Where to Stay in Samana Peninsula in February?

[Islandboy2012]

Debating 3 hotels in 3 different locations on the Penisula. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hotel Alisei (Las Terrenas) aliseihotel.com

Vista Mare (Samana) Hotels - Vista Mare Samana - Xeliter - X?liter

Villa Serene (Las Galeras) Dominican Republic Hotel - Villa Serena, Saman?

Am leaning toward Vista Mare (it looks like the nicer of the 3) but am a bit concerned it may be too secluded and I don't want to be stuck at one place for the entire trip. My wife and I do enjoy exploring and going to different beaches.

I guess the second question would be if I chose Vista Mare what would be the best way to get to say Las Galeras? Cab? Do we just rent a car? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[RonS]

I am a big fan of Las Terranas, so my vote is Alisei. Great food and a fantastic hotel within a stones throw of a fantastic beach.

 

[Rumble2005]

I too would give the Alisei the vote. It is very nice + the beach is much nicer at the Alisei than any beach I saw in Las Galeras.
The only downside is that the road to town is very dark at night if you are walking. Or, at least at was when I was last in LT.
As for Samana, I have only passed thru but it did not really strike me as a place I would want to spend more than a day or two in.
I really like LG too, but if you are a true beach person I would not recommed it.

 

[reilleyp]

I too would give the Alisei the vote. It is very nice + the beach is much nicer at the Alisei than any beach I saw in Las Galeras.
The only downside is that the road to town is very dark at night if you are walking. Or, at least at was when I was last in LT.
As for Samana, I have only passed thru but it did not really strike me as a place I would want to spend more than a day or two in.
I really like LG too, but if you are a true beach person I would not recommed it.

What? If you are a true beach person, you would not recommend Las Galeras? Meaning Las Terrenas is nicer? If you are talking about the first beach you come to in Las Galeras, you may be right. However, if you go to Playita, Rincon, Colorado, Madam, Fronton, or El Valle, all these beaches near Las Galeras are much nicer and more tranquil than Las Terrenas. All those beaches I mentioned at the end of the peninsula are more scenic, less trash, and you will not have the endless traffic, loud music and loud motorcycles streaming by as you try to relax.

 

[RonS]

if you go to Playita, Rincon, Colorado, Madam, Fronton, or El Valle, all these beaches near Las Galeras are much nicer and more tranquil than Las Terrenas. All those beaches I mentioned at the end of the peninsula are more scenic, less trash, and you will not have the endless traffic, loud music and loud motorcycles streaming by as you try to relax.

I liked LG. It's that 'near' LG thing that I found problematic. How difficult is it to get to the beach? I totally agree with you, the OP will definitely find 'tranquilo' in LG.

 

[LTSteve]

Hi:
I live in Las Terrenas for part of the year. If you choose Vista Mar or the hotel in Las Galleras you will have to drive to get anywhere. Hotel Alisei is a great location. You are directly across from beach and can walk from there. They also have an on the premises restaurant and beautiful pool area. I would recommend rent a car or 4 wheeller. You can also book tours in town and there are a big choice and restaurants to choose from. If you need any other info send me a private message.

LTSteve

 

[yapask1]

Las Terrenas or Las Galleras?

Hi:
I live in Las Terrenas for part of the year. If you choose Vista Mar or the hotel in Las Galleras you will have to drive to get anywhere. Hotel Alisei is a great location. You are directly across from beach and can walk from there. They also have an on the premises restaurant and beautiful pool area. I would recommend rent a car or 4 wheeller. You can also book tours in town and there are a big choice and restaurants to choose from. If you need any other info send me a private message.

LTSteve

If you want to get away from it all a fairly isolated property but secure location in either LG or LT is ideal. For example Jurassic Park just outside LT. A quad is ideal for exploring the countryside. If amenities are important LT has more restaurants, shops etc. Also a greater choice of organized excursions. However fresh fish etc. is good and BBQ facilities such as Alisei make for enjoyable private evenings. For some people green credentials are also important.

yapask1

 

[Islandboy2012]

Thanks for all the feedback. Just booked the Alisei. Now the better question. What beaches should we go to that are in close proximity and what Bars and Restaurants should we frequent?

 

[william webster]

Start right across the street for a beach - not 50M......

Then look to your right (or left for a shorter walk) and start walking until you get happy....

A 4 wheeler (same word in Spanish) will get you further if you want that.

Lots of threads here on LT restaurants and lots of helpful advice.......

 

[Juniper]

You made the right choice.

 

[Salsafan]

However, if you go to Playita, Rincon, Colorado, Madam, Fronton, or El Valle, all these beaches near Las Galeras are much nicer and more tranquil than Las Terrenas.

Maybe some of them a little nicer, but to most of them you can't walk. From center of LT you can walk 5 miles left or right, one perfect beach after another, after 1 mile you have the beach for your self.

 

[mountainannie]

The best restaurant that I like is right on the mouth of the river,,, in the new development .. on the patio.. there is a scene there at night around 8,,,, Then on to Dancing.. really you can just llook at where the bikes are parked.

 

[drloca]

Great decision, you will not be sorry. Alisei is wonderful and their restaurant "Baraonda" is excellent. They make fantastic cappuccinos.
Enjoy.

 

[Juniper]

The restaurant at Alisei also has a buffett breakfast which is the only decent breakfast in town.