When the young surfers and night owls partying in Cabarete need a place to crash, the beachfront, four-pearl Ultravioleta Boutique is one of their classiest options. That’s because its 21 bright and contemporary apartments are a sharp alternative to the mediocre crash pads in the center of town. The location -- a 10-minute walk from the center of town and right on Kite Beach -- makes it's a quieter, upscale alternative. The hotel's sleek pool is a major draw, but there are no other features here, and the ocean here can be a bit rough for swimming. As an alternative, comparably stylish Casa Veintiuno in nearby Sosua has a restaurant and lower rates, but rooms lack kitchens and it's not right on the beach.
When the young surfers and night owls partying in Cabarete need a place to crash, the beachfront, four-pearl Ultravioleta Boutique is one of their classiest options. That’s because its 21 bright and contemporary apartments are a sharp alternative to the mediocre crash pads in the center of town. The location -- a 10-minute walk from the center of town and right on Kite Beach -- makes it's a quieter, upscale alternative. The hotel's sleek pool is a major draw, but there are no other features here, and the ocean here can be a bit rough for swimming. As an alternative, comparably stylish Casa Veintiuno in nearby Sosua has a restaurant and lower rates, but rooms lack kitchens and it's not right on the beach.
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.
The 120-room, one-and-a-half-pearl Celuisma Cabarate, is a beachside all-inclusive property, but it's memorable for all of the wrong reasons. From the trash-filled parking lot to the poor sanitation in the restaurants, it's a stretch to call this place a resort, mostly for the lack of functioning amenities. The website lists two pools, but only one was working when we visited, and despite the promise of multiple bars and restaurants, there’s just a buffet serving sub-par food and small bar with limited hours. Rates are low for the area, and budget travelers only concerned with having a roof over their heads may be fine, but UltraVioleta Boutique Residences is a far nicer option up the road.
The 120-room, one-and-a-half-pearl Celuisma Cabarate, is a beachside all-inclusive property, but it's memorable for all of the wrong reasons. From the trash-filled parking lot to the poor sanitation in the restaurants, it's a stretch to call this place a resort, mostly for the lack of functioning amenities. The website lists two pools, but only one was working when we visited, and despite the promise of multiple bars and restaurants, there’s just a buffet serving sub-par food and small bar with limited hours. Rates are low for the area, and budget travelers only concerned with having a roof over their heads may be fine, but UltraVioleta Boutique Residences is a far nicer option up the road.
Millennium Resort & Spa is a modern, beachfront resort within walking distance of downtown Cabarete. The upscale rooms, gorgeous infinity pool, and on-site spa make Millennium more than just a kite-surfer crash pad. Millennium has several room types, including units with separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and living rooms. Aqua, the on-site restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but guests are better off looking else where for good food. And although the infinity pool is beautiful, there aren’t many lounge chairs and both the pool and beach areas are subject to constant solicitation from beach vendors. This is the most upscale option in Cabarete, but those looking for more quiet may want to consider the charmingly rustic (but often pricier) Natura Cabana.
Millennium Resort & Spa is a modern, beachfront resort within walking distance of downtown Cabarete. The upscale rooms, gorgeous infinity pool, and on-site spa make Millennium more than just a kite-surfer crash pad. Millennium has several room types, including units with separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and living rooms. Aqua, the on-site restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but guests are better off looking else where for good food. And although the infinity pool is beautiful, there aren’t many lounge chairs and both the pool and beach areas are subject to constant solicitation from beach vendors. This is the most upscale option in Cabarete, but those looking for more quiet may want to consider the charmingly rustic (but often pricier) Natura Cabana.
