One Night in Santo Domingo

[Freddy]

Ok, we are just about ready to depart to The DR (2 wks). We realized that our flight will get in SD at 3pm, which is not enough time to make the last bus to our final destination, Las Terrenas. We've decided to stay one night in SD and take the first bus to Sanchez the following morning. So here's my question, I want to maximize my time and experience in SD, see, do and eat the best for a Friday night. We're on a budget, and so The Hotel Esmerelda (on Calle Elvira Mendosa) was recommended to us. Anyone know about this place? We're open to other suggestions for a good, budget hotel for one night. Also if anyone can recommend a local driver to show us around a bit, that's cool. We're not interested in the long 3hr touristy thing.


With all that said, if you had only one night in Santo Domingo, what would you do, where would you go, & of course eat? We'd like to see the colonial zone, and check out Malecon (what is that, a club and bar area?). So, one night in SD, you would do what?

[NALs]

Where would I go in SD? Where the oldest streets and buildings of the Oldest European City (this is where Columbus and company hang out in his days). It's the Colonial Zone! You will see buildings, palaces, mansions, impressive churches, fortresses, and quaint streets that have looked the way they look for the past 500 years or so. Santo Domingo was the capital of the entire Hemisphere for about 200 years!!! Now that you know a bit of history, you will know that Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone) is the place for sightseeing in SD. Due to the popularity with tourist and history buffs, there is a bit of everything in that part of town. Shops, bars, restaurants, museums, etc. For some nightlife, the Zona would be just fine, however, if you want to experience a truly dominican ambiance (which is very very good) take a Taxi cab to a disco called "Guacara Taina". Trust me when I say that its like nothing you have ever seen. Ask the Cab Driver to wait for you, and after you have your fun, there would the Cab Driver be, waiting to take you back to the hotel. One word on Safety, this is the Metropolis of the Caribbean so always call a taxi, don't hail one from the street. Also, I don't know where your hotel is but keep in mind that Santo Domingo is a city with real distinct neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods are very european, others are real slums, others are very American with flashy office towers and all. Much of the city is very pleasant and walkable, but if your hotel is in a "rough" area, DONT judge the entire town by that neighborhood.

[newuser]

I used to live a few streets away from Elvira de Mendoza and do not remember a hotel called Esmeralda. There was a hotel called Metur II. If it is indeed on that street you will be in the University district a few streets away from Gomez. The area is very safe. The Zona Colonial is a 5 minute public car ride away or you could walk it in a half hour. The walk would take you through a section called Gazcue which is also a very safe and interesting area.

What to do with 1 night? It would help if you told us what interests you have. Personally I think that NalOwhs gave you a great suggestion.

[papillon]

That hotel is across from the Palace of Fine Arts. It is in the corner of Elvira Mendoza and Maximo Gomez. Very safe place. I lived one block north for 15 years.

[beano]

We are staying at the Hotel Metur in a couple of weeks. It looks to be a pretty good deal at about $25 a night, and the location looks pretty good for both the Malecon and Zona Colonial. What is the average price for a cab from that area to Zona Colonial. Is there a set fair within the zones of the city? thanks

[Freddy]

How far is it from The Colonial Zone? What is there to see and do in The Malecon?

[NALs]

The malecon is a Palm lined avenue that skirts the Caribbean sea on one side and is bordered by Luxury apartment buildings, shopping malls, luxury hotels, casinos, fancy restaurants, and things of that nature on the other side. It becomes a huge party zone on Sundays. Lots of fun.