The Caribbean: clear water, blue sky, warm breezes. Could it all be yours for under $100 a night? Can you experience the joyful culture of the Dominican Republic at an all-inclusive hotel?

My boyfriend and I visited Hotel Playa Esmeralda in April 2005 and answered both questions with a resounding “yes.”

Our experience was wonderful. Hotel Playa Esmeralda is located on the southeast coast of the DR in a fishing village called Guayacanes. (You may also find the hotel listed in Juan Dolio, a nearby tourist area.)

While the two of us (23-year-old Americans living in New York) loved the hotel for its unpretentious charm and casual intimacy, it might not be the ideal place for everyone. Below I have listed a few of the factors that can help you decide.

*If you enjoy getting away from the hotel and experiencing local culture, Playa Esmeralda is for you. The hotel is in a fishing village, and I mean a fishing village. You are right in a little roadside town where Dominican people actually live. Want to check out Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, San Pedro, or beyond? Just walk to the highway, stand by the road, and wait for a guagua (public bus-van) to pick you up. The guagua is truly a cultural experience. Check the prices with the hotel staff to make sure you have the right amount of pesos—the operator may not want to give you change. We did all of our touring this way, which is much more authentic and fun than big buses full of fellow gringos. I also recommend the Isla Saona trip. We paid $60 for transportation to a beautiful island, a delicious lunch, open bar, and more.

*If you speak only English and mistreat those who don't, Playa Esmeralda is not for you. Only one staff member that I met spoke English. Almost all the guests spoke German. The fact that only a couple of people there spoke my native language was no barrier to establishing a friendly atmosphere. Even if your Español is sketchy (like mine), everyone is very helpful and understanding.

*If you want a beautiful, quiet beach, this is the hotel for you. It is not Punta Cana with the white sand and turquoise water. The sand is a very pale tan, and the water is a clear and sparkling blue. Not too shabby. Some fallen trees lie out in the water and make the horizon not as pretty (in my opinion), but they make the water calm. Also, two cute dogs live on the beach and two cats live in the hotel area. I guess they belong to the owner (?).

*If you are looking for raging nightlife, you are in the wrong place. Who needs bars and clubs when you have free (I mean included) drinks all day long? This is not the place for singles to come meet other singles, but great for couples, families, or friends. This small hotel is in the country. You can't see any other hotels from the Playa Esmeralda beach. At night before the moon is up, the sky is pitch black behind a million stars. Wow … I wish I was back there.

*As a young couple unaware of what to expect, we were constantly impressed by the service. I recommend the all-inclusive option--the food is completely respectable, there are not a lot of places within walking distance, and the hotel is cheap enough that you do not feel ripped off if you eat off-site once a day. We did not get sick from the food—we even braved the ice at the bar and it was fine. The room was nice and clean, and the staff were very nice. Don't freak out if you see a cangrejo (crab) on the wall or the water is brown one morning (both were fixed immediately).

If any of the above situations apply to you, book a trip NOW to the Dominican Republic and stay at Hotel Playa Esmeralda (before everyone finds out about it and the price goes up).