- Dec 22, 2010)
Hotel Deposit Requirements A credit card imprint or cash deposit is required at time of check-in
for telephone and incidental charges. Hotel Spring Break Policy While this hotel strongly discourages spring breakers,
it cannot guarantee a spring-break-free environment. Room Taxes Included in vacation price. Service Charges Included
in vacation price. Check-in/Check-out 3:00 p.m. check-in 12:00 noon check-out Minimum check-in age is 18 year round.
ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS: ~Deluxe Jr. Suite Pool View Bedding options available: 1 king or 2
doubles Air conditioning Telephones Tub and/or shower Shower
only Hairdryer Television Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport
connection Yes, fees may apply In-room safe All rooms Internet terminal within the room available Yes, fees may apply Fully-stocked minibar Room opens to balcony/patio Outdoor furniture ADDITIONAL AMENITIES All rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fan, private balcony or terrace, private bathroom with amenities, hairdryer,
mini-bar, cable television, direct dial telephone, safety deposit box (fees may apply), wireless internet access in select
areas (fees may apply and is subject to availability, need to check with the resort). ROOM POLICIES Occupancy limits - Maximum 3 adults, 2 children, 4 total Exception - When 3 adults are booked, no children allowed. Maximum of 2 children through the age of 4 stay free in existing bedding with at least 2 adults. Children ages 5 - 12 are
surcharged.
~Deluxe Junior Suite Bedding
options available: 1 king or 2 doubles Air
conditioning Telephones Tub and/or shower Shower only Hairdryer Television Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport connection Yes, fees may apply In-room safe All
rooms Internet terminal within the room available Yes, fees may apply Fully-stocked minibar Room opens
to balcony/patio Outdoor furniture ADDITIONAL AMENITIES All rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fan, private
balcony or terrace, private bathroom with amenities, hairdryer, mini-bar, cable television, direct dial telephone, safety
deposit box (fees may apply), wireless internet access in select areas (fees may apply and is subject to availability, need
to check with the resort). Has a gardenview. ROOM POLICIES Occupancy limits - Maximum 3 adults,
2 children, 4 total Exception - When 3 adults are booked, no children allowed. Maximum of 2 child through the
age of 4 stay free in existing beds with at least 2 adults. Children ages 5 - 12 are surcharged.
~Family Junior Suite Bedding options available: 1 king or 2 doubles, with 1 sofa
bed and 1 duplex or bunk bed Air conditioning Telephones Tub and/or shower Shower
only Hairdryer Television Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport
connection Yes, fees may apply In-room safe All rooms Internet terminal within the room available Yes, fees may apply Fully-stocked minibar Room opens to balcony/patio Outdoor furniture ADDITIONAL
AMENITIES All rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fan, private balcony or terrace,
private bathroom with amenities, hairdryer, mini-bar, cable television, direct dial telephone, safety deposit box (fees may
apply), wireless internet access in select areas (fees may apply and is subject to availability, need to check with the resort).
Has either a pool or garden view. ROOM POLICIES Occupancy limits - Maximum
2 adults, 3 children, 5 total. Maximum of 3 children through the age of 4 stay free in existing beds with at least 2
adults. Children ages 5 - 12 are surcharged.
