Our Guide to the Best Areas

One of the questions we get asked most often is: Where should I stay in Las Terrenas?

And honestly — it’s a great question. Las Terrenas is one of our favourite towns in the Dominican Republic, but choosing the right area to stay in can totally shape your experience. Whether you’re looking for laid-back beach vibes, easy access to amenities, or something a little more upscale and remote, there’s an area for you.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular areas in Las Terrenas, with pros and cons to help you decide.

Places to Stay

We’ve included some places that look great in each area based on location, reviews, and general vibe. Just a heads up — we haven’t stayed at all of them ourselves, so these aren’t fully vetted picks. But hopefully this gives you a good starting point!

Town Centre

If you want to be in the heart of it all, the town centre might be the spot for you.

Pros:

Close(ish) to the beach — you can easily walk to both Playa Ballenas and Punta Popy.
Great if you love being able to walk everywhere — shops, restaurants, bars, etc.
You’re in the middle of the action.

Cons:

It can be noisy depending on where you’re staying.
If you’re driving, getting in and out can be a bit of a nightmare — think one-way streets, traffic, and tight parking.

Best for:

Walkers, foodies, and people who like a lively vibe.

Where to stay:

Boutique Hotel:

Puerto Plaza Las Terrenas - Modern hotel with spacious suites, rooftop pool, and an unbeatable location just steps from the beach and town centre.

Apartment/Condo:

Luxury 2 bedroom apartment - The Nicole, one of our favourite condo complexes in Las Terrenas — this bright, modern unit is steps from the beach with a pool and prime walkable location.

Villa:

Private Pool Garden Oasis - Charming private villa with its own pool and lush garden — listed in Playa Ballenas but conveniently close to the town centre for easy access to shops and restaurants.

Playa Bonita

This area has a whole vibe of its own — honestly, it sometimes feels like a different town entirely.

Pros:

Beautiful and trendy, with a more upscale feel.
Great for surfing, but also has calmer beach spots to swim.
Some gorgeous villas and boutique hotels.

Cons:

Very limited amenities (no big grocery stores or ATMs nearby).
Traffic into town can be annoying, and you will need to head into town for most errands.
Dining options exist but are limited.

Best for:

Surfers, luxury lovers, and those looking for a more self-contained and peaceful stay.

Where to stay:

Boutique Hotel:

El Mosquito Boutique Hotel Playa Bonita – Highly rated (8.4/10) beachfront boutique hotel with that chill, local surf-town ambiance.

Apartment/Condo:

2 Bedroom Condo - Modern 2-bedroom beachfront apartment in Playa Bonita with stunning views, stylish decor, and direct beach access.

Villa:

Luxury Villa - Spacious tropical villa with a private pool and garden, perfectly located between two beaches just a 2-minute walk away.

Playa Las Ballenas

This area has long, quiet stretches of beach and some beautiful villas.

Pros:

Some parts are walkable to town (though it depends how far down the beach you stay).
Lovely beach clubs and chill beach vibe.
Smaller supermarket nearby that’s surprisingly well-stocked.

Cons:

The far end is a long walk to town.
You’ll likely need to drive for ATMs, bigger grocery runs, or the bank — and traffic can be a pain.

Best for:

Families, couples, or anyone looking for a quieter, beach-first experience with a bit of convenience.

Where to stay:

Boutique Hotels:

Hotel Alisei - Popular apart-hotel just steps from Playa Popy, offering spacious units with kitchens, a pool, and a fantastic walkable location near town and the beach.

Apartments/Condos:

Palmeraie Terrenas beach apartament - Beachfront apartment in a quiet complex with a pool and garden, perfectly located near Playa Las Ballenas for a relaxing stay.

Villas:

Kaikai Beach House - Luxurious beachfront villa just 650 ft (≈200 m) from Playa Las Ballenas, with a private pool, hot tub, lush garden—and only about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the town centre.

Playa/Punta Popy

This is where we often stay, and we love it for its balance.

Pros:

Easy walking distance to both the town and the beautiful Punta Popy beach.
Lots of restaurants in the area.
A nice mix of accommodations — apartments, villas, and hotels.

Cons:

Getting to the supermarkets and banks (which are mostly in the town centre) can still be frustrating because of traffic and one-way roads.

Best for:

People who want beach access and walkability without being right in the noisy centre.

Where to stay:

Boutique Hotels:

Aligio Apart-hotel - We’ve stayed here and can recommend it — a modern apart-hotel with spacious units, two pools, an on-site spa, and a great location between Playa Popy and the town centre.

Apartments/Condos:

Two-Bedroom Beach Apartment at Coral Stone III - Modern two-bedroom apartment in the brand-new Coral Stone III complex, just a few minutes walking from Playa Popy with sleek design and a great location near restaurants and town.

Villas:

Exquisite Pool Villa - Stylish and spacious private villa with a pool, tropical garden, and modern design—perfect for a peaceful getaway near Punta Popy.

El Portillo

This area is definitely on the rise — and it’s absolutely stunning.

Pros:

Home to some of the most high-end developments and villas in town.
Quiet, practically empty stretches of beach (some of our personal faves).
New buildings may bring more shops and restaurants in the future.

Cons:

Currently under heavy development, so there may be some construction noise.
Very few amenities — you’ll need to drive (or motorbike) into town, which isn’t a short walk.
Limited restaurants for now.

Best for:

Travelers seeking luxury, tranquility, and picture-perfect beaches — and who don’t mind a bit of driving.

Where to stay:

Resort:

Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo – Thankfully there aren’t too many all inclusive resorts in the area, but this is one. A full-service, all‑inclusive resort right on Portillo beach with pools, spa & restaurant .

Apartments/Condos:

Stylish Portillo Apartment with Beach Club Access - Modern apartment in a quiet complex near Playa Portillo, with access to a beach club and peaceful surroundings—great for a laid-back escape.

Villas:

Villa Manglar - Ultra-luxurious beachfront villa with sleek modern architecture, a stunning infinity pool, and lush tropical surroundings—perfect for a high-end escape in Las Terrenas.
Escape Beach Villa in El Portillo - Comfortable and spacious villa in El Portillo with a private pool, hot tub, and easy beach access—great for a laid-back group stay.

Final Thoughts

There’s really no wrong place to stay in Las Terrenas — each area has its own unique charm. Hopefully this guide helps you decide which vibe suits you best. Whether you want to surf, sip cocktails by a beach club, or just be able to walk to the nearest bakery for fresh empanadas (highly recommended), there’s a perfect base waiting for you.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?

Las Terrenas has tons of great places to stay, and new spots pop up all the time. Use the interactive map below to explore even more options across every area—whether you’re after beachfront luxury, a cozy apartment near town, or something tucked away in nature. Just zoom in, filter what you need, and find the perfect place for your stay!