Me and my partner visited the Dominican Republic just less than a year ago (sorry it's taken so long for this!), and decided to just get flights and book the first few nights in a hostel and then travel around the island.

We booked the El Colibri in Sosua knowing it would be close to the airport in Puerto Plata after a long flight from the UK. We were NOT disappointed!

At an absolute bargain of about £7 a night through the (---) site, we expected pretty basic accommodation. But it was spacious, clean, private with lovely well kept tropical gardens and a very pleasent patio area next to the clean and well maintained pool. The rooms has ensuite shower and tv and a fan, and a patio out to the gardens. We ate breakfast there everymorning (yummy fresh tropical fruits, crepes etc) and sometimes got a snack at lunch if we didn't go to the beach. The beach was a blooming long walk away (it's very very humid in July/August) but well worth it - we think it's the nicest in the area. Deep creamy white sand, torquoise water and Pina Colada out of a pineapple on tap!

We went back to the same location and the El Colibri a week later as we liked it so much. Also forgot to mention - staff were lovely.

Only downside - we booked a car through the hotel/hostel and asked for a 4x4 (the roads - like nothing you've seen!) but got this big clapped out saloon mafia thing that broke down.

But overall, it was so clean compared to some of the places we stayed, and amazing value for money.

Some top tips - learn a bit of basic Spanish if you want to travel around, and be prepared to be shocked by the poverty in some areas outside the tourist areas. There's a lot of dirt and grime so if you're not a roughing it type, stick to the All Inclusives. Also, the electricty goes off a LOT due to restrictions. Do not drink the water AT ALL and be careful where you choose to eat. And ladies - I got A LOT of annoying attention off the men - you'll stick out like a sore thumb, and they all assume you're rich. So go expecting it and you'll get used to it. Also, there's a lot of begging going on.

It's well worth checking out the more secluded beaches - there's this one in the Samana area which is the most beautiful I've ever seen, white sand, clear sea and a coconut forest and best of all, no-one else on it. I bet it won't take long for the developers to come in. Also, go into the mountainous centre - Jarabacoa for example - wonderful tropical forest and waterfalls. The bus system is excellent - air conditioned and clean and on time but if you want the local experience, travel by Gua Gua!! These are small cramped buses, but they cost about 20p to go anywhere.

A beautiful place, very cheap to get around and live (we brought money home) but don't get ripped off - they can spot a naive tourist a mile off.

I've got lots more advice - any questions, send me an email.

I have sayed in the El Colibri Resort on December 2004 and i realy was supriced by the overwelming hospetality.

I am from the Netherlands so you will never know what to expect from this but i know nextime i will be back.

Again thanks to Steven, Monique, Mario, Jannet, Berginia, Dominga, Toni, and all the others. hope to see you in june.

greetings,

Pascal