On our travel through the caribbean with our kids (2 and 4 years old) we found a very warm welcome in La Rancheta. We stayed for 2 weeks in the bungalow. Set in a beautiful garden, where you can find fresh fruits to accomplish your breakfast.
In the middle of the garden their is a small restaurant where Pierre makes you a very nice meal.
The bungalow is simple but very cozy. Only the stairs should better be replaced if you travel with young children (above the cooking plate and very steep). The veranda is gorgeous.

We had a wonderful time and the owners/managers are extremely friendly. They told us a lot about the environment and the people living their. A great way to get to know the Dominican republique

We (a mid-20's couple) stayed at La Rancheta for four nights. After a motoconcho ride from town, we were immediately thrilled to see the beautifully painted rooms at La Rancheta and the rustic outdoor kitchen. The rooms are just the right size, with shelves to unpack your bags and stay awhile. The bathroom is not large, but is big enough for two people. Please note that there is no hot water in Las Galeras because it is all collected rainwater, but this is not a problem if you shower while the sun is up. In fact, it is quite refreshing.

We used our kitchen two nights and found it to be quite relaxing to cook in the open air outside our room. Pierre (the chef) can provide as much purified water as you need for drinking or otherwise, so make sure to take bottles to fill for your days on the beach or on horseback. At La Rancheta's restaurant, Pierre is great at coming up with inventive dishes, but do give him a day's notice so that he can pick up special ingredients in town.

Karin is an expert with her horses and ensures that even beginners have an excellent time trekking through forested trails en route to breathtaking beaches, cliffs, caves, and farms. I would highly recommend a horseback ride with Karin -- you won't be disappointed. When we left La Rancheta, it was if we were leaving our home. La Rancheta is peaceful, the town/beaches are beautiful, and the pace of life is calming. We will definitely return to La Rancheta when possible.

For those of you who love small guest houses, rustic charm, eating dinner with people from half-way around the world, and an accomodation off the beaten path, La Rancheta is just such a place. Owned by Karen and Ron, both Belgian, and run by Isabelle and Pierre, both French, La Rancheta has some of the most friendly and helpful staff you can find. I stayed in the "apartment," which was more like a room with a bath tucked in the corner. No A/C here, just ceiling and oscillating fans; no warm water for showers either. The rooms are charming but slightly dark, the bed comfortable, the bathrooms cramped. I had my own veranda with a table/chairs, a stove, sink, and fridge...a great place to read a book and ease into the day. They provide an unlimited supply of purified water, so be sure to bring some bottles with you. The accomodations are tucked into lush foliage, just a dirt path trot away from the palapa, where breakfast and dinner are served if you should desire. The morning coffee will leave you levitating and spoiled, and so will Pierre's pizzas, shrimp, and rum concoctions. The lobster and pasta didn't measure up, but easy come, easy go. Guests are typically European, so polish up on your French or Flemish prior to coming. Or just punt, like I did. While Lonely Planet makes this place seem like it is way out of the town of Las Galeras, it only takes a 20 minute walk on a safe and mellow road in the day, or a 2 minute motoconcho ride (for $1) at night. Take the opportunity to go on a guided horseback ride to Playa Fronton (Karen owns the horses), where you will learn a great deal about the plant life and agricultural practices of the locals. William was my guide, one of the most tremendous Dominican men on the island. An advantage to staying at La Rancheta is that you are closer to Playa Fronton and Playa Madame, both beaches only accessible by foot or boat. Overall, a very mellow and sweet bunch, affordable, and opportunely located outside of the more noisey town. Buy yourself some rum, Coke, and limes at the town store and kick back at La Rancheta. You won't regret it!