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Thread: 05/2013 - FLYING into STI in the early early AM

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    05/2013 - FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    just returned and another trip to STI airport in the early AM, so I decided to start a thread with all the info in one thread of what I experienced, and perhaps other options people do or would like to share.

    THE INFO is strictly about the crazy idea of flying into STI at 2-4AM depending on what time of year you go.


    Since the majority of people wanting to travel here is to go to POP, BB"s or Sosua while saving on flight we'll keep it with this goal and theme in mind


    Lets not make this about a debate if this is a good or bad idea, or if Spirit sucks, because other airlines fly at this hour as well so lets keep this about facts and info and help about traveling through this airport and the options you have with pricing.


    People can make decisons themselves about the money they are saving and if its worth it or not, so lets not debate about that either, lets just talk about the options and choices you have once you arrive to STI.


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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Taxis- IMO there really is no need to get "reliable cab drivers phone numbers" which I often hear asked in this site. Once you get outside there is dozens of cab drivers. Some hotels can arrange check ins at this crazy hour, but you will most likely pay for another day, essentially for only a few hours in most cases.


    The cost of a taxi to Sosua cost me $85 with no negotiation perhaps you can save a few bucks by haggling as of Nov 2012 and May 2013.


    Rental Cars- my first trip was to rent a car, and drive around exploring, or taking a nap in the car or driving to a Cabana. THE ONLY rental car company I have seen on a consistent basis open at this hour is National. You can make reservations online like I did like on AVIS but when I arrived at the airport there was nobody at the Kiosk. I've looked inside the area every arrival and departure and the only people ever there the last 4 flights has been National. I personally would reserve online rather then in person, since the reason I did not rent when stiffed by Avis was they only had 1 car left which was an SUV which was expensive and my CC insurance would not cover it.

    If you rent a car at this hour, I strongly advise renting on National






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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Another option is to take a taxi to a place like the Hotel Colonial at that hour. Approx 700 pesos for the taxi to the hotel; 900 pesos for the room. Grab a few hours sleep then taxi to the Metro or Caribe Tours station for 125 pesos....approx 180 pesos for the bus to Sosua. That's just under US$50. A cabana close to the airport might be cheaper than a place like Hotel Colonial for 3 or 4 hours sleep. Perhaps someone who has taken that option can provide info.
    Enjoy it while you can.


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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    I realize how crazy and retarded some of this may sound to save money, but if the savings are there for you.....

    STI airport itself is a tiny airport. There is free WIFI everywhere in the airport that I have been. Even at 2-6AM in the morning there is a good amount of workers there, and some travelers there at that hour, at least when I was there. One thing to keep in mind is if you plan on hanging out there till the Metro or Caribe opens you will be outside. Everything is under a roof but you will be outside. There is several waiting areas, and it was tolerable temperature for me, there is several areas with fans blowing.

    At this hour there is an upstairs area with several stores open where you can buy snacks and cold drinks. There really wasn't full service restaurants, but a few cafe type places, which I'm sure have a limited menu. This area I have been told is open 24 hours, and I would advise eating a big meal and not plan on getting something to eat at STI. I saw some things there, but didn't want to risk the shits.

    The public bathrooms are acceptably clean, and there is plenty of places to plug in a cell phone or laptop charger upstairs.

    There might be one, but I cannot recall if there was money exchange places open at that hour on the way in, but there is at least 2 ATMs at the airport I saw.

    This past trip was my first time I ever rode the Metro, and my thinking was, if I take a cab up to Sosua at 3AM, my options since I did not arrange early check in was to sleep at Dulce Secreto for a few hours till I could check in. I guess I could of went to After 1 but didn't want to lug around my backpack. Not many options in Sosua at 4-5 am

    I chose to watch a movie or 2, try to get some sleep at the airport, and wait till the Metro or Caribe open up.

    The bad news is Metro and Caribe don't open till 9am.

    There are several areas you can sleep and they all suck and is as "man vs wild" as it can get for me

    There are benches near the exit of where you came out of the airport, and there is also benches closer to the ticket counters (which is outside) that you can sleep on with fans blowing. If you plan on doing this I would recommend a good pair of headphones to listen to music, talk radio or just to keep the noise out. There is a good amount of noise at the airport like floor cleaners, security and employees walking around and hanging out talking about whatever they fucking talk about. I was able to stream WFAN and listen and fall asleep old school style. I would also recommend some kind of eye covers as well since the first area I slept in is bright (I personally used the sweat towels I carry around over my eyes.

