If CBS decides to add "CSI Sosua" to its crime show franchise, producers needn’t look any further than the New Garden Hotel to shoot the show’s iconic sketchy hotel scenes. Conveniently, the network won’t even need to supply seedy props, as condoms, cigarettes, and sketchy, single men are already on hand. The 40 dank rooms, with their barred windows, moldy ceilings, and mismatched furniture, complete the look, along with two dirty pools. Playa Alicia, the gorgeous beach within walking distance of the hotel, can serve as the blissful backdrop for the opening credits. The nearby Tropix Hotel is a cleaner, safer option for families and couples, with a strict registered guests only policy.
If CBS decides to add "CSI Sosua" to its crime show franchise, producers needn’t look any further than the New Garden Hotel to shoot the show’s iconic sketchy hotel scenes. Conveniently, the network won’t even need to supply seedy props, as condoms, cigarettes, and sketchy, single men are already on hand. The 40 dank rooms, with their barred windows, moldy ceilings, and mismatched furniture, complete the look, along with two dirty pools. Playa Alicia, the gorgeous beach within walking distance of the hotel, can serve as the blissful backdrop for the opening credits. The nearby Tropix Hotel is a cleaner, safer option for families and couples, with a strict registered guests only policy.
Often lauded as one of the best upscale hotels in the Dominican Republic, Casa Veintiuno is an intimate bed-and-breakfast with just three poshly decorated rooms. Thanks to hospitable Belgian owners, Casa Veintiuno exhibits a flair of European cool that can’t be found anywhere else in the area. Rooms are equipped with French designer bedding, Dutch mattresses, and Italian espresso machines. There’s a small pool surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs and a tropical garden, as well as an on-site gourmet restaurant that serves free breakfast. Though the hotel isn’t located on the beach, it’s within a five- to 10-minute walk of both of Sosua’s beaches. For direct beach access, check rates at Bahia Principe San Juan.
Often lauded as one of the best upscale hotels in the Dominican Republic, Casa Veintiuno is an intimate bed-and-breakfast with just three poshly decorated rooms. Thanks to hospitable Belgian owners, Casa Veintiuno exhibits a flair of European cool that can’t be found anywhere else in the area. Rooms are equipped with French designer bedding, Dutch mattresses, and Italian espresso machines. There’s a small pool surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs and a tropical garden, as well as an on-site gourmet restaurant that serves free breakfast. Though the hotel isn’t located on the beach, it’s within a five- to 10-minute walk of both of Sosua’s beaches. For direct beach access, check rates at Bahia Principe San Juan.
Victorian House Boutique Hotel is an aging, two-and-a-half-pearl property located in Sosúa. Most of the hotel’s 50 guest rooms have balconies with wonderful ocean views, but units tend to be slightly untidy and the decor needs an update. On-site amenities, which are shared with the Exxtraordinary Resort – Bellamar, include and outdoor and two restaurants, with all-inclusive packages available. The facilities are better maintained than the guest rooms but still have an older look. Sweeping ocean vistas claim the spotlight throughout the property, which offers direct access to Sosúa Beach; however, guests should bear in mind that sex tourism has a heavy presence in this area. Travelers with some flexibility in their budget might want to consider Hotel Villa Taina as an alternative.
Victorian House Boutique Hotel is an aging, two-and-a-half-pearl property located in Sosúa. Most of the hotel’s 50 guest rooms have balconies with wonderful ocean views, but units tend to be slightly untidy and the decor needs an update. On-site amenities, which are shared with the Exxtraordinary Resort – Bellamar, include and outdoor and two restaurants, with all-inclusive packages available. The facilities are better maintained than the guest rooms but still have an older look. Sweeping ocean vistas claim the spotlight throughout the property, which offers direct access to Sosúa Beach; however, guests should bear in mind that sex tourism has a heavy presence in this area. Travelers with some flexibility in their budget might want to consider Hotel Villa Taina as an alternative.
