Spiked drinks @ Hotel Aurora (night club)?

Status
Not open for further replies.
E

ElSul

New member
Jun 20, 2010
40
6
0
Went out for a couple of drinks last night and had a scary experience at Hotel Aurora's night club after I had been to Calle Venezuela. A group of friendly locals started talking to me, pretending to be sisters, brother, cousin, etc. Although I was super aware of it, they somehow managed to put liquid drugs in my second drink with them. It was starting to get late and it's possible that the bartender cooperated, in this place they seem to go out a door sometimes when they get you a drink. That was just one of the reasons I was aware, another one was one of the girls hitting on me providing sufficient distraction for the others to act. Third reason, I was seriously drugged inside a tourist disco in Playa Dorada last time I was in DR three years ago, woke up in the sunshine, on a beach, 7 hours later without ANY memories whatsoever. They got 20 bucks and left my card in place...

With so many people milling around the bar and around me, my attention must have slipped for a sec, and right after one of the guys said that they had to go and that I "could come with them in their car" (eh.. no way Jos?) I started feeling the drug kick in. Fortunately I'd been drinking in small sips and wasn't even halfways through the drink, so I escaped quickly, ran outside and got a taxi home. If I had taken in the whole drink I'd have passed out in the taxi, I still didn't know how potent the thing was so I told the driver he had to help me and paid him generously to deliver me at my door. Luckily it was just enough of a dose to give me really heavy limbs and speak a bit slurred, so I'm safe. Will go ask a lab if they can find out what drug was used and see if I should check my kidneys etc.

Well, wanted to ask you guys if this is something you're aware of from Hotel Aurora after hours? Since DR1 recommend this place in their tourist guide I think it's important to warn about it. It's a pretty seedy place after all, and althought it could have happened anywhere, I feel more comfortable in most bars in Calle Venezuela than at this place.

Anyone who hasn't had previous experiences with liquid rohypnol type of drugs would never have reacted until it was far too late.

Oh, and never say you're alone, okay? Your friends are always "at the Casino" ! The people seemed genuine so I didn't have a reason to lie, I thought.
 
T

tjmurray

Bronze
Aug 11, 2006
627
68
0
ElSul said:
Went out for a couple of drinks last night and had a scary experience at Hotel Aurora's night club after I had been to Calle Venezuela. A group of friendly locals started talking to me, pretending to be sisters, brother, cousin, etc. Although I was super aware of it, they somehow managed to put liquid drugs in my second drink with them. It was starting to get late and it's possible that the bartender cooperated, in this place they seem to go out a door sometimes when they get you a drink. That was just one of the reasons I was aware, another one was one of the girls hitting on me providing sufficient distraction for the others to act. Third reason, I was seriously drugged inside a tourist disco in Playa Dorada last time I was in DR three years ago, woke up in the sunshine, on a beach, 7 hours later without ANY memories whatsoever. They got 20 bucks and left my card in place...

With so many people milling around the bar and around me, my attention must have slipped for a sec, and right after one of the guys said that they had to go and that I "could come with them in their car" (eh.. no way Jos?) I started feeling the drug kick in. Fortunately I'd been drinking in small sips and wasn't even halfways through the drink, so I escaped quickly, ran outside and got a taxi home. If I had taken in the whole drink I'd have passed out in the taxi, I still didn't know how potent the thing was so I told the driver he had to help me and paid him generously to deliver me at my door. Luckily it was just enough of a dose to give me really heavy limbs and speak a bit slurred, so I'm safe. Will go ask a lab if they can find out what drug was used and see if I should check my kidneys etc.

Well, wanted to ask you guys if this is something you're aware of from Hotel Aurora after hours? Since DR1 recommend this place in their tourist guide I think it's important to warn about it. It's a pretty seedy place after all, and althought it could have happened anywhere, I feel more comfortable in most bars in Calle Venezuela than at this place.

Anyone who hasn't had previous experiences with liquid rohypnol type of drugs would never have reacted until it was far too late.

