HOTEL BAYAHIBE is where I've usually stayed and been quite satisfied. They've rooms with 1/2 double beds priced at 350/450 a night. Each comes with private bathroom and hot water, screens on the windows, a fan, and either a small patio or balcony. Phones are only for calling room-to-room. Its prime location only 100-yards off the waterfront along the main road make reservations necessary by calling 809/707-3684. Most staff only speak Spanish. Their abilities accepting/receiving credit cards and faxes are unreliable.
HOTEL LLAVE DEL MAR recently opened in 2001 farther out along the main road and appears very similar to its main competitor in cleanliness, accomodations and services offered. When checking, their rates are also 350/450 a night. Telephone is 809/833-0081.
*With current shortages, migrant resort workers are turning hotels/cabanas into affordable permanent housing. Availabilities aren't what they used to be. Reservations for hotels are definitely recommended.
CASA DANIEL is more of a guesthouse and located a pleasant 5-minute walk south of the village along the coastal road passed the baseball field. Their rooms go for RD300. They also run the village dive shops; staff speak multiple languages. Their phone is 809/833-0010 or they've websites at 'casadaniel.tripod.com' or a German site at 'Casa-Daniel@gmx.net'.
Cabanas are scattered about the village usually running 200-300 pesos with some offering weekly/extended rates. Operated privately out of the locals' homes, they're nicer than guidebooks ever give them credit for plus you've the Dominican hostess to spoil you with hospitality. All have fans and either window screens or mosquito netting. Most have private baths; don't expect hot water. Meals are also sometimes negotiable.
Likely the most popular cabanas are the most visible; especially TRIP TOWN and FRANCISCA cabanas located along the main road between the center and Hotel Bayahibe. If these are full, turn left at the unnamed street next to the hotel as its also lined with cabanas. A lot of Dominican homes don't have telephones; therefore making cabana reservations are all but impossible. I suggest arriving in town before dark. If you've no luck finding a place to stay, ask a local who'll be glad to help you, but also don't hesitate to shop around.