Puerto Plata
I wouldn't stay in Puerto Plata proper for all the tea in china! All the sugar cane in the DR! All the...hehe
Honestly, you need to look at Cabarete/Sosua if you want to go non-inclusive on the north coast near Puerto Plata. If you want something a bit further out, Samana is fanTAStic, especially this time of year.
What are you looking to do while here? What is important to you in a vacation (or are you here on business).
marc