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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 Suite
Bedding 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 Suite
Bedding 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 Suite
Bedding 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 Suite
Bedding 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 & ENTERTAINMENT

DINING
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)
 

We are an online booking partner of Happy Landing Travel, a full service professional travel agency based in Pittsburgh, PA and serving travelers nationwide. Happy Landing Travel Service is a full service travel Agency certified by IATAN (the International Airline Travel Agents Network). 

CONTACT US! 
fgossman@cheappuntacana.com  Click here to fill out our easy Travel Planner or
Phone: 866.542.TRIP (8747) Fax: 724.733.2427