Anyone in Santo Domingo Oct 16-29, 2013

[Festy]

Although I was just in Sosua for three weeks in August I just booked Santo Domingo from October 16-29. Staying in El Conde. Anyone else around at that time? Will start going through the threads to see what's what. I have several Badoo and Hi5 contacts from S.D. and thought this might be a good time to meet a few of them. Any tips/advice is appreciated as always.

[Jao]

Although I was just in Sosua for three weeks in August I just booked Santo Domingo from October 16-29. Staying in El Conde. Anyone else around at that time? Will start going through the threads to see what's what. I have several Badoo and Hi5 contacts from S.D. and thought this might be a good time to meet a few of them. Any tips/advice is appreciated as always.

Have fun.

Jumbo express supermarket on el conde and calle duarte. Old time coffee shop (and fresh juice) just west of calle duarte on el conde. Banco Popular ATM and teller window inside California Department Store, El Conde and Calle Duarte (Zona Colonial).

Mercure has two entrances, one on El Conde and the other on Calle Hostos. Across the street from the Mercure (Calle Hostos) is a cigar store with a large selection of cigars from inexpensive to expensive. Also a restaurant across from the Mercure on Calle Hostos (nice owner) Meson de Luis Bar and Restaurant. Near this restaurant is Lucía Wine Bar https://foursquare.com/v/luc%C3%ADa/4d686a561b63a1cdca47322d (and some food), live music Thursday nights with dancing. About 65 feet or so from a Mercure entrance is Onnos Bar on Calle Hostos (just south of el conde). Onnos gets packed some nights. Bocanegra Bar just up the block from the Hotel Conde de Penalbe can be fun to take an amiga (inside some areas are very dark). Mad Sanchez Bar on Calle Sanchez just south of el conde has bottled beer from various countries, https://foursquare.com/v/mad-sanchez/50b95ca5e4b0f99bbde18999. Faces Disco near plaza espana (part of the old Atarazana 9 bar) might get a crowd some nights. Plaza Espana can be fun, to eat or drink, supposedly free wifi, a group of restaurants in a row, with indoor and outdoor seating, nice ambiance. Some places there with happy hour specials, I had good mojitos there. D'Luis Parrilada on the Malecon is open 24/7 good for grilled food. There is a recommended place to change money in zona colonial, on el conde, called Franks, probably on the ground floor of a building, northwest corner probably El Conde and Calle Reyes.

http://www.zonacolonial.com/

http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/

http://venasantodomingo.com/app/do/eventos_more.aspx

http://www.viverd.com/

Plaza España, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo;


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tGhV9teAnU

[bobbydrake]

Although I was just in Sosua for three weeks in August I just booked Santo Domingo from October 16-29. Staying in El Conde. Anyone else around at that time? Will start going through the threads to see what's what. I have several Badoo and Hi5 contacts from S.D. and thought this might be a good time to meet a few of them. Any tips/advice is appreciated as always.

Taking my first solo trip down around the same time...Thinking about staying at the Hostal San Francisco de Asis (which I read about in another thread) but not sure yet.

[mistertonite]

Festy - I'll be in Boca Chica/Santo Domingo Oct 12th through 17th. Going to mostly stay in Boca but gonna hit Santo Domingo a few nights with a buddy to Avenida Venenzuela. Send me a pm and we can probably link up if possible. Trepp will also be in the Capital.


Although I was just in Sosua for three weeks in August I just booked Santo Domingo from October 16-29. Staying in El Conde. Anyone else around at that time? Will start going through the threads to see what's what. I have several Badoo and Hi5 contacts from S.D. and thought this might be a good time to meet a few of them. Any tips/advice is appreciated as always.

[Festy]

Festy - I'll be in Boca Chica/Santo Domingo Oct 12th through 17th. Going to mostly stay in Boca but gonna hit Santo Domingo a few nights with a buddy to Avenida Venenzuela. Send me a pm and we can probably link up if possible. Trepp will also be in the Capital.
My DR Cell is 829-662-3815. Also have whatsapp so I can receive messages at that number while still here in the U.S.

[Jao]

Taking my first solo trip down around the same time...Thinking about staying at the Hostal San Francisco de Asis (which I read about in another thread) but not sure yet.