~One Bedroom Golf SuiteBedding options available: 1 king and a sofa bed or 2 double
beds Air conditioning Telephones Tub and/or shower Shower only Private hot tub/jacuzzi Some rooms Hairdryer Iron/ironing board Television Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport
connection, Yes, fees may apply In-room safe All rooms Internet terminal within the room available, Yes, fees may apply Fully-stocked minibar Room opens to balcony/patio Outdoor furniture ROOM
POLICIES Occupancy limits - Maximum 3 adults, 2 children, 4 total Exception-no
children allowed when 3 adults are booked. Maximum of 2 children through the age of 6 stay free in existing bedding with
at least 2 adults. Children ages 7-12 are surcharged. (Valid through December 22, 2005) ~Royal Service 1 Bedroom Master Suite
Bedding options available: 1 king and a sofa bed or 2 double beds Separate living
area Air conditioning Telephones Tub and/or shower Shower only Robes Hairdryer Television All rooms Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport connection Yes, fees
may apply In-room safe All rooms Internet terminal within the room available Yes, fees may apply Refrigerator
in room Fully-stocked minibar Room opens to balcony/patio Outdoor furniture ADDITIONAL AMENITIES All rooms include
air conditioning, ceiling fan, separate living room with balcony or terrace, large bathroom with amenities, in-room Jacuzzi,
hairdryer, mini-bar, 2 door fridge, 2 cable television, CD player, direct dial telephone, safety deposit box (fees may apply),
wireless internet access in select areas (fees may apply and is subject to availability, need to check with the resort). Has
either a pool or garden view. Royal Service Inclusions *Private check-in and check-out lounge *Special in-room amenities, like pillow and butler menu *Access to private pool and beach area with concierge services *Private transportation to the beach *Access to Royal Service lounge offering: Light continental breakfast (full continental
and American breakfast available at the GABI Club), Free internet access on existing lounge computers, All day coffee and
tea services, Select premium branded options on spirits and liquors, Special chef selection of hors d'oeuvres throughout the
day, Butler and concierge assistant services *Room Service from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM *Access to 'The Gabi Club' a
large lagoon style pool with Bali beds and sanded beach style solarium area and restaurant for A La Carte breakfast, lunch
and dinner, Pool snack bar, nightly entertainment and bar service. ROOM POLICIES Occupancy limits
- Maximum 3 adults, 2 child, 4 total Exception - When 3 adults are booked, no children allowed. Maximum of 2 child
through the age of 4 stay free in existing beds with at least 2 adults. Children ages 5 - 12 are surcharged.
~Royal Service Deluxe Junior SuiteBedding options available: 1 king plus a sofa bed or 2 double beds Air conditioning Telephones Tub and/or shower, Shower only Robes Hairdryer Television Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport connection, Yes,
fees may apply In-room safe, All rooms Internet terminal within the room available Yes, fees may apply Kitchen
includes: Fully-stocked minibar Yes, complimentary Room opens to balcony/patio Outdoor
furniture ADDITIONAL AMENITIES All rooms include air conditioning, ceiling fan, private balcony or terrace, private bathroom with Royal Service
amenities, Royal Service room service, Royal Service features, room amenities such as bathrobe and slippers and daily turn
down service, hairdryer, mini-bar, cable television, direct dial telephone, safety deposit box (fees may apply), wireless
internet access in select areas (fees may apply and is subject to availability, need to check with the resort). Has either
a Gabi Club Pool or garden view. Royal Service Inclusions *Private check-in
and check-out lounge *Special in-room amenities, like pillow and butler menu *Access to private pool and beach area
with concierge services *Private transportation to the beach *Access to Royal Service lounge offering: Light continental
breakfast (full continental and American breakfast available at the GABI Club), Free internet access on existing lounge computers,
All day coffee and tea services, Select premium branded options on spirits and liquors, Special chef selection of hors d'oeuvres
throughout the day, Butler and concierge assistant services *Room Service from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM *Access to 'The
Gabi Club' a large lagoon style pool with Bali beds and sanded beach style solarium area and restaurant for A La Carte breakfast,
lunch and dinner, Pool snack bar, nightly entertainment and bar service. ROOM POLICIES Occupancy
limits - Maximum 3 adults, 2 child, 4 total Exception - When 3 adults are booked, no children allowed. Maximum
of 2 child through the age of 4 stay free in existing beds with at least 2 adults. Children ages 5 - 12 are surcharged.
