Late Night Santiago Arrival Advice

Gregg

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Apr 26, 2004
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I am booking a 3-week trip to the DR, arriving with wife and children age 12 and 10 at 1:20 AM on JetBlue mid-August.

Not having much luck on forum searches for hotels around Santiago.

We need:

transfer from the airport (how much for a taxi?)
1 or 2 night's accommodation
a hotel fairly close to the airport?
a hotel that will have someone awake at 2-3 AM
a good rental car agency for a 3 week econo rental

Will be staying at local hotels around Constanza/Jarabacoa; La Vega; San Juan to Nagua; Samana pennisula. Had originally planned to fly into POP as most Canadian charters do.

I would appreciate any input. Thanks so much for the DR1 help so far!

Great deal flying out of Buffalo to JFK to Santiago, cannot get a better arrival time but only half the cost of the charters in Canada. Adds about 2 hours to our normal Toronto airport drive.
 

Jimmydr

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Apr 17, 2003
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Gregg said:
I am booking a 3-week trip to the DR, arriving with wife and children age 12 and 10 at 1:20 AM on JetBlue mid-August.

Not having much luck on forum searches for hotels around Santiago.

We need:

transfer from the airport (how much for a taxi?)
1 or 2 night's accommodation
a hotel fairly close to the airport?
a hotel that will have someone awake at 2-3 AM
a good rental car agency for a 3 week econo rental

Will be staying at local hotels around Constanza/Jarabacoa; La Vega; San Juan to Nagua; Samana pennisula. Had originally planned to fly into POP as most Canadian charters do.

I would appreciate any input. Thanks so much for the DR1 help so far!

Great deal flying out of Buffalo to JFK to Santiago, cannot get a better arrival time but only half the cost of the charters in Canada. Adds about 2 hours to our normal Toronto airport drive.

I would stay at a short stay Cabana Hotel. There are 20 of them near the airport and they are manned 24 hours a day, range in 1-5 stars and cost $5-$75 per night with room service.

Dominicans love their sex and love to cheat!!! These things are great and I would stay in them all the time except they have no pools!
 

Gregg

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Apr 26, 2004
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is that a hotel name?

Jimmydr said:
I would stay at a short stay Cabana Hotel. There are 20 of them near the airport and they are manned 24 hours a day, range in 1-5 stars and cost $5-$75 per night with room service.

Dominicans love their sex and love to cheat!!! These things are great and I would stay in them all the time except they have no pools!

thanks, is that an actuall hotel? the "Cabana Hotel" or were just referring to the type? definitely won't want the $5 a night one with the whole family in tow. don't want to have to be choosing and making decisions at that time in the morning.
 

Adrian Bye

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Jul 7, 2002
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Definitely don't take the entire family to a cabana. Thats a motel you rent hourly for sex.

I would suggest for your first night you book in at an expensive hotel in Santiago. Aloha Sol maybe? Or the one by the casino. I can't remember the names, nor do I know the prices.

But small ones will often be closed late at night and give you a lot of hassles. After your first night, go someplace else if you need to save money.
 
S

Stephen

Guest
Have you thought...........

about taking an earlier flight. Or flying to NY staying THERE for the night and continuing on the next day on an earlier flight? I've was checking the Jet Blue prices yesterday for the end of August for someone and they were actually higher than the American Airline prices. (JFK TO STI AND SDQ). I've lived in the DR over 10 years and certainly wouldn't want to be coming for the 1st time with two children at that time of the morning WITHOUT A HOTEL SET UP AHEAD OF TIME!
 

Dolores1

DR1
May 3, 2000
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No big deal about arriving that late at night. Remember Santiago is a big city. Airport taxis will be around at that late hour. Fare to the city should not be more than the usual US$25, it's about a 20 minute drive, maybe less at that time.

Since you are traveling with the family, I would book into the Gran Almirante. The Gran Almirante will be open because they operate a casino on the premises. A cheaper option is the Camino Real.

Spend two nights there so you can recover. Pick up a good map in the Nacional supermarket in Santiago, right across from the Gran Almirante Hotel. In Santiago take time to visit the Centro Leon (see http://www.centroleon.org.do)

Then head out to Jarabacoa (land of river rafting at Rancho Baiguate -- I think they don't allow those under 14 to do rafting, but you should double check) and Constanza. Lots of great places to stay in Constanza (Alto Cerro, Rancho Constanza, etc. check them out when you get there). Don't think advance reservations are necessary, as there should be several hotels with space available.

If you have a 4 wheel car or a pick up, something sturdy, you can go from Jarabacoa to Constanza. Otherwise, come out to the Duarte Highway and then go south to take the road to Constanza. From Constanza you then take the road back to Duarte highway and from there head to San Francisco de Macoris and then to Samana. Unless you are visiting someone particular in Nagua, there is no reason to go there. Better Samana.

