Welcome to El Sueno DR
Frequently Asked Questions
To make your vacation as enjoyable as possible, we have listed below, answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
- What airports are close to Casa de Campo?
The closest airport is the La Romano Airport, which is a 10-minute taxi ride to the Villa. The one-way charge is $10.00 for up to 5 passengers. The next choice is the Santo Domingo airport, which is 1 hour away. The one-way charge is $80.00 for up to 5 passengers. Another choice is Punta Cana, which is 1½ hour away. The taxi charge is $125.00 for up to 5 passengers. All taxi drivers are part of a tariff system that has fixed rates and all accept U.S. dollars. There is a $10.00 fee per person upon arrival and departure at the airport as you go through customs. - What paperwork is necessary to enter the Dominican Republic?
A valid passport. - Can I bring food into the Dominican Republic?
Yes. The grocery store, however, stocks almost everything you will need. Meat products may be restricted because of the mad cow disease. - Does the Villa pay for transportation to and from the airport?
No. The Villa Manager will arrange to have an English-speaking taxi driver meet you at the airport and take you on the return trip, but you will pay the driver. - What are check-in and checkout times?
Check-in is 4pm and checkout is noon. However, if the Villa is not going to be occupied on either day, the Villa Manager can arrange for you to check-in or out whenever it is convenient for you. - Will someone meet us at the Villa?
The Villa Manager or maids will meet you upon arrival and be available to help you with the Villa operations and make any reservations, etc., to make your trip enjoyable. - Can I make arrangements for food, wine, restaurant reservations, etc., before we arrive?
Yes. You can email the Villa Manager who will arrange for reservations for the show (Kandela at Altos de Chavon), restaurants, shooting range, baby sitter, butler, driver, masseuse, etc., in advance of your trip. In addition she will purchase and deliver provisions for the Villa selected by you, (i.e. breakfast food, wine, snacks, etc.) These items are not included in your rental agreement and you will have to pay the Villa Manager at the time invoices are presented.
There is no charge for the Villa Manager services. - How is the Villa staffed?
The Villa Manager will greet you and introduce you to the staff that reports to her. Two maids will work every day that you are there. The maids will work from about 8 am to 5 pm depending on the workload required.
If you need a cook for dinner (approximately $20.00) butler, driver, masseuse, etc., the Villa Manager will arrange it and charge you for the exact expense of the services. You can also ask her to have the maids work earlier (if you have earlier tee times) or later (to serve drinks, etc.,) but there may be an extra charge because they may miss the bus which starts and stops at certain times and they may then need taxi fare to get home. Also, past an 8-hour day, they may need to be tipped or the Villa Manager will collect an extra amount for the overtime hours. The maid’s will be most appreciative of any tip at the end of the trip. (Normally around $100 for the head maid and less for her helper, but the tip is entirely up to you.) - Do we need to rent a car?
You do not need a car for transportation within the resort. If you travel to La Romano, Santo Domingo, the casinos, etc., you can always call for a taxi. If you do decide to rent a car, however, there is a car rental company near the lobby of the hotel. Most people travel by touring carts (golf cart with seats for four) that are available through the resort. Carts can be rented by arrangement in advance with the Villa Manager. The cost from the Villa will be the same as the resort and varies slightly by season, but averages around $30.00 to $35.00 per day, per cart. The carts will be your responsibility so you will accept responsibility for any damage, and release the Villa from any liability in case of injury. The Villa Manager will invoice for the carts and you will pay the Villa Manager prior to your departure. - What currency should I use?
The Dominican Peso is the official currency of the Dominican Republic. The exchange rate fluctuates, but is generally pegged to the U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are easily and gratefully accepted almost everywhere in Casa de Campo, as are traveler’s checks. There is a bank in the hotel and at the marina that will exchange dollars for pesos.
Credit Cards are widely accepted, including the grocery stores. Before you leave for your trip, your credit card company can tell you the rate of exchange and you can compare it to using dollars or traveler’s checks. It is also important to notify your credit card company that you will be charging in Dominican pesos and the length of time you will be out of the country.
There is an ATM machine in the hotel lobby and at the marina that will accept most ATM cards. - How can I arrange tee times?
Tee times are one of the few activities that the Villa Manager will not arrange. It is best if you communicate with the tee time coordinator directly so you can get a written confirmation of the tee times and change them if you are not satisfied with the proposed schedule. Tee times should be reserved as far in advance as possible of your trip. Fax your tee time’s request to 809-523-8800 or e-mail to t.times@ccampo.com.do - What are the rates to play golf?
