First Timer

Greetings all...coming to Santo Domingo from New York in June....1) Do I need a passport? 2)Can you recommend a safe hotel with good food in Santo Domingo guess I will be coming by cab from the airport.3) Is the water safe to drink or should I buy bottled...I heard its rainy time, hope I see some sun...Thanks in advance...Victor

Whatever you do, don't drink the the water!!!!Stick to bottled water. To be honest with you, Im not really familiar with the Santo Domingo area,(but I have been to the Dominican Rep. about 7-8 times) but I do recommend that you you stay at an all inclusive resort since it will be your first time in the country. Coral Hamaca although abit more expensive is a good hotel, with good food, service, and entertainment. I don't know if you need your passport, Im from Canada and never needed mine only proof of citizenship, but in your case consult your travel agent. You will also need to make sure that you keep aside 10$ american for your departure tax. This is only accepted in american dollars. If you have anymore questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Victor

Do you need to be in the City. Travelling alone, nightlife age group etc. If you post a few more details, I believ you will receive many good answers

Tom

I agree stay in a nice inclusive resort and venture out if you so desire.

You will need a passport if you are an American, or I believe they still accept birth certificates.

Drink plenty of bottled water

Victor, is there sufficient room in your suitcase for a 5 foot 2 inches person? Seriously now, yes it is best if you travel with a passport. Thee are many wounderful Hotels in the city of Santo Domingo. I recommended El Embajador to all my American friends and they all enjoyed their stayed. The water in the Hotels is good, but otherwise drink bottle water. It may be raining a lot now but, the rain showers don't last more than an hour at a time, after that the sun comes out shining as nothing happened! Enjoy and be safe.

La Dominicanita

Yes, drink only bottled water. You may want to bring some Immodium or Pepto Bismol, too, just in case.

You only need a certified copy of your birth certificate (raised seal from the county of your birth) and a picture ID to enter the country. But a passport makes it much easier to travel and exchange money.

Santo Domingo is a great city. It is over 500 years old and deserves to be explored, especially in the Colonial Zone. It is safe to travel this area at night just be aware of your surroundings. The Hamaca Hotel is in Boca Chica. This is the beach approximately 20 miles east of Santo Domingo. There are many nice hotels and restaurants in Santo Domingo. The Jaragua Hotel is part of the Renaissance (Marriott) system. The Melia used to be a Sheraton. These are located almost next to each other on the Malecon, George Washington Ave., along the coast. They both have casinos, discos and lounges with live music. I stay at the Hotel Cervantes. It is not as fancy as the other two but has everything I need and fits into a short vacation budget. It is located about 6 blocks north of the coast on Cervantes Avenue.

The Dominican Republic is a country of many charms and wonderful, warm and friendly people. Use the internet to explore the country before you arrive. Enjoy.

Yes - bottled water, and bring immodium or you may be sorry you didn't. If you are staying in the city you will not need all inclusive - there are many, many good places to eat, from budget to high end. Dominican food is very tasty, and varied. There is a restaurant located at the end of the main shopping street which is closed to traffic, across from burger king which is reasonable, truly dominican and open 24 hrs. Great place to sit and watch life go by. Ask anyone at your hotel where this street is. Get a good map & walk around. ENJOY!!!