Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:29 pm
Robbin, it's hard to figure out how much to plan on spending without knowing your preferences.
The way we saw it, most dinners out were about 25% more than what we paid at home- that went from burger joints to gourmet type restaurants. We only cooked 1 dinner in the villa and the rest of the nights out were varied. With 4 of us (my boys are 13 and order off the adult menu), we spent anywhere from $120 - $350 per dinner including tip. The high end was a night at La Tapa with apps, cocktails, wine and entrees.
We did buy groceries. Not a big deal to stop in Starfish Market- our "big shopping" was a sum total of 30 minutes. We went early evening so there were no lines to be had. We shop commando style- everyone just grabs what they like while I do some real planning and pick up essentials for lunches etc. We also bought sunscreen there which was $11 a bottle for the good stuff. I thought about shipping it ahead after having to shell out $28 for a bottle in the D.R. last year but went on the advice of my sister who lives in the islands and just sucked it up and paid the extra $3 over what if would cost me at home.
The best value we found was Cafe Roma. Huge portions, excellent food with high quality ingredients and very reasonable prices. I think dinner for 4 was about $175 with an app, cocktails and 4 entrees.
Good luck on whatever you decide. I was as anxious as you are but am happy I just did the "go with the flow" thing.
The way we saw it, most dinners out were about 25% more than what we paid at home- that went from burger joints to gourmet type restaurants. We only cooked 1 dinner in the villa and the rest of the nights out were varied. With 4 of us (my boys are 13 and order off the adult menu), we spent anywhere from $120 - $350 per dinner including tip. The high end was a night at La Tapa with apps, cocktails, wine and entrees.
We did buy groceries. Not a big deal to stop in Starfish Market- our "big shopping" was a sum total of 30 minutes. We went early evening so there were no lines to be had. We shop commando style- everyone just grabs what they like while I do some real planning and pick up essentials for lunches etc. We also bought sunscreen there which was $11 a bottle for the good stuff. I thought about shipping it ahead after having to shell out $28 for a bottle in the D.R. last year but went on the advice of my sister who lives in the islands and just sucked it up and paid the extra $3 over what if would cost me at home.
The best value we found was Cafe Roma. Huge portions, excellent food with high quality ingredients and very reasonable prices. I think dinner for 4 was about $175 with an app, cocktails and 4 entrees.
Good luck on whatever you decide. I was as anxious as you are but am happy I just did the "go with the flow" thing.