03/2014 - Casa Manana apartments, Sosua

[Irie]

Another option for when traveling to Sosua.



I got a great deal and received a one bedroom apartment and car for a mere $65 a night. It is located right next door to The Palms and across the street from Tradewinds for those of you familiar with the area.









http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94218&d=1391380983





(looking back towards Tradewinds)


http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94217&d=1391380982




Apartment entrance


http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94214&d=1391380979




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http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94223&d=1391380989

[Irie]

My car for the stay.


Despite a rough start, it ran pretty good all week. On my first time out in it I didn’t make it 20 feet before it stalled and wouldn’t restart……..………….no gas. The owner immediately rectified the issue.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94219&d=1391380984





He also rented scooters and motorcycles there. It probably would have been better for me most of the trip, but being on that side of the main highway……………I wasn’t going to risk it.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94222&d=1391380988






They had a pool there as well. It was in the shade a good part of the day and the water was too chilly for me.



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Meals were also advertised at an unbelievable price, but I never did eat there so I can’t comment on the quality.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94221&d=1391380987

[Irie]

Like I said, it was a one bedroom apartment so there was plenty of space to move around. It did show a some age but was comfortable for the most part. Plenty of hot water and an ac unit in the bedroom which I only used once (at a chicas request). There was generally a good breeze coming through when the windows were open.


http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94180&d=1391377709





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http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94182&d=1391377711

[Irie]

The only real issues I had were the bed was starting to show it’s age, the towels were in the same boat, and the maid service was lacking some. I’ll buy my own towels next time. It will more than offset the deal.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94184&d=1391377712





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http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94188&d=1391377715

[Irie]

The owner is really laid back, but I got to talk with him several times and is a really great guy. There is also only a keyed lock box which we know isn’t the most secure. Despite that, the place has people around all day, a gated entrance, and a security guard at night. I didn’t have a big worry concerning theft. The place seemed pretty secure.



There is also a small mercado right up the street that has all the bare essentials needed if you don’t want to go into town.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94220&d=1391380985




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94212&d=1391380976






All in all, I had a good stay and would book it again. You can't beat the value.

[Skynyrd]

Looks good thanks for posting it.

[hugrad95a]

http://sosuacondorental.com/

I stayed there a couple of years ago.. Mike is a good guy.

[ezsmile]

Cute car Irie, don't those come with a plastic flower in the dash or something?




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94219&d=1391380984

[PapiQueRico]

Did you do the VW wave when you saw other Bugs? :smile:

[Irie]

Cute car Irie, don't those come with a plastic flower in the dash or something?




Click to see pic (http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94219&d=1391380984)




:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:..........but what you don't know is it's a chica magnet! :biggrin:

[Irie]

Did you do the VW wave when you saw other Bugs? :smile:


Driving there is way too f'd up for that. Two hands on the wheel at all times..............well almost all depending on who my copilot was. :corky:



What's funny though is my little one is all into the 'punch buggy' thing. I couldn't get that crap out of my head all week.:mad:

[jacknback]

philly519 has stayed there before...he also spoke well of the place.

[camaro1257]

Can you walk to the strip from the condos how far is it?

[Irie]

Can you walk to the strip from the condos how far is it?

It's equivilant to walking from the Passion's area, plus a few minutes. There were motos about a 100 yards down the road until about 11pm.

[questner]

Can you walk to the strip from the condos how far is it?

10-15 minutes walk. Motoconcho back, girls won't walk there.

[questner]

Do you know high/low seasons daily/weekly rates without a vehicle?

[camaro1257]

10-15 minutes walk. Motoconcho back, girls won't walk there.

Thanks, looks like a good option for an extended stay what was the WIFI like?...I need strong WIFI...

[Irie]

Do you know high/low seasons daily/weekly rates without a vehicle?


Not sure on high and low season rates, but it was $30/night for the apt.

[Irie]

Thanks, looks like a good option for an extended stay what was the WIFI like?...I need strong WIFI...


No no problems at all in the main room/ kitchen. The bedroom it was hit or miss. The speed was typical for the DR. I had no issues.

