Casa Valeria Boutique Hotel

Unfussy yet modern and well-maintained, Casa Valeria offers great value for travelers on a budget. The property is tiny, with a wooden entrance gate giving way to a small courtyard and open-air front desk. Off to the right of this sits the hotel's restaurant followed by a short path between the two leading back to the pool and most of the guest rooms. Everything is simple, clean, and welcoming.

While the location is a bit nondescript, the beach as well as numerous restaurants and shops can be reached within a few minutes’ walk. Sosua is known for its prostitution and the hotel does allow non-registered guests; however, the property doesn’t seem to attract many sex tourists -- we mostly spotted European and American couples and friends during our visit. 

Casa Valeria is located on a lesser-trafficked side street between two main roads in Sosua. While this town is known for its sex tourism, the property is somewhat removed from the main areas where this activity typically takes place. It’s a five-minute walk to the calm waters of Playa Alicia beach, a more relaxed alternative to bustling Playa Sosua beach, which is a 15-minute walk away. 

There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars within walking distance, although walking around Sosua at night isn’t recommended for solo travelers. The kitesurfing mecca of Caberte is a 15-minute drive away, while Puerto Plata can be reached in around 35 minutes. Gregorio Luperon International Airport is 15 minutes away by car. 

Guest rooms at Casa Valeria are simple yet cheerful, pleasantly decorated in colorful bed runners, medium-wood furniture, and wall murals featuring birds or trees. Most rooms have double beds fitted with thin white sheets (a few rooms have queen beds). Amenities throughout include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and small work desks. Minibars are stocked with an assortment of snacks and liquor. Safes, hairdryers, and irons are tucked away in wooden cabinets.

The bright bathrooms have glass-walled shower, and tiled walls featuring circular or square detailing. Some have modish round pedestal sinks, while others have vessel sinks. Off-brand soap and shampoo are provided, along with magnifying mirrors. Most rooms open onto the pool area and offer little balconies or terraces furnished with a couple of plastic chairs and a table; but rooms that open directly onto the front courtyard lack this outdoor space. Apartments add kitchenettes and living areas with sofa beds. 

Casa Valeria’s modest lineup of on-site features covers all the basics. There’s a small courtyard pool overlooked by the pastel guest room buildings. A few loungers and patio tables line the stone deck surrounding the water, while neatly trimmed greenery along one side provides privacy from the neighboring field. 

The hotel’s breezy, 30-seat restaurant and bar is decked out in maple wood with cute lime green and orange accents. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant’s international menu is reasonably priced and the food is quite decent, though there aren’t really any views to speak of, with slatted wood concealing the adjacent street. The breakfast spread, which is included in the room rate, gives guests a few different light choices, such as parfaits with fresh fruit or a European-style breakfast of breads and cheeses. Heartier options like an American breakfast or pancakes are offered for an extra fee. 

Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and there’s free parking on the street in front of the hotel. The hotel is pet-friendly, and airport transfers can also be arranged for a surcharge.