Hotel Paraiso de Colon is a small hotel near Sosua and a good spot for long-term visitors to this resort town on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Sosua Beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while the Puerto Plata International Airport is 10 minutes by car. This family-owned hotel offers a no-frills, low- price option to more expensive beachfront hotels in the area. Featuring 79 guestrooms and apartments in low-rise buildings set among tropical greenery, guestroom accommodations include tile floors, ceiling fans and air conditioning. The apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, and most units have balconies or terraces with views of the pool or garden.

Centrally located, the hotel provides easy walking access to the beach, downtown and local bus system. The hotel includes a bar and restaurant, and a laundry facility is located next door. Hotel highlights include a large pool with sundeck and poolside wireless Internet access. Guests have access to a nearby fitness center for a fee.

Room Types:

Standard double room:   One king bed. Picture window with pool or garden view; some rooms with balcony or terrace. 345 square feet. Tile floor, pastel-colored walls, Caribbean artwork. 14-inch TV; no telephone. High-speed Internet access (surcharge). Bathroom with tub/shower combination. Air conditioning. Complimentary bottled water. In-room safe.

Driving Directions: From Puerto Plata International Gregorio Luperón Airport:Outside airport, turn left and continue straight on Carretera Puerto Plata Sosúa towards Sosúa, to the hotel sign on the right. Turn right into the hotel driveway.

The easiest way is by taxis, which charge fares of $15. Rental cars are also available for more than $36. Fees subject to change without notice. Rental cars are available online.

Shuttle vans or private cars of varying prices are available. They can be selected during the process of booking an air-inclusive reservation for this hotel, via this Web site, and added to the total trip cost.

The town center of Sosúa with its shops and restaurants lies just 2 blocks from the hotel and the beach is 2 blocks beyond that, so most guests find walking the easiest way to get around. To explore farther, choices include: public buses, private taxis, and regular tourist taxis. Buses (charge fares of less than $1 to reach Puerto Plata while regular (newer) taxis charge fares between $15- $25. Fees subject to change without notice.

Shuttle vans or private cars of varying prices are available. They can be selected during the process of booking an air- inclusive reservation for this hotel, via this Web site, and added to the total trip cost.