Had a blast in North!!! Lets try the South

[sammytheman]

Hi fellas I had an excellent time in Sosua last June. I met a very nice Dominican gentleman who drove us around to different towns. He even took us on a day trip to Santiago and Jarabacoa. Boy, this country is damn beautiful!!!!! Now my next trip will be heading south in 2 weeks. I am not sure if I want to do all inclusive or just rent a hotel or something. You see in Sosua I stayed at Rocky's for $25 a night and I ate out BUT the booze set me back quite a few dollars. There is no beer better than a Presidente!!! Here is a summary of my spending:

Hotel: $25 X 7 = $175
Flight: $375
Booze: 8 Presidentes a day for 100 pesos each=5600DOP= $166
Food: $150
Extra spending money for companions=$400

Total= $1266 Canadian

I am thinking of staying at an all inclusive in La Romana and going on trips to Santo Domingo for meeting locals and partying like a rockstar
What is the distance between these 2 places time wise? How much does it cost for taxi? What are operational hours for buses? In Sosua I hopped on minivans most of the times with locals to save money. Can I do that in La Romana? I am looking at staying at Catalonia Dominicus. Has anyone stayed at this location? If so how is the food? The main thing I am concerned about is food at a resort. Cuba was HORRIBLE for food when I stayed at a 4 star AI resort. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Kyle]

i'm sure some of the people on here can suggest a non-ai hotel in La Romana. everytime i go on a trip and eat dominican, i loose weight. pollo and black beans/rice and a Presidente is the vacation diet !!

[jalencastro]

I stayed at an AI in Bayahibe but always wandered off the resort to La Romana to have a good time. I do not know any hotels in the Romana area but I am sure you can find something non AI and have a great time.
But why La Romana? have you been to la capital? There is much more to do and more to see there. I take it you will not be driving yourself around? I always drive whenever I am on the island, but taxis could cost you quite a bit to get around....unless you have a personal driver to take you places. People here on the forum can recommend drivers if need be

[sammytheman]

Originally Posted by jalencastro

But why La Romana? have you been to la capital? There is much more to do and more to see there. I take it you will not be driving yourself around? I always drive whenever I am on the island, but taxis could cost you quite a bit to get around....unless you have a personal driver to take you places. People here on the forum can recommend drivers if need be

Thanks for the replies guys!! Well, are there any cheap hotels like $25-$30 a night in la capital? And yes if you can recommend me a pal that can be my driver and show me things aroung town that would be awesome!!! How far is the nearest beach from the capital? I take it that the beaches in capital are not that great?

[Kyle]

you've got boca chica, juan dolio and others all within 30 minutes or so from the Santo Domingo.
beaches that is....

[jalencastro]

Originally Posted by sammytheman

Thanks for the replies guys!! Well, are there any cheap hotels like $25-$30 a night in la capital? And yes if you can recommend me a pal that can be my driver and show me things aroung town that would be awesome!!! How far is the nearest beach from the capital? I take it that the beaches in capital are not that great?

i dont know about $25-$30 a night in la capital...i can recommend a really nice and clean hotel for $45 a night, well worth the stay there.
i think people can recommend drivers but they would have to be paid my friend.
and if beaches is what you want take Kyle's advice: Boca Chica and Juan Dolio are great. la capital doesnt really have any beaches

[mrweepa1]

Stay at cappela in Juan Dolio. All inclusive all the Presidente and food you can want.
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts - Hotel – Hoteles Only 20 min from Las Americas Airport.

[jalencastro]

There is a really nice, small and clean hotel in Boca Chica next to the Hamaca.
I believe it is called Hostal Gabriel Angel, very quiet and cozy place. i believe it is $50 a night with breakfast included. give them a shout...they have a website but I cant locate it right now...

[jalencastro]

hey found it!
Welcome to Hotel Angel Gabriel

[Matilda]

Or hotel Fior di Loto in Juan Dolio really quaint place in the middle of old Juan Dolio rooms start at 10 us$ a night. 809 526 1146

matilda