New Hotel on Avenida Pasteur about a block up from Avenida Independencia. I believe it is chica friendly (photos taken August 2013), http://hostalsanfranciscodeasis.com/ .

[bobbydrake]

New Hotel on Avenida Pasteur about a block up from Avenida Independencia. I believe it is chica friendly (photos taken August 2013), http://hostalsanfranciscodeasis.com/ .

Ever stayed at the Hotel Shakey? Saw that posted as well and the pics from their website look pretty damn nice. I typically stay at the Mystik when in SD but Hotel Shakey looks only 100 feet away or so.

[Jao]

Ever stayed at the Hotel Shakey? Saw that posted as well and the pics from their website look pretty damn nice. I typically stay at the Mystik when in SD but Hotel Shakey looks only 100 feet away or so.

Shakey is very nice, opened last November, 2012. Apartments, full kitchens, balconies. I stopped in to see an apartment there, friendly Italian guy showed me a one bedroom (they have one and two bedroom apartment units). Guest bathroom and a full bathroom for the bedroom, internet and cable tv included, safes, most rooms with a view of the sea (some with a view of the Crowne Plaza pool deck). Secure parking. Shakey is closer to the Malecon (Mystik is more in the middle of Pasteur).

Two guys splitting the cost of a two bedroom might be worth it. Seemed chica friendly to me, but I haven't stayed there. Having a full kitchen is nice, prepare meals and/or buy beverages at the supermarket to put in the refrigerator (La Cadena Supermarket is three blocks away) http://www.hotelshakey.com


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GBX8ycRZyk

[trEPP33]

It looks like a nice place. The only thing for me is the need for wifi inside the apartments. Not only for computers but more importantly for telephones. It's surprising that in this day and age some don't realize the importance of making wifi available in the rooms.


Shakey is very nice, opened last November, 2012. Apartments, full kitchens, balconies. I stopped in to see an apartment there, friendly Italian guy showed me a one bedroom (they have one and two bedroom apartment units). Guest bathroom and a full bathroom for the bedroom, internet and cable tv included, safes, most rooms with a view of the sea (some with a view of the Crowne Plaza pool deck). Secure parking. Shakey is closer to the Malecon (Mystik is more in the middle of Pasteur).

Two guys splitting the cost of a two bedroom might be worth it. Seemed chica friendly to me, but I haven't stayed there. Having a full kitchen is nice, prepare meals and/or buy beverages at the supermarket to put in the refrigerator (La Cadena Supermarket is three blocks away) http://www.hotelshakey.com


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GBX8ycRZyk

[Jao]

It looks like a nice place. The only thing for me is the need for wifi inside the apartments. Not only for computers but more importantly for telephones. It's surprising that in this day and age some don't realize the importance of making wifi available in the rooms.

Thanks.

I called the Hotel Shakey today and the front desk person said wifi for all rooms. Intercontinental V Centenario had a free wifi signal that I could pick up across the street from the Hotel Shakey. Probably in some rooms in the Hotel Shakey that connection from the now Crowne Plaza would be available. I asked about visitantes (visitors) to the rooms, didn't say no (amigas should have cedulas).

[bobbydrake]

Thanks.

I called the Hotel Shakey today and the front desk person said wifi for all rooms. Intercontinental V Centenario had a free wifi signal that I could pick up across the street from the Hotel Shakey. Probably in some rooms in the Hotel Shakey that connection from the now Crowne Plaza would be available. I asked about visitantes (visitors) to the rooms, didn't say no (amigas should have cedulas).

Just the info I needed. Thanks Jao

[Jao]

Just the info I needed. Thanks Jao

De Nada.

I called to confirm, visitors permitted with cedulas (Dominican Identification Card).

I read a review that stated the reviewer had wifi in the room. I read another review wherein the person (who was staying at the Shakey) said he paid an inscription to the Crowne Plaza (V Centenario), to use their pool, gym and sauna.

[Drjetman]

I was at the Crown Plaza a few months ago and they were in the process of renovating the pool. Do you know if it is open now? I used to pay a fee to use the Melia pool but the price went up significantly. Crown Plaza's rate was reasonable.