~Royal Service Master SuiteBedding options available: 1 king plus a sofa bed or 2 double beds Separate living area Air conditioning Alarm clock/radio Telephones Tub and/or shower Shower
only Private hot tub/jacuzzi Robes Television Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport connection, Yes,
fees may apply In-room safe Internet terminal within the room available, Yes, fees may apply Fully-stocked
minibar Room opens to balcony/patio Outdoor furniture ADDITIONAL AMENITIES All rooms include air
conditioning, ceiling fan, separate living room with balcony or terrace, private bathroom with amenities, in-room Jacuzzi,
hairdryer, mini-bar, cable television, CD player, direct dial telephone, safety deposit box (fees may apply), wireless internet
access in select areas (fees may apply and is subject to availability, need to check with the resort). Has either a pool or
garden view. Royal Service Inclusions *Private check-in and check-out lounge *Special in-room amenities, like pillow and butler menu *Access to private pool and beach area with concierge services *Private transportation to the beach *Access to Royal Service lounge offering: Light continental breakfast (full continental
and American breakfast available at the GABI Club), Free internet access on existing lounge computers, All day coffee and
tea services, Select premium branded options on spirits and liquors, Special chef selection of hors d'oeuvres throughout the
day, Butler and concierge assistant services *Room Service from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM *Access to 'The Gabi Club' a
large lagoon style pool with Bali beds and sanded beach style solarium area and restaurant for A La Carte breakfast, lunch
and dinner, Pool snack bar, nightly entertainment and bar service. ROOM POLICIES Occupancy limits
- Maximum 3 adults, 2 child, 4 total Exception - When 3 adults are booked, no children allowed. Maximum of 2 child
through the age of 4 stay free in existing beds with at least 2 adults. Children ages 5 - 12 are surcharged.
~Two Bedroom Golf SuiteBedding options available: 1 king, 2 twin beds and a sofa bed Air conditioning Telephones Tub and/or shower, Shower only Hairdryer Iron/ironing board Television Cable/satellite television Modem/dataport connection, Yes, fees may apply In-room safe, All rooms Internet terminal within the room available
Yes, fees may apply Fully-stocked minibar Room opens to balcony/patio Outdoor furniture ROOM
POLICIES Occupancy limits - Maximum 5 adults, 2 children, 6 total Exception-no
children allowed when 5 adults are booked. Maximum of 2 children through the age of 6 stay free in existing bedding with
at least 2 adults.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENTDINING Number of Restaurants On Site: 13*Los Atabales -
now is the Market Place: featuring six different live cooking buffets air conditioned facilities: open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner *La Gondola - Continental breakfast, Italian buffet lunch, and midnight snack. *El Turey Grill and La
Angora Grill - Beach grill to enjoy a sumptuous beach side international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. *Le
Gourmet - International worldwide gourmet specialties. *Ma Maison - Traditional French Style restaurant and services. *Hokkaido - Japanese specialties with Teppanyaki show tables, reservations may be required. *La Pagoda - Asian fusion
with strong Thai influence. *Capri - Fish and seafood from Caribbean seas. *American Grill - American cuisine. *El Guarapo - Traditional colonial Dominican home-made cuisine. *La Hacienda - Premium traditional Mexican restaurant. *The Gabi Club - A La Carte Contemporary Cuisine. Additional charges apply. Is included for Royal Service guests.
Some restaurants may only operate on select schedules. Some restaurants may require reservations and expect appropriate
dress. Consult the hotel for hours of operation, reservation policies and dress codes. Number
of Lounges/Bars On Site: 14 14 lounges that include 2 lobby bars,
2 pool bars, 2 beach grill bars, 1 fun Sports Bar pub, 2 hall bars between restaurants, and 1 lounge chill out 'Avenue Bar'.
ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment
On Site Yes Live music and a different show every night Casino On Site RECREATIONS &
ACTIVITIES***Important Information for our guests*** The Dominican Republic
imposes various restrictions each year for Easter. The restrictions usually begin the Thursday prior to Good Friday, and run
a few days past Easter Sunday. The following regulations may be enforced: *Motorized watersports may be banned *Non-motorized
water sports may be limited, or banned *Alcohol consumption may be restricted (most resorts obtain a special permit which
enables them to serve alcohol to nonnative persons during the ban) *Music may be limited or silenced
These
guidelines are currently vague because actual enforcement by the local government does vary greatly from one year to the next.