[bobbydrake]

I've never stayed there but have stayed at the Palms (right next door) a few times and go to know Mike (the owner) a little bit. Really cool guy, originally from Canada I believe. I can't comment on the rooms since we didn't stay there but we ate at the restaurant almost everyday and you can't beat the food prices. Not really sure you can call it a restaurant....a tiny bar with 4 or 5 tables but they always have some pretty good "home cooking" and for 100 pesos a meal you can't complain. We even rented a car from Mike one day, just to drive out to Puerto Plata & Caberete....I think he only charged us $20 US.

[deezl]

Not sure on high and low season rates, but it was $30/night for the apt.

that's a very good price for a place with a/c, a pool, and a full kitchen, even if it does look a little on the dumpy side..

[Mr. Smooth]

10-15 minutes walk. Motoconcho back, girls won't walk there.

Bullshit!! I've made that walk too many times to count, and several times with chicas. Mikelodge used to post about walking up that hill as if it was a mountain climbing expedition to the top of the Matterhorn. I always laughed at that.

Chicas seemed more intimidated of the dark road zig zagging up from PC to the highway than the couple hundred yard uphill walk toward the condo complex.

Haven't eaten the lunch special but I did have Mike's employee take care of my laundry when staying nextdoor at the Palms.

And for your guys info, even on foot, it was exactly an 8 minute walk from the Palms and or Casa Manana to Passions or the surrounding bars, shops and restaurants. If I was headed out for the night, I could walk out of the lobby door of the Palms at 8 pm and be sitting at Fred's Cuba Libre Bar ordering up a.... well.....you know.... by 8:10 pm.

To me, the only negative about that area, if you don't have your own transportation, is if it is a rainy night then you could be stuck there until the weather clears and miss out on valuable drinking and flirting time.

[martin0siddle]

Thanks for all picture and report, I am planning my next trip and I beleive I will stay there, he quoted me a price of $650 for 34day which beat the $1250 for 28day of the mary rose.....

If I want to go on the strip, how far is it compare to mary rose location? by walk, which one is further?

[Mr. Smooth]

Thanks for all picture and report, I am planning my next trip and I beleive I will stay there, he quoted me a price of $650 for 34day which beat the $1250 for 28day of the mary rose.....

If I want to go on the strip, how far is it compare to mary rose location? by walk, which one is further?

Damn!! That is a great deal....works out to just about $19 usd per night for that long of a stay. As I posted before Martin, you could walk to the east end of the strip, where Rancho Tipico is, in about 8 minutes. If you catch a moto at the bottom of the hill, you can be there in a minute. The main strip area is a 20 minute walk at a casual pace.

[martin0siddle]

Damn!! That is a great deal....works out to just about $19 usd per night for that long of a stay. As I posted before Martin, you could walk to the east end of the strip, where Rancho Tipico is, in about 8 minutes. If you catch a moto at the bottom of the hill, you can be there in a minute. The main strip area is a 20 minute walk at a casual pace.

I think 8 minute is what it took me to get to rancho tipico from mary rose. so its about the same distance from strip I guess.

[deezl]

Thanks for all picture and report, I am planning my next trip and I beleive I will stay there, he quoted me a price of $650 for 34day which beat the $1250 for 28day of the mary rose.....

If I want to go on the strip, how far is it compare to mary rose location? by walk, which one is further?

They're roughly the same distance, but Mary Rose is a much safer walk (especially at night) because you don't have to cross the highway.

You may also wanna take a look at Don Q's spots at the Palms across the street. Nice place and he gives very good discounts for isoc'ers
http://www.sosuavacationrentals.com

there's also condos dominicano which is very close to the strip and i know a few isoc'ers have stayed there both short and long-term.

[Seville]

Casa Manana can be a great value. Mike, the head guy, is really laid back. At times maybe too laid back. He doesn't pay a lot of attention to detail regarding small things, missing light bulbs, ceiling fan making too much noise, threadbare towels (if you are planning on staying there you might want to bring a couple of good towels). Not all of the apartments have AC so you need to check that. The apartments are large and I have never heard of any break-ins. The price is right.

[j_d66]

They're roughly the same distance, but Mary Rose is a much safer walk (especially at night) because you don't have to cross the highway.

