Can someone tell me if this hotel is good?

[Globetrotter]

I will be in DR for work-related reasons the week before Christmas. I was planning to get my boys to come and spend Christmas with me there. Although I'll be at the Marriott, while on duty, I was planning to check into some apart-hotel. I have started looking at some of them, and got a quote of US$80.00/day for a 2BD, 2BR apartment (with kitchen and living) in a Plaza Colonial hotel. That seems rather cheap. While I've been in DR many times, I don't recall having ever seen that one, so don't know whether it is in a safe area or not.

Can anyone of you tell me if they know this hotel, whether it's clean and let me know about the quality of the service. Also, I'd like to know if there is any type of entertainment for kids in the surroundings. My boys are 9 and 6 and I wouldn't want to get them down there to spend Christmas in a dump and get bored.
Would appreciate any insights you may have, or better yet, hear from someone who's stayed there. Thanks.

 

[John]

Marriot? i think you are refering to the Hotel Jaragua.
this is a very nice 5 star hotel. not the best place for childrens because this is a business and adult tourisms related hotel. (casino, disco, night clubs, champions sport bar, etc.)
80dlls for hotel plaza colonial, is overrated (i wouldnt pay 40)
there is not much activities at hotels in santo domingo for childrens because this is a business city. maybe the best place for them is the hotel dominican fiesta, which is located far from downtown.
i recommend to you to go to any resort area (punta cana the best) they have a lot of activities for childrens.

 

[Globetrotter]

Thanks... and one more question!

John:

Thanks. I may have not been clear. I will be checking out of the Jaragua after my 3-day stay as it's work-related. But I wanted to get a more relaxed (and a bit cheaper) hotel to stay with the kids, hence my choice of the apart-hotel.
You said you wouldn't pay $40. What they are proposing is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath appartment with small kitchen, and living. I could cook for the boys (believe me, after my divorce, I had to learn how to cook, and I'm rather good at it now).
So, is your comment regarding the price based on what you know about the hotel's service, cleaniless and safety? Please explain.

Thanks.
Jerry

 

[John]

Re: Thanks... and one more question!

this hotel is located in the gazcue area. close to the National Palace. the hotel has old furniture, very simple and uncomfortable. i dont thing the have been renovated in last 15 years. but you can ask. there is not much around for children, because this is an old neighborhood (now full of offices)
hotel jaragua is a good option for them during day time. they have pool. rates in garden area is just 94dlls+tax
Dominican fiesta has business rates of 60dll. including buffet breakfast and free shuttle to boca chica beach and downtown.
good luck

 

[helmut]

Re: Thanks... and one more question!

there is another nice hotel near santo domingo (40min by car)
it has more ore less the same name and is very nice. Barcelo colonia tropical. you are directly on the beach and in the rate there is included all. drinks food animation. i think its ok for you. i have a internetcafe in this hotel, and sleep some nights there if i open the buissness. the rooms are very great.