Weekend in Santo Domingo...

This was a wonderful hotel, very classy, rooms were immaculate, housekeeping was very attentive. There is a casino on the second floor of the hotel, several restaurants, and a large pool with a pool bar. The view was great, the hotel is right on the water, there is only a main street separating it. You can go down to the water but there is no beach area, just some trees and rocks. There are several benches lining the street next to the water to sit down, but it might not be relaxing as the drivers in Dominican Republic love their car horns and use them often! They charge you to use the business center so if you have your own laptop, bring it! Wireless Internet is free in the room. Cab ride from the airport to the hotel was $35, but sometimes you can work out a deal and lower it to about $25, depending on the type of taxi you use. Cab fare from the hotel to Boca Chica beach is about $45, so as you can see, it is a little out of the way. If you plan on visiting el Malecon or Zona Colonial you are OK, but if you are looking for the "real" Dominican Republic, do not plan to stay at this hotel. There is a "mall" and cinema within walking distance with restaurants like Tony Romas close by. We couldn't really find any authentic Dominican food nearby. Walking up the street you can find Pollo Victorina, McDonalds, Baskin Robbins, Helados Bon, a supermarket and a pharmacy. We were advised to not carry a purse and take off any jewelry. Although it did not seem like a dangerous neighborhood, you can never bee too careful.

Helados Bon was excellent! You are given a choice of a waffle cone, regular cone, or a bowl and the flavors are great and unique. If you want to try a flavor, you are given a sample. I got a huge waffle cone for less than US$4. Don't go to Baskin Robbins in Santo Domingo, go to Helados Bon!