Riverside Hotel

Trish and Kyle made me feel welcome, safe, and respected from the start. Their home has a rare, gentle quiet to it, and I felt like I was back at a peaceful summer camp from childhood, only with comfort and privacy. The house stays naturally cool, the kitchen has what you need to cook, and the bathroom feels like a private spa. You can see the care in the garden and throughout the property. After the grass was cut, the air smelled fresh, and the local starfruit was incredible. I especially loved my mornings. Sometimes the gardener brought a coconut and opened it with a machete right in front of me. That small gesture felt so warm and genuine. I also asked for a French press, since making coffee that way is part of my morning ritual. Sitting quietly with coffee, a little clove, cinnamon, star anise, or cardamom, while listening to the rain, is something I'll remember for a long time. They even surprised me with Jamaican coffee. Trish has lovely bookshelves and shares what she knows so generously. She gave me a book about local plants that matters for my research, and it felt like a meaningful gift. I was also impressed to learn Kyle had designed and built much of the furniture himself. You can feel the thought behind this place, and the calm it gives you. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had to move on for personal reasons. I'll always remember the kindness of Trish and Kyle and the sense of well-being I found here.

The cottage at Kootney was clean and had everything we needed, from beach towels and kitchen utensils to Wi-Fi and AC. It's conveniently close to the ocean, groceries, and the Indian river tour, while still feeling quiet and safe. The owners were friendly, helpful, and exemplary hosts. We had a great stay.

We could leave the AC off because the cottages are laid out to let the air move through. That also means you hear birds and frogs, so there was no need for our white noise app. The flowers and fruit trees add to the tropical feel, and I wish I could bottle their smell. It was such a nice chance to put our devices away and enjoy Dominica's calm. The owners were kind and welcoming, and the cottages sit in serene surroundings. 10/10, would recommend.

We used this as a base for two nights, visiting Batibou Beach and Indian River and doing some jungle hiking. Trish was a lovely host and pointed us toward good places to see. The rooms were clean, with a very large bathroom and a tidy, fully working kitchen. It has an oven but no dishwasher. We'd definitely come back.