Hotel Advice_Monument Area_Santiago

[FritoBandito]

Hi all,

Well, I'll be arriving in the DR next week for 5 weeks. This trip I'd like to spend a few days in Santiago, which I've never done before.

I beg your indulgence, as I have a few questions to ask of you all:

1) Where do I catch the bus in Sosua to go to Santiago and how how does ir run? How much is the cost?

2) I want a inexpensive hotel near the monument area that is chica-friendly. Which would be my best choice, The Aloha Sol, The Matum, or the Hotel Monumento?

3) Has anyone ever stayed at the Hotel Monument? I can't find any reviews or even a contact number for it....

Thanks much,
J.B.

[Trib]

Hi all,

Well, I'll be arriving in the DR next week for 5 weeks. This trip I'd like to spend a few days in Santiago, which I've never done before.

I beg your indulgence, as I have a few questions to ask of you all:

1) Where do I catch the bus in Sosua to go to Santiago and how how does ir run? How much is the cost?

2) I want a inexpensive hotel near the monument area that is chica-friendly. Which would be my best choice, The Aloha Sol, The Matum, or the Hotel Monumento?

3) Has anyone ever stayed at the Hotel Monument? I can't find any reviews or even a contact number for it....

Thanks much,
J.B.

this thread http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=321708 has all that you want in it. ;)

[uncle ruckus]

Can't help you with 1 or 3, but as far as 2, I would stay at the Matum instead of Aloha Sol. I'm not a big fan of Calle del Sol (or any other part of Central Santiago) after midnight. The Matum might be more expensive (don't know for sure), but it's closer to the Monumento and in my experience has better security. Plus, it has one of the best nightclubs in Santiago after 2am (Vintage).

[eldorob]

I like the Matum. Close to Monument, Kukara Macara, good bars, etc

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/681647476a9f6206a.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/68164747731a0a0da.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/68164747730ec07f4.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/6816474773143cbec.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/681647476aa6a19d1.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/681647476a9f6206a.jpg

[eldorob]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/68164a100dc55c9f6.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/68164a100dc5a1b31.jpg

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/68164a100dc4e32b0.jpg

[LJDMV]

What is the rate for a night at this hotel? How far is this from Passion?

[eldorob]

What is the rate for a night at this hotel? How far is this from Passion?

I really cant remember but I'm going to guess about 60 or 70. Ask for a corporate discount or just haggle at the desk. They'll give something up.
If you call ahead and reserve you're stuck with what ever they quote you, I normally just walk in and deal with the front desk guy.

Never been to Passion STI

[jcrew2020]

The rate is more or less 2,000 pesos (about $54 us dollars). I used to stay at the Hotel Matum all the time, until I met a guy that rent me his 3 bedroom apartment, right behind the hotel, for $60 night.

It is hard to find an average priced hotel in Santiago. You have Hotel Colonial and a few cheap hotels for 500 pesos. Then you have Hotel Matum, Ahola Sol, Century plaza, Hotel Jardines, Camp David for 2,000 pesos. Sanitago is missing hotels in the 1,000 pesos per night price range.

[LJDMV]

The rate is more or less 2,000 pesos (about $54 us dollars). I used to stay at the Hotel Matum all the time, until I met a guy that rent me his 3 bedroom apartment, right behind the hotel, for $60 night.

It is hard to find an average priced hotel in Santiago. You have Hotel Colonial and a few cheap hotels for 500 pesos. Then you have Hotel Matum, Ahola Sol, Century plaza, Hotel Jardines, Camp David for 2,000 pesos. Sanitago is missing hotels in the 1,000 pesos per night price range.

Do you know which hotel is closest to passion or the popular car wash Gomez Diaz?

[jcrew2020]

I wouldn't book a hotel trying to be close to Gomez Diaz or Passions. The are located on the edge of the city. A taxi from any hotel to these places should be no more than 200 pesos.

To answer your question. The old Marriott Courtyard, which is now, a Hodelpa hotel, would be the closest hotel. There are also lots of Cabanas in that area.

[Hoseman]

Do you know which hotel is closest to passion or the popular car wash Gomez Diaz?In I went my opinion Passions is over rated went there Thurs. for the first time it was not what I expected .I will post my day in Santiago within the next couple of days

[LJDMV]

In I went my opinion Passions is over rated went there Thurs. for the first time it was not what I expected .I will post my day in Santiago within the next couple of days

wow , first time i heard that. Can't wait to her your update about your visit. Did you get to Gomez Diaz recently?

[Hoseman]

wow , first time i heard that. Can't wait to her your update about your visit. Did you get to Gomez Diaz recently?I could not rembember the name of the place but it was an interesting day that is why I am going to post it living here changes your view of things put it this way it takes more to impress me now.

[eastcoastallstar]

jCREW

If I'm staying at Matum, what's a good rate to hire a driver for the night to take me to Gomez Diaz, Illusions and Casa Blanca etc...

