oy

so, have found a new hotel right in zona colonial (old city) in santo domingo and i think it looks amazingly cool. it looks like, if i do say so myself, how i would decorate a small boutique hotel, if i were to do so. but it has been brought to my attention that the hotel i usually use while in zona colonial is more authentic.....oy.

the old hotel: has the old world, straight out of christopher columbus' era authenticity, (and the service is always great, and i know the ladies that work there, and my daughter even knows an elderly gentleman that visits every year when we do!) http://www.hotel-palacio.com/

the new hotel: has the modern beach caribbean vibe, right in the middle of the city. it has only been open a few weeks, and i am excited for them and want to help them be successful.(so far they are the only ones who have even tried to give me dates for the merengue festival!) www.cocoboutiquehotel.com

speaking of the festival, i began working on the itinerary for the girls trip! oh my gosh, i got so excited! it is going to be a great trip. cool, festive, busy, and plenty of down time....right now, if pushed, i would say the dates are: july 24 to july 31.we are going to begin in santo domingo, staying at one of the above hotels, have a welcoming cocktail party and dinner on the ocean, enjoy an artist studio, have a typical lunch at a colorful restaurant, merengue our hearts out, see the old city....and move on to the north coast for beach time, where we'll have lunch on the beach, horseback ride and everyone will have time to do whatever they want! my heart begins to race with happiness over it all....oy.

i can't wait. bring it on, baby!

a

ps...would love to hear your opinions on the hotel choices.