camaro1257
06-06-2015, 07:17 AM
Camaro’s view of Calle El Conde June 2015
Calle El Conde is part of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo (Zona Colonial). It travels west to east from Parque Colon to Parque Indepencia It is a pedestrian only street with restaurants, hotels, outdoor vendors and stores. Cars only drive on the side intersecting streets but not on El Conde itself.
Recently I completed a report on the Gazcue area of Santo Domingo and this report will be much the same. I will briefly review the places I have visited and give some landmarks for some others. This is not a complete view of the area and the thread can be updated with additional information.
I will start at Parque Colon and travel west noting significant locations.
Parque Colon
Parque Colon is the central square of the Colonial City and it has a statue of Christopher Columbus in the center and it is next to the First Cathedral of the Americas.
During the day there is a mix between tourist and locals walking around the park and sitting on the park benches. At night it remains a chill spot with a comfortable breeze however there are street walkers some of which who wonder the park and some of which who sit on the benches.
On my visit while I was waiting for my date one of the ladies of the night approached me and asked “donde quedes?” and when I said “estoy esperando por una mujer” she walked away with a sad face. The pros are distinguishable from the regular women not so much by their clothing but by their eye contact and willingness to interact with you.
Hotel Conde de Penalba, Santo Domingo
Hotel Conde de Penalba is on Calle El Conde next to Parque Colon & La Primada Catredal de Las Americas on the far-east end of Calle El Conde. The hotel has a bar and restaurant on the bottom floor.
The hotel is inside an old refurbished colonial building. The receptionist was an older lady maybe in her 40’s and she kept flirting with me I cannot figure out why for the life of me. I had a small room with a queen size bed small table and chairs along with a dresser and flat screen television. There was a key room safe inside the closet.
The bathroom was immaculate and there were 4 towels. The WIFI was sporadic but the cable worked well and the room was very comfortable. My complaints would be my room had no outside window and some kind of way a mosquito got in and was harassing me. In addition my room was next to the front desk so I could hear an unnecessary amount of noise. When I arrived security helped me with my bags but when I gave him 100 pesos tip dude didn’t even say “gracias” GTFOOHWTBS!
Hotel Conde de Penalba Restaurante
The hotel restaurant is downstairs, there is a bar indoor section of the restaurant with doors open that lead to the patio which faces Parque Colon with a great view. The menu includes traditional hanburgers and fries pastas and seafood. The average dish was 300 pesos and the high end seafood dish was 900 pesos.
A simple breakfast is included in your hotel stay which included eggs to order, bacon toast and juice. The staff was very polite and courteous.
Onno Night Club
Onno Night Club is on Calle Ostos right of Calle El Conde. This is a regular club with a bar dance floor and tables and chairs. It is a small establishment that can hold no more than 100 people and it appeared to be a middle class establishment patronized by professional people.
Café Roma Pizzaria
Café Roma Pizzaria is one of many restaurants on El Conde it is significant because it is a hang-out spot for many Santo Domngo ex-pats. Some of the Santo Domingo ex-pats call the location the office. They gather there eat, drink Presidentes and chica watch. There is often live entertainment in front of the restaurant also.
Hotel Mercure
Hotel Mercure is on Calle El Conde and the lobby includes a restaurant bar with seating inside and outside. The hotel registration desk is located behind the restaurant. If you enter from the El Conde side you will be entering the restaurant but the hotel entrance is on the side street around the corner.
My room was a mid-sized room and very clean and neat in appearance. There was a closet with an electronic safe. There was an old school 18 inch television the cable worked well along with the air conditioner.
There was a refrigerator but no mini bar. The bathroom was clean with a walk up shower. You take a step up about a foot into the shower I have never seen that before. I love he bathroom because for once there are plenty of towels. I think 4 towels should be enough don’t you?
My complaints would include the fact that there were only 2 electric outlets easily visible I later found 2 more under the lamp stand next to the bed. WIFI works in the lobby but not in the room which SUCKS! If I didn’t have my hot spot that would be a major inconvenience because sometimes I like to play music from YOUTUBE for my dates. The reception staff was polite however there was no bellman to take your bags.
Hotel Mercure Restaurant
The hotel restaurant has 2 sections, the first is outside facing El Conde and the second is inside with a bar. The ambiance is very nice in both locations. The problem with the outside portion of the restaurant is there are only 5 tables so it fills up quick but sitting inside is comfortable also.
