Good points: quiet and secure location, attentive and friendly staff, pretty setting, surprisingly good food (the young chef is professional and prolific).Bad points: Like most of Sosua the property is struggling and lack of investment shows. Internet works intermittently and poorly (the computers seem older than the waiters). Rooms are rather spartan but comfortable and clean. Most of the exercise machines in the tiny gym are broken. Hot water is sometimes not available. The hotel used to have a private beach which was destroyed by erosion; a public beach is directly adjacent and adequate. Families will not be exposed to the town's tawdry side. For a restful vacation at a modest price (but with modest expectations) it is to be recommended. For those who need Internet access (including this writer) the shoddy infrastructure can be a huge frustration, though.

One need not look any further for an enjoyable, relaxing vacation near the center of everything, yet far removed from the hustle and bustle that defines the hectic atmosphere of charming Sosua, than Sosua By the Sea Boutique Hotel. Situated as this little gem of a hotel is on its own semi-private beach, it is an oasis of calm, with leaning palm trees surrounding a good-sized pool with a soothing jacuzzi. The restaurant, perched above the crashing waves of the ocean below, serves Dominican dishes every bit as delightful as the view of a setting sun over Mt. Isabel in the distance.

The management and staff are all courtesy, professional and full of that unique Dominican personality - engaging and lively - and very eager to satisfy the whims of their guests with smiles to spare.

There is a small gym facility (desperately in need of an upgrade, granted) but still well-equipped for maintaining the physique in between savoring ice-cold Presidentes served at the on-site bar where bachata energizes the atmosphere.

If you're seeking an All-Inclusive hotel without the impersonal service often inherent therein, I would recommend SBTS. It is as charming as the gorgeous Sea it overlooks...

I chose this hotel based on a friend's reccommendation, & he was right on the mark with Sousa by the Sea. I tend to travel to the islands for the beach & water sports scene by day, enticing new foods & cultural experiences, & some music & nightlife . . . and I don't like to stay in the middle of the action with a noisy beach by day & loud music blasting all night. Instead, I like to stay at a resort on the beach that's away from the crowd & noise . . . Sousa by the Sea is that ideal resort!!!

Situated a little outside from the main part of town & the main beach, Playa Sousa . . . . . SBTS has its own private beach & its guest can share one of the neighboring Casa Marina Resort beach fronts as well. A decently kept 3-Star resort with only around 90 rooms, its small enough to maintain that friendly, family kind of atmosphere. The hotel's G.M., Marc does his best to please his guests, & the staff (if your friendly enough as well) will remember your name & take care of your needs . . . .

The Room: I stood on the 4th floor, in a single, & I paid for the All-Inclusive package. For a 3-Star resort, the room was adequate, basic queen size bed, comfortable, maid change sheets daily. A small restroom & shower/tub, clean towels everyday, as well as hot water with a strong flow of water. Older small color television with cable, over 30 channels. Under the television is a mini-fridge. An open closet area near the entrance, as well as 2 chairs & a small table. The room was air-con, & came with a ceiling fan, 3 sets of small double door windows that opened up to let the summer Atlantic breeze . . . best view of the Atlantic Ocean in the resort is from the 4th floor. Very basic, very average room, the rooms could use an updating of furniture, flat television screens, re-do the restrooms sink & tile . . . but, again, for a 3-Star, very acceptable. The Single room was better than most of the rooms that I've stayed at similar 3-Star resorts in Southeast Asia.

The Food: the daily buffet from the main beach restaurant good . . . My most consistent meal was the morning breakfest, & like most other island beach resorts, they had a decent array of fruit, mostly watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, breads, cereals, juices, pancakes, french toast, scrambled & fried eggs, bacon/saussage, and the omelette guy cranking up omelttes of your choice. I ate lunch & dinner a few times during my stay, & they seemed to always have a chicken, beef, & fish option on the menu, one night they roasted a pig that was so, so tender . . . . Again plenty of fruit, & salads, & white rice & beans . . . Over-all, the food was better than I expected, I certainly enjoyed my meals, I was never left wanting more, I was left full & satisfied.

The Resort: I enjoyed the ocean front beach access daily, I loved the opportunity to wake up each morning & walk out to the private beach, lay out mat & do my morning yoga at the water's edge, then dive in for a quick swim, yes, just another day in paradise. As for the resorts 2 beaches, the private beach on the SBTS side is gorgeous, you can go for a nice 1/2 mile walk on the sand. Many of the area's tourist dive & snorkel boats come to this beach & set anchor. The neighboring public beach at Casa Marina is great for catching cool little waves & meeting people. Plus these 2 beaches are away from the hoard of "Playa Sousa Hawkers" . . The resort's swimming pool was always clean, nice & fresh, & just large enough to find your own private little spot or make new friends. There always seemed to be enough lounge chairs with umbrellas, with enough sun or shade for you. The restaurant & bar staff are always ready to serve you your never ending all-inclusive drinks, the Presidente's are always ice cold & the rum drinks are made with a kick . . . The staff always seemed ready to help or give assistance, if you made the point of meeting them & getting their names, they always remembered your name & your drink (lol), or were ready to assist you at the front desk with any requests. . . The resort's small but efficient internet room has about computer's, always opened, & always working . . . The small, rather outdated workout room is in dire need of a good renovating, most the equipment was not in working condition. . . .

Over-all, I really enjoyed my stay at Sousa by the Sea, & my first visit to the Puerto Plata region of the Dominican Republic. SBTS is an average 3-Star resort in terms of rooms, but the friendly, family atmosphere, good food, & peacefulness more that makes up for what might be lacking in average rooms. What makes SBTS ideal for me is the beach front property, access to water sports, clean, nice size swimming pool & hot tub, good food, friendly staff, & a relaxing, calm, oasis away from the crowds of Playa Sosua. . . I would diffenitely & do certainly plan to stay there again . .

I stayed at Sosua by the Sea for 4 days. Please do not stay here if you’re looking forward to the following: Fun staff, some sort of music, big pool, wide selection of food (although the small selections were very good), and able to hang out by the 1 & only bar after 11pm (when quiet hours start, the guards will tell you to sssshhh). It’s an extremely small hotel, although the rooms are a decent size. The rooms almost feel like you’re staying over someone’s house vs. an actual hotel room – which depending on your taste you can take it either way. Oh, and the rooms don’t have irons and you have to go to the front desk each time you need ironing and leave a $20 deposit for same day use. And to use the safe, that’s another like $10 that you won’t get back. Also, they claim to have room service - & when I called to place an order, I was told to walk to the restaurant instead because no one was available to deliver the food!!! The fridge does not get restocked daily with bottled water, so hold on to the 1 bottle given upon arrival and continue to refill it. I think this hotel was too overpriced for the services offered, or lack thereof.

This is an ideal place for someone who wants a very QUIET vacation with no interruptions.

I have been to DR many many times and this was my least favorite stay and area. I would never return to Sosua because I don’t’ enjoy fearing my life and seeing so many prostitutes. It was very sad to see such a beautiful country that offers so much to see & do be tainted by low class Europeans soliciting young prostitutes. If you are looking to stay somewhere with a “beachy” vibe and quaint hotels – please research Cabarete. I was very upset that I didn’t stay here instead; there are tons of little cute shops and restaurants along the beach, & it felt super safe. And for those who complain about the Dominican cuisine not being up to par to your delicate taste buds, stop being cheap and book a stay at one of DR’s finest hotels and you would not be disappointed. Or just go to France or Italy and shut up.

Oh – do book horse back riding with Chiquito (he can be found at the beach or just ask the front desk for him), he provides an AMAZING experience that you won’t regret and truly enjoy!