Each year the actual policies are not published by the local authorities until just prior to Easter. These rules are designed
for the safety of everyone, as beaches get extremely busy during this period. Activities/Tour
Desk Yes Beach Type Public Beach Access Direct Number of Swimming Pools 10 Number of Wading Pools 0 Swim-up
Pool Bars Yes Non-Motorized Water Sports Available Yes, Complimentary Motorized Water Sports Available Yes, Fees May Apply Game room/Arcade On Site Yes Children's Activity Program Yes, Complimentary The Flintstones
Land Kid's Club Go back in time and hang out with the modern Stone Age family- Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty and Dino too.
Children become part of the Flintstones family from the moment they arrive. Children will receive a gift at the mini-check
in and are registered in one of the clubs, suited for their age. Other amenities: Betty's Kitchen (breakfast and lunch), Yabba-Dabba-Doo
Bazaar (gifts and fashion items), RocAdventure and Roca Flash.
Baby Rock-for infants and toddlers, 4 months to
4 years, includes a sleeping area, kitchen and bathroom adapted to their size. Childcare is available for babies at an additional
fee. Toddlers can participate in fun activities like arts and crafts, fantasy make-up, imaginative games, costumes, music
workshops, puzzles, movies, story time, sensory stimulation and more. Bamm-Bamm Club-for children 5-8 years, have their
own game room and playground. Kids can participate in stimulating activities, including pool games, camping, T-shirt painting,
balloon art, costume and magic workshops. The Cool Club-for older children 9-13 years, features competitive outdoor activities,
pool games, camping, workshops and sports. Children's Play Area Yes Bike Rental On Site Tennis Courts Available Yes, Fees May Apply Number of Tennis Courts On Site 8 Number of Lighted Tennis Courts
On Site 8 Tennis Equipment Rental Available Yes, Complimentary
FITNESS & SPA FACILITIES
Fitness Center Yes,
Complimentary Hot Tubs/Jacuzzis - Indoor 1 Hot Tubs/Jacuzzis - Outdoor 0 Sauna Available Yes, Complimentary Spa Available Yes, Fees May Apply Steam
Room Available Yes, Complimentary
WEDDING SERVICES
Wedding Services On Site Yes Weddings
are available (for a fee) and include: License, Coordinator, Judge, bouquet and boutonniere, Musical Trio for one hour, Horse
drawn carriage for the bride and groom, Flowers for table, cake, 2 bottles of sparkling wine, 36 photos with negatives, restaurant,
wedding suite with Jacuzzi* Special dinner in one of a la carte restaurants, Fruit basket and bottle of Sparkling wine in
room the night of the wedding, Late check out up to 8pm* *Subject to availability. Prices subject to change. Call
Wedding Coordinator at (809) 221 1290 ext 6372 for details. Prior arrangements must be made. Pay locally. GOLF AMENITIES
Golf Course On Site, Yes,
Green Fees May Apply Golf Course: Number of Holes 27 Golf Course: Caddy Required No Golf
Course: Carts Available, Yes, Fees May Apply
******REVIEWS FROM
OUR VALUED CLIENTS******
Melia Caribe Tropical! (01/29/10-7nts) We had a wonderful vacation, thanks! It was a bit of a cruel contrast to come
back at the beginning of one of the worst snowstorms the area’s ever seen. Too bad we didn’t stay another
week. Thanks for helping us arrange a marvelous escape from winter. Here are our reviews! BEACH: Lovely and well-maintained. Good-quality furniture and easy access to food, drink, and
comfort facilities. POOL: Clean, spacious, well-maintained. Good-quality furniture and easy access to food, drink,
and comfort facilities. SERVICE: Courteous, friendly, and professional. Top-notch. FOOD: Excellent.