A breakfast bar is included with eggs, bacon, fried potatoes a bread & fruit bar with different types of juice. There was no mangu or fried cheese like many other Dominican restaurants.
For dinner I had a chicken wrap and salad which was very good. The chicken was obviously marinated because it did not have the typical dry bland taste. I do not recall seeing any Comida Tipica on the menu and they served the typical chicken and fish dinners ranging from 300-600pesos. I found the wait staff to be very cordial and helpful and the dining experience to be very good.
Gran Hotel Reina Ysabel
This is a 2 star hotel at best its location is obscure but can be found at the corner of El Conde and Calle Espaillat. You go through a wood door and walk up 2 flights of steps and have to be buzzed in by the receptionist. I hope you speak Spanish because she speaks no English.
The room is old and worn with only 1 towel despite the fact I booked for 2. The walls were stained and the bed felt like I was sitting on a board and springs. There was a safe with key and the cable worked well but the little 18 inch flat screen TV could hardly be seen.
There were only (2) 3 prong electrical outlets I could use for my laptop that were next to the refrigerator. The WIFI was intermittent. The highlight of the room is the balcony that gives you a view of El Conde.
Dama Imperial Restaurant
The Dama Imperial Restaurant is downstairs from the Gran Hotel Reina Ysabel. You can sit inside or outside on Calle El Conde. The music was contemporary rock and the breeze on El Conde was very comfortable. It was late in the evening when I ate so some of my menu selections were unavailable. I had my favorite mero a la plancha with a nice garlic sauce. It was light and not filling but tasty. Most standard menu items were no more than 500 pesos.
My waitress wasn’t the nicest person in the world but over all I would return since the food was and the location were decent.
Cosmo Centro
Cosmo Central is a salon and beauty supply location on El Conde a few steps from Gran Hotel Reina Ysabel. I asked for a haircut and shave for 300 pesos and the barber gave me a full facial without my consent. Everytime I asked about the extended service he would respond saying “tranquilo!” After demanding he stop the treatment the barber handed me a bill for 1500 pesos. I insisted on them calling the police and they relented telling me to pay what I wanted. I paid 400 pesos and walked out.
This is one of many reports about vendors trying to take advantage of tourist and everyone in the area needs to be aware of the upsell.
Paco’s Grande -El Conde
One of the staples of El Conde is the restaurant Paco’s Grande. I had the “plato de dia” chicken, rice beans and salad and drink was 200 pesos. This has become the hang out location for homosexuals in the area. There were not very many gays present in fact there was some female eye candy that was great for my viewing pleasure.
Despite its reputation during the day you can sit outside and enjoy the view and the energy of El Conde. I thoroughly enjoy the staff which are generally very attentive.
Calle El Conde Observations
Calle El Conde is full of energy during the day. Tourist and locals and can be seen walking to and fro and there is also live entertainment from contemporary guitar trios to drum and conga quartets. Locals could be seen playing chess and cards adding a realness to the experience.
This area has an authentic Dominican feel because there were no US staples like Burger King or McDonalds. The restaurant chains were local such as Pollo Rey and Bon Ice Cream Shop. There was a plethora of restaurants, pastry and ice cream shops something for almost any taste.
There are independent touts and taxi drivers that will offer to make a “chica connection.” Touts will generally disarm you with their friendliness and familiarity with the United States; they are fast talkers that have the ability to give the impression that they are dong you a favor. I have not used this service because I believe it is only for the desperate. They will steer you to Santo Domingo’s high end casa de citas where you have to pay 4000 pesos or more for sex. They are not threatening and take a firm “no” as an answer they are used to rejection. If you have no other alternative they are an option but I prefer to do without.
One of the main things I hate about El Conde and Santo Domingo in general is the taxistas. At El Conde they generally will start by quoting a price in dollars that can be as much as twice what the going rate is. Even if you negotiate them down in pesos the prices are still inflated because El Conde is a tourist area and their objective is to make money off the gringo. My advice is to never pay in dollars and never pay the first price offered.
There is a CESTUR tourist police post on El Conde along with a constant police presence at no time did I feel unsafe.
Conclusion
El Conde is a lively area during the day the area with street characters and is ripe with toto, from tourist to civilian-non pros and a few professionals that will try to make eye contact. Most of the pro action leaves much to be desired but occasionally you can find a gem especially around the Parque Colon area.
I have said that I like the Gazcue area better than El Conde but after this visit I would have to say they are neck and neck. El Conde has the advantage because of its parks and since everything is centrally located it is more convenient because in Gazcue everything is more spread out. I recommend you try both areas of Santo Domingo and decide for yourself.
