UPDATE: The old deal is dead, but the new, albeit a weaker deal has emerged. Links are updated.

The gist:

1. No more one-bedroom suite. Either a regular “superior” room or junior suite for $30 more.

2. Access to premium bars is still there.

3. Not a bad deal after all, but nothing to write home about.

My previous posts on Lifestyle Tropical—my most favorite All Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic:

$15 All-Inclusive Deal at Lifestyle Tropical in DR for 15 Hours On Cyber Monday

Cheap $19 All Inclusive Resort — for Last-Minute Travel in December 2014

The Crazy $19 All-Inclusive Deal in the Dominican Republic is Alive Again!

No, Not Again! All Inclusive Resort in DR for $19 PPPN!

Lifestyle Tropical, the place I’ve reviewed at least 4 or 5 times, has a sale again via Groupon. But this time it’s a little different. For $99 you are getting the following:

• All-inclusive stay for two in a one-bedroom suite
• Dates into March 2016

Included in all-inclusive stays:

• All meals and drinks at onsite locations, including local beers, premium spirits, house wine with dinner, juices, and soft drinks
• VIP package, including access to VIP beach, VIP pool, and VIP sports bar
• Green fees at Los Mangos golf course (once per person per stay along with courtesy transportation)
• Access to special Groupon concierge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
• Access to Ice Nightclub (including drinks listed above)
• All hotel taxes and fees

What are the costs for additional guests?

This package is good for two adults. Children aged 0–3 are free and children aged 4–11 are an extra $20 per child per night. Additional guests 12 or older are an additional $82 per person per night.

Note that $99 per night is only valid until the end of 2015, then it’s $126. The remaining 2015 dates are wide open for now, although only until December 15, they have a blackout after that.

I’ve stayed at this resort for $12, $19, and $24 per person. This rate makes it $45 per person. Is it worth it then?

Without a doubt! This is a fantastic package, much better than the ones I got in the past.

First, you’re getting a guaranteed one-bedroom suite. During our trips, we lucked out twice and got a nice junior suite—third time around, though, we weren’t that lucky. Got an old cramped room (still was a lot of fun, though).

Second, you’re getting access to three areas with top-shelf drinks:  VIP pool, VIP sports bar, and the Ice Nightclub. Top-shelf drinks are nice. Your body will thank you in the morning. 🙂

Third, you’re getting a free round of golf. I’m not a golfer, though, so can’t comment on whether it’s worth anything or not.

And fourth, although it has nothing to do with this deal, the grounds are gorgeous and so sprawled out that I can’t imagine how you can be bored there.

I’ve dissected this resort quite well already. Read my previous reviews, especially this one, and you’ll know everything you need to know about the place. The Groupon page claims there are 12 pools. They are wrong. There are at least 15, some of them quite beautiful. And the VIP beach is a great place to spend the day. If you manage to get the bed, of course!

Lifestyle Tropical VIP Beach: My Favorite All Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic

My Favorite All Inclusive Resort in Dominican Republic: One of the many Lifestyle pools

Note, however, that internet connection at this resort is pure garbage. I’m on T-mobile and they sell hi-speed data packages for reasonable prices. If you are not with T-mobile and can’t stay without reliable internet, you should consider buying data from a local mobile provider rather than the resort.

THE LINK

Who Flies There

There are 4 airlines that might interest us in terms of award travel to POP: American, Air Canada, United, and JetBlue.  Which means you have a little more than a month. However, unless you’re an elite with American or United (if you are flying on AA or UA), you want to book your flight three weeks out, otherwise you’ll pay a $75 close booking fee. Basically, you have about 16-day window if you catch this post when it gets out. The closest airport is Puerto Plata Gregorio Luperón (POP). You can also fly to Santiago (STI) and grab a cab from there, but it’s a 2-hour drive. I did it once and wasn’t happy. Try to fly in and out of POP.

Saver availability for American and United—at least from/to New York—is tight, but does exist. JetBlue availability, though, is a real bargain here.

AMEX Has 30% Transfer Bonus to JetBlue Right Now!

Normally, the AMEX MR transfer rate to JetBlue is 250 MR points for 200 JetBlue points. With the 30% bonus, however, it’s 250 MR points for 260 JetBlue points. Why is it a bargain? Here is why.

Your JetBlue roundtrip flight will cost you $100 in taxes and 15,750 MR points (because you can only transfer the points in 250-point increments). In the meantime, United and American charge 35,000 miles for the same flight. It’s like getting 2 AA or UA miles for an AMEX MR point. Not too shabby, is it?

Need a quick recharge? Get there, you won’t regret it!

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