Santo Domingo

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;1396045]I've been considering Hotel / Casino Napolatino, pool, chica friendly. $70 / night.[/QUOTE]I have that also on my list.

[QUOTE=Jaosousa; 1395446]Hotel Palacio might charge an extra fee for a guest if she visits the room after 9pm (if the single occupancy room rate was chosen). Hotel Palacio is German owned, nice hotel, good location, I stayed there more than 10 times. The last time I stayed there was a few years ago, when I was given a room with poor air conditioning.

Hotel Palacio will ask for the chica's cedula (Dominican Photo Identification Card) and will make a copy.

Hotel Napolitano on the Malecon has a pool and is close to zona colonial. I have been told it is guest friendly:

[url]http://www.napolitanohotel.com/1.aspx[/url]

I have read something like that the Napolitano pool might be available to use for people not staying at the hotel, for a fee. Mint disco and a casino are in the Hotel Napolitano. Booking through Orbitz using a promo code, price is about $77US for a double occupancy room.

Hotel Villa Colonial on Calle Sanchez in zona colonial, about two blocks south of el conde:

[url]http://www.villacolonial.net/[/url]

, is a pretty hotel inside, with a small in-ground swimming pool. It is almost like a ghost hotel, when I visited there was no sign outside saying it was a hotel and I didn't see any guests, price is around $60-$70US.

Hotel Maison Gautreaux is guest friendly, about a 15 minute walk to zona colonial, has an outside jacuzzi on the second or third floor, price is about $50US for a double occupancy room,

[url]http://www.maisongautreaux.net/[/url][/QUOTE]Thank you for the info.

When I was looking at palacio website I remembered that I allready took a look on it before but forgot the hotel name. I wondered why they had a Shield with the Coat of Arms from Cologne on their front wall. Now I know that it is owned by a german it makes finally sense.

From all I have seen so far I like the palacio most.

But it is still a few month until I fly in and I can brainstorm a bit more.

When I hit the ground I will let you guys know. If some mongers are at the same time in SD maybe we can grab a beer together

Did someone put a sign on you. Wow I have been all over the DR and never had the issues you encountered to that degree. A polite firm no has worked consistently. When you give into one you open the flood gates. I tip and try to be generous to those who provide good service. I love the Dr and respect the people but I am not going to be punked.

[QUOTE=JustWonderin; 1396020]To OldKool-

Thanks so much for the info and advice. I agree with you. I am trying to go through some of those back posts to learn a bit more about the DR, Santo Domingo, etc. From your reply and the other reply that I received to my earlier post, I am guessing that this website must have quite a bit of traffic. If you don't mind, I would like to bring up another issue that I encountered on my trip to SD.

Before I headed to SD a couple weeks ago, I did read some posts on this board and / or others like it. One thing that seemed to be mentioned repeatedly was that for a newcomer to the DR and / or Santo Domingo, things could be a bit tricky, maybe a bit difficult, and I saw a number of warnings about personal safety and keeping valuables and personal property safe. Even though there seemed to be a lot of positive stuff in the posts, there seemed to be a fair number of warnings as well. Well, I decided to go anyway, and I decided to start with a casa like Satin Dolls because I had read that that was basically the "easiest" way for a newcomer / newbie / what have you. Anyway, my main interest in going to SD was in fact to look for these chicas that I had heard so much about. And I was not disappointed with the ones that I found, even if I realized belatedly that I may have overpaid and broken my budget.