Calle El Conde is part of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo (Zona Colonial). It travels west to east from Parque Colon to Parque Indepencia It is a pedestrian only street with restaurants, hotels, outdoor vendors and stores. Cars only drive on the side intersecting streets but not on El Conde itself.
Recently I completed a report on the Gazcue area of Santo Domingo and this report will be much the same. I will briefly review the places I have visited and give some landmarks for some others. This is not a complete view of the area and the thread can be updated with additional information.
I will start at Parque Colon and travel west noting significant locations.
Parque Colon
Parque Colon is the central square of the Colonial City and it has a statue of Christopher Columbus in the center and it is next to the First Cathedral of the Americas.
During the day there is a mix between tourist and locals walking around the park and sitting on the park benches. At night it remains a chill spot with a comfortable breeze however there are street walkers some of which who wonder the park and some of which who sit on the benches.
On my visit while I was waiting for my date one of the ladies of the night approached me and asked “donde quedes?” and when I said “estoy esperando por una mujer” she walked away with a sad face. The pros are distinguishable from the regular women not so much by their clothing but by their eye contact and willingness to interact with you.
Hotel Conde de Penalba, Santo Domingo
Hotel Conde de Penalba is on Calle El Conde next to Parque Colon & La Primada Catredal de Las Americas on the far-east end of Calle El Conde. The hotel has a bar and restaurant on the bottom floor.
The hotel is inside an old refurbished colonial building. The receptionist was an older lady maybe in her 40’s and she kept flirting with me I cannot figure out why for the life of me. I had a small room with a queen size bed small table and chairs along with a dresser and flat screen television. There was a key room safe inside the closet.
The bathroom was immaculate and there were 4 towels. The WIFI was sporadic but the cable worked well and the room was very comfortable. My complaints would be my room had no outside window and some kind of way a mosquito got in and was harassing me. In addition my room was next to the front desk so I could hear an unnecessary amount of noise. When I arrived security helped me with my bags but when I gave him 100 pesos tip dude didn’t even say “gracias” GTFOOHWTBS!
Hotel Conde de Penalba Restaurante
The hotel restaurant is downstairs, there is a bar indoor section of the restaurant with doors open that lead to the patio which faces Parque Colon with a great view. The menu includes traditional hanburgers and fries pastas and seafood. The average dish was 300 pesos and the high end seafood dish was 900 pesos.
A simple breakfast is included in your hotel stay which included eggs to order, bacon toast and juice. The staff was very polite and courteous.
Onno Night Club
Onno Night Club is on Calle Ostos right of Calle El Conde. This is a regular club with a bar dance floor and tables and chairs. It is a small establishment that can hold no more than 100 people and it appeared to be a middle class establishment patronized by professional people.
Café Roma Pizzaria
Café Roma Pizzaria is one of many restaurants on El Conde it is significant because it is a hang-out spot for many Santo Domngo ex-pats. Some of the Santo Domingo ex-pats call the location the office. They gather there eat, drink Presidentes and chica watch. There is often live entertainment in front of the restaurant also.
Hotel Mercure
Hotel Mercure is on Calle El Conde and the lobby includes a restaurant bar with seating inside and outside. The hotel registration desk is located behind the restaurant. If you enter from the El Conde side you will be entering the restaurant but the hotel entrance is on the side street around the corner.
My room was a mid-sized room and very clean and neat in appearance. There was a closet with an electronic safe. There was an old school 18 inch television the cable worked well along with the air conditioner.
There was a refrigerator but no mini bar. The bathroom was clean with a walk up shower. You take a step up about a foot into the shower I have never seen that before. I love he bathroom because for once there are plenty of towels. I think 4 towels should be enough don’t you?
My complaints would include the fact that there were only 2 electric outlets easily visible I later found 2 more under the lamp stand next to the bed. WIFI works in the lobby but not in the room which SUCKS! If I didn’t have my hot spot that would be a major inconvenience because sometimes I like to play music from YOUTUBE for my dates. The reception staff was polite however there was no bellman to take your bags.
Hotel Mercure Restaurant
The hotel restaurant has 2 sections, the first is outside facing El Conde and the second is inside with a bar. The ambiance is very nice in both locations. The problem with the outside portion of the restaurant is there are only 5 tables so it fills up quick but sitting inside is comfortable also.
A breakfast bar is included with eggs, bacon, fried potatoes a bread & fruit bar with different types of juice. There was no mangu or fried cheese like many other Dominican restaurants.
