Greetings all from West Virginia, US, where it is cold and snowing!! I am coming to the DR this February and would love some help finding a good place to stay. Will stay at Hillbilly's in Santiago. Any suggestions for Samana penninsula- prefer a place with a kitchen to save $ on food. Also very concerned about the price. Found a site for Juan y Lola but they said they have nothing available at the beginning of February. Prefer Las Galeras, but beggers can't be choosers. How about suggestions for the mountains? We thought we might see Carnival in La Vega on a Sunday- anyone been there for that? Again, looking for affordable (or very cheap) place(s) to stay. Does anyone know how much the trip from Santiago to Samana will be, approximately? One more question, mosquitos. Are they worse in the mountains? It seems they won't be as bad on Samana Penninsula due to the wind from the ocean. Is this true? Should I make sure, for my young son, that there are bug nets on the beds where I stay? Thanks so much for your help!!! Can't wait to be there!!