Sosua Reports

This is the only place I have stayed at in SOS. Probably over 50 nights in total over the past 15 months or so. Wilfried the manager, who leases the property from the owner is a great guy and a good manager, with a really good team and excellent service. There is nothing free. Breakfast and dinner (optional for a higher price) is included in the price. Again, it is not free.

Unfortunately, Wilfried is dealing with a hip issue needing surgery so my heart goes out to him. But, he is still managing everything as always. A real trooper!

In my opinion, Casa Cayena is a very good option, but I have a watchful eye because the place is a bit jerry rigged. A lot of patchwork in the rooms, bath etc because of an aging property that is leased by him. So no real infrastructure improvements, just enough patchwork to get by.

The wifi, while decent, can be spotty and in and out! The water pressure in floors 2 and 3 poor. The 2 male chefs are quite decent, however more recently one of the cleaning ladies is trying her hand at being a chef, once or twice a week and she is not good.

Location is great for me, but may not work for all. Security is good and tight, no cedula / I'd means no entry for anyone. No exceptions. They check it and keep the cedula until the chica leaves. This is one reason why I stay here, and the safe of course. I tip everyone and bring the girls who work there small gifts every time. So, for me the service is great. And, I love Wilfried. He is the reason I never consider any other options. Superb manager.

Here is a screen capture from their website and a link to where it was captured. It clearly says complementary breakfast and dinner.



http://www.casacayenahotel.com/#!room-rates/c1cig

I have no quarrel with that.

But, I don't think you really understood what I said. Also, without dinner, the price per day is $6 less. So, think about that for a minute or two or twenty. Depending on your thinking hat!

[QUOTE=JimJames;1689251]Here is a screen capture from their website. It clearly says complementary breakfast and dinner.


http://www.casacayenahotel.com/#!room-rates/c1cig[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Haven123;1689254]I have no quarrel with that.

But, I don't think you really understood what I said. Also, without dinner, the price per day is $6 less. So, think about that for a minute or two or twenty. Depending on your thinking hat![/QUOTE]I understood what you said.

I did not know the meals were optional. I have never been asked at check in if I wanted to opt out of them. I also see no mention of it on their website.

Ok no probs.

But I guess from the way you see things, all the "all inclusives" in Puerto Plata could just take the all inclusive part out of their offering semantics / marketing, and just keep current prices, but instead say all food and drink and all shows are complimentary and / or free.

Same difference. Wilfred knows who he is competing with and has a kitchen with daily fixed labor cost he needs to feed. This way the kitchen is not a cost center, but holds it own weight in his mind, with a kind of implied transfer pricing out of the bundled price offering.

Basically, this is bundled pricing, versus unbundled pricing in business school lingo. It's product positioning, differentiation and competitive and perceived value positioning. Trust me, there is absolutely nothing, zero, nada, nien, nicht, that is "free" in this universe. And there never will be.

[QUOTE=JimJames;1689257]I understood what you said.

I did not know the meals were optional. I have never been asked at check in if I wanted to opt out of them. I also see no mention of it on their website.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Haven123;1688952]Hello all. Particular thanks to Charles Poota (haha) and all those who helped me on my first trip to DR last year.

I have now spent about 4 1/2 months in total in the Puerto Plata area over the last 14 months. About 1. 5 -2 months in Costambar and the rest in Sos.

I used to love the D Latins and was very disappointed it shut down after my second trip. For now, I like Classicos and After 1 as I am a late night guy and love music, dance and ambiance of the sexy looking pro chicas!

Finally, I decided I want to learn Bachata and hope to take lessons this upcoming trip and also practice with some Cupid Chicas. I love the ambiance of all the chicas at Classicos, After 1 (Thur. , Fri. And sat after about 245 am until 5 am) and the Latins I loved while it was open. I only interact with the pros on the dance floor and buy drinks etc. But limit myself to the Cupid chicas for companionship. Yeah, I am a bit different, perhaps even strange and maybe a dud! Who knows? I can only do what works for me. FWIW.