Don't know what you will be doing in San Juan de la Maguana, and forget about driving from San Juan to Nagua -- there is no direct route. Just do Constanza and then San Francisco de Macoris, Samana.

For a car rental, check out http://www.dr1.com/national that has car pick up locations at the Gran Almirante Hotel and at the Santiago airport or the car rental options listed in our directory page at http://dr1.com/directories/index.shtml

Driving is fun as long as you heed my advice to ask when you think you are wrong, and ask when you think you are headed in the right direction. Just always ask, ask, ask and ask. Have someone point out your route on your map and ask all the time. Dominicans are friendly.

Now that you will have 3 weeks time, why don't you head to Puerto Plata after visiting Constanza and Jarabacoa. Just take the road to the north. There you can visit Ocean World Park in Cofresi (see advertisement on this website and in directory listing), Columbus Water Park and Fun City for go kart racing in the afternoon. See directory listings for Puerto Plata Village, Playa Naco and Fun Royale hotels in Playa Dorada. Spend two or three nights there and then head out to visit the beach and town of Sosua. Lots of great places to stay in nearby Cabarete, which also has a great beach your family will enjoy. See hotel options in our directory page section.

And then continue on the coastal northern road to visit Playa Grande beach prior to then heading to Samana this time via Nagua (not San Francisco de Macoris). The highway goes east all the time, but you still need to ask and ask. When you get to Sanchez you have the option to turn north to Las Terrenas, or go around the peninsula to Samana city and Las Galeras.

That's what I would do. By the way, I have sons aged 16, 13 and 11, so I know what boys like!
 
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Gregg

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Apr 26, 2004
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Thank you so much

Dolores said:
No big deal about arriving that late at night. Remember Santiago is a big city. Airport taxis will be around at that late hour. Fare to the city should not be more than the usual US$25, it's about a 20 minute drive, maybe less at that time.

I would book into the Camino Real (cheaper) or the Gran Almirante if you are traveling with the family. They will be open because they operate a casino on the premises.

Spend two nights there so you can recover. Pick up a good map in the Nacional supermarket in Santiago, right across from the Gran Almirante Hotel. In Santiago take time to visit the Centro Leon (see http://www.centroleon.org.do)

Then head out to Jarabacoa (land of river rafting at Rancho Baiguate -- I think they don't allow those under 14 to do rafting, but you should double check) and Constanza. Lots of great places to stay in Constanza (Alto Cerro, Rancho Constanza, etc. check them out when you get there). Don't think advance reservations are necessary, as there should be several hotels with space available.

If you have a 4 wheel car or a pick up, something sturdy, you can go from Jarabacoa to Constanza. Otherwise, come out to the Duarte Highway and then go south to take the road to Constanza. From Constanza you then take the road back to Duarte highway and from there head to San Francisco de Macoris and then to Samana. Unless you are visiting someone particular in Nagua, there is no reason to go there. Better Samana.

Don't know what you will be doing in San Juan de la Maguana, and forget about driving from San Juan to Nagua -- there is no direct route. Just do Constanza and then San Francisco de Macoris, Samana.

For a car rental, check out http://www.dr1.com/national that has car pick up locations at the Gran Almirante Hotel and at the Santiago airport or the car rental options listed in our directory page at http://dr1.com/directories/index.shtml

Driving is fun as long as you heed my advice to ask when you think you are wrong, and ask when you think you are headed in the right direction. Just always ask, ask, ask and ask. Have someone point out your route on your map and ask all the time. Dominicans are friendly.

Now that you will have 3 weeks time, why don't you head to Puerto Plata after visiting Constanza and Jarabacoa. Just take the road to the north. There you can visit Ocean World Park in Cofresi (see advertisement on this website and in directory listing), Columbus Water Park and Fun City for go kart racing in the afternoon. See directory listings for Puerto Plata Village, Playa Naco and Fun Royale hotels in Playa Dorada. Spend two or three nights there and then head out to visit the beach and town of Sosua. Lots of great places to stay in nearby Cabarete, which also has a great beach your family will enjoy. See hotel options in our directory page section.

And then continue on the coastal northern road to visit Playa Grande beach prior to then heading to Samana this time via Nagua (not San Francisco de Macoris). The highway goes east all the time, but you still need to ask and ask. When you get to Sanchez you have the option to turn north to Las Terrenas, or go around the peninsula to Samana city and Las Galeras.

