Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 809-853-0040;
hoteljardines@gmail.com
; Playa Costa Verde; r with fan/air-con RD$1700/2000;
)
The perfectly manicured grounds punctuated with a towering palm tree or two feel
like a sanctuary from the dusty streets. The five basic rooms are something of a letdown
but each has a porch with chairs. Head north out of town toward El Morro and turn left
onto the waterfront dirt road.
Chic Hotel
( 809-579-2316; Benito Monción 44; r with fan/air-con RD$650/1100; )
The front-desk
person is dressed sharply and the entranceway is marked by columns, and yet this hotel is
a far cry from chic. However, the 50 or so rooms are kept clean and you can pop out for a
bite to eat at its restaurant and ice-cream store with streetside seating.
Many of the rooms are windowless and street noise can be a problem in front. Check
out the mango tree the hotel was built around - you'll pass the trunk in the hallway.
HOTEL
$
Cayo Arena
( 809-579-3145;
www.cayoarena.com
; Playa Costa Verde; ste RD$3500; )
A two-story mod-
ern building with a handful of two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, living rooms and
balconies, especially recommended for families or small groups. A small pool and restaur-
ant are on site. Head north out of town toward El Morro and turn left onto the waterfront
dirt road.
APARTMENTS
$$
El Morro Eco Adventure Hotel
( 849-886-1605;
www.elmorro.com.do
; Calle El Morro; r incl breakfast US$115; )
Fairly re-
mote, though only a short walk from the base of El Morro, this collection of high-end
boutique bungalows, easily the choicest accommodation from Monte Cristi to Puerto
Plata, is worth the journey. Contemporary design touches like flatscreen TVs and large,
black-and-white photos of Monte Cristi are seamlessly integrated into the property's nat-
ural design aesthetic. Dinner is served in a nautically themed dining area and the pool area
is a fantastic place to lounge the day away.
BUNGALOWS
$$$
Eating & Drinking
A result of the fact that goats feed on oregano plants, the
chivo
here is renowned for its
spiciness. Ask to try different varieties:
ripiado
(pulled goat),
horneado
(partly blackened,
firm on the inside) and
picante
(traditional stew).
Lilo Supermercado
(Calle Alvarez)
, one
block south of Duarte, is the place to stock up on supplies.
