Santo Domingo

Maybe I'm misunderstanding this. When I click on the standard rate hotel button, I can see the stars. There are several other 3. 5 star hotels according to this, in addition to Hotel Palacio. Jaragua is 3. 5 stars on their site. After I did that, I clicked on the lower price button which does not reveal the hotel name but reveals the rating and general location. Did I do something wrong? BTW, the reviews on tripadvisor scared me off from the Jaragua and I called Hotwire. They were extremely nice about it. I told 'them I was a stoopid gringo and just pleaded stupidity. Well, that wasn't difficult, haha. They changed the reservation to Hotel Palacio for the standard rate, which was only another $20, or $95 with everything. I still need to book my last 2 nights in Santo Domingo. I'll wait to hear from you before going further.

[QUOTE=OldKool;1453070]Checkin with your girl and she can spend the night with you no problem. Send her name as a guest with you. I think you picked the wrong option on hotwire. Palacio is the only 3 half star on the no name list. The Mecure which is a good option was priced at $55 on the named hotels with hotwire. Jaraqua is listed as 4 star on hotwire. Jaraqua is very convient The casino disco and several casas in walking distance.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Parkinsons; 1453071]I've rented a car from Dollar on Independencia Ave, one block on the backside of the malecon. There are several car rental places within the same area, including the Hertz you mentioned. That Hertz is also within walking distance from the Jaragua.

Does this mean you will pay for a taxi to get from the airport to your hotel and then pick up the rental car? No worries about getting lost going from SDQ to the city, it is pretty much a straight shot and there are plenty of road signs. Save yourself the cab fare and pick up from SDQ.[/QUOTE]As I mentioned in my last post, I'll be staying at Hotel Palacio, not the Jaragua. And yes in answer to taking a taxi from the airport. Yes, I understand it's a waste, but it evens out because rental is cheaper from the downtown location. The reason for doing so is that I know myself and zona colonial is not an easy area to maneuver and I'm sure to get lost. Even some taxis have a difficult time finding the Palacio. Hertz has a GPS but it's $12. 50 / day, which is pretty outrageous. I downloaded an iPhone app for the DR, but it's horrible.

Palacio is El Conde and Duarte. I would never rent a car in SD. Once you hook up with a good cab driver in SD is stressful. You do not need to know where you are going when you have a driver. Plus no risk of accidents.

[QUOTE=Jooks;1453075]As I mentioned in my last post, I'll be staying at Hotel Palacio, not the Jaragua. And yes in answer to taking a taxi from the airport. Yes, I understand it's a waste, but it evens out because rental is cheaper from the downtown location. The reason for doing so is that I know myself and zona colonial is not an easy area to maneuver and I'm sure to get lost. Even some taxis have a difficult time finding the Palacio. Hertz has a GPS but it's $12. 50 / day, which is pretty outrageous. I downloaded an iPhone app for the DR, but it's horrible.[/QUOTE]

I'm going to Bayahibe and Higuey for the middle part of my trip, hence the reason for renting a car. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider it.

Speaking of SD cabdrivers, last month when I was there, I must've used cabs on average 3 times a day and virtually every driver gave me his card. Are they nuts? They were all pretty much from Apolo, by far, the best service in town. However, I met a driver a few trips ago who works outside the Palacio who did favors for me and I used him as the need arose. I used to ride his ass though about charging me turista prices. Unfortunately, I could never completely shake him of that habit, haha.

[QUOTE=OldKool;1453089]Palacio is El Conde and Duarte. I would never rent a car in SD. Once you hook up with a good cab driver in SD is stressful. You do not need to know where you are going when you have a driver. Plus no risk of accidents.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Parkinsons;1453071]Does this mean you will pay for a taxi to get from the airport to your hotel and then pick up the rental car? No worries about getting lost going from SDQ to the city, it is pretty much a straight shot and there are plenty of road signs. Save yourself the cab fare and pick up from SDQ.[/QUOTE]Exactly. Paying for a taxi from and to the airport is more than paying for the rental for two days. Just add that google maps to your smart phone with your Claro SIM + internet and you will be in business with your own GPS. You can be in Higuey and punch in El Toro Bar and that mf will take you 4 hours clear up to Sosua. I guarantee you won't get lost. You will need it going out to Higuey and Bayahibe anyway.

Mr. E is correct. I took his advice and used google maps on my last trip, and I was shocked at how accurate it was. It really came in handy for me, because my normal drive flaked out on me, and I was forced to use regular taxis. Adding the prepaid data plan was simple. I still haven't gotten over my fear of driving there. Motorcycles passing on either side of the cars at night, with no freakin lights. Big ass car swallowing pot holes. Maybe one day I'll get over it.

