Budget Travel - Who know STI/POP?

I've got a great--no, AMAZING--deal for three nites for two of us in an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Plata and am now trying to find cheap (or free--may use miles) airfare there. Seems like flying to STI (Santiago) is much cheaper than flying to POP but the best fare and schedule for us gets us to STI at 3:35AM! And then will have to rent a car to get where we're going....any experience out there with this airport, routing or area? Any and all tips would be helpful.

Got my air covered. But still looking for recommendations for inexpensive car rental and other tips. Thanks!

Hey, I normally fly to STI but I don't know any cheap car rental suggestions, as I don't drive !
However, read DR1.com/forums and look for some advice.

From past threads, it's better to rent from american rental companies rather than the local owned rental companies, who've requested clients to leave money and passport as a deposit.