Dominican Republic Adventure Guide (Explore the Dominican Republic)

Rating:
Summary: A Negative Travel Guide Book
Review: I found the authors tone in his review of areas to visit in the Dominican Republic to be extremely negative. I was going to go to Punta Cana and after I bought this book and read his review, I felt like I made a mistake. He does not seem to offer general information for all travelers but writes "if you have moola, like large resorts, and want to get away from everything, this area MAY be what you are looking for. I found him very negative, yet there is another book if you are going to the Dominican Republic & Haiti which offered a wealth of information and history, it's Lonely Planet's book on Dominican Republic & Haiti which offers many tips, history and general information. And by the way, Punta Cana is a beautiful place to visit regardless of whether you are wealthy or not.

Rating:
Summary: For city slickers
Review: Not much detail if you want to get off the beated path. I prefered Harvey's "Rough Guide". If you're spending a lot of time in the capital [Santo Domingo], this book may help.

Rating:
Summary: Best of the Dominican Republic Guide Books
Review: This is the best of the D. R. guide books (the Moon guide is the worst), however.....one still needs to pay VERY close attention to the NEGATIVE REVIEWS of resorts at the web site debbiesdominicantravel dot com. I say this because many who post on that site inexcusably downplay shoddy lodging and abusive treatment of tourists. Usually, the negative reviews are more realistic, especially of tourist traps like the Punta Cana Beach Resort (some of whose bungalows are not even weathertight). This author justifiably mentions the isolation of the East Coast (Punta Cana). Having recently traveled to both the East and North coasts, I say without hesitation the North Coast (Sosua, Puerta Plata) is far superior in every way. The Dominican Republic is a wonderful value overall and the Dominicans themselves are gentle and friendly (unless they are employed by certain resorts). I will probably retire there. There are many tips and strategies in this book not found in other D. R. guides. Your best choice in D. R. guide books.