Book hotel upon arrival?

[Gma]

Hi!

We're going to DR in november, and haven't booked our hotel yet. Is it easy getting a hotelroom upon arrival if you're staying for 2 weeks in november (or would you rwecommend booking it on the web soon?)? We were thinking about staying in Sosua/Cabarete or somewhere on the north coast.

Thanks

Gma

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by Gma

Hi!

We're going to DR in november, and haven't booked our hotel yet. Is it easy getting a hotelroom upon arrival if you're staying for 2 weeks in november (or would you rwecommend booking it on the web soon?)? We were thinking about staying in Sosua/Cabarete or somewhere on the north coast.

Thanks

Gma

That's a difficult question to answer accurately.
Although it's not full blown high season at that point, some of the good hotels that offer great value, may be booked.
You will definitely be able to find something, but it might not be your first choice.

[CFA123]

GMA... Rocky's right.
Unless there is a holiday weekend in November (don't think so?? ) you should be able to find a room with no problem. When you get here, just book your first hotel choice for one night or two, this will give you time to perhaps find something more to your liking for the rest of your stay.

If you want to give a list of preferences for the type of lodging and price range - I'd be happy to give you some ideas in the Cabarete area. I'm sure others can and will contribute with info on Cabarete, Sosua, and other areas that fit your requirements.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by CFA123

GMA... Rocky's right.
Unless there is a holiday weekend in November (don't think so?? ) you should be able to find a room with no problem. When you get here, just book your first hotel choice for one night or two, this will give you time to perhaps find something more to your liking for the rest of your stay.

If you want to give a list of preferences for the type of lodging and price range - I'd be happy to give you some ideas in the Cabarete area. I'm sure others can and will contribute with info on Cabarete, Sosua, and other areas that fit your requirements.

I almost forgot.
American Thanksgiving is the last Thursday in November, I believe.
Hotels do get pretty booked up around that time.

[KateP]

And you might be able to get a better rate through sales on the internet...

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by KateP

And you might be able to get a better rate through sales on the internet...

That may apply to all inclusive packages, but rarely is the case for regular hotels. in fact, quite the contrary.
Some hotels are negotiable with their prices, specially if they are less than half full.

[jrzyguy]

it is not only AI's that raise rates. WHen i was in santo domingo in may i tried to do a walk in at mercure. I met someone who had gotten a great rate on line...and as a walk in they were going to charge me double that what the other traveler paid.

I'd start looking now and doing your research (read reviews etc).

One recommendation tho. If you DO book on-line (via email or whatnot)...get yourself a calling card and call to confirm.

I strongly recommend booking in advanced unless you dont mind staying at whatever place might have a spare room at an inflated price.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by jrzyguy

it is not only AI's that raise rates. WHen i was in santo domingo in may i tried to do a walk in at mercure. I met someone who had gotten a great rate on line...and as a walk in they were going to charge me double that what the other traveler paid.

You are correct.
I chose my words poorly.
I should have said "high price" hotels, instead of AI.
The lower priced budget hotels of 50 bux down, are what I was talking about.

[jrzyguy]

you did have some good points tho rocky. it IS possible to get a decent rate as a walk in at some places...but i still recommend that the OP research and target where they want to stay. There was NO haggeling to be done at Mercure in SD...but a smaller more indie place one might have some luck.

[Gma]

Okey, so we should book a hotel now to get a good price.
Can you recommend a website with good prices? The sites I've checked out are norwegian sites (since we're from norway) and the cheapest hotel I've found is Hotel Paraiso Colon which costs around 80 US$ a night. It's a 2 star hotel. That's pretty cheap, but we'd like to stay at a nicer hotel...a 3 or 4 star...but that's a lot more expensive-around 130 US$ a night!

Can you recommend a nice hotel with a nice price on the north coast? Preferably in Sosua/Cabarete. It doesn't have to be an all inclusive hotel nor be next to a beach..

Thanks!

Gma