That's what I would do. By the way, I have sons aged 16, 13 and 11, so I know what boys like!

that's great advice. we are going for the 3 weeks so we can decompress a bit and get in the groove.

the Gran Almirante is showing at $188 USD per night.
the Colonial at $138 USD per night.
not sure on the Camino Real yet.

that might be a little steep for us for two nights. my wife is suggesting we bite the bullet and get a taxi/driver and drive straight from the airport to somewhere outside of Santiago.

this is a prelimary trip to scout an area we would like to live in. we're planning to move by the end of this year (if all goes well). we may run out of time and we are trusting that a particular spot will feel right. definitely leaning towards Constanza/Jarabacoa or Cibao valley region.
 
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Gregg

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Apr 26, 2004
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Stephen said:
about taking an earlier flight. Or flying to NY staying THERE for the night and continuing on the next day on an earlier flight? I've was checking the Jet Blue prices yesterday for the end of August for someone and they were actually higher than the American Airline prices. (JFK TO STI AND SDQ). I've lived in the DR over 10 years and certainly wouldn't want to be coming for the 1st time with two children at that time of the morning WITHOUT A HOTEL SET UP AHEAD OF TIME!

i'll definitely have the hotel set up....hence my post on this. however, in my younger days, my wife and I would have just shown up and enjoyed figuring it out on the fly...always more adventure! i guess one starts to overplan as a "responsible" parent.

we actually have a great time and connection fom Buffalo and it would be easier to not have to overnight in NY...that's for a different trip. BTW, got round trip for about $370 USD per. that includes the Buffalo leg.
 
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Budson

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Mar 10, 2004
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Late Arrival

Something you might want to consider is that arriving that late you don't want to hop into a car and start looking for your hotel in town. The Grand Almirante is not too tough to get to but I don't know if I would want to do it at that time in the morning on my first trip. I have stayed at most of the hotels in the downtown area and none compete in quality or price to the Almirante.

Never stayed out at the airport hotels but I would try to get more suggestions there instead of heading in (at least the first night).
 

toneloc24

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Mar 8, 2004
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If the Gran Almirante is too steep (I also concur with you) for you and your family, directly contact Hotel Aloha Sol (809-583-0090) and Hotelpa Centro Plaza (809-581-7000 or hcentroplaza@codetel.net.do) for much better rates (approx. $35-50 per night). Both are good quality (3-star) hotels used by tourists and business travelers. Breakfast included in rate. In center of Santiago. Safe, clean accomodations, friendly staffs. And both are staffed 24 hours.

Regarding taxis, there will be many taxis available in front of the airport when you arrive. I have NEVER paid more than RD$350-500 from the airport to Calle de Sol. I use this Servi-taxi (809-581-0000) when I travel there. You can call a day ahead and ask them to send someone for when you arrive. Give them your name, they will have a sign.

I personally wouldn't drive here, but that's just me being a tourist on vacation. Too many unnecessary issues. I don't want the hassle. I can definitely afford transportation in the DR. I would suggest hiring a driver, even a cab for your trips. It will definitely work out to be cheaper than renting a car, especially for three weeks.

Hope this helps a little.
 

KrackedKris

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Apr 8, 2004
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Gregg said:
that's great advice. we are going for the 3 weeks so we can decompress a bit and get in the groove.

the Gran Almirante is showing at $188 USD per night.
the Colonial at $138 USD per night.
not sure on the Camino Real yet.

that might be a little steep for us for two nights. my wife is suggesting we bite the bullet and get a taxi/driver and drive straight from the airport to somewhere outside of Santiago.

this is a prelimary trip to scout an area we would like to live in. we're planning to move by the end of this year (if all goes well). we may run out of time and we are trusting that a particular spot will feel right. definitely leaning towards Constanza/Jarabacoa or Cibao valley region.


Try trh Hotel Matum in Santiago, right near monument and it alo has casino so will be open all night. Last year I paid 45.00USD per night
 

Dolores1

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May 3, 2000
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The Camino Real is now the Centro Plaza. Their rate for weekend is US$59 (two queen beds) for Friday-Sunday. Weekday the rate is US$74/night for the four of you. I spoke to Belkis Castillo, Tel. 581-7000.
 

Gregg

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Apr 26, 2004
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Dolores said:
The Camino Real is now the Centro Plaza. Their rate for weekend is US$59 (two queen beds) for Friday-Sunday. Weekday the rate is US$74/night for the four of you. I spoke to Belkis Castillo, Tel. 581-7000.

thanks Dolores and everyone else for their input. i think i have enough to go on and will make reservations with one of these hotels once our flight is confirmed.

definitely planning on NOT driving the night/morning we arrive. was looking for a rental for the following day at the hotel. i have requested a quote from National. i probably would have tried it travelling alone...i have way too much experience driving around a strange city at night looking for my hotel... just makes things interesting.