A three-pearl beachfront property subject to some major wind, Kite Beach Hotel is the ideal spot for kite boarders and windsurf enthusiasts. The on-site kite school is the perfect place for amateurs to learn the sport, or for pros to brush up on their skills. It’s definitely more of a kite surfer crash pad than a family-friendly resort, and the constantly whipping wind makes it hard to enjoy the beach, pool, or restaurant areas without getting pelted by sand. There are a wide range of room options, including budget studios and multi-bedroom apartments, but the no-frills decor could use some updating -- or at least a visit from an interior designer. For those who want to relax, consider Natura Cabanas for a calmer beach and cute bungalows (though expect pricier rates).
A three-pearl beachfront property subject to some major wind, Kite Beach Hotel is the ideal spot for kite boarders and windsurf enthusiasts. The on-site kite school is the perfect place for amateurs to learn the sport, or for pros to brush up on their skills. It’s definitely more of a kite surfer crash pad than a family-friendly resort, and the constantly whipping wind makes it hard to enjoy the beach, pool, or restaurant areas without getting pelted by sand. There are a wide range of room options, including budget studios and multi-bedroom apartments, but the no-frills decor could use some updating -- or at least a visit from an interior designer. For those who want to relax, consider Natura Cabanas for a calmer beach and cute bungalows (though expect pricier rates).
Middle of the road perfectly describes Hotel Alisei. The three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offers 54 apartments that are rich in amenities though just shy of luxurious. The feature list checks many of the boxes for an affordable resort getaway -- a solid on-site restaurant, ample pool area with a swim-up bar, a full-service spa, and a small, clean, quiet beach across the street. The wide variety of room layouts makes the hotel as attractive for couples as it does for families. Albachiara Hotel is another upper-middle-range option in the neighborhood with full kitchens in its apartment-style rooms and a bit more style.
Middle of the road perfectly describes Hotel Alisei. The three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offers 54 apartments that are rich in amenities though just shy of luxurious. The feature list checks many of the boxes for an affordable resort getaway -- a solid on-site restaurant, ample pool area with a swim-up bar, a full-service spa, and a small, clean, quiet beach across the street. The wide variety of room layouts makes the hotel as attractive for couples as it does for families. Albachiara Hotel is another upper-middle-range option in the neighborhood with full kitchens in its apartment-style rooms and a bit more style.
Sunscape Bavaro Beach Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort that opened in 2016 on beautiful El Cortecito Beach. It offers some of the lowest all-inclusive rates in Bavaro Beach, but comes with some caveats. Namely, erosion barriers dampen the beach view and past guests have complained about poor food quality and weak drinks at the 11 restaurants and several bars. Still, two freshwater pools include a floating climbing wall and swim-up bar, the animation team is high energy, and the free teen club is fun. The 452 air-conditioned rooms have private balconies and free minibars. It might be worth the upgrade to a Sun Club package for a private bar, expedited check in, and bigger room. As an alternative, Now Onyx Punta Cana has hip decor and a nicer stretch of beach -- but higher rates.
Sunscape Bavaro Beach Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort that opened in 2016 on beautiful El Cortecito Beach. It offers some of the lowest all-inclusive rates in Bavaro Beach, but comes with some caveats. Namely, erosion barriers dampen the beach view and past guests have complained about poor food quality and weak drinks at the 11 restaurants and several bars. Still, two freshwater pools include a floating climbing wall and swim-up bar, the animation team is high energy, and the free teen club is fun. The 452 air-conditioned rooms have private balconies and free minibars. It might be worth the upgrade to a Sun Club package for a private bar, expedited check in, and bigger room. As an alternative, Now Onyx Punta Cana has hip decor and a nicer stretch of beach -- but higher rates.
Set right over the Malecon, opposite the sea, Hotel Napolitano is a mid-range option in a great spot, walking distance from the Colonial Zone, restaurants, and many sights. Its 65 rooms are gradually being renovated -- many with a chic contemporary look, while others remain outdated. Either way, they come with well-stocked minibars and most flaunt fabulous sea views, but none have balconies. Free breakfast is included, although food reviews are mixed. Guests do rave about the views, the lovely terrace and pool area, and the superb location, but outdated common areas and unrenovated rooms can be a turn off. Travelers seeking a modern aesthetic throughout could try the Holiday Inn Santo Domingo.
Set right over the Malecon, opposite the sea, Hotel Napolitano is a mid-range option in a great spot, walking distance from the Colonial Zone, restaurants, and many sights. Its 65 rooms are gradually being renovated -- many with a chic contemporary look, while others remain outdated. Either way, they come with well-stocked minibars and most flaunt fabulous sea views, but none have balconies. Free breakfast is included, although food reviews are mixed. Guests do rave about the views, the lovely terrace and pool area, and the superb location, but outdated common areas and unrenovated rooms can be a turn off. Travelers seeking a modern aesthetic throughout could try the Holiday Inn Santo Domingo.
The seafront Hotel Catalonia is an upper-middle-range property catering to both the business and vacation set, with a solid list of on-site amenities, and exceptional, state-of-the-art meeting spaces. Though dated and out of sync with public spaces, its 228 rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable with huge windows framing gorgeous sea views. Guests appreciate the overall quality on offer here, with consistent praise for the breakfast buffet (though it costs extra), the spacious modern gym, solid casino, and chic Pearl lounge bar. Filigrama, the hotel's fine restaurant, caters well to gourmets, and families seem to love the pool. The central location, a short drive from the Colonial Zone, is also a highlight. Travelers seeking similar amenities with more contemporary rooms could try the nearby Renaissance.