Oh, and never say you're alone, okay? Your friends are always "at the Casino" ! The people seemed genuine so I didn't have a reason to lie, I thought.
Click to expand...

I'm the one who suggested Hotel Aurora in the guide and I'm sorry this happened to you. The suggestion of Hotel Aurora came from numerous visits to the club and talking to people about the best after hour spot on the East side of the city. Right now, Hotel Aurora is it.

As you mentioned, this can happen to you anywhere. We also mention Avenida Venezuela as a great night spot. Some people claim Ave. Venezuela is seedy but you say you felt comfortable.

I cannot count how many times my friends and I have gone to Ave. Venezuela and then followed the party to Aurora. We've always had a great time and no negative situations have ever presented themselves.

This is an unfortunate occurrence and I hope this doesn't become more common in the capital. In the end, thanks for posting so others are aware.
 
A

Anastacio

Banned
Feb 22, 2010
2,965
235
0
Unfortunately it is a pretty common occurance by my understanding, not of any one venue, but a new wave of modern mugging techniques being used internationally. I've heard of a few girls getting drugged and so on, I understand men are usually the victims of hookers as you would expect.
This is just another part of modern living we have to deal with, keep your thumb on your bottle and if drinking from a glass keep it in your hand or infront of you if seated. If a Dominican ever buys you a drink on first instance always presume something is wrong, especially if it is a woman. If you must accept then go to the bar with them.
This really is basic stuff when out in any city in the world.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mountainannie
E

ElSul

New member
Jun 20, 2010
40
6
0
tjmurray said:
I cannot count how many times my friends and I have gone to Ave. Venezuela and then followed the party to Aurora. We've always had a great time and no negative situations have ever presented themselves.
Click to expand...

Seems that it's not something common, then.

Anastacio said:
This really is basic stuff when out in any city in the world.
Click to expand...

Agreed, but as I said; Although I was very aware it was impossible to keep them from doing it.

I've been to bars in more than 40 countries and never had any bad experiences, I've been living in places that aren't well known for their safety and have enough experience to look out for myself - I thought. But it's pretty obvious that when this happens TWICE to the same person - moi - in the Dominican Republic within three years, this "technique" is no doubt pretty widespread here already. Can say I won't be back here anytime soon... If I can't go to a bar and talk with people there is no reason for being here.

I should add that I wear t-shirts and jeans and don't do anything to draw attention to myself or my money. I never pay with a card and I never buy drinks for people I don't know. And I never get drunk in public. I must be the most precaucious gringo I know :D If I'd been drunk last night I'd downed that drink in no time, so I'm happy I had my antennas turned on.
 
Robert

Robert

Stay Frosty!
Jan 2, 1999
20,574
341
83
dr1.com
Sorry to hear about that, it's a growing trend globally. Various date rape drugs and "scopolamine" type drugs are on the rise.

But...

I have been living here since 1997 and have been to more clubs, discos and dives than I care to remember. In this time, I have only heard of two people being drugged, both of them posted on DR1 and one of them is you.

I have no doubt it happens, but it's not an epidemic.

Just use common sense, don't leave your drink unattended and stick to the other side of the river :)

Looks like you're not having much fun living here. Santo Domingo just might not be the place for you.

http://www.dr1.com/forums/men-mars-women-venus/103874-im-pregnant-thing-again.html
 
S

suarezn

Gold
Feb 3, 2002
5,823
290
0
55
The OP must really have back luck with this stuff. Twice? Honestly I've never known anybody that was drugged at a club. I've read on the papers about guys that have supposedly been drugged and robbed at their own houses by girls they take home, but that's about it.

How do you know you were drugged? I know I've had times when I drank too much, fell asleep and woke up 7-8 hours later and don't really remember much of the night before. Thankfully I've never passed out on the beach.
 
J

jalencastro

Bronze
Dec 15, 2004
1,938
104
63
www.myspace.com
DAMN! sorry to hear this happened to the OP at the Aurora club. I've been there numerous times and have enjoyed every time I have been there. It's scary this type of stuff happens so everyone needs to keep their eyes OPEN at all times....
Weird the OP is having lots of bad luck out in DR...stay away for a while!
 
