Located on a sandy beach and accessed via a rough, dirt road less than five miles from Las Terrenas, the mid-range Casa Coson feels an entire ocean away from civilization. The vibe is relaxed rustic, with just the right amount of modern amenities to confirm that guests are indeed on vacation: free Wi-Fi in the lobby, a swimming pool, morning yoga sessions, and a waterfront massage hut. Colonial-meets-Caribbean decor is found in all 10 guest rooms. Standard Rooms are clean and bright with modest amenities, while the larger Casita guest houses provide living areas and full kitchens. Nearby Hotel Residence Playa Colibri has a similar price tag, amenities, and a beach.
Located on a sandy beach and accessed via a rough, dirt road less than five miles from Las Terrenas, the mid-range Casa Coson feels an entire ocean away from civilization. The vibe is relaxed rustic, with just the right amount of modern amenities to confirm that guests are indeed on vacation: free Wi-Fi in the lobby, a swimming pool, morning yoga sessions, and a waterfront massage hut. Colonial-meets-Caribbean decor is found in all 10 guest rooms. Standard Rooms are clean and bright with modest amenities, while the larger Casita guest houses provide living areas and full kitchens. Nearby Hotel Residence Playa Colibri has a similar price tag, amenities, and a beach.
The four-and-a-half pearl Sublime Samana looks and feels like one of the most exclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, and it does a wonderful job of catering to both romance-seeking couples and fun-loving families. The 27 villa-style suites include full kitchens with Viking appliances and multiple flat-screen TVs, though not all have ocean views. Features include two al fresco restaurants, a pristine white sand beach, a rustic spa, and a nearly 500-foot long outdoor pool. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of downtown Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 15 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. If Sublime Samana isn't remote enough, Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, located on a private island, provides a good alternative.
The four-and-a-half pearl Sublime Samana looks and feels like one of the most exclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, and it does a wonderful job of catering to both romance-seeking couples and fun-loving families. The 27 villa-style suites include full kitchens with Viking appliances and multiple flat-screen TVs, though not all have ocean views. Features include two al fresco restaurants, a pristine white sand beach, a rustic spa, and a nearly 500-foot long outdoor pool. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of downtown Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 15 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. If Sublime Samana isn't remote enough, Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, located on a private island, provides a good alternative.
The tranquil Sea Horse Ranch stands on the northern coast of Cabarete and spans over 250 acres. The resort features sophisticated luxury villas, each with private pools and a slew of pampering services -- like a private chef and maid service. The grounds also house an equestrian center, tennis academy, and a stunning ocean-front restaurant with live music nights every month. While there are two lovely pools and two beaches within a short drive, the property lacks its own truly swimmable shoreline. There's really nothing that even comes close to comparing to the level of luxury in the area, but younger couples wanting sleek rooms with more of a social vibe might prefer Ultravioleta Boutique Residences down the road -- rates there will be far lower.
The tranquil Sea Horse Ranch stands on the northern coast of Cabarete and spans over 250 acres. The resort features sophisticated luxury villas, each with private pools and a slew of pampering services -- like a private chef and maid service. The grounds also house an equestrian center, tennis academy, and a stunning ocean-front restaurant with live music nights every month. While there are two lovely pools and two beaches within a short drive, the property lacks its own truly swimmable shoreline. There's really nothing that even comes close to comparing to the level of luxury in the area, but younger couples wanting sleek rooms with more of a social vibe might prefer Ultravioleta Boutique Residences down the road -- rates there will be far lower.
With a solid list of amenities and a downtown location, BQ Santo Domingo by BQ Hotels has a lot to offer its mostly executive clientele. The rooftop pool and polished alfresco restaurant are a step above most properties in the area. The bland design of each of its 137 rooms is almost forgivable given their modern amenities: free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and optional balconies. Rates are low and freebies include a Dominican breakfast buffet and secure parking. However, the aging, mismatched decor in the common areas is subpar compared to Santo Domingo’s many other three-pearl, business-centric alternatives. The more polished Courtyard Santo Domingo is pricier but offers a more central location.
