Santiago

[Parkinsons]

I'm planning on using the Jardines in April. Sounds like theres no problem with the chica policy! Ill avoid the tout. LOL. How was it overall? No problem finding taxis? Thanks!

Definitely no problems with bringing chicas there, as a matter of fact they might be too lax. They didn't even card the girls who came over. That's the only thing I find negative. The rooms are fine, for comparable or lower price to Hotel Platino you can get more space and windows. Most Platino rooms are claustrophobic small and interior, no day-light units. Breakfasts are included as well. Not sure about taxis because I drive a rental car, but I'm sure the front desk can call one easily. If the doorman can get you pussy then he sure can get a taxi.

[Brother P]

Landed around 1 am here this morning. By the time I got my rental car and settled, it was well past 2 am. Ventured out to get cash, tried a few Banc Reservas ATMs, none of them worked with my Schwab card, weird. There are a few banks all in the same block on Calle Del Sol, went to Banco de Leon, theirs didn't work either. Finally hit Banco Popular and got my dough.

Swung by Matum so I can get some grub from the food truck outside. Met the same girl I had a few months ago, I didn't want to repeat. There was no one else to my liking so I moved on. Saw a few street girls on Avenida Salvador Estrella Sadh, first block after making a right from Autopista Duarte, across from Wendy's. Rolled down my window to chat, upon closer inspection damn they were all trannies. Not judging LOL just not for me.

Went back to my hotel, Hotel Jardines. The doorman was quite enthusiastic about finding me companionship. He made a few calls, whoever it was sent back a few photos. I told him to ask how much, replied US $100. Before I could say no, the girl was on her way. She came by, a 7 I would give her on looks, held firm to the US $100. I told her no way, the most I would do DOP 3000 for TLN. She gave me an attitude said she could go somewhere else and get her US $100. The pimp / driver came back picked her up and promised another girl on delivery. I said DOP 3000, BBBJ, minimum 2 pops or nothing.

He came back with another, no better than a 7, but seemed more cheerful so I took her up. This chick definitely is bi-polar, laugh and cuddle one minute then cold and disagreeable the next. Anyhow the sex sucks, her Toto is more dry than overcooked chicharron. After I got my 2 nuts (second one I just told her to finish me with HJ) I told her to leave. This should be my first and last time getting in-call from a tout.

Going up to Sosua later today, not sure what I'd do here in Santiago until then. My civilian girl has been messaging me like crazy but I didn't commit.

I'm planning on using the Jardines in April. Sounds like theres no problem with the chica policy! Ill avoid the tout. LOL. How was it overall? No problem finding taxis? Thanks!

[Eszpresszo]

Landed around 1 am here this morning. By the time I got my rental car and settled, it was well past 2 am. Ventured out to get cash, tried a few Banc Reservas ATMs, none of them worked with my Schwab card, weird. There are a few banks all in the same block on Calle Del Sol, went to Banco de Leon, theirs didn't work either. Finally hit Banco Popular and got my dough.

Were you by chance, traveling on Spirit? I recall they had an early PM arrival in Santiago.

I had a similar problem with my new "chip" card in Boca Chica. Banco Popular took my card but also charged a 180 DOP vig for my trouble. Another bank there had an ATM that would not dispense any cash, but did not charge a fee. It merely gave a message that said "Please take you cash" and no cash appeared! Imagine my shock, but a quick check of my bank account showed no withdrawal. I am getting the feeling that our gringo cards are not universally accepted everywhere in the DR. Any one else have any suggestions of which bank chains offer lower fees. My otherwise noble credit union hit me with two additional fees, as well! An ATM network fee and an "international fee". Got to get one of those Schwab bank cards.

[Parkinsons]

Landed around 1 am here this morning. By the time I got my rental car and settled, it was well past 2 am. Ventured out to get cash, tried a few Banc Reservas ATMs, none of them worked with my Schwab card, weird. There are a few banks all in the same block on Calle Del Sol, went to Banco de Leon, theirs didn't work either. Finally hit Banco Popular and got my dough.

