Santo Domingo Advice

[sfcastro]

I am thinking of trying Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic for the first time.  Any advice on the following?

1. What hotels are best to stay that allow guests with no issues and no charge.  I've researched a bit but looks like the two most recommended are no longer around.  The Hotel Duque de Wellington looks like it is in bankruptcy and the Mercure Comercial Santo Domingo does not look to be around anymore (no longer available for any bookings and no new hotel name there).  Airbandb is not an option for this trip.

2. What are the best gay bars to meet guys there in person vs. the apps?

3. Any other advice?

[axiom2001]

The Adams___________ Hotel is a gay hotel in SD. ...think there's info. at daddysreviews.com  httml//Message...   (...sorry I can't remember the specifics, for this the forum/s area, it's disconnected from Reviews.  

[SolaceSoul]

The old standbys for single men (straight and gay) that want to stay in hotels in Colonial Zone that allow them to bring back Dominican guests are: Roma (I and II), both on the Conde, and the Discovery Hotel, has né block off the Conde. IDs of guests are always required, either left at the front desk or a Xerox copy taken of it, depending on management). As of a couple of years ago, neither Roma charged for guests and Discovery may or may not have charged a small fee like $5 - $15 per guests visit.

I didn’t realize the Mercure is now shut down. That was always a good option because it’s right on the Conde and they had a pretty awesome patio breakfast. It was $15 to bring back a guest with ID.

I was never much of a fan of Hotel Duque De Wellington as it was a bit of a walk from the Conde and the boys that hung around there weren’t my type. 

Also not a big fan of Adam Suites Hotel. I stayed there once and once was enough. They always turned the power off, including hot water, and lock the front doors every night. A “security” worker was supposed to be there to open the doors for hotel guests but I seemed to be waiting almost every night for 10-15 minutes to get in, or to let a guest out because the worker was nowhere to be found. Also, the Wi-Fi was only available in the small lobby. But the hotel is gay, it’s across from the gay clubs one block off the Condue (if those are still open) and the area gets trafficked a lot by cruisers and by hustlers, if those things appeal to you. My suggestion for this hotel, if you decide to book there, is only get the big suite on the second floor that has the balcony overlooking the suite.