Puerto Plata city (1993 pop. 85,042), N Dominican Republic, on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the major northern port of the country, serving Santiago de los Caballeros and other inland towns. Dairy and cacao products are made there. The surrounding region contains among the largest deposits of amber in the world. Tourism has become Puerto Plata's economic mainstay, and resort beaches have been quickly developed. Nearby are the ruins of Columbus' first settlement in the New World.
Puerto Plata is one of the northern provinces of the Dominican Republic. The area has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction since the late 1990s mainly due to its fine beaches. It borders the Septentrional mountain range to the north (which separates it from Laguna Salada).
Playa Dorada, 10 minutes to the east of Puerto Plata, concentrates the largest number of hotel rooms in the North. This vacation compound includes 14 low rise resorts built in a “U” shape and sharing a common gold sand beach and the Playa Dorada Golf Course, an 18 hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Meet guests from other hotels during evening outings at the casinos and night spots which are open to all guests. During the day visit the shopping center, the Playa Dorada Plaza, with its stores and movie theatre. Walking is safe and easy, either on the beach or the sidewalk that connects all hotels. And because all the hotels are close together, this is a great choice for spring break travel.
In Puerto Plata City, note the Victorian architecture in Central Park and the gingerbread motifs, wooden lace filigree and pastel colors of its houses and public buildings. On the waterfront, visit the San Felipe Fort built by the Spaniards in the 16th Century to fend off pirates. Visit the Brugal Rum Factory, the largest in the Dominican Republic; the Amber Museum (Calle Duarte 61); and the Taino Art Museum (Arawak Plaza, Calle Beller).
Alphabetical Listings of Hotels in Puerto Plata
PUERTO PLATA HOTELS AND RESORTS LISTING BY LOCATION AND ALPHABETICAL LISTING
