The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club

Bedecked with high-end wicker furniture, Caribbean-inspired art pieces, and pristine, polished marble flooring, the towering lobby atrium is a beautiful open space. White vases filled with green palm fronds and a white lobster sculpture add a bit of tasteful whimsy. At the back of the lobby, the spacious Compass Rose Lounge opens to the quiet, on-site marina with sweeping views of Samana Bay. Two additional restaurants and two infinity pools serve as the prime socializing hubs for the property. As with many hotels in Samana province, it can be relatively quiet during the week, especially during low season. During the weekends, many locals travel from Santo Domingo to the hotel, creating a more lively (though far from raucous) vibe. The property is spread out and past guests have complained that it can be difficult to navigate. 

The Bannister Hotel is situated in Puerto Bahia, along a well-traveled tourist road that runs roughly parallel to Samana Bay west of the city of Samana. Dozens of shops, restaurants, markets, pharmacies, and other essentials are all just a short drive from the hotel. Additionally, the central core of downtown Samana and numerous beaches are all within 15 minutes by car. There isn't much of interest or convenience within walking distance. Parking is free inside a secure lot at the resort. The hotel is a 50-minute drive from Samana province’s El Catey International Airport. Alternatively, the hotel can arrange private (though expensive) shuttle service to and from the airport. With larger groups, this can prove to be a more affordable option as rates are often determined on a per-vehicle basis. Private taxi service is readily available between the airport and hotel, but rates can run high.From Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, the best, most affordable transportation option to Samana is typically to rent a car. The roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive to The Bannister Hotel is made via a clean, modern tourist highway with numerous gas and service stations along the way. However, it’s worth noting that tolls will cost more than 50 U.S. dollars roundtrip and must be paid in pesos.

The elegant simplicity of the lobby and common areas continues into the 33 suites here. The muted, Caribbean-inspired design scheme is crisp, contemporary, and luxurious with wicker and rattan furniture, tasteful seashell-inspired artwork, polished marble flooring, and solid wood surfaces throughout.Each of the eight room categories is ample in size, starting with the 600-square-foot, entry level Mountain View Studios and Mountain View Suites. Upgraded One- and Two-Bedroom Suites offer up to 1,200 square feet, with The Bannister Suite topping out at a massive 2,900 square feet. All studios and suites are well-appointed with a long list of features including a private balcony, full kitchen with a stovetop and cutlery, and multiple flat-screen TVs in each. In addition, all but the Studio Rooms offer dedicated living and dining areas, large, ocean-view terraces, and optional whirlpool tubs. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, bottled water, and DVD players. Ceiling fans are provided in most rooms for those that prefer to keep the windows open. Bathrooms include nice features like modern, white wash basins, glass and marble shower stalls, smooth wood countertops, and premium Acqua di Parma toiletries. Brushed nickel fixtures, handles, and accents complete the well-coordinated, professionally designed interior. On our visit we didn't encounter any problems, but past guests have occasionally complained about overly firm mattresses and low shower pressure. 

The Bannister Hotel offers many of the features of a traditional resort in a more boutique atmosphere that eschews the typical, canned resort vibe.While the on-site marina is lovely, the property lacks any beachfront space which is likely a turnoff for some. Instead, two infinity pools serve as the hotel’s source of water-centric relaxation. The first, located adjacent to the second-floor Le Deauville Restaurant, is relatively small, but offers excellent views of the marina. A second pool is situated overlooking the ocean on the large terrace outside Cafe del Mar; it offers stunning sunset views. The adjacent patio is set with ample wicker lounge chairs for guests to relax with a poolside drink.Located immediately above the lobby, the Ni Spa & Salon is a 3,500-square-foot, two-story, ultra-modern space heavily decked in glass and stone. Each of its six cabins is clean and modern, and a full menu of traditional massage treatments and beauty procedures is available with prices typical of similar hotel spas. Note that, as with many of the hotel’s staff, most spa workers speak limited English. The on-site fitness center is clean and ample with modern Cybex fitness equipment and lovely marina and ocean views. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel and there's a large meeting room for events. 

The property offers three restaurant/bars, all with indoor and al fresco dining, as well as distinctly different menus. Each of the restaurants provide quality and diversity in their food. For breakfast and brunch, the on-site Le Deauville Restaurant just above the lobby offers dining in a casual, upscale atmosphere. The sparse decor consists of simple wood furniture, large tile flooring, and muted browns and beiges throughout. An American breakfast is included with the price of a room.Outside, overlooking the marina, La Regata offers an extensive all-day menu of mostly Italian favorites, including ravioli. The main specialty, however, is wood-fired pizzas and the menu offers at least two dozen preconfigured combinations or guests can build their own. A full-service outdoor bar adjacent to the restaurant serves as a relaxing, waterfront space.The hotel’s third restaurant, Cafe del Mar, offers additional dining in a funky, yet relaxed and upscale atmosphere directly on the waterfront. A bright, crisp, blue-and-white color scheme covers every inch of the countertops, flooring, and modern furniture in a way that seems to blur the line between a restaurant and club. A dedicated DJ booth on a small mezzanine overlooking the dining area only adds to the confusion. The menu consists almost exclusively of tapas, bocadillos (small snacks), and cocktails.Additional amenities include two outdoor pools, a modern spa, and a gym with ocean views. Wi-Fi is free throughout, as is parking.