12/2013 - Matum Hotel Casino, Never again!

[Sandcobra]

On my recent travels to DR I planned to stay 2 nights in Santiago between my Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata stops. It being my first time in Santiago I didn't have high expectations for a wild fun time, only for a clean comfortable stay. When I checked in the Bell man takes me to a room that looked clean but upon my normal quick check/walk around I found water leaking from the bathroom ceiling which left a nice sized puddle on the floor. After pointing the problem out to the Bell man he tells me "cinco minutos por favor" ok cool, no big deal. 30 minutes later the Bell man returns to take me to another room right down the hall, upon enter this room the intense smell of shit hits my nose. I look all over the room looking for a pile of shit the bathroom, under the bed, the fridge but I could not figure out where the smell was coming from. Already I am disappointed with this hotel after being there less than 1 hour, walked to Puerta del sol for lunch but did not eat because the waiters appeared to be extremely busy even though there were only 6 other customers in the whole restaurant so I settled on the dingy chinese spot next to Matum where I expected and received the worst chinese food I ever had. Later that night I went to Pucho's Food which is on the opposite side of Matum where I had some good Mofongo but while sitting at the bar finishing my meal a pale looking young man comes from out of the kitchen and sits in a chair behind the bar, this kid appears to be about 17 years old he's wearing an apron obviously working as a cook but he looks sick. After about 5 minutes of sitting down this kid coughs up a lung right there behind the bar. I look around the restaurant to see if anyone noticed this other than me but nobody was paying attention. A female server calmly comes over to clean the beef stew off the floor and helps the kid back into the kitchen. I head back to my room to relax and wait for my chica to come after she gets off work, around 11:30 she text me that she is in the lobby. I go down to meet my chica in the lobby and bring her up to my room but the desk clerk is asking for 900 pesos for my guest. I did not know that Matum also charged for guest and it was not brought to my attention upon check in. I couldn't take another 24hrs at this hotel so I turned my 2 day trip to Santiago into a 1 nighter and skip town the next morning. Matum, never again!
917269172791728

[WSJ3_Sith_Lord]

I never had any fees associated with bringing a chica into the hotel...maybe this is something new.

I usually eat empanadas from the food carts at the Monument. Sorry about your bad experience but there are plenty of other hotels or even cabanas to lay your head if you are not set on a 5 star experience in STI.

[Señor JDR of Medellin]

I never had any fees associated with bringing a chica into the hotel...maybe this is something new.

I usually eat empanadas from the food carts at the Monument. Sorry about your bad experience but there are plenty of other hotels or even cabanas to lay your head if you are not set on a 5 star experience in STI.

I stayed there maybe 8 years ago and it was a dump back then.

[WSJ3_Sith_Lord]

I stayed there maybe 8 years ago and it was a dump back then.

psriches stays there alot. I know it has a ton of historical paintings on the wall leading to the rooms on the second floor and there are hoes in the casino if you are so inclined.

I prefer staying at the colonial down the street because the rooms are cheaper and I can spend more cash on VAGINA.

And who doesn't love TOTO!!!

http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a485/dotar_sojat_wsj3/dotar_sojat_wsj3197/Iron-Man-avengers-earths-mightiest-heroes-29691605-500-280_zps5f7353ef.gif (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/dotar_sojat_wsj3/media/dotar_sojat_wsj3197/Iron-Man-avengers-earths-mightiest-heroes-29691605-500-280_zps5f7353ef.gif.html)

[eastcoastallstar]

I've stayed there a number of times also, I always got the same room and never had a problem with chica fee or the cleanliness of the room. I always get the room on the second floor and the only one with a safe. Been staying there more than five years.

