This quiet, mid-range hotel in the back of a strip mall on a busy local shopping street is a great value among the overpriced all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana. Clean rooms have attractive Caribbean decor but few frills (no free bottled water, for example). There is a small, attractive courtyard pool, and both breakfast and Wi-Fi are free. The location near downtown Bavaro is well-suited to those looking to explore local restaurants and shops, but it's a five-minute drive to the beach. The all-inclusive whala!bavaro has a location closer to the beach, but a more party-oriented crowd.
This quiet, mid-range hotel in the back of a strip mall on a busy local shopping street is a great value among the overpriced all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana. Clean rooms have attractive Caribbean decor but few frills (no free bottled water, for example). There is a small, attractive courtyard pool, and both breakfast and Wi-Fi are free. The location near downtown Bavaro is well-suited to those looking to explore local restaurants and shops, but it's a five-minute drive to the beach. The all-inclusive whala!bavaro has a location closer to the beach, but a more party-oriented crowd.
The 730-room Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is a sprawling, luxury all-inclusive located on a beautiful fine-sand beach that’s about a 20-minute drive north of Punta Cana. With several pools -- including a beautiful infinity one and a 1,200-foot lazy river -- several kids’ clubs for different ages, and a full entertainment program, the resort is an excellent pick for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. Spacious, elegant rooms have big tubs and terraces. Travelers wanting a more exclusive stay can upgrade to the Diamond Club, which offers great perks such as private pools and beach areas, butler service, preferential restaurant reservations, and additional in-room amenities. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all buffet meals as well as unlimited meals at any of the a la carte restaurants. For something quieter, consider the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
The 730-room Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is a sprawling, luxury all-inclusive located on a beautiful fine-sand beach that’s about a 20-minute drive north of Punta Cana. With several pools -- including a beautiful infinity one and a 1,200-foot lazy river -- several kids’ clubs for different ages, and a full entertainment program, the resort is an excellent pick for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. Spacious, elegant rooms have big tubs and terraces. Travelers wanting a more exclusive stay can upgrade to the Diamond Club, which offers great perks such as private pools and beach areas, butler service, preferential restaurant reservations, and additional in-room amenities. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all buffet meals as well as unlimited meals at any of the a la carte restaurants. For something quieter, consider the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
Golf's the main game in town for this shrine to Jack Nicklaus that's only a 10-minute drive from an 18-hole course designed by the Golden Bear himself. But though the upscale property is decently equipped for long-term residents and golfers, non-golfers may find the surroundings a bit dull. There's no beach or dining options (but guests can access restaurants within the Cap Cana complex). Modern, stylish rooms are actually condo rentals and all but the entry-level Studios come with kitchenettes, outdoor jetted plunge pools, and washer/dryers; all, however, have ocean views. Those who want a more traditional all-inclusive beach resort might look into Vista Sol or Ocean Blue & Sand.
Golf's the main game in town for this shrine to Jack Nicklaus that's only a 10-minute drive from an 18-hole course designed by the Golden Bear himself. But though the upscale property is decently equipped for long-term residents and golfers, non-golfers may find the surroundings a bit dull. There's no beach or dining options (but guests can access restaurants within the Cap Cana complex). Modern, stylish rooms are actually condo rentals and all but the entry-level Studios come with kitchenettes, outdoor jetted plunge pools, and washer/dryers; all, however, have ocean views. Those who want a more traditional all-inclusive beach resort might look into Vista Sol or Ocean Blue & Sand.
Marketed as its own property, The Level Melia Caribe Tropical is actually the exclusive enclave of the massive, upscale Melia Caribe Tropical resort. With adult-only and family-friendly sections, The Level has broad appeal, and guests get perks such as private check-in, large rooms, and exclusive pool, beach, and restaurant access. But it's worth noting that The Level is situated in the forested swaths of a massive, overwhelming property where rooms are far from amenities and don’t have ocean views. A better pick for an exclusive enclave is the less confusing Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, but its nightly rates are more expensive.
