The best accommodations Dominican Republic

Budget & Tips

Hotels. In the Dominican Republic, travelers can choose between two hotels, depending on their location, and this also applies to price. But generally speaking, the country, which has understood its tourist interests, has a well-developed hotel infrastructure where all ranges of hotels are represented. There is an endless succession of hotels in all tourist areas, from the most modest to the most luxurious, from charming hotels to all-inclusive packages with thousands of rooms. Although sometimes of rudimentary comfort, local hotels in small towns are generally clean. Prices vary according to the season, and can be negotiated during less popular periods. In high season, it's wise to book your hotel well in advance, especially during Holy Week and New Year's Eve.

Bed & breakfast. Bed & breakfasts are beginning to appear, particularly in Jarabacoa and as far as Las Galeras, where many French people have invested. For the rest of the country, you can negotiate with the locals directly to sleep "Dominican-style" and share a little of the Dominican way of life.

Youth hostels. There are no certified youth hostels, but backpackers are mentioned in this guide, in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Jarabacoa and Las Terrenas, for example.

Campsites. Camping is gradually developing, particularly on the Samaná peninsula. Wild camping is possible (but not necessarily safe), particularly along beaches and in the mountains, but the usual precautions should be taken.

Good deals. There are two ways of renting a villa in the Dominican Republic: either through an agency or a private individual in your home country (there are plenty of ads in France and Spain), or through a local agency. There aren't many very serious and unsurprising ones, despite the numerous local adverts, especially in the north. Be careful about the contract and the services you sign. Renting a villa is an excellent option for longer periods in the country.

To be booked

Although the Dominican hotel industry is huge, it's always a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, both for choice and to get good prices. If you don't have a reservation when you arrive, don't panic - you'll always find a bed to sleep in.

What's very local

Cabañas turísticas. It's a misunderstanding - and a bad joke - that often happens to tourists, and which amuses some Dominicans. No, despite their name, cabañas turísticas are not tourist hotels, but establishments reserved for couples, young lovers and adulterers. Generally found on the outskirts of towns, cabañas turísticas are christened with pretty, evocative names: Pasión, Eros, Paraíso, Venus, Burbujas de Amor... They sell out on weekends as soon as the discotheques close. Surrounded by high, protective walls, with individual, enclosed and therefore discreet parking areas that can be accessed without meeting a soul, and with direct access to the room in perfect anonymity, they have the full arsenal of facilities required for maximum comfort, depending on their category: ceiling mirror, discreet trapdoor for sheets, towels and breakfast (and even the bill!); television with theme channels and whirlpool bath for the most luxurious.

Cabañas turísticas can be a convenient stop-off point, as they are well kept, inexpensive (usually rented in 4-hour blocks, at around 900 pesos a night), of course open at all hours, and offer efficient, discreet service.

For food lovers

Most breakfasts served in Dominican hotels are continental (cereals, breads, pastries, juice and coffee), and usually include tropical fruit: papaya, passion fruit, pineapple...