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Punta Cana forum: Just returned from Secrets Excellence - Any Questions?

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   Toronto,Ontario,Canada
   Joined: Jan 2005
   Forum posts: 16
   Travel map pins: 0 

Posted on: 8:54 am, January 26, 2005

Just got back from 1 week at Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana. Will answer any and all questions. Basically this is a very good place to stay with some minor problems. We would recommend it to anyone who is seeking a quiet relaxing vacation without the nuisance of kids being around.

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   Toronto, Canada
   Joined: Sep 2003
   Forum posts: 250
   Travel map pins: 12 

GEM
Posted on: 9:26 am, January 26, 2005

So whats the minor problems? I know everybody complains about the beach but already knew that before booking. Heading down in 17 days. Which tour company did you travel with?

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   Chicago
   Joined: Jan 2005
   Forum posts: 2
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Posted on: 9:46 am, January 26, 2005

did you enjoy it?

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   Toronto,Ontario,Canada
   Joined: Jan 2005
   Forum posts: 16
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Posted on: 6:57 pm, January 26, 2005

The major problem is the beach and the waves. The beach itself is very nice - not the white sand you might expect but nice all the same. The problem is the waves - they are just too big and not conducive to water sports. The other problem is the Excellence Club - forget it - it is a waste of money. Also, for some reason they don't have cream for your morning coffee - asked several times but they just don't have it. Not something we'd expect from a 5 star hotel. Other than these issues - the place is great. Very quiet, relaxing, no kids, very romantic, one of the better AI's we have stayed at.

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   Boston, MA
   Joined: Jan 2005
   Forum posts: 6
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Posted on: 6:42 am, January 27, 2005

Was there any sickness at the resort when you were there?

What were the minor problems that occured?

Thanks!

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   Toronto,Ontario,Canada
   Joined: Jan 2005
   Forum posts: 16
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Posted on: 8:14 am, January 27, 2005

There was no sickness at this resort. We took the anti-malaria pills as recommended. Quite frankly, they were unnecessary. The minor problems are as follows;

1. Beach OK - Ocean too rough

2. Morning & Lunch buffets need improvement ��� food was sometimes cold

3. Provide cream for the morning coffee ��� that���s what Americans prefer over milk

4. Get rid of the vendors that come in at night ��� they are annoying

5. Open the disco a little earlier ��� 10:00 PM as opposed to 11:00 PM

6. Provide a little better selection and more imaginative desserts at dinner

7. Ride to airport is way too long ��� 1 �� hours

8. Tropical drinks tended to be a bit on the watery side

9. Forget the Excellence Club ��� it is a giant waste of money for the few additional services provided

Other than this, this is a very good resort if you are looking for a quiet peaceful getaway. It is well maintained, very clean, the food is better than average for an AI, and the overall service is very good. Not recommended for party goers and lovers of watersports. More ideally suited for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic escape.

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   Miami
   Joined: Jan 2005
   Forum posts: 24
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Posted on: 8:25 am, January 27, 2005

Been there before never had a [problem. Did you ask for con leche?

Glad to hear still relaxing- what I'm headed for. I agree with ecellance club- some people are into that. I didn't need to be entertained by food all day. what I wanted was always around. As far as the special ammenities- never noticed - we were so well taken care of in our suite. I also was too tired at the end of each night to care.

As far as rough beaches, coming from Florida- love it. Heading there tomorrow for a long weekend. Cant wait.

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   Joined: Jan 2005
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Posted on: 10:53 am, January 28, 2005

Did you venture out of Secrets for any day trips. Beaches? If so which ones and how did you get there? Any chance to rent a car from Secrets?

thanks

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   Boston, MA
   Joined: Jan 2004
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Posted on: 12:37 pm, January 28, 2005

hi Sunlovers!

What other AI's have you stayed at and how do they compare? thanks!

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   Toronto,Ontario,Canada
   Joined: Jan 2005
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Posted on: 1:02 pm, January 28, 2005

We did not go on any day trips. They are available in the hotel. However, from prior experiences, they are usually too expensive and diappointing. Secrets is in a remote area. You can walk to an adjacent property to the south - about a 20 minute walk - but other than that - there is nothing within walking distance of the hotel. As far as taxis, because the hotel is in a remote location - over an hour from the airport - we did not see any taxis. I'm sure they are available but I'm not sure where you'd want to go and why. It is a resort that caters to those that just want to hang around. It is not for sightseers.

We have been to several AIs in the Caribbean, Venezula, and Mexico. Probably ten or more.

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   New York
   Joined: Jan 2005
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Posted on: 6:59 pm, January 30, 2005

Do you know anything about the helicopter flight from the airport to Secrets instead of taking the car?

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TripAdvisor™ Best Punta Cana Travel Deals

Riu.com All Inclusive luxury resort
Expedia.com Hurry in and Book Now. This Sale and the Summer will be Gone Before you know it.
BeachDestinations.com Save on hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii & Costa Rica.