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

As a single mom it's quite difficult to find a good hotel where you feel safe and give your child a nice holiday. From earlier holidays in the Dominican Republic i knew that an all-inclusive resort was not what i wanted, too crowdy, too noisy. Surfing on the internet i found El Colibri Resort and sent them an email asking for rates. The rates where very good and they told me that someone could pick me up at the airport. What a surprise; just what i needed after a long flight.
Immediately on arrival i felt like home, such a warm welcome and the nice, clean rooms are excellent. My daughter and i had such a great and relaxed time. I never felt alone cause there was always someone around who asked me how i was doing, i had lots of fun. I really recommend this hotel to everybody who wants to stay in a safe and clean area, with european standards and service. There is also an excellent restaurant, they serve delicious breakfasts. Don't pay too much in the huge hotels where you mostly get a poor service and bad food. Here you feel at home and comfortable, if you need any help the owners will support you anytime and provide all information needed to make your stay wonderful.
Steven and Monique; we'll be back next year !!

I booked a room for my brother, mother and myself and had friends from DR also book a room there as well. My family and I stayed in the cheaper room which had a fan and no TV. I wasn't happy with how this particular room was, however, my friends stayed in the poolside room and it was a lot better. We enjoyed the staff and the area so much that I have booked another stay in 2008 for the better room. I would suggest the poolside room because it comes with AC or fan, 2 double beds, balcony overlooking the pool and TV with cable. A short walk leads you into the main part of town.

I recently stayed at El Colibri. The Hotel grounds are beautiful and well kept. The breakfast and staff were very good and attentive. The only down fall, is that some rooms do not have A/C.
Also the rooms that face the pool are in alot better shape then the rooms that face the rear of the property, which has no view at all. If you were to stay here I would definately request a room that faces the pool. The pool is large and clean. A nice, safe and quite place to stay in a wild town.