- Thread starter joselowe
- Start date
Info on Hotel Shakey?
I really wouldn't bother with either. Visitors always have this idea that the Malecon is going to be nice, and when they get there they realise it's a four-lane highway with a run-down pavement next to the sea which attracts all the low-life. Not really safe at night to walk anywhere, a lot of traffic noise. I actually live on the Malecon and trust me it is very very noisy. Hotel Shakey has no pool but the rooms overlook the pool at Crowne Plaza (being able to see a pool and not use it in this weather is the worst). I don't think they allow visitors, or have a visitor charge which is quite high, there's a fair bit on Tripadvisor about this. There is also the exhaust chimney from Crowne Plaza's kitchen which is right in front of Shakey, so you get the nice smell of chip-fat whilst looking at everyone else having fun by the pool that you can't use.
Honestly you are much better going to the Colonial Zone, it's safe to walk around and there are some amazing bargains at the moment because it's low season. Hotel Billini, Palacio, Casa Sanchez and Villa Colonial are all really nice hotels with pools and you'll get any of these for about US$ 100 a night including tax and breakfast at the moment if you shop around.
Honestly you are much better going to the Colonial Zone, it's safe to walk around and there are some amazing bargains at the moment because it's low season. Hotel Billini, Palacio, Casa Sanchez and Villa Colonial are all really nice hotels with pools and you'll get any of these for about US$ 100 a night including tax and breakfast at the moment if you shop around.
Thanks, I already booked in Colnial Zone, this is my 2nd time in DR, I just wanted to try other areas instead of just colonial zone my whole trip like I did last time. I wanted to book in CZ and also one on Malecon, since I decided against Boca Chica since everyone on dr1 scared me off from ever stepping foot there lol
You don't want to pay too much attention to the scary guys on DR1. Boca Chica is fine provided that you are looking for young underage hookers, if not I would also suggest you give it a miss as it gets very seedy at night. What about going to Las Terrenas for a few days? There's a nice air conditioned bus that leaves the capital every day at 1.40 and that way you would have some city and some beach. And the ride to Las Terrenas is really nice, you get a great view of the middle of the island, the scenery is very special. Or what about Jarabacoa? Again amazing scenery, just a couple of hours from the capital and it's cooler so you can escape this awful drought we're having.
Maybe cheaper but Napolitano is better. Napolitano has a small pool, you can eat the free breakfast by the pool. Your room will have a nice view of the Caribbean Sea. There is also a casino downstairs. You will only be a ten minute walk from el conde.
Arrive with cash in hand and try to get a deal on a room.
You can do a day trip to Boca Chica just to check the town and beach out. Stand by Pacos/Grands and flag a beat up van guagua down, either #14 or #19. The guagua will take you to la parade de autobus Boca Chica, 25 pesos. Take the expresso to Boca Chica, 60 pesos. Spend the day and return to SD. I can PM you exact details if interested.
I stayed at Hotel Shakey my last couple trips to Santo Domingo. I have never stayed at Napolitano but I visited my Son when he was staying there and it was just a hotel room. Shakey is an aparta-hotel, they're 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. You open the door and walk into the dining area/ kitchenette facing the sitting room and balcony. The bedroom is separate. You open the door at the Napolitano and you're looking at the bed.
I paid the extra $20 for a sea view and it is spectacular. My view of the Caribbean overlooked the pool at Crown Plaza. A couple of buddies stopped by to hook up for a night on the town and they had to leave their cedula and passport at the front desk which is manned 24/7/365. Documented visitors have no problem at Shakey.
I chose Shakey because of it's convenience as much as its superiority as a living condition. It is steps from the Caribbean and I walked everywhere both day and night and saved a ton on taxi fares and no one bothered me at all. The trouble that you find there is the trouble that you go looking for and as for the buscones, I knew a few of them when they were shoe shine boys in CZ and the most they'll ask for is a cigarette.
I paid the extra $20 for a sea view and it is spectacular. My view of the Caribbean overlooked the pool at Crown Plaza. A couple of buddies stopped by to hook up for a night on the town and they had to leave their cedula and passport at the front desk which is manned 24/7/365. Documented visitors have no problem at Shakey.
I chose Shakey because of it's convenience as much as its superiority as a living condition. It is steps from the Caribbean and I walked everywhere both day and night and saved a ton on taxi fares and no one bothered me at all. The trouble that you find there is the trouble that you go looking for and as for the buscones, I knew a few of them when they were shoe shine boys in CZ and the most they'll ask for is a cigarette.
They're both at the malecon. Same distance from the water give or take a few feet. Not enough difference to matter.
Google map it. Both are shown from satellite imagery.
Don't get too excited about the malecon. It is a 4-lane major street, on the south side is a wide sidewalk you walk, jog, or bicycle your way. After the sun goes down on weekends there is always something to do. Early morning every day of the week people get their jogging or morning exercise.
Since you will be on vacation and would enjoy just having an ocean view go with Napolitano. Terrace pool, terrace bar/restaurant and some nights live entertainment. Yes, guests are allowed.
I never stayed at Shakey but from a previous post if you are more inclined to pass on Napolitano because you prefer a larger apartment type small hotel than I guess Shakey would be your choice.
The view of the Caribbean from Shakey's sea view rooms is spectacular with balconies off the sitting room and bedroom. It is well worth the $20 for the upgrade. Ask Koki.
If you are not traveling with a lot of luggage you can get the cab driver to stop at Napolitano to check out the room. Then get the cab driver to drop you off at Shakey. Now once you have seen the room at Shakey you can walk to Duque de Wellington which is a very "friendly" hotel. Now you have three choices and all within walking distance of which one you decide on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3GBX8ycRZyk
A quick walk-thru of a typical Shakeys apt.
Strange name though.
A quick walk-thru of a typical Shakeys apt.
Strange name though.