Where To Stay In and Around Barahona
Valet parking
Grandiose lobbies
Bellboys and staff in starched uniforms
Cliche entertainment
Mediocre buffet food
Lack of local culture
You won’t find these things at the hotels in the south of the Dominican Republic…yet.
While tourism is growing, and there are plans to turn Pedernales into the new Punta Cana, it has not happened yet. While some will welcome that change, others wish that the south stays exactly as it is. Unpretentious and real!
If you enjoy seeing the sunrise over the sea, dining under the stars, letting the sounds of the waves put you to sleep, being surrounded by the local people, eating food and learning about the local culture, we have some enticing options for you!
Where To Stay In Barahona
You may have searched, “hotels in Barahona”, and found the options are scarce. Due to a variety of factors, such as location, amenities, customer service, upkeep, etc. we don’t feel comfortable recommending most of them to our fellow travelers. There are, however, a couple of options that stand out from the crowd if you prefer to stay in the town of Barahona.
AIRBNB IN THE CENTER OF BARAHONA
This is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom fully furnished apartment. It is centrally located in a gated community with secure parking in a newly completed complex. All of the bedrooms have air conditioners. If you are looking for a very comfortable, safe place to stay in the center of Barahona, especially with a larger group, this is an ideal stay!
Photo credit: Airbnb
Perfect for: families, couples, kid-friendly, friend groups
Hotel category: mid-range
HOTEL YAMIR
There are 7 rooms available at this low-key boutique hotel in the middle of Barahona. And when we say, “middle”, we mean the real-deal part of town where real people live, not the commercial center or the Malecon. The hotel is a transformed home on a residential street. The owners are a German and Dominican couple who live on the property.
At Hotel Yamir, the rooms vary in size, but are very comfortable, with simple yet tasteful decor. All of the rooms except for one have air-conditioning, and they all have a private bathroom attached with hot water. The price includes a breakfast that includes coffee, juice, eggs, and toast. There is also a common area terrace that the guests can enjoy.
The owners of Hotel Yamir also have their hand in the famous blue stone of the Dominican Republic, larimar. They have a workshop and craft the iconic stone into lovely jewelry that can be purchased at the hotel.
There are a few things to note if you decide to stay at Hotel Yamir. One thing is that this property does not have a parking lot. If you come in your own vehicle, you will have to leave it on the street. The hotel staff said there has never been a problem with safety in this regard. You can make your reservations on Expedia.com or directly with Hotel Yamir, but as of now, are required to pay in cash (DOP or USD) at the time of your stay.
Hotel Yamir is a diamond in the rough! A budget hotel, with a solid brand that values quality and friendly staff that will help you on your travels through the deep south!
Perfect for: solo-travelers, couples, families
Hotel category: budget
Where To Stay Around Barahona
It’s no secret that better accommodations lay outside the city of Barahona. Away from the commotion and noise, you will truly feel like you are on vacation and the adventure has begun when you stay at one of the following hotels outside of town, near the ocean.
OASI ENCANTADA BEACH RESORT
Italian owned and operated, Oasi Encantada is an enchanted oasis right off of the main road, a 15-20 minute drive (15 km) from Barahona center.
From the road, the tall white walls hide the gem that is inside. If you blink, you will miss it. Pull in front of the entrance to check-in before parking in the designated lot behind the hotel. The first thing you will notice is the stunning pool. They boast it is the largest pool on the whole southwest coast. The white concrete building behind the deep blue pool complete with a fountain and the backdrop of turquoise sea, give you the feeling you are in the Greek islands.
There is a restaurant next to the pool that provides breakfast (included in the rate), lunch, and dinner. There is also a bar and service for those necessary poolside cocktails. Try the piña colada, it’s divine!
Instead of a typical hotel room, Oasi Encantada has nine one-bedroom apartments. Each apartment comes with a queen bed and a full size pull out sofa bed. Did we mention there are full kitchens in each apartment? This is perfect for travelers who prefer to cook some meals while on their adventure.
Photo credit: Oasi Encantada
Perfect for: families, couples, kid-friendly, friend groups
Hotel category: mid-range
CASA DEL MAR LODGE
Casa del Mar is another Italian-owned and operated ecolodge hotel, directly off the main road, a 15-20 min drive from Barahona. You know just from the look of the outside walls and sign, it’s going to be good. The first thing that hits you when you enter the gates is the view! There's something about a palm leaf roof with the waves crashing behind it that instantly puts you into relaxation mode.
This unique nature-oriented hotel consists of five villas with a total of 23 suites available for guests. Each suite has a balcony with a stunning ocean view. The property has two pools and a jacuzzi that are shared with all of the guests, with a third, larger pool coming! Our contact at Casa del Mar has also informed us that upgrades will be happening soon, the first being the addition of a spa. A relaxing massage in an open-air setting listening to the waves crash, say no more! Guests can also enjoy a semi-private beach area, which surprisingly, is a rarity on this part of the coast.
The restaurant under the palm roof is the center of activity on the property. The kitchen is open from 7:30 am-9:30 pm. Speaking of the kitchen, what a clean, inviting, open setup they have created. You can watch through the kitchen window as the chef, trained in Santo Domingo’s colonial zone, crafts delicious meals. Then enjoy the dining experience on the terrace while watching the gentle waves of the sea. If you are just traveling past this gem of a hotel and are not able to stay, at least stop by for a bite.
Tell them Cliff & Cove sent you!
At Casa del Mar, you are immersed in nature. Keep in mind that none of the rooms or areas in the hotel are air-conditioned. The rooms are equipped with fans and the beds have mosquito netting to make for a more comfortable stay. If you embrace the concept of connecting with nature (and aren’t into camping), you will love Casa del Mar and appreciate it for what it is, a chance to embrace the calm without all of the noise.
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, friend groups
Hotel category: mid-range
CASA BONITA TROPICAL LODGE
Casa Bonita used to be a luxury boutique hotel nestled in the hills of Bahoruco. Unfortunately, in late 2021, there was a fire that consumed the restaurant, lobby, and pool area as well as many of the rooms that overlooked the ocean. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this tragic accident. The hotel has not recovered from this incident and is not currently open for business.
SAN RAFAEL MOUNTAIN HOUSE TERRACE OR CAMPING
If you are looking for an unforgettable cultural experience with a budget price, staying at one of Raylin’s properties is a dream come true. Raylin and his family are working hard to create a sustainable future for their community by means of eco-tourism. Check out more of his story here.
Choose between the top floor of their house, the penthouse if you will (above), and camping right on the beach (below). While modest in its furnishings, the view from the mountain house is unparalleled. It comes with a private bathroom.
If you are looking for an even more intrepid experience, choose the camping option. Raylin offers meals cooked by his own family. You can go to sleep with the sound of the waves, and the warmth of a bonfire and wake up to the sunrise over the ocean. Tents and sleeping mats are provided by Raylin.
If you want to make connections with the locals and the natural beauty that the south has to offer, this is the option for you!
Perfect for: solo travelers, couples, adventurers
Hotel category: budget
Barahona Has it All!