I starting using taxi's for everything in Santo Domingo. I never spent more than $5 (200pesos) a ride and never more than $25total / per day. It actually saved me money, renting is about $50 / day (rental+insurance) and it save the stress and headaches of driving on a vacation.

Every taxi driver wants to be your body and want to hook me up with "amigas" few are good at it. I did get one dude that was always on time (early) , he drives good SUV, didn't beg for ayuda, and introduced me to amigas for between 1000-1500. He charged me $30 for a airport run. I'm sure he would do it for 1000pesos.

Romu.

829 208 3353.

He is on whatsapp if you want to message him for airport run, say I am amigo de Alex de NY.

I didn't realize google maps works in the DR. It is an amazing tool.

So, I've been thinking about several things. First, I don't need or want a car in Santo Domingo if it's convenient to get to Romana and I think it is. I'll need the car there, where I'll be spending 4 days. So, if someone can steer me to a bus or other transportation from SD to to Bayahibe and possibly recommend a rental car in Romana, I would appreciate it.

I crossed Hotel Palacio off my list, possibly forever. I needed to make reservations for my last 2 nights, which will be spent in SD. I checked various places for rates at Hotel Palacio and it was confusing. On their site, they list about 15 different types of rooms. They're actually not completely different, like one might have 2 Queen beds and another a king, but it was downright confusing and I had to call before booking online. To make a long story short. I've stayed at the Palacio my last 4 trips, the last one being less than a month ago. I left a nice tip for the staff (no one said thanks) and everyone knows me, including the owner George, the German guy. I'm not a PITA and I stayed with one chica the whole time. All I asked was that they hold onto a specific room (which was available). I didn't ask for a special rate and even offered to prepay. They refused to make any accommodations. I spoke with the manager also. Screw them. There's no such thing as loyalty with them. Anyway, I'm looking for a somewhat similar place in the colonial zone, Nicolas de Ovando, though that seems a bit pricey.

Jooks my friend, you are driving everyone here stir-crazy. Everyone here has been very helpful but you change with the wind Sir. In the DR sometimes you have to go with the flow, making plans usually will have some glitches. The hotel I've been staying at 10 times gives me a special rate and I don't have to search the internet for deals because I've got the lowest price. I'm thinking maybe they didn't want you back, I wonder why?

I thought the owner of Palacios was Swiss? When I stayed there everything was great.

Have your girl help you with the bus, most Dominicans are very familiar with it. Once we help you then you will decide to walk LOL. You are the only guy that has not been able to find appropriate accommodations in SD, maybe you are to picky and wishy washy. I mean no disrespect Sir but you are tripping over yourself.

Priceline has it listed for 56 plus taxes. Mecure is an attractive place and has a restaurant and great location.

QUOTE=Jooks; 1453369]I didn't realize google maps works in the DR. It is an amazing tool.

So, I've been thinking about several things. First, I don't need or want a car in Santo Domingo if it's convenient to get to Romana and I think it is. I'll need the car there, where I'll be spending 4 days. So, if someone can steer me to a bus or other transportation from SD to to Bayahibe and possibly recommend a rental car in Romana, I would appreciate it.

I crossed Hotel Palacio off my list, possibly forever. I needed to make reservations for my last 2 nights, which will be spent in SD. I checked various places for rates at Hotel Palacio and it was confusing. On their site, they list about 15 different types of rooms. They're actually not completely different, like one might have 2 Queen beds and another a king, but it was downright confusing and I had to call before booking online. To make a long story short. I've stayed at the Palacio my last 4 trips, the last one being less than a month ago. I left a nice tip for the staff (no one said thanks) and everyone knows me, including the owner George, the German guy. I'm not a PITA and I stayed with one chica the whole time. All I asked was that they hold onto a specific room (which was available). I didn't ask for a special rate and even offered to prepay. They refused to make any accommodations. I spoke with the manager also. Screw them. There's no such thing as loyalty with them. Anyway, I'm looking for a somewhat similar place in the colonial zone, Nicolas de Ovando, though that seems a bit pricey.[/QUOTE]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be flying into SDQ around the 20th. I'm going to be staying there for 3 days and heading over to Caberete / Sosua for about a week. If anyone is interested in wingmaning with a relative DR newb I'm down. I've been there once (albeit with my girl) but this time I'm going solo and looking for the real experience. If anyone is going to be around let me know.

I would hate to be at the wrong end of your remarks when you did try to be insulting. Thanks for the help though.

[QUOTE=Mr Gogo; 1453377]Jooks my friend, you are driving everyone here stir-crazy. Everyone here has been very helpful but you change with the wind Sir. In the DR sometimes you have to go with the flow, making plans usually will have some glitches. The hotel I've been staying at 10 times gives me a special rate and I don't have to search the internet for deals because I've got the lowest price. I'm thinking maybe they didn't want you back, I wonder why?

