Comments

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  David Paul Appell October 29, 2009 at 5:05pm

  I'll have several suggestions for you soon, Paul, and will ask our other on-site experts as well. In the meantime, just be cautious walking along down dark side streets in the Zona Colonial -- I was held up there several years ago!
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  Paul Chibeba October 29, 2009 at 4:56pm

  I'm very excited to be visiting Santo Domingo in December for five days. I'll be staying in the Colonial Zone section of the city and for sure will be exploring Santo Domingo for much of the time. Any recommendations for day trips which can be taken using public transport or joining organized day tours would be much appreciated. Thank you.
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  David Paul Appell October 27, 2009 at 5:44pm

  Interesting item I just got over the transom re Casa de Campo:
  
  "Guests booking into Casa de Campo this winter season will be staying in totally new surroundings. Parent company Central Romana Corporation is investing US$25 million into the transformation of the main areas of the hotel and about a third of the rooms in time for high season.
  
  Designers Mayra Gonzalez and Patricia Reid are working on the major changes with architect Rafael Selman of Selman & Asociados Arquitectura, reported in Casa de Campo News October-November issue. According to the publication, the new look blends in with the minimalist approach and use of Caribbean materials that Gonzalez has already used at Minitas Beach and at the Cygalle Spa. Natural materials such as marble, coral stone and oak wood are being used to create an impression of extreme simplicity.
  
  Designer Gonzalez describes it as "bringing the Casa de Campo hotel up to date in a warm contemporary style."
  
  The design involves dramatic changes, from the gardens near the entrance to the lobby, gym, pool area, restaurant and offices that are being relocated. The lobby is being doubled in size. The Tropicana Restaurant has been transformed into a terrace overlooking the pool. The new restaurant is being located at La Cana Bar's former site, with an indoor air-conditioned area, al fresco dining tables and a glassed-in show-kitchen.
  
  The rooms located at the far end of the driving range are will all be new. Patricia Reid designed the rooms to luxury hotel standards in soft, neutral tones. Only remaining are the old mahogany doors to the terraces, which are being restored."
  
  I've long felt the place could use some refreshing...looking forward to checking it out one of these days soon!
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  Dorothy Conlon October 10, 2009 at 9:17pm

  Is anybody familiar with the Monte Cristi area on the northwest coast?