These are just a few tips and information relevant to the house and your stay:
Electricity: 110 volts, power plugs type A and B. Other plugs need an adapter. Make sure your electronic appliances are compatible with 110 volts.
Emergency power supply: In the Dominican Republic power cuts do occur, but typically for a short time only. Nevertheless, we have an inverter as emergency power supply which will take care of the fridge, Wi-Fi, water pump, ceiling vans, all lights and the power outlets except those for the laundry and the kitchen.
Drinking water: Generally tap water is not fit for consumption in the Dominican Republic, but our water is filtered twice. A first time through our own natural filtering system, a special, professionally installed system using a specific type of filtering sand – and a second filter for the cold water dispenser feeding the water dispenser of the fridge and the water coming out of the small faucet next to the sink. That water, after the second filter, is excellent drinking water. It’s the water we drink and make ice with. In addition, we have a water dispenser with bottles we buy at the supermarket.
Bed linen & towels: The bed linen is changed twice and the towels three times a week.
Hair dryers: three hair dryers available, one in every room (except the children’s suite).
Music: There is a bluetooth loudspeaker to which you can connect your bluetooth music devices (Smartphones, Notebooks, etc.).
TV: There is a 43 inch LG smart TV set with cable TV and Netflix.
Safety box: The three king size bedrooms have a safety box each.
Mosquito Repellent – Don’t forget it. You can also buy some at the supermarket. The house, gardens, and the surrounding area are treated regularly to reduce mosquitos.
Tipping: Tipping is common and appreciated in the Dominican Republic – but not compulsory. Your level of satisfaction should be your main driver. In restaurants, we tend to tip from 5 to 10% depending on the amount of the bill and level of satisfaction and hand over the tip in cash even if the bill is paid by credit card.
Tipping our house staff: For our house staff, tipping is optional and depends on your level of satisfaction. However, a reasonable amount of tip makes our staff feel appreciated, motivated and will help their families as well. We are often asked what amount is right. We think that an amount of USD 5 to 10 for Mimio the gardener and USD 10 to 15 for Bina per day of your stay as a fair base. However, the decision is fully yours.
Cigars: If you like cigars, we can recommend “Mundo Puro” in front of the bakery “Boulangerie Française”. You can also see how they roll cigars.
Self driving: You can explore the Peninsula of Samana or any other place by yourself, but try to be back in Las Terrenas before nightfall. If you do drive at night, be extra careful. There can be animals on the road, drunk drivers and vehicles with bad or no lighting. So please be careful.
Medical emergencies: If you have any medical emergency, please call 911. During regular working hours you can also call the United Doctors for an appointment, they speak English. +1 (829) 534-1980. They do house visits as well till 10 PM. If you need some medicine go to Pharmacy Hildago right next to the supermarket Pola. Hidalgo also delivers home (phone +1 809 240 9449) or Bina can organize a pick-up by moto taxi (approx 200 DOP, 4 USD).
Grocery shopping: There are two classic supermarkets which we recommend. One is called Pola the other one Lindo. Lindo has a wide range of French products, including nice bread and pastries. For those who like it a bit more local, there are many small colmados and stands selling all kind of things on the way to town and in Las Terrenas itself.
Coffee: In addition to the normal drip coffee maker, we have a Dolce Gusto Espresso machine which works with special capsules. You will find a few complimentary capsules when you arrive. They can be bought at the supermarket Pola.
Cash withdrawal: There are several ATMs downtown and one just behind the parking of the Hotel Mosquito at Playa Bonita. You do not have to bring all the cash with you. At the big supermarkets, at most of the restaurants and car rentals you can pay with credit card. For small restaurants, colmados (small supermarkets) and excursions you need cash.