However, besides just chasing chicas, I suppose that I would also be interested in learning a little bit about the venues of and the culture of SD and the DR in general. When I decided to go for a walk along the seaside, however, just outside my hotel, I was accosted by a fair number of guys who wanted to either shine my shoes or serve as guides of some sort or what have you. Well, I don't mind guys trying to earn a living, and I realize that the economy in the DR might not be the greatest, and normally when people are trying to make a living by shining your shoes, they are probably kind of desparate, and I wouldn't mind in the least if they just asked me outright if they could shine my shoes, and I would say yes, and I would pay them a fair price. But the guys that I came across started walking along side me, telling me that they were providing "security" for me, and basically not taking no for an answer. And then after a few minutes of this, they would bust out their shoeshine kit and start polishing away furiously at my shoes. It was like I had been caught / trapped / what have you. I thought it was ridiculous and outrageous. And then when I offered to pay them afterwards-maybe 100 pesos or so-they seemed insulted and complained loudly that that was not enough, etc. At first I gave the first guy more money, but not the second or third guy. I had my shoes shined three times in just two days. If someone just came up to me and said "Can I please shine your shoes for 100 pesos," I would say yes. But when they talk about providing "security," it felt to me as though they were trying to shake me down, and I didn't like it at all. Well, due to my experiences walking outside of my hotel, in the Malecon area, I decided that I would more or less just stay on the grounds of the hotel, or, if I had to go somewhere outside I would just take a taxi rather than walk. I suppose that is one way around it, but to tell you the truth, I didn't like that so much. Bascially my question is this: is this sort of thing something that basically happens more or less only in the Malecon area, or is this what would happen to me if I went walking on my own in other areas of Santo Domingo? And if it does happen in other areas of SD and the DR, what is the best way to avoid that sort of thing, if possible. Does one need to be accompanied by a native "guide" to prevent this sort of thing? Or is it just inevitable?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=OldKool;1396140]Did someone put a sign on you. Wow I have been all over the DR and never had the issues you encountered to that degree. A polite firm no has worked consistently. When you give into one you open the flood gates. I tip and try to be generous to those who provide good service. I love the Dr and respect the people but I am not going to be punked.[/QUOTE]Yeah, everyone wants to be your "friend" in SD. When I'm walking on the Malecon to El Conde, I usually pull out an old fake phone and pretend I'm talking to somebody. After ignoring them for a while they usually get the hint. Another is to take a pair of earphones and run the wire to your pants pocket and pretend you're listening to music. Last, tidbit, wear sunglasses and avoid any contact with them at all. Of course, you can always take a cab, LOL. There are legit guides in the Colonial Zone who will take you around, even go to clubs with you if you need help with translation. Also helps when you're negotiating a fair price for a puta. With anything, negotiate in advance.

In SD I do not wear shorts or hats. I try to blend in. I have no idea if I am fooling anyone. I even adopt the Dominicano swagger. I have been on El Conde so many times the guys kind of know me. However I have consistently been independent. Meaning I had women already and did not need their services. I actually have hustlers who give me dap and minimum hustle attempts. I use some services hair cuts manicures and teeth whitening. All are a bargain for me. I noticed how easy it was to spot Americans on El Conde. They look like prey. Wife beaters baggy shorts and ear to ear grins. This a departure from Dominicano cool. The Dominicans are not quite sure of me until they hear my bad Spanish. (getting better practice every day) All and all they almost never bother me,

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;1396223]Yeah, everyone wants to be your "friend" in SD. When I'm walking on the Malecon to El Conde, I usually pull out an old fake phone and pretend I'm talking to somebody. After ignoring them for a while they usually get the hint. Another is to take a pair of earphones and run the wire to your pants pocket and pretend you're listening to music. Last, tidbit, wear sunglasses and avoid any contact with them at all. Of course, you can always take a cab, LOL. There are legit guides in the Colonial Zone who will take you around, even go to clubs with you if you need help with translation. Also helps when you're negotiating a fair price for a puta. With anything, negotiate in advance.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=OldKool;1396234]In SD I do not wear shorts or hats. I try to blend in. I have no idea if I am fooling anyone. I even adopt the Dominicano swagger. I have been on El Conde so many times the guys kind of know me. However I have consistently been independent. Meaning I had women already and did not need their services. I actually have hustlers who give me dap and minimum hustle attempts. I use some services hair cuts manicures and teeth whitening. All are a bargain for me. I noticed how easy it was to spot Americans on El Conde. They look like prey. Wife beaters baggy shorts and ear to ear grins. This a departure from Dominicano cool. The Dominicans are not quite sure of me until they hear my bad Spanish. (getting better practice every day) All and all they almost never bother me,[/QUOTE]White, fat balding, on the bad side of 40. I learned spanish in the DR and speak with a DR accent, never use touts. I've got the macho swagger with the men down there, I don't take any shit from them. I really don't go to the tourist spots any more, unless I want some food in those areas (some decent restaurants in the Zona Colonial).

Dominicans do where shorts and hats (mainly baseball caps). I use all sorts of services, my in house mani pedi's are the best and around 200 pesos for a house call, this girl is better than a podiatrist. As I live here more than in the states, I've been to the doctor, dentist (no teeth whitening) all sorts of things. And all of those services are bargains. I was getting the cable service turned on in my house recently, my girl was with me. When the agent at claro asked about my monthly income, I cut it in half (don't want people knowing what I make) and was told that I make more in a month, than most professionals make in a year. I try and keep that on the down low as much as possible.

I've been to the zoo and the botanical gardens, where they charge more for tourists than for locals. I tell them I'm from Santiago and argue my way in for the local price. I get a kick out of arguing with them.

I haggle for everything. Not that I'm cheap, I just like the haggling. I have a handyman and a housekeeper, I don't haggle with them, I give them a fair pay for the work that they do and I always round up. The housekeeper may be on her way out as she is taking advantage of my gentle nature. And I can get another one in a heartbeat.

If anyone wants any hints or tips on how to live down here let me know, I'm always willing to share my experience and knowledge.