I enjoy the true dominican culture, the food like rice and beans and just observing the families on the beaches. I've also spent some time at the all inclusive resorts on many occasions with Cupid chicas and did BB for 5 days on my first trip (did not care for it). The pros don't work for me at all, and other than on my first trip while at BB's and 2 at the DLatins, the rest have ALL been the semi or ocassional pros. I've kind of got this Cupid thingy working for me. I never mention money and discretely put it in their purse when they leave. I do bring gifts like 100 ML brand name perfumes, earrings and so far 3 cell phones, shirts / blouses / Brazilian bikinis and a for / with a few some shopping locally. However, in the end, they all do better with me than the 2000 they might get in a day and I treat them well to fish at the beach at top resturante or at a Baileys etc for good meals and quality drinks. And I have only stayed at Casa Cayena or apartments in Costambar, within 3 minute walk to the beach and the chicas all get breakfast and meals while with me.

I see some chicas on follow up trips and it is usually 1/3 from previous trips and 2/3 new chicas. I don't care at all (zero for the 1-2 hour thing) and prefer 1-3 days at a time. So, the total number of chicas I have been with are probably a fraction of most guys here. But that's what I like and what works for me.

The intent of this post is to share. Since I hadn't in some time. And also to suggest (like some others here) that staying away from the hard core pros, venturing into the quiet and low key Dominicanas (I stick to between 4-8 on the top 1-10 scale, and stay away from the 9's and 10's. Because I like the personality of the 6's and 7 's the best) and perhaps trying to show some of them a good time (the non hard core pros) , not mentioning pesos upfront, and always making it pesos Płus gifts worth at least 1000 pesos each per Chica for each 1-2 days and still ensuring they leave happy and exceed their expectations (by discreetly giving them about 2000 per day of cash, so they leave with at least 5000- 7000 or more for each 2-3 days, besides meals and good entertaining times).

In my solo and subjective opinion, the hard core chica situation in SOS is pretty sad and I strongly believe that visitors who are coming now are reaping what the visitors who came before them have sowed. Meaning many, if not most, treated them poorly, the chicas live in their Echo chamber of the other chicas, ricocheting stories off each other while at Rumbas, or on the phone and via texts.

Guys come and guys go...back to their regular non DR lives....but these chicas have to live it day in and day out....there are no jobs and the education system in the DR in school is shit! They have no skils and no opportunities. These chicas cannot survive anywhere other than in the DR, even the non pros. But, if we collectively keep up, not at least trying in some small way, to give them some little thing to hang their mental hat on....something that says we did not treat them poorly....then things will only get more and more trashy in SOS 1-3-5 years down the road. If you don't care, then they don't care. Of course, please nobody end up trying to marry these pros or semi pros, or trying to change them, or take them out of the DR or whatever....in 98 % of the cases it simply will NOT work. But, perhaps trying to bring some temporary brightness and lift up the spirits of the non hard core chicas is worth doing? This is just my opinion, from my observations, and interactions while there with both chicas and amigos. And of course, reading the posts here. Sorry state of affairs I must say....the playing field is soggy, quite a bit muddied up and the pro chicas are learners .....and they have learned the hard way with what many have been shoved with.

I am sure many will not like what I say and will disagree strongly. And that's fine...and I happy to be slapped around here....but guys please think about changling the approach some ?? Please.....

May be another way to approach the Non pro DR chicas. If Cupid chicas bring up pesos or ask me to wire them dineros or ask me to bring them an iPhone I just delete that one and focus on the others. I never ask them to send me pics (because Cupid has pics and in 2/3 of the instances I also get to see their Facebook pages. I review everything carefully to form a composite view (subjective, of course) of each chica by seeing the FB posts, the ones by their friends etc and also branch out by contacting their FB friends and friends of friends.

Anyway, in closing, one request, if anyone has any suggestions for me or where, with whom, when and how to really learn Bachata well, when I am Sos in the coming weeks (for 2-3 weeks) I would really appreciate it. Of course, I am happy to pay chicas for helping me learn Bachata. My interest in this is longer term, because I think I am really liking this dance form / expression and it gives me different ways to experience and live the culture and enjoy life in a more diverse and interactive way. And of course it has greater staying power for pleasure and enjoyment, versus say a 30 minutes quickie.