    Also remember you are outside the whole time so there might be issues with mosquitos


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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by Robert13212 View Post
    Another option is to take a taxi to a place like the Hotel Colonial at that hour. Approx 700 pesos for the taxi to the hotel; 900 pesos for the room. Grab a few hours sleep then taxi to the Metro or Caribe Tours station for 125 pesos....approx 180 pesos for the bus to Sosua. That's just under US$50. A cabana close to the airport might be cheaper than a place like Hotel Colonial for 3 or 4 hours sleep. Perhaps someone who has taken that option can provide info.
    If I am going to do it again, I think I will grab a cab to the Cabana, which will be a lot more comfortable. I don't remember the names of the Cabanas but there was 2-5 I think on the way to the Metro station.

    I also recall seeing a "Passions" sign with an arrow pointing on the cab ride over as well.

    I paid 700 pesos or the cab driver would of accepted $20 US for the cab ride over to the metro station. I decided around 8AM to take a cab ride over.

    The Metro was 200 pesos to Sosua, and it was great, I got the most sleep on the Metro it was a smooth chilly ride. There is 1 stop in Puerto Plata, you don't have to get off the bus, and you will be in Sosua in roughly 2 hours.

    The Metro station has another small cafe type place and a airconditioned part and outside waiting area, not sure if they are open 24 hours but there were open when I got there around 8am. Here is the websites for Metro and Carribe, but I don't see any need to get advanced tickets or reservations. I am not 100% sure if they accept dollars at the window either.

    The cheapest cheapest option sleep at airport, cab to Caribe to Sosua I guess, assuming nobody is picking you up so lets say around $20-$23 one way by yourself, and I don't think there is any way to get around that cab ride over that is reliable.

    http://www.metroserviciosturisticos.com/

    http://www.caribetours.com.do/site/portada/

    The Metro drops you off at the Texeco station, if you don't know where that is, its on the main road up the street that Rockys is on. The debate about Carribe is that, assuming you are going to Sosua, is in Charimiscos, which you will either need to take a cab or moto to El batey, the gringo part.

    I personally don't know why someone would take the Caribe instead of the Metro as a mongerer from STI
    Last edited by BorisDaBulletDodger; 05-30-2013 at 12:39 AM.

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by BorisDaBulletDodger View Post
    I realize how crazy and retarded some of this may sound to save money, but if the savings are there for you.....

    The public bathrooms are acceptably clean, and there is plenty of places to plug in a cell phone or laptop charger upstairs.

    There might be one, but I cannot recall if there was money exchange places open at that hour on the way in, but there is at least 2 ATMs at the airport I saw.
    The Banco Popular ATM that is outside to your right after you go to the waiting area is always good. I always hit it up after landing...........

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    I'm not a big gambler anymore because I suck, but I considered going to a Casino which I thought there would be one in STI that is 24 hours but have no info if someone can contribute. I've wasted plenty of time and money in a casino and time flies

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by BorisDaBulletDodger View Post
    I'm not a big gambler anymore because I suck, but I considered going to a Casino which I thought there would be one in STI that is 24 hours but have no info if someone can contribute. I've wasted plenty of time and money in a casino and time fliesClick to see pic
    there's a casino (and disco!) at hotel matum, not sure if it's open 24hrs tho..

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by deezl View Post
    there's a casino (and disco!) at hotel matum, not sure if it's open 24hrs tho..
    Yes, it will be open when you land. You can also find chicas there too; but, the mileage will vary. The disco
    stays open until late in the morning.

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    I've done the sleep in the airport and Metro bus trip at least 5 or 6 times.I've done it coming and going.
    No fucking way I'm paying for that taxi ride.It was not bad the one time SwoopJoeyJoe and I went with Nap,Trey and someone else but that is the only time I did it.Our cab had 3 in it so it was only about $20 bucks or so each.
    I just do like Boris says.I go find a bench and crash to the best of my ability untill around 7/7:30 and then cab over to the Metro.
    I made the mistake of going to early to the Caribe station one time and was really uncomfortable when the cab dropped me off.
    Pitch black and no one in sight.Finally a guard came around the corner with his shotgun and I was able to relax.

    The bad thing about going back to the airport is that the last bus out of Sosua is at like 5:30PM and you get to Santiago arond 8 and your plane doesn't leave untill what about 3AM.There is a TV in the bus station so I usually sit there for a couple of hours,head to the airport and catch a nap waiting to depart.

    Unlike others(YMMV)I don't need to fly into the airport and jump in a cab to get to Sosua a few hours quicker.

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by jacknback View Post
    I've done the sleep in the airport and Metro bus trip at least 5 or 6 times.I've done it coming and going.
    No fucking way I'm paying for that taxi ride.It was not bad the one time SwoopJoeyJoe and I went with Nap,Trey and someone else but that is the only time I did it.Our cab had 3 in it so it was only about $20 bucks or so each.
    I just do like Boris says.I go find a bench and crash to the best of my ability untill around 7/7:30 and then cab over to the Metro.
    I made the mistake of going to early to the Caribe station one time and was really uncomfortable when the cab dropped me off.
    Pitch black and no one in sight.Finally a guard came around the corner with his shotgun and I was able to relax.