Swung by Matum so I can get some grub from the food truck outside. Met the same girl I had a few months ago, I didn't want to repeat. There was no one else to my liking so I moved on. Saw a few street girls on Avenida Salvador Estrella Sadh, first block after making a right from Autopista Duarte, across from Wendy's. Rolled down my window to chat, upon closer inspection damn they were all trannies. Not judging LOL just not for me.

Went back to my hotel, Hotel Jardines. The doorman was quite enthusiastic about finding me companionship. He made a few calls, whoever it was sent back a few photos. I told him to ask how much, replied US $100. Before I could say no, the girl was on her way. She came by, a 7 I would give her on looks, held firm to the US $100. I told her no way, the most I would do DOP 3000 for TLN. She gave me an attitude said she could go somewhere else and get her US $100. The pimp / driver came back picked her up and promised another girl on delivery. I said DOP 3000, BBBJ, minimum 2 pops or nothing.

He came back with another, no better than a 7, but seemed more cheerful so I took her up. This chick definitely is bi-polar, laugh and cuddle one minute then cold and disagreeable the next. Anyhow the sex sucks, her Toto is more dry than overcooked chicharron. After I got my 2 nuts (second one I just told her to finish me with HJ) I told her to leave. This should be my first and last time getting in-call from a tout.

Going up to Sosua later today, not sure what I'd do here in Santiago until then. My civilian girl has been messaging me like crazy but I didn't commit.

[Nordico]

My posts are not in chronological order, just writing when it comes to my mind. Some might think that this kind of info is not relevant to the mongering, but I think small things are important to make a successful trip.

Last week I stayed one night in hotel Platino. Didn't have any reservation and the hotel was quite full, so they charged me the full price.

The hotel is much further away from the monumento and the bus stations than what I had figured. The hotel Matum is much closer to those places. The staff at the reception and the security guys are really nice. But the rooms not so much.

- The executive room is very small and worn with queen size bed.

- The superior executive room is the same, but with king size bed and even less space around it.

- After seeing the executive superior I decided to take the suite. The suite was spacious and OK, but expensive. The price was more or less USD 100. Next time I will check out Matum or Hodelpa. The hotel had the worst breakfast of my trip.

Something very Dominican happened when we checked in. My traveling companion, la senora, asked if they have a room with a balcony and the girl said that she will check, if there is any available. After almost five minutes working with her computer she said that, at the moment there isn't any available. When we went up with two porters, they told us that there isn't any room in the hotel with a balcony.

The taxis are really cheap in Santiago. 150 pesos for shorter trips like 2 miles and 250 for longer trips. During the night slightly more. The next day I felt lazy and decided to go to Sosua with taxi. The price was DOP 3000. According the taxi driver the normal price is 3500.

[Mr Enternational]

Thank you very much FM31. Same for Hotel Platino? Do you know? They still didn't answer my email and I might understand they don't like temporary guests.

Them not answering the email has nothing to do with the guest policy. It is more of a third world thing for lack of better words. You are better off calling. I was making a reservation in Philippines 2 weeks ago in which they sent a follow up email asking for my info. I emailed them with the info no more than 2 minutes after they emailed me. I have emailed them forwarding the same thing twice since then and still no answer. And this is a place that I stay in at least 3 times per year. I have had many of the exact same experience in other island countries as well.

[NamasteParis]

I live in the city and have stayed at Gran Almirante many times. They require a passport or cedula at check-in for guests at registration. Visitors are quickly identified as guests try to take casino girls back to their rooms. They will stop your guest and ask her to leave her cedula at the front desk until she leaves.

Thank you very much FM31. Same for Hotel Platino? Do you know? They still didn't answer my email and I might understand they don't like temporary guests.

[SubCmdr]

Thanks for your answer. My definition of Girl Friendly is: 'accepting temporary guest (s), non-registered at check-in'.

Decent clothes / attitude is obvious for me.

I'll probably go to the PLATINO. I sent a message to ask them about their guest policy. But as I didn't receive answer since 3 days, that's why I'm asking here.

