No love for the Jaragua Hotel ?

[bbd24]

I've been browsing the forums and searching hotels and there seems to me that many people do not suggest the Jaragua Hotel as a fine place to stay. You'll hear Mercure, you'll here Palacio, or Napolitano. However, there isn't much love for the Jaragua . Why is that ?

Maybe I am missing something or taking it the wrong way ( depending on what forum topics I read ). My background of Santo Domingo is this:

I was there 11 years ago. Haven't been back since. I had a conference ( 11 years ago ) at the Jaragua. I came away thinking that this is the place for me if I ever decided to come back . I only really saw the conference room and grounds ( pool area ). They both looked top notch.

Now I never saw a standard room or anything. Never saw the restaurants or Casino area. So who knows.

I booked a room there in some garden wing area . Hopefully it turns out well for us.

 

[Bronxboy]

I had some money taken from the room I stayed in. This was in 1999.

The hotel is also not guest friendly and there are working girls all over the casino floor, go figure.

You are better off staying in any other hotel that other members might recommend.

 

[dymmach]

I've heard of problems in the Casino as well as the ATM's. Although the rooms

do have a good view of the ocean. But I would'nt stay there.

 

[bbd24]

Bronxboyatheart,

Did you stay in the garden wing ? Or tower ?

I am going to use the combination safe in the room. Where was your money at ?

 

[bbd24]

I've heard of problems in the Casino as well as the ATM's. Although the rooms

do have a good view of the ocean. But I would'nt stay there.

Why wouldn't you stay there ? Because of the Casino and ATM's ? I don't get it. I've heard other stories about ATM's in the country. It doesn't sound like there too reliable.

 

[Bronxboy]

Bronxboyatheart,

Did you stay in the garden wing ? Or tower ?

I am going to use the combination safe in the room. Where was your money at ?

I stayed at the tower. My money was in the safe!!! I was also missing a cologne.

 

[bbd24]

I stayed at the tower. My money was in the safe!!! I was also missing a cologne.

Geez. Guess I need to find a better area to stash it in then. And go out without the cologne. Did you like the rooms ?

 

[Bronxboy]

Geez. Guess I need to find a better area to stash it in then. And go out without the cologne. Did you like the rooms ?

The room was great. Remember that one of the closet beaches is Boca Chica which is like 45 minutes away. I mention this because i am not sure if you are looking to stay close to the beach. The beach in front of the hotel is not swimmable.

One of the positives is that the hotel does have some great shows.

Hope this helps.

 

[dymmach]

Don't get my wrong its a beautiful hotel.

Personally I prefer ( when in the Dr ) to go with smaller establishments in case of problems, something where the owner is a phone call away.

Im just not comfortable when theres more than 30 or 40 rooms. No personel attention.

I like to get to know the staff and see familiar employee faces on a regular basis.

 

[bbd24]

Don't get my wrong its a beautiful hotel.

Personally I prefer ( when in the Dr ) to go with smaller establishments in case of problems, something where the owner is a phone call away.

Im just not comfortable when theres more than 30 or 40 rooms. No personel attention.

I like to get to know the staff and see familiar employee faces on a regular basis.

I hear ya. You definitely feel safer that way. Nobody wants problems on there vacations.

Should I be worried about staying in the Garden Wing area ? is that less safe ? Also, noise. Is there a room at the Jaragua where you can't hear the horns outside ?

 

[pyratt]

For me it's the location....I like where Mercure and Palacio are located and I have stayed at both. Each have pluses and minuses....Merure has won my business the past two trips because of the breakfast and patio on Conde.

I readily admit Palacio has better (nicer) accomodations but you pay for them, but that is ALL they offer, nice sheets, larger rooms...I will stay there again.

p.s.-It's nice to walk in and get a smile at the reception desk from the people. I am known at both hotels and for me each is a home away from home.

 

[amparocorp]

i think people don't recommend the Jaragua simply because it is expensive and a lot of people that come to this board looking for hotels are looking for cheap. i don't know prices now but i would guess 150 to 250 per night. high end hotels in miami, key west, atlantic city, NY or any sought after destination all cost 350 and up. so in my book Jaragua ain't bad price wise. i have stayed in the tower and in the gardens and enjoyed both, garden rooms are bigger, mine was anyway. nice big pool, walk to colonial zone, good food but pricey compared to regular DR restaurants. i have not been to a bettter or more busy casino in all of the DR. the girls in the casino are not at all pushy nor dressed like streetwalkers, i find them very low-key actually and think they give the place a little "color". i actually like this casino better than any in atlantic city, real gamblers bettting the rent and not a bunch of fat ladies from the bus playing 25 cent slots, great music played live, drifts in from the adjoining bar. i also really like casino niagara, niagara falls Canada. if i didn't own my own place in SD i would stay there above any other hotel in the city. i am sure there are a few bad experiences out there, i have no complaints.

 

[laurapasinifan]

well for one at the price they charge there should be ZERO problems.it is outrageous that they charge that fee and have hotel staff rip you off( I dont know why people think a room safe is .....well safe... the keys to open them are readily available to the staff!!

i have seen a desk clerk just give a master safe key to a bell boy who requested it...no questiosn asked...

I stayed at the napolitano...it is an OK hotel...very place and frill -less the view was OK.... the window slider would not lock!! and was potentially accessable even on the fourth floor from rooms to either side...

but the napolitano only cost me about $50 per night.

there should be lots more hotels in the $100 per night that are much much better.