[jcrew2020]

You can tell the taxi driver up front that you want an hourly rate. Currently it is 450 pesos per hour. I am sure that you might be able to nego. if you are going to use him for a few hours.

Otherwise it will probably be 200 pesos one way to get to Passions. 150 to get to Illusions and travel between the other places.

[jcrew2020]

At the end of the night, make sure you check out Vintage nightclub, which is located in the Hotel Matum. Good after hours club. You can find semi pros in there.

[LJDMV]

Do u still have a connection with the guy that can rent the 3 BR apart for 1 night in santiago?


The rate is more or less 2,000 pesos (about $54 us dollars). I used to stay at the Hotel Matum all the time, until I met a guy that rent me his 3 bedroom apartment, right behind the hotel, for $60 night.

It is hard to find an average priced hotel in Santiago. You have Hotel Colonial and a few cheap hotels for 500 pesos. Then you have Hotel Matum, Ahola Sol, Century plaza, Hotel Jardines, Camp David for 2,000 pesos. Sanitago is missing hotels in the 1,000 pesos per night price range.

[jcrew2020]

Do u still have a connection with the guy that can rent the 3 BR apart for 1 night in santiago?


Yes, I will pm you the contact info. He lives in NY and likes to rent it out, when he is not using it. Not sure if he rents for just one night.

[eastcoastallstar]

At the end of the night, make sure you check out Vintage nightclub, which is located in the Hotel Matum. Good after hours club. You can find semi pros in there.

Yes, I've been there before. Very Nice Spot. It's was Strictly Locals in there. I was with my TLN already, then left the next day, but I will definitely check it out.

[jcrew2020]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/thum_76464d6ef73b9f43d.jpg (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=98361)

[jcrew2020]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/76464d6ef7f89c90f.jpg (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=98362)

[jcrew2020]

Wow!!! I finally figured out to post pictures:)

[Trib]

I like the Matum. Close to Monument, Kukara Macara, good bars, etc

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/681647476a9f6206a.jpg)

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/68164747731a0a0da.jpg)

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/68164747730ec07f4.jpg)

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/6816474773143cbec.jpg)

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/681647476aa6a19d1.jpg)

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/imagehosting/681647476a9f6206a.jpg)

Does it have in Room wireless?

[BadJokes]

Me and the wing will be landing in STI at 8:30pm on a Wednesday would like to have a hotel and transportation locked down before hand.

Any recent info on aloha Sol?

How far is Camp David from STI and the Monument area?

Anybody have the name of a good driver to take us to Sosua?


Thanks

[uncle ruckus]

Me and the wing will be landing in STI at 8:30pm on a Wednesday would like to have a hotel and transportation locked down before hand.

Any recent info on aloha Sol?

How far is Camp David from STI and the Monument area?

Anybody have the name of a good driver to take us to Sosua?


Thanks

I don't have any info on Aloha Sol. It's still there on Calle del Sol. Camp David is far from everything. The restaurant is pretty good, but my understanding is that the hotel leaves a lot to be desired. The only way you get those beautiful views of Santiago are by going far up the mountain. Just to get back to Santiago it's about a 20-30 minute drive.

[Mr. Smooth]

I just spent 3 nights at the Aloha Sol last month. The price was 1899 pesos per night. I paid USD up front. Total was $168 incl. tax.

I had a 6th floor interior room. Safe is a swipe type to open and close. Use your card key. AC worked great, bed was very comfortable. You even get a free welcome drink coupon in your room for the downstairs bar.

I liked the hotel but the nightlife was fairly slow as I was there during midweek.

[psriches]

Does it have in Room wireless?Wireless at Matum only in 2nd floor lobby area. Not in the rooms.

[BadJokes]

Should there be any concerns with arriving at night and finding transportation?

[AlexDR]

Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=98361)


damn you got to introduce me to this one j

[psriches]

Should there be any concerns with arriving at night and finding transportation?As long as they're flights coming in, they're will be Taxis available.

[DCIronman]

I just spent 3 nights at the Aloha Sol last month. The price was 1899 pesos per night. I paid USD up front. Total was $168 incl. tax.

I had a 6th floor interior room. Safe is a swipe type to open and close. Use your card key. AC worked great, bed was very comfortable. You even get a free welcome drink coupon in your room for the downstairs bar.

I liked the hotel but the nightlife was fairly slow as I was there during midweek.

Once my wingman got rid of his apartment, I used to stay in Aloha Sol on all my trips. But they've gone up in price for the rooms with the king sized beds. And the other rooms aren't really worth the price they charge for them IMO. Luckily, I've found a great short term apt. rental in Santiago now. So I don't do hotels there anymore.

The best thing about the Aloha Sol is the location. Right smack dab on Calle Sol, central to everything. You can walk to the monument and surrounding restaurants, major banks, El Encanto (supermercado), a few casinos, and McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Hell, even my favorite barbershop in Santiago is right around the corner from the Aloha Sol.

