Wow! Such a busy forum - just bumping my question up in the hopes I'll get a reply (it's already buried in page 4!)

While some people really like Sun Village, we did not. Are you thinking of booking Cheap Caribbean's 5-night package for about $700 per person? That's how we booked.

I think the reason the reviews vary wildly is because people have different expectations. Some people are budget travelers and are impressed by Sun Village, other people (like me) were expecting an upscale resort as it was described on Cheap Caribbean's website.

If you want a nice place to sit in the sun for a few days, but don't expect great food and service, then Sun Village is fine. If you're strictly booking this as a budget trip and don't mind the drawbacks of the resort, you will be happy. The grounds are nice, the pools are not crowded.

However, if you're more accustomed to 4 star resorts and hotels with better food and prompt, attentive service, you will find Sun Village lacking and I'd suggest you look elsewhere. Also, if you consider yourself to be a foodie, even remotely, you will be disappointed. We booked our trip based on Cheap Caribbean's 4.5 star rating, but I would consider Sun Village 2.5 stars. We wanted a relaxing, stress-free trip and some pampering, but this was not the place for us.

Thanks, Triciaanne. I just don't know what to think! We're not seasoned travelers by any means, so I guess we'd probably be very happy as long as no one gets sick! Were you aware of any cases of Montezuma's revenge while you were there?

Dear needitnow,

We are vacationing @ Sun Village March 6-13 (first visit). I read your question regarding "Montezuma's Revenge" and I suggest you obtain a prescription from your family doctor for the antibiotic Bactrim (that is, unless you are allergic) to PREVENT any gastrointestinal disturbances. You may want to begin taking it two days prior to departing for the D.R.

I'm a nurse and I strongly believe that it's simply not worth taking the risk of being sick while on vacation when you should be enjoying yourself, not to mention that it's money wasted if you become ill while on vacation. Bactrim is recommended for "traveler's diarrhea" and it is very inexpensive unlike many antibiotics which may be prescribed more routinely for GI illnesses/diarrhea.

It's sometimes the subtle things that you wouldn't even think of that are the culprits (i.e., tainted water used for washing veggies/fruits, unfiltered ice cubes, etc.); our "American" GI tracts simply aren't accustomed to the same bacteria that the "Dominican" GI tracts are and vice-versa.

I do hope you enjoy your vacation without being sick!!!!

Both my husband and I had some issues...I had some sort of bug that made me vomit for about 24 hours and my husband had two days of Montezuma's revenge. The good thing is that neither of us were totally out for the count while we were sick. We were still able to get out of the room a bit to enjoy the sun. Some anti-nausea medication and Immodium helped immensely.

I'd definitely get an antibiotic prescription before you leave. It will be a lifesaver should you need it.

magillabrian,

We're both Pennsylvanians, but, more importantly, we're both future visitors to Sun Village!! You MUST post a review on the Sun Village when you return! I will be watching this forum every day until I go for ANY information I can glean regarding the Puerto Plata area!

I'll be checking in with our doctors to see who will go for prescribing the bactrim. Would there be any adverse effects with other medications or with alcohol? My daughters are both taking birth control pills, and cannot afford, at this point in their lives, any 'malfunctions'!! (And, more importantly, I cannot afford any malfunctions, since I would, most likely, become the 'problem solver' in any such situation - OMG, the thought scares the heck out of me!!).

Thanks for your advice!

Dear needitnow,

Birth control pills don't work as effectively while taking antibiotics. I suggest a "backup" while taking the antibiotic so as not to take any chances! You wouldn't want an unplanned "souvenir" from your Puerto Plata vacation! I'll try to post a review ASAP when I return home.