KimmyAA

Hi all,

Has anyone stayed at the Renaissance Jaragua in Santo Dominigo, Domincan Republic? Any feedback? I've heard Santo Dominigo is not very safe. Did you feel safe at this hotel? Was it gated?

Thank you!

Kim

KimmyAA

And perhaps the stories I've heard implying the area is not safe were exaggerated. Either way, I would love to hear a review of this hotel.

Thanks!

tfred

i have not stayed at this hotel, but I can say that Santo Domingo as a rule is NOT safe. Walking along GW Blvd - maybe - but you do not want to walk into the city, especially at night

I have been here for business a few times. It was not uncommon to see a bouncer at a restaurant armed with a gun of some sort

the resort areas are different as they are gated and do not allow the locals inside

jessej

this is the worst run marriott that i have ever been in
i have been to the DR 6 times and have never stayed there after my first visit

there is a IC 2 blocks away, and a Sol Melia a block away, and a Hilton a mile or 2 down GW Blvd, all are far better choices

aaupgrade

Yes it is gated with armed guards at the gates. The hotel is nicer than most other hotels in Santo Domingo. However, it is not nicer than most other Marriott Properties. To give you a point of reference, it is nicer then the Ilikai Renaissance and St. Thomas Renaissance, buth of which are no longer flagged as Marriott properties. Avoid staying in the out building as my boss was originally assigned a room there once and said it was not very nice so he upgraded to the main buidling. The Executive lounge was nice and the rooms on the Executive floor were too. It is better than the hotel Grand Lina and El Embajador Hotel the other two hotel I have stayed at in Santo Domingo.

I have not stayed at the IC as I found the Renaissance Jaragua acceptable, especially by Dom Rep standards.

travelexpert

The new Hilton is getting good reviews. I see you do not have status there--but with just the HHONORS credit card, you will get silver status.

cowtowner

My wife stayed there on business about 10 times in recent years. She felt safe enough as long as she was situated in the rooms away from where the "Lady's of the night" practiced thier trade.

She however never, never never let her guard down in the DR as a whole. She changed jobs that doesn't require her to travel there anymore. She really enjoyed the country however.

KimmyAA

Since the Renaissance doesn't sound as safe as I would like it to be, does anyone know of a good resort within reasonable driving distance from Santo Domngo?

Thanks!

dloren1

I've stayed there twice in the last 2 years. Both times I've felt safe in the hotel. Santo Domingo is not a place I feel very safe in though and its hard to leave that feeling behind when you walk into your hotel. Be sure you take a taxi everywhere you go after dark.

The hotel has plenty of security guards - there's a casino in the hotel. The elevators to the rooms have a guard stationed there at most times to prevent unauthorized entry. You also need a key card to use the elevator. I won't say the hotel is stunning but its functional. I remember the bathroom fixtures as being dated although the room itself was ok.

pjoalfa

I have to agree, sadly, SDQ is not a place to walk around. That said, you are fine going anywhere you want by taxi (make sure you arrange your way back with the driver). Not some - ALL - decent restaruants/nightclubs, etc. will have armed rent-a-cops or bouncers.

There is a Courtyard now near the US Consulate. Another CY is scheduled for W. Churchill/Gustavo Mejia Ricart area which will probably be more business location freindly than all the G.Washington hotels. Of course none will have the nightlife of the Jaragua.

Jaragua. As I live here I have not had much opportunity to stay, but I did get a suite there on my wedding night. It's nothing at all to write home about in terms of quality or service although as mentioned above this post, not much is in SDQ. The Hilton is widely being regarded as the best there is- (probably simply because it's brand spanking new.) though the food at the restaurant there (the one in the casino) was both hideous and hideously expensive.

pjoalfa

Embassy Suites Los Marlins Grand Resort, Juan Dolio
Autopista del Este
Juan Dolio
Dominican Republic


Barcelo Capella Beach Resort, Juan Dolio


both about 45min-1h from the city by car (25mins from SDQ airport) Barcelo has others there as well, see their site.

Try tripadvisor or some such for reviews and photos, they all tend to be 3-4 stars (never 5 no matter what they say)

Farther afield (90min+) is La Romana with their Casa de Campo resort. The beach isn't a postcard beach but the rest of the facilities are great and the golf is legendary if you swing that way.


Boca Chica is closer to the city but completely sucks. Stay away from that.

KimmyAA

Thank you all for your suggestions. After quite a bit of back and forth, I've decided to stay at the Renaissance. Since we have an 8am meeting, staying anywhere but Santo Domingo would mean a pretty early start.

My main concern was safety and while no one really seemed to LOVE this hotel, it does sound safe enough.

I'll report back after my stay later this month.

Thanks!

MsEverywhere

Any new reports?

I stayed at Jaragua (2? 3?) years ago and felt perfectly safe in the hotel. As I remember, the only time we left the hotel was to take a tour during the day.

I'm thinking about going back in a couple of weeks.

ClueByFour

Anything new here?

I have exclusively stayed at the Hilton since it opened, but they are booked this week. This seems to be the only reasonable property that my corporate engine has.

terez155

Hi,

I am thinking about booking this hotel, (was trying to get the Marriott St. Kitts, but the flights for our FF miles are not working out, so trying other options), any new stays for anyone? Safe Area??