Puerto Vallarta, Aruba or Dominican Repulic?

[mintve]

I work for Marriott and am thinking I want to take advantage of my discounted rate for our honeymoon. As of now, we can book these hotels for the first part of May. We live in Atlanta and did not want to fly for hours and hours. we jsut wentto Hawaii and decided to stay closer to home for the honeymoon. More hotels may open up as we get closer to the date, but this is what I am currently considerin:


Puerto Vallarta Mexico- we''ve never been to this part of Mexico
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvrmx-casamagna-marriott-puerto-vallarta-resort-and-spa/

Aruba- I was in Aruba for one day on a cruise
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/auabr-renaissance-aruba-resort-and-casino/

Dominican Republic
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sdqgw-renaissance-jaragua-hotel-and-casino/

or Hilton Head
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hhhgr-hilton-head-marriott-resort-and-spa/

 

[dani13]

Hi Mintve-

I would recommend Puerto Vallarta or Aruba....I have been to all 3 of the places you've mentioned. We went to Aruba for our honeymoon and really enjoyed it. Its fun, clean, safe, and the beaches are beautiful. Puerto Vallarta is really pretty too...its a little more culturally interesting, if you know what I mean...You can go into town and walk around and its really pretty. The beaches are nice there too...water is a dark blue b/c its not on the Caribbean side. I say, you cant go wrong with either!!!!

 

[mintve]

thanks for the input

 

[Laurenj915]

I just got back from my honeymoon in the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata) earlier this week. We had a great time. It was very beautiful, the people were very nice, and there was lots to do.

We enjoyed the beach but both of us are very active so we went waterfall climbing, ziplining, and whitewater rafting. We explored the fort, the amber museum, the Brugal rum factoy. We went to a chocolate and coffee farm. Had a picnic lunch on a sugar cane plantation. We went out dancing a few nights and learned to salsa. I would highly recommend it and it was a great deal.

 

[mintve]

Date: 6/28/2008 4:18:44 PM
Author: Lauren1116
I just got back from my honeymoon in the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata) earlier this week. We had a great time. It was very beautiful, the people were very nice, and there was lots to do.

We enjoyed the beach but both of us are very active so we went waterfall climbing, ziplining, and whitewater rafting. We explored the fort, the amber museum, the Brugal rum factoy. We went to a chocolate and coffee farm. Had a picnic lunch on a sugar cane plantation. We went out dancing a few nights and learned to salsa. I would highly recommend it and it was a great deal.

thanks Lauren! That is good info! Sounds like you had a great time!

 

[Gwyn]

I have not been to the dominican republic, however I have visited the other two.

Though I enjoyed puerto vallarta alot, I would go for Aruba for the honeymoon. It was nicer weather in general (All year round). And I personally think the beaches are unparalled.

I went snorkling in both and the water in aruba blew PV out of the water...so tospeak.

 

[Linda74]

They are very different locations. We love Puerto Vallarta. The Marriott would be in the Marina area which means you could walk to many wonderful restaurants. The beaches aren''t the greatest but you have wonderful pools. The first of May would be nice weather. PV is a glimpse of old Mexico and there is much to do. This may or may not be what you want for a honeymoon.
Aruba is a great island with constant winds and beautiful beaches. It can be quite expensive.
The Dominincan Republic also has great beaches. You want to definitely be at an All Inclusive on this island.

 

[LadyJ76]

Hi Mintve!

So I''ve been in hiding around here for awhile but had to post when I saw you were considering the Aruba Marriott Renaissance. I LOVE that place!!! I''ve stayed at the Marina hotel twice and I''m trying to schedule another vacation there with my fiance as a "welcome home from Iraq" getaway (he just returned from doing 15 months there). What I like best about this resort is that it has it''s own private island. There is a boat that comes right into the lobby every 15 minutes to shuttle guests out there. The ride out to the island is fun in itself and the island is beautiful. There are iguanas and flamingos walking around freely...there''s even a "pink duck" wondering around (not sure if he''s still there though). The island has a family side and an adult side and the water is sectioned off from the ocean by huge boulders but there is PLENTY of swim area (I like this because I''m really squeemish about sharks and big fish..eek!). There''s an awesome steak house, casino, lounge, pool bar, lots of shopping nearby....everything you could possibly want. I''m dying to go back but their prices seemed to have gone way up since the last time I was there. If you can get a good deal, I HIGHLY recommend this place...and the weather in Aruba always seems to be perfect!

 

[Shoopy]

My family is from DR so obviously that would be my choice.

It''s cheap and its beautiful.

I suggest Boca Chica or Playa Dorada if you decide to go.

 

[Courtneylub]

PV''s beaches aren''t as gorgeous as Aruba''s IMO. PV is gorgeous, don''t get me wrong, but I''m all about crystal clear water than I can see my feet in.

 

[mintve]

i am starting to lean toward the caribbean, since the water will be so clear! thanks for the feedback.

 

[julabean]

Date: 6/28/2008 1:24:41 PM
Author:mintve
I work for Marriott and am thinking I want to take advantage of my discounted rate for our honeymoon. As of now, we can book these hotels for the first part of May. We live in Atlanta and did not want to fly for hours and hours. we jsut wentto Hawaii and decided to stay closer to home for the honeymoon.

If you''re in Atlanta, Central America isn''t too bad of a flight for you. I know it''s not on your list right now, but have you considered Los Suenos in Costa Rica? My DH and I just returned from the resort on the Pacific side of Costa Rica and it was beyond fabulous. Probably the best Marriott resort I''ve ever been to. We were talking with some people from Miami who said their flight was only 3 hours, so wouldn''t be much more from Atlanta.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjols-los-suenos-marriott-ocean-and-golf-resort/