I have taken a lot of time to observe, gather feedback, look at facts and reflect on all of this for more than a year. So, I am not just posting without having thought about all of this for quite some time and critiqued myself, as well as my observations. And, these are just my observations and suggestions. Take it for FWIW or just delete, say pass, or chuck it mentally into a mental trash can. Irrespective, it is worth some reflection on the part of all and maybe some small slight adjustment in approach. The chicas will not do this...they are incapable of doing anything, because they have no options, and find themselves at the receiving end of an experience.

Sure, yeah, there are bad chicas, who will take an amigo for all they've got, rip them off, steal whatever....but IMO 75 pc of the chicas are not crooks, thieves or bad apples. They are just trying to survive and many probably do enjoy a lifestyle of fun and excitement...clothes, dance, music, booze and whatever. After all, they are all pretty much in the 18-28 range.[/QUOTE]And your's is the best report I have ever read! Honest. To the point. And your conclusions are inescapable. I believe you are so right on I shall begin building a statue of you in my front yard. Hummmmm. I will need a picture. Ha ha.

Seriously, your post was a breath of fresh air. I would love to buy you a beer sometime. I hope to be there in DR within a few weeks. Lonely.

[QUOTE=Haven123;1689268]Ok no probs.

But I guess from the way you see things, all the "all inclusives" in Puerto Plata could just take the all inclusive part out of their offering semantics / marketing, and just keep current prices, but instead say all food and drink and all shows are complimentary and / or free.

Same difference. Wilfred knows who he is competing with and has a kitchen with daily fixed labor cost he needs to feed. This way the kitchen is not a cost center, but holds it own weight in his mind, with a kind of implied transfer pricing out of the bundled price offering.

Basically, this is bundled pricing, versus unbundled pricing in business school lingo. It's product positioning, differentiation and competitive and perceived value positioning. Trust me, there is absolutely nothing, zero, nada, nien, nicht, that is "free" in this universe. And there never will be.[/QUOTE]Thank you for clearing that up for all of us.

If it's your first time in DR or anywhere in the Caribbean, I'd highly recommend crashing at a hotel near the airport. There are a few budget options, and if you prefer staying at a "recognizable" then go with the Hodelpa Garden Court. It will of course cost you more than some of the other options.

Driving in DR is very different than what you might be used to, so that's why I would advise doing so in the daytime. The lighting on the roads at night is poor unless you're in a city. I've driven a couple times and it's always a challenge, especially in cities like Santiago and Santo Domingo. Sosua is not big, and very walkable (around the city that is) so it's not completely necessary to drive. I usually take a taxi from STI to Sosua, even late at night (although just keep in mind that it's late and you don't know how tired your driver might be) and that will run you about $80 - $100 (closer to $100 but I have gotten a deal of $80 once late at night).

[QUOTE=Sammon;1689100]I have booked a flight to Santiago mainly because of good rate and easy short connections. But the arrival is at 1 am. I have booked a rental car and hope to drive to Sosua.

Does any of the members think I should just stay one night in a nearby hotel for that night and go to Sosua next day?

Is there any hotels near the airport just to crash?

Thanks for the info.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Puntz79;1689286]If it's your first time in DR or anywhere in the Caribbean, I'd highly recommend crashing at a hotel near the airport. There are a few budget options, and if you prefer staying at a "recognizable" then go with the Hodelpa Garden Court. It will of course cost you more than some of the other options.

Driving in DR is very different than what you might be used to, so that's why I would advise doing so in the daytime. The lighting on the roads at night is poor unless you're in a city. I've driven a couple times and it's always a challenge, especially in cities like Santiago and Santo Domingo. Sosua is not big, and very walkable (around the city that is) so it's not completely necessary to drive. I usually take a taxi from STI to Sosua, even late at night (although just keep in mind that it's late and you don't know how tired your driver might be) and that will run you about $80 - $100 (closer to $100 but I have gotten a deal of $80 once late at night).[/QUOTE]I have been to Sosua many times over the years. My choice destination is Asia but it needs long vacation. Sosua and Costa Rica is good for short vacations.

