[Matilda]

Originally Posted by gourmei

I'm leaving for a last minute vacation to Juan Dolio and staying at the Embassy Suites Los Marlins from Wednesday(3/19) to Sunday (3/23). After reading some of the posts about Juan Dolio I'm worried that it was a bad choice. I was hoping people could offer some advice. We are two young people who like the beach and like to explore but are a bit strapped for cash.


We are flying into Santa Domingo airport, what is the best way to get to hotel?

Taxi. Around 45US$. Embassy suites is a nice hotel but in a gated area - Metro Country Club on the other side of the highway from Juan Dolio itself. A25 minute walk, or hire bicycles


Are there any good cheap restaurants around the hotel/in Juan Dolio? And, does anyone know of one nicer restaurant for one night out (preferably with a view of the beach)?

All the restaurants are a good walk or bike ride from the hotel. ChrisHE has listed them. She is right Aura in old Juan Dolio is very special - nice during the day too. Go down the road opposite the gas station and turn right, it is then on the left. Another nice restaurant would be El Pescador in Guayacanes which is a 10 minute taxi ride and a bit cheaper but also on the beach

Where would be a good place to go out in Juan Dolio? Are there places with live music/dancing? Do we have to go into Santo Domingo for that?

Guilias cafe on a Monday night has live band

What should we make sure to see while in Juan Dolio? And, what is the best way to get to these sites (taxi, bus, etc.)? Is it worth it to rent a car (should two Americans even drive in the DR?)

You could rent a car but it is pricey. You could get around Juan Dolio from your hotel by motoconcho (motorbike taxi) or rent pedal bikes.

I'm from New York and am looking forward to the beach! What beach should we go to, and how do we get there?

The beach at Aura is nice - if you don't eat and just drink water it is cheap enough. Playa Esmerelda in Guaycanes is nice too, with food stalls and a local atmosphere. Be warned the beaches will be heaving all weekend as that is where the Dominicans go for Easter


The weather forecast predicts 30% rain every day in Santa Domingo is that a bad sign?

The weather will be great

Lastly, do you think we will run into any difficulties with it being Easter weekend?

It will be very crowded everywhere. If you want to party then go to the beach, otherwise just chill by the hotel pool. I would not advise driving on the highway as most of the other drivers will be drunk!! But you can go out of the country club and straight over the road into Juan Dolio

If anyone could answer my questions, it would be greatly appreciated! I'm really looking forward to my stay in Juan Dolio, and just want to make sure I have some more information before I go. Thank you so much.

If you need to know anything when you are here then just pm me

Matilda