La Casona Dorada Hotel...

[jalencastro]

thanks bro, that will be VERY helpful. My next trip to DR later this year I hope to see more of the country, cities, and meet people. Always good to have contacts and referrals. I look forward to checking this hotel out!
FYI spent a WHOLE hour yesterday cleaning my grill. It is now OFFICIALLY ready for this summer's bash! looking forward to it! - J

[snoozer]

Thanks for the info. I usually stay at the Riazor but always on the lookout for something new or better.

Couple of questions:

How much is a regular room?

Do they include breakfast?

Cannot remember seeing this place, is it on the same side of Independencia as the cemetry (south side)?

[Berzin]

I believe the prices are according to the size of the room, but then again I have been charged the same rate for their (MUCH) bigger room because of who was at the front desk.

And breakfast was included, but in typical style every time I showed up I was either too early or too late-they would tell me anything to not get me my breakfast.

One time the guy cheerfully told me they were out of breakfasts completely, then handed me a breakfast menu that I had to pay for.

This would qualify as one of those things not worth fighting over. If you check in tell them you do not want breakfast included on your bill, free or not.

There is a very busy restaurant right across the street on the corner of Independencia on the same side as the Hotel Duque De Wellington going north. You can eat there if you don't want to wander off too far to begin your day.

[snoozer]

Thanks for the reply.

Have you stayed at the Riazor? Curious how the two compare, seems the price is similar.

I agree the breakfast is not a big deal but it seems to be included with most of these small hotels in this area. Last time I stayed at the Riazor they did not offer breakfast until I asked then only one for two of us!!

[Berzin]

Forgot to mention, Snoozer-the hotel is on the north side of Independencia a couple of blocks up from the cemetery and Clinica Abreu.

And they also have a bar that doesn't get too crowded-mostly just patrons from the hotel. The women who work there are very, very nice people especially the head bartender.

You can also sit poolside and have your drinks served to you from the bar through a little slot in the wall.

The room I usually stay in has the jacuzzi but no fridge. The smaller rooms I believe have mini-fridges.

[GringaRubia]

Thanks for the lovely pictures. I have to second the recomendation. The food thing is very hit or miss there though--you definitely have that right. I had dinner there one night and they had to make a run for propane in the middle of cooking. I just had a few more cocktails while they all came back to get another truck beacuse of flat tire on the truck what was driving the propane back to the chef to finish cooking dinner--it was funny really.

I just adore Guzcue (sp?), you can just walk anywhere really form here. The pool was so great and a perfect place to relax, they have a little open "gym" with free weights on the second floor up above the pool too. You can work out in the open air !

I had such a fantastic time there and didn't have picture. Your posting is much appreciated.

[jalencastro]

hey quick question regarding this hotel. do you think it is fully booked on a weekend? I plan on going into la capital but not sure when and dont want to make a reservation. maybe i can walk in and just find availibility? I hope so....they are ok with email but I dont want to commit and not show up.....i like this hotel and do plan on staying!

[bigbird]

Nice pics Berzin. Nice to know of a small hotel with a pool. Would you know the cross street with Independencia the hotel is on? My favorite has been Jaguar Apart Hotel but this one looks really nice.

[jalencastro]

here is a link....in case i forgot to post it last time!

Hotel la Casona Dorada

[Berzin]

Originally Posted by bigbird

Nice pics Berzin. Nice to know of a small hotel with a pool. Would you know the cross street with Independencia the hotel is on? My favorite has been Jaguar Apart Hotel but this one looks really nice.

Sorry-don't know the cross street.

As for jalencastros' question, you are better off calling the morning you plan to go to see about availability. I would not make reservations if you are not sure you will be able to make it.

I really don't think during the time you are going that getting a room will be a problem, but if you are in Santo Domingo there are a few places you can stay that are nice if the Casona Dorada is booked.

There is also the Hotel Peñalba at the end of Calle El Conde right across the street from the church. Its' a nice hotel with a restaurant on the first floor that has an outdoor area perfect for people watching while you have your meal.