    The bad thing about going back to the airport is that the last bus out of Sosua is at like 5:30PM and you get to Santiago arond 8 and your plane doesn't leave untill what about 3AM.There is a TV in the bus station so I usually sit there for a couple of hours,head to the airport and catch a nap waiting to depart.

    Unlike others(YMMV)I don't need to fly into the airport and jump in a cab to get to Sosua a few hours quicker.
    You talking about taking a cab to Sosua?

    I think taking a cab back makes more sense personally ,since you can leave around 11:30pm to midnight which will almost give you a whole night in Sosua, although only the walking dead hookers were around Sunday night for me last trip Regardless you gotta pay another $20 for cab+bus

    or you get another 6 hours of Sosua left plus most likely another hotel nights stay or if your hotel allows it, another half days stay plus $80 for a cab.

    There is basically nothing to do at STI on your way home either, the only difference is you can sit inside by the gate and waste some time at the duty free shop. NO restaurants were open on the inside at least when I was there, and only the same convience store type food available again.

    I was trying to racially profile people on the plane at the coincedence they might be taking the same return flight, and possibly going to Sosua and try to make arrangements on splitting a cab or something, but this is like buying a scatch off lotto ticket. Most likely you are the only crazy idiot on the flight going to Sosua.

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    I have wondered what the monument (in STI) is like late at night. Perhaps some action right there while you are waiting to get to the airport if you like some adventure? Heard it was a place awhile back where sex was available.

    I have been to some restaurants (in STI) where after dinner they offered me a room. Since I was with a "good girl" every time I did not inquire any details. My thought is take a chica from Sosua to STI on the bus. Have a nice last supper then take a room with her, treat her like a postage stamp and be on your way. Of course she should be worth it! I know this is not a cost effective approach, but may be worth it to some.
    Proud graduate of Sex County Vocational School - '69

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    I'm from South Florida so that early morning flight works great for me. I've found the best way to get the most out of it is to plan to spend the night in Santiago. Have the cab driver take you to Cabanas Zeus. It will cost you $800 pesos, it is right up the street from the airport. A room at Zeus from 3am till the next morning will cost you more or less $1000 pesos depending on the room you get. The reason Zeus is the place to go is because it is right next door to passions nightclub. Passions in Santiago is like a CMP/Passions type of place. You go in grab whatever girl you want and walk right back over to your cabana at Zeus. In the morning you can call a cab from the room and get over to the metro station. IMO That's the best way to maximize the whole 2am flight experience.


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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by BorisDaBulletDodger View Post
    If I am going to do it again, I think I will grab a cab to the Cabana, which will be a lot more comfortable. I don't remember the names of the Cabanas but there was 2-5 I think on the way to the Metro station.



    I personally don't know why someone would take the Caribe instead of the Metro as a mongerer from STI
    The Metro doesnt fill up quick? Its only a few buses a day into sosua compared to one like every hour for Caribe. I've always lucked up and shared cabs with a group but always wanted to do the bus ride
    It's always happy hour somewhere in the world...




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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    There is difference between saving a few bucks and compromising your safety. I would take a cab to a cabana for a few hours of sleep and since I know a few Santiago chicas little quality time.

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    I've flown into STI twice arriving at the crappy early morning hours, great airfare prices beat the few hours of boredom! Last year I got a free ride with a local/expat to Boston area to the bus depot....he gave the guard some money to let me in the gates and watch over me. I had 3-5 hours (I forget) of time to kill which sort of sucked but they started serving beer at I think 6am.

    This year I flew in at another crappy hour and spent most of the downtime at the bar on the second floor of STI drinking. If you walk out the arrival door, go 50 yards ahead you will find an elevator and stairs that lead to the bar and a few shops. After being rather drunk and my girlfriend being all pissy about being tired we got a cheap (forget the rate but below the average) taxi to the bus area Metro/Caribe. We spent the next few long ass hours there trying to sleep on those hard ass stainless steel benches or chairs=sucks ass! In hide sight, I should of spend the money on a room at Zeus which has I think 50% off coupons all over the place.

    @Robert, the Hotel Colonial is a fucking shithole, actually is redefines the term shithole. I've stayed there twice now and will prolly stay a couple more times but I would not suggest the place to anyone. The neighborhood is a hood, the rooms are not clean, the random cats scare the shit out of you if you stay on the 2nd or 3rd floor, the first floor has rooms but it's noisy and you can't sleep....oh and my tablet grew some legs there....

