Nightlife

All of the all-inclusive hotels offer free nightly entertainment of varying quality; as a general rule, the stages, dancers, and musicians increase in quality along with the price, so expect the nightly cabaret at the Río de Oro to far outclass what Club Amigo puts on. Some are well-produced, professional, lively affairs and a pretty good time. Others are, well, cheesy and embarrassing. Most hotels change the program every night over a 1- or 2-week schedule, so if you want to drop in every night, you'll at least see a new presentation (the musicians and dancers, though, may very well be the same).

When the tourist-targeted entertainment gets to be too much, head for the one place you can be assured of spotting (and maybe even interacting with!) locals. For those who need a break from packaged entertainment, the Disco La Roca (tel. 24/3-0167; CUC$5 cover) in Guardalavaca is the place to be outside of the hotels. It is partly open-air and has good beach views.