Puerto Plata

[Charles Pooter]

Geolopes stated that when he (geolopes) was staying at FOD, John the owner of BB's was there with a Realestate person to look at the property. Geolopes then reported that the asking price was 1.5 million for FOD.

I hope that I have this correct and that it helps clear things up.

OK, now I understand. The asking price is US$1,500,000 to John of BB and US$750,000 to anyone else. Got it! Thanks for the clarification, Traveler!

[Traveler04]

Geolopes stated that when he (geolopes) was staying at FOD, John the owner of BB's was there with a Realestate person to look at the property. Geolopes then reported that the asking price was 1.5 million for FOD.

I hope that I have this correct and that it helps clear things up.

9 days and counting until I return to BB's!

[Charles Pooter]

According to "John" who I personally observed on 30 December 2009 was getting a tour from a real estate agent, as a prospective buyer, while I was nursing a Presidente at their bar chatting up a nice chica, the intitial asking price was 1.5 million USD. I mentioned that in my rather extensive trip report that never got picked up as a report of distinction last January. The new manager is a guy named "Nelson". I don't know if he's a gringo or a local.

This is confusing. Are you talking about Barba Negra or Field of Dreams?

If Field of Dreams then who the fuck is "John"?

The new manager of Field of Dreams is Dominican but English speaking. I don't think his remit extends as far as Randall's did but I could be wrong.

I think the asking price for Field of Dreams is roughly around US$750,000 but that would depend on the total package agreed (lease-and-buy or outright purchase, etc). I guess anyone seriously interested is already talking directly with Anoeca, not reading gossip on a w h o r eboard or going through realtors.

If John is looking to sell Barba Negra I suppose US$1.5m is a possible price. Is that what you are saying?

[Meesee]

Got an email from Dean announcing that he is thinking of opening again soon. I know many of you are not interested in the expensive style that Viking, Exotic Retreat and Charlies, but I had some great times there.

It will be interesting to see if he can recover from his past problems.

So he's out of Brazil? Is Jason out as well? It would be good to know that least they're on free soil again.

[Buscemi]

According to "John" who I personally observed on 30 December 2009 was getting a tour from a real estate agent, as a prospective buyer, while I was nursing a Presidente at their bar chatting up a nice chica, the intitial asking price was 1.5 million USD. I mentioned that in my rather extensive trip report that never got picked up as a report of distinction last January. The new manager is a guy named "Nelson". I don't know if he's a gringo or a local.

If I was interested, I would deal directly with Alberto, no need for a Real Estate agent in the equation. IMO, that price has a few extra zeros my Freng, but thanks for the response.

[Geolopes]

I happen to agree with you Sir Pooter. The right partnership could make a living out of FOD if onsite and properly marketed, how much do you think Alberto wants for it?

According to "John" who I personally observed on 30 December 2009 was getting a tour from a real estate agent, as a prospective buyer, while I was nursing a Presidente at their bar chatting up a nice chica, the intitial asking price was 1.5 million USD. I mentioned that in my rather extensive trip report that never got picked up as a report of distinction last January. The new manager is a guy named "Nelson". I don't know if he's a gringo or a local.

[Hudagle]

A month or so ago, someone posted a message trying to locate the chica pictured below.

I was curious if that search was successful?

[Mr Gogo]

Sure, it's a niche market, but a viable one if properly marketed. What do you guys think?[/QUOTE]I personally like F.O.D.It's like a hidden paradise.But as said Sosua and Black Beards are more known.It's dead there at night and that i think is its downfall.You have to go elsewhere for night time excitement.

I think alot has to do with Playa Dorado being across the street.They fod have to keep a low profile.But more night activities,i think would help.Also offering group packages might help.Just my .02.

[Charles Pooter]

I happen to agree with you Sir Pooter. The right partnership could make a living out of FOD if onsite and properly marketed, how much do you think Alberto wants for it?

I ain't saying. Not my place to, but it is roughly equal to what it cost Dominican Billy to set it up, so all the many and extensive improvements added by first Leno, and then Alberto, would come as "free". I reckon they have increased its value by at least 50%, maybe much more.

I have taken several newbies there and they have all commented on its similarity to, but superiority over, Blackbeards as a location. It really is one of the nicest environments on the North Coast for those on a modest budget. The fact that it has always struggled to break even is due to its fluctuating managerial strategies and their execution rather than any shortcomings with the site itself.

[Buscemi]

Sure, it's a niche market, but a viable one if properly marketed. What do you guys think?

I happen to agree with you Sir Pooter. The right partnership could make a living out of FOD if onsite and properly marketed, how much do you think Alberto wants for it?

[Charles Pooter]

I have heard that Randall,the manager at FOD finally has had enough and quit. I have also heard that the place is going to hell in a hand basket already as they don't have a true manager at the moment and the hens are ruling the roost. If anyone has been there recently or is there now please comment.

I don't know that he had "had enough". He knew exactly what he was getting into and seemed to be coping quite well and without any major nasty surprises which would cause him to leave.

It was just that he was on "pocket-money" wages and now has had a proper job offer. I think it was always understood on all sides he could leave should something more remunerative come along. I wish him all the best in his new job but I don't see this affecting things at Field of Dreams too much.

The whole place is on offer at a knock-down price. Alberto Noesi, who owns it isn't really into running businesses day-to-day. That is not where his expertise lies. He just accumulates businesses which he has held as security, as and when borrowers default on loan payments. He would be happy just to get his capital back as he could use it more profitably within his core business activities.

For most "business opportunities" in the DR the old joke about arriving with $2million if you want to leave with $1million applies but I have always felt that Field of Dreams could be steadily profitable if someone took it over with a clear business plan and stuck to it. Not the sort of chopping and changing we have witnessed there for a year and more.

It would only need 35% occupancy to break even if properly managed. I think that is possible. I know it only appeals to a minority of North Coast mongers and most people want to go to Sosúa and most of the rest to Blackbeards. But that still leaves plenty of people out of the thousands of mongers visiting the area to fill seven rooms a night minimum. And it's an unbeatable location for large groups down for (to take one example) a SuperBowl Party. One large party a month and a steady trickle of lettings the rest of the month and you would be in clover.

Sure, it's a niche market, but a viable one if properly marketed. What do you guys think?

[Seiko1999]

Anyone has ever stayed at palm beach condos? Planning on staying there for a week in augest with one dominican novia. does anyone had problem staying there with dominican novia if so please give some info. I email them they told me i can stay with dominican novia as long as you are two persons only.

I need someons opinion on this . Thanks a lot.

[Ctclubs]

I have heard that Randall,the manager at FOD finally has had enough and quit. I have also heard that the place is going to hell in a hand basket already as they don't have a true manager at the moment and the hens are ruling the roost. If anyone has been there recently or is there now please comment.

Hope they clean up the situation.

I am trying to plan my first trip to FOD soon.

Can't wait for some update to what is going on.

[Manizales911]

I have heard that Randall,the manager at FOD finally has had enough and quit. I have also heard that the place is going to hell in a hand basket already as they don't have a true manager at the moment and the hens are ruling the roost. If anyone has been there recently or is there now please comment.

[Ctclubs]

Hey Guys,

I am BB's right now..After 4 nites this is my last days. Just wanted to drop a quick line and let all of you know the place has done nothing but keeps getting better. The talent too close to a 9.5 to call the service 9.5 all in all 9.5 it is just too bad I'm leave today and will file my completed report in 2-3 days with names of some of the super talent I spent time with.

Later

Thanks cannot wait till the full report.

Tying to find some good air rates right now!