Playa Dorada Beach House is an all-inclusive, two-and-a-half-pearl property located on Playa Dorada beach. The resort’s 411 guest rooms have dated decor and simple furniture. This trend continues throughout the property, where everything from the fitness center to the pool area could use a refresh. Dining options include a buffet and four a la carte restaurants, but the food -- particularly at the buffet -- is subpar. While the beach is great, many neighboring properties provide access to the same stretch of sand, including Be Live Collection Marien, where rates often aren’t much higher, but the experience is significantly better.
Playa Dorada Beach House is an all-inclusive, two-and-a-half-pearl property located on Playa Dorada beach. The resort’s 411 guest rooms have dated decor and simple furniture. This trend continues throughout the property, where everything from the fitness center to the pool area could use a refresh. Dining options include a buffet and four a la carte restaurants, but the food -- particularly at the buffet -- is subpar. While the beach is great, many neighboring properties provide access to the same stretch of sand, including Be Live Collection Marien, where rates often aren’t much higher, but the experience is significantly better.
The 516-room Iberostar Costa Dorada all-inclusive resort is a solid upper-middle-range property located right on a long, sandy beach that’s just a short drive from the center of Puerto Plata. Rooms are simple but well-maintained, featuring balconies, minibars, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning. Ringed with loungers, the pools are large and lively, while the spa offers a serene atmosphere and lots of great treatments. The entertainment program is packed with activities for all ages, including games and competitions for children 4 to 17 years old. Buffet and a la carte restaurants receive good reviews from past guests, but some complain that the buffet can lack variety. Couples wanting a child-free vacation may want to consider the adults-only and all-inclusive BlueBay Villas Doradas resort.
The 516-room Iberostar Costa Dorada all-inclusive resort is a solid upper-middle-range property located right on a long, sandy beach that’s just a short drive from the center of Puerto Plata. Rooms are simple but well-maintained, featuring balconies, minibars, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning. Ringed with loungers, the pools are large and lively, while the spa offers a serene atmosphere and lots of great treatments. The entertainment program is packed with activities for all ages, including games and competitions for children 4 to 17 years old. Buffet and a la carte restaurants receive good reviews from past guests, but some complain that the buffet can lack variety. Couples wanting a child-free vacation may want to consider the adults-only and all-inclusive BlueBay Villas Doradas resort.
The mid-range Grand Paradise Samana is an all-inclusive, beachfront hotel with three outdoor pools, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, evening entertainment, and fun extras like bikes and kayaks to borrow. Its 420 guest rooms are definitely dated with tube-style TV and ugly striped bedspreads. Some rooms have kitchenettes and beautiful ocean views from private balconies. It's a five-minute drive to the resort area of Las Galeras and a slew of restaurants. Wi-Fi is pricey and there's an extra charge for use of the in-room safe, though tips, buffet meals, alcohol, and access to the kids' club are included with the all-inclusive rate. This is a family-friendly resort with a raucous and party vibe. For a more luxurious beach resort, check out the nearby Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo.
The mid-range Grand Paradise Samana is an all-inclusive, beachfront hotel with three outdoor pools, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, evening entertainment, and fun extras like bikes and kayaks to borrow. Its 420 guest rooms are definitely dated with tube-style TV and ugly striped bedspreads. Some rooms have kitchenettes and beautiful ocean views from private balconies. It's a five-minute drive to the resort area of Las Galeras and a slew of restaurants. Wi-Fi is pricey and there's an extra charge for use of the in-room safe, though tips, buffet meals, alcohol, and access to the kids' club are included with the all-inclusive rate. This is a family-friendly resort with a raucous and party vibe. For a more luxurious beach resort, check out the nearby Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo.
Hotel Conde de Penalba offers classic Dominican charm in a small, relatively basic package in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial. Each of the 20 rooms offers plenty of vintage appeal with contemporary touches, though they can be a bit worn. All do feature modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TVs, air-conditioning, and (optional) balconies -- some overlooking Parque Colon and the Palacio Consistorial. There's also a popular cafe and bar on the street level. The hotel stays true to its Spanish Colonial roots in every respect, although some guests may find common areas to be a bit more dowdy than vintage. While its nightly rates are higher, it's worth considering Hodelpa Caribe Colonial as well, which has more contemporary rooms and amenities.
