Mexico vs Dominican Republic

[Sidge]

So I’m eyeing up holidays for me and my children for August.

Tempted by Dominican Republic and Mexico, never been to either and wanted some experience and perspective please!

Girls are 13 and 15, might be bringing my 21 year old too. We like being lazy - pool, swimming, a few activities but as DD2 is disabled we don’t do too much. A couple of trips might be nice but we’re not going to do our own thing or go off piste.

Need good food, WiFi, great pools, not too hectic, all inclusive, clean and classy. I’m a holiday snob and don’t slum it, I don’t want basic, or rough and ready!

Have shortlisted some hotels and wondered if anyone could give me their preferences between DR or Mexico? If you’ve been to either or both or have any recommendations?

Thanks!

Been to both. Mexico was one of the best holidays we have ever had. DR the worst. Close friends have been to DR and we all had similar experiences - poor hygiene in hotels, food quality not as good etc. Read this
www.google.co.uk/amp/s/time.com/5676460/safety-measures-dominican-republic/%3famp=true

Sorry should explain- if you came across the death reports of US holidaymakers for DR this article says not to worry.

Agree with what was said above. Mexico fab, and interesting trips to the Mayan ruins. Dom rep horrible, no decent trips, not safe to leave the hotel at night. The best bit was the music played round the pool at full volume day and night. Gangsta rap complete with explicit lyrics in a family hotel. A particular favourite of the entertainment team had the line “if you’re scared mutha fuka go to church”

Catchy tune though, I’ll give em that.

Thanks! Appreciate your posts.

Looks like Mexico then...

Don’t forget you’ll need vacs for both those places. DTP, hep A and typhoid at the least.

DR and classy don’t go together do they?!

I would consider Barbados, Antigua or St Lucia as far better Caribbean propositions.

Mexico. There’s a reason the Dominican is called the poor mans Caribbean. I hated every second of the Dominican especially the women who had hired young men 🤢. I flew home 9 days early....

I'm going to go totally against the grain here and say Dominican Republic. It's one of my favourite places. Been 7 times and never been ill. Tried a few different hotels but Riu is my favourite.

DR is attached to Haiti isn't it? No chance!

I am with Mrsmch; we love our family trips to the Dominican Republic. Eight trips so far and returning this summer.

One trip to Mexico - more than enough!

I do wonder which resorts those who hate the DR have stayed at. There are a lot of cheap ones that no one in there senses would choose.

Have a look at the Hilton la Romana, it used to be Dreams la Romana but has just been renovated - though we loved it just as it was.

There is FB site for Hilton L R, lots of advice and information.

Stayed in a resort in Cozumel, an island off the Riviera Maya. It was fine (and this was 14 years ago) but think there are some seaweed issues along this coastline since? Check it out anyway! Cancun (which we only drove through) was just one huge AI resort after another, not really my cup of tea but depends on what you are looking for! There were few Brits at our resort in Cozumel and it was full of Americans, many of them who were regulars year after year. Not an issue obviously but the area is heavily visited by American tourists, much in the way we Brits descend on Spain and is pretty developed with chain restaurants etc. Tulum was nice as was Cozumel (we hired a jeep and went around the island, the old Mayan site was virtually empty if tourists).

Bit of a waffly post but yes, Mexico from our experience was fine ..just don’t expect an undiscovered wilderness!