[starplay]

Preferably in or near Cabarete. I've heard you can rent apartments there on a weekly basis, so I was wondering if that's a better alternative to hotels, especially if you're going to stay a month or so.

I've heard Samana is a pretty awesome too. How does it compare to Cabarete? Would it be better to stay there for long term instead?

[Lumiere]

Depends what you want.

If you want nightlife and beach sports kitesurf / windsurf then the north coast all the way.

Samana is cool but I suggest you stay on the north coast (sosua / cabarete) and take a trip to Samana to check it out when you have time. It's very French. Lots of French people moved there but it's not all bad.

Rent a room in a cheap hotel and ask around about apartment rentals. You will see plenty of signs for apartment rental on the guagua (mini bus) ride between Sosua and Cabarete too.