In both places I always rent a car. I have plenty of experience driving there. Yes, there are big potholes. Once it bent my tire rim and I had to stop on the side. I was with a girl. Couple of local guys came and did change to the spare. I offered money but they refused. I have also driven over the mountains in Dominican republic sometimes at night.

I find there are many advantages by driving. I have picked up many chicas on the road, sometimes who were waiting for the bus or Gagua. Made many good friends. Gives me freedom to go to Cabarete Discos, Purto Plata night spots, casinoes etc rather than just the bars in Sosua. Besides I found many normal as well as working girls love to take trips in the car. Becomes more GFE.

Back to finding a Cabana near the airport STI I guess I need to ask the rental guy there. My flight lands at 1 am and really do not want to arrive in Sosua around 4 am.

[QUOTE=Haven123;1689238]This is the only place I have stayed at in SOS. Probably over 50 nights in total over the past 15 months or so. Wilfried the manager, who leases the property from the owner is a great guy and a good manager, with a really good team and excellent service. There is nothing free. Breakfast and dinner (optional for a higher price) is included in the price. Again, it is not free.

Unfortunately, Wilfried is dealing with a hip issue needing surgery so my heart goes out to him. But, he is still managing everything as always. A real trooper!

In my opinion, Casa Cayena is a very good option, but I have a watchful eye because the place is a bit jerry rigged. A lot of patchwork in the rooms, bath etc because of an aging property that is leased by him. So no real infrastructure improvements, just enough patchwork to get by.

The wifi, while decent, can be spotty and in and out! The water pressure in floors 2 and 3 poor. The 2 male chefs are quite decent, however more recently one of the cleaning ladies is trying her hand at being a chef, once or twice a week and she is not good.

Location is great for me, but may not work for all. Security is good and tight, no cedula / I'd means no entry for anyone. No exceptions. They check it and keep the cedula until the chica leaves. This is one reason why I stay here, and the safe of course. I tip everyone and bring the girls who work there small gifts every time. So, for me the service is great. And, I love Wilfried. He is the reason I never consider any other options. Superb manager.[/QUOTE]I've stayed there at least 50 nights over the past 15 months as well and wouldn't consider staying anywhere else in town. You can't beat the place in regards to everything it has to offer.

[QUOTE=Puntz79;1689286]Driving in DR is very different than what you might be used to, so that's why I would advise doing so in the daytime. The lighting on the roads at night is poor unless you're in a city. I've driven a couple times and it's always a challenge, especially in cities like Santiago and Santo Domingo.[/QUOTE]I think that if you are driving around a city (Santo Domingo, Santiago) it may be better to drive at night. There are less cars on the road and therefore it is less chaotic. The areas are well lit so there won't be a problem avoiding potholes. Driving city to city is best done in the daytime though, because the roads outside of the cities are not lit and it is harder to avoid potholes.

[QUOTE=Sammon;1689294]I have been to Sosua many times over the years. My choice destination is Asia but it needs long vacation. Sosua and Costa Rica is good for short vacations.

In both places I always rent a car. I have plenty of experience driving there. Yes, there are big potholes. Once it bent my tire rim and I had to stop on the side. I was with a girl. Couple of local guys came and did change to the spare. I offered money but they refused. I have also driven over the mountains in Dominican republic sometimes at night.

I find there are many advantages by driving. I have picked up many chicas on the road, sometimes who were waiting for the bus or Gagua. Made many good friends. Gives me freedom to go to Cabarete Discos, Purto Plata night spots, casinoes etc rather than just the bars in Sosua. Besides I found many normal as well as working girls love to take trips in the car. Becomes more GFE.

Back to finding a Cabana near the airport STI I guess I need to ask the rental guy there. My flight lands at 1 am and really do not want to arrive in Sosua around 4 am.[/QUOTE]You can try Eclipse cabanas touristicas which is fairly budget or Bora Bora which is a bit more upmarket. Eclipse has mirrors on the ceiling, if you like to look at yourself. They will also serve sandwiches, etc.

Both are located close to the beltway intersection near the STI airport.

