The Hotel El Colibri is a hidden gem in a very special part of the Dominican Republic.
It is a safe and secure plantation type open resort that is surrounded by a very vibrant, tropic and authentic Dominican town.
The best attraction of the hotel is it's larger than life pool that is kept very pure and clean.
On my trip, I did get sunburned the first day, so i was not able to enjoy the pool very much, but next to the pool is an open cafe that is covered and provides shade.
There were many romantic couples on vacation, but I would definitely recommend this hotel to families because of the great value, low prices and lack of tacky tourist rip-offs like gift shops and in room HBO.
This hotel allows you to experience a peaceful, meditative experience and the property combines the natural elements of the native jungle into its layout, for instance the garden surrounding the pool is beautifully planted and groomes, and there are beautiful Haitian tapestries hanging.
The room I stayed in was very inexpensive, however it was the most basic. I had two beds, a fan and a shower. There was no hot water in the hotel, however this was not important to me because we were in a tropical climate and the water was warm.
I did peek and see other rooms that were much fancier, with amenities like air conditioning and television. It is very much a choose-your own adventure, and since I was there to visit family, and be in the outdoors, all I needed was a bed and a fan.
I even left my expensive computer, iPod and watch out in the room, which can be a very stupid thing to do in any hotel, but the staff gave me the most respect and never once was my stuff touched.
The security is to the max, and every person on property is buzzed in through a gate.
Once outside the gate, you will experience the vibrant and music-filled strip of Sosua's main road. You must do some research before going to DR, like any foreign country you should learn the conversation rate of your money versus the peso, and be very prepared to know that you will confront hustlers and peddlers, but all is ffine if you just give a polite no thank you. This is common in the carribean because their laws are different, and tourism is the main source for the economy, but I find this a very fun and innocent part. I found one nice "Moto-concho" or taxi driver that I trusted, and I used him for the entire week .
Traveling to Sosua has been the most eye-opening and refreshing trips of my life.
There is incredible beauty in the culture, the food, the music and the people. The people are very nice, and everyone I met was very welcoming. Dress modestly,, and watch out for gimmicks. The fun is beyond the gift shops and party bars. It is at the beach, in the mountains, in the food, the scuba diving and the fascinating convcersations out in the street.
Inside the hotel property, you will find your hostess and host, Monique and Steven to be the coolest hotel owners every. It is run like a bed and breakfast and service is very personal, just like being at home. They are very very accomodating and in my case, I emailed the night before saying "Im coming to DR, do you have a room" and they responded with a full availability list and I decided to go. I flew in to Santiago, and arrived at the hotel at 4 am. The security guard Ramos let me in and showed me to my room.
The next week was paradise and I cried (literally) when I had to leave.
The best part was seeing my 11 year old cousin swim in the pool, and having cokes and jambon and queso sandwiches at the cafe.
The food is very good and healthy and reasonably priced.
My biggest feeling with writing this review is, I fear everyone will find out how amazing it is and I will have trouble getting a room next time.
Well, I wouldnt worry to soon, because when I was staying there, I only saw about 15 other guests and its laid out to give privacy.
I could definitely see this place growing in to a wonderfully vibrant resort full of energy and fiestas, like in a 1950's elvis film set in Hawaii.
But right now it is just quiet and peaceful and very simple.
Ok my review was all over the place. It is my first review on this website, and only because I am so greatful to Monique and Steven for giving me the opportunity to make my vacation so awesome with there very comfy hotel.
So, in my opinion, stay away from the all you can eat, booze cruise, campy resorts, and enjoy the natural, beautiful and authentic charm of the Hotel Colibri.
- John Byrne
Choreography and Director
New York, NY
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine