All Caribbean Inclusive Resorts are not Created Equal

Usually I run from discount Caribbean all inclusive vacations. Sure they are less expensive, but like so many things in life you get what you pay for. I saw a promotion in August on TripAdvisor.com for a discounted stay at the Melia Caribe Tropical. Being that I have never been disappointed by any of the Sol Melia hotels, and had never been to the Dominican I thought it was worth the risk.

Now I have to say that there is only one word to describe Melia Caribe Tropical, Paradise. All Caribbean inclusive resorts are not created equal, and the others should take notice at what Sol Melia has done in the Dominican Republic.

The promotion included 15% of my total stay, and $50 in resort specific cash. This was quite a deal for me since I took a three day weekend to take my journey down to Melia Caribe Tropical. On a property that is all inclusive the $50 in resort money went very far.

The single most impressive thing about my experience at Melia Caribe Tropical was the diversity and quality of the dining options. So often with all inclusive stay hotels you are treated to buffets that do not constitute the extra cost of the room, but not at Melia Caribe Tropical. They offer 13 distinct dining options, from local flavors to foreign delights. The seafood restaurant, Capri, had the freshest Mahi Mahi I have ever tasted in the Caribbean. It was as though the chef had gone deep sea fishing and brought the spoils of his trip into the kitchen just for me.

The accommodations were amazing, as is the case with most Sol Melia hotels. I opted for the Royal Service room due to the fact that I received the discount on the overall stay, and I have to say my next resort stay will be made difficult by the amazing service I received at Melia Caribe Tropical. The concierge made my appointments for my spa day and windsurfing. It was a pretty amazing experience.

All in all I feel as though most of the other discount Caribbean all inclusive vacations I have taken pale in comparison with my trip to Melia Caribe Tropical. The staff, food, and accommodations were beyond that which I expected or could have imagined. All to often when traveling we are surprised in a negative fashion, not this time, I will visit this resort again, and look forward to that day.