The Essenza Retreats At Punta Palmera is a three-and-a-half-pearl condo complex in a gated compound with just enough rental units and common amenities to qualify as a hotel. All 20 rooms include flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and optional views of the Caribbean Sea. Spacious apartments add full kitchens, hot tubs, and optional plunge pools. The beautiful private beach and seafront infinity pool are likely enough to keep most guests happy. The open-air restaurant serves free breakfast, a la carte lunch, and room service for a fee. But, the lack of activity options -- no spa and a non-existent social scene -- means traveling off-site is required for anything more. For around the same rates, Occidental Punta Cana offers a full-featured, all-inclusive experience with more resort amenities.

This intimate, upper-middle-range all-inclusive property has 120 modern, condo-style rooms with living spaces and full kitchens (though as meals are included, most likely won't use them much). The main draws here are the spacious rooms (starting at over 850 square feet, or 80 square meters), the location right on gorgeous El Cortecito Beach in the heart of touristy Bavaro, the two clean pools, and the relatively quiet atmosphere. The downsides include mediocre buffet food, maintenance issues (from noisy ACs to plumbing problems), and aggressive time-share sales pitches. Those looking for a comparable option without the time-share aspect should look into the Vista Sol property right next door.

The relaxed, two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Cortecito Inn Bavaro doesn’t immediately reveal its budget status: guests are welcomed to a spacious, colonial-style lobby and a perfectly pristine, tropical pool area. For such cheap rates, the hotel doesn’t seem half-bad, though rooms leave a lot to be desired. Beyond the depressing, outdated decor, there were basic maintenance issues when we visited. Otherwise, the hotel has a simple, local restaurant, and a basic breakfast is included in room rates. Unfussy travelers who don’t spend much time in their rooms will likely still be satisfied at the prices, big pool, and convenience to the local beach (it’s just a minutes’ walk from the hotel). Everyone else might want to compare with similarly priced, beachfront Whala Bavaro. 

The 115-room TRS Cap Cana Punta Cana is an upscale, adults-only resort that sits on the coast next to the Cap Cana Marina in the Dominican Republic. The vibe is quiet and relaxing, and guests tend to gather around the hotel’s two beautiful pools to rest rather than to party. Rooms are stylish and contemporary, and include features such as marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, butler service, and balconies -- some of which offer direct access to a long, shared pool. Food gets consistently good reviews, as do the spa services. The on-site beach is small and gets lots of rather smelly seaweed, but the property offers free shuttle service to a longer, nicer stretch of sand just a short drive away. Travelers seeking something a tad more luxe may prefer the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Adults Only, which has a nicer beach and is closer to Bavaro's touristy buzz.

Now Onyx Punta Cana is a four-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive on Punta Cana’s Uvero Alto Beach. It’s 502 air-conditioned rooms are modern and bright, with king or two double beds plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies with whirlpool tubs. The beach is wide and beautiful, though there are plenty of other swimming options, including two freshwater infinity pools with swim-up pool bars and a saltwater pool for kids. Preferred Club guests have their own adult-only pool and perks like private check-in. Restaurants range from buffets to Asian and French options, but they can be disappointing. Extensive freebies include non-motorized water sports, personal training sessions at the gym, and Spanish classes. For an alternative with delicious food, a circus school, and a gorgeous beach, you should also check out the Club Med Punta Cana.

The Naiboa offers the least expensive rates of the five resorts on the Riu complex, and it is readily evident why; food is bland, liquor is bottom-shelf, there are pesky fees for Wi-Fi, and the beach is a bit of a walk. But once on the sand, the resort proves to be a solid budget option, as the beach is absolutely gorgeous, and offers plenty of water sports and entertainment. Families will likely appreciate the kids’ club and large pool, although some find the poolside activities to be more of a noisy bother.

The five-pearl Family Club at Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe is the family-friendly property in Punta Cana’s sprawling Barceló Bávaro compound. Guests have immediate access to every imaginable all-inclusive resort amenity including a dozen restaurants, several large pools, theater shows, a beautiful beach, a golf course, and several water parks. All 288 rooms feature family-friendly layouts with multiple bedrooms, flat-screen TVs, kid-friendly minibars, and private balconies with hot tubs. The resort’s sprawling layout requires substantial walking to navigate, but few area resorts offer this level of luxury in such a family-friendly package. While less sophisticated, the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana offers similar amenities with lower nightly rates.

Situated on a white-sand beach, Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a mid-range family-friendly resort that's part of the larger Bahia Principe Punta Cana complex. The property offers 512 Junior Suites with soft but contemporary decor and small balconies, but it's the features here that really stand out. There are a ton of perks for kids of all ages, including a water park and a variety of kids' clubs. For adults, there's a spa, extensive sports facilities, and dining and drinking options from around the world. If you're looking for an all-inclusive, family-friendly property with easy beach access, the Fantasia ticks all the boxes, but there are plenty of other options to consider on the Bahia Principe complex. If you'd prefer something adults-only, though, we'd recommend the quiet and secluded Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique instead.

With 372 rooms, Royal Turquesa is the more expensive, adults-only section of the massive all-inclusive Palladium complex, and has a more peaceful setting than its three neighbors. Notable aspects here include the swim-up suites and a prime stretch of private beach dotted with lounge chairs, hammocks, and daybeds. The main pool is smack in the center of the resort and has built-in lounge chairs and a swim-up bar. Rooms options come in seven spacious types, all with canopy beds, stocked minibars (soda, water, beer, and liquor), DVD players, sofa beds, and jetted tubs. There is premium liquor at the bars, and two restaurants (including a romantic French option) are exclusive to this section only; guests can also access the wide selection of bars, restaurants, and activities at the three sister properties, though they're a long walk or crowded shuttle ride away.

The luxury Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana is the adult-only property inside the Royalton complex, right on Bavaro Beach. The resort within a resort does an excellent job at providing peace, quiet, and style to its private reception area, indoor lounge, hidden pool, private stretch of beach, beach bar, and seafood restaurant, El Dorado. Guests can definitely stay in these dedicated Hideaway areas for their entire vacation and avoid the rest of the world. However, Hideaway guests also get access to the Royalton Punta Cana and Memories Splash Punta Cana, and these pools, restaurants, beaches, and activities are much more crowded and kid-friendly. The 161 rooms are beautifully decorated and nicely appointed, all have balconies and some have swim-up pool access and ocean views. Guests can also upgrade to Diamond Club access for butler service.