[Jao]

I was at the Crown Plaza a few months ago and they were in the process of renovating the pool. Do you know if it is open now? I used to pay a fee to use the Melia pool but the price went up significantly. Crown Plaza's rate was reasonable.

Seems like the Crowne Plaza pool is open, attached photo from Tripadvisor showing the pool at the Crowne Plaza, Santo Domingo.

[Jao]

Festy - I'll be in Boca Chica/Santo Domingo Oct 12th through 17th. Going to mostly stay in Boca but gonna hit Santo Domingo a few nights with a buddy to Avenida Venenzuela. Send me a pm and we can probably link up if possible. Trepp will also be in the Capital.

At least three bars/discos on Calle Juan de Morfa (just north of a part of Avenida 27 de Febero and just west of Calle Duarte). Might get some cuties some nights.

La Hebilla Lounge & Bar; http://www.tunocherd.com/Bares.aspx

Kaprich Dance Club; https://twitter.com/KaprichClubRd

Flow Gallery; https://foursquare.com/v/flow-gallery-discotec/4f2dfeebe4b01982f1a01bf4 (shows map location).

Vent Lounge is on the roof of the Hotel BQ, Avenida Sarasota, Bella Vista Neighborhood.

Gold Fashion Club is in the Hotel BQ Princess and Casino (as Mr. Happy previously posted it can stay open late); https://twitter.com/GoldDanceClub

Sharo Restaurant is in the Los Cacicazgos neighborhood.

Photos from the internet.

[Jao]

Three blocks north of Avenida 27 de Febrero and one block west of Avenida Winston Churchill (good area). https://foursquare.com/v/afrika-club/4e9edee88b81959cce03ba36

Photo from the internet.

[MrHappy]

Three blocks north of Avenida 27 de Febrero and one block west of Avenida Winston Churchill (good area). https://foursquare.com/v/afrika-club/4e9edee88b81959cce03ba36

Photo from the internet.

That's the old 50's theme sandwich place.. Crap, now I can't remember the name. They used to be in Malecon Center too. I think it was like Jerry's or Carls...

[DMV]

That's the old 50's theme sandwich place.. Crap, now I can't remember the name. They used to be in Malecon Center too. I think it was like Jerry's or Carls...
Are you talking about Johnny Rockets?

[Jao]

That's the old 50's theme sandwich place.. Crap, now I can't remember the name. They used to be in Malecon Center too. I think it was like Jerry's or Carls...

There was a casa (p4p venue) maybe called Dreamhouse on Calle Luis Thomen, near there, I never visited, it might still be open.

[MrHappy]

Are you talking about Johnny Rockets?


Noooooooo,,,, That was when Malecon Center opened. it was a nice little sandwich shop, like a Walgreens type Soda fountain, with burgers, fries, shakes.. that sort of thing. American style stuff (the owner was a gringo)

He didn't do well in Malecon Center, so he moved to this other location.

Great place, but he didn't manage it(never there) and it finally went down the drain. Very similar to Johnny Rockets atmosphere, except for the dancing.

[mrblackluv]

At least three bars/discos on Calle Juan de Morfa (just north of a part of Avenida 27 de Febero and just west of Calle Duarte). Might get some cuties some nights.

La Hebilla Lounge & Bar; http://www.tunocherd.com/Bares.aspx

Kaprich Dance Club; https://twitter.com/KaprichClubRd

Flow Gallery; https://foursquare.com/v/flow-gallery-discotec/4f2dfeebe4b01982f1a01bf4 (shows map location).

Vent Lounge is on the roof of the Hotel BQ, Avenida Sarasota, Bella Vista Neighborhood.

Gold Fashion Club is in the Hotel BQ Princess and Casino (as Mr. Happy previously posted it can stay open late); https://twitter.com/GoldDanceClub

Sharo Restaurant is in the Los Cacicazgos neighborhood.

Photos from the internet.

Understatement of the year.
Fine ass chicas eeeeeevvvverrrrry where...walking the streets in and out.
This area is kinda hood...but on the intersection where Kaprich is, there's a club on every corner, in addition there are other clubs down the street.
Abb Correa is down the street, La Kuora is nearby.