Great insights. I may take your suggestions and visit some of the places you mentioned. After 3 days in Sosua sex will not be my only priority. I a still putting together my agenda. I am not sure if I am gong to hookup with an old girlfriend or a very attractive SW I know in SD. I have 2 wingmen that have non pros girls already lined up. We are not in the zonal colonal. So having an agenda is more important. I think the ladies love going to the zoo, movies and gardens. I do not mine haggling because it is part of the system. Thanks again for your insight.

[QUOTE=Cagep1967; 1396275]White, fat balding, on the bad side of 40. I learned spanish in the DR and speak with a DR accent, never use touts. I've got the macho swagger with the men down there, I don't take any shit from them. I really don't go to the tourist spots any more, unless I want some food in those areas (some decent restaurants in the Zona Colonial).

Dominicans do where shorts and hats (mainly baseball caps). I use all sorts of services, my in house mani pedi's are the best and around 200 pesos for a house call, this girl is better than a podiatrist. As I live here more than in the states, I've been to the doctor, dentist (no teeth whitening) all sorts of things. And all of those services are bargains. I was getting the cable service turned on in my house recently, my girl was with me. When the agent at claro asked about my monthly income, I cut it in half (don't want people knowing what I make) and was told that I make more in a month, than most professionals make in a year. I try and keep that on the down low as much as possible.

I've been to the zoo and the botanical gardens, where they charge more for tourists than for locals. I tell them I'm from Santiago and argue my way in for the local price. I get a kick out of arguing with them.

I haggle for everything. Not that I'm cheap, I just like the haggling. I have a handyman and a housekeeper, I don't haggle with them, I give them a fair pay for the work that they do and I always round up. The housekeeper may be on her way out as she is taking advantage of my gentle nature. And I can get another one in a heartbeat.

If anyone wants any hints or tips on how to live down here let me know, I'm always willing to share my experience and knowledge.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Cagep1967;1396275]I've got the macho swagger with the men down there, I don't take any shit from them.[/QUOTE]Thanks much for an insider's view.

Not knowing what "swagger' actually refers to. Except the literal meaning, and never being much of a "macho", would you please explain the art of "macho swagger" as above? As an infrequent visitor, have not had to deal with too many men (barring taxi drivers or hotel people) ; perhaps because I try to avoid places where men from other countries congregate with one thing. Actually two things.alcohol and women.not sure of the order LOL. On their mind.

I may have a night in Santo Domingo during the last part of the month. I am looking for a place which ideally has all of the following characteristics:

1) Closer to the west side of Santo Domingo. Perhaps in a residential area. So no gazcue or colonial like touristy spots.

2) Close to the Metro (around 27 de Febrero) will be nice but I will have a car.

3) Essential- clean but not fancy- I have problem bringing in people to places that cost more per day than they make in a week or worse.

4) Guest friendly and by that I mean where discretion is the better part of valor. On both sides.

5) Potentially have a cabana within a 10-15 minute driving space.

Thanks to all in advance!

[QUOTE=SavePros321;1393288]Can you share some more?[/QUOTE]Amara shaking her ass at various intersections in Santo Domingo (also outside Pacos at the beginning of El Conde) : [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIrijHN5-Ng&NR=1&feature=endscreen[/url]

There are three main East-West streets: El Malecon which runs along the coast (also known as Avenida George Washington and further west is called Autopista 30 de Mayo); Avenida 27 de Febrero and Avenida John F. Kennedy which becomes Autopista Duarte and leads to the highway which you take for Bonao, La Vega, Moca, Santiago and Puerto Plata. Avenida 27 de Febrero has an elevated portion which bypasses numerous traffic lights and intersections (express), same for Ave. Kennedy. Ave. 27 de Febrero also has underground sections which bypass some intersections and traffic lights. To turn off of Avenida 27 de Febrero or Ave. Kennedy at certain intersections you will have to be in the far right lane (local or service type lane) even though you may be making a left at an intersection (oftentimes the middle lanes are express and you can't turn left from them, therefore you have to be in the outside lanes). Heading west on Ave. Kennedy when approaching Avenida Winston Churchill, the middle inside lane (most left) is an exit lane for Ave. Churchill.

In the video you can see some of the elevated sections of Avenida Kennedy, also some of the larger intersections have large modern looking pedestrian bridges.

I hope I don't have to start charging you a licensing fee for using the SavePros brand in your promotions, LOL.

[QUOTE=SavePros321;1396478]I hope I don't have to start charging you a licensing fee for using the SavePros brand in your promotions, LOL.[/QUOTE]Perdon. I am Guilty for promoting fat beautiful Dominicana culos. (radio I just about never listen to in the car in the DR).

[QUOTE=Tempoecorto; 1396425]Thanks much for an insider's view.

