Hotel Fior di Loto — Hotel in La Hispaniola

I am giving this hotel 5 stars, but be warned it is not a traditional 5 star rating. There is no pool or gym, no room service or organized activities (thank goodness!), or even ac. What there is is a small guest house with an amazing owner, peace and quiet in a clean and secure environment, and the chance to disconnect from the craziness of life.||||This hotel is across the street from the beach just a short walk to beach access. From the second level you can sit in one of the swinging chair hammocks and see the ocean. The rooms are as they appear on-line. Simple, functional, with colorful Indi decorations. The bathroom had plenty of room. Hot water was available in the mornings and evenings. Clean towels were delivered and the room cleaned every day except Sunday. This was a nice touch that I wasn't expecting.||||Mara and her staff were wonderful. There was always someone at the entrance to answer questions or to ask how your day went. A simple breakfast was available for a small price. They were always happy to heat some extra water for me to make my oatmeal I bought at the store. I loved sitting for 1-2 hours each morning reading my book and enjoying my breakfast.||||The first room we were given was small and stuffy. I was a bit disappointed. But we arrived later in the evening so we took it. The next day Mara was able to move us to a larger double which we really liked. The room was bigger, there was a kitchenette with a few utensils, a sink, and a nice big fridge that worked great. We couldn't get the burners toward, but really did' need them. My guess is we didn't know how to turn them on! There were plenty of windows so we were never hot. The room also had plenty of closet space and hangers and a safe. I liked that the bathroom had a clothes line in addition to the clothesline on the property we were allowed to use.||||Mara offers twice weekly yoga classes which guests are invited to. Although it isn't a traditional yoga class, I loved the positive vibe and the way in which the regular students welcomed me.||||Mara likes to share stories about her life, especially those involving the school she runs for young girls in India. She is an inspiration.||||We loved our stay and would go back again. This is not the place for many people but if you prefer simplicity and good people, are comfortable just being, and are not a fan of resorts this is the place for you. Oh yes, the prices...

Mara, the owner, makes you feel at home from the start. She and her staff show what hospitality can really mean. English, Italian, Spanish and French are spoken. The place is held in an Indian style which includes nice lounge areas and many decoration details. ||You can choose from different room types even for the budget traveller. Breakfast is served on demand at as little as 100-120 pesos (2-3 Dollars). ||Free WIFI worked 24/7 in each and every corner of the place.||There are free yoga lessons in the upstairs gym room on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.||You are close to the village and its restaurants and bars. Just a few meters to the 5-6 kms long and wonderful beach if you walk to the left once you hit it. ||If you come by bus tell the driver to drop you at the stop at COOP MARENA Hotel. Walk down the little street on the right of the hotel and you are already there. 60-100m from the bus stop.||||Mara the owner has the biggest heart you can imagine. Many years ago she built this gem of a hotel and started a foundation to get Indian girls an education. Today there are more than 400 girls attending school - made possible by her outstanding dedication. ||||So, if you are looking for a little hotel with some character and flair off mainstream choose Fior di Loto, Juan Dolio. ||email address:...

After several weeks of hard travel through off the beaten track DR. And back roads of Haiti. We found ourselves with one week to spare before our flight home from Punta Cana . We had to search out our options. Avoiding the tourist traps and trying to find a nice place to recuperate before our flight home to Canada. We decided to check out Juan Dulio because of its proximity to the capital,we decided through our guide book to try Hotel Fior Di Loto . We discovered that we made two wonderful choices ! First off Mara and her hotel were a delight.... cleanliness, friendliness, it's funky indian influence and location, plus the price is right. It is a perfect place to meet other travelers. Mara is a wonderful person... ready to offer help, advice, and great free yoga classes during the week. She created and runs an all girl school in india where she lives for half the year and teaches for free. Mara is truely a gem !!! Mara's hotel is a stones throw away from a beautiful soft white sand beach and turquoise waters where you can hang out at local beach restaurants or walk several kilometers of deserted beaches. Thanks Mara for...