For dinner I had a chicken wrap and salad which was very good. The chicken was obviously marinated because it did not have the typical dry bland taste. I do not recall seeing any Comida Tipica on the menu and they served the typical chicken and fish dinners ranging from 300-600pesos. I found the wait staff to be very cordial and helpful and the dining experience to be very good.
Gran Hotel Reina Ysabel
This is a 2 star hotel at best its location is obscure but can be found at the corner of El Conde and Calle Espaillat. You go through a wood door and walk up 2 flights of steps and have to be buzzed in by the receptionist. I hope you speak Spanish because she speaks no English.
The room is old and worn with only 1 towel despite the fact I booked for 2. The walls were stained and the bed felt like I was sitting on a board and springs. There was a safe with key and the cable worked well but the little 18 inch flat screen TV could hardly be seen.
There were only (2) 3 prong electrical outlets I could use for my laptop that were next to the refrigerator. The WIFI was intermittent. The highlight of the room is the balcony that gives you a view of El Conde.
Dama Imperial Restaurant
The Dama Imperial Restaurant is downstairs from the Gran Hotel Reina Ysabel. You can sit inside or outside on Calle El Conde. The music was contemporary rock and the breeze on El Conde was very comfortable. It was late in the evening when I ate so some of my menu selections were unavailable. I had my favorite mero a la plancha with a nice garlic sauce. It was light and not filling but tasty. Most standard menu items were no more than 500 pesos.
My waitress wasn’t the nicest person in the world but over all I would return since the food was and the location were decent.
Cosmo Centro
Cosmo Central is a salon and beauty supply location on El Conde a few steps from Gran Hotel Reina Ysabel. I asked for a haircut and shave for 300 pesos and the barber gave me a full facial without my consent. Everytime I asked about the extended service he would respond saying “tranquilo!” After demanding he stop the treatment the barber handed me a bill for 1500 pesos. I insisted on them calling the police and they relented telling me to pay what I wanted. I paid 400 pesos and walked out.
This is one of many reports about vendors trying to take advantage of tourist and everyone in the area needs to be aware of the upsell.
Paco’s Grande -El Conde
One of the staples of El Conde is the restaurant Paco’s Grande. I had the “plato de dia” chicken, rice beans and salad and drink was 200 pesos. This has become the hang out location for homosexuals in the area. There were not very many gays present in fact there was some female eye candy that was great for my viewing pleasure.
Despite its reputation during the day you can sit outside and enjoy the view and the energy of El Conde. I thoroughly enjoy the staff which are generally very attentive.
Calle El Conde Observations
Calle El Conde is full of energy during the day. Tourist and locals and can be seen walking to and fro and there is also live entertainment from contemporary guitar trios to drum and conga quartets. Locals could be seen playing chess and cards adding a realness to the experience.
This area has an authentic Dominican feel because there were no US staples like Burger King or McDonalds. The restaurant chains were local such as Pollo Rey and Bon Ice Cream Shop. There was a plethora of restaurants, pastry and ice cream shops something for almost any taste.
There are independent touts and taxi drivers that will offer to make a “chica connection.” Touts will generally disarm you with their friendliness and familiarity with the United States; they are fast talkers that have the ability to give the impression that they are dong you a favor. I have not used this service because I believe it is only for the desperate. They will steer you to Santo Domingo’s high end casa de citas where you have to pay 4000 pesos or more for sex. They are not threatening and take a firm “no” as an answer they are used to rejection. If you have no other alternative they are an option but I prefer to do without.
One of the main things I hate about El Conde and Santo Domingo in general is the taxistas. At El Conde they generally will start by quoting a price in dollars that can be as much as twice what the going rate is. Even if you negotiate them down in pesos the prices are still inflated because El Conde is a tourist area and their objective is to make money off the gringo. My advice is to never pay in dollars and never pay the first price offered.
There is a CESTUR tourist police post on El Conde along with a constant police presence at no time did I feel unsafe.
Conclusion
El Conde is a lively area during the day the area with street characters and is ripe with toto, from tourist to civilian-non pros and a few professionals that will try to make eye contact. Most of the pro action leaves much to be desired but occasionally you can find a gem especially around the Parque Colon area.
I have said that I like the Gazcue area better than El Conde but after this visit I would have to say they are neck and neck. El Conde has the advantage because of its parks and since everything is centrally located it is more convenient because in Gazcue everything is more spread out. I recommend you try both areas of Santo Domingo and decide for yourself.