The seafront Hotel Catalonia is an upper-middle-range property catering to both the business and vacation set, with a solid list of on-site amenities, and exceptional, state-of-the-art meeting spaces. Though dated and out of sync with public spaces, its 228 rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable with huge windows framing gorgeous sea views. Guests appreciate the overall quality on offer here, with consistent praise for the breakfast buffet (though it costs extra), the spacious modern gym, solid casino, and chic Pearl lounge bar. Filigrama, the hotel's fine restaurant, caters well to gourmets, and families seem to love the pool. The central location, a short drive from the Colonial Zone, is also a highlight. Travelers seeking similar amenities with more contemporary rooms could try the nearby Renaissance.
A clean cliffside resort in the D.R.’s up-and-coming (and less developed) Samana Peninsula, the laid-back Gran Bahia Cayacoa attracts international families with its solid service, its beautiful rooms, and some of the best all-inclusive food in the Caribbean. The beach, however, is less remarkable. Most guests hang out near the pool.
A clean cliffside resort in the D.R.’s up-and-coming (and less developed) Samana Peninsula, the laid-back Gran Bahia Cayacoa attracts international families with its solid service, its beautiful rooms, and some of the best all-inclusive food in the Caribbean. The beach, however, is less remarkable. Most guests hang out near the pool.
This budget-friendly property attracts families, couples, and solo travelers with its many features and affordable rates. Rooms are outdated and there are numerous complaints about the food being bland, but those seeking an inexpensive getaway can enjoy the hotel’s large beach and numerous pools.
This budget-friendly property attracts families, couples, and solo travelers with its many features and affordable rates. Rooms are outdated and there are numerous complaints about the food being bland, but those seeking an inexpensive getaway can enjoy the hotel’s large beach and numerous pools.
When the young surfers and night owls partying in Cabarete need a place to crash, the beachfront, four-pearl Ultravioleta Boutique is one of their classiest options. That’s because its 21 bright and contemporary apartments are a sharp alternative to the mediocre crash pads in the center of town. The location -- a 10-minute walk from the center of town and right on Kite Beach -- makes it's a quieter, upscale alternative. The hotel's sleek pool is a major draw, but there are no other features here, and the ocean here can be a bit rough for swimming. As an alternative, comparably stylish Casa Veintiuno in nearby Sosua has a restaurant and lower rates, but rooms lack kitchens and it's not right on the beach.
When the young surfers and night owls partying in Cabarete need a place to crash, the beachfront, four-pearl Ultravioleta Boutique is one of their classiest options. That’s because its 21 bright and contemporary apartments are a sharp alternative to the mediocre crash pads in the center of town. The location -- a 10-minute walk from the center of town and right on Kite Beach -- makes it's a quieter, upscale alternative. The hotel's sleek pool is a major draw, but there are no other features here, and the ocean here can be a bit rough for swimming. As an alternative, comparably stylish Casa Veintiuno in nearby Sosua has a restaurant and lower rates, but rooms lack kitchens and it's not right on the beach.
With multiple pools, a full kilometer of pristine, white sand beach, and one of the largest, most beautiful open air restaurants in the area, the four-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Balcones del Atlantico looks more like a resort than the individually owned condominium complex that it actually is. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 10 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. 35 huge villa suites are among the largest and most luxurious in the area and include gourmet kitchens and large terraces. Note that there's a daily resort fee that covers Wi-Fi and sports equipment, and an additional fee to use the fitness center. For more of a bed-and-breakfast vibe, check rates at Casa La Nouba, but lose the beach access.
With multiple pools, a full kilometer of pristine, white sand beach, and one of the largest, most beautiful open air restaurants in the area, the four-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Balcones del Atlantico looks more like a resort than the individually owned condominium complex that it actually is. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Las Terrenas, however, it’s only 10 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. 35 huge villa suites are among the largest and most luxurious in the area and include gourmet kitchens and large terraces. Note that there's a daily resort fee that covers Wi-Fi and sports equipment, and an additional fee to use the fitness center. For more of a bed-and-breakfast vibe, check rates at Casa La Nouba, but lose the beach access.
With three al fresco restaurants, a lovely lobby lounge, two infinity pools with ocean views, and a modern spa, the Bannister Hotel is an upscale boutique option. All of its 33 spacious suites come with full kitchens and private balconies. Set on a quiet, picturesque marina (sadly without a beachfront), the gated property feels worlds away from downtown Samana, but it’s only a 15-minute drive to the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Guests looking for a beachfront alternative may want to consider the nearby Xeliter Vista Mare Samana.
With three al fresco restaurants, a lovely lobby lounge, two infinity pools with ocean views, and a modern spa, the Bannister Hotel is an upscale boutique option. All of its 33 spacious suites come with full kitchens and private balconies. Set on a quiet, picturesque marina (sadly without a beachfront), the gated property feels worlds away from downtown Samana, but it’s only a 15-minute drive to the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Guests looking for a beachfront alternative may want to consider the nearby Xeliter Vista Mare Samana.