The meals in the specialty restaurants were particularly good, the service was excellent, and availability of reservations
was excellent. ROOM:
We received a gratis upgrade to the Jr. Master Suite, with Royal Service. This
was a very pleasant surprise (THANKS FOR THAT!). The suite was spacious, well-equipped, and very comfortable. ENTERTAINMENT: The nightly stage shows were fairly mediocre and hokey – but we’ve vacationed in places like this
before, so this comes as no surprise. This seems to be the norm for such resorts. There was live musical entertainment
every night in the lobby bar, however, that was quite good and enjoyable. The entertainment in the disco is designed
for a younger crowd, but the room itself is nicely appointed. I would recommend to the resort that, given the demographic
they seem to attract, it would be better if they offered music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s in the disco until about 11:30,
after which they could transition to the hip-hop and techno-type music for the younger crowd. Then the older couples
could enjoy the dancing scene in there during their normal entertainment hours, and the younger crowd could enjoy their scene
during their more normal entertainment hours. The disco opened at 8 p.m., but was empty until around 11:30 p.m. each
night anyway. We would Absolutely RETURN! We had a wonderful time. We are
excited to go again, and will definitely use your service again. And are very comfortable referring your outstanding
service to others, without reservation! Karin was courteous, efficient, and very
helpful. All of our plans came off without a hitch. We told her what we wanted, and she made it happen. Thanks
again! Mike and Mary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our
trip was wonderful. We wanted to stay longer! We were upgraded to Royal Service which was very nice. The service
everywhere on the property was 5 star. The food was better than any other AI we have visited. Lastly, the weather was absolutely
perfect. I will answer your questions below and may post some of this on your Facebook page. Thanks for everything and we
are already talking about where we will go next.
Transfers:
Arrival, 18 minutes from airport to hotel! Coming home, one stop at Barcelo Bavaro took 30+ minutes. Beach: The beach was beautiful but the seaweed that everyone complains about really is a problem.
You could hardly swim because it was covering your body in the water. However, the beach itself was very nice and we enjoyed
the view and breeze, etc. Pool: The pools were nice. We only swam in
the Gabi pool but I went to see the others. They are huge! The big pools were pretty empty due to low occupancy the first
few days. The Gabi had such focused service, etc which was nice. The only thing I missed were some of the funny pool contests
other resorts do. There weren't any of those going on at the Melia. Service:
The service was truly 5 star everywhere on this resort. It is funny because the first day another guest at the property was
telling us about how the Dominicans hate Americans, the service lacks, etc. We were repeatedly overwhelmed by the service.
The birthday party they provided for my husband left me speechless. They brought out about 15 staff members playing island
instruments and sang happy birthday in Spanish, then English and then sang another song afterwards. They were all dancing
and were pulling us in to the dancing. The cake, which I never rave about, was excellent! Also, they opened bottles of champagne.
The feature item on the menu that night was grilled lobster and several of us thought it was the best we ever had anywhere
including traveling the Carribean and 5 star restaurants in the US. Food:
The food was the best of any AI we have visited. The Mahi mahi, salmon, lobster and shrimp were all excellent. Rooms: The rooms were good. This is an area where I prefer cleanliness to design.
They were bug free and above average on cleanliness. Some people would rave about the jacuzzi. My thought was that if I can't
drink the tap water I sure don't want to sit in it for 30 minutes. lol. It was pretty though and they made several beautiful
presentations out of it during the week. The open bathroom design is terrible. There is no privacy at all. I would never choose
that floor plan. We made the best of it and all of the good things far outweighed the bad. Entertainment:
Very similar to other AI resorts. In fact, several were exactly the same theme as the Iberostar in Mexico. They are kind of
cheesy really but our mothers enjoyed them and it does give you something to do. Would
you return: Yes, but I think it would be hard at this point to book anything less than Royal Service. As you know I have referred you to family and friends. I even gave your website to a couple from NYC that
I met at the Melia bar. Thanks. I am sure we will be talking again. Carrie (10/30/09-7nts)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hola Marcy and Frank!
