We stayed here in May '08 for a few days on a surfing vacation and we had a great time. The hotel is located on a quiet side street about a 5-minute walk from the main 3-block strip and a 30-second walk to the beach. The casino is 2 blocks away. This is a good thing as the main street can be very loud at night with all the partying going on.

They were able to accomodate a third person into our oceanview room without any problems with an extra bed for $10/night surcharge. The rooms were clean (at least when we got there), normal size with a nice-sized balcony (enough to sit 7-8 people looking out to the water). Rooms are cleaned every day. The rooms have safes, and we were advised to use them. We did, but one day we left a few hundred pesos in the room and we continually left cigars, watches and cameras - nothing was taken. The bathrooms were spit-shined when we came in although the fixtures were dated. We never had a problem with hot water.

The entire hotel has WiFi which actually works. We brought a laptop with us but if you need to, you can check your email at the reception computer. The roof has several lounge chairs for watching the stars plus a smallish jacuzzi on the edge. We were always the only ones up there, so it's private.

There is also a nice restaurant on premises which serves breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is great and includes coffee, fresh pinneapple juice and your choice of different food. It's 180 pesos. Dinner is usually excellent and is about 400, although the tenderloin shishkebabs were overcooked and not tender at all - but the fish was great. The owners and staff hang out at the bar and chat during dinner.

The best thing about the hotel is the staff. It's run by two laid-back and friendly American guys, one of which is always around. The Dutch bartender, Yan, is an extremely warm and hospitable person, treating the guest as if he was staying in his own house. After eating some Indian-Caribbean food, a guy in our group had a major stomach ache in the morning, Yan hooked him right up with some home-made concoction - gratis. They have all lived in Cabarete for a while, so they can recommend the best places for things (rentals, eco-tourism, etc).

Sometime after dinner, the hotel gates are closed all but a few inches and the staff goes home. There is a night watchman at the entrance making sure nobody trespasses. If you bring a guest home for the night (and she's a local) the guy may ask her for ID, but you won't be charged for an extra person.

The only problem we had was that the toilet handle breaking off in the middle of the night, but it was fixed the next day without us having to inform anyone.

I had a great time at this hotel, might have been because of 24 / 7 wind but also because of some very accommodating owners
stayed for a month and when my wife joined me ,unplanned, they accommodated me in a larger room at no extra cost

I will be staying there again , better for advanced kiters and windsurfers as the launch in front of the hotel has some reef and a wind shadow
EXCELLENT value for money, really great restaurant run by owners wife with a chef that cares

Fish

Went to Hotel Alegria for my best friend's bachelor party this past weekend in April, and I have to say it was one of the best times we could have had. And that's mainly due to the owner, Peter Orr, and his amazing staff. They all went out of their way to ensure us group of 14 guys had everything we needed and more, including excellent food, very helpful hints about the island, and neverending hospitality.

Not to mention the beach access, short walks to local eateries and bars, and a gorgeous piece of property which provides excellent views from the hot tub / roof deck - this place has it all.

Couldn't imagine a better time in the Dominican. The place was authentic and as non-cookie cutter as can be. Just an amazing time overall. My friends and I certainly plan to return...

Were there for 1 week in February - absolutely awesome time. We first stayed at an all inclusive in Puerto Plata and then in Cabarate. You're just a few steps to the beach which is sheltered from the afternoon winds - perfect. Restaurants and bars are a nice 5-10 minute walk down the beach.
The hotel room was basic but comfortable - a/c and toilets worked good. The small dining area and bar had great food and prices. And the owners were very informative and accommodating - even bought us a coffee perc for our room.
Its so nice to have a such a personal experience compared to the A-I hotel.