Please can anyone tell us about either of these hotels? At Coral Sol what's the beach like and is hotel as primitive as I have heard? We are not looking for fancy hotel but would like some comfort, decent food, cold beer and maybe some wine - if only local. Casa Benita sounds a bit grander. Can you walk to other bars etc from either? We really don't want large resoert hotel with shops, entertainment and casinos but wouldl like a bit of fun and company in the evenings. Sorry to sound so ignorant - you have to start somewhere!
- Thread starter Grizelda
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Casa Benita or Coral Sol?
Casa Bonita is gorgeous. But a bit up a hill so once you are there you stay there. But it is really special. Only thinkg no TVs in rooms so you just have to talk or be romantic. Food is great.
Other option which is cheaper may be Playa Azul which is closer to Barahona but again you would need a car to go out at night. It is more basic but not that basic and food is Ok and has tv and aircon in rooms and is on the actual coast. At Casa Bonita you can see the ocean but you are up on a hillside
Other option which is cheaper may be Playa Azul which is closer to Barahona but again you would need a car to go out at night. It is more basic but not that basic and food is Ok and has tv and aircon in rooms and is on the actual coast. At Casa Bonita you can see the ocean but you are up on a hillside
Casa Bonita Expensive
Before a recent trip to Barahona I checked the rates at Casa Bonita and they wanted $170 US PER NIGHT. I thought that was a little steep. See the web site Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge : Bahoruco Barahona, Dominican Republic - Welcome | Bienvenidos. I ended up staying at the Hotel Pontevedra Aparta Hotel Pontevedra. It was right on the ocean with a beautiful pool and open air bar overlooking the sea. It was $1100 pesos for one person (about $32US) and that included breakfast AND DINNER. The food was good with a choice of fish or 3 kinds of meat cooked to order each night with tostones or potatoes. Nothing fancy, but done well and served pool/oceanside. The service was very good though in October the hotel was not very busy. There was the bar at the hotel and two local small colmado type places a short walk away to get a beer up till about 11 PM. It was about 8 miles outside Barahona if you wanted more action and a cab to town was $300-350 pesos one way. The beach below the hotel was very nice and very accessable, though a little rocky. We did not swim in the ocean as Hurricane Omar was causing an angry sea while we were there. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable but had no view or patio. All in all a very nice and peaceful place and I hope to be staying there again in January.
Before a recent trip to Barahona I checked the rates at Casa Bonita and they wanted $170 US PER NIGHT. I thought that was a little steep. See the web site Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge : Bahoruco Barahona, Dominican Republic - Welcome | Bienvenidos. I ended up staying at the Hotel Pontevedra Aparta Hotel Pontevedra. It was right on the ocean with a beautiful pool and open air bar overlooking the sea. It was $1100 pesos for one person (about $32US) and that included breakfast AND DINNER. The food was good with a choice of fish or 3 kinds of meat cooked to order each night with tostones or potatoes. Nothing fancy, but done well and served pool/oceanside. The service was very good though in October the hotel was not very busy. There was the bar at the hotel and two local small colmado type places a short walk away to get a beer up till about 11 PM. It was about 8 miles outside Barahona if you wanted more action and a cab to town was $300-350 pesos one way. The beach below the hotel was very nice and very accessable, though a little rocky. We did not swim in the ocean as Hurricane Omar was causing an angry sea while we were there. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable but had no view or patio. All in all a very nice and peaceful place and I hope to be staying there again in January.
1 vote for Hotel Casa Bonita
Saludos.
I have stayed at Hotel Casa Bonita 3 times and have enjoyed it each time. The small pool is gorgeous and the hotel is a great place to relax. It is up on a hill which gives a great view of the ocean below and the lush vegetation surrounding a river to the side. The beach of Playa Bahoruco is just below, maybe a 5-10 minute walk. The town is withing walking distance, about 15-20 minutes and you can find inexpensive restaurants and places to have a cold beer. People are very friendly and I felt very safe walking around.
There is a disco in town. You are surrounded by several other beaches and balnearios (natural swimming pools formed where the rivers meet the ocean).
You can see photos that I took of the hotel and surrounding area here on DR1 CasaBonitaView2 - DR1 Media Gallery or at my website at Welcome.
Saludos.
I have stayed at Hotel Casa Bonita 3 times and have enjoyed it each time. The small pool is gorgeous and the hotel is a great place to relax. It is up on a hill which gives a great view of the ocean below and the lush vegetation surrounding a river to the side. The beach of Playa Bahoruco is just below, maybe a 5-10 minute walk. The town is withing walking distance, about 15-20 minutes and you can find inexpensive restaurants and places to have a cold beer. People are very friendly and I felt very safe walking around.
