I just came back from two weeks at Los Gringos. It was the most peaceful and relaxing vacation I've ever had. The place is not for everyone: there's no air conditioning or nightlife, and the cabanas, although charming and clean, are basic. We spent our days watching the water and the sky...sunbathing, walking the beach, reading, lingering over delicious meals, and napping in hammocks. The constant sound and sight of the gentle waves seemed to hypnotize us, and we gradually let go of the stresses of our "regular" lives. Favorite moments included nighttime rainstorms, when the noise of the rain hitting the thatched roof of our cabana was very dramatic, and early morning just before dawn, when the distant calls of roosters and songbirds began to punctuate the ocean soundscape.

We took some nice day trips- a beautiful ride up into the mountains, excursions to nearby Playa Grande and Playa Calleton, and a couple of dinners and gift shopping in Rio San Juan and Caberete. We did rent a car at the airport, but if you've only got a few days I wouldn't bother.

Patrick is a gracious and considerate host, and an excellent chef. He truly wants you to enjoy your vacation, and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and the rest of the staff. The resident dogs are total charmers!

Finally, the prices are extraordinarily reasonable, in my opinion. I recommend Los Gringos highly to anyone who wants to spend quiet time in a tropical, natural setting.

We spent a week at Los Gringos with the family in January 2008 and we really had such a wonderful time. Patrick and Steve are the best hosts we have ever met. They treated us like if we were at home, like royalty. Just imagine going to a restaurant and the owner asking you what would you like to eat today..., and he will cook whatever you ask. Just imagine going to bed at night and listening to the sound of the sea....only a few steps away from the cabanas.... Just imagine coming back from a day at the beach (there are wonderful beaches in the area), taking a HOT shower and then going to the bar and relax with good music, good local Rum and the fantastic company of Steve and Patrick and other guests from around the world... Don't imagine anymore...just GO. And if you have the chance of getting to know Tricom, the most intelligent, kind and loving dog in the world, just give her a big hug from her friends from Argentina.

When we first researched where to stay while in the DR, we found only large or all-inclusive hotels. We were thrilled to find Los Gringos instead. Patrick and Steve and their friendly helpful staff made our stay 100% relaxing-- it was a perfect vacation, from the laid-back but completely accommodating atmosphere to the serene, secluded beach and the excellently prepared delicious food.

When we were ready for a break from the beach we explored nearby Rio San Juan, the Laguna GriGri by boat, and faster-paced Sosua all with Patrick and Steve's help.

Patrick and Steve served as welcoming hosts who know the country well and were ready to share their beloved DR with us for the week. We couldn't have chosen better.

Vincent and Melanie
Brooklyn, NY

Excellent location.- Its set in a small town on the north coast, remote enough to be quiet and close enough to not be a pain to get to.
It takes a good hour from the puerto plata airport, or 4 hours from the santo domingo airport, or 2 hours from santiago.
The cabanas are set right on the beach and you have to walk about fifty steps to be in the water. The cabanas themselves are clean and well lit.
The beds are not firm , but if you are not as fat as me, that might not matter. Also, the sheets are pretty poly, so if that matters to you, bring some.
There are a couple great beaches a few minutes away, playa grande, and playa calotone.

Great food.
Patrick is the owner of Los Gringos and is a great cook and is very flexible. Breakfast is included and is very quick, filling, and can be about anything you want. Get the passion fruit juice.
Everything we ate was delicious.

It is paradise.

Please email me if you have a question.
patrick