Mr. Paris,

I'm sure it is obvious for you. But it will depend upon what you consider decent clothes. I like girls during the day in booty shorts or those tight fitting stretchy pants (puta pantalones), tight or low cut tops and flat. At night I like them in mini skirts or those tight one-piece outfits with cutouts and heels. Based the answer you received from the other poster I take he must be the type to only bring in decent women not hookers. I find that interesting. Can you tell me, how do you perceive that someone is with a hooker? Because that's a skill I'd like to develop.

Let us know how it works out for you.

[FlbMac31]

Thanks for your answer. My definition of Girl Friendly is: 'accepting temporary guest (s), non-registered at check-in'.

Decent clothes / attitude is obvious for me.

I'll probably go to the PLATINO. I sent a message to ask them about their guest policy. But as I didn't receive answer since 3 days, that's why I'm asking here.

I live in the city and have stayed at Gran Almirante many times. They require a passport or cedula at check-in for guests at registration. Visitors are quickly identified as guests try to take casino girls back to their rooms. They will stop your guest and ask her to leave her cedula at the front desk until she leaves.

[NamasteParis]

What is your definition of girl friendly?

Thanks for your answer. My definition of Girl Friendly is: 'accepting temporary guest (s), non-registered at check-in'.

Decent clothes / attitude is obvious for me.

I'll probably go to the PLATINO. I sent a message to ask them about their guest policy. But as I didn't receive answer since 3 days, that's why I'm asking here.

[Mr Enternational]

Hi, I'm planning to stay few days in Santiago in March.

Can you please tell me if Hotels PLATINO and GRAN ALMIRANTE are girl friendly?

Thanks in advance, I'll make report on these hotels as usual.

What is your definition of girl friendly? My brother always stays at Platino and I have stayed at Gran Almirante. No problem bringing normal chicks in. If they perceive the chick that is with you to be a hooker then it may be another story.

[NamasteParis]

Hi, I'm planning to stay few days in Santiago in March.

Can you please tell me if Hotels PLATINO and GRAN ALMIRANTE are girl friendly?

Thanks in advance, I'll make report on these hotels as usual.

[Tempoecorto]

There is a certain benefit, I am discovering, in having a girl. They are unbelievably compliant and that per se, is a pleasure. I have been having people like the one in the photo, give me a good massage after the act. One even took care of my longish pubic hair, cropping it with a unheard of patience and a smile.

Long live youth, and that of the island of Hispaniola.

[FlbMac31]

I was at the airport yesterday evening to pick up my boy returning from New York. I asked about taxi fare and $20 is about right. I'm retired military so have traveled overseas a lot in 27 years and never go into another country without local currency. Once here you learn where to get the best exchange rate. I know that currency booths at Miami are outrageously pricey plus the fee. My wife tells me Popular is essentially a national bank and you can exchange dollars without an account while here. And the rate there is actually decent. At 47 pesos per dollar yesterday.

That makes $20 US equal to about 950 pesos today. Last week was 900. That means that they would take a local Dominican for 900 knowing full well that if they ask for too much the customer walks. It all depends how much of a rush your in.

When you clear thru customs and exit with your bags you will see the exit area is blocked off and only passengers are allowed inside. And there are usually one or two plainclothes cops. Except they sport their sidearm for all to see] There is one exception to this rule. Taxi drivers will stand inside with little signs announcing they have a taxi. Who do they know?

Frannie is spot on about finding girls there. Arriving and departing is a family thing and individuals are rarely alone.

[Frannie]

FlbMac31 and Frannie.

Thanks for the insight! I'm more confident in what to expect now. Is the airport waiting area crawling with 'hungry' chicas looking for action like in Santo Domingo and POP?

No most of the people arriving at Santiago are Dominican-American familes, they may be hungry by the time they arrive, but you will not find chicas looking for action in the waiting area, just family members, friends of passengers, people holding up signs, taxi drivers. Come to think of it I haven't seen many hungry action-oriented chicas at the other airports either.