Cabarete lodging

lulove · #1 02-20-2007, 07:07 PM

i am planning on getting married in the DR and will be traveling with 35 other ppl (age 25-65)...any suggestions for villas/small hotels? ideally our group will be within walking distance to each other and to town. any suggestions or insight to the area? also- how far is isabell de torres mountain? is it feasible to get married there or are there other gardens closer? cheers!

senorblanco · #2 02-20-2007, 08:16 PM

When is your special day. I may be able to help you I have about 20 small apartments I may be able to rent in the middle of town.
Let me know we have a great location in Cabarete and if I dont have the rooms I can give you some other nice spots to go to.

lulove · #3 02-22-2007, 12:00 AM

we're thinking the first week in november... any insight would be great! we've inquired at a few villas and are waiting to hear back from most. any idea about villa fantasia and it's story - it's what we're looking for but haven't been able to contact the owner via phone or e-mail?

new york traveler · #4 01-24-2008, 09:56 PM

January 24, 2008

Just wanted to warn everyone that we were scammed! Sounds like "Mark Lancer" and/or "Steve Fallaw" are misrepresenting themselves as manager/owner of Villa Fantasia on 18 Camino Del Sol, Cabarete, Dominican Repbulic on numerous villa websites (VRBO, Viviun, Travel Library, etc.). They sent a contract, collected a deposit and never responded after that. The villa does exist, but they don't represent it. Be very careful if you try to rent this place or deal with these individuals (lancerlotz@aol.com, phone 843 628 0334). Fortunately we discovered before arriving thanks to an honest, conscientous, and reliable villa owner who hunted it down for us and we've made alternative arrangements. We've rented numerous villas in many places safely and reliably, but this sounds like a growing problem (reportedly same villa in Nov 06, and another place in Cabarete in Dec 07), wanted to give everyone a heads-up. It may be linked to these sites that offer "bachelor party" arrangements, so tread carefully.

EnclineDesigns · #5 01-26-2008, 06:24 PM

A good hotel in Caberete that my husband and I have stayed at a couple of times and have really enjoyed is Alegria. The owners are a married couple from the states, have owned it for 2 years now. Their prices are fair, the rooms are clean, they have a nice bar/restaurant in the front, a cool jacuzzi on a deck that is above all of the other hotels so it's private and has a good view of the ocean. I don't know that you would want to get married at this hotel, however for your friends/family to have a nice place to stay at affordable prices, it's worth looking in to.

DavidZ · #6 01-27-2008, 10:21 AM

Where is the Alegria?

slomichael · #7 01-27-2008, 12:16 PM

I agree that Alegria is a great place. I have not stayed there, however we have eaten a few meals at their restaurant and think the owners are wonderful and would provide you with quality service and be very truthful on what they can actually provide. You would not get scammed there.

Another great option is the El Magnifico Condo complex. We have stayed there four times and it is beautiful and would be a great gathering spot for a large group. One of my favorite lodging spots anywhere.....

There is probably some price difference between the two options I have mentioned, though both are very good values in relation to other hotel/motel/condo options.

Have a great time.

sincerely,
Michael

slomichael · #8 01-27-2008, 12:19 PM

Alegria is located on the east edge of the Cabarete beach, past all of the windsurfing rental places and before you get to the Velero Hotel. Maybe a short 5 -8 minute or so walk to the middle of all the discos, etc. just far enough away for it to be quiet. Also it is about 20 yards off the beach, and about 250 yards from Janet's supermarket. It is a great location. Safe also....

Sincerely,
Michael

EnclineDesigns · #9 01-27-2008, 01:24 PM

The website to Alegria is HOTEL ALEGRIA - CABARETE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

gypsytan · #10 01-27-2008, 05:59 PM

If you're looking for a small hotel I agree Alegria is a great choice, for your wedding party to stay at, but I also agree with the person who said it may not be what you want for your actual wedding. If you can afford it, check El Velero. It is right next to Alegria and the best non AI in Cabarete. You can have guests at both hotels to keep reduce your costs. As to your wedding, while Velero has a great garden with the ocean as background, I'm not 100% sure that their restaurant can host a decent wedding party for you. Their restaurant is new and we have not yet heard too many comments on it. However, there are other restaurants which I would recommend, such as La Otra Cosa (right accross from El Velero), or if you don't care about the ocean view, Bliss has great facilities and serves great food too.

One thing to keep in mind: while November is great price wise cause it's low season and you will find room in all hotels, owners and managers do take their vacation during the low season. You need to plan well in advance and make sure that whomever you contact now will be here and in charge of your wedding preparations. It could be a challenge if you re looking for something a bit sophisticated.

In short, my advice: contact the owners of some hotels asap, ask them what they can offer to make your wedding a success, explain exactly what you want, etc. Post back here once you're about to make the decision and do listen to the locals who can tell you whether you're dealing with a person with a good reputation that won't fail you.

Best of luck,