There is a disco in town. You are surrounded by several other beaches and balnearios (natural swimming pools formed where the rivers meet the ocean).
You can see photos that I took of the hotel and surrounding area here on DR1 CasaBonitaView2 - DR1 Media Gallery or at my website at Welcome.
Hello, I am very familiar with the area and its hotels, I have a little cabin on the Bahoruco beachside where Casa bonita is located, so I recommend Pontevedra since is less expensive and you get your money's worth. I have always stayed there when I need a hotel or when i have guests visiting, and never had any complaints, Casa Bonita is gorgeous and I would recommend it also if you have the money to spare, it is within the category of boutique hotels and is very expensive, even though is in a very primitive setting, but with breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains.
Thanks again for all advice - think we have finally chosen - 3 nights at Natura Cabana near Cabarete, then bus to SD and on to Barohona for 8 nights at Casa Bonita - yes I know it's pricey but this is going to be a one off special holiday - back north for 3 more nights at Natura Cabana. We plan to do a couple of tours from Casa Bonita - so any recomendations again welcome please - and I plan to go horse riding from both locations. My husband will be quite happy enjoying the view while I go riding -it's what he does at home! If anyone wants to know how our trip went email me after mid March!
Thanks again for all advice - think we have finally chosen - 3 nights at Natura Cabana near Cabarete, then bus to SD and on to Barohona for 8 nights at Casa Bonita - yes I know it's pricey but this is going to be a one off special holiday - back north for 3 more nights at Natura Cabana. We plan to do a couple of tours from Casa Bonita - so any recomendations again welcome please - and I plan to go horse riding from both locations. My husband will be quite happy enjoying the view while I go riding -it's what he does at home! If anyone wants to know how our trip went email me after mid March!
Good for you!!! since you will be in Casa Bonita I will be very happy to invite you to coffee and to watch the sunset on the beach of Bahoruco. I am fixing up a cabin right on the beach of Bahoruco and I am usually there on weekends, so let me know when you'll be there so that we can meet and if you have time I'll give you some pointers on sightseeing in the area. My recommendations are a visit to Bahia de las Aguilas and Lago Enriquillo, of course I'm sure you will visit the natural spring in Los Patos and the cold cascading waters of San Rafael, without mentioning that Casa Bonita is within walking distance of Rio Bahoruco which has wonderful trails for both walking and horse riding. I'm sure you will enjoy your visit to this forgotten part of the island, the highway from Bahoruco to Los Patos has one of the most spectacular sceneries you will ever see, is a breathtaking view, how the mountains and the sea come together to give the travellers wonderful picture opportunities and memories for a life time.
Good for you!!! since you will be in Casa Bonita I will be very happy to invite you to coffee and to watch the sunset on the beach of Bahoruco. I am fixing up a cabin right on the beach of Bahoruco and I am usually there on weekends, so let me know when you'll be there so that we can meet and if you have time I'll give you some pointers on sightseeing in the area. My recommendations are a visit to Bahia de las Aguilas and Lago Enriquillo, of course I'm sure you will visit the natural spring in Los Patos and the cold cascading waters of San Rafael, without mentioning that Casa Bonita is within walking distance of Rio Bahoruco which has wonderful trails for both walking and horse riding. I'm sure you will enjoy your visit to this forgotten part of the island, the highway from Bahoruco to Los Patos has one of the most spectacular sceneries you will ever see, is a breathtaking view, how the mountains and the sea come together to give the travellers wonderful picture opportunities and memories for a life time.
Thank you so much for advice and offer of hospitality - I think we will take you up on both please! Coincidentally the two trips we had already identified as 'musts' are Bahia de las Aguilas and Lago Enriquillo. In addition that I will go for a day's horse ride at least twice and I think the rest of the time we will spend relaxing and exploring on foot - I am a little more energetic than my husband! We will arrive on 15th Feb and stay for 8 nights leaving on 23rd. Can we contact you when we arrive? Please could you also tell me if we will be easily be able to withdraw money in Barahona with Visa, MasterCard or Maestro/Cirrus cards? I have heard that some ATM machine are dodgy - is that correct? Now we have booked everything we are so looking forward to coming. We love living in Scotland but at this time of year as the winter sets in it's sooo good to have some warmth to look forward to.
