Hodelpa Garden Suites

This property has changed hands a few times -- it was once an Embassy Suites outpost before becoming Los Marlins Suites and eventually being taken over by the Dominican chain Hodelpa. In any case, it's situated within a secluded, gated
complex that houses a handful of expensive and seemingly empty vacation homes in
the former fishing village of Juan Dolio. Once inside, one of the stranger things guests will see in the lobby is a faux bedroom set to the left of the entrance: a bed, dresser
-- even a TV and scale -- are lit up like trophies in a case. It’s an authentic,
if odd choice by the property to showcase their 2016 room
renovations. Guests who walk by can preview the dark blue walls, light wood dressers, even test the softness of the beds just like they would
in a furniture store or model home. The lobby itself is a large atrium: skylights shine on tall potted plants surrounding couches, wood
tables, and turquoise chairs spilling over from the on-site restaurant. It’s a big hotel, and seems even bigger because
it’s so empty (as it was on our visit) -- it frequently only manages to get half-full at any given time throughout the year. That plus its location in a remote, generally vacant neighborhood
makes it hard not to feel a little lonely here. But for the North American or
European couples and families who sometimes pass through, the
relaxed vibe might be exactly what attracts them, as well as the huge pool and 24-hour
security. Those looking for a party, though, will want to head elsewhere.

The resort is in Juan Dolio, a former
fishing village turned touristy enclave that lies just past Boca Chica. The
town stretches along the coast, and has less than 3,000
residents. The hotel itself is within an upmarket gated community known as the Metro Golf
and Country Club, which also houses a series of high-end residential properties
that seem to remain vacant most of the year. It’s set almost in the middle of
the golf course, so getting to and from the entrance on foot is a solid
twenty-minute walk (or a seven-minute drive). Having a rental car is almost a
necessity in the DR, but especially here, where there’s nothing but a local
grocery store and pharmacy at the property's entrance. In a country where safety is
a major concern for both locals and tourists, Juan Dolio is no exception,
especially at night. The hotel’s 24-hour gated security and general isolation
might actually be a welcome sign to some.  The most exciting thing to do here is play golf. The hotel
is surrounded by the 18-hole Los Marlins Golf Course , and close to the Guavaberry Golf and Country Club, which is a 10-minute
drive. The Estadio Tetelo Vargas is a 20-minute drive. Getting to the tourist sights in Santo Domingo takes a bit longer than stated on the hotel’s site. Expect trips there to take at
least an hour, and in a taxi the time can add up. Some cabbies offer roundtrip
fares for slightly cheaper than a one-way trip, but it’s still pricey. Budget travelers who know a bit of Spanish could try the minibuses,
or gaguas, though the schedule for these is not always reliable.The hotel offers free shuttles to and from Juan
Dolio Beach, the closest strip of sand and just about seven minutes away in a car.
Alternatively, the beach takes 15 minutes to reach on foot. Otherwise, there’s Guayacanes Beach,
an eight-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel is relatively close to Boca Chica and its
famous beach too -- it’s a 20-minute drive away. Las Americas Santo Domingo International
Airport is just over thirty minutes away. 

The rooms here are all spacious -- in fact, the massive floor plans can feel a bit underfurnished in some cases -- and decor has a homey, modern quality to it. All rooms have separate bedrooms and living rooms with sofas and chairs that are done in modern upholstery with eye-catching patterns. White tile floors are clean while white walls are hung with abstract art that looks lifted from a model home in a retirement community, further adding to the sedate style at this hotel. Wood veneer furniture has a light oak hue and most colors throughout skew soft -- expect to see soft blues and vivid red used sparingly next to earth tone accents. All rooms feature flat-screen
TVs, and simple kitchenettes with microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Higher-category rooms have additions like iPod docks, massage chairs, and white-noise machines. All rooms feature narrow balconies, some with pleasant views of the golf course. Bathrooms are extra spacious, with big tubs, plenty of granite counter space, and scales. The beds are large and comfy too, with
plenty of pillows and a lap desk. High ceilings here give the effect of
airiness and space, but it causes the rooms feel a bit sparse. Soft
bathrobes, extra blankets, and Pascal Morabito toiletries (which include
bath salts), certainly help make it feel a little cozier. 

This large hotel has a decent number of features, though some are a little underwhelming. The pool is
massive, with two cold-water tubs, a handful of lounge chairs, tiki huts, and
even a swim-up bar. The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the nearby beach, and golf enthusiasts are within striking distance of a couple courses, including the Los Marlins Golf Course which is on-site. There’s a fitness room with two cardio machines as well as a small selection of free weights, a water cooler, and towels. It's a bit small for a hotel of this size.The hotel lists three bars and restaurants, though there was just one open when we visited -- Fairway Grill. This venue serves international seafood and meat dishes that fall just short of expectations. Still, the breakfast is free and includes a variety of hot dishes plus smoothies and fresh fruit. The hotel’s daily happy hour is a better bet, where
bartenders hand out free beer and cocktails for two solid hours. For a hotel
that doesn’t count itself in the all-inclusive scene in the Dominican Republic,
that’s an unheard-of generosity -- one that guests who stay here seem to
appreciate. There are also a handful of up-to-date computers at their
business center, as well as series of meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi, though internet
can get spotty depending on one's location in the hotel.