Staying in La Zona Colonial??

There are nice hotels that suit almost every budget in and around the Zona Colonial.

It is also very busy every day with pedestrian traffic, making it a nice place to hang out and people watch.

You could rent a vehicle to go out at night, but taking a cab at night would make more sense if you are out drinking and partying. And you don't have to worry about parking.

If you are really going to be JUST in the CZ, then forget a rental car. Save you money and use the Taxi and Public Transportation. You will enjoly it more and not have to worry about the safety of the car and fight the traffic. If you have never driven in the DR before, GOOD LUCK!

I agree with DAKRA. If it is your first time in DR then the CZ is really nice (and pretty safe). A couple of hotels to look into is Mercure and Discovery. Both have small but really nice rooms for about 46 USD and both are in good locations. You might want to take a taxi at night if you go to the malecon....but otherwise it is not advised to rent a car on your first trip. Driving on the highways is kinda bad...but not terrible...but driving in the city is terrible.

FYI...there is no beach in the capital...you will have to either travel to Boca Chica, Juan Dolio or Playa Caribe etc if you want beach. Easy enough to do if you speak a little spanish and can take a guagua. (not sure if you want beach tho).

Have a great time!

Unless you've driven somewhere like Bombay for instance, I would NOT have a car in the Colonial Zone. No problems parking, it's the traffic, narrow one way streets, general disregard for traffic "laws", lousy pavement except in the zone, and mass pandamonium on the roads. Use local trans and taxi's, way less stressful.