Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Most of the hotels and bungalows located in Las Galeras are within walking distance of
the main intersection. The unimpressive Grand Paradise Samaná is the only resort in
town.
Sol Azul
( 829-882-8790;
www.elsolazul.com
; s/d incl breakfast from RD$1800/2000; )
A fun Swiss
couple run these four earthy, natural-hued and spacious bungalows, all set around a
pristinely manicured garden and pleasant pool area just 50m from the main intersection.
Two of the bungalows feature mezzanine levels - good for children - and the breakfast
buffet gets high marks from travelers. If Casa Por Qué No? is full, it's the best alternative
around this price range.
BUNGALOWS
$
La Hacienda Hostel
( 829-939-8285;
www.lahaciendahostel.com
; dm/ s/d RD$580/1160/1450; )
Some three kilomet-
ers from the town intersection on the trail/rough road to Playas Madama/Frontón, Belgian
expat Karin runs a one-woman show offering five rustic rooms, a communal kitchen, and
a pleasant open-air porch with sea and mountain views. It's fairly basic though - expect
cold showers and don't be surprised if there's a frog in your toilet.
Guests can help themselves from the fruit and vegetable garden, and collect fresh eggs
for RD$10. Those who don't want to cook for themselves often take meals down at La
Rancheta. The big reason to stay here is to take advantage of Karin, an expert tour guide,
who leads fabulous day and overnight hiking and horseback riding trips to out-of-the-way
beaches and mountaintops.
GUESTHOUSE
$
La Rancheta
( 829-889-4727;
www.larancheta.com
; r/bungalow RD$1400/1800-2000)
Buried in the lush jungle,
2.5km from the main intersection, this hotel has a number of simple but funky two-storied
bungalows that can accommodate between four and six people comfortably. Semi-outdoor
rustic kitchens lend an eclectic cabin-in-the-woods feel to this
very
laid-back traveler fa-
vorite. Breakfast is an extra RD$175 to RD$225.
The Belgian owner, Ronald, offers a godsend after too many intimate evenings with
Presidente - Belgian brews from the motherland, served in the restaurant (a favorite for
those not wanting to traipse all the way into town).
BUNGALOWS
$
