What a Trip and A Great Hotel...

DAKRA · #1 05-05-2007, 07:45 PM

Ok, for those of you want to hear my trip report, here it goes. Please keep in mind that this would be my 5th time to the Dominican Republic and it was amazing. All of my previous trips to Santo Domingo had me staying at the Jaragua Hotel which on the Malecon and is kind of pricy. During this trip, I tried something a bit different. This time I as going to be in Santo Domingo for 2 weeks. I found a hotel on the internet called Hotel Maison Gautreaux... En Santo Domingo, Algo Distinto. . Because the rate quoted was so good, I had to do a lot of research to find of this was a good deal. I went ahead and booked the room for 13 days but I booked a room at Mecure Hotel on El Conde for the 1st night just to be sure. After arriving late in SD, I took a taxi to the Mecure Hotel and had a fair nights sleep. The next day I moved from the Mecure to my new hotel, the Hotel Maison Gautreaux... En Santo Domingo, Algo Distinto. and was shown to my room. What a very nice room with AC, Safety Deposit Box and a night big balcony. I was impressed and the rate was just amazing. I had an opportunity to meet the owner of the hotel who also own the security company located on the premises. He was a very nice man and told me that was available to assist me in any way that I needed. His staff was really a pleasurable group of folks who appreciate having me a guest in the hotel.

Lots of sight seeing and roaming the streets of Santo Domingo. After meeting several nice people and enjoying the rich culture of DR and SD, my time was running out. Before I left however, a buddy of mine took me to his home. This was on the back of a motorcycle taxi. This was fun and exciting….. I have many good friends in SD and I really enjoyed visiting them. The fun continued and I stayed and extra Week! – The owner of the hotel had no problem extending my reservation and even lowered, YES – Lowered the rate for the entire stay. So many nice people at the hotel.

To wrap up, I just have to say, that the Hotel Maison Gautreaux... En Santo Domingo, Algo Distinto.
Was the BEST hotel I have ever stayed in for the money. I strongly encourage you to check it out for yourself. If anyone has any Private questions…. Feel free to send me a PM or an EM and I will gladly share details.

Thanks SD! – It just keeps getting better and better.

Rick Snyder · #2 05-06-2007, 03:50 PM

Dakra,

Nice report and we thank you for that. I must admit that I was hoping to hear a little about what you did for all that time as in where you visited, what you saw, where you ate and how the food was to include possible prices. That way we give a better explanation to other future visitors as to maybe what to see and eat and so forth.

Glad to hear that you once again enjoyed our little corner of paradise.

Rick

DavidZ · #3 05-06-2007, 07:35 PM

Nice review of the hotel, how much was the original room rate? Do you remember which street/intersection the hotel is on? I looked at the website, which is nice, but doesnt give much information.

Prodical · #4 05-06-2007, 09:17 PM

Thank you for the information. I have yet to visit the capital, but you love to sometime in the future.

DAKRA · #5 05-07-2007, 06:06 PM

I forgot to give address information about the hotel. The Maison Gautreaux is located Between Avenue Indepencia and George Washington Ave. The hotel is on the street right next to the Intercontinetal Hotel. I think the exact address is Felix Mariano Lluberes #8. The rate I paid was $37.50 per night for a Private Room with a King Bed, Air Conditioning, Private Bathroom with Sink/Shower/Toilet, Daily Maid Service, and 24 hour security. They did have a safety box in the room but you must leave a cash deposit for the key (lots of guests somehow forget to return the key)

The food was OK but as a big fat guy (American), I missed my Meat and Potatoes. Lots of time on el conde. Lots of time in the casinos (I won just about every day that I was there - Average winning of $15 per day), where I paced myself.

I actually rode on one of those moto taxis - lots of fun.

So, with all of this stuff about my trip...... Would I go back to the DR? - - - YES!!!!!!!!!! - - - - There is no place quite like it.

Thanks!

Hillbilly · #6 05-07-2007, 10:42 PM

Dear DAKRA:
Please read today's news about how foreigners are befriended by people who are looking to take advantage later on...Be most careful.
Nobody in his right mind would take a motoconcho to visit anyone worth the effort....you were lucky, but the next time you might not be!!

HB--I enjoyed your read and you provided good information..

DAKRA · #7 05-08-2007, 11:10 AM

Thanks Hillbilly for the advice. I have been to SD many times, but I am still a naive American who can belive some of the things that you see there. I will take your advice gladly and be more careful in the future.

I love the DR. It is really ashamed that the place is so beautiful and the people are just as nice but there is so much poverty. If I had my way....everyone would have all of the resources that they need to have a good life.

Manigault · #8 05-13-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

Dear DAKRA:
Please read today's news about how foreigners are befriended by people who are looking to take advantage later on...Be most careful.
Nobody in his right mind would take a motoconcho to visit anyone worth the effort....you were lucky, but the next time you might not be!!

HB--I enjoyed your read and you provided good information..

Why go all the way to a 3rd world country and be afraid to go outside and explore a little?

Manigault · #9 05-13-2007, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the info Dakra, did you get the rate from the hotel direct or via a third party? I plan on spending a few days in SD and hope to find a good hotel.

Did you get a chance to do any prowling?

DAKRA · #10 05-24-2007, 07:42 PM

I origianlly went through a 3rd party webiste to make my hotel reservatations, but come to find out, that was not necessary. The best way is to email the hotel directly and contact the owner of the hotel "Juan" he will make your reservation and confirm it with you. Just a couple of notes: 1st, if you pay in cash (pesos) upon Check-Out, you will save 5%. 2nd, If you stay for any length of time (5 days or more), you can usually get a much much better rate. Plan to spend about RD$1,200 per night for a Single room, with Private Bath, King Bed, A/C with full maid service and a security box. As far as security, you will be MORE than impressed with the security situation there. The owner of the hotel is normally on the premisis everyday and runs a tight ship. You can bring Any guests that you like back to your room with no problems.

As far as prowling? - YES, YES and YESSSSSSSSSS! I lost count!

Feel free to send me a PM for more details.

DAKRA