DR - best kids club/beach for family rec?

[Anonymous]

We are considering for the FIRST time going to Dominican..for us and kids!

Looking at dec 19-24 for the first of school holiday week off. There's a CostCo deal on trips to DR which is what is swaying us to do. They were sold out on Costa Rica deals but we weren't adverse to looking up any all inclusives with kids clubs there if it's a better experience than DR.

Would love to get feedback on those who might be familiar with:

Paradisus Palma Real
The Level at Melia Caribe Tropical
Or if there's other places in DR/Costa Rica..

We are seeking specifically, really great
1. kids clubs (kids are young 5 and 7) and if possible entertainment like shows in evening for adults/kids
2. beach (soft sand, clear water as much as possible
3. clean property in general
4. reasonable distance excursions (ie dolphin swimming, whatever else beside staying on resort and swimming)

Would either above property be better?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

We are eyeing the new Nickelodeon resort in DR. Looks great for kids.

[Anonymous]

Seems like whenever these topics come up, the Paradisus resorts are always mentioned. They are also pretty high up on Trip Advisor too. I rely on Trip Advisor for a lot - never steered me wrong yet!

[Anonymous]

I liked Club Med Punta Cana. Awesome kids club with cute water slide area. Very nice beach. Rooms relatively small. But inexpensive over all. Only issue was that I think DR has water quality issues for drinking water- need to drink bottled only.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I liked Club Med Punta Cana. Awesome kids club with cute water slide area. Very nice beach. Rooms relatively small. But inexpensive over all. Only issue was that I think DR has water quality issues for drinking water- need to drink bottled only.

Did you find that club med was run down? We stayed at Westin last winter using points and another family told us that club med used to be their favorite but now is one of the older resorts and we should avoid.

We had a good time at the Westin. Nice pool. Not AI though.

[Anonymous]

Dreams get good reviews. I know because we've been thinking about going this Feb but haven't booked yet. Torn between that and Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia.

Club Med is said to be old and run down. Never been though so I can't say.