“out of the way tropical hotel”

We were looking for a nice and quiet hotel away from all the hustle and bustle of the resort coast and we found Club Bonito. Located on the beautiful Samana peninsula, you can visit uncrowded beautyspots in a tropical, authentic atmosphere. There is not much more than a few local shacks and the lo… more

We were looking for a nice and quiet hotel away from all the hustle and bustle of the resort coast and we found Club Bonito. Located on the beautiful Samana peninsula, you can visit uncrowded beautyspots in a tropical, authentic atmosphere. There is not much more than a few local shacks and the local beach, but that's what makes this place so charming. During our stay in february it was very quiet and peaceful in the hotel. The swimmingpool is great, practically on the beach. Our room was pretty big and nicely decoratedl. Super to have such a big terrace to while the tropical evenings away We really enjoyed the 'out of the way" feeling and had a very relaxing stay at the club Bonito.

less

“A good place to relax”

During our vacations we stayed three nights in the hotel in November 2004. We reached the hotel with a rented car. The drive to the farthermost point on the peninsular is really nice with just little traffic and spectacular landscape. The little hamlet of Las Galeras is really remote. Just a main s… more

During our vacations we stayed three nights in the hotel in November 2004. We reached the hotel with a rented car. The drive to the farthermost point on the peninsular is really nice with just little traffic and spectacular landscape. The little hamlet of Las Galeras is really remote. Just a main street with shops and a few bars and restaurants that ends directly on the beach, where the hotel is located. There are more individual smaller hotels around and the Bonito appeared to us as the most attractive (Villa Serena has no beach!). We stayed in a room upstairs and had a nice look through palms on the shore. ROOMS: Unbeliveable big, with dimensions of a junior suite and well kept in adobe style with comfortable beds and attractive furniture. We were a little disappointed by the bathroom: Corroded tabs, no warm water for the sink and the showerhead would have needed a descaling. Also the air condition was too noisy (where not...). We enjoyed the evenings on our huge balcony, watching the stars and drinking our self prepared "Cuba Libre" (the staff will provide you with ice. Ron, lime and coke is available for small money in the shops arround). GROUNDS: Well maintained and beautiful, a medium sized pool - which was pretty enough - behind bushes to keep away the sometimes gusty winds and views from the seaside. Nice. STAFF: The owners are italian, the employees are friendly, not over average in their behaviour. Just as you can expect in hotels in that category. No disappointments! MEALS: Due to low occupancy, we had no buffet breakfast which was tasty but could have been more in quantity and selection. I wonder why no hotel in the DR is able to prepare nice and fresh juices on an island full of fruits... We had dinner once which was ok, but not overwhelming and in quality price relation too expensive. Alternatively try the fresh fish from the ladies in the shack across the street on the beach (avoid the salad, you know why) and the airy restaurant under a thatched roof on the crossing 100 meters uphill from the hotel (then on the right side). Both are better with bigger portions, equal tasty and cheaper. NIGHTLIFE: A good chance to mingle with the Dominican folks in the surrounding bars and open discos. All in all we can recommend the place if you like tranquility, and have an own car. If we decide to return to this part of the island we would love to stay there again. We can really recommend the hotel for a relaxing time

less

“rooms are good, management has attitude”

I've stayed there twice, once in 2002, once in 2003. It's kind of a pain to get there, you have to drive 3-1/2 hours from Puerto Plata or from Santo Domingo which is also long. Driving in the DR is an experience putting it mildly. The rooms are nice, especially on the higher floors overlooking t… more

I've stayed there twice, once in 2002, once in 2003. It's kind of a pain to get there, you have to drive 3-1/2 hours from Puerto Plata or from Santo Domingo which is also long. Driving in the DR is an experience putting it mildly. The rooms are nice, especially on the higher floors overlooking the ocean. Breakfast is great. Dinner could be better, some variety would be nice. Pool is just right, the common areas are beautiful. The area is stunning, and would be even more wonderful if the locals didn't dump their trash on the beach. But this is not the hotel's fault. There is absolutely nothing to do at night, but if you really like tranquility this is the perfect place. I will say this, the manager obviously didn't like us, because I heard her making fun of us in Spanish, mocking and greatly exaggerating our bad attempts at speaking the language. She immediately realized by the look of horror on my face that I understood her and this created a not so comfortable environment for the rest of the trip. Because of this and a few other things with her making us feel less than respected and welcomed guests, I will never stay there again, unless I find out that she is no longer management. She obviously had a problem with us, but I have no idea what it was, we were always polite and respectful to the staff and are not difficult to deal with. When staying in a small hotel, if you have an interpersonal problem with a staff member, it's a little hard to avoid, because you see each other all the time. This created a sense of uneasiness with my partner and I. Since then I have gone to the DR about five times and stayed in other small hotels where I have had no problems or attitude at all.

less