Casa Marina- Sosua June 8-12

Busala · #1 06-13-2006, 06:42 PM

We just got back from our first trip to DR. Before going, I got all the information I needed from the forum, so figure I should post a trip report.

We flew into Santiago and JJ picked us up at the airport. The ride to Sosua was beautiful and JJ was so nice. Got to the Casa Marina Beach Resort in just under 2 hours. Check in was a breeze with plenty of people at reception to help us. We got room 2641, which is out back away from the pool, so the balcony was nice and quiet at night. The room was clean and comfortable. What I would expect for the price I paid. There was a tv. I would turn it on while waiting for my boyfriend to shower or get ready. It would go out every few minutes. That was fine with us, but just a warning for people who spend any time in their room. The power went off once in a while, but like I said, we weren't in our room that much, so no problem.

The food was good. We ate off the resort at least once a day, but did have the buffet for breakfast and a couple dinners. My tip, go straight to the carving station. Whatever was there was good, roast pork, steak, etc.

There is access to 2 beaches from the resort. The one below the waterfront restaurant was basically empty everyday. The water was calm, clear and very clean. No one bothered us and we felt like we had the beach to ourselves.

two of the bartenders at the sunset bar made our trip. They were so funny and surprised me with different rum drinks when I couldn't decide what to have. How come nobody tips though? I know it's an AI, but still, we tip for service. A dollar or RD$30-50 for a round of drinks seems reasonable to me. Are we the only ones that tip? I could see if it was an expensive resort like club med or breezes, but it was so reasonably priced. Maybe it's an american thing.....

We went out into town everyday. Went to the public beach once, but preferred the many bars and restaurants on the streets. We also decided that Bohemia is by far the best local beer. We bought a 6 pack at Super Super for RD$180 and it still tasted good warm the next day.

Wish I stayed longer.

Malibook · #2 06-13-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busala

How come nobody tips though? I know it's an AI, but still, we tip for service. A dollar or RD$30-50 for a round of drinks seems reasonable to me. Are we the only ones that tip? I could see if it was an expensive resort like club med or breezes, but it was so reasonably priced. Maybe it's an american thing.....

I often hear that AI includes tips but I doubt much of it actually makes it into the pockets of the staff.

The vast majority of people take all-inclusive quite literally.
I don't make it a point to look but very rarely do I ever notice anybody tip.
Even an occasional modest 10 or 20 peso tip would add up and help them out.

When you have nice people taking care of you I feel that giving tips and presents is the least I can do.

Nice report.
I'll give Bohemia a try.

Rocky · #3 06-13-2006, 07:36 PM

And a big thank you to Hillbilly, who first turned us on to JJ and his wonderful service.

CyaBye3015 · #4 06-14-2006, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busala

Wish I stayed longer.

Last time i went for two weeks and stayed for 10!

Rick Snyder · #5 06-14-2006, 08:25 PM

Busala,
Thank you for the report and we are happy that your vacation was enjoyable even though it was shorter then what you wished. Here's hoping that you will come visit with us again.

Rick

Emma22 · #6 06-19-2006, 01:53 PM

OH!!! I'm going there in July!!! :-D Thanks for your review! I'm a bit confused about the tipping though if anyone would be ready to help as I've read truely conflicting reports on the matter. I have never been to the DR before but certainly it was the "norm" to tip in Thailand. SO I was ready to tip in the DR too, read talk of tipping cleaners etc. with a note to indicate money left was for them so that they didn't worry about claims of theft if they took it...THEN I read things on the web that suggested that people from the DR may feel "offended" by "tips from wealthy tourists that constantly remind them how poor they are"????? I know I tip any UK waitress though if they give good service??? NOW I'm confused as I sure don't want to offend anybody OR be seemingly "ungrateful" if I don't tip...Emma

CyaBye3015 · #7 06-19-2006, 03:23 PM

I can't imagine where you read people would be offended by leaving a tip, it’s just not the case.

And unless you speak Spanish a note would be pointless as I suspect about 0% of the service staff in hotels speak English. Simply leave a tip in a location where it’s self evident it was left for them, of hand it to them in person.

Emma22 · #8 06-19-2006, 03:34 PM

Really, I read both that people would be "offended" AND to "leave a note"!!! HA!! I know now though!!! TY for your reply! ;-) I will certainly tip (feel a tad rude if I didn't to be honest!!) and do so MINUS a note!!! :-D Emma

HOWMAR · #9 06-19-2006, 03:44 PM

I have never met a Dominican who was ever offended by being offered a tip. Best to give it at the beginning of your stay to ensure the best level of service. Besides the maid, a few dollars to the pool boy will ensure that you have towels placed on chaises early in the morning with both sun and adjacent shade. If you don't see the maid to give he the tip personally, simply mark the outside of an envelope "Propina", and leave it on the dresser.

Rick Snyder · #10 06-19-2006, 03:47 PM

Emma22,

Quick search with the button above and the word “Tipping” gave this;

tipping in DR currency
ok officially are TIPS(propina?) always included in the meal price?
advice for first timers?
thoughts on tipping in the DR
prices in the dr?

Rick