best time to go to Dominican Republic?

[kilmuir]

any recommendations for family hotels? thanks

I would avoid hurricane season (june to early October) but apart from that the temp is virtually the same all year round.

We have been 7 times to different parts and the best beaches are in the east in the Punta Cana region. I would pick either a Iberostar or a Riu hotel as they cater well to families.

Kilmuir, we have been there in April, August and late October/beginning of November and had excellent weather on every occasion. I second Iberostar but I remember problems with Rui, as they allowed local people to stay at very much reduced rates, with huge overcrowding. However this seemed to be related to local bank holidays. We have found the Bahia Principe chain to be excellent, particularly B P El Portillo, though the only UK companies going there this year are usung Puerto Plata with a four hour transfer. DH and I are going to the Zoetry Aqua in April, and taking DGCs to Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus in Punta Cana in August. Both new to us, but chosen in the light of Trip Advisor reviews. We are very fond of the Dom Rep.

It looks gorgeous. thanks for your replies

we went feb and weather was gorgeous...Rui Merenge was great

Sorry to dampen spirits but we went and really disliked Dominican because it was very humid and a very different style hotel. The hotels are huge, which doesn't suit us but my DC are older and easily occupied, I can imagine with younger DC bigger hotels are fine as just means more to do and explore. We did find it was overcrowded though with Americans on a cheap deal. Nothing against them but Americans are loud at times and like to party/drink all day so the hotel pumped out booming music and they would have competitions so lots of whooping and shouting. The issue was us not wanting that kind of holiday and not reading the website well enough to realise... rather than them wanting it, but it was all a bit too hectic... not the relaxing beach holiday we quite hoped for!
We stayed at Magestic colonial btw.
We've found barbados, st lucia and antigua to be much more enjoyable and quieter but still with lots to do for kids.

We stayed in Riu merengue in Puerto plata was fab. Went in April and had a ball

Another vote for Riu Merengue. Went in July

I think Pelican is right to some extent. Some resorts are indeed huge and 'lively', you really do need to read Trip Advisor reviews closely and look at youtube videos before you decide. Some resorts are small and exquisite, like the one we have just returned from, the Zoetry Agua. Not really much there for kids though.