Thank you so much for advice and offer of hospitality - I think we will take you up on both please! Coincidentally the two trips we had already identified as 'musts' are Bahia de las Aguilas and Lago Enriquillo. In addition that I will go for a day's horse ride at least twice and I think the rest of the time we will spend relaxing and exploring on foot - I am a little more energetic than my husband! We will arrive on 15th Feb and stay for 8 nights leaving on 23rd. Can we contact you when we arrive? Please could you also tell me if we will be easily be able to withdraw money in Barahona with Visa, MasterCard or Maestro/Cirrus cards? I have heard that some ATM machine are dodgy - is that correct? Now we have booked everything we are so looking forward to coming. We love living in Scotland but at this time of year as the winter sets in it's sooo good to have some warmth to look forward to.
You can contact me when you arrive, try sending me a PM and I will send you my cell phone number. ATM's are easily accessible in Barahona, there are about 3 or 4 ATMs there that I know of and they have always been functional when I need them. So I'll be looking forward to your call.
Hi Marilyn,
do you have nice high rez pictures of los patos?
Hi Richard, I have pictures of los Patos but they are not professional, my camera is a 6.1 mp sony cybershot, I can send them to you to see if you like them.
For any people who like to go Southwest, we are here to help you. Tourist Service like Hotelreservation or Reservation for Excursions is for FREE!
People who like to stay in Barahona and enjoy the evening life on the Malecon we can recommend this Hotels:
Hotel Caribe (~860 RDS Single room incl breakfast)
Hotel Gran Barahona (~1000 RDS; little noisy during weekends, La Casita is the hot spot)
Hotel Gazique (~650 RDS, low standard, but clean and economic)
Hotel Costa Larimar (~2000 RDS Double room, AI package available but not recommended here)
To stay a bit outside from Barahona and enjoy more the seaviev and nature:
Hotel Playazul
Hotel Casablanca
Hotel El Quemaito (new owners, complete remodelated and soon best standards (Sauna, Jacuzzi, Gym, huge Pool...)
Casa Bonita (most exclusive Hotel right now; will be a very nice romantic hotel in San Rafael very soon)
To stay around Los Patos, we will recommend
Villa Morinda (Pool, Poolbar, dominican Food Restaurant) in Ojeda
Oasi Italiano (Los Patos)
For people who go to Pedernales, please stay in
Villas del Mar
For those who like to be independent, since June 2008 Barahona has also a rent a car station.
People who like to have photos from Hotels / Areas / Exkursions may ask me via PN
People who like to stay in Barahona and enjoy the evening life on the Malecon we can recommend this Hotels:
Hotel Caribe (~860 RDS Single room incl breakfast)
Hotel Gran Barahona (~1000 RDS; little noisy during weekends, La Casita is the hot spot)
Hotel Gazique (~650 RDS, low standard, but clean and economic)
Hotel Costa Larimar (~2000 RDS Double room, AI package available but not recommended here)
To stay a bit outside from Barahona and enjoy more the seaviev and nature:
Hotel Playazul
Hotel Casablanca
Hotel El Quemaito (new owners, complete remodelated and soon best standards (Sauna, Jacuzzi, Gym, huge Pool...)
Casa Bonita (most exclusive Hotel right now; will be a very nice romantic hotel in San Rafael very soon)
To stay around Los Patos, we will recommend
Villa Morinda (Pool, Poolbar, dominican Food Restaurant) in Ojeda
Oasi Italiano (Los Patos)
For people who go to Pedernales, please stay in
Villas del Mar
For those who like to be independent, since June 2008 Barahona has also a rent a car station.
People who like to have photos from Hotels / Areas / Exkursions may ask me via PN
Hi Richard, I have pictures of los Patos but they are not professional, my camera is a 6.1 mp sony cybershot, I can send them to you to see if you like them.
Yes please that'll be nice. Thanks.
For any people who like to go Southwest, we are here to help you. Tourist Service like Hotelreservation or Reservation for Excursions is for FREE!
People who like to stay in Barahona and enjoy the evening life on the Malecon we can recommend this Hotels:
Hotel Caribe (~860 RDS Single room incl breakfast)
Hotel Gran Barahona (~1000 RDS; little noisy during weekends, La Casita is the hot spot)
Hotel Gazique (~650 RDS, low standard, but clean and economic)
Hotel Costa Larimar (~2000 RDS Double room, AI package available but not recommended here)
To stay a bit outside from Barahona and enjoy more the seaviev and nature:
Hotel Playazul
Hotel Casablanca
Hotel El Quemaito (new owners, complete remodelated and soon best standards (Sauna, Jacuzzi, Gym, huge Pool...)