Also, nobody knows that the Princess Casino is now a BQ hotel....don't bother asking for it by that name. If you mention BQ, you will be driven or directed to the Hotel BQ on Sarasota.
Just ask for Gold (I have heard a few people say Oro)...and don't go before 2 or 3am...but highly recommended.

[mrblackluv]

Three blocks north of Avenida 27 de Febrero and one block west of Avenida Winston Churchill (good area). https://foursquare.com/v/afrika-club/4e9edee88b81959cce03ba36

Photo from the internet.

Lots of pretty chicas here too...
Strange though...I have only seen this place open on a Thursday night.
They usually have some special singer/act.

I can't understand how they make money being open one night a week....

[Jao]

Onno's is near the Mercure Hotel, about 50 feet south of El Conde on Calle Hostos. Gets packed some nights, has an open air inside courtyard as well. http://www.onnosbar.com/

Photos from over a year ago.

[Jao]

Understatement of the year. Fine ass chicas eeeeeevvvverrrrry where...walking the streets in and out.
This area is kinda hood...but on the intersection where Kaprich is, there's a club on every corner, in addition there are other clubs down the street.
Abb Correa is down the street, La Kuora is nearby.

Good information, thanks.

A person could recon the area in the daytime. From Zona Colonial, a person could walk north on Calle Duarte, eventually reach Avenida Mella (La Sirena Store and Supermarket one block to the left, to the west on Mella). Keep walking on Calle Duarte and they will reach Chinatown. Walk through a part of Chinatown, cross Avenida Mexico (big street). Walk up the hill, an area where people get gua guas (minibuses) for other towns (San Pedro de Macoris probably Boca Chica and other places). Park Enriquillo will be to the right. Some good size stores on Calle Duarte near there (booksellers on a pedestrian street at the northern end of the park). Lots of Policia Nacional in that area a few months ago when I visited. Keep walking on Calle Duarte until an elevated section of Avenida 27 de Febrero is reached (east bound lanes elevated there), road under that elevated section is I believe called Calle Paris, make a left and walk about 6 blocks and make a right on Calle Juan de Morfa, the street where the bars are located.

Under parts of the elevated section of Avenida 27 de Febrero are merchants (clothes, shoes, fruit, etc.). Another street that runs parallel with Calle Duarte, north of Avenida 27 de Febrero had a bunch of clothing stores. Usually where there are clothes for sale, will be some attractive women. Morgan Hospital not far from that area, large public hospital where some medical students, watch and learn.

[DMV]

Good information, thanks.

A person could recon the area in the daytime. From Zona Colonial, a person could walk north on Calle Duarte, eventually reach Avenida Mella (La Sirena Store and Supermarket one block to the left, to the west on Mella). Keep walking on Calle Duarte and they will reach Chinatown. Walk through a part of Chinatown, cross Avenida Mexico (big street). Walk up the hill, an area where people get gua guas (minibuses) for other towns (San Pedro de Macoris probably Boca Chica and other places). Park Enriquillo will be to the right. Some good size stores on Calle Duarte near there (booksellers on a pedestrian street at the northern end of the park). Lots of Policia Nacional in that area a few months ago when I visited. Keep walking on Calle Duarte until an elevated section of Avenida 27 de Febrero is reached (east bound lanes elevated there), road under that elevated section is I believe called Calle Paris, make a left and walk about 6 blocks and make a right on Calle Juan de Morfa, the street where the bars are located.

Under parts of the elevated section of Avenida 27 de Febrero are merchants (clothes, shoes, fruit, etc.). Another street that runs parallel with Calle Duarte, north of Avenida 27 de Febrero had a bunch of clothing stores. Usually where there are clothes for sale, will be some attractive women. Morgan Hospital not far from that area, large public hospital where some medical students, watch and learn.



Would that be Calle Jose Marti?

[Jao]

Would that be Calle Jose Marti?

I was wrong, I was on Calle Duarte north of 27 de Febrero, heading south when these photos were taken. Lots of shopping going on.

[Jao]

Would that be Calle Jose Marti?

Haitian neighborhood near Chinatown and Zona Colonial (and a photo from in front of La Sirena on Ave. Mella, Zona Colonial and a photo on Calle Duarte about three blocks north of El Conde). Photos from over a year ago.

