3 month stay

This is a great site and his very helpfull with all questions regarding a beautiful country . Here's my situation

i'll be going to santo domingo from middle february to middle of may because i'm changing carreers and want to relax for a couple of months and need to get away to clear my mind and start my 30's , also to get away from the cold canadian winter

i need a place to stay , ready to pay between 300- 500$ a month obviously something secure hopefully with cable t.v , close to good nightlife were i could take some spanish classes ( i know the basics )
should i rent before i get there or rent a hotel room and try to find a place once i get there ?
i want a place that i could bring a girl to spend some time with

anyone advice would be greatly appreciated

what do you know about the malecon apt ? how's the location ? safe neighberhood ? walking distance from cool places to be ? do you recommend i rent before coming over or stay in a hotel for a couple of nights and look for a place ?

i've been in cabarete and sosua in all inclusive resorts , i guess the reason i would like to go to santo domingo is there's probably more things to do , since i'm staying there for 3 months . have you heard anything about the palms in sosua

do you recommend me renting before i get there or is it pretty easy to go in and find something ?

thansk for the numbers ....... what is better to do ? rent before or get there and look before ?