Hotel Death Watch: Barcelo Talanquera

Oyster Blog presents the first post in an ongoing series of hotels now serving guests in Eternity.


Barcelo Talanquera (Late 1980s – May 1st, 2009)


I will forever remember the sagging mattress and disintegrating wicker furniture in my first floor room at the Barcelo Talanquera, located in Juan Dolio, on the southwest coast of the D.R. Long after my stay, a bowl of cornflakes brought flashbacks of the time I nearly consumed a glass of rancid milk at the buffet. There was no fresh fruit available, just container after container of browning bananas.


This resort was once an affordable showstopper for families, complete with a French restaurant, poolside cocktails, direct beach access, and splashy entertainment. But during my visit -- just two months before its demise -- the place looked like it had already given up on life.


Talanquera is survived by its sister Barcelo Capalla, and several cousins in Puerto Plata and Punta Cana.