[Dvdmdz]

On my recent travels to DR I planned to stay 2 nights in Santiago between my Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata stops. It being my first time in Santiago I didn't have high expectations for a wild fun time, only for a clean comfortable stay. When I checked in the Bell man takes me to a room that looked clean but upon my normal quick check/walk around I found water leaking from the bathroom ceiling which left a nice sized puddle on the floor. After pointing the problem out to the Bell man he tells me "cinco minutos por favor" ok cool, no big deal. 30 minutes later the Bell man returns to take me to another room right down the hall, upon enter this room the intense smell of shit hits my nose. I look all over the room looking for a pile of shit the bathroom, under the bed, the fridge but I could not figure out where the smell was coming from. Already I am disappointed with this hotel after being there less than 1 hour, walked to Puerta del sol for lunch but did not eat because the waiters appeared to be extremely busy even though there were only 6 other customers in the whole restaurant so I settled on the dingy chinese spot next to Matum where I expected and received the worst chinese food I ever had. Later that night I went to Pucho's Food which is on the opposite side of Matum where I had some good Mofongo but while sitting at the bar finishing my meal a pale looking young man comes from out of the kitchen and sits in a chair behind the bar, this kid appears to be about 17 years old he's wearing an apron obviously working as a cook but he looks sick. After about 5 minutes of sitting down this kid coughs up a lung right there behind the bar. I look around the restaurant to see if anyone noticed this other than me but nobody was paying attention. A female server calmly comes over to clean the beef stew off the floor and helps the kid back into the kitchen. I head back to my room to relax and wait for my chica to come after she gets off work, around 11:30 she text me that she is in the lobby. I go down to meet my chica in the lobby and bring her up to my room but the desk clerk is asking for 900 pesos for my guest. I did not know that Matum also charged for guest and it was not brought to my attention upon check in. I couldn't take another 24hrs at this hotel so I turned my 2 day trip to Santiago into a 1 nighter and skip town the next morning. Matum, never again!
917269172791728
Wow,,,, dammn,,,what a horrible experience.... Feel Bad 4 u ...I ve stood at Matum casino on several occasions on my sosua / Santiago split trips....never had a problem and never paid for a chica ,,, never even left chicas id at front desk...wow....never ate @ The chinese joint, i always eat at kukara macara or marisco caribeño , formerly marisco central.

[eastcoastallstar]

Wow,,,, dammn,,,what a horrible experience.... Feel Bad 4 u ...I ve stood at Matum casino on several occasions on my sosua / Santiago split trips....never had a problem and never paid for a chica ,,, never even left chicas id at front desk...wow....never ate @ The chinese joint, i always eat at kukara macara or marisco caribeño , formerly marisco central.

Ahh Marisco, You make me want to eat Lobster now.

[BadJokes]

I stayed their last year....one of the worst hotel experiences ever. Hot ass dirty room, they tried to overcharge.....etc. The only thing good about it was the little club that's attached. It went hard until at least 4am and had a decent selection of Non-Pros for take out.

I may hit the little club on my next STI stopover but never again will I stay at hotel.

[Jao]

On my recent travels to DR I planned to stay 2 nights in Santiago between my Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata stops.

Alberto Suites, I have read some decent reviews, seems inexpensive (I have not visited), http://www.hotel-dominican-republic.net/apart-hotel-107-alberto-s-suites-santiago.html . Calle Santome intersects Calle del Sol about two blocks west of the monument. Calle Vicente Estrella intersects with Calle Santome about three blocks south of Calle del Sol.

Hotel Platino, was decent when I stayed there years ago and chica friendly with no extra fee, http://www.hotelplatinord.com/ .

Kukara Macara Restaurant, in front of the Monument, about a block from the Matum Hotel and Casino, I have eaten at several times. Had chow fun (chow fán) the last time and it was OK. Good service, dudes dressed like cowboys, http://www.kukaramacara.net/ .

Montezuma Bar next door to Kukara Macara, I have had drinks at, had an excellent waiter from Haiti, there one time.

AirBnB has some listings for Santiago.

Good meeting spot near the monument.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kAjOdbXufs

[el_papi_chew_low]

I was there earlier this year. No problems with my room.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm_Uc6dPtFQ

[hugrad95a]

What's the price

[Sandcobra]

What's the price
It was $65 for the night and it includes Breakfast.

[SrSuerte]

It was $65 for the night and it includes Breakfast.

I cant remember why I changed my mind about staying at Hotel Matum. I headed over to Hotel Platino and I have used them three times. Small but sufficient room.

