Hotel Casa Nina (Av. 27 de Febrero, tel. 809/240-5490, www.hotel-casanina.com, US$59 with breakfast) is embraced by a lovely tropical garden on Playa Punta Popy. The resort consists of 15 clean, simple bungalows with hot-water bathrooms, all arranged around a quiet pool.

Casas del Mar Neptunia (Av. Emilio Prud’Homme, tel. 809/240-6617, fax 809/240-6070, www.casas-del-mar-neptunia.com, US$40 d) is half a block from the ocean, on a street perpendicular to the highway leading to El Portillo. It offers a serene atmosphere even though it is close to the center of town. The spacious and charming bungalows are set in a garden around a thatched-roof cabana where breakfast is served every day. Since all bungalows have large doors that swing open onto their own private terrace, you have the option of enjoying your breakfast there as well. All units have a fan, private bathrooms, daily maid service, and a refrigerator. Cabanas sleep up to four people. Two apartments can sleep up to six people and offer air-conditioning-optional bedrooms (starting at US$55/night). English, French, and Spanish are spoken.

The bungalows at Fata Morgana (La Ceiba, tel. 809/836-5541, www.samana.net/fatamorgana, US$15) may be just the budget accommodation for those travelers who enjoy sinking into the rural culture of their surroundings. Fata Morgana is about five minutes from the town center and beach. With the distance comes peacefulness. Enjoy a quiet read in the rocking chair of your own bungalow. You can even borrow a book from the library. The cheerfully decorated bungalows are clean and have fans and private bathrooms. The owner, Edit Dejong, can give you tours of the area, and you can even borrow a bicycle if you need transportation, although motoconchos are easy to find.

El Rincón de Abi (Av. Emilio Prud’Homme, tel. 809/240-6639, www.el-rincon-de-abi.com, US$32 d) has six rooms and one two-bedroom apartment (US$45) in a quiet neighborhood. Rooms are straightforward but colorful, clean and a good value. There is a pool to hang out by as well as a bar, and you’ll remain connected with wireless Internet. Breakfast is included in your rate.