You may also wanna take a look at Don Q's spots at the Palms across the street. Nice place and he gives very good discounts for isoc'ers
http://www.sosuavacationrentals.com

there's also condos dominicano which is very close to the strip and i know a few isoc'ers have stayed there both short and long-term.

Based on the website link it looks like condos dominicano may not be a good choice right now especially if you need electric and internet :biggrin:

http://www.condosdominicano.com

[questner]

Bullshit!!

.

I stand by my bullshit, I try not to step in it.

The question was how much walk from the casa to the strip? 10-15 minutes. 10 for sober fast ass wiggling fuckers, and 15 - for ones with benzo in blood.

No girl or duo in high heels would walk there. Moreover given the hassles with Policia Nacional or crimes of opportunity it's not wise to walk back late at night.

I stayed at the Palms, Mary Rose and CD (even at CD I take moto when it is warranted)

[tgunz]

I agree with not walking at night. I did it once from the palms. Never again for various reasons. Danger being number one from cars and thieves. In the day who wants to arrive at there destination with swamp ass!

[martin0siddle]

I didnt walk at night from MR, i doubt i will walk at night from any other apt that is more then 2 minute away from strip.

[TNT72]

I didnt walk at night from MR, i doubt i will walk at night from any other apt that is more then 2 minute away from strip.


Then be sure to get a few motos #'s. When I stayed at Trade Winds (all in the same area at the top of the hill), at night I would have a hard time finding moto's at the bottom of the hill. I had to walk into town 2 or 3 times at night along the highway. I wasn't too crazy about that.

[martin0siddle]

Then be sure to get a few motos #'s. When I stayed at Trade Winds (all in the same area at the top of the hill), at night I would have a hard time finding moto's at the bottom of the hill. I had to walk into town 2 or 3 times at night along the highway. I wasn't too crazy about that.

I only had one moto number and i called him almost every night i wanted to exit mary rose, he was the only moto who spoke good french and he had a moto with a fucking big seat that would fit me+1 girl and there would be much more space left, and he was driving very nicely :P When I go back, i will surely call him again.

[deezl]

Another thing to note is that, although I liked the Palms, most of the time inside the complex I had no signal on claro. Not sure about Orange, though, and I don't know if Casa Mañana has the same issue.

[Seville]

Another thing to note is that, although I liked the Palms, most of the time inside the complex I had no signal on claro. Not sure about Orange, though, and I don't know if Casa Mañana has the same issue.

I have to be standing near a window in my apartment to get a signal. Part of the price of living here.

[Irie]

Another thing to note is that, although I liked the Palms, most of the time inside the complex I had no signal on claro. Not sure about Orange, though, and I don't know if Casa Mañana has the same issue.



Fortunately I had no issues with cell service there (in any place in the apt). I'm still an Orange user from way back on day one.

[tgunz]

This was a great find Irie, Thanks for sharing!

[Irie]

This was a great find Irie, Thanks for sharing!


Thanks.........I'll take credit for sharing, but Seville helped out with this one. :iconTU:

[Mr. Smooth]

Another thing to note is that, although I liked the Palms, most of the time inside the complex I had no signal on claro. Not sure about Orange, though, and I don't know if Casa Mañana has the same issue.

I've had Orange for years and the cell reception has never been good inside a unit at the Palms. Spotty at best on some days. But, walking outside and down to the pool area it was never a problem. Clear as a bell.

[Irie]

Then be sure to get a few motos #'s. When I stayed at Trade Winds (all in the same area at the top of the hill), at night I would have a hard time finding moto's at the bottom of the hill. I had to walk into town 2 or 3 times at night along the highway. I wasn't too crazy about that.


With the Super Pola now open across the street, finding a moto isn't much of an issue anymore at night. There were motos parked on the corner until at least 10-11 pm every night during my recent stay.

I agree that walking down the main road isn't a great idea........day or night. I never felt a threat walking the couple of blocks on the side streets between the main road and Pedro Clisante.