[PerroDePassions]

My buddy stayed there in October with his girl. He said that Matum was a complete crock of shit. He never mentioned anything about the rooms but said he was indeed charged 900 for guests. He immediately mentioned in his email to the hotel stating that there would be no problem bring guests to his room, but the hotel wouldn't budge. He then told them to double check again and showed him his email. The hotel asked to see to ID to verify his rate and room and he being a dual citizen of Peru and US, his mom is Peruvian and he was born there, pulled out his Peruvian passport and all of the sudden they stop and say 'ok hay no problema' and let him about his business. This sounds like another Gringo ripoff tactic used by so many places. I personally always try to stay at German owned places. If anyone knows of any hotel runned by German expats in Santiago please let us know.

[Jao]

My buddy stayed there in October with his girl. He said that Matum was a complete crock of shit. He never mentioned anything about the rooms but said he was indeed charged 900 for guests. He immediately mentioned in his email to the hotel stating that there would be no problem bring guests to his room, but the hotel wouldn't budge. He then told them to double check again and showed him his email. The hotel asked to see to ID to verify his rate and room and he being a dual citizen of Peru and US, his mom is Peruvian and he was born there, pulled out his Peruvian passport and all of the sudden they stop and say 'ok hay no problema' and let him about his business. This sounds like another Gringo ripoff tactic used by so many places. I personally always try to stay at German owned places. If anyone knows of any hotel runned by German expats in Santiago please let us know.

Being German owned is no guarantee of superior service.

The three Hodelpa Hotels in Santiago are well run with good service (one used to be a Courtyard by Marriott). Hotel Aloha Sol, gets good reviews. Hotel Platino is OK for the price. AirBnB listings with good reviews.

[JD426]

If Im gonna stay in a DUMP Hotel, in Santiago. Im gonna pay NO more than 900 pesos a night. Plenty of smaller less known places ( my favorite one does not even have a name SIGN and thats the way I like it) , the Taxi drivers know where. And some of them almost walking distance to the Monument. These BIG SIGN with Casino and bar type places are all Tourist Traps. You can still go there at night, and bring or Find a girl , then bring her to your smaller hotel, and she will respect you more cuz you not a typical Gringo staying in these Bullshit Nasty Tourist Hotels...

The Gran Almirante as a different example is Very NICE though, but expensive also, they have a casino & bar and nice breakfast , but right on the same side street down the hill you got Los Jardines at a Fraction of the price of like 2200 pesos.. just one example ..

there is a whole thread on HOTELS in Santiago, not too long ago, maybe about a year.. and someone made a GOOGLE MAP with all of the good ones Listed, as I recall.

[Jao]

If Im gonna stay in a DUMP Hotel, in Santiago. Im gonna pay NO more than 900 pesos a night. Plenty of smaller less known places ( my favorite one does not even have a name SIGN and thats the way I like it) , the Taxi drivers know where. And some of them almost walking distance to the Monument. These BIG SIGN with Casino and bar type places are all Tourist Traps. You can still go there at night, and bring or Find a girl , then bring her to your smaller hotel, and she will respect you more cuz you not a typical Gringo staying in these Bullshit Nasty Tourist Hotels...

The Gran Almirante as a different example is Very NICE though, but expensive also, they have a casino & bar and nice breakfast , but right on the same side street down the hill you got Los Jardines at a Fraction of the price of like 2200 pesos.. just one example ..

there is a whole thread on HOTELS in Santiago, not too long ago, maybe about a year.. and someone made a GOOGLE MAP with all of the good ones Listed, as I recall.

Hodelpa Centro Plaza can be reserved on Orbitz for about $98US for two people (use 15% off promo code "celebrate"), full price including all taxes. Good breakfast buffet in their restaurant on the top floor, with a good view, free wifi. Secure parking. Use of of the Gran Almirante Hotel pool and gym is allowed if you stay at the Hodelpa Centro Plaza. Free airport shuttle from the Santiago Airport (not 24/7) to the Hodelpa Hotels in Santiago (nice van). Not sure if you have to book through Hodelpa to get the free airport shuttle. I never paid for parking or internet at the Centro Plaza or the Gran Almirante. Both hotels were chica friendly with no extra fees.

RIM Mountain Hotel looks nice, probably not too far from Santiago, http://www.rimmountain.com/

[psriches]

I reported a while back that Matum fell off a bit. And I also reported about their new CHICA guest fees.