Not knowing what "swagger' actually refers to. Except the literal meaning, and never being much of a "macho", would you please explain the art of "macho swagger" as above? As an infrequent visitor, have not had to deal with too many men (barring taxi drivers or hotel people) ; perhaps because I try to avoid places where men from other countries congregate with one thing. Actually two things. Alcohol and women. Not sure of the order LOL. On their mind.[/QUOTE]I was driving near my house, with my girl and her nephew in the car. A guagua was to my left, and the guy that hangs out of the bus that gets passengers and collect fares was waving at me. Now I know a lot of people down here, so I wasn't sure if I knew him or if my girl did or not.

When I asked, she said no. He then continued to blow kisses at her and was gesturing for her number. He must of thought it was OK to do this because I'm a gringo. At the next stop for passengers, I pulled up in front of the bus and left my car in its way, got out and was ready to ***** slap this guy. He apologized profusely with a bit of fear in his face.

Last night I was at Agora Mall with another girl (she has a great ass) , She got out of the car and walked towards the door and she was ahead of me. There was a dominican near the door, going psst psst to her, constantly. He didn't know she was with me. She passed him and while he was staring at her ass, I walked up to his face and asked him "Tienes problema?" He replied no, I then asked "Quieres uno?". He too apologized. The incident with guy from the bus has never happened to me before and for the disrespect I would have really hurt the guy. The second has happened numerous times, I usually give the guys a pass if they didn't see I was with the girl.

Also, with anyone trying to intrude on my personal space or my enjoyment of life in general, I don't give them an inch. I shut them down immediately. Some men down there think the gringos are a soft touch, not me.

I argue with the police, street vendors, whoever I feel is doing me wrong. I'm not an ugly american, by any means, however, I do stand up for my personal rights and am not stupid about it.

I don't get shook down by anyone (except my kids).

As for the women down here, I read a great line by someone (probably a fellow monger, don't recall).

With the women here. Don't ask, tell. Great piece of advice. They need you a lot more than you need them.

[QUOTE=Jaosousa;1396474]There are three main East-West streets: El Malecon which runs along the coast (also known as Avenida George Washington and further west is called Autopista 30 de Mayo); Avenida 27 de Febrero and Avenida John F. Kennedy which becomes Autopista Duarte and leads to the highway which you take for Bonao, La Vega, Moca, Santiago and Puerto Plata. Avenida 27 de Febrero has an elevated portion which bypasses numerous traffic lights and intersections (express), same for Ave. Kennedy. Ave. 27 de Febrero also has underground sections which bypass some intersections and traffic lights. To turn off of Avenida 27 de Febrero or Ave. Kennedy at certain intersections you will have to be in the far right lane (local or service type lane) even though you may be making a left at an intersection (oftentimes the middle lanes are express and you can't turn left from them, therefore you have to be in the outside lanes). Heading west on Ave. Kennedy when approaching Avenida Winston Churchill, the middle inside lane (most left) is an exit lane for Ave. Churchill.[/QUOTE]LOL! I got screwed the so far only time I was in S. D and was rushing to get out of the city.northbound. I thought those elevated sections are dicey. Both in terms of lack of clear directions and then in trying to get back.

[QUOTE=Cagep1967; 1396504]I was driving near my house, with my girl and her nephew in the car. A guagua was to my left, and the guy that hangs out of the bus that gets passengers and collect fares was waving at me. Now I know a lot of people down here, so I wasn't sure if I knew him or if my girl did or not.

When I asked, she said no. He then continued to blow kisses at her and was gesturing for her number. He must of thought it was OK to do this because I'm a gringo. At the next stop for passengers, I pulled up in front of the bus and left my car in its way, got out and was ready to * slap this guy. He apologized profusely with a bit of fear in his face.[/QUOTE]Thanks much for your explanation. Often times, people do whatever they do, because they think they can get away with it so I completely agree with you. I have no problem arguing with anyone if I think I have been wronged. I loved that "quieres uno". LOL but I have never been physical. I just cannot muster whatever it takes to hit someone first and for that matter, I have never been hit by anyone.

I also think your being a man is appreciated by women, in a place where women probably are subjugated to this day in day out. Having said this, with my experience in Santiago, where I rode the local taxis often, never saw behavior on the road you described. So far.

Thanks again!

[QUOTE=SavePros321;1396478]I hope I don't have to start charging you a licensing fee for using the SavePros brand in your promotions, LOL.[/QUOTE]Do you have a Trademark on the following (LOL):

SaveOnPros (for a guy who might want to Promote a low cost monger destination).

Save-A-Pro (for a guy who might be interested in promoting rehabilitation of pros).

WhereProSave (for promoting a low cost store where Pros can buy Hoochie ware for their work or alternatively to promote a bank where pros save their hard earned money).

Thank you.