Air Bnb and Taxi question for Santiago

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
Hello everyone,

It has been a while since my last trip to the DR(2016). Spent a little time in the Philippines and handling some business in the US but now I want to check out Santiago this June. I would like to know if anyone has used Airbnb in Santiago or do you all prefer using hotels here? Also I see that Emmi taxi is popular on this forum. Is that company still good and do they charge good prices? When i was in Santo Domingo I had a lady friend drive me around. This will not be the case this time.
 

jahjahwarrior

New member
Mar 14, 2017
137
5
0
I use airbnb and Uber frequently. The airbnb problem normally is wrong details in the ad, but normally not a huge problem. Uber is good, sometimes they try to add fees later especially for airport pickup, and recently I had a guy accept a pickup even though he was still at the gomero getting a flat repaired...

Airbnb is cheaper than the fancy hotels, Uber is more convenient than calling a taxi.
 

BermudaRum

Bronze
Oct 9, 2007
1,208
372
83
I was just in Santiago last week for a few days and used the Emitaxi App(Google play) for the first time, and it was great. On 4 of my different rides both Emi and Uber charged the same rate, especially from the hotel to the airport. I have a very good local friend there that says Uber and Emi both provide excellent service and rates compared to the local taxi mafia. Sorry can't help with the airibnb as I always stay at Matum Hotel and Casino, or the Platino Hotel.
 

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
I use airbnb and Uber frequently. The airbnb problem normally is wrong details in the ad, but normally not a huge problem. Uber is good, sometimes they try to add fees later especially for airport pickup, and recently I had a guy accept a pickup even though he was still at the gomero getting a flat repaired...

Airbnb is cheaper than the fancy hotels, Uber is more convenient than calling a taxi.

I was reading about Uber and was a little skeptical since sometimes I read in Santo Domingo they like to cancel the route and want to charge you directly.
 

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
I was just in Santiago last week for a few days and used the Emitaxi App(Google play) for the first time, and it was great. On 4 of my different rides both Emi and Uber charged the same rate, especially from the hotel to the airport. I have a very good local friend there that says Uber and Emi both provide excellent service and rates compared to the local taxi mafia. Sorry can't help with the airibnb as I always stay at Matum Hotel and Casino, or the Platino Hotel.

That is help though. How are those hotels?
 

BermudaRum

Bronze
Oct 9, 2007
1,208
372
83
That is help though. How are those hotels?

My favorite is the Matum Hotel as the rooms, pool, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and staff are excellent. Also the location to the city centre is only minutes away by taxi, and the daily rate is ok for a short stay. You will find many choices in restaurants and night life near by, all supported by the locals, in and around the Monument area. At night I would suggest using Emitaxi to go anywhere, then the driver will usually give you his info for you to call him to return to hotel. During the day it really depends where I wanted to go as I would use the public carro system or Emi. If your staying several weeks or longer and cost is a concern, then maybe a airbnb would be a better choice. As stated before, location and security would be something someone else would have to recommend.
 

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
My favorite is the Matum Hotel as the rooms, pool, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and staff are excellent. Also the location to the city centre is only minutes away by taxi, and the daily rate is ok for a short stay. You will find many choices in restaurants and night life near by, all supported by the locals, in and around the Monument area. At night I would suggest using Emitaxi to go anywhere, then the driver will usually give you his info for you to call him to return to hotel. During the day it really depends where I wanted to go as I would use the public carro system or Emi. If your staying several weeks or longer and cost is a concern, then maybe a airbnb would be a better choice. As stated before, location and security would be something someone else would have to recommend.

Ok then. Thanks for the suggestion. There is an airbnb I am looking at in the city center. The price is more to my liking. When I come there it will be only for a week.
 

USA DOC

Bronze
Feb 20, 2016
3,162
757
113
Matum was my choice for years....close to many things by walking, is across from the Monument...room is #224 very little noise... the bellmans name is Elvis...good man to know when you need something, or need something done........Doc..........
 

Jumbo

Bronze
Jul 8, 2005
1,503
94
48
Check recent reviews on Hotel Matum... As stated, my experience with AirBNB was a bait and switch. Was for a 3rd floor unit with breezes and an awesome view. Of course was told I was being given a much better unit far from the pool with a view of a parking lot from the bird caged 2nd floor. Renting a unit in one of the ARCONIM development is good for a large group. But do not let the lure of having the pool available. Crowded and the water gets really warm once the kids show up.

Uber in Santiago was excellent. I have a unit in Bella Vista and when I do decide to visit it the Uber drivers are there in 10 minutes. Cheap and reliable. Two words I rarely use together in Santiago...
 

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
Check recent reviews on Hotel Matum... As stated, my experience with AirBNB was a bait and switch. Was for a 3rd floor unit with breezes and an awesome view. Of course was told I was being given a much better unit far from the pool with a view of a parking lot from the bird caged 2nd floor. Renting a unit in one of the ARCONIM development is good for a large group. But do not let the lure of having the pool available. Crowded and the water gets really warm once the kids show up.

Uber in Santiago was excellent. I have a unit in Bella Vista and when I do decide to visit it the Uber drivers are there in 10 minutes. Cheap and reliable. Two words I rarely use together in Santiago...

Great!!! That is good to know about Uber and Santiago. For me as long as I have a clean place and a nice bed then I am fine. I do like my space though.
 

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
Matum was my choice for years....close to many things by walking, is across from the Monument...room is #224 very little noise... the bellmans name is Elvis...good man to know when you need something, or need something done........Doc..........

Thanks for the heads up Doc!!
 

Garyexpat

Bronze
Sep 7, 2012
2,105
739
113
Hotel Los Jardines is nice. Before I rented an apartment in Santiago I stayed there a lot (It was 2200 R.D including breakfast). I always got an inside room (no windows) and slept like a baby.
 

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
Hotel Los Jardines is nice. Before I rented an apartment in Santiago I stayed there a lot (It was 2200 R.D including breakfast). I always got an inside room (no windows) and slept like a baby.

Thanks!!! I am totally indifferent when it comes to having a view of the outside or not.
 

Caonabo

LIFE IS GOOD
Sep 27, 2017
7,339
2,949
113
Thanks!!! I am totally indifferent when it comes to having a view of the outside or not.

It is not about the view. For many, it has to do with outside noise that may enter the room while you are trying to sleep at 3-4am. Whether it be street vehicular traffic, a disco, or just a bunch of drunk rowdy tourists.
 

Jaws2003

Member
Mar 31, 2016
106
0
16
It is not about the view. For many, it has to do with outside noise that may enter the room while you are trying to sleep at 3-4am. Whether it be street vehicular traffic, a disco, or just a bunch of drunk rowdy tourists.

That is true as well. I am at a point where I value my sleep at night.