Accommodation Tips
1. Tipping
Tipping hotel staff is customary, but it’s at your discretion. Porters usually expect a tip of around US$1 per bag carried to your room. If you leave US$1 a day in your room you’ll find your house-keeper is more likely to put fresh flowers or elaborate towel decorations on your bed.
2. Location
Beachfront hotels will cost more than those off the beach and a room with a sea view will be costlier than one over-looking the garden. In Punta Cana nearly all the hotels are all-inclusive and you’re not expected to stray far from your hotel. To explore the island, a North Coast destination is more convenient, with better public transport.
3. High Season
Prior booking is essential at Easter, when Dominicans take their holidays. In Cabarete there is a second high season, relating to windsurfing conditions, from June 15 to September 15.
4. All-Inclusives
Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Bayahibe in the East and Cofresí, Playa Dorada, and other North Coast beach resorts are dominated by all-inclusive hotels. Quality and service vary but basically you get what you pay for. Buffet food is monotonous while alcoholic drinks are usually limited to national brands of rum and beer with watered down wine for dinner and extra charges for anything else. Check what’s on offer, what sports you can opt for and for how long, whether there is an à la carte restaurant and how many times you can eat there. Some hotels require you to book your activities and meals days in advance, while others are more flexible.
5. Hotel Tax
All hotels charge an extra 28 percent on top of the room rate. This is made up of 18 percent sales tax and 10 percent service and is subject to change according to national taxation legislation. Room rates do not usually include the tax.
6. Accommodation Types
In Santo Domingo, hotels range from international style modern hotels run by foreign chains to boutique hotels in restored colonial mansions. There are also a few cheap guesthouses and apart hotels. There are dozens of all-inclusive beach hotels on the North and East Coasts and several medium-sized ones for independent travelers. Up in the mountains there are country inns and guesthouses offering comfortable lodging. Fewer options are available in the West.
7. Visitors with Disabilities
Very few hotels have facilities for the disabled. As there is no Dominican legislation requiring hotels to provide such amenities, it is best to try the international hotels where the parent company upholds the same standards world-wide (for further details see Disabled Travelers).
8. Air-Conditioning
Most medium and upper quality hotels have air-conditioning and their own generator as back up. Smaller hotels often suffer blackouts. Most places have ceiling or free-standing fans.
9. Language
Staff at hotels in the capital and resorts usually speak English and often one other European language. In out of the way areas it is less common. A few Spanish phrases (for further details see Phrase Book) will help you on excursions as well as in hotels.
10. Reservations
It is advisable to book at least your first few nights prior to arrival, although it is possible to travel around in low season without pre-booking. It is essential to book well in advance during the high season.