Hotel Conde de Penalba offers classic Dominican charm in a small, relatively basic package in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial. Each of the 20 rooms offers plenty of vintage appeal with contemporary touches, though they can be a bit worn. All do feature modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TVs, air-conditioning, and (optional) balconies -- some overlooking Parque Colon and the Palacio Consistorial. There's also a popular cafe and bar on the street level. The hotel stays true to its Spanish Colonial roots in every respect, although some guests may find common areas to be a bit more dowdy than vintage. While its nightly rates are higher, it's worth considering Hodelpa Caribe Colonial as well, which has more contemporary rooms and amenities.
Situated in the heart of Santo Domingo, the four-pearl Occidental El Embajador is within a short drive of the city’s main financial, cultural, and historic districts. The dated, '80s-era architecture and decor detract from the hotel's grandeur and solid list of resort-like amenities, particularly for a downtown city hotel. Although it lacks a beach, the lovely pool area, well-manicured grounds, a small casino, and several restaurants and bars tick many of the essential boxes for a Caribbean getaway. Each of the hotel’s 286 rooms are clean and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. Guests looking for a boutique alternative may wish to consider the Billini Hotel.
Situated in the heart of Santo Domingo, the four-pearl Occidental El Embajador is within a short drive of the city’s main financial, cultural, and historic districts. The dated, '80s-era architecture and decor detract from the hotel's grandeur and solid list of resort-like amenities, particularly for a downtown city hotel. Although it lacks a beach, the lovely pool area, well-manicured grounds, a small casino, and several restaurants and bars tick many of the essential boxes for a Caribbean getaway. Each of the hotel’s 286 rooms are clean and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. Guests looking for a boutique alternative may wish to consider the Billini Hotel.
Located in the heart of downtown Santo Domingo, Barcelo is an upper-middle-range hotel with flashy public spaces and a business-like vibe, but its its reasonable rates. Its 216 rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, and pleasantly put together with minibars, coffeemakers, and big marble bathrooms. With three restaurants, a piano bar, a huge resort-like pool, fitness center, lovely salon and spa, plus a casino next door, Barcelo packs a lot in, catering well to business and leisure travelers alike -- although the high traffic urban setting isn’t ideal for everyone. Travelers seeking something closer to the water could try Sheraton Santo Domingo.
Located in the heart of downtown Santo Domingo, Barcelo is an upper-middle-range hotel with flashy public spaces and a business-like vibe, but its its reasonable rates. Its 216 rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, and pleasantly put together with minibars, coffeemakers, and big marble bathrooms. With three restaurants, a piano bar, a huge resort-like pool, fitness center, lovely salon and spa, plus a casino next door, Barcelo packs a lot in, catering well to business and leisure travelers alike -- although the high traffic urban setting isn’t ideal for everyone. Travelers seeking something closer to the water could try Sheraton Santo Domingo.
Let's clear up one misnomer right off the bat: There is no casino at the three-pearl Dominican Fiesta Hotel and Casino. This 298-room property in western Santo Domingo does have plenty of other features, like a massive pool, spa, and a handful of bars with live music and panoramic city views -- but the look throughout the hotel is dated. It's a decent fit for businesspeople, offering nine meeting rooms, a proper business center, and a large gym. However, Wi-Fi is painfully slow, and the style of rooms ranges from pleasantly modern to more traditional. There's a lovely park next door, but it's a 25-minute drive to the colonial district, so vacationers might want to compare with the more modern Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo, with its casino and nearby nightlife.