[Nakom]

I have stayed at Aloha Sol a couple of times and had no issues, good breakfast, and a good value. It is close to the monument as well.

http://www.alohasol.com/

[officemgr]

chica guest fee???? since when? service-wise i think it helps to know francisco and have him greet you like a long lost brother to let the people at the desk know not to fuck around.


I reported a while back that Matum fell off a bit. And I also reported about their new CHICA guest fees.

[PerroDePassions]

chica guest fee???? since when? service-wise i think it helps to know francisco and have him greet you like a long lost brother to let the people at the desk know not to fuck around.

Any place that needs you to do all that stinks of shit. And in most cases knowing somebody in a seedy place just means only your 'friend' can fuck you over. Thanks for the advices but I will keep looking.

[psriches]

chica guest fee???? since when? service-wise i think it helps to know francisco and have him greet you like a long lost brother to let the people at the desk know not to fuck around.Yeah, I'm still able to move around the fee but it's just not worth the effort. And the place is falling apart anyway. So I'm done with Matum. I still had a good 9 year run.

Maybe i'll try Aloha Sol.

[Dvdmdz]

I was there earlier this year. No problems with my room.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm_Uc6dPtFQ
The only problem i ever had or disliked from The Matum,,, was using The pool on a sunday. The pool IS open to The público / locals for 100 pesos.. The have a dj playing music full blast... The place was packed with kids and teen agers running all over The place ... NOT ONE CHICA.... All dudes. Just couldnt sit There with all These dudes running around The place like they never been to a pool. :icontd:

[harlem hec]

I never had a problem with MATUM but its not as good as the others .... I dont expect much from hotels though

I never paid for a chica and was able to bring multiples ....

try ALOHA SOL ... its only $50 with breakfast ... just stay on the 2nd floor, the wifi is steady there and there are tons of hoes in the casino .....

I stayed there 3 times this yr and all was good

if you want to spend more money go across the street to hodelpa central plaza ...it was 130 a night... the room was huge, clean, there is a gym and restaurant... Im not into spending that much but it was cool

[Jao]

I never had a problem with MATUM but its not as good as the others .... I dont expect much from hotels though

I never paid for a chica and was able to bring multiples ....

try ALOHA SOL ... its only $50 with breakfast ... just stay on the 2nd floor, the wifi is steady there and there are tons of hoes in the casino .....

I stayed there 3 times this yr and all was good

if you want to spend more money go across the street to hodelpa central plaza ...it was 130 a night... the room was huge, clean, there is a gym and restaurant... Im not into spending that much but it was cool

I visited aloha sol's website, seems they want a three day minimum, with the cheapest room on their website costing about $85US per night plus taxes. Hodelpa Centro Plaza can be booked on Orbitz (15% off using promo code: celebrate) for $109US in January 2014 (price went up about ten dollars from about a week ago), for one night or more. Use of the pool at the El Gran Almirante, is an added bonus when staying at the Hodelpa Centro Plaza. Orbitz sometimes offers a 20% off promo code.

http://www.alohasol.com/en/

Photo of the restaurant on the top floor of the Hodelpa Central Plaza (nice view), where the free breakfast buffet is served. Photo taken after breakfast and before lunch (closed during those hours).

You got a good deal for Aloha Sol for $50 per night, I hope other people get that price too.

[harlem hec]

I visited aloha sol's website, seems they want a three day minimum, with the cheapest room on their website costing about $85US per night plus taxes. Hodelpa Centro Plaza can be booked on Orbitz (15% off using promo code: celebrate) for $109US in January 2014 (price went up about ten dollars from about a week ago), for one night or more. Use of the pool at the El Gran Almirante, is an added bonus when staying at the Hodelpa Centro Plaza. Orbitz sometimes offers a 20% off promo code.

http://www.alohasol.com/en/

Photo of the restaurant on the top floor of the Hodelpa Central Plaza (nice view), where the free breakfast buffet is served. Photo taken after breakfast and before lunch (closed during those hours).

