La ROMANA
Area: Dominican Republic
Country: Dominican Republic


Location:
In the SE corner of the country, on the Caribbean S coast. 10 miles NW of Bayahibe. 66 miles E of Santo Domingo, 50 miles E of its international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 809

Website:
http://www.romana.com

Position:
Among flat sugar cane plantations and tropical farmland, astride the banks of Rio Dulce (Sweet River).

Description:
A shabby provincial coastal town of colourful, but faded, clapboard houses, corrugated shacks and thatched huts. What touristic appeal it may have is marred by potholed roads and heavy traffic. It is the hub of the country's sugar production; however, it is hoped that tourism will improve its fortunes, although nothing significant is evident at present.

Suitability:
Practically no one stays in the town itself. In contrast, the renowned self-contained luxury resort of Casa de Campo, just outside the city limits, attracts the rich and famous.

Accommodation:
Numerous budget hotels and cabanas rarely frequented by European or American tourists. 5-star luxury within the precincts of Casa de Campo, 3 miles E of town.

Shopping:
Many small unsophisticated stores catering to local population.

Beach:
Meagre patches of rough sand and scrub of little interest to tourists. Much better at Bayahibe, 10 miles SE.

Entertainments:
Daytime: the beaches and amenities (including golf) at Casa de Campo. Nightlife: varied and lively at Casa de Campo. Handful of discos, bars and cinemas in town.

Eating:
Cheap local fare; but take care that everything is thoroughly cooked. NB: don't drink the tap water. It's advisable to avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices.

Public-transport:
Comfortable long-distance buses to Santo Domingo; numerous dilapidated guaguas ply the local roads. Abundant taxis. Car hire is available from international firms, but town-centre driving is frantic, local driving skills often appalling and the few main roads invariably potholed and bereft of signposts.

Local-excursions:
Santo Domingo.