[Irie]

This is a one bedroom studio type unit at Casa Manana. I'm not sure of the exact price since I only stayed in it one night before transferring to another apartment. Cost is around $30/nt if I recall correctly. Its not the Taj Mahal, but for the budget minded it definitely suits the bill.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110756&d=1418152745





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[Irie]

There was no safe, but a wooden home built set up. Not too trustworthy but all things considered, I'd trust it considering security on the property.



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110760&d=1418152750




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70's anyone? :lol:



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110761&d=1418152751

[Irie]

This is a two bedroom/ two bath unit located in the left building and right above the owners place. It is a great value for the money imo. It has an (literally) open floor plan with the kitchen/ eating area opening up to a large balcony. There's no keeping the 'outside' out with this unit. I was quoted $50/nt for two guests and $40/nt for one. I only had a few small issues, but everything was addressed pretty quickly.



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[Irie]

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[Irie]

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[Irie]

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[Irie]

http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110784&d=1418157397




http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110783&d=1418157397




Complete with ocean view. :rofl:



http://news.insearchofchicas.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=110787&d=1418158379

[JD426]

Ocean View !?
... Yeagh ok...

Well If you were SITTING DOWN to have a smoke when you took that pic, and those were just SHRUBS and not treetops in front of you, then Maybe..
:confused:

:rofl::rofl:

[MrHappy]

Ocean View !?
... Yeagh ok...

Well If you were SITTING DOWN to have a smoke when you took that pic, and those were just SHRUBS and not treetops in front of you, then Maybe..
:confused:

:rofl::rofl:

The term "ocean view" is used very liberally here. I was shown an apartment with an ocean view where you could only see the ocean looking out the bathroom window, and then only about 1/2 of a degree between trees.

The real estate guy was actually telling me "move a little more to the right and up a little higher" to see a speck of ocean about a mile and a half away.

By that measurement, this view is a slam dunk.. :rofl::rofl:

[Irie]

Ocean View !?
... Yeagh ok...

Well If you were SITTING DOWN to have a smoke when you took that pic, and those were just SHRUBS and not treetops in front of you, then Maybe..
:confused:

:rofl::rofl:

I guess I should have added the 'roll eyes' emoticon to ensure clarity in my statement. :eek:

[Irie]

The term "ocean view" is used very liberally here. I was shown an apartment with an ocean view where you could only see the ocean looking out the bathroom window, and then only about 1/2 of a degree between trees.

The real estate guy was actually telling me "move a little more to the right and up a little higher" to see a speck of ocean about a mile and a half away.

By that measurement, this view is a slam dunk.. :rofl::rofl:

Agreed. I've seen it several times in my searches for places to stay. When I'm looking online and I know approximately where the place is, I'm thinking 'get the f**k out of here.' :smile:


Just to be clear for everyone, the owner (Mike) never tried to sell the place as ocean view.

[Irie]

Forgot I had this........ Here's a walk through.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJQpv8m0vC0

[Apos]

It looks like a great apartment!

Any idea what he needs per month, longterm?

[Irie]

It looks like a great apartment!

Any idea what he needs per month, longterm?

Planning another trip? :lol:


Actually I don't know on long term rates. I can tell you that he is willing to work with you........especially on longer stays. That goes for car rentals as well. I worked a great deal on a car this past trip.

[Apos]

Can you please share his contact info...here or PM.

I had it at some point but it was on a scrap of paper....and that didn't make it :D

Grassy ass!


Planning another trip? :lol:


Actually I don't know on long term rates. I can tell you that he is willing to work with you........especially on longer stays. That goes for car rentals as well. I worked a great deal on a car this past trip.

IIRC Mike does not do email, unless he's finally joined the 90's, but could be reached by phone...sometimes :P

[Irie]

Can you please share his contact info...here or PM.

I had it at some point but it was on a scrap of paper....and that didn't make it :D

Grassy ass!



IIRC Mike does not do email, unless he's finally joined the 90's, but could be reached by phone...sometimes :P

I'll pm you the info. He does do email and usually responds within 24 hours.

[Apos]

Thank you!

Once upon a time he was hard enough to get on the phone lol

I'll email him now. Much appreciated. :lol:


I'll pm you the info. He does do email and usually responds within 24 hours.