I've been planning my upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic for months. I did my research and decided the Samana Peninsula was the place for me. (I'm used to very independent traveling and am not interested in staying at an all-inclusive.) Then I watched the news as storm after storm passed over the peninsula. I've read the report they've helpfully put here, which indicates that there is no significant damage to buildings, but I'm wondering about whether the natural beauty has held up. I've seen in other places how it can take years after a hurricane for the trees to grow back. Is it still as beautiful as ever or will I be happier if I visit another beach area?
I'm also trying to choose a hotel. I want a super cheap hotel. (I'm going to be at the beach all day, so what do I care about how the hotel looks?) I'm considering Diny, Fata Morgana, Los Holandeses, and Kanesh. The main question I haven't been able to find an answer to is what part of town will be best. I don't want to be in an area that's too secluded, especially because I won't have a car. On the other hand, I want to be able to walk to a nice beach. Diny is right in the center of town, but doesn't sound like a very nice place. Fata Morgana looks far from both the beach and town. Los Holandeses looks like it's not too far from Punta Bonita, but pretty far from town. Kanesh is on Playa Las Ballenas but may be far from town. But it's hard to get a sense of distances from looking from a map. It could be a five minute walk or a half hour!
Also, how far is it from town to Playa Bonita, Playa Coson, and the beaches to the east? Would it be easy to take a taxi or a motoconcho?
One last question: Is it at all possible to get to Playa Rincon for a day trip? Is it worth spending a night or two in Samana or Las Galeras in order to check out some of the other sights on the peninsula?
Thank you in advance for your help!
I'm also trying to choose a hotel. I want a super cheap hotel. (I'm going to be at the beach all day, so what do I care about how the hotel looks?) I'm considering Diny, Fata Morgana, Los Holandeses, and Kanesh. The main question I haven't been able to find an answer to is what part of town will be best. I don't want to be in an area that's too secluded, especially because I won't have a car. On the other hand, I want to be able to walk to a nice beach. Diny is right in the center of town, but doesn't sound like a very nice place. Fata Morgana looks far from both the beach and town. Los Holandeses looks like it's not too far from Punta Bonita, but pretty far from town. Kanesh is on Playa Las Ballenas but may be far from town. But it's hard to get a sense of distances from looking from a map. It could be a five minute walk or a half hour!
Also, how far is it from town to Playa Bonita, Playa Coson, and the beaches to the east? Would it be easy to take a taxi or a motoconcho?
One last question: Is it at all possible to get to Playa Rincon for a day trip? Is it worth spending a night or two in Samana or Las Galeras in order to check out some of the other sights on the peninsula?
Thank you in advance for your help!