    The only things I can think to add is:

    1. Having a few drinks and waiting for all of the other arriving passengers to leave so you can attempt to name your own price for a taxi.

    2. Bring wipes or something because neither bus terminals have toilet seats.

    3. The cunts working at the Metro terminal don't speak English and poke fun at bad Spanish....learn some Spanish.

    4. Check out coupons for Zeus or another rent by the hour motel, it beats sitting on a hard ass bench for hours.

    5. Don't bring a first world GF to a 3rd world country and expect her to roll with whatever....


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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by hugrad95a View Post
    There is difference between saving a few bucks and compromising your safety. I would take a cab to a cabana for a few hours of sleep and since I know a few Santiago chicas little quality time.
    I agree, if youre gonna arrive in STI at the un Godly hour of say 2 or 3 am, you sort of need a PLAN.. and sitting on a bench at the airport to take a long nap does not sound like much of a plan.. BUT on the other hand it IS a LOT safer than taking a Cab to the Metro Bus/ Caribe.. location.. that is a lot worse. talking a Taxi to Sosua, no way im paying $80- $90 for that. I dont trust those cabs, a Bus is much safter and more comfortable.. Renting a Car, is a much better option, but its is costly and you better have a GPS and know where you are going, driving by yourself at night like that, IMO not recommended unless you are a very seasoned pro, and fluent in spanish. Daytime is a completely different story of course.

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by theheights718 View Post
    The Metro doesnt fill up quick? Its only a few buses a day into sosua compared to one like every hour for Caribe. I've always lucked up and shared cabs with a group but always wanted to do the bus ride
    Ive only taken the metro once and this only time and it was a lot closer to empty then full maybe 20 people. From research I got the impression it wasnt a full bus. The metro part was the best part the ordeal

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by JudgeSmails View Post
    I agree, if youre gonna arrive in STI at the un Godly hour of say 2 or 3 am, you sort of need a PLAN.. and sitting on a bench at the airport to take a long nap does not sound like much of a plan.. BUT on the other hand it IS a LOT safer than taking a Cab to the Metro Bus/ Caribe.. location.. that is a lot worse. talking a Taxi to Sosua, no way im paying $80- $90 for that. I dont trust those cabs, a Bus is much safter and more comfortable.. Renting a Car, is a much better option, but its is costly and you better have a GPS and know where you are going, driving by yourself at night like that, IMO not recommended unless you are a very seasoned pro, and fluent in spanish. Daytime is a completely different story of course.
    I think some of those taxi mafia cabs are better then most but the cab rides back to sti from sosua have always been in a decent car maybe im lucky with picking shitty minivans

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    Re: FLYING into STI in the early early AM

    Quote Originally Posted by TonyT View Post
    I've flown into STI twice arriving at the crappy early morning hours, great airfare prices beat the few hours of boredom! Last year I got a free ride with a local/expat to Boston area to the bus depot....he gave the guard some money to let me in the gates and watch over me. I had 3-5 hours (I forget) of time to kill which sort of sucked but they started serving beer at I think 6am.

    This year I flew in at another crappy hour and spent most of the downtime at the bar on the second floor of STI drinking. If you walk out the arrival door, go 50 yards ahead you will find an elevator and stairs that lead to the bar and a few shops. After being rather drunk and my girlfriend being all pissy about being tired we got a cheap (forget the rate but below the average) taxi to the bus area Metro/Caribe. We spent the next few long ass hours there trying to sleep on those hard ass stainless steel benches or chairs=sucks ass! In hide sight, I should of spend the money on a room at Zeus which has I think 50% off coupons all over the place.

    @Robert, the Hotel Colonial is a fucking shithole, actually is redefines the term shithole. I've stayed there twice now and will prolly stay a couple more times but I would not suggest the place to anyone. The neighborhood is a hood, the rooms are not clean, the random cats scare the shit out of you if you stay on the 2nd or 3rd floor, the first floor has rooms but it's noisy and you can't sleep....oh and my tablet grew some legs there....

    The only things I can think to add is:

    1. Having a few drinks and waiting for all of the other arriving passengers to leave so you can attempt to name your own price for a taxi.

    2. Bring wipes or something because neither bus terminals have toilet seats.

    3. The cunts working at the Metro terminal don't speak English and poke fun at bad Spanish....learn some Spanish.

    4. Check out coupons for Zeus or another rent by the hour motel, it beats sitting on a hard ass bench for hours.

    5. Don't bring a first world GF to a 3rd world country and expect her to roll with whatever....
    Why should they speak English?

    That's like a Dominican coming here for vacation and saying "that fucking prick doesn't speak Spanish".

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