Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the closest airport?
The closest airport is Puerto Plata airport (POP) which is only a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The airport of Santiago de los Caballeros (STI) is an 80-minute drive from the hotel. The Las Americas airport of Santo Domingo (SDQ) is a 3.5-hour drive from the hotel. The airport of Punta Cana (PUJ) is 5.5-hour drive from the hotel.
How do I get from the airport to the El Encuentro Surf Lodge?
We can arrange an airport pick-up. Please provide us with the flight number, arrival airport and approximate arrival time.
Puerto Plata airport transfer is US$ 40 (25 minutes)
Santiago airport transfer is $120 (80 minutes)
Santo Domingo airport transfer: $250 (3.5 hours)
Punta Cana airport transfer: $450 (5.5 hours)
UBER might work from Santiago and Santo Domingo.
Any other transport you may need to arrange for during your stay and your airport drop off on your departure day please contact reception upon arrival.
How can I pay my stay at the El Encuentro Surf Lodge?
We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club) which are valid for international online transactions. We accept cash payments in US Dollars and Dominican Pesos.
Do I have to make a down payment?
No, no down payment is needed. For securing your booking we need a credit card that is valid for international online transactions. The total amount of your reservation might be authorized within 7 days prior to your arrival. The payment has to be made upon arrival.
Is the hotel suitable for traveling with my baby/toddler/kid?
Yes, totally. We have a lot of families staying with us. We can provide cribs, highchairs and baby bathtubs. Our Superior Studios can be used as interconnected family rooms. We do offer a babysitting service. The saltwater pool is perfect for the little ones’ sensitive skin and the beach is just a five-minute walk away with lots of little natural pools to bath in while mommy and daddy are enjoying the surf. At the surf beach itself they offer babysitting service in case you want to enjoy the surf with your partner at the same time. Also, we can organize a kids car seat for your rental car or your airport pickup.
How far is it to the beach?
The beach is a 3 - 5 minutes stroll from the hotel where the Superior Studios and Double Rooms are located. If you are staying at a Beach Bungalow, the Superior Beach Bungalow, or the Oceanfront Villa you’re just in front of the ocean.
When is check-in?
Regular check-in is at 3 pm. Early check-in is subject to availability and charged 30 USD (Check-in time starting 12:15 pm) or 75 USD (earlier than 12:15 pm). If you need an early check-in, please inform us when making your reservation.
When is check-out?
Regular check-out is at 12:00 pm. Late check-out is subject to availability and charged 30 USD (Check-out time until 2:45 pm) or 75 USD (Check-out time later than 2:45pm). If you need a late check-out, please inform us when making your reservation.
What is included in the room rate of a Double Room?
The room rate shown for the Double Rooms is the price per night for up to 2 guests staying at the room. It includes welcome drink, drinking water, a-la carte breakfast (from 7 am to 11 am), coffee and tea station (6 am – 5 pm), WIFI, yoga classes (3 times a week), parking lot and all legal charges and taxes. There is no space for an infant crib in this room. The maximum capacity of this room is 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child.
What is included in the room rate of a Superior Studio?
The room rate shown for the Superior Studio is the price per night for up to 2 adults (kids above 6 years count as adults) staying at the room. The third or fourth adult staying at the room pays 20 USD / night extra. It includes welcome drink, drinking water, a-la carte breakfast (from 7 am to 11 am), coffee and tea station (6 am – 5 pm), WIFI, yoga classes (3 times a week), parking lot and all legal charges and taxes. The maximum capacity for this room is 4 adults or 3 adults + 1 child or 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children.
What is included in the room rate of a Beach Bungalow?
The room rate shown for the Beach Bungalow is the price per night for up to 2 adults (kids above 6 years count as adults) staying at the room. The third or fourth guest staying at the room pays 20 USD / night extra. It includes welcome drink, drinking water, a-la carte breakfast (from 7 am to 11 am), coffee and tea station (6 am – 5 pm), WIFI, yoga classes (3 times a week), parking lot and all legal charges and taxes. The maximum capacity for this room is 4 adults or 3 adults + 1 child or 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children.
What is included in the room rate of a Superior Beach Bungalow?
The room rate shown for the Superior Beach Bungalow is the price per night for up to 6 adults (kids above 6 years count as adults). It includes welcome drink, drinking water, a-la carte breakfast (from 7 am to 11 am), coffee and tea station (6 am – 5 pm), WIFI, yoga classes (3 times a week), parking lot and all legal charges and taxes. The maximum capacity of this room are 6 adults.