Marketed as its own property, The Level Melia Caribe Tropical is actually the exclusive enclave of the massive, upscale Melia Caribe Tropical resort. With adult-only and family-friendly sections, The Level has broad appeal, and guests get perks such as private check-in, large rooms, and exclusive pool, beach, and restaurant access. But it's worth noting that The Level is situated in the forested swaths of a massive, overwhelming property where rooms are far from amenities and don’t have ocean views. A better pick for an exclusive enclave is the less confusing Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, but its nightly rates are more expensive.
As the biggest section of the Grand Bahia Principe (five hotels within), the Bavaro has a whopping 816 rooms in itself, in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Hacienda level with a few extra amenities like closer proximity to the beach, coffeemakers, bathrobes, slippers, and beach towels upon request. The beach requires a walk from most rooms -– worth the trek, especially at sunrise -– and it's typically the easier bet to get a prime spot during the day (chairs by the two pools tend to fill up quickly). Rooms are spacious and clean with minibars, though they mostly contain outdated décor. There's a pesky charge for the in-room safe, but with a water park and plenty of a la carte restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment, this huge resort is meant to keep the masses happy.
As the biggest section of the Grand Bahia Principe (five hotels within), the Bavaro has a whopping 816 rooms in itself, in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Hacienda level with a few extra amenities like closer proximity to the beach, coffeemakers, bathrobes, slippers, and beach towels upon request. The beach requires a walk from most rooms -– worth the trek, especially at sunrise -– and it's typically the easier bet to get a prime spot during the day (chairs by the two pools tend to fill up quickly). Rooms are spacious and clean with minibars, though they mostly contain outdated décor. There's a pesky charge for the in-room safe, but with a water park and plenty of a la carte restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment, this huge resort is meant to keep the masses happy.
This 200-room upscale resort is just a five-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, and draws mostly American couples and families. Highlights include the the long, large pool or white-sand (but short, and partially seaweed-strewn) beach. Rooms are elegant and modern, and most have at least partial ocean views. The atmosphere is low-key, but the resort can seem isolated and lacks the energy of activity-packed all-inclusive resorts in the area -- which is part of the appeal for many. The two restaurants serve organic fare, and there is a free shuttle to golf, tennis, and the restaurants at Puntacana Village. Those seeking an upscale resort with all-inclusive rates might want to consider the Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection or The Level Melia Caribe Tropical.
This 200-room upscale resort is just a five-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, and draws mostly American couples and families. Highlights include the the long, large pool or white-sand (but short, and partially seaweed-strewn) beach. Rooms are elegant and modern, and most have at least partial ocean views. The atmosphere is low-key, but the resort can seem isolated and lacks the energy of activity-packed all-inclusive resorts in the area -- which is part of the appeal for many. The two restaurants serve organic fare, and there is a free shuttle to golf, tennis, and the restaurants at Puntacana Village. Those seeking an upscale resort with all-inclusive rates might want to consider the Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection or The Level Melia Caribe Tropical.
Hotel Garant is a budget hotel that's close to Santo Domingo's international airport, and is only a five-minute walk to one of the most popular beaches in the Dominican Republic: Boca Chica. The 20 rooms are sparse and dated, but for a budget option, this hotel has a lot of pros -- like a small on-site pool, a la carte breakfast, and up-to-date amenities, like flat-screen TVs and full-sized refrigerators. Sex tourism is real in Boca Chica, and this hotel is no exception, so families with children might want to skip this neighborhood altogether. As an alternative budget-friendly spot in Santo Domingo's safer historic district, check rates at Casa Naemie, a quaint boutique property. Rates may be a bit higher, though, and there's no beach nearby.
Hotel Garant is a budget hotel that's close to Santo Domingo's international airport, and is only a five-minute walk to one of the most popular beaches in the Dominican Republic: Boca Chica. The 20 rooms are sparse and dated, but for a budget option, this hotel has a lot of pros -- like a small on-site pool, a la carte breakfast, and up-to-date amenities, like flat-screen TVs and full-sized refrigerators. Sex tourism is real in Boca Chica, and this hotel is no exception, so families with children might want to skip this neighborhood altogether. As an alternative budget-friendly spot in Santo Domingo's safer historic district, check rates at Casa Naemie, a quaint boutique property. Rates may be a bit higher, though, and there's no beach nearby.