A

Anastacio

Banned
Feb 22, 2010
2,965
235
0
Certainly seems to be a theme of bad experiences for someone who should by now be an expert traveller and seriously well seasoned to deal with these pretty easily avoided situations. Deluded or just plain unlucky it seems moving on may well be in his best interests for the time being.
I wish you all the luck in the world, wherever you decide to head.
 
W

william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
30,247
4,330
113
I'd like to see those jeans and that T-shirt !!

To get targeted twice......

Just your ordinary "Plain Jane/Joe"...... hmmmm
Pardon me while I put my eyeballs back in their sockets.

WW
 
R

rice&beans

Silver
May 16, 2010
4,293
374
83
I'ts not perfect here........

Sorry you got drugged.........That could ruin anyones day.....I've been coming back and forth for about 13 Yrs.......probably about 70 times.......And I've been all over the Island......Nice places.....Bad places deep in some unknown Barrio..... Casinos .....You name it I've been there......I used to sometimes think.....Wow! it would be so easy to put something in my drink when I'm not looking.......It never happened.........and I am thankful for that.........Common sense is HUGE in the DR.....(not to mention the rest of the world)......Inteligence is one thing.......but being SAVVY is really what it's all about.....I don't know why this stuff keeps happening to you......I don't know what you look like.....or how tall you are......or how you carry yourself......you might think that stuff doesn't matter......but it does (more so with how you carry yourself)......there is a fine line between being perceived as weak or being kind.....people kinda size you up pretty fast in this country......(and I'm not just talking about physical)....You don't want to ruin your experience by not trusting ANYONE......always looking to see who's making your drink....looking over your shoulder......Unfortunetly.....here.....you gotta be on your GAME..........Don't get me wrong........Bad stuff has happened to me in all my experiences here.........But I look at it as....it comes with the territory......Collateral damage........some my fault......some things that were not my fault.......but if you can get through some of the **** that happens here............It can get really really good......... But you have to ask yourself "Is it worth it to me" For me....... it was....And still is...........Like anything else in life.......You just have to know what your doing.............LIVING THE LIFE..........no one said it was going to be easy..........Call this a couple of bumps in the road.......and move on.........You will be fine.............Have a great day.
 
E

ElSul

New member
Jun 20, 2010
40
6
0
suarezn said:
How do you know you were drugged? I know I've had times when I drank too much, fell asleep and woke up 7-8 hours later and don't really remember much of the night before. Thankfully I've never passed out on the beach.
Click to expand...

Something tells me you haven't had any experiences with drugs in your life ;)

When - from the moment you regain consciousness can lay down and sleep for 15 hours straight ... then you know you were drugged. Come on, you feel the difference from a normal hangover, too. These drugs don't make your sleep agitated like alcohol, they knock you way out and you feel heavy limbed for days afterwards.

The other thing was - as I wrote in my post - that I wasn't drunk. When you pass out from alcohol you get a chance of feeling drunk before, so that you know what happened when you wake up the next day. These drugs is like someone puts a black plastic bag over your head. First: No sound. Then: No image. Nothing.

By the way, who is this troll "jrhartley"? Sad guy, he should get out more often ;) (while I should stay in more often lol).

About my t-shirt, nothing special. The guys here wear far more expensive clothes than I do. I'm tall and in good shape, probably visible because of that, and have probably a certain classy expression that I can't do anything to get rid off. I guess that kind of negative attention comes with the positive one which makes it possible for me to pull a decent looking girl in any venue within an hour. I must have been the only gringo in the place so you're just easily spotted whatever you look like. Being a kung fu expert, bouncer type guy, biker badass whatever doesn't help you when these types of drugs kick in. You're still on your feet, dancing, walking, whatever, you just don't have any IMAGERY to tell you what you were doing... Pretty fascinating however scary it is.