Casa Bonita (most exclusive Hotel right now; will be a very nice romantic hotel in San Rafael very soon)
To stay around Los Patos, we will recommend
Villa Morinda (Pool, Poolbar, dominican Food Restaurant) in Ojeda
Oasi Italiano (Los Patos)
For people who go to Pedernales, please stay in
Villas del Mar
For those who like to be independent, since June 2008 Barahona has also a rent a car station.
People who like to have photos from Hotels / Areas / Exkursions may ask me via PN
This is excellent. Thank you. I would also like to mention another hotel in Barahona called Maria Montez and another as Mariyln mentioned Ponte Vedra.
@Richard Alberto
We do as follow: we visit most hotels over here and to recommend the hotel for tourists depends on their needs.
Maria Montez is a small and economic city hotel. For Backpackers a good solution. For familys or people who like more the nature - not the right choice.
Pontevedra is not in our list. I read some comments here - but I am not same meaning. We had our experience too. Every day same breakfast. Not on time, and that can be bad for travellers. Sometimes they pick you up very early. The dinner is the same. 3 choices - every day the same. What is also part of critic: the rooms smell, infiltration. The old aircondition make a sound like a MACK Truck from the 70's. TV is maybe 1-3 programs. Warm water not in all rooms, the system leaks. All is a result of missing maintenance. What is good:
the beautiful pool with the view.
But we have better solutions for people who like to go to a beachside hotel:
Playazul has comfortable rooms, a small private beach and a nice pool.
Quemaito is remodelated and offers Gym, Sauna, kid-pool and near future Mountainbikes and horsebackriding. They go for active-travellers. Also familyrooms are available what makes the stay cheaper. Up to 7 persons can use the family-suite! Other rooms fit for up to 5 persons. Special kid-beds.
Casablanca is a small hotel with only 5 rooms, but beautiful view, good and private service. Good cooking.
Tell me the needs and your budget, I will give you the hints.
We do as follow: we visit most hotels over here and to recommend the hotel for tourists depends on their needs.
Maria Montez is a small and economic city hotel. For Backpackers a good solution. For familys or people who like more the nature - not the right choice.
Pontevedra is not in our list. I read some comments here - but I am not same meaning. We had our experience too. Every day same breakfast. Not on time, and that can be bad for travellers. Sometimes they pick you up very early. The dinner is the same. 3 choices - every day the same. What is also part of critic: the rooms smell, infiltration. The old aircondition make a sound like a MACK Truck from the 70's. TV is maybe 1-3 programs. Warm water not in all rooms, the system leaks. All is a result of missing maintenance. What is good:
the beautiful pool with the view.
But we have better solutions for people who like to go to a beachside hotel:
Playazul has comfortable rooms, a small private beach and a nice pool.
Quemaito is remodelated and offers Gym, Sauna, kid-pool and near future Mountainbikes and horsebackriding. They go for active-travellers. Also familyrooms are available what makes the stay cheaper. Up to 7 persons can use the family-suite! Other rooms fit for up to 5 persons. Special kid-beds.
Casablanca is a small hotel with only 5 rooms, but beautiful view, good and private service. Good cooking.
Tell me the needs and your budget, I will give you the hints.
@Richard Alberto
We do as follow: we visit most hotels over here and to recommend the hotel for tourists depends on their needs.
Maria Montez is a small and economic city hotel. For Backpackers a good solution. For familys or people who like more the nature - not the right choice.
Pontevedra is not in our list. I read some comments here - but I am not same meaning. We had our experience too. Every day same breakfast. Not on time, and that can be bad for travellers. Sometimes they pick you up very early. The dinner is the same. 3 choices - every day the same. What is also part of critic: the rooms smell, infiltration. The old aircondition make a sound like a MACK Truck from the 70's. TV is maybe 1-3 programs. Warm water not in all rooms, the system leaks. All is a result of missing maintenance. What is good:
the beautiful pool with the view.
But we have better solutions for people who like to go to a beachside hotel:
Playazul has comfortable rooms, a small private beach and a nice pool.
Quemaito is remodelated and offers Gym, Sauna, kid-pool and near future Mountainbikes and horsebackriding. They go for active-travellers. Also familyrooms are available what makes the stay cheaper. Up to 7 persons can use the family-suite! Other rooms fit for up to 5 persons. Special kid-beds.
Casablanca is a small hotel with only 5 rooms, but beautiful view, good and private service. Good cooking.
Tell me the needs and your budget, I will give you the hints.
Great review!!! Thanks