[greydread]

Lots of pretty chicas here too...
Strange though...I have only seen this place open on a Thursday night.
They usually have some special singer/act.

I can't understand how they make money being open one night a week....

Club Afrika

Floor level is waay too packed. I always go to Mezzanine.

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=84944&d=1380561276

[Jao]

Would that be Calle Jose Marti?

Marti might have a bunch of stores on it as well, north of 27 de Febrero. I remember driving east under an elevated section of 27 de Febrero and I made a left onto a street that runs parallel with Duarte, turning left I was driving north on that street which was one way (Marti goes north, one way). There were a bunch of stores with shoppers, on that northbound street.

[Jao]

http://www.hostalmarinareal.com/

Rooms with kitchens (maybe all rooms have kitchens), 5 minute drive from Zona Colonial (just on the other side of the River Ozama using the pontoon bridge). I have known Mongers who stayed there in the past, was chica friendly for them. Secure parking, small marina across the street and across the street a space where concerts and events are sometimes held. Will be closer to Avenida Espana and the bars there (Tronco and Andys Sports Bar formerly La Base). Avenida Venezuela will be slightly closer as well. At night driving by I have seen some SWs about 50 feet from this hotel. Also SWs on Avenida Espana near Avenida Charles de Gaulle.

[mrblackluv]

http://www.hostalmarinareal.com/

Rooms with kitchens (maybe all rooms have kitchens), 5 minute drive from Zona Colonial (just on the other side of the River Ozama using the pontoon bridge). I have known Mongers who stayed there in the past, was chica friendly for them. Secure parking, small marina across the street and across the street a space where concerts and events are sometimes held. Will be closer to Avenida Espana and the bars there (Tronco and Andys Sports Bar formerly La Base). Avenida Venezuela will be slightly closer as well. At night driving by I have seen some SWs about 50 feet from this hotel. Also SWs on Avenida Espana near Avenida Charles de Gaulle.

I like this place. I have stayed here at least 5 times. I always pay $50 per night in cash..regardless of the posted/quoted rate.
Definitely chica friendly..no ID asked for or checked.
All rooms have a kitchen area, the view of the water is nice. The smallest room is like a studio apt..and is pretty big.
If you look at the website pics...they are accurate...no creative camera work/false advertising like you see in the DR sometimes.
It's my go to spot when I don't get the apt in Bella Vista.

It's a nice place and I recommend it, but it's not without it's issues from time to time.
This could be a GREAT place if they weren't so..dominican..lol

Once they had no water..I had just driven down from the North Coast.
I checked in at maybe 2pm, and still no water at 10pm. I checked out...
Once they had no record of my reservation..basically told me they were full and I had to find someplace else. Wasn't a big issue for me..(an incovenience for sure)..but if I wasn't comfortable in the city..It would've been a big deal.
Twice, the hot water didn't work for a day.
Housekeeping is hit or miss..sometimes they don't clean your room.
Various options are not always available on the breakfast menu.
Various things may be broken or not working..and nobody knows until you complain. It may or may not be fixed.

I now verify my reservation 2 or 3 times.
When I arrive I ask to see all the free rooms (and test the wifi). I then pick which is the nicest and has the least issue's..lol

I feel a car is recommended for this location...but I have seen many do just fine with cabs.
You're not really going to be walking around this area...day or night. There's nothing there....and it seems kinda sketchy and desolate at night.
Chicas and their cabbies can never find this place on first try.

[Jao]

It's my go to spot when I don't get the apt in Bella Vista.

Bella Vista is a nice neighborhood. I stayed in the La Esperilla neighborhood the last trip (just west of Ave. Maximo Gomez). I would stay there again.

[trEPP33]

I stayed here a few times myself and would do so again if other options weren't available. When I stayed here they were streetwalkers on a few doors down. Never went with any of them but they were there.
I like this place. I have stayed here at least 5 times. I always pay $50 per night in cash..regardless of the posted/quoted rate.
Definitely chica friendly..no ID asked for or checked.
All rooms have a kitchen area, the view of the water is nice. The smallest room is like a studio apt..and is pretty big.
If you look at the website pics...they are accurate...no creative camera work/false advertising like you see in the DR sometimes.
It's my go to spot when I don't get the apt in Bella Vista.

