smallish hotels/bungalows in Sosua and Cabarete? need to reserve?

christinab

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Feb 19, 2003
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Hi, everyone,

Planning a mid-May trip to the North Coast. On the way to Samana, we (husband and 1.5 yr old) thought we'd stop in either Cabarete or Sosua or both (?) for 2-3 nights, and are searching for a place to stay. I've read lots of old posts and can see that lots of you have suggestions that don't come up on other website searches. Here's what we'd love:
- to spend max 60-75 dollars/night.
- a place that's w/in walking distance or on the beach and that has a nice pool/garden.
- a smaller, more charming (i.e. old-style architecture, yet still clean!) hotel or bungalow cluster or condo/apt. vs. a big AI. One that has a kitchenette and a crib for baby would be ideal.
Also, to facilitate flexibility and exploration, how imperative is it that we reserve rooms in advance in May? Can we just play it by ear, even with smallish hotels?
Some places we're looking into:
Cabarete: Wilson's Beach House (no pool, but looks cheap and on the beach!), VIlla Taina, Casa Blanca, HOtel Kaoba, Nanny Estate (pricey), Palm Beach COndos, Paraiso de Colon.
Sosua: Tropix (too far away? unsafe road at night?), love the Victorian House but it's way out of our price range!!

Thanks! This forum is soooo helpful!! Christina
 

Escott

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Jan 14, 2002
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Victorian House seem to be exactly what you are looking for since it is a stones throw from the big beach. You should try one night there if you can stretch your budget a bit. You may also look into Sosua by the Sea and the Waterfront. Waterfront is 30-35 a night but rooms are very small. I believe you can walk through the restaurant to a smaller beach but not sure. Not sure of prices at Sosua by the Sea but the Rooms are big.

If you don't have a car and plan on walking at night I don't recommend Tropix. I have never been inside but have driven past so cant comment on what it is inside.

Eddy here runs Condos Dominicanos which may be exactly what you are looking for. 2 Bedrooms rent for I think 40-45 a night and nice pool, gardens and you can walk to everything as safely as possible. If Eddy can't help you out with a crib some how I would be surprised. Eddy knows everyone:)

Eddys Sports bar also has great dinners 2 nights a week I think. Rockys has good inexpensive food and a lot of Expats hang out there.

You don't have to make reservations unless it is Easter week in my experience these days. Have fun.



I will be there in March and April but probably not May but you never know. Have a great trip.
 

richard

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Jan 1, 2002
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Sosua

http://www.tropixhotel.com

Hotel Tropix in Sosua might be just what you are looking for. Close to the beach, lovely pool and tropical gardens. Family atmosphere, friendly staff. There are some suites with two bedrooms. fridge in every room, overhead fans or a/c.It isalso very inexpensive and the hotel (10 rooms) is much like a Europen inn. Sylvie Papernik, the owner was born in Sosua and knows the area like the back of her hand

http://www.tropixhotel.comd.;)
 

richard

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Jan 1, 2002
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Re: Sosua

richard said:
http://www.tropixhotel.com

Hotel Tropix in Sosua might be just what you are looking for. Close to the beach, lovely pool and tropical gardens. Family atmosphere, friendly staff. There are some suites with two bedrooms. fridge in every room, overhead fans or a/c.It isalso very inexpensive and the hotel (10 rooms) is much like a Europen inn. Sylvie Papernik, the owner was born in Sosua and knows the area like the back of her hand

http://www.tropixhotel.comd.;)

Reservations are a good idea.
 

Ken

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Jan 1, 2002
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Tropix is well worth considering. I assume you have been to the website, but if not http://www.tropixhotel.com/ There is a kitchen available for use by guests.

With respect to the road at night, what sort of night life do you have in mind with a 1.5 year old in your party? In mid-May it gets dark later than in the winter. A lot of people stay there and there has never been any complaint, that I know of, regarding problems at night on the road. It is within walking distance of the beach, but I'm sure there are others on your list that are closer.

With respect to a crib, Sylvie may have one. A lot of families stay there. You could certainly send her an email to find out.
 

Kiteman

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Aug 25, 2002
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Christinab, In Sos?a, I would not

recommend Tropix due to it's location. It is on the other side of the road from everything that you will be doing (beach,town,stores,etc.). And where you have to cross the road is simply terrible; it is a chaotic mess of a taxi turn-around, pot-holes, AMET checkpoint and concho stop. You have to look in about 10 different directions at the same time before you take a mad dash across the road. Definitely not for the faint of heart and especially not with a young child in tow. I have heard only good things about Sosua by the Sea and it's location is very good. In Cabarete, Hotel Villa Taina is the hands down choice. Ask for the ocean front rooms where you are right on the beach with nice pool, etc. Very family oriented and a great value. Have a nice trip.
 

christinab

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Feb 19, 2003
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less expensive options?