Wow! What an amazing trip! You guys sure steered us to the perfect resort!
Although
the guys nixed the idea of golf (too hot and wanted to stay with the families) everything else was great.
When we arrived we were directed to the VIP check-in and lounge. Who knew we were VIPs? Apparently the rooms
you selected for us put us in the best place. We had two connected rooms and the third one away which was perfect and
we were steps from the restaurants and the VIP pool and beach. The accommodations were spacious and comfortable...nothing
flashy but fine and the service for the most part was excellent. Had a small issue with keys that suddenly stopped working
but not a big deal. We found the food to be just fine..we could always find things we liked and it was sure plentiful
(as were the drinks!)
We didn't take advantage of the entertainment with the wee ones but found an amazing
babysitter (Sugell) who came several nights that works in the VIP area. Gave us a chance for later dinners....
The ONLY thing we found irritating was the daily push from the
guys trying to sell the vacation timeshares. They approached everyday and carried on prolonged conversations to try
to entice us to take "the tour" in exchange for $$ towards spa treatments etc. "Not interested"
did not seem to work until my son-in-law got a little rude. Otherwise...this was the PERFECT vacation!
Would I return?? Recommend your service??? Absolutely!!!!
I'm SO glad Kent suggested we go with you and we will again in the future!
Thanks again...so much! Diane (07/11/09-7nts) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hi Frank and Marcy,
Ellen and I are back! We do miss
Punta Cana!! We had a great time. I’ll try to give you a review of it all.
Transfers- The transfers went
fine. VIP did a good job. You were right about the guys at the airport, they swarmed us.
Melia Caribe Tropical
Hotel! What a great hotel! It is big but very walkable, with the train if you get tired. We usually walked to dinner
and took the train back.
Our room was down by the pool/beach area…perfect location. There are 2 beach grills
for breakfast and lunch. We stayed in that area during the day and up by the restaurants, bars at night. The grounds are gorgeous,
so well maintained.
The food is incredible, from the buffets to the international restaurant, we didn’t
have one bad meal. We ate in every restaurant except French (closed) and Italian (weren’t in the mood). The lobster
was even really good (I did not expect that!). I felt like I was fine dining most nights. The staff were very attentive,
more so than I usually experience at most resorts (AI or non AI).
The maid service was good, not great but nothing
to complain about. The rooms were fine, with a nice little sitting area, though the beds a little uncomfortable.
The bartenders were fun and engaging and the drinks with as much or little alcohol as you wanted. No one seemed to expect
a tip, though we did leave them. The Dominican people were very nice, some of the nicest I’ve met. I was able to practice
a lot of my bad Spanish!
The pool was huge with a nice swim up bar! It was a little chilly the first few days and
quite windy. I think we came in at the end of a storm. We could always find pool chairs, one in the shade for Ellen and one
in the sun for me.
Same thing with beach chairs. The beach was very nice, soft, white sand. The ocean was a bit
stirred up so there was a lot of seaweed. That is the one thing I did not like. For most of the time there was seaweed. You
could walk down a bit and find some areas without but even there, you’d still find a little drifting in. I wondered
if it was from a prior storm and now that a new storm hit, if that storm was involved or is it always so seaweedy there?
As for entertainment, it was kind of what you’d expect, with a few nice exceptions. It was entertaining. The
casino was also a nice change. The timeshare people weren’t too bad. They seemed to take no for an answer, especially
if you kept on walking as you said no!
I would definitely go back to this hotel but I would want to know if there’d
be a less seaweedy time. Other than that, it was an A+ trip. Thanks for your help. I’ll be talking to you soon to pay
the last on the Mexico trip.
Diane (11/10/09-10Nts)
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