It's a nice place and I recommend it, but it's not without it's issues from time to time.
This could be a GREAT place if they weren't so..dominican..lol

Once they had no water..I had just driven down from the North Coast.

[Jao]

I stayed here a few times

I haven't stayed in Zona Colonial in years, on the next trip I may spend some nights there.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/do/villa-colonial.en.html Villa Colonial, I have visited, but not stayed, had a nice small in ground pool. Pretty inside. Rates around $85. No onsite secure parking, but according to booking.com, free parking at a location nearby (maybe a parking garage in zona colonial) on Calle Sanchez about two blocks south of El Conde. Mad Sanchez Bar (international beers) is probably within a block of the hotel, also the bar next door to mad sanchez, that stays open late some nights, Cacibajagua Bar, http://www.colonialzone-dr.com/cacibajagua.html

Casa Sanchez on the same street (Calle Sanchez 260), seems to have a small pool and some nice rooms, http://www.booking.com/hotel/do/casa-sanchez.en-us.html?aid=356980;label=gog235jc-region-en-do-santoNdomingo-unspec-us_ny-com;sid=3feab81d5cb5963312ddde0d6a7e789a;dcid=1;checkin=2013-10-26;interval=1

Hotel San Marco (not in zona colonial) on Calle Santiago just west of Avenida Maximo Gomez, has a swimming pool and from the photos nice rooms, priced from $55US, http://www.booking.com/hotel/do/san-marco.en.html (probably not for hard core mongering).

Casa de Huespedes Las Mercedes in zona colonial, about two blocks north of El Conde, on a street that merges with Calle Mercedes, rates from $40US (I haven't stayed there or visited yet), http://www.booking.com/hotel/do/casa-de-huespedes-las-mercedes.en.html

Cool Hostal, Zona Colonial, rates from $33US, http://www.booking.com/hotel/do/cool-hostal.en.html

http://www.booking.com/hotel/do/esedeku-house.en.html Esedeku House (play on the airport code SDQ), owned by a nice guy from Spain who speaks English (guest friendly as long as there is no drama). 2 blocks south of El Conde on Calle Duarte (across the street from El Beaterio Hotel, http://www.elbeaterio.com/, El Beaterio is in a 500 year old building that was a former convent) 4 blocks from Hard Rock Cafe, http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=418&MIBEnumID=3. There is a parking garage on Calle Duarte just south of El Conde on the east side of the street (I have not used it yet), California Department store has a parking lot on Calle Duarte on the west side of the street south of El Conde, up a ramp on the roof of a building, free if you purchase something at the California Department Store (Duarte and El Conde).

Paris Plaza Colon, might be a nice place to stay in Zona Colonial, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paris-Plaza-Colon/239844386135251

[Bungeye]

Hey there,

Newbie in country, but been here a while, too much work, not enough play, could use a guid if you know your way around. If you're in SDQ the first weekend of those dates, PM me. I'm living in the Los Cacicazgos area, but have wheels, so can get around.

Cheers

[Festy]

Hey there,

Newbie in country, but been here a while, too much work, not enough play, could use a guid if you know your way around. If you're in SDQ the first weekend of those dates, PM me. I'm living in the Los Cacicazgos area, but have wheels, so can get around.

Cheers

Flight leaves in the morning. Should be in El Conde by 9 or 10 pm.

[MrMoney007B]

Ever stayed at the Hotel Shakey? Saw that posted as well and the pics from their website look pretty damn nice. I typically stay at the Mystik when in SD but Hotel Shakey looks only 100 feet away or so.
i'll be in Hotel Shakey from Oct. 17 - 27th in the DR.

[TNT72]

i'll be in Hotel Shakey from Oct. 17 - 27th in the DR.


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[eastcoastallstar]

?????????????

What you never heard of Quantum leaps? ....pffft

[Festy]

Back here in Villa Mella. Good Colmado just a few minutes away called Dogout III. Haven't seen another gringo there in the dozen or so times I have been there but there are usually a few girls there at night that are openly available. :corky:.

96897