With a solid list of amenities and a downtown location, BQ Santo Domingo by BQ Hotels has a lot to offer its mostly executive clientele. The rooftop pool and polished alfresco restaurant are a step above most properties in the area. The bland design of each of its 137 rooms is almost forgivable given their modern amenities: free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and optional balconies. Rates are low and freebies include a Dominican breakfast buffet and secure parking. However, the aging, mismatched decor in the common areas is subpar compared to Santo Domingo’s many other three-pearl, business-centric alternatives. The more polished Courtyard Santo Domingo is pricier but offers a more central location.
The three-pearl Chalet Tropical Village perfectly matches its sleepy, tropical surroundings. The property consists of handful of wooden villas perched on grassy slopes with hammocks scattered all about, just begging guests to take a nap. The owner’s touch reaches every corner, not just in the quirky eco-lodge design of the five villas -- each of which has its own kitchen -- but also in helping guests choose their activities. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are nice perks, but other features are limited. The hotel is rustic and ecological -- there’s no plastic anywhere in sight, few TVs, and air-conditioning is only available in one villa. For something right on the ocean with a pool in Las Galeras, travelers should consider Villa Serena Hotel, though rates may be higher.
The three-pearl Chalet Tropical Village perfectly matches its sleepy, tropical surroundings. The property consists of handful of wooden villas perched on grassy slopes with hammocks scattered all about, just begging guests to take a nap. The owner’s touch reaches every corner, not just in the quirky eco-lodge design of the five villas -- each of which has its own kitchen -- but also in helping guests choose their activities. Free breakfast and free Wi-Fi are nice perks, but other features are limited. The hotel is rustic and ecological -- there’s no plastic anywhere in sight, few TVs, and air-conditioning is only available in one villa. For something right on the ocean with a pool in Las Galeras, travelers should consider Villa Serena Hotel, though rates may be higher.
With equal doses of colonial charm, history, and contemporary touches, the two-and-a-half pearl Casa Sanchez Boutique Hotel is a lovely boutique property that gets just about everything right for low rates that include free breakfast and Wi-FI. The 10 rooms vary widely in size, and all include modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Spacious, apartment-style suites upgrade to kitchenettes and optional private balconies. A lap pool and rooftop sundeck with a hot tub and reading lounge offer far more social space than most boutique downtown properties. Aside from limited parking and occasional noise from the surrounding neighborhood, guests will find little to complain about. Hotel Villa Colonial offers similar amenities for similar rates, and the rooms are more traditionally styled.
With equal doses of colonial charm, history, and contemporary touches, the two-and-a-half pearl Casa Sanchez Boutique Hotel is a lovely boutique property that gets just about everything right for low rates that include free breakfast and Wi-FI. The 10 rooms vary widely in size, and all include modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Spacious, apartment-style suites upgrade to kitchenettes and optional private balconies. A lap pool and rooftop sundeck with a hot tub and reading lounge offer far more social space than most boutique downtown properties. Aside from limited parking and occasional noise from the surrounding neighborhood, guests will find little to complain about. Hotel Villa Colonial offers similar amenities for similar rates, and the rooms are more traditionally styled.
Situated on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach, the Premium Level section of the Barcelo Bavaro Palace is a four-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort-within-a-resort that accounts for 144 of the Barcelo's 1,402 rooms. Guests here have access to all of facilities at the Bavaro Palace, which include multiple pools, a high-end gym, a kids' waterpark, and free non-motorized water-sports equipment, along with 11 restaurants, 14 bars, a nightclub, and a casino (plus free access to La Comedie restaurant -- non-Premium guests have to pay extra). Perks at the Premium Level include a lounge with hors d'oeuvres and a dedicated reception area. Rooms are spacious and all have ocean-facing balconies/terraces with hot tubs. Travelers seeking something a bit less expensive might want to opt for the Bavaro Palace wing of the resort instead.
