Gran Ventana

lucy_in_the_sky · Feb 23, 2004

Hi all,

My husband and I and another couple are visiting the Gran Ventana from 03/02 until 03/09. After reading some of the information available, I have noticed that all the bars on the resort close by midnight. Not to sound like too much of an alcoholic, this doesn't sound like it's going to bode too well for the type of vacation we planned on having. For anyone that has been here, what are the alternatives available? Are there any bars close by that we can check out "after hours"? Also, how much money should be allocated for these excursions? None of us have been to the DR and are completely unaware of what typical expenses look like.

Thanks!

MrMike · Feb 23, 2004

Seems like midnight would be a good time to leave the resort then.

Where is the Gran Ventana? If there are Doinicans anywhere nearby, there will be a party going on somewhere till sunrise, beach towns party hard and late into the night, you just have to get out of the all inclusive resort and go find the party.

Hillbilly · Feb 23, 2004

GV is considered one of the best places in Playa Dorada

Bars close at midnight so the guests can get some sleep. Can't have a bunch of drunken Newfies or Brits or some other furrener keeping the whole place awake!

Now if it's a party you want. Go to Sosua or Cabarete-you can get a taxi to do it for a few bucks, but you have to diddle a bit to get the good price.

Then you can dance til dawn and come staggering back at any time...

There are some places in Puerto Plata that will do too....

HB, hoping you enjoy, hic!, your stay! Hic!

MrMike · Feb 23, 2004

If you wanna dance all night try Ono's in Cabarete. That's about 20 minutes East of Playa Dorada on the beach side. Cabarete has bars and clubs to appeal to every taste, Ono's is probably the last to close, usually around first light.

naskapi · Feb 23, 2004

I have been to Gran Ventana twice, it is a great resort. Lots of activities during the day, not much at night. There are 2 bars and 3 casinos in the Playa Dorada complex that are pretty good to go to after about 11pm. There is Hemmingway's in the plaza across the road from Gran Ventana and a club (with top 40 music as well as Dominican music) at the Paradise hotel, which is beside Gran Ventana. Not too far to walk. Have a great time!

naskapi · Feb 23, 2004

I forgot one thing about the resort. The rooms smell pretty musty, you might want to bring a room freshener. That was the only thing I found wrong with the resort. I have been to 2 other resorts in Puerto Plata, and they did not smell at all.

lucy_in_the_sky · Feb 23, 2004

naskapi said:
I have been to Gran Ventana twice, it is a great resort. Lots of activities during the day, not much at night. There are 2 bars and 3 casinos in the Playa Dorada complex that are pretty good to go to after about 11pm. There is Hemmingway's in the plaza across the road from Gran Ventana and a club (with top 40 music as well as Dominican music) at the Paradise hotel, which is beside Gran Ventana. Not too far to walk. Have a great time!

Thanks, all, for the advice! If we are to go to Hemingway's or the club, what kind of costs are involved? Just trying to make sure we bring enough money along . . .

naskapi · Feb 23, 2004

If you go anywhere, pay in Peso's. They seem to up the price if you pay in American. The local beer at Hemmingway's is about $3 dollars US a bottle. It is 80 peso's. Now, that was when I was there in January. The dollar to peso rate has changed a lot since then, so I don't know if they have changed their prices. Crazy Moon in Paradise hotel, the big bottles that give about 3 12 ounce beer, were only 180 peso's. So if you don't want to get ripped off too badly, change some money to peso's before going out.

Dominican Babe · Feb 24, 2004

Hi Lucy, I normally stay at Gran Ventana, it's a lovely hotel. If you don't want to leave the complex go next door to Crazy Moon in the Paradise Hotel, when I was last there in November a Cuba Libre was around 80 pesos. Hemingways in always good too late at night.

If you fancy leaving the resort - which you ought to do if you want to see something of the real Puerto Plata - make friends with one of the animation team or one of the bartenders and ask them to take you out at night. I would recommend Ramiro who works in the Pool Bar at night - tell him Patricia sent you.

Have fun and let us know how it went.

lucy_in_the_sky · Feb 24, 2004

Dominican Babe said:
Hi Lucy, I normally stay at Gran Ventana, it's a lovely hotel. If you don't want to leave the complex go next door to Crazy Moon in the Paradise Hotel, when I was last there in November a Cuba Libre was around 80 pesos. Hemingways in always good too late at night.

If you fancy leaving the resort - which you ought to do if you want to see something of the real Puerto Plata - make friends with one of the animation team or one of the bartenders and ask them to take you out at night. I would recommend Ramiro who works in the Pool Bar at night - tell him Patricia sent you.

Have fun and let us know how it went.

Thanks, Patricia! I will definitely check in here after I get back.

Does it make more sense to convert my money into pesos here (I'm in Canada) or convert into US here and then into pesos when I get there? Is there anywhere in particular I should go to convert money while in the DR?

7 days and counting!

tired_boy · Feb 24, 2004

lucy_in_the_sky said:
Is there anywhere in particular I should go to convert money while in the DR?

I would definately say...........NOT your hotel. There is a bank in the plaza (next to your hotel). Have a look around before you change a substantial amount.
Have a good time, we are not jealous............much!

Hillbilly · Feb 24, 2004

DO NOT change any money at your hotel

there should be an exchange house there in the commercial center, or a Banco Popular office. Or get a ride into uerto Plata and find a Casa de Cambio. Have the desk people call ahead to see what the price is.

Always be cautious, Never change money on the street, you will get cheated sure as the sun comes up.

HB

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