With a swooping staircase, grand pillars, and high ceilings, the 58-room, two-and-a-half-pearl Piergiorgio Palace is a picture of fading island elegance. It's all a bit old school and interiors are dated, but the hotel's setting is drop-dead gorgeous, perched on Sosua's cliffs overlooking the ocean. The Italian restaurant makes particularly good use of the ocean views. There's a small boutique on-site as well as a swimming pool with a few lounge chairs, but guests will have to walk to the beach, the closest of which is a 10-minute walk. The rooms -- which include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning -- could use an overhaul, especially the hard beds and worn furniture. It's worth investigating Velero Beach Resort, in nearby Cabarete, which sits directly on Kite Beach and is more modern.
With a swooping staircase, grand pillars, and high ceilings, the 58-room, two-and-a-half-pearl Piergiorgio Palace is a picture of fading island elegance. It's all a bit old school and interiors are dated, but the hotel's setting is drop-dead gorgeous, perched on Sosua's cliffs overlooking the ocean. The Italian restaurant makes particularly good use of the ocean views. There's a small boutique on-site as well as a swimming pool with a few lounge chairs, but guests will have to walk to the beach, the closest of which is a 10-minute walk. The rooms -- which include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning -- could use an overhaul, especially the hard beds and worn furniture. It's worth investigating Velero Beach Resort, in nearby Cabarete, which sits directly on Kite Beach and is more modern.
The only all-inclusive resort in Cabarete, the mid-range Wyndham Tangerine stands out for its location; it's on one of the D.R.’s best beaches for water sports, and is just a 10-minute walk from downtown’s shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Rooms are basic but beachy, and there are annoying fees for extras such as Wi-Fi and use of the in-room safes. Nonetheless, this calm property attracts budget-minded couples and families who don’t mind skimping on luxe decor in favor of affordable rates.
The only all-inclusive resort in Cabarete, the mid-range Wyndham Tangerine stands out for its location; it's on one of the D.R.’s best beaches for water sports, and is just a 10-minute walk from downtown’s shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Rooms are basic but beachy, and there are annoying fees for extras such as Wi-Fi and use of the in-room safes. Nonetheless, this calm property attracts budget-minded couples and families who don’t mind skimping on luxe decor in favor of affordable rates.
Offering 11 eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-less beach, yoga classes, and a fabulous spa. It's quiet, and a bit rustic without TV or AC in rooms, but that's the point.
Offering 11 eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-less beach, yoga classes, and a fabulous spa. It's quiet, and a bit rustic without TV or AC in rooms, but that's the point.
Extreme Hotel is an eco-friendly, three-pearl resort with tons of on-site activities that focus on fitness, adventure, and extreme sports. With an on-site kite school and endlessly windy conditions, an on-site half-pipe, outdoor yoga studio, cross-fit gym, and a full-size trapeze with available circus lessons, this is not the place where vacationers come to spend their days lounging by the pool. There’s a small beachfront bar and restaurant that uses ingredients from the hotel’s on-site permaculture garden in nearly all of its daily changing menu items. The 19 guest rooms are bare-bones, with simple wood furniture, white bedding, and teeny tiny bathrooms. The hotel’s motto “live by the sun” not only implies action-packed days outdoors, but also touches on the need to restrict electricity usage -- which means there’s no air-conditioning. Directly next door is Kite Beach Hotel Cabarete, with fewer amenities and lower rates.
Extreme Hotel is an eco-friendly, three-pearl resort with tons of on-site activities that focus on fitness, adventure, and extreme sports. With an on-site kite school and endlessly windy conditions, an on-site half-pipe, outdoor yoga studio, cross-fit gym, and a full-size trapeze with available circus lessons, this is not the place where vacationers come to spend their days lounging by the pool. There’s a small beachfront bar and restaurant that uses ingredients from the hotel’s on-site permaculture garden in nearly all of its daily changing menu items. The 19 guest rooms are bare-bones, with simple wood furniture, white bedding, and teeny tiny bathrooms. The hotel’s motto “live by the sun” not only implies action-packed days outdoors, but also touches on the need to restrict electricity usage -- which means there’s no air-conditioning. Directly next door is Kite Beach Hotel Cabarete, with fewer amenities and lower rates.
