After reading many reviews of different Caribbean islands, I have determined that the Dominican Republic gives you the "biggest bank for your buck", including beachfront in Florida if a rental car is included. This was our second trip to Punta Cana, and our first upgrade to an adults only, the Majestic Elegance Club. For about $200, my daughter and I received numerous perks...decide for yourself if these are important to you. Flying from upstate NY, our 6 night vacation totaled about $3,300, including airport transfers and insurance. We booked through Expedia and were very pleased...no glitches! Upon arrival from the airport, we were whisked to the VIP lounge, bypassing the front desk. During crowded arrivals and departures this would be a godsend, but we must have arrived at a non peak time so it wasn't busy. We were offered snacks, wine or other beverages and waited for our personal butler who was detained elsewhere. Another young man gave us the grand tour and showed us to our room. Our butler called a few times, but I really did not see the need for his services. I know other guests utilized the butlers quite a bit. We were shown one of the Elegance lounges which had a small café with sandwiches, pastries and drinks as well as computers and a tv. The concierge was also located in each lounge and was very helpful for making dinner reservations at the themed restaurants....After reading many reviews of different Caribbean islands, I have determined that the Dominican Republic gives you the "biggest bank for your buck", including beachfront in Florida if a rental car is included. This was our second trip to Punta Cana, and our first upgrade to an adults only, the Majestic Elegance Club. For about $200, my daughter and I received numerous perks...decide for yourself if these are important to you. Flying from upstate NY, our 6 night vacation totaled about $3,300, including airport transfers and insurance. We booked through Expedia and were very pleased...no glitches! Upon arrival from the airport, we were whisked to the VIP lounge, bypassing the front desk. During crowded arrivals and departures this would be a godsend, but we must have arrived at a non peak time so it wasn't busy. We were offered snacks, wine or other beverages and waited for our personal butler who was detained elsewhere. Another young man gave us the grand tour and showed us to our room. Our butler called a few times, but I really did not see the need for his services. I know other guests utilized the butlers quite a bit. We were shown one of the Elegance lounges which had a small café with sandwiches, pastries and drinks as well as computers and a tv. The concierge was also located in each lounge and was very helpful for making dinner reservations at the themed restaurants. We enjoyed grabbing a quick snack or drink at this lounge which saved the long walk to the main buffet. One lounge we really liked overlooked the ocean and provided a light lunch; it seemed to be a well kept secret since few people were there at any one time. Another perk was the adult only section of the beach, using color coded chairs. This was strictly enforced and people with the wrong color wristband were asked to leave. There was a beach bar as well as a number of adult only pools which were very quiet, unlike the main pool which showcased the entertainment. Elegance Club guests could also be served breakfast in the Italian restaurant instead of going to the buffet...food took a long time to arrive.
General information for all Majestic guests: Bavaro Beach hosts a plethora of all inclusive resorts...you see every wristband imaginable walking along the water, trying to work off the many calories ingested when at an all inclusive! The warm water is calm enough for swimming and there was little seaweed near the Majestic. The entertainment staff provided fun in the sun activities such as games and aerobics along the beach. Each resort has a security guard who will prohibit you from walking beyond the beach into the resort....I know because I tried to look at the Hard Rock on one of my walks. Non motorized equipment such as kayaks and small sailboats are included. There are hawkers on the beach, but are all licensed and not pushy if you say no.
Food: Although the DR is a well oiled tourist mecca, food is only average. We only ventured into the main buffet for dessert one night so cannot comment on the main courses. We made reservations for the themed restaurants and found the French one to be stellar, returning for a second night. We found the Italian and seafood ones lacking..so so at best. They forgot to put our order in at the seafood one so we waited a long time!! Staff was very apologetic! The hibachi was interesting and fun. One night there was a beach party with typical barbeque food which we enjoyed. I have read reviews from many all inclusives in the DR and food seems to be their downfall. That being said, our main goal was to enjoy some fun in the sun, away from a NY winter so haute cuisine was not a necessity! Breakfasts were pretty reliable-our favorite place was at the seafood restaurant which overlooked the water.
Beverages: The Majestic Elegance will serve top shelf booze, but you need to watch it being poured. More than once we asked for Grey Goose, only to see bar vodka going into our glasses. Be assertive, but pleasant. Bars open mid morning and close at different times, ending in the wee hours at the disco.
Rooms: very large, nicely appointed with a Jacuzzi. We were in a central location which was great for walking to everything, but bad for sleeping since everyone else walked by our room. Definitely ask for a room above the first floor.
Service: Fluctuated...most people were friendly and many spoke English. Bring lots of $1s and sprinkle liberally! People working at these resorts do not make much $. I found tipping the first round of drinks brought smiles and also hastened the waiter's return! However, sometimes we were ignored, even before we had a chance to order or tip! There is a waitress on the beach, but lots of people make it quicker for you to go to the bar. Plus, she will typically get orders from 10 people so your frozen drink is often thawed when it arrives!
Entertainment staff: Excellent..worked from mid morning till midnight with cheer and smiles. Beach activities were followed by pool games, then singing/dancing after dinner and culminated in a nightly show.
Wifi...is included and available everywhere which is not the case in all resorts. Two years ago we had one hour/day in the lobby.
Pools: seemed to be everywhere, with a smattering of swim up bars.
Final note...We really enjoyed our stay at the Majestic Elegance...would I book an adults only again?? It would probably depend on when we go. My main concern was avoiding the college spring break crowd..been there, done that!! Sometimes if you spend a few more $$, you avoid college kids on a budget who never go to sleep! During school breaks you will also avoid a million kids in the pools. Would I go to the Majestic again? Probably not, but not due to any problem...We like to try new places each time. We did meet a couple who had been coming to the Elegance Club every year for 19 years so there is a very strong vote of confidence!More
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