The largest of four Paradisus resorts in Punta Cana, the 683-room, luxury Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is a kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort that still manages to feel uncrowded due to its expansive grounds. Guests can expect to walk or hitch rides on the regular shuttle service to get to the beach, pools, luxury spa, kids’ club, and impressive restaurants around the resort; there are also bike stations for those who prefer to cycle. The beach doesn’t quiet down at night as it can at other resorts, but rather comes alive with a party scene appealing to both young and old. Rooms are contemporary and well-outfitted with free minibars, sofa beds, and furnished balconies – but the majority overlook the garden. The Royal Service upgrade -- expect a sales pitch upon arrival -- allows access to the private lounge and a separate pool and beach area, and comes with personal butler service. The resort is a bit more luxurious -- and a bit pricier -- than the neighboring Bavaro Princess Resort, Spa and Casino. Beach-lovers may prefer the feature-packed Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a more oceanfront setting.
The largest of four Paradisus resorts in Punta Cana, the 683-room, luxury Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is a kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort that still manages to feel uncrowded due to its expansive grounds. Guests can expect to walk or hitch rides on the regular shuttle service to get to the beach, pools, luxury spa, kids’ club, and impressive restaurants around the resort; there are also bike stations for those who prefer to cycle. The beach doesn’t quiet down at night as it can at other resorts, but rather comes alive with a party scene appealing to both young and old. Rooms are contemporary and well-outfitted with free minibars, sofa beds, and furnished balconies – but the majority overlook the garden. The Royal Service upgrade -- expect a sales pitch upon arrival -- allows access to the private lounge and a separate pool and beach area, and comes with personal butler service. The resort is a bit more luxurious -- and a bit pricier -- than the neighboring Bavaro Princess Resort, Spa and Casino. Beach-lovers may prefer the feature-packed Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a more oceanfront setting.
Part of a sprawling five-hotel complex, the 676-room, family-friendly Riu Palace Punta Cana is an upscale all-inclusive resort set along a beautiful white-sand beach dotted with palm trees. The pool complex is stunning, complete with three large pools, a swim-up bar, and several whirlpools. Clean, spacious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, free minibars with liquor dispensers, coffeemakers, and furnished balconies. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all local and imported drinks, as well as non-motorized water sports, daily entertainment for all ages, and access to most amenities and a number of restaurants at neighboring sister properties. For something a tad more luxe, check out the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort, though its grounds aren’t as impressive.
Part of a sprawling five-hotel complex, the 676-room, family-friendly Riu Palace Punta Cana is an upscale all-inclusive resort set along a beautiful white-sand beach dotted with palm trees. The pool complex is stunning, complete with three large pools, a swim-up bar, and several whirlpools. Clean, spacious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, free minibars with liquor dispensers, coffeemakers, and furnished balconies. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all local and imported drinks, as well as non-motorized water sports, daily entertainment for all ages, and access to most amenities and a number of restaurants at neighboring sister properties. For something a tad more luxe, check out the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort, though its grounds aren’t as impressive.
Mimicking a Spanish fishing village, this upper-middle-range, 69-room resort at the end of a long, resort-filled road in Dominicus Americanus is a quiet, mellow respite from the crowded, club-like atmosphere that Dominican resorts are often known for. Stylish, airy rooms include condo-style options with kitchenettes, the pretty (if short) white-sand beach has a long pier, and the main restaurant has a great view of the ocean. The most notable feature might be the water park near the entrance, a hoot for kids. Those looking for an activity-filled mega-resort with all-inclusive rates should consider Be Live just down the road.
Mimicking a Spanish fishing village, this upper-middle-range, 69-room resort at the end of a long, resort-filled road in Dominicus Americanus is a quiet, mellow respite from the crowded, club-like atmosphere that Dominican resorts are often known for. Stylish, airy rooms include condo-style options with kitchenettes, the pretty (if short) white-sand beach has a long pier, and the main restaurant has a great view of the ocean. The most notable feature might be the water park near the entrance, a hoot for kids. Those looking for an activity-filled mega-resort with all-inclusive rates should consider Be Live just down the road.