Accommodations

It may feel awkward to pack warm pajamas for a trip to the Caribbean, but if you’re sleeping in the cool Dominican Alps climate, you might need them. Mi Casa (Luperón at Sánchez, tel. 809/539-2764, US$15 d) has 11 very basic yet clean rooms with private bathrooms; one is a suite that can sleep four people. There’s a restaurant on-site.

Alto Cerro (two kilometers east of town, tel. 809/539-1553, www.altocerro.com [1], US$30 d, camping US$10) is on a bluff outside of Constanza [2]. This tourist complex has two- and three-bedroom villas, rooms, and camping facilities, and all have panoramic views of the fertile valley below. The villas are equipped for two, four, five, or seven people with balconies, TV, phone, fireplace, and safe.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable and operate on a bed-and-breakfast plan, whereas the suites and villas have kitchens and there is a small market for provisions. But if you don’t feel like cooking, there is a restaurant that beats going all the way into town for the next available dining choice. It is a wonderful place for families that offers horseback riding, quad rental, and a large play area for kids. This complex is an excellent value, no matter which accommodation you choose. Meal plans can be arranged.

Hotel Vista del Valle (Antonio María García 41 and Matilde Viñas, tel. 809/539-2071, US$22 d Mon.–Fri., US$36 Fri.–Mon.) is kitty-corner from the baseball field. You’ll have hot water and a TV. Room 9 has a skylight and double doors that open out the front of the hotel, tile floors, and high ceilings. Rooms without exterior windows have a mystery smell and don’t have the same vaulted ceilings. Ventilation is key here. This hotel is in town, so you can walk to do things, a plus if you want to be in the middle of happenings.

Rooms on the second floor of Mi Cabaña (Carretera General Antonio Duvergé, tel. 809/539-2930, www.micabana.net [3], US$20 d Mon.–Fri., US$25 Fri.–Mon.) have balconies off the front and back of the room with phenomenal views out the back. The bad news: The walls are thin. Like rice paper. The light is dim and there’s no bedside lamp, and with the lights going out anyway, regardless if they have a generator or not, things get very dark when you’re this removed from city lights. There’s no hot water in the sink and no phone in the room.

Remember, it’s cold in Constanza [2]. These rooms are completely devoid of warmth both in temperature and character. However, you will get a mini refrigerator and TV (non-cable), good size room, and a vaulted ceiling on the second floor. The resort has a pool, basketball court, and outdoor eating area. They do have a good breakfast buffet.

At Hotel Bohio (Calle Rufino Espinosa 15, tel. 809/539-2696, www.hotelbohio.com [4], RD$800 d Mon.–Thurs., RD$1,400 d Fri.–Sun.) the very friendly staff welcome you warmly as you enter into the living room-like entrance of this small 20-room hotel. It’s not a fancy place but the rooms are clean, and some have small sunny terraces with mini-fridge. Otherwise, it’s very basic.

Rancho Constanza (Calle Duarte, tel. 809/539-3268, www.ranchoconstanza.tripod.com [5]) has cabins with full kitchens and all utensils you’ll need. There is a playground on site for kids, and the cabins are clean and spacious with basic furniture. Staff can arrange for a variety of excursions like treks to Arroyo Frio or Aguas Blancas or an agricultural tour.

Hotel Valle Nuevo (Calle Gratereaux, tel. 809/539-1144) is a new three-level hotel located in town and behind a large security gate. The rooms are kept simple but very clean. Each room has a private hot-water bathroom, and each floor has a nice balcony to share.

At Villa Pajon (Reserva Científica Valle Nuevo, tel. 809/412-5210 or 809/412-5209, www.villapajon.com [6], US$55–140) seven cabins are surrounded by lush forest (nine kilometers south of Aguas Blancas) and built on the site of an old sawmill. It does get cold out here, so each cabin has its own fireplace and beds are fitted with adequate bedding for chilly nights. They all have private baths, kitchens, outdoor barbecues, and multiple bedrooms. Bring your own food or, at an additional cost, you can arrange for all cooking and cleaning to be done for you. Villa Pajon can also arrange for hiking, agrotourism, and horseback riding adventures. If you are looking for a gorgeous place in the country very removed from the hubbub of regular society, this ecolodge is tops.