Fodor's Expert Review Villa Taina Hotel

Smack amid the action, steps down from the main drag, this simple hotel captures the original spirit of Cabarete, catering to the independent traveler who wants nicer digs than a surf camp. Rooms have a crisp, contemporary style and flat-screen TVs; those above the ground level that front the beach are quieter. Each year seems to bring some kind of small improvement or addition, and the reasonable prices have been maintained even as the hotel has gotten better. Breakfast is no longer included in the base price. The beachside restaurant is adjacent to the kite-surfing center, and at night the cuisine is international. The Kitesurf & Windsurf Center offers a wide range of sports activities and the latest equipment.