I spent two nights at Palapa Beach Hotel in Las Terrenas in July 2007. My trip to las the Samana Peninsula was a side trip from my vacation to Dominican Republic.

I found the hotel by chance as I was driving into Las terrenas. We decided to stop and check it out because the atmosphere looked really cool. They had hamocks and tables outside and the hotel is located right across the street from the beach.

I was met by Jordy one of the guys that works in the wind kite center in the hotel and he contacted the owner for me. The owner showed us the bungalos and pool then we check in.

The place is very nice. the rooms are actually bungalos that can sleep upto 4 people. they have an up stairs and down stairs and a porch. I loved the decor. The only think I wish they had was a TV.

Bungalo 7 is perfect no problems at all. Bungalo 2 had some problems at the time of our stay. The hot water has some kind of trick to it. Tell the manager or whom ever is showing you the room to go over it with you. They didn't tell us and so when we went to complaint the next day she said "oh yes it does... it just has a trick" Also the airconditioner does not work in unit 2. This is not a problem if you are only using the bed up stairs but if you need to use the two single bed downstairs it will be a problem because it will be hot.

As I mentioned before the hotel has a pool. it is a nice pool with a small part sectioned off for children. the other part goes from 5 ft to 6ft deep. The first night we got there we jumped after dinner at around 9pm and the water was still warm. It was so beautiful to swim around under the stars.

Breakfast is included in the price for the room... and what a breakfst !!!! great breads, fruit, delicious omlets, and amazing fruit juices!!!! great great breakfast. Oh and the coffee !!!!

I want to give a special thanks to Jordy, his brother, and Juan Carlos for really making our short stay very pleasant.

Even if you decided not to stay at this hotel go check out their bar. They have delicious cocktails and they also have a Wind Kite and Surfing School !!!!!!!!

The only reason why I didn't give this hotel a 5 is because the owner has an attitude. As far as the instalations go the place is very nice and reasonably priced. the courtyard is lush and serene. I would just advise anyone to test out the airconditioner and payment terms before you book.... by the way they don't take credit cards... and she didn't tell me this until the very moment we were checking out !!!!!!

Oh and how could I almost forget to mention the Restaurant/Lounge upstairs.. I think it is called Sondemar.

It is a beautiful space with great food and friendly service !!!! They cater more to a European crowd so they aren't familiar with some cocktails but you just have to tell them what is in it and they will mix it for you!!!!!