La Lomacita

The atmosphere at La Loma-Cita is artsy with a homemade decor inspired almost entirely by driftwood and reclaimed items found on the beaches of Las Galeras. While just 15 minutes from downtown, its location atop a quiet, rural hill provides a relaxed vibe that feels worlds away from anywhere and anyone. There's a cute thatched building that holds a hanging bed and wooden chair, near the small pool. Fruit trees and native flowers add fragrance and color to the farm-inspired property. The small lobby, lounge, and restaurant offers lovely views of the ocean, town, and mountains beyond. At night, the owners personally prepare and serve dinner and cocktails in this communal space. However, as the property’s sole common area, it may prove too cozy for some.

La Loma-Cita is situated on a hilltop at the end of a quiet rural road. The services of Las Galeras -- including numerous restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities, and other essentials -- are all just a short distance from the hotel. However, the last two kilometers of road before reaching the hotel are an extremely rough mix of gravel, dirt, and rock. While it’s possible to reach via a compact or economy car, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. The nearest beach is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. By car, the hotel is one hour and 30 minutes from El Catey International Airport in Samana. As with many small hotels and inns, the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle. However, private shuttle service is easy to arrange upon arrival at the airport. With larger groups, this is often a better option as rates are typically determined on a per-vehicle basis. Taxi service is also readily available between the hotel and airport, however, rates are typically quite high.For travelers landing in Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International, a rental car is almost required. The almost three-hour drive to Las Galeras runs mostly along a clean, modern tourist highway with numerous gas and service stations along the way. Drivers should note that tolls will likely total more than 50 U.S. dollars and must be paid in pesos.

Each of the five rooms -- two standard rooms and three villas -- at La Loma-Cita offer a rustic design inspired by the nearby beaches of Las Galeras. The owners personally designed and decorated all of the interior and exterior spaces. Much of the decor revolves around driftwood, shells, and hollowed-out fruits, all surrounded by white stucco walls and thatched roofs.The two standard rooms -- each with a single queen-size bed -- are similar in size, layout, and amenities. Both bathrooms feature rustic, open-concept designs with modern bathroom fixtures, including a handheld showerhead and stained concrete sink. Relative to most Dominican Republic hotels, we found the showers to offer hot water and ample water pressure.The property’s three villas are nearly full-size homes with similar rustic designs and modern amenities. All feature outdoor kitchenettes -- including refrigerators, two-burner electric ranges, cookware, and utensils -- and private outdoor living, dining, and seating areas. There is no insulation or air-conditioning in any room; all feature floor-standing fans. Coupled with a steady breeze courtesy of the property’s hilltop location, guests find it cool throughout the day and night. Wi-Fi is free but it can be difficult to connect to the signal outside of the lobby and standard rooms.The hotel’s rural location provides an extremely quiet atmosphere throughout the day. Many reviewers report not hearing much more in their rooms than the wind and crickets at night. 

La Loma-Cita's prime hilltop location and lobby terrace make it difficult to care about anything other than the view. The combined open-air lobby/restaurant/lounge provides a quiet, shaded area to relax with a cocktail (the owners make their own flavored rum), homemade cheese plate, or book. The property’s garden provides an additional laid-back space with an thatched relaxation hut and small soaking pool. Massages can be arranged in the relaxation hut.While there is no dedicated restaurant, the kitchen and bar is open throughout the day to provide snacks and drinks, as well as breakfast and dinner. A deluxe breakfast is included in standard room rates (additional fee for villas) and offers an excellent, fresh, and homemade selection. Specific options vary daily but often include local fruits (such as papayas, mangoes, passionfruit, and berries), baked goods, yogurt, eggs, coffee, and fruit smoothies.The owners work closely with several excursion providers in Las Galeras to arrange off-site activities for guests. Free self-parking is available in a small, adjacent lot. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and standard rooms, however, reception is spotty particularly in the villas.The owners also have two dogs and two cats who freely roam the property. While they were quite friendly in our experience, it’s worth noting for travelers with allergies or small children.