What is included in the room rate of the Oceanfront Villa?
The room rate shown for the Oceanfront Villa is the price per night for up to 14 (kids above 6 years count as adults). It includes welcome drink, drinking water, a-la carte breakfast (from 7 am to 11 am), coffee and tea station (6 am – 5 pm), WIFI, yoga classes (3 times a week), parking lot and all legal charges and taxes. The maximum capacity of this villa are 14 adults.
Do kids stay for free?
Kids aged 6 years or below (at the time of the check-in) stay for free in an existing bed or infant crib. Kids aged 7 years and above (at the time of the check-in) count as adults and are charged 20 USD per night.
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
You can cancel and / or change your reservation for free up to 7 days prior to your arrival. Cancellations or any other changes to your reservation within seven days of arrival as well as No-Shows are charged 100%. Please note that group reservations (> 4 rooms) have different cancellation policy. Please contact us directly for making your group reservation.
Which payment methods are accepted in the country in general?
The official currency is the Dominican Peso, nevertheless, US Dollars are widely accepted. Grocery stores and bigger restaurants and shops do accept credit cards. Other services like taxis, massages or little stores and bars only accept cash payments (US Dollar or Dominican Pesos).
Does the hotel has a surf school?
Yes. Our on site surf school Parallel Surf is Caribbean’s premier surf school offering surf, surf skate and kite surf coaching as well as a wide range of physical conditioning classes. Top-notch instruction (in English, Spanish, German), high quality gear and prime facilities combined with a comprehensive approach to learning discovers a world where surf becomes a lifestyle and excellence is a standard. If you want to know more about their services check out their website parallelsurf.com or write an email to hello@parallelsurf.com
Is there a public transportation system?
Public transportation is conducted in so called guaguas. They stop anywhere along the main road to drop off and pick up passengers. That means, if you want to go to Cabarete, wait on the side of the main street - direction Cabarete - until a guagua stops and jump in. Announce where you want to go and just before you want to get off, tell the driver to stop. The fare from the main street close to the hotel to Cabarete or Sosúa is around 1 USD per person. Getting to the main street from the hotel is a 10-minute walk and not recommend at night as there are no streetlights. Another easy way to get around is grabbing a motoconcho. These are rides on the back of privately owned motorbikes. The price from the hotel to Cabarete or Sosúa is around 3 USD. It’s available 24/7.
How much is a taxi?
A private taxi to Cabarete or Sosúa is 15 USD, to Puerto Plata it is 40 USD.
Do I need a rental car?
That depends on what you are up to. You do not need a car if you want to explore the area of Sosúa, Cabarete or the proximity of the hotel and if you do not mind going on public transportation, on a motorbike or paying a private taxi (15 USD one way to Cabarete or Sosúa). If you are planning further trips and do not want to grab a taxi, a rental car is a very comfortable way to get around.
How much is a rental car?
Prices with full insurance start at approximately 45 USD per day for a small car (Kia Picanto or similar). We work with our trusted local agency who delivers your rental car or scooter directly to the hotel. Inquire at the Reception upon arrival.
Is there a long-distance bus operating?
Yes. Metro (www.metroserviciosturisticos.com) offers bus rides from Santo Domingo and Santiago to Sosua and vice versa. For arriving at El Encuentro Surf Lodge you need to hop off in Sosúa. The price for a bus ride from Santo Domingo to Sosúa is 575 RD, the bus station is located in Av. Winston Churchill Esq. Heriberto Núñez (Phone: 809-227-0101) and you can buy the tickets there. The ride from Santiago to Sosúa is 250 RD and the bus station is located in Av. Juan Pablo Duarte Esq. Maimón (Phone: 809-582-9111). From the bus station in Sosua you can grab a private taxi to the hotel (it´s approx. 10 USD). We can help you organize this transfer.
What time is breakfast served?
A-la carte breakfast is included for our guests and will be served any time between 7 am and 11 am. Room service and delivery to the villas is available and free of charge.
How often will my room be cleaned?
We offer daily room cleaning.
Where can I exchange money?
US Dollar can be exchanged at the hotel. Please ask for the current exchange rate. If you want to exchange larger amounts or other currencies, we recommend you do so at the exchange bank called Caribe Express, or in Cabarete at Wally’s Agency. Do not exchange money at the airport, exchanges rates often are very low.