Let's clear up one misnomer right off the bat: There is no casino at the three-pearl Dominican Fiesta Hotel and Casino. This 298-room property in western Santo Domingo does have plenty of other features, like a massive pool, spa, and a handful of bars with live music and panoramic city views -- but the look throughout the hotel is dated. It's a decent fit for businesspeople, offering nine meeting rooms, a proper business center, and a large gym. However, Wi-Fi is painfully slow, and the style of rooms ranges from pleasantly modern to more traditional. There's a lovely park next door, but it's a 25-minute drive to the colonial district, so vacationers might want to compare with the more modern Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo, with its casino and nearby nightlife.
With two infinity pools, access to a large beach, a modern spa, round-the-clock dining, and an on-site casino, Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden offers all-inclusive value and a spring break vibe. Technically, this is part of a three-resort complex, with shared amenities. The 355-room property appears to be in a perpetual state of renovation, rooms can be hit or miss, though each comes with a free minibar and private balcony. There's a definite party atmosphere happening at the pools and on the beautiful beach across the street. Many guests tout the dirt cheap, all-inclusive pricing as its biggest selling point, especially considering the low quality of food on offer at five restaurants. For an alternative beachfront resort, check rates at the nearby Coral Costa Caribe Hotel.
With two infinity pools, access to a large beach, a modern spa, round-the-clock dining, and an on-site casino, Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden offers all-inclusive value and a spring break vibe. Technically, this is part of a three-resort complex, with shared amenities. The 355-room property appears to be in a perpetual state of renovation, rooms can be hit or miss, though each comes with a free minibar and private balcony. There's a definite party atmosphere happening at the pools and on the beautiful beach across the street. Many guests tout the dirt cheap, all-inclusive pricing as its biggest selling point, especially considering the low quality of food on offer at five restaurants. For an alternative beachfront resort, check rates at the nearby Coral Costa Caribe Hotel.
Everything about the Albachiara Hotel is two notches above basic, but well shy of full-on luxury. All 36 rooms in this three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offer apartment-style amenities that include full kitchens and private terraces. Limited features include a large, clean pool and a prime location across the street from the beach that’s also within walking distance to the nightlife, shopping, and beaches of Las Terrenas. The distinct lack of additional features, like a full restaurant or spa, may leave some guests wanting more. Check rates at Hotel Alisei for a similar location and excellent spa.
Everything about the Albachiara Hotel is two notches above basic, but well shy of full-on luxury. All 36 rooms in this three-and-a-half pearl, all-suite property offer apartment-style amenities that include full kitchens and private terraces. Limited features include a large, clean pool and a prime location across the street from the beach that’s also within walking distance to the nightlife, shopping, and beaches of Las Terrenas. The distinct lack of additional features, like a full restaurant or spa, may leave some guests wanting more. Check rates at Hotel Alisei for a similar location and excellent spa.
Be Live Collection Marien is an all-inclusive, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the outskirts of the gated Playa Dorada tourist complex. The resort’s 584 guest rooms are generic and a bit dated but welcoming -- the newer Superior Deluxe Rooms are significantly more polished -- with all including coffeemakers and minibars. Be Live’s all-inclusive rates cover a standard lineup of features, including a few decent dining options, a massive pool, and ample entertainment -- plus guests have direct access to Playa Dorada beach. With modern facilities and an easy-going vibe, the resort offers good value for Puerto Plata; although extra fees for things like Wi-Fi and personal safes can add up somewhat. Travelers looking for a more upscale stay on the beach can check out Casa Colonial Beach and Spa.
Be Live Collection Marien is an all-inclusive, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the outskirts of the gated Playa Dorada tourist complex. The resort’s 584 guest rooms are generic and a bit dated but welcoming -- the newer Superior Deluxe Rooms are significantly more polished -- with all including coffeemakers and minibars. Be Live’s all-inclusive rates cover a standard lineup of features, including a few decent dining options, a massive pool, and ample entertainment -- plus guests have direct access to Playa Dorada beach. With modern facilities and an easy-going vibe, the resort offers good value for Puerto Plata; although extra fees for things like Wi-Fi and personal safes can add up somewhat. Travelers looking for a more upscale stay on the beach can check out Casa Colonial Beach and Spa.