Villa Carolina

Top choice in Puerto Plata


This rambling old house is easily the best place for independent travelers in Puerto Plata. Coming through the security gate at the end of a long driveway is like going back in time: several antique cars and a pool under soaring mango trees stand in front of the carriage-house-cum-villa, where tastefully furnished, excellent-value rooms are located.

The checkered tile floors add a touch of colonial elegance, both in the rooms and the large front lounge area. An old kitchen is available for guest use.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Puerto Plata attractions

1. Museo del Ambar Dominicano

0.36 MILES

The colonial-era building houses a collection of amber exhibits. These exhibits include valuable pieces with such rare inclusions as a small 50-million…

2. Casa de la Cultura

0.44 MILES

In addition to dance and music workshops, the center often showcases work by Dominican artists in its 1st-floor gallery.

3. Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón

0.45 MILES

The life and times of native-born son and independence leader Gregorio Luperón are impressively fleshed out inside this beautifully restored, pale-green,…

4. Iglesia San Felipe

0.46 MILES

This twin-steepled church was completely renovated following a devastating hurricane in 1988. Check out the small but beautiful Italian stained-glass…

5. Malecón

0.49 MILES

The completely paved Malecón (also known as Av General Luperón and Av Circunvalación Norte) runs along the shore. There are a handful of restaurants, as…

6. Galería de Ambar

0.51 MILES

Despite its unfortunate location, housed in a rundown office-like building, there are informative exhibits on the history of amber mining in the DR as…

7. Fuerte de San Felipe

0.94 MILES

Located right on the bay, at the western end of the Malecón, the fort is the only remnant of Puerto Plata’s early colonial days. Built in the mid-16th…

8. Teleférico

1.4 MILES

A cable car takes visitors to the top of the enormous flat-topped Pico Isabel de Torres. On clear days there are spectacular views of the city and…