You got a good deal for Aloha Sol for $50 per night, I hope other people get that price too.


call aloha sol up and ask for a SENSILLO and it will be 1999rd... just stayed there the 7th and 15th, 16th

[Jao]

call aloha sol up and ask for a SENSILLO and it will be 1999rd... just stayed there the 7th and 15th, 16th

I just called Aloha Sol Hotel, asked for a room in January 2014, was told $86US, I asked for the "mas barato" (cheap), in pesos around 3000 pesos, for a sencillo ($86US per night includes the taxes I was told). High Season for some hotels starts in January with an increase in prices.

Hodelpa Centro Plaza, $104US in January, use promo code: "RMNHOT20" on Orbitz. January 29-30, 2014, is $98US at Centro Plaza (all taxes and fees included), on Orbitz for 2 people, using promo code "celebrate". Extra 10% off for early booking.

List of some promo codes for Orbitz:

http://www.retailmenot.com/view/orbitz.com

Longer stays with an air and hotel package through Orbitz, $150US off (4 nights or more); "150VACA"

Some Travelocity coupon codes: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/travelocity.com


(http://www.retailmenot.com/view/travelocity.com)

[Jao]

call aloha sol up and ask for a SENSILLO and it will be 1999rd... just stayed there the 7th and 15th, 16th

A solo traveler could get the Hodelpa Centro Plaza for around $79US per night, all taxes and fees included, with an air and hotel package into STI airport, in January 2014 and using the $150 off promo code (expires 12-31-13). Using Hodelpa's airport shuttle, might save some additional money. If chicas slept over, they might charge an additional fee on a single occupancy room rate.

[lordg]

I have done the Aloha Sol several times. You can sneak a chica in through the underground garage. I bypassed the front desk every time with no problem. Maybe I was lucky...

[dquick]

I visited aloha sol's website, seems they want a three day minimum, with the cheapest room on their website costing about $85US per night plus taxes. Hodelpa Centro Plaza can be booked on Orbitz (15% off using promo code: celebrate) for $109US in January 2014 (price went up about ten dollars from about a week ago), for one night or more. Use of the pool at the El Gran Almirante, is an added bonus when staying at the Hodelpa Centro Plaza. Orbitz sometimes offers a 20% off promo code.

http://www.alohasol.com/en/

Photo of the restaurant on the top floor of the Hodelpa Central Plaza (nice view), where the free breakfast buffet is served. Photo taken after breakfast and before lunch (closed during those hours).

You got a good deal for Aloha Sol for $50 per night, I hope other people get that price too.

I stay at Aloha Sol quite a bit. You get a better price showing up in person, than if you get a reservation. They have small rooms for roughly $50, when paying cash, or larger rooms as well for more. I never had a problem there. If I am staying multiple days in Santiago, this is my hotel of choice.

I only stay in Matum when I get into Santiago on a late flight and only plan to spend one night. You need to negotiate chicas from the start. Don't make a reservation. Talk everything though and if you they don't agree to your terms and price, keep walking. 2100 pesos including chicas should do the trick. 2500 pesos top.

If you read there disclaimer you sign, there is a statement about the 900 pesos chica fee. This is obviously a tourist trap. Cabañas are cheaper than that. Why would anybody pay this fee.

[psriches]

I stay at Aloha Sol quite a bit. You get a better price showing up in person, than if you get a reservation. They have small rooms for roughly $50, when paying cash, or larger rooms as well for more. I never had a problem there. If I am staying multiple days in Santiago, this is my hotel of choice.

I only stay in Matum when I get into Santiago on a late flight and only plan to spend one night. You need to negotiate chicas from the start. Don't make a reservation. Talk everything though and if you they don't agree to your terms and price, keep walking. 2100 pesos including chicas should do the trick. 2500 pesos top.

If you read there disclaimer you sign, there is a statement about the 900 pesos chica fee. This is obviously a tourist trap. Cabañas are cheaper than that. Why would anybody pay this fee.I agree. It's better to walk in and negotiate a price.

My problem is that after all these years, I'm just tired of Haggling with these 4th grade uneducated low life fucks that think you're stupid.

[Rubicon]

I agree. It's better to walk in and negotiate a price.

My problem is that after all these years, I'm just tired of Haggling with these 4th grade uneducated low life fucks that think you're stupid.

My life is dictated by a schedule. One thing I learned there is that they ain't got nothin' but time.