Field of Dreams Construction Photos.

One morning I came to the site to find it empty, no Hiatian workers. I ask Papito my foreman (Dominican) where all the workers were. He told me the immigration police came and put them on a bus last night and deported them to Haiti. I ask what are we going to do now? He said don't worry they'll all be back tomorrow. They were all back the next day.

Standing beside a Bread Fruit tree that I wanted saved during construction.

Construction was stopped with zoning problems caused by some bad press.

"If you build it, they will come” These words were the driving force behind Kevin Costner’s character in the Movie “Field of Dreams”.

A couple of years ago, Bill Lane (better known as Dominican Billy), a “retired” Canadian expat living in Puerto Plata, had a dream of his own. He had a vision for an upscale companion friendly hotel in a prime location, where he could have the facilities to extend his hospitality to a wider clientele.

Chris supervising the construction and looking good for an opening in March.

Having lived in the DR for over 10 years and established a reputation as a host and guide for men seeking female companionship on the North Coast. He needed a comfortable hotel with the facilities to extend his hospitality to a wider clientele. He found a piece of prime real estate, directly across from the Playa Dorada resort complex, and began raising funds, primarily from a group of friends.

The grounds are looking good and we are ready for our opening in March. 

He chose his best friend, Pepito, a local builder, as contractor, and hired a respected architectural firm which has been involved in a number of high profile projects. As is often the case in the DR, there were a multitude of obstacles to overcome. If there was ever a classic example of “Murphy’s law” at work, this is it.

The project was delayed by everything from the officials who were too busy trying to save their jobs by campaigning to get Hippleto reelected to sign permits, to inspections for Tiano relics, to tropical storm Jeanne. The most difficult challenge came with the plunge in the exchange rate, which dramatically reduced the value of the dollars funding the project.

View from the jacuzzi with a small river flowing in to the swimming pool.

There have been people on this board who proclaimed this project “dead”, and how could you blame them? The fact is the landscape of the DR is littered with half-finished hotels. What they failed to take into account is the resourcefulness of a stubborn Canadian and the power of a dream.

Yesterday, the Field of Dreams Inn welcomed it’s first customer. Another checked in today, and when myself and a friend arrive on Saturday, we will have at least 4 of the 12 rooms occupied; and almost nobody knows the place is open!

Waterfall and painting on pool front to brighten up the waterfall motif.

It will take a year or 2 for the vegetation to grow in and give it the lush tropical look you see in some of the older facilities. The rate is $40 a night for a single room with 24 hour power (including AC), satellite TV, room safe and fridge.

An American style breakfast (cooked by Billy himself) is included in the price. Airport transfers are free with a 3 day stay and a stocked fridge on the first day with a 6 day stay. Bar and restaurant are on site.

Because of the sensitivity of the location and the current political climate, this will NOT be a replication of Blackbeards or the Sosua Palace. Web presence will be generic, and it is being promoted as an alternative to AI resorts for golfers, couples and adventure tourists.

Scarlet and Ada from Franks Disco in Puerto Plata are enjoying the pool.

The only chicas lounging around the pool will be the ones that are there as your companions. Cedulas will be checked to assure no underage girls are admitted. If one of the “regular” guests is offended by the sight of an older gringo in the company of a young Dominicana, they’ll just have to deal with it, but sorry guys, no orgies in the jaccuzzi.

HOWEVER, Billy and his son Chris live on site, and will be at your service to assist you in meeting the local talent. Billy is a legend as a monger guide, and Chris already speaks better Spanish than his dad and knows almost as many of the girls . If you like a more private, low-key approach, this is just the ticket. If you love the “frat house” atmosphere, but can’t get a room at one of those places, it’s a big step up from the run-down older hotels in Puerto Plata which are guest friendly.