Thanks so much for the guidance everyone ! Just wondering what the slightly less expensive hotel options on the beach would be - Sosua by the Sea quotes 46 per person (double), 92 total per day, which is more than we wanted to spend. Any thoughts on Paraiso de Colon? Tropix sounds charming, but with the child we'd like to be able to return to our room frequently during the day. Villa Taina does seem perfect for Cabarete.

Thanks again, Christina
 

christinab

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Feb 19, 2003
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less expensive options?

Thanks so much for the guidance everyone ! Just wondering what the slightly less expensive hotel options on the beach would be - Sosua by the Sea quotes 46 per person (double), 92 total per day, which is more than we wanted to spend. It doesn't seem correct since everyone talks about the "great value".
Any thoughts on Paraiso de Colon? Tropix sounds charming, but with the child we'd like to be able to return to our room frequently during the day. Villa Taina does seem perfect for Cabarete.

Thanks again, Christina
 

Escott

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Jan 14, 2002
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There is not much stuff ON the beach since at the main beach there isn't one hotel on it. Closest is the Victorian House.

If you want something out of town that is walking distance to a small beach but you need transport into town I can recommend Villa Chessa which is only 35 dollars a night with a gourmet breakfast included for a 1 bedroom 2 bath. Lovely pool but you will need to take a cab into town. About 3/4 of a mile out I would guess.

Cabs aren't that expensive and this place has a beautiful pool and landscaping and since it is out of town you do NOT hear the Motorconchos at all time and the vegetable vendors on their blown out speakers in the mornings. All you hear are the roosters:)

If you are going to have a car this place is perfect in my opinion.

If not I really recommend Eddy at Condos Dominicanos for reasonable price, in town, safe and 5 minutes from the beach.

Good luck, your choices have been explored on the beach I believe.
 

richard

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Jan 1, 2002
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Here are a couple of comments and suggestions. First, the intersection where Camino Llibre (the road Tropix is on, meets the highway is without any doubt a dog's breakfast, however less than 100 yards in either direction there are traffic lights so crossing the highway is not a problem. Cristobal de Colon is a beautiful property however it is quite a hike to the beach. Villa Chessa is also attractive however it is out in the middle of nowhere. The only thing close is the casino and the nearby beach, Playa Chiquita is very small and the surf often rough. Sosua by the Sea is a beautiful little hotel, Canadian owned and managed with ready access to the Casa Marina Beach. They offer a fantastic buffet breakfast for 70 pesos and worth every peso. Waterfront is Canadian managed with a well known restaurant and you can walk through the bar and out a door to Casa Marina the adjoining property. Here are a couple of alteratives worth checking. Both are neighbors of the Waterfront so well situated for everything.
http://www.hotelyaroa.com

http://www.weblatino.de/Pension/a.com/
A final suggestion. A Canadian woman now living in Ottawa has a studio apt. in Bella Vista a small condo complex. It is about a ten minute walk to Playa Sosua and five minutes to Casa Marina Beach available for rent. There is a nice little pool, the unit is fully furnished and very inexpensive. Since you are not going until May you might email carmabiggs@yahoo.com
and see what you can come up with. Carma has lived in Sosua for many years, she also manages Neptuno a large condo project, is well-respected and if she offers you something you can be assured it is the genuine article.





;) ;)
 
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richard

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Jan 1, 2002
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I should have mentioned, the website for Pensionne Annaliese is in German, however they speak fluent English; Yaroa is Dutch owned and managed, and the rooms are spotlessly clean. Keep in mind too, the rates posted on web sites are, as a rule, the "rack rate", the rates for walk-ins. That is why it is better to pre-book and then you can ask if there are any specials. You may be pleasantly surprised. I am sure most hotels will be pleased to arrange a crib or assist you in whatever manner they can to ensure your stay is a pleasant one.
 

christinab

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Feb 19, 2003
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Richard, thanks so much. One thing: the link for Pensionne Annaliese didn't work - is that the correct spelling (so I can do a broader search) or is there another website you know of? Also, do any Dominicans run hotels? It seems like they're all Dutch, French, Canadian or Italian!!!
Christina
 

richard

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Jan 1, 2002
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I tried it now and it didn't work for me either. I'll check it again and post it, I think you will find most of the hotels in Sosua are operated by ex-pats. I know of one operated by a Dominican but it is more a guest house than a hotel. I also think when you are travelling with a baby it is very important to have your room arranged. Try this link or you can email them.
analise.pension@codetel.net.do <


http://weblatino.de/Pension/