Hotel Villa Taina is located in the center of downtown Cabarete, right on world-famous Cabarete Beach. With 300 days of consistent wind per year, Cabarete is a wind sport enthusiast’s dream. The upper-middle-range Hotel Villa Taina sits on a lovely section of the beach, and has its own wind sports center, where amateurs take lessons in windsurfing and kite boarding. However, such a fabulous location does come with a few pitfalls: The 57 guest rooms are small and not all are updated, the pool is tiny, and the fitness center is an afterthought. Serenade, the beachfront bar and restaurant, serves reasonably priced drinks and mediocre food, but the incessant wind makes dining outside a challenge (think flying napkins and spilled drinks). Travelers looking for a hotel with bigger rooms and an infinity pool might prefer nearby Velero Beach Resort.
Hotel Villa Taina is located in the center of downtown Cabarete, right on world-famous Cabarete Beach. With 300 days of consistent wind per year, Cabarete is a wind sport enthusiast’s dream. The upper-middle-range Hotel Villa Taina sits on a lovely section of the beach, and has its own wind sports center, where amateurs take lessons in windsurfing and kite boarding. However, such a fabulous location does come with a few pitfalls: The 57 guest rooms are small and not all are updated, the pool is tiny, and the fitness center is an afterthought. Serenade, the beachfront bar and restaurant, serves reasonably priced drinks and mediocre food, but the incessant wind makes dining outside a challenge (think flying napkins and spilled drinks). Travelers looking for a hotel with bigger rooms and an infinity pool might prefer nearby Velero Beach Resort.
Though it’s by no means luxurious, the three-and-a-half pearl Velero Beach Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Cabarete. Its cliffside location affords awesome ocean views and is the perfect spot for sunsets. The 50 guest rooms are spacious and bright, with large bathrooms and oceanfront balconies. Although a bit small, the hotel’s gorgeous, mosaic-tile infinity pool is surrounded by pillow-topped day beds and slightly worn lounge chairs. Victor’s, the on-site restaurant, serves international cuisine with a focus on fresh Dominican seafood. Velero is within walking distance of downtown Cabarete, and a full service grocery store, but is secluded enough to remain quiet at night. A major downside is the hotel’s tiny beach, which is subject to rough waters and lots of wind. Travelers who would prefer to be directly on Cabarete Beach should check out the nearby Kite Beach Hotel or Hotel Villa Taina.
Though it’s by no means luxurious, the three-and-a-half pearl Velero Beach Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Cabarete. Its cliffside location affords awesome ocean views and is the perfect spot for sunsets. The 50 guest rooms are spacious and bright, with large bathrooms and oceanfront balconies. Although a bit small, the hotel’s gorgeous, mosaic-tile infinity pool is surrounded by pillow-topped day beds and slightly worn lounge chairs. Victor’s, the on-site restaurant, serves international cuisine with a focus on fresh Dominican seafood. Velero is within walking distance of downtown Cabarete, and a full service grocery store, but is secluded enough to remain quiet at night. A major downside is the hotel’s tiny beach, which is subject to rough waters and lots of wind. Travelers who would prefer to be directly on Cabarete Beach should check out the nearby Kite Beach Hotel or Hotel Villa Taina.
A three-pearl beachfront property subject to some major wind, Kite Beach Hotel is the ideal spot for kite boarders and windsurf enthusiasts. The on-site kite school is the perfect place for amateurs to learn the sport, or for pros to brush up on their skills. It’s definitely more of a kite surfer crash pad than a family-friendly resort, and the constantly whipping wind makes it hard to enjoy the beach, pool, or restaurant areas without getting pelted by sand. There are a wide range of room options, including budget studios and multi-bedroom apartments, but the no-frills decor could use some updating -- or at least a visit from an interior designer. For those who want to relax, consider Natura Cabanas for a calmer beach and cute bungalows (though expect pricier rates).
A three-pearl beachfront property subject to some major wind, Kite Beach Hotel is the ideal spot for kite boarders and windsurf enthusiasts. The on-site kite school is the perfect place for amateurs to learn the sport, or for pros to brush up on their skills. It’s definitely more of a kite surfer crash pad than a family-friendly resort, and the constantly whipping wind makes it hard to enjoy the beach, pool, or restaurant areas without getting pelted by sand. There are a wide range of room options, including budget studios and multi-bedroom apartments, but the no-frills decor could use some updating -- or at least a visit from an interior designer. For those who want to relax, consider Natura Cabanas for a calmer beach and cute bungalows (though expect pricier rates).