Thanks for your support, I posted only to warn you, not to gain your sympathy.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Celt202
W

william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
30,247
4,330
113
To be able to "Pull a decent looking girl" in a short time...

I remember those days... aaahhh...
I was there in Courchevel when Bridgette Bardot ordered the drinks.......(not from my table, but close enough)

The waiter came with the tray.... "Send the tray back, I'm keeping him"

She married him... look it up

Me..... I ordered another drink.

I guess i don't have your "Je ne c'est quoi"..... but I sure would like to be 25 again for a few days...... aaaahhh

WW
 
G

greydread

Platinum
Jan 3, 2007
17,477
488
83
ElSul said:
I'm tall and in good shape, probably visible because of that, and have probably a certain classy expression that I can't do anything to get rid off. I guess that kind of negative attention comes with the positive one which makes it possible for me to pull a decent looking girl in any venue within an hour. I must have been the only gringo in the place so you're just easily spotted whatever you look like. Being a kung fu expert, bouncer type guy, biker badass whatever doesn't help you when these types of drugs kick in. You're still on your feet, dancing, walking, whatever, you just don't have any IMAGERY to tell you what you were doing... Pretty fascinating however scary it is.

Thanks for your support, I posted only to warn you, not to gain your sympathy.
Click to expand...

I now see the problem. It's the narcissism which sets you up for the smack downs which you've experienced in both threads. Lose it and you may make yourself more tolerable. You aspire to some lofty (mistaken) image of yourself and that makes it easier for you to be spotted and singled out for mayhem (as in "just stroke his ego a little and we got this clown").

It is up to you to stop making yourself into bait. "Only gringo" in the place has nothing to do with it. I've gone to plenty of clubs and bars in Santo Domingo where nobody gave a $#it about the "only gringo" in the place and there are quite a few gringos living there who travel through these venues freely with no negative consequence to themselves....because they know how to ease others' perceptions of them.
 
E

ElSul

New member
Jun 20, 2010
40
6
0
This has nothing to do with my personality, I'm just stating facts and what other people tell me. Fact is I do have a lot of success with women. Fact is I'm tall. Fact is I'm highly educated, have gentleman manners, social abilities, speak 8 languages and have traveled the world. Fact is people like to be around me. Fact is people (ok, women mostly) tell me I have a lot of class and that I'm interesting.

I guess Greydead's analysis of my personality is as far off as it can be. I'm a nice, human and sympathetic guy, always open to meet with others on their turf. These are probably one of the reasons I score women. I guess my other thread (pregnant thing) shows I'm not a self-absorbed asshole. Now, don't believe my word for it. I think the main problem is that I have been out alone on both occasions.
 
G

greydread

Platinum
Jan 3, 2007
17,477
488
83
ElSul said:
I guess Greydead's analysis of my personality is as far off as it can be. I'm a nice, human and sympathetic guy, always open to meet with others on their turf. These are probably one of the reasons I score women.
Click to expand...

I didn't mean to insinuate that you are not a good person or some kind of sociopath at all and I hope you didn't take it that way. My point is that you are using "lose/lose" self imagery to compare yourself to those around you and by the way, many of the Women you "score" are the result of a "tall" wallet. Not saying they're "pro's", it's just that you are more irresistible to Women in 3rd World countries and that's a fact.

The whole "8 languages" thing and your "well" education are also irrelevant to the situations in which you find yourself or their solutions. If you rationalize the reason that you are targeted for mischief lies in the fact that you "go out alone" then you will continue down the victim's path. I have gone out alone on 6 continents and can only claim fluency in 1 language and limited competency in 2 others but people of every language understand when they're in my space without permission. I use the same look that they'd give me in the same position.

You see, I look at them all as equivalent value to me. I've had conversations with Saudi Princes and Bowery Bums and everything in between and in each case I speak only with a fellow traveller in this life. I am smart enough to know that each person with whom I come into contact with has a lesson for me even if that lesson is to stop trying to communicate with them because either they or I am too dense to "get it" but we remain equivalent values, nevertheless.

Stop competeing with the World and it will begin to treat you more gently.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom