Caribe Punta Cana -Arrival, Accommodation, Facilities and Kids
Above: Punta Cana airport
If you land at Punta Cana airport you`ll have about 20 minutes transfer to the Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana.
I made the mistake of flying into La Romana and had a 2 hour transfer!
Ensure that you have 10US per person for the visitor's card. I always fill it out whilst in the entry queue but you`ll a pen and flight info handy for this.
We didn`t have to pay a $20 departure fee although I have done in the past. Perhaps the system has changed for the time being!
Melia Caribe Tropical, Bavaro, Dominican Republic -the review
Melia Caribe Tropical- Summary and Conclusions
Arrival, Accommodation, Facilities and Kids
Above: Beach at Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana
CHECK IN
We had a nice cocktail on arrival and although check in is supposed to be from 3pm, we got our keys earlier than that.
Our bags were placed in a golf cart and we were taken to our room fairly promptly.
Whilst we had no problems we did see the occasional queue during the course of our stay.
ROYAL SERVICE
at the Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana
We didn`t actually pay the extra for this but if you like you can pay for Royal Service which enables you to have a better accommodation [ie Junior Suites, Suites and Master Suites], a private pool, 24 hour room service, private restaurant, premium international drinks and a lounge area with free computers with internet access.
We did get a look at the The Master Suites which were very luxurious with plazma TV`s, stereo, huge bathtub with jacuzzi, separate shower, etc.
You also get free room service which is useful if you need a late night snack.
ACCOMMODATION
See the resort map below regarding accomodation. If you want to be in a good position for the beach, pool, train stop and beach buffet etc try asking for 11-16 or 24-28.
You want to request a room closer to the pool or beach bldgs try 33, 34, 35, or 36. [cont right]
Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana [cont]
We had a problem with the shower on arrival but were found a new room very quickly.
The room was beautiful and spacious and even without the upgrade to Royal Service the rooms were, clean and airconditioned.
The minibar didn`t have alcoholic drinks but you will find water, pepsi and 7up. There were also tea/coffee facilities.
Safe
This was 2US a day which was a bit annoying as many other resorts don`t charge for the safe.
If you have a royal service room you will get plasma television, a stereo, marble bathrooms and a jacuzzi.
THE GARDENS [see left]
The grounds are stunning and an absolute credit to the staff at the Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana. The clearly take a great pride in the work and work very hard in hot conditions!
There is an array of tropical vegetation, beautiful flowers and numerous palm trees.
Even to a non-gardener like me, it is impossible not to be impressed.
It is a joy to see the flamingos and peacocks roaming freely around the grounds. The kids [and adults!] love them.
If you get lucky you may see a hummingbird. I have not seen better in the Caribbean.
GETTING AROUND THE SOL MELIA CARIBE PUNTA CANA
It is unusual to have this category although the resort is so large that there is transportation to take you from one end to the
other.
It actually took us quite a while to get our bearings and I`m sure we didn`t get to see all of it during the stay!
There were two trains that ran all day. The blue train runs an express route while the yellow train stops at all the "stations".
There were also staff on passing golf carts and you can also hitch a ride on those. We didn`t wait more than about 7 or 8 minutes for transport.
If you decided to walk from the lobby to the beach it takes around 15 minutes. [cont right]
Above: The gardens at the Caribe Punta Cana
Above: Get around the resort using the train
FACILITIES
Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana
* Seven free and lagoon form swimming pools with poolside lounge chairs and palapas
* Cocotal Golf and Country Club, 27 hole very good quality course
* Two world class spas ready to pamper you, body, mind and spirit (indoor and outdoor areas)
* Eight lighted tennis courts with classes (additional charges apply) and equipment available
* Casino with a variety of table games and slot machines
* Arcade with video games for the kids
* The Flintstones Land: themed venues and entertainment catered to our youngest guests and with special visits from Fred Flintstone and Dino
* Boutiques, jewelers, gift shop and newsstand
* 24-hour medical service
*Baby sitting available at an additional cost
* Business center with Internet access, fax and photocopying services
* 24-hour taxi service
* Wi-Fi available in public areas
Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana
SHOPPING
You will find prices at any resort shops to be very expensive.
Indeed we found it quite expensive at the Palma Real Shopping Village which is just a few yards from the entrance to the Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana.
That said, the Palma Real Shopping Village shopping center is very nice and has a Larimar and Amber museum which is worth a look.
If you happen to have a transfer from La Romana ask the driver to stop at the `Bambu` gift shop. It is far less expensive than in the Palma Real shopping center.
Unfortunately if you came into Punta Cana airport it is only really accessible for those with hire cars.
Sol Melia Caribe Punta Cana
CHILDREN`s ACTIVITIES
One of the reasons that we chose to stay at the Melia Caribe Tropical Punta Cana was that it had a programme for kids.
Smaller children have the Flintstones club and this is clearly popular with a lot of children.
Our 5 year old Alex decided that he preferred to spend his time with us although this was not due to the standard of the kids club.
There is a new video room for children + a daily schedule of activities.
Below: Melia Tropical Caribe resort map
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