Situated on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach, the Premium Level section of the Barcelo Bavaro Palace is a four-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort-within-a-resort that accounts for 144 of the Barcelo's 1,402 rooms. Guests here have access to all of facilities at the Bavaro Palace, which include multiple pools, a high-end gym, a kids' waterpark, and free non-motorized water-sports equipment, along with 11 restaurants, 14 bars, a nightclub, and a casino (plus free access to La Comedie restaurant -- non-Premium guests have to pay extra). Perks at the Premium Level include a lounge with hors d'oeuvres and a dedicated reception area. Rooms are spacious and all have ocean-facing balconies/terraces with hot tubs. Travelers seeking something a bit less expensive might want to opt for the Bavaro Palace wing of the resort instead.
With a history dating back more than 500 years, the buildings that house Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now home to one of Santo Domingo’s most charming and historic upscale hotels. The 97 rooms range from small to sprawling, but all include original, centuries-old design elements plus minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and Nespresso makers. The outdoor pool offers decent views of Rio Ozama and La Residence restaurant serves up fine French dining in one of the city’s most romantic alfresco dining spaces. For a bit more money, Billini Hotel is a similarly historic, city-center property that provides a boutique experience with ultra modern amenities.
With a history dating back more than 500 years, the buildings that house Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now home to one of Santo Domingo’s most charming and historic upscale hotels. The 97 rooms range from small to sprawling, but all include original, centuries-old design elements plus minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and Nespresso makers. The outdoor pool offers decent views of Rio Ozama and La Residence restaurant serves up fine French dining in one of the city’s most romantic alfresco dining spaces. For a bit more money, Billini Hotel is a similarly historic, city-center property that provides a boutique experience with ultra modern amenities.
Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic is an all-inclusive, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on scenic Playa Dorada beach. The resort’s 585 guest rooms are well-kept and sunny, featuring flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, and large bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, but none have ocean views. Sunscape is a solid choice for fans of all-inclusive resorts, offering a nice balance of amenities geared toward families, groups, and couples, as well as an array of decent dining options; although the fee for in-room Wi-Fi will be a turn-off for some. Travelers looking for an adult-only resort in the area can consider BlueBay Villas Doradas.
Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic is an all-inclusive, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on scenic Playa Dorada beach. The resort’s 585 guest rooms are well-kept and sunny, featuring flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, and large bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, but none have ocean views. Sunscape is a solid choice for fans of all-inclusive resorts, offering a nice balance of amenities geared toward families, groups, and couples, as well as an array of decent dining options; although the fee for in-room Wi-Fi will be a turn-off for some. Travelers looking for an adult-only resort in the area can consider BlueBay Villas Doradas.
This sumptuous, upscale 18-room hotel on top of a picture-perfect cliff on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic is aptly named -- its Indian-influenced architecture and decor is indeed palatial. Rooms have attractive carvings, textiles, and balconies, and some have terrific ocean views. There are a pretty, quiet pool, open-air massages at the spa, and quality food that can be served just about anywhere on the property. The small, gorgeous private beach is a highlight, and though it can disappear seasonally, the renowned Playa Grande is a 10-minute drive. This property is unique in the D.R., but those seeking a remote beach experience with rustic-chic Dominican influence may prefer Natura Cabana, about an hour away.
This sumptuous, upscale 18-room hotel on top of a picture-perfect cliff on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic is aptly named -- its Indian-influenced architecture and decor is indeed palatial. Rooms have attractive carvings, textiles, and balconies, and some have terrific ocean views. There are a pretty, quiet pool, open-air massages at the spa, and quality food that can be served just about anywhere on the property. The small, gorgeous private beach is a highlight, and though it can disappear seasonally, the renowned Playa Grande is a 10-minute drive. This property is unique in the D.R., but those seeking a remote beach experience with rustic-chic Dominican influence may prefer Natura Cabana, about an hour away.