Coconut Palms Resort is a mid-range hotel located on a secluded hilltop about five minutes from downtown Cabarete, and a good 10-minute walk to Playa Encuentro. The resort is composed of 50 apartments, most of which have full kitchens, living rooms, and huge balconies overlooking the ocean, but they need a little TLC. There’s a free-form pool with a volleyball net and a poolside bar. The Palm Room, the hotel’s open-air restaurant, has steep prices for mediocre food and breakfast isn't included. Guests looking for something a bit more modern that's closer to the action should check out the Millennium Resort, a newer hotel that's right on the beach with more expensive nightly rates.
Coconut Palms Resort is a mid-range hotel located on a secluded hilltop about five minutes from downtown Cabarete, and a good 10-minute walk to Playa Encuentro. The resort is composed of 50 apartments, most of which have full kitchens, living rooms, and huge balconies overlooking the ocean, but they need a little TLC. There’s a free-form pool with a volleyball net and a poolside bar. The Palm Room, the hotel’s open-air restaurant, has steep prices for mediocre food and breakfast isn't included. Guests looking for something a bit more modern that's closer to the action should check out the Millennium Resort, a newer hotel that's right on the beach with more expensive nightly rates.
The lower-middle-range Acuarium is a laid-back, retro hotel offering 72 one- and two-bedroom apartments surrounded by green lawns and palm trees. Guests appreciate the great rates, free Wi-Fi, and the nice courtyard pool, but dated rooms and maintenance issues are the norm here. (The newer wing is generally more sought after.) Freebies include Wi-Fi and (basic) buffet breakfast. Food and drinks are generally of good quality and well priced, too. Acuarium resides in a residential neighborhood with authentic local flavor, but the area may not be as safe as other parts (sex workers are a common sight); walking around at night isn’t advised, and families with young kids may prefer to stay elsewhere. Travelers seeking affordability with a more modern feel could try W&P Santo Domingo.
The lower-middle-range Acuarium is a laid-back, retro hotel offering 72 one- and two-bedroom apartments surrounded by green lawns and palm trees. Guests appreciate the great rates, free Wi-Fi, and the nice courtyard pool, but dated rooms and maintenance issues are the norm here. (The newer wing is generally more sought after.) Freebies include Wi-Fi and (basic) buffet breakfast. Food and drinks are generally of good quality and well priced, too. Acuarium resides in a residential neighborhood with authentic local flavor, but the area may not be as safe as other parts (sex workers are a common sight); walking around at night isn’t advised, and families with young kids may prefer to stay elsewhere. Travelers seeking affordability with a more modern feel could try W&P Santo Domingo.
The mid-range El Beaterio Casa Museo is a boutique bed-and-breakfast nestled in a calm pocket of the Zona Colonial, an easy stroll to restaurants and sites. Steeped in history as a former 16th century convent, El Beaterio is officially recognized as a “hotel-museum” for its historical and architectural value, which is on display throughout. Old stone walls are filled with artifacts, imagery, and commentary documenting the building’s fascinating past. Its 15 rooms are simple, rustic, and charming, with wrought-iron furniture and comfortable beds, though some guests find rooms a little dark and their bathrooms cramped. Guests love the free breakfast, the chicly furnished rooftop, and the charming Old World vibe on display. El Beaterio is a hidden gem, perfect for a short, comfortable stay in the old city -- but those craving something more upscale should consider the Billini Hotel around the corner.
The mid-range El Beaterio Casa Museo is a boutique bed-and-breakfast nestled in a calm pocket of the Zona Colonial, an easy stroll to restaurants and sites. Steeped in history as a former 16th century convent, El Beaterio is officially recognized as a “hotel-museum” for its historical and architectural value, which is on display throughout. Old stone walls are filled with artifacts, imagery, and commentary documenting the building’s fascinating past. Its 15 rooms are simple, rustic, and charming, with wrought-iron furniture and comfortable beds, though some guests find rooms a little dark and their bathrooms cramped. Guests love the free breakfast, the chicly furnished rooftop, and the charming Old World vibe on display. El Beaterio is a hidden gem, perfect for a short, comfortable stay in the old city -- but those craving something more upscale should consider the Billini Hotel around the corner.