I thought the owner of Palacios was Swiss? When I stayed there everything was great.

Have your girl help you with the bus, most Dominicans are very familiar with it. Once we help you then you will decide to walk LOL. You are the only guy that has not been able to find appropriate accommodations in SD, maybe you are to picky and wishy washy. I mean no disrespect Sir but you are tripping over yourself.[/QUOTE]

The owner George is German. He has a huge boat that he lives on much of the time. He has always been very kind to me but everybody is. I think the best deal going now may be the Mecure. Priceline is advertising for $56 plus tax. Had some of the best sex of my life at the Palacio. The staff was very helpful and I love where it is. Very close o some great spots.

[QUOTE=Jooks;1453509]I would hate to be at the wrong end of your remarks when you did try to be insulting. Thanks for the help though.[/QUOTE]

I always found George to be helpful. I think he spells it Joaquin. Not to get into details, but I worked in a hotel also and I know what it's like dealing with the public. He cited as the main reason for the increase in rates was electric going up.

Anyway, I took a look around the lobby of the Mercure once and I got a good feeling about the place. You can't beat the location. Any thoughts on Nicolas de Ovando? I know it's more expensive, but is it worth it?

[QUOTE=OldKool;1453515]The owner George is German. He has a huge boat that he lives on much of the time. He has always been very kind to me but everybody is. I think the best deal going now may be the Mecure. Priceline is advertising for $56 plus tax. Had some of the best sex of my life at the Palacio. The staff was very helpful and I love where it is. Very close o some great spots.[/QUOTE]

Mr. Gogo my buddy, I have given your words much consideration and did some soul searching. In the end, I am confused by such passive / aggressive remarks beginning with your first statement that I am driving everyone crazy and that everyone has been helpful.

What have you said to be helpful? And of course, you are free to ignore my posts.

I started out with a basic plan and I needed help in implementing it. I never deviated from the plan. To reiterate, the plan is to meet a chica in Santo Domingo who I know and stay in SD for a night or 2. After a night or two, we plan to travel to the vicinity of Higuey where she has relatives and then back to SD and spend a night or 2. I won't rehash what's already been said, but I was looking for help filling in the details and logistics. Is it so wrong to want to hear as many alternatives as possible?

I don't believe I ever asked for a suggestion about a hotel in the Higuey vicinity. That's because I asked someone off board and he came up with exactly what I was looking for.

In addition, hotels are subjective. One man's 5 star hotel is another man's nightmare. I think the Palacio is a good microcosm of both extremes. There have been many complaints about some of the rooms, I. E, the ground floor rooms by the courtyard and rooms in the old section. This can easily be confirmed by checking various sites such as trip advisor. Many rooms have no wi-fi or a barely discernible signal. For some this is important, for others, not so important. On the other hand, most of the rooms, particularly in the new wing, are excellent in my opinion. While I haven't stayed there as often as some of you, I think I have stayed enough times to form an educated opinion.

Some people travel to the DR solely or mostly for mongering; others have additional reasons for going there. For me, mongering never ranked as one of the top reasons why I traveled there, although it played a part. Hence, my membership on this board. I see disagreements all the time about prices to pay for casas and ladies in general, sometimes the arguments are over a few hundred pesos. I find that absurd, but that's me.

Last and not least, some people prioritize a good hotel with good amenities. That's me. Other people are perfectly content spending as little as possible and couldn't care less about the room. To each his own.

One of the problems may be that I don't put a great deal of emphasis on mongering, at least less than most members. This runs contrary to the board's apparent mission.

I'm sorry to disturb the board with personal bulloney like this and I'd like to say a BIG thanks for those who offered help, on and off board.

I also mean no disrespect but perhaps being a little more tolerant of others will make you less crazy.

[QUOTE=Mr Gogo; 1453377]Jooks my friend, you are driving everyone here stir-crazy. Everyone here has been very helpful but you change with the wind Sir. In the DR sometimes you have to go with the flow, making plans usually will have some glitches. The hotel I've been staying at 10 times gives me a special rate and I don't have to search the internet for deals because I've got the lowest price. I'm thinking maybe they didn't want you back, I wonder why?

I thought the owner of Palacios was Swiss? When I stayed there everything was great.

Have your girl help you with the bus, most Dominicans are very familiar with it. Once we help you then you will decide to walk LOL. You are the only guy that has not been able to find appropriate accommodations in SD, maybe you are to picky and wishy washy. I mean no disrespect Sir but you are tripping over yourself.[/QUOTE]