Santiago & Puerto Plata
My wife and I recently returned from a 9-day trip to the D.R. We flew into Santo Domingo on Spirit, which was uneventful and cheap (around $250 RT from Ft. Lauderdale, including all taxes/fees). We stayed that night at the Hotel Metur in Santo Domingo thanks to some recommendations from Hillbilly and others. We paid $20 for the room. It was basic with no A/C (they have rooms with A/C - costs a few bucks more), but it had clean sheets and hot water. We arrived around 11 PM, and although there not would have normally been anyone there, we had arranged for someone to give us the key when we got there. They also arranged for a taxi to pick us up at the airport. I would definitely recommend the Metur for people just looking to crash in the capital for a night or two.
In the morning, we took Caribe Tours up to Puerto Plata. We stayed at the Marien Coral for 6 nights. Our first night, they actually had to move us to the Iberostar (next hotel over), but told us they would make the trouble worth our while. The move didn't bother us, because we had heard that the Iberostar was good, and would like to give it a try. After the 1 night, we were glad that we were at the Coral. Reservations and dressier clothes are required at the a la carte restaurants at the Iberostar. The food at the buffets at both restaurants were decent. The a la carte restaurants at the Coral were decent as well. Nothing spectacular, but about what we expected. We did not go to the all inclusive for the food, we went for the convenience. The grounds at the Coral were beautiful, the staff was very friendly, and the rooms were nice. The entertainment staff (Chocolate Friends) work very hard to keep everyone entertained. They did make the move to the Iberostar worth our while. We received the key to the room safe free, and received the seafood dinner on the beach for free (usually have to pay extra for that).
We left the hotel a couple of times on our own and had a good time exploring. We went into the city once and just took a motoconcho around. It was my first time to such a touristy area in the D.R., and I was surprised at how aggressive people were downtown. When the motoconcho dropped us off, we were attacked by a bunch of people trying tell us that they were with the city tourist authority and could take us around to all the sites for no charge (unless of course we wanted to pay them something, which they would gladly accept). We were assured that they only wanted to make our visit pleasant. Riiiiiiiigggghhhhtt. Once you get over that, though, and the late June heat, its a great time. The city is beautiful. I know that some people don't speak much spanish, or prefer the all-inclusive thing, but if you don't leave the resort, you are definitely missing out on much that the D.R. has to offer.
After the 6 days in PP, we headed down to Santiago for 3 days. We stayed at the Colonial (again, after reading recommendations from Hillbilly and others). We paid about $450 RD per night for a room with A/C, hot water, TV with about 100 channels, and a comfortable bed. It was a great value and close to everything. We did some shopping and visited some old friends in Santiago, and had a very good time. From Santiago, we again took the Caribe Tours bus back to S.D. and flew out without any hitches.
Thanks to all the posters for the advice. It made the trip smooth and very fun. Can't wait to go back.
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(10)
Nice story
