Hotel Villas Las Palmas al Mar

Arriving at Hotel Villas Las Palmas al Mar feels like
finally getting home late at night after a long drive -- that is, if home is a wooden beach-house painted a soft white, shining like a bright streetlamp
at the end of the road. The hotel is set back behind a parking lot that faces a
relatively busy street, lined by a long and narrow beach. A clean downstairs lobby is topped by Sand Bar, the hotel’s
relaxed breakfast room that transforms to a beach-view bar and lounge at night. The
space emphasizes natural materials, and a breezy open-air terrace is decorated
by hanging plaques with motivational quotes about living in the present moment.
There's an attractive, yet humble look to it all, and the hotel offers its guests a low-key, home-like spot with beachy charm. The kitchens and relaxed social atmosphere make this a solid pick for independent travelers, and most guests are European families and American
couples.

The hotel is in Las Terrenas, a former fishing village that
has developed into a vibrant hub for European tourists and well-heeled
locals over the years. The thin road that passes through town is lined on both sides
by little shops, restaurants, and beachfront hotels, all within a five-minute walk to 15-minute walk. That plus a lush natural
landscape is about all you’ll find here -- which goes for most of Samana, the province
known as the unofficial eco-tourism center of the Dominican Republic. That
said, there’s still plenty to see, especially for beach lovers. Area beach options include El Portillo (just under 15 minutes on foot), Playa Bonita (a 15-minute drive), and
Playa Moron (a 30-minute drive) -- not to mention Playa Punta Popy just across the street. The Limon Waterfall makes for a lovely day trip, about a 25-minute drive
away. Samana International Airport is a 35-minute drive from the hotel. 

These are spacious and simple villas, complete with well-stocked kitchens. Cream walls
and turquoise borders color the open, airy interiors. Expect to see lots of white and light hues, from the simple furniture to plush couches and beach-town style wall art (think: neon sunsets and palm tree silhouettes). Light gray tile floors keep things cool and the abundance of white lattice gives everything a homey look. Light soaks these cottages during the day,
though there are blinds everywhere, helping to keep the closely placed villas private. Kitchens have full-size refrigerators, stove
tops, toasters, and tea kettles, among other cooking and serving essentials. Bedrooms
have big closets and flat-screen TVs. The air-conditioning works well, as do the multiple fans that easily circulate cool air throughout the upstairs rooms. Housekeeping is provided daily. Bathrooms are bright and moderately sized, with modern fixtures and small showers. There's a decent amount of counter space around sinks, and toiletries and towels are provided. Big, shady, wrap-around porches
with tables, grills, and rocking chairs are excellent for spending quality time
outside. The promised ocean views from a few of the rooms at the front of the property might be worth trading in for a bit of peace and quiet, as the street noise can get bothersome at night.

As a value hotel, there aren't a ton of features here, but most of what's on offer is nice to have. The pool is small and encircled by a wide lawn and the villas, keeping things peaceful.
It does feel a little exposed, as it's close to everybody’s front porches, but it's impeccably maintained and there are a few lounge chairs for anyone who wants to sunbathe. While the hotel isn't right on the beach, it's just across the road out front. Playa Punta Popy is a narrow strip of sand that runs parallel to (and quite close to) to the main road. It’s not quite the prettiest -- there were some tree roots lining the sand when we visited -- but makes most guests happy. There’s a handy minimart selling sunscreen and beach hats
right off the lobby; it’s limited in its selection, but still a helpful stop on
the way to the beach. The hotel also has an awkwardly placed massage table, sandwiched in the grassy shade between the lobby and parking lot. If you can get past the weird location, the massages here are cheap and relaxing.A lovely breeze and easygoing atmosphere help make the
hotel’s upstairs terrace area a comfortable experience day and night. The
morning buffet -- which is included with room rates -- has fresh fruits and cereals plus made-to-order eggs and
pancakes. At night, the space turns into Sand Bar, a cool bar
and lounge where guests can order specialty cocktails until late. While they serve
light tapas, the menu isn’t filling enough for dinner, though good restaurants
are right next door. Wi-Fi is free but it can get spotty at night, especially
from the villas. Parking is also free.