Playa Palenque

[Yayow]

A Dominican friend I know told me that it is a nice beach, which some decent hotels on the beach, and a few good bars and clubs, he said it would be a nice place to go to get a way for a night or two to recharge the batteries, and not be too far from Santo Domingo. Anyone been there or have any info about it. I normally would go to Boca Chica or Juan Dolio, but I thought it may be nice to try the other direction, I know it is between Haina and San Cristobal.

But if it isn't a nice and clean place, I would just rather go and relax a few nights in a place I already know. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[Yayow]

From what I can gather it seems to be a beach area frequented mostly be Dominicans, which I have no problem with, just want to know what the ammenities are like there.

 

[AlterEgo]

I've been there about 1000 times, it's a great beach and good place to get away and relax. It's usually quiet, not many people, except on the weekends. There are 2 hotels, one very close to the beach, the other about 3/4 mile away. No night life, peace and quiet. Decent food on the beach - if you go be sure to order some of Cheo's Empanadas, they're delicious. It's past Haina, the next beach past Najayo Beach. Follow the signs to the Docimen Cement Factory, pass the factory and keep going a few more miles, the road takes you directly to the beach.

 

[AlterEgo]

From what I can gather it seems to be a beach area frequented mostly be Dominicans, which I have no problem with, just want to know what the ammenities are like there.

I've only come across Americans there a time or two. During the winter months lots of Europeans [Italy, Germany, Swiss, etc]. They live the winter in the Apart-Hotel. The Dominicans who go there are usually quiet, respectful and pleasant - the 'other' Dominicans go to Najayo Beach

 

[Yayow]

Thanks

Thanks, for the info AlterEgo sounds like I definitely should give it a try. Looking forward to it.

 

[jaguarbob]

Thanks, for the info AlterEgo sounds like I definitely should give it a try. Looking forward to it.

any guaguas going from SD to there???
bob

 

[Yayow]

any guaguas going from SD to there???
bob

I passed by Parque Independencia the other day on the north side of the park in front of the camera shop, was a stop for the bus to Palenque, I spoke with the conductor for a few seconds as he was waiting for customers and he says they drop right in the heart of the beach area, says it takes between 30-40 minutes to get there from that spot.

 

[AlterEgo]

I passed by Parque Independencia the other day on the north side of the park in front of the camera shop, was a stop for the bus to Palenque, I spoke with the conductor for a few seconds as he was waiting for customers and he says they drop right in the heart of the beach area, says it takes between 30-40 minutes to get there from that spot.

Yes, lots of people take the bus out there, but there is no way they'll get to Palenque in 30-40 minutes from Parque Independencia..... it takes us longer than that by car [and my husband is your typical Dominican driver]. Relax and enjoy the ride. If they come through San Cristobal there are some amazing views when the road goes up over the mountain....

I suspect the bus must leave you by the Navy building. I like the other end of the beach much better, it's called Cocolandia, not that far a walk [to the right when facing the water].

 

[jaguarbob]

I passed by Parque Independencia the other day on the north side of the park in front of the camera shop, was a stop for the bus to Palenque, I spoke with the conductor for a few seconds as he was waiting for customers and he says they drop right in the heart of the beach area, says it takes between 30-40 minutes to get there from that spot.

thanks,will go next week...live not too far from the guagua..
bob

 

[Richard Alberto]

Anyone has good advise on Playa Palenque. Is it a nice place for family trip. How safe is it and how clean is the beach. Thanks

 

[AlterEgo]

Richard, it is our favorite beach, see post #3. I've never found the beach to be dirty. Stay down the far/western end, the area they call "Cocolandia" where the beach restaurants are. We either eat from Eledania's or Dona Mary's - Mary's son Cheo has the Empanadas. Free use of tables and chairs at all places. Very safe. Lots of families with kids.

Photos I've taken there: [last one is Mr. Ego and Daughter Ego]

AE

 

[johnnj2000]

can anyone tell me just how safe the rooms are to stay there for a night or two? what are the conditions of the rooms ? AC? Is there a key or digital safe in the room for money n passport etc? are the rooms clean? upkeep?

 

[AlterEgo]

We've stayed at both hotels in Palenque. Neither is posh by any standards, but both were clean.

The Hotel Playa Palenque is owned by a European [Swiss???] and his Dominican doctor wife. Rooms are huge, almost apartment sized, food good, but we had trouble with the hot water because it's solar and no sol means no hot water. Two double beds, table and chairs, kitchen/fridge. Did have a/c, TV, etc.

The other hotel - forget its name - is further from the beach. Newer, cleaner, but very small rooms. Good AC. Small pool. One double bed. Made the mistake of ordering eggs for breakfast, and they came to me deep fried..

Both cost about the same - I think it was about 1200 DOP a night.