Is there a restaurant within walking distance?
Our a-la-carte restaurant is open for breakfast (7 am – 11 am), lunch & dinner (11 am – 10 pm). In walking distance of the hotel you will find the restaurant Coconut’s at Hideaway. At Playa Encuentro are a couple of simple beach cafeterías open for breakfast and snack. Within a 20-minutes’ walk you will find a couple of local eateries. The Italian restaurant Ceiba offers delivery to the hotel and our vacation villas.
Is there a grocery store close by?
Yes. Minimarket Furgon is a 15-minute stroll through beautiful Encuentro). Also, you can get walking to close by minimarket Kaina which has a greater variety. Furthermore, the pharmacy and drugstore Carol offers delivery to the hotel and our vacation villas.
What if I do need medical care?
If you require medical attention, Dr. Naurio Vargas is available 24 hours and will see you at your room. Sosúa and Puerto Plata offer good private hospitals. The pharmacy Carol is located in Sosúa and offers free delivery to the hotel and our vacation villas.
Where can I do my laundry?
We offer laundry service at an additional cost of 20 USD per machine load. Also, we can provide you with an iron and ironing board. The laundry will be ready for the next day.
How much is a massage?
Our massage therapists offer different massage techniques (Deep Tissue, Aroma, Relaxation, Sport, …) and charge 65 USD per 60 min.
Is there a restaurant/bar on site?
Yes, at the main hotel you will find our a-la-carte restaurant Acacia. At Acacia we are offering you a farm to table experience where you can enjoy dishes with fresh produce from our very own permaculture garden. Our restaurant is open from 7 am until 11 pm and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
How far are the Beach Bungalows / Superior Beach Bungalow / Oceanfront Villa from the main hotel
The Oceanfront Villa complex is right in front of the ocean inside the gated residential Hideaway Beach Resort. It will take you approx. 10 minutes to get walking to the hotel. Please see the map in the "CONTACT" section.
Can a crib be provided?
Yes, a crib can be provided for any room except the Double Rooms. Also, we can provide baby bathtubs and highchairs.
What are the included activities?
Our guests have free access to the daily U-Natural Class (Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am - 8:30 am).
Is it safe to drive a car or motorcycle?
Yes, if you drive carefully and thoughtfully and avoid long drives at night it is totally safe to drive a car or motorcycle here. Precaution like wearing a helmet, fasten a seat belt or not drinking when driving is strongly recommended.
How do I get from Europe to Puerto Plata?
There are direct flights from Frankfurt with Condor, from Zürich with Swissair and from Cracovia with LOT.
How do I get from the United States / Canada to Puerto Plata?
There are plenty of direct flights from Miami, New York, Newark, Toronto, Montreal, ... Air Canada, United Airlines, JetBlue, Westjet, Sunwing, American Airlines ... are just some of the airlines arriving to Puerto Plata.
How do I get from Santo Domingo to the hotel?
You can either grab a private taxi (approx. 200 USD) or go by bus to Sosúa (approx. 10 USD). There are two long-distance bus companies that connect Santo Domingo and Sosúa. They are called Caribe Tours (https://caribetours.com.do/) and Metro (www.metroserviciosturisticos.com). Check their websites for more information.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately, we do not allow the stay of pets at our boutique hotel and vacation villas.
I am on a special diet, which menu options do I have?
We have vegetarian, vegan, gluten, and lactose free options on our menu. Meals that suit for any other kind of special diet can be prepared but need to be pre-ordered.
What is included in the room rate of a Treehouse?
The room rate shown for the Oceanview Treehouse is the price per night for up to 2 guests staying at the room. It includes welcome drink, drinking water, a-la carte breakfast (from 7 am to 11 am), coffee and tea station (6 am – 5 pm), WIFI, activity classes (5 times a week), parking and all legal charges and taxes. There is no space for an infant crib in this room. The maximum capacity of this room is 2 adults.
How strong is the WIFI?
At the premises of the hotel we offer a strong WIFI connection with 20 - 25 Mbps Download Speed and 5 - 6 Mbps Upload Speed. This allows streaming and video calls in good quality. Outages are unusual but possible as we´re located on a tropical island and infrastructure is vulnerable. Therefore we have a backup with Starlink and we can provide you with portable WIFI boxes if you depend on an internet connection during an outage. Also, you can easily buy a SIM Card at the airport or any supermarket (Claro, Altice) and get data which you can use also on the go outside of the hotel premises.