With plenty of on-site activities, above-average all-inclusive food, and extremely reasonable rates, the Bahia Principe offers a good value for budget-conscious travelers. Rooms are bland, there’s no free Wi-Fi, and the remote location takes an hour to reach from the airport; most guests, however, feel that the large, private beach, the four pools, and the unlimited bottom-shelf liquor make overlooking the negatives easy enough.

This 244-room adults-only resort is adjacent to the Grand Bahia Principe La Romana and falls under the brand's more luxurious Don Pablo Collection. The property has colonial-style architecture and spacious, cheerful accommodations. There are plenty of opportunities for romance -- there is a long beach for strolling, a pretty dock for private dinners, and sunset views of the bay. The downside: The turquoise waves and beaches in Punta Cana are better for swimming -- it's a fact. That being said, those in search of peace and quiet will be attracted to the elegant lobby area, the stunning pool overlooking the beach, and access to great golfing and day trips to nearby islands.

Now Larimar is a three-pearl, family-friendly all-inclusive resort along Punta Cana’s gorgeous Bavaro Beach. Its 540 cinnamon-scented, air-conditioned rooms have fold-out love seats, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. The resort’s beach is wide and breathtaking, and though it's lined with lounge chairs, there aren't enough umbrellas to meet demand. Freshwater pools -- including options for relaxation and children -- are ringed by tired seating, contributing to a slightly down-market feel in parts of the resort. This is exacerbated by aggressive sales pitches. Features include seven mediocre restaurants, multiple bars (one with bowling lanes), a Pevonia spa, gym, and separate clubs for children and teenagers. Travelers seeking even better extras might consider Club Med Punta Cana instead, which adds a Cirque du Soleil trapeze school and has far better dining options.

The 510-room mid-range Natura Park bills itself as an eco-resort -- but the air conditioners in every room, plastic bar cups, and lack of recycling initiatives have us questioning this claim. Still, with tons of exotic birds scampering around the lush property, Natura Park is more connected to nature than most of its neighbors. Features-wise, the hotel has a large pool with a swim-up bar, a beautiful beach, four dining options, and a small spa and fitness center. Rooms are simple and a tad dated, and there’s no in-room Wi-Fi, but reasonable nightly rates make Natura Park an attractive pick. The nearby Be Live Collection Punta Cana doesn’t have the eco-friendly spiel, but it has more modern rooms, six dining options, and additional amenities for a similar price point.   

Victorian House Boutique Hotel is an aging, two-and-a-half-pearl property located in Sosúa. Most of the hotel’s 50 guest rooms have balconies with wonderful ocean views, but units tend to be slightly untidy and the decor needs an update. On-site amenities, which are shared with the Exxtraordinary Resort – Bellamar, include and outdoor and two restaurants, with all-inclusive packages available. The facilities are better maintained than the guest rooms but still have an older look. Sweeping ocean vistas claim the spotlight throughout the property, which offers direct access to Sosúa Beach; however, guests should bear in mind that sex tourism has a heavy presence in this area. Travelers with some flexibility in their budget might want to consider Hotel Villa Taina as an alternative. 

For the most part strictly a destination for Dominican families with young children, the mid-range Jarabacoa River Club & Resort is dramatically perched above a wading river between two picturesque mountains. The cooler temperatures, pretty location, and inner-tubing fun make it a nice alternative to the island's usual beach resorts, but it can be hard to ignore the crowds and considerable litter. The 45 rooms are basic and slightly worn but cheerful, with balconies and mountain views. The main attraction here is, of course, the river, but there are also two pools, two playgrounds, and riverside restaurants and bars serving simple, mostly local fare (some rates include meals). Those looking for a kid-friendly option on the sand might want to consider Memories Splash Punta Cana.

The Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana is mid-range, family-friendly all-inclusive with more affordable prices than three of the four other resorts in the massive Bahia complex. This section has 756 rooms in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Golden level (which offers a few extras, such as closer proximity to the beach). The beach requires a walk or shuttle from most rooms, but it's easier to get a lounge chair here than at the pool, where chairs tend to get snatched during sunrise. Rooms are basic, clean, and spacious with pull-out sofas for families, but there's a pesky charge to use the in-room safe. It's a crowded, large-scale resort with lots of features and lots of bar and restaurants options.

The down-to-earth, two-pearl Villa Baya Aparta-Hotel in Bayahibe is a fine choice for those looking for a humble, independent getaway near famous dive sites. It’s a simple place, with 17 homey apartments and rooms, many of which include minimally appointed kitchens, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. The hotel is right in town, and there's several shops, restaurants, and dive outfitters all around, and the local beach is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Keep in mind that the neighborhood can be noisy with everything from loud music to roosters. While we were able to photograph a restaurant in 2016, but at the time of writing it was temporarily closed, so check ahead.

Thanks to a 45-million dollar renovation completed in 2017, the adults-only Excellence Punta Cana is now one of the best luxury all-inclusive properties in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Kids aren't allowed, so expect a peaceful scene at the spacious beach, two outdoor swimming pools, and two-story luxe spa with a hydrotherapy circuit. Lobster and premium alcohol are included at the ten bars and nine gourmet restaurants, and only the teppanyaki restaurant requires reservations.
The 464 contemporary suites are divided into six categories, and all have romantic jetted tubs, free Wi-Fi, and free minibars. Some have ocean views, swim-up access, or private pools. Upgrade to the Excellence Club for extra perks like better beach beds and a private swimming pool. The only real downsides are the 45-minute drive from the airport and that the ocean can be too rough for swimming. For a more intimate luxury all-inclusive resort, consider the nearby 92-room Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.