These rates change by season and often there is a package available, therefore, it is best to contact the tee time coordinator and ask or call the pro shop at 809-52f3-3187. You may be classified as a “golfer in a private Villa” and pay a flat rate per round including golf cart. There is also a twilight rate available after 2:30 pm. They will schedule you to rotate the three courses, but you can see the starter within 24 hours of playing and he will usually switch courses for you if there are open times. There are A, B and C caddies that are required and at reasonable rates to forecaddie, read greens, or drive the cart if you prefer to walk. - Can I use the resort facilities and use a hotel charge card while at the Villa?
Yes. In fact, it is a requirement that you go to the Villa Owners’ Club and sign up for a card upon your arrival. You will pay $25.00 per day for a resort charge card that will entitle you to use all of the facilities and charge any services such as golf, shooting range, horseback riding, food at the beach, etc. They will give you multiple cards for no extra cost so each person in the Villa can charge. You can also arrange to have sub cards under the master card so that the expenses are broken down by person. Before you leave, you must go to the Villa Owners’ Club and pay the bill. - How do I make telephone calls?
There is a phone in every bedroom, living room and kitchen. You can call out by dialing 921 and your number either locally or internationally. You will be billed for the calls when you check out of the Villa Owners’ Club.
Several mobile phones work in the Dominican Republic. The phone company is Codetel, which is owned by the U.S. Company, Verizon. Check before you leave the states and your phone company can arrange to have your phone activated for use overseas. - How should we dress for dinner?
The attire is generally casual; however, most men wear long pants at night, which is required at several restaurants. In the winter months the temperature at night may be 70F or below, therefore, when riding in the carts to and from dinner, it may be a good idea to bring a sweater. - What do I do if I am sick?
Casa de Campo has a nurse on staff full time and a doctor on call. Call the front desk and they will get you in touch with the medical staff. - Is it OK to drink the water?
Even though Casa de Campo has its own water supply, don’t drink the water. The Villa has bottled water in the kitchen and the maids will use the bottled water for ice. The ice you get from grocery store and the hotel is made with purified water. The villa has a special water filtration system so you don’t have to worry about the water when brushing your teeth. - Do I need to practice my Spanish?
Almost everyone working at Casa de Campo speaks English, to one degree or another. The Villa Manager speaks English as well as the taxi driver we recommend, most caddies, waiters, the hotel operators, etc. It is always nice to address people in their native tongue, but they will then know you don’t speak fluently and English will be spoken.
The villa maids do not speak English. However, they are pretty adept at understanding your needs. If all else fails, the villa has a large English –Spanish dictionary available. - Besides cleaning the Villa, what else is included in the maids’ duties?
The maids will also make breakfast, do personal laundry, and serve coffee and drinks. Beyond that, you will have to contact the Villa Manager for extra services. - What are the restrictions at the Villa?
The Villa is a no smoking facility. This is very important for guests and the Villa Manager and maids will enforce this rule.
The Villa has a sound system that includes the pool area and gazebo. Since there are neighbors all around the Villa, excessive noise, loud music, etc., will be offensive. - Can I bring children?
Yes, children are welcome, but it is critical to be very cautious around the swimming pool. The pool does not have a separate child proof fence, therefore, it is a hazard and you must observe the utmost control over the children at all times.
It is also critical to watch them on the stairs to the second floor, on all outside balconies, and the balcony overlooking the living room. These are dangerous areas and an adult must supervise the children. - Can I visit the villa prior to rental?
Yes, in fact, it is suggested that you or someone you designate visit the Villa prior to signing the Rental Agreement to see what you are renting. Contact the Villa Manager to arrange the visit. - What do I need to know about the tropical climate?
The Villa is in the Caribbean zone; June through November is considered the hurricane season. August and September is when most hurricanes in the past have occurred. In a tropical environment, even with diligent pest control, properties will tend to have a modicum of bugs, ants and friendly geckos. Make sure that you bring plenty of bug spray to thwart the pesky mosquitoes!
The sun, even on a cloudy day, can penetrate and cause severe burning. Always make sure that you apply plenty of sunscreen to avoid burning.
Since the climate is humid, dehydration can creep up on you. Make sure that you drink plenty of water during the day, especially if playing sports.
- Will we sign a Rental Agreement?
Yes, you will be required to sign a Rental Agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental. This Frequently Asked Questions information will be incorporated as part of the Rental Agreement, therefore, it is important that you understand all of the above answers above since they will become the restrictions, rules, disclosures and conditions that you will agree to when you sign the Rental Agreement.