The 288-room Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino is an upscale Marriott property with lush gardens and sweeping sea views located a 10-minute drive from the Colonial Zone. With a beautiful outdoor pool, full-service spa, and top-notch gym, the property feels somewhat resort-like for a city hotel, yet it caters just as well to the business set with solid corporate services and events capabilities. Contemporary rooms were fully renovated in 2015 and are outfitted with great amenities such as coffeemakers, minibars, and Aveda toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi, however, is only free in Club Level Suites. The main restaurant serves tasty international cuisine, while snacks and smaller bites are available at both the poolside lounge and the cafe. This is an excellent pick for couples, families, leisure, and business travelers, but those seeking something cheaper could try Barcelo Santo Domingo.
The 288-room Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino is an upscale Marriott property with lush gardens and sweeping sea views located a 10-minute drive from the Colonial Zone. With a beautiful outdoor pool, full-service spa, and top-notch gym, the property feels somewhat resort-like for a city hotel, yet it caters just as well to the business set with solid corporate services and events capabilities. Contemporary rooms were fully renovated in 2015 and are outfitted with great amenities such as coffeemakers, minibars, and Aveda toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi, however, is only free in Club Level Suites. The main restaurant serves tasty international cuisine, while snacks and smaller bites are available at both the poolside lounge and the cafe. This is an excellent pick for couples, families, leisure, and business travelers, but those seeking something cheaper could try Barcelo Santo Domingo.
With a prime location in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, the three-and-a-half pearl Boutique Hotel Palacio is well-situated for tourists looking to visit the city’s most popular attractions. The Cathedral Primada of America, Alcazar de Colon, and Parque Colon are all within a short walk. The two-hundred-year-old property is distinctly inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture built around a beautiful, four-story outdoor garden terrace with a rooftop pool. The 44 guest rooms are quiet, clean, and relatively large with nice-to-have modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. While the historical nature of the hotel is charming, the lack of attention to detail is evident in some areas with peeling paint, missing light bulbs, and non-functional lamps and electrical sockets.
With a prime location in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, the three-and-a-half pearl Boutique Hotel Palacio is well-situated for tourists looking to visit the city’s most popular attractions. The Cathedral Primada of America, Alcazar de Colon, and Parque Colon are all within a short walk. The two-hundred-year-old property is distinctly inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture built around a beautiful, four-story outdoor garden terrace with a rooftop pool. The 44 guest rooms are quiet, clean, and relatively large with nice-to-have modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. While the historical nature of the hotel is charming, the lack of attention to detail is evident in some areas with peeling paint, missing light bulbs, and non-functional lamps and electrical sockets.
Set right over the Malecon, opposite the sea, Hotel Napolitano is a mid-range option in a great spot, walking distance from the Colonial Zone, restaurants, and many sights. Its 65 rooms are gradually being renovated -- many with a chic contemporary look, while others remain outdated. Either way, they come with well-stocked minibars and most flaunt fabulous sea views, but none have balconies. Free breakfast is included, although food reviews are mixed. Guests do rave about the views, the lovely terrace and pool area, and the superb location, but outdated common areas and unrenovated rooms can be a turn off. Travelers seeking a modern aesthetic throughout could try the Holiday Inn Santo Domingo.
Set right over the Malecon, opposite the sea, Hotel Napolitano is a mid-range option in a great spot, walking distance from the Colonial Zone, restaurants, and many sights. Its 65 rooms are gradually being renovated -- many with a chic contemporary look, while others remain outdated. Either way, they come with well-stocked minibars and most flaunt fabulous sea views, but none have balconies. Free breakfast is included, although food reviews are mixed. Guests do rave about the views, the lovely terrace and pool area, and the superb location, but outdated common areas and unrenovated rooms can be a turn off. Travelers seeking a modern aesthetic throughout could try the Holiday Inn Santo Domingo.