SPRING BREAK WITHOUT RESERVATIONS???

My roomate and I are traveling to the DR for college spring break for the week of March 15-22.....We haven't reserved anything because we want to explore and experience the country rather than staying put at an all inclusive for seven days. Is it going to be possible to find available lodging (inexpesive to moderate) in Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Puerta Plata and Sosua without reservations??? I will be most grateful for any info or advice. Hasta pronto.......Nat

No problem. There is plenty of moderate lodging in the cities you mention. Research through this message board's archives/resort database will provide names of places to contact. Also, call the Hotel Association's 1-800-723-6138 in the USA for a copy of their Vacation Planner.

We recommend you stay on the southern/southeastern coast. You only have seven days, so it's too hectic to head north. Leave that for another trip.

We suggest you spend three days in Santo Domingo, a city of excellent restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. Take a cab into Santo Domingo and book a room for three nights at the new Hotel Sofitel Francés (about US$100 a night), in the colonial city, near the Plaza España and Alcazar area. Visit Briciola and Pata de Palo restaurants, participate in the Plaza de España nightlife. Visit Bachata Rosa. Go shopping in Calle El Conde. Go to Jubilee Disco at the Jaragua Hotel and La Guácara cave nightclub in the Mirador Park. If you're here on a Monday, go late at night (about 11 pm to the Jet Set Nightclub for a night of merengue dancing).

Then rent a car and head out to La Romana and visit Altos de Chavón and stay at the Club Dominicus (http://www.vivaresorts.com) for two nights, prior to heading back to Santo Domingo. Take the excursion to Saona or Catalina island.

Then spend your last two nights in Boca Chica beach town, 15 minutes from the Las Americas International Airport at the Hotel Zapata (http://www.dr1.com/zapata), a small inn right on the beach.

Please note that the hotels we recommend will require prior reservations as they tend to fill up.

Nat, I don't know why DR ONE is telling you not to go to the North coast --Santo Domingo is more hectic than PP. You fly into Puerto Plata - any taxi driver can take you to a hostel in Puerto Plata - and there are also local, small hotels that they know of that are safe - Also, there is Noel's bed and breakfast that is really good - you can find her on www.popreport.com She has a beautiful house - off the Malecon by the Puerto Plata Beach Resort - try emailing her. Also on the Malecon is a place called "Camacho" that rents rooms. Also Sosua is a close drive. They have a new "Agua Parque" - Water Park just before you get to Sosua - it is alot of fun! Then there is Cabarete, Playa Grande - All this places you can do as day trips. Hope this is of help to you.

Nina

No problemo. Even the big all-inclusives will have rooms. It will cost you more than a package though. The smaller hotels would probably more fun and less expensive. I hope you have a flight booked. That is usually the most difficult thing during March Break.

Have fun trying to find a CHEEP airfare for Spring Break.. It's the most hectic time to go..and the most expensive..

A lot of airlines are full for Spring Break...but i'm sure you will manage.

Have a great time and i'll see you down in Puerto Plata.

What are the dates of this "break?"

Tom

March 14 to 21 for Ontario.

In a rather drunken state last night I wrote that whole spring break date thing......I made it seem that here in the states we get the whole month off for break.....I know everyone here probably understands that the breaks vary from school to school and they are one week long throughout the month of March.....I only wish we had an entire month off....thanks for letting me clear this up....Nat

I thank you all for your responses thus far........your info has been extremely helpful.......as far as the date of spring break go.......for all those who are curious.......in the United States......they start in the first week of March......however some of the other schools start the week afer or the week after that.......basically in the states the break is from March 1 to March 31st......So we are trying to keep it real......you too......gente.....gracias......Nat