Camaro’s overview of Gazcue May 2015
Although I live in Puerto Plata now I found airfares to be less expensive flying into Santo Domingo, therefore I will be spending more time there before and after my trips. Recently I spent some time in Gazcue and I would like to submit this report for your review.
Gazcue is one of the oldest sectors of Santo Domingo and is considered to be a tourist area where you can find many extranjeros. The area has several hotels modern & old apartments along with residential dwellings. This part of Santo Domingo reminded me of Poblado in Medellin, Milflores in Lima Peru and Recoletta in Buenas Aires Argentina. The area is also known for its high end casa de citas along with streetwalkers.
This report will not be a comprehensive view of the entire area of Gazcue it will simply cover the area from Avenida George Washington, Avenida Pasture and Avenida Indepencia.
- Avenida George Washington
Avenida George Washington travels east and west on the south side of the city providing a view of the Carribean Sea. At the intersecton of Avenida George Washington and Avenida Pasture there is the following:
Torre Veirmar Apartments
Torre Veirmar Apartments are private residences the property appears to be relatively new with contemporary designs.
Crown Plaza Hotel
The Crown Plaza Santo Domingo is a high end hotel at the corner that faces Avenida George Washington.
- Avenida Pasture
Avenida Pasture travels north from Avenida George Washington to Avenida Indepencia.
Casa de Citas
- Sky High Lounge
- Bar LA21
Hotel Shakey (Apartments)
Hotel Shakey Aparthotel is on Avenida Pasture just off Avenida George Washington. Some of the rooms have an ocean view and others have a city view. The ocean view rooms are more expensive but overall the room are very nice.
The receptionist walks you to your room but does not help with the bags. When you walk in there is a living room and dining room area to your left a small kitchenette with a gas stove and refrigerator. You continue to find a guest bathroom without a shower the master bedroom with a queen size bed closet and flat screen television. There is also a master bath with shower etc.
The apartment is very clean and most everything has an egg shell neutral color. The TV and cable work well but I had connection problems with the WIFI so I used my Orange hotspot. The other complaint I had was there was no microwave which is very important for heating left overs but asi es la vida.
My intention is to visit different hotels on my Santo Domingo excursions but I can readily see getting stuck in the place on more than one trip.
Hotel Mystic
Hotel Mystic is on the same side of the street as Hotel Shakey. I have never stayed there but it is reported to be a great chica friendly hotel option for less than $50.00 a night. I will try to investigate further on one of my next Santo Domingo excursions.
- Avenida Indepencia
Avenida Indepencia travels east west parallel with Avenida George Washington to the south connected by Avenida Pasture which travels north south.
Manolo’s Restaurante
Manolo’s is on Avenida Indepencia west of Avenida Pasture. I did not eat at Manolo’s this trip but in the past the food and the staff was great. This open air venue provides a great place to people watch and the food is nothing short of fantastic.
Hotel Riazor
Hotel Riazor is on the same side of the street as Manolo’s Restaurante. I have never stayed there but I have heard some good reviews so it will be on my radar for future trips.
Club 305 Hotel
Club 305 Hotel is a high end casa de cita on the same side of the street as Manolo’s restaurant east of Avenida Pasture. I chose not to spend 4000 pesos and hour this trip.
Bodega Indepencia
Bodega Indepencia is a colmado that sells alcohol and refreshments. It is on the same side of the street as Club 305. There are tables and chairs outside and it is a local hangout for people in the area. There are reportedly freelancers available during different times of the week especially during the weekends.
Villar Hnos
At the intersection of Avenida Indepencia and Avenida Pasture is a staple of Gazcue. Villas Hnos has a cafeteria style restaurant a bakery and a separate outdoor café next to the cafeteria. The cafeteria provides modestly prices food and is almost always busy any time of day.
The café is more upscale than the cafeteria and is an outdoor venue with a very classy vibe and efficient wait staff. I would consider it a 4 star restaurant and if you are not careful you can spend 1500 pesos easy for dinner however the food is great.
Hotel Duque Wellington
Hotel Duque Wellington is next door to Villas Hnos café and appears to be an obscure small time hotel. I did not visit but perhaps I will investigate further in the future.
Navarro Hotel & Restaurant
The Navarro Hotel Restaurant is on the same side of the street as Hotel Duque Wellington. I used the hotel as a short time venue about 2 years ago and I was not impressed with the towels and small rooms. I may visit again in the future to see if anything has changed. I have not eaten at the restaurant so I cannot comment.
Closing thoughts
I saw freelance street walkers during my stay but since I was preoccupied I did not partake. They usually walk or stand in the area of Avenida Indepencia between Malolo’s and the Navarro Hotel as well as congregate at the Bodega.'
My major complaint is because this a major tourist area there are many touts trying to get paid. If you hear someone say “hey my fren” trust me he wants to get paid for being an unofficial guide so to speak. I find them more annoying than harmful. They could be trying to rob you instead for the most part they are street hustlers who can help you find anything you want if you know what I mean.
Conclusion
I love this area for the restaurant options alone and the lodging options are more than acceptable also. The area is comfortable for many extranjeros because many people speak English due to it being a tourist area.
I walked around at night but I was very aware of my surroundings at no point did I feel unsafe and there was an occasional police presence in the area. I will definitely return to check out some of the hotel options that I have yet to experience.
Originally Posted by BrooklynBeas
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