And because it's on such a major thoroughfare, at times it seems like all of Santiago walks by in front of the Hotel. I used to hang around outside in front, smoking my cigars and chopping it up with the security guards. And we'd try to talk to all the little hot chicas walking by carrying on their daily business. Quite a few stopped to talk too.:corky:

The mofongo at the little restaurant downstairs is quite good. And the free breakfast is pretty decent as well.:iconTU:

Yup, good memories at Aloha Sol. But I'ved moved on to apts. now.

[joeysterr]

Once my wingman got rid of his apartment, I used to stay in Aloha Sol on all my trips. But they've gone up in price for the rooms with the king sized beds. And the other rooms aren't really worth the price they charge for them IMO. Luckily, I've found a great short term apt. rental in Santiago now. So I don't do hotels there anymore.

The best thing about the Aloha Sol is the location. Right smack dab on Calle Sol, central to everything. You can walk to the monument and surrounding restaurants, major banks, El Encanto (supermercado), a few casinos, and McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Hell, even my favorite barbershop in Santiago is right around the corner from the Aloha Sol.

And because it's on such a major thoroughfare, at times it seems like all of Santiago walks by in front of the Hotel. I used to hang around outside in front, smoking my cigars and chopping it up with the security guards. And we'd try to talk to all the little hot chicas walking by carrying on their daily business. Quite a few stopped to talk too.:corky:

The mofongo at the little restaurant downstairs is quite good. And the free breakfast is pretty decent as well.:iconTU:

Yup, good memories at Aloha Sol. But I'ved moved on to apts. now.

Can we get an other DCironman (story) report por favor??:mrgreen::mrgreen:

[DCIronman]

Can we get an other DCironman (story) report por favor??:mrgreen::mrgreen:

Maybe when I get back in a couple of weeks. I'm heading to Spain, France, and Italy with the fam in a few days.

It has been a while since I've done a true trip report. But my trips are pretty drama free these days, and I don't take a lot of pictures anymore. So any trip reports based on recent trips may be a bit boring to most. But I do have a Medellin trip coming up in Sept. And since it's a bachelor/monger retirement party trip, it's already shaping up to be epic. Now that is going to be a truly worthy TR.:iconTU:

[joeysterr]

Maybe when I get back in a couple of weeks. I'm heading to Spain, France, and Italy with the fam in a few days.

It has been a while since I've done a true trip report. But my trips are pretty drama free these days, and I don't take a lot of pictures anymore. So any trip reports based on recent trips may be a bit boring to most. But I do have a Medellin trip coming up in Sept. And since it's a bachelor/monger retirement party trip, it's already shaping up to be epic. Now that is going to be a truly worthy TR.:iconTU:

Thus why I put the word "story" in between parentheses because I know you don't post/take chica pics and believe me I know your reasons

ESPECIALLY THEM DR PICS!!!:mad:: more here: http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/showthread.php?317529-I-was-kinda-turned-off-by&p=871152#post871152

I was just really entertained by your Cibao Santiago story. And we could really use some more of them DC!

[Magikmusic]

Once my wingman got rid of his apartment, I used to stay in Aloha Sol on all my trips. But they've gone up in price for the rooms with the king sized beds. And the other rooms aren't really worth the price they charge for them IMO. Luckily, I've found a great short term apt. rental in Santiago now. So I don't do hotels there anymore.

The best thing about the Aloha Sol is the location. Right smack dab on Calle Sol, central to everything. You can walk to the monument and surrounding restaurants, major banks, El Encanto (supermercado), a few casinos, and McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Hell, even my favorite barbershop in Santiago is right around the corner from the Aloha Sol.

And because it's on such a major thoroughfare, at times it seems like all of Santiago walks by in front of the Hotel. I used to hang around outside in front, smoking my cigars and chopping it up with the security guards. And we'd try to talk to all the little hot chicas walking by carrying on their daily business. Quite a few stopped to talk too.:corky:

The mofongo at the little restaurant downstairs is quite good. And the free breakfast is pretty decent as well.:iconTU:

Yup, good memories at Aloha Sol. But I'ved moved on to apts. now.




I stayed at both aloha and hodelpha centro plaza (literally one block over), I have to give the edge to HCP, I like walking into my room and its cold from the a/c, the whole having the card in the slot for anything to work is annoying especially if you trying to get on with your business with your girl. Also you get access to the pool at the other branch (gran almirante) i spent plenty of my early morning day floating my hangover away or having the previous night companion giving me a backrub.

Both have casinos, the guys at the front desk were attentive to some minor stuff, for me I like the balconies, and by that I mean what can be done with a nice view from a high floor in the background. You also get a free drink at the upstairs restaurant. The wifi was ok, just need to find the sweet spot in the room. I stayed at both the basic room to the larger suite. Sure it may cost a bit more but it depends on what experience you want, something for everyone.