I realize it may take several trips to find the best deals

i stayed at the Hodelfa( I think thats how to spell it) at the end or near the end of the CONDE.. that was a much nicer room and it was about $80 per night.......

good luck

bob

 

[bbd24]

well for one at the price they charge there should be ZERO problems.it is outrageous that they charge that fee and have hotel staff rip you off( I dont know why people think a room safe is .....well safe... the keys to open them are readily available to the staff!!

i have seen a desk clerk just give a master safe key to a bell boy who requested it...no questiosn asked...

I stayed at the napolitano...it is an OK hotel...very place and frill -less the view was OK.... the window slider would not lock!! and was potentially accessable even on the fourth floor from rooms to either side...

but the napolitano only cost me about $50 per night.

there should be lots more hotels in the $100 per night that are much much better.

I realize it may take several trips to find the best deals

i stayed at the Hodelfa( I think thats how to spell it) at the end or near the end of the CONDE.. that was a much nicer room and it was about $80 per night.......

good luck

bob

Am I missing a hidden charge ? All they charged me was 85.00 plus tax for a Garden Wing room. Well at least thats what they quoted on the email. I don't believe you pay until you arrive however. For a check in time of Sunday, and a checkout time the next Saturday, they are charging 705.00 U.S.D. I didnt think it was that bad. Free Buffet Breakfast during the entire week.

Also, I was told they have combination locks on there safes now and you set the combo to whatever you'd like once you get in there.

 

[laurapasinifan]

Am I missing a hidden charge ? All they charged me was 85.00 plus tax for a Garden Wing room. Well at least thats what they quoted on the email. I don't believe you pay until you arrive however. For a check in time of Sunday, and a checkout time the next Saturday, they are charging 705.00 U.S.D. I didnt think it was that bad. Free Buffet Breakfast during the entire week.

Also, I was told they have combination locks on there safes now and you set the combo to whatever you'd like once you get in there.

I have never stayed there , but it was posted by another poster that the rooms rum up to over $250 per night.....thus my reply to that post.

I do believe the garden wing is out back and has no view

I remember this vaugely from when I was calling around for the hotel I eventually picked....

let us know if the room is a good deal....have a good time

bob

 

[GeeDee]

I too will be coming to the capital and have considered the Jaragua. I have also considered the Hilton. The whole safe thing is pretty disturbing. Even the combination safes have a master key to overide should a guest forget the code. Do they use credit card keys? If they do this is an added security measure and detterent. The credit card keys record every person entering (housekeeping, room service, etc.)

As per guests in room. I was informed that you can "register" your guest at the front desk for a $30 fee.

My main reason for choosing a big hotel is that I enjoy going to the pool/beach and catching some rays and being that there are no beaches in the capital one of the larger hotels are the only option.

 

[laurapasinifan]

GEEDEE......your post shows clearly why forums such as this are so popular...feedback from ACTUAL unbiased people......(especially unbiased when their opion is solicited and not just offered as a complaint)

not only do you learn about the better hotels , you leanr of the pitfalls that generally occur and those that seem to be specific to one area or hotel.

finding a place or any recomendation that you hear several good marks from has to be the home run you are looking for in guideance on easing your mind on a certain choice aspect of your trip.

the more opinions you get the betetr

because who can afford to go to the capital 7 times to finally find a good hotel there????

good luck

you would THINK a large chain hotel would worry about its reputation and watch for internal crime at its location....

but the truth is the fox is watching the hen house most of the time...due dilligence is in order...

bob

 

[kingofdice]

Dear BBD24,

I've stayed at the Jaragua many times and as recently as this past year in the Garden Room section. The rate is about $85 a night as you mentioned. The Jaragua had to lower some of it's rates after the posh Hilton opened.

You should be fine. There is less security in the Garden Room building, but it is away from the loud casino noise which you can hear if staying in the towers.

As many have stated, the reason the Jaragua is probably not mentioned alot is because of it's predominantly high prices. I ate at the poolside grill about 15days ago and it cost me $25 for hamburger, fries and a beer.
So, brace yourself if you eat at the casino restaurants, have a massage, etc.

 

[bbd24]

I have never stayed there , but it was posted by another poster that the rooms rum up to over $250 per night.....thus my reply to that post.

I do believe the garden wing is out back and has no view

I remember this vaugely from when I was calling around for the hotel I eventually picked....

let us know if the room is a good deal....have a good time

bob

Alright. Thanks Bob. I'll come back and let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to going back.

Thanks for all your tips. Its appreciated.

BTW, Laura Pasini is the bomb. When I was in the D.R. from 95 to 97, thats all I heard. It was great.

 

[bbd24]

Dear BBD24,

I've stayed at the Jaragua many times and as recently as this past year in the Garden Room section. The rate is about $85 a night as you mentioned. The Jaragua had to lower some of it's rates after the posh Hilton opened.

You should be fine. There is less security in the Garden Room building, but it is away from the loud casino noise which you can hear if staying in the towers.

As many have stated, the reason the Jaragua is probably not mentioned alot is because of it's predominantly high prices. I ate at the poolside grill about 15days ago and it cost me $25 for hamburger, fries and a beer.
So, brace yourself if you eat at the casino restaurants, have a massage, etc.

Thanks kingofdice. I appreciate the heads up. If you were to go back, would you stay in the Garden Room again, or would you choose the Tower ? I only picked the Garden Room because the deal came with a free buffet breakfast for the week. How is the breakfast ? It sounds like we'll be feasting come breakfast if the burgers and fries are costing $25.00 .

Did you use the safe inside of your room ?