If you are visiting the Hotel Embajador to meet with a guest or to attend one of the social events held there, take note. The pool area is off limits to anyone who is not staying at the hotel. This is contrary to the practice at other city hotels that only ask non-guests to leave the public areas if security norms are being violated. Former Dominican ambassador to the Organization of American States, lawyer Flavio Darío Espinal, who was at the hotel on Sunday evening to attend the Handicraft Fair organized by the Chamber of Santo Domingo, suffered the unpleasant experience of being practically kicked out of the pool area of the city hotel. Not believing this could be a rule of the hotel, physician Alberto Santana crossed the door to the pool area, and also was asked to leave. A call to reception manager, Mr. Bernabé Taveras confirmed this rule. The Hotel Embajador for years has been a hotel where Dominicans were welcome in the usual public areas. Occidental Hoteles management since the remodeling of the hotel seemingly has changed this. In a call to the hotel, DR1 was told that the new rule is in place due to complaints from paying guests of too many locals in the pool area. The pool area is no longer considered a public area. Probably the hotel should place a clearly visible sign notifying that only guests staying at the hotel are allowed beyond the lobby door giving access to the pool. This way unknowing participants in social events at the hotel will be spared the unpleasant experience of being asked to abandon the area. The management says that early next year, the Tennis & Swimming Club could be reopened, and then club members will be allowed access in addition to guests staying at the hotel. (25 September 2000)
