Hello everyone. RT here.

I am South Florida-based and work in Puerto Plata approx. 10-14 days per month. This leaves me plenty of time to both monger and investigate.

I have stayed at the Palace.

I have stayed at Blackbeard's.

I have stayed at Europa

I have drank at and toured the Blue Dolphin.

I have no connection with any of these places, other than as a consumer. Here's my take on the four:

SOSUA PALACE
John charged me US $40 for one night. We had met previously; I don't know if that was a good or bad price.

Rooms: Not the best. The one I stayed in had cardboard covering the light area over the door. There were no blackout curtains, so we woke up immediately upon sunrise. Very noisy. I really wasn't happy with my accomodations, and the property doesn't impress.

Strange Note: When I had to check out, I couldn't find John or any girls. I went to Mora Mai and asked around there and left the key with someone. Odd.

Location: Very good. I was a little concerned about leaving my car outside overnight, but nothing came of it. You are centrally located in Sosua, so take out from anywhere there or Caberete is no problem. I'm no fan of driving back and forth from Puerto Plata at night. No car is necessary if you stay here.

Girls On-Site: They seemed ready, willing, and able. No overwhelming beauty queens, but no one that was scary, either. I did one girl in the afternoon from the Palace (we didn't discuss $$ and I gave her RD$1,000). She was very accommodating. I brought in a girl from the High Caribe at night.

BLACKBEARD'S
I also paid US $40 for one night. I rented a standard room and left -- when I got back, they upgraded me to the next level room. I'm not sure why. This place is in Costambar, just off of Puerto Plata.

Rooms: Awesome. The bed was new and firm. The bathroom was clean. There was a little couch area and table to sit in. The TV was hanging from the wall and swiveled easily. I don't remember about the blackout curtains. The window was at an angle that the light didn't shine on the bed. The jacuzzi was new, large and beautiful. Overall, the property is beautiful.

Note: The refrigerators in the rooms are pre-stocked mini bars. At reasonable prices. This ruled, as I hate making the 3am Presidente runs for the chicas. And the concept of a refigerator with stuff in it appeals to them.

Location: Sucks big time. Not only is it a bitch to get to Costambar (two motoconchas if you don't drive), but Costambar is dark at night. I got lost the first time, until I figured out and memorized the turns. If you have a car or know where you want to go by taxi, you have all of Puerto Plata to monger in. Principe, a Car Wash and Scape are close and it is a small trip to El Bohen. Krystal and the Long Beach bars are at the other end of town.

Girls On-Site: I can't really say. When I reserved my room, I was in and out in five minutes, and when I got back with my date, it was 2 am. Don't know the prices, either.

HOTEL EUROPA
I have stayed here many times and paid anywhere from US$38 to $45 per night.

Rooms: Very Good. They all have a refrigerator and kitchen of some sort. The curtains all allow light, but for the most part, the place is pretty quiet. I have had different experiences with the coldness of the A/C. Some rooms have a separate living area. I do not know if the prices are different, or it is just random.

This place is a 'real' hotel that allows guests. They take the girl's cedular when you check her in. There is always someone on duty, and for RD$100, the cleaning girl will keep you in towels 24/7. The restaurant is good and cheap. There's a bar, too -- haven't tried it. The safes are electronic, so you don't have to worry about losing the key. One of the desk girls is beautiful.

Strange Note: The beautiful desk girl was ending her shift as I was getting into my car. I asked where she was going. The supermarket, she said. I offered her a ride. She declined, saying her boss would fire her if she got into a client's car. So much for being a nice guy.

Location: Top notch. Right across from the Flamingo, and the little bar downstairs from the Flamingo. If you're lazy and not too picky, you can get a girl -- cheap -- at that bar virtually any time. No car necessary if you stay here. You are centrally located in Sosua, so take out from anywhere there or Caberete is no problem. I'm no fan of driving back and forth from Puerto Plata at night.

Girls On-Site: None. Go get your own. My friend took two girls back one night, with apparently no problems.

BLUE DOLPHIN
I investigated this joint when they first opened. All that was available for rental was the 'Clubhouse' with prices ranging form US$50 (partial) to $100 for the entire thing. I think that as people move out of the apartments, those will be come available for monger rental, but I'm not sure.

Rooms: Not certain. The 'Clubhouse' looked nice, but it was rented when I was there, so all I saw was the living room.

The bar area is very nice, and has a TV suspended for sports. The chairs are comfy, and there always seems to be some guys to shoot the bull with. The place still looks like a work in progress, so I am reluctant to pass judgement -- yet. I don't drink liquor, and at RD$30 each for both a glass of club soda and a bottle of water, it was a little pricey. But a good atmosphere.

Strange Note: There's some political infighting between the management here and at the Palace, so you get to listen to them drag each other through the mud, depending on who's there and how drunk they are.

Location: Very good. A half block from the Palace, and on the main drag. I'm sure it is no safer or dangerous, but I felt a little more comfortable with my car parked outside the Dolphin than when I was at the Palace. No car necessary if you stay here. You are centrally located in Sosua, so take out from anywhere there or Caberete is no problem. As I've said twice now, I'm no fan of driving back and forth from Puerto Plata at night.

Girls On-Site: There were a few coming and going on my three visits to the bar. The management tried (a little too strongly, IMNSHO) to push them on me when I was there. I don't know if he was kidding or not, but I was quoted RD$2,000 short time for the girls there. I hope he was kidding. Bring your own, if you want.