[QUOTE=Haven123;1689238]Location is great for me, but may not work for all. Security is good and tight, no cedula / I'd means no entry for anyone. No exceptions. They check it and keep the cedula until the chica leaves. [/QUOTE]Read your long post and I compliment you. On the other hand, why are you worried about cedula checks? I presume you would not be worried about people you have vetted before bringing in.

To me, hotel check is an absolute irritant but then the people I have brought in, in any place including Sosua are regular people and adults and I find checks demeaning. Besides, I have never had any issue with anyone. Knock on wood, especially because most people anywhere treat you the way you treat them, as someone said here.

[QUOTE=Tempoecorto;1689566]Read your long post and I compliment you. On the other hand, why are you worried about cedula checks? I presume you would not be worried about people you have vetted before bringing in.

To me, hotel check is an absolute irritant but then the people I have brought in, in any place including Sosua are regular people and adults and I find checks demeaning. Besides, I have never had any issue with anyone. Knock on wood, especially because most people anywhere treat you the way you treat them, as someone said here.[/QUOTE]Thanks, Tempo! I love all your posts, info and suggestions. You are a true explorer and aficionado!

Re your question, 3 reasons:

1. I am not as experienced as you and my spanish is very limited; 50-100 words, but better when I write or read messages.

2. Because it is Sosua after all. Although nearly all my chicas come from Pto Pta, Luperon, Imbert and towns in between Pto Pta and Sos. A couple from Santiago, one from Santo Domingo (a dud, but I was on my first trip and she was a Civil Enginnering student, 21 yrs old and stayed with me for a few days at Lifestyle), and one for two diff weekends who trekked all the way from Higuey. And I never knew them from Eve, and they all spent nights with me.

And 3. Because I drink and party at the discos and sleep for long hours after I return with them, usually between 3-5 am, whether in SOS or the all inclusive resorts.

But, you are right, I have missed out on many good ones because they lost their cedula (and it costs like 2000 pesos to get a replacement) or they did not have one, but claimed to have it at home.

And yes, I agree it is demeaning. My apologies to them. But, in Brazil, and these days, even apartments have to take a photo AND enter all cedula info into a computer based on govt directive (San Paulo, Fortaleza etc.). My photo and passport info as well! So, it's equality! And often times in Apartments in Peru as well.

Yeah, so I've had some poor experiences, a couple times I either lost some dineros from my pocket or it disappared (2000 pesos twice), but more than 90 PC of my experiences have been average to good, and about 10 PC great. Although, for me it's all about hanging with the chicas and just interacting with them at a human level and also getting my fun from watching these chicas communicate with their boyfriends, amigos and amigas and just getting a sense of their LIVES from their Facebook banter, on my iPad or iPhone.

The overwhelming majority of my chicas are under 22. And all except 2 and at BB's (my first 2 trips), non- pros and semi pros. Or so, I think!! Haha.

There were 2 who would not take any dineros, one who got quite angry when I ever so discretely tried to slip her some dineros, and one who came with her own wireless hot spot cell device tagged to her cell phone. Meaning, she was from a family with some money. I have been to resorts with 4-5 of them for a total of 12 nights, whenever I get good deals at Lifestyle.

But, I do like the DR, the Dom chicas and I do want to learn Bachata and have that as an additional facet of pleasure, enjoyment and happiness because I love to dance, and even better, watch great Bachata dancers.

[QUOTE=Haven123;1689670] 3. Because I drink and party at the discos and sleep for long hours after I return with them, usually between 3-5 am, whether in SOS or the all inclusive resorts.[/QUOTE]Thank you for your response and the information on Brazil and Peru. Yes, it absolutely makes sense. It is just that I have no interest in drinking (Women already are heady enough for me. LOL) even though I enjoy a drink. Actually a cigar these days, after a good meal and coffee, but only when I am there.

I have had occasions when my money (more importantly, my passport) etc was in my back pack (not even the safe) and a woman inside the room watching TV, while I was outside shooting the breeze with other guests. I find and I suppose you do too, that young women take their cue from you and on that, I completely agreed with your statement that as you sow, so will you reap.