Hotel Alisei

Hotel Alisei is big enough to be a resort but cozier and more inviting than a typical 500-room mega-resort. The vibe is relaxed, with a slightly upmarket design that’s neither uppity or luxurious. Nothing here is pretentious, including the sand parking lot and reception window where guests check in and out; there isn't a lobby. The on-site Baraonda Restaurant is a welcome feature that provides American and authentic Dominican food and a wraparound outdoor patio with good beach views. By night, it’s a lively social spot for hotel guests, particularly on nights with live music on the schedule. 

Hotel Alisei is situated on a safe and well-traveled, though relatively quiet, tourist road that runs west from Las Terrenas along the Atlantic Ocean. Rows of restaurants, bars, and small- to medium-size resorts line the street -- many within walking distance. Additionally, the nightlife, shopping, and beaches of Las Terrenas are a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

Samana El Catey International Airport is 35 minutes away by car and, like many hotels in the area, Hotel Alisei does not offer a dedicated airport shuttle. Larger groups traveling to Hotel Alisei may wish to research private shuttle transfer to and from the airport as rates are typically determined on a per-vehicle basis. Taxi service is also readily available between the hotel and airport, however rates are often high. 

Travelers landing in Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport will likely want to rent a car to make the two-hour drive to Hotel Alisei. The connecting highway is clean and modern with numerous gas stations and services along the way. However, take note that the total cost of tolls will run in excess of $50 round trip and must be paid in pesos.

The room decor at Hotel Alisei is bright and bold with Caribbean and Latin American flare. Walls, ceilings, and staircases are crafted in beige stucco while bright orange, red, and purple fabrics provide copious pops of color. The look and feel is clean and vibrant though ultimately mid-range. However, a long list of in-room amenities make the Hotel Alisei a bargain, particularly compared to other area hotels.

Four of the five room categories -- including the Apartments, Villas, and Honeymoon Suite -- offer spacious, apartment-style floor plans with full kitchens (with glassware, cookware, basic utensils, and small appliances) and private outdoor terraces or balconies. The Two-bedroom Apartment offers a similar floor plan to the One-Bedroom Deluxe, but with an additional bedroom with dual twin beds that’s ideal for families. The large, 114 square-meter Two-Bedroom Villa with Loft provides even more privacy. The split-level design places the master bedroom upstairs, with a separate bedroom, large dining/living area, and expansive terrace on the ground floor. A fifth category Studio offers many of the same amenities, except for a full kitchen, in a smaller, more affordable 36 square-meter floor plan.

The bathrooms in all room categories are modern and average-sized for a hotel of this category. The overall theme of stucco and tropical hardwoods is carried through, lending a bit of upscale, local flavor. All bathrooms provide bidets, basic hairdryers, stand-up shower stalls, and Damana brand organic soaps and shower products.

In an area where even the essentials can garner an upcharge, Hotel Alisei offers multiple ceiling fans, a large bottled water cooler, free Wi-Fi, and at least one air conditioner in every room.

The beach across the street offers chaise lounge chairs and tables for hotel guests. While it’s not exclusive to the hotel, the beach is typically quiet, well-maintained, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Las Terrenas. The public road between the beach and hotel sees a steady stream of truck and motorbike traffic but is typically not too loud or obtrusive.

A clean, ample pool serves as the centerpiece of the entire hotel. For such a small resort, there are plenty of chairs even when the property is at capacity. A small, sunken pool bar serves beer, wine, and a full liquor menu to a handful of swim-up stools. On the opposite end of the pool, a dedicated children’s pool is also available. On select nights throughout the week, there is live music on the patio providing an atmosphere that’s lively but not quite rowdy or raucous.

The on-site Baraonda restaurant is open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The included continental breakfast buffet offers a variety of items, including cereal, cafe con leche, pastries, breads, and a rotating selection of local juices (like pineapple and passion fruit) and hot foods (like yucca, frittata, sausage, and eggs). The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner with a mixed menu of both American and Dominican foods. Sandwiches and hamburgers are offered alongside traditional local fare that naturally leans toward seafood, like mahi, grouper, and snapper. The restaurant also features live music some days of the week and good views to the nearby beach from the outdoor patio.

Located adjacent to the pool, the spa is tastefully decorated with a Hindu-inspired decor and accents. Lily ponds line the entrance while inside gold statues, burning incense, and a slow, chanting soundtrack all combine in a cozy, intimate, and dimly lit space. The menu features the typical treatments one would expect of a resort, alongside more unusual offerings like Turkish bath treatments, caramel waxing, and mineral mud wraps.

The full list of nice-to-have amenities is rounded out with free Wi-Fi property-wide, a mostly English-speaking staff, and free self-parking in a private lot.