Located on an excellent stretch of beach, the Iberostar's clean rooms, immaculate grounds, great service, and buzzing activities morning, noon and night make it feel like a well-oiled machine. Sure, it's crowded, the meat's overcooked, and the rooms and gym are showing some wear, but it's still one of Punta Cana's best deals.
Located on an excellent stretch of beach, the Iberostar's clean rooms, immaculate grounds, great service, and buzzing activities morning, noon and night make it feel like a well-oiled machine. Sure, it's crowded, the meat's overcooked, and the rooms and gym are showing some wear, but it's still one of Punta Cana's best deals.
This 447-room property, offering basic all-inclusive surroundings and consistent low prices, is popular with families and charter groups from North America and Europe. The compact size and relaxed vibe is key: most three-story buildings are an easy walk to the lobby, restaurants, large freshwater pool, and beautiful beach. Guests get unlimited use of non-motorized water sports (make sure to take advantage of the free 30-minute catamaran ride). Renovated rooms have nice tile floors, white linens with simple Caribbean accents, updated bathrooms (some with rain shower heads), and wicker balcony furniture. There's evening entertainment in the theater, and for those brave enough, an outdated disco and an almost laughable casino -- not surprisingly this is not well-used. Reservations are not required at any of the a la carte restaurants, allowing a bit more freedom. There is no reliable Wi-Fi, anywhere -- best to leave the computer at home.
This 447-room property, offering basic all-inclusive surroundings and consistent low prices, is popular with families and charter groups from North America and Europe. The compact size and relaxed vibe is key: most three-story buildings are an easy walk to the lobby, restaurants, large freshwater pool, and beautiful beach. Guests get unlimited use of non-motorized water sports (make sure to take advantage of the free 30-minute catamaran ride). Renovated rooms have nice tile floors, white linens with simple Caribbean accents, updated bathrooms (some with rain shower heads), and wicker balcony furniture. There's evening entertainment in the theater, and for those brave enough, an outdated disco and an almost laughable casino -- not surprisingly this is not well-used. Reservations are not required at any of the a la carte restaurants, allowing a bit more freedom. There is no reliable Wi-Fi, anywhere -- best to leave the computer at home.
Located on the D.R.’s softest and calmest stretch of beach, the highly active Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is a pretty solid family option -- three clean pools, attentive service, and excellent scuba diving (though for a cost). But because the rooms are dated and poorly maintained, and the food is only good (not great), the newly renovated Dreams La Romana is a better option for the same price.
Located on the D.R.’s softest and calmest stretch of beach, the highly active Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is a pretty solid family option -- three clean pools, attentive service, and excellent scuba diving (though for a cost). But because the rooms are dated and poorly maintained, and the food is only good (not great), the newly renovated Dreams La Romana is a better option for the same price.
Be Live Collection Punta Cana is an 821-room mid-range all-inclusive in a run-down part of Punta Cana. The aging property isn’t well maintained, and though rooms have cheery decor, they still feel old and worn. Be Live has five pools, including one for adults only and one for VIP guests. The hotel’s beach isn’t the prettiest in Punta Cana (expect mounds of seaweed), but what it lacks in looks it helps make up for with its lively atmosphere. Other on-site amenities include a small spa, fitness center, casino, and an outdoor theater. Many guests complain about the poor food quality across the property, which we also found to be pretty bad, at both the buffet and the a la carte restaurants. An all around better pick is Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Casino & Golf Resort.
Be Live Collection Punta Cana is an 821-room mid-range all-inclusive in a run-down part of Punta Cana. The aging property isn’t well maintained, and though rooms have cheery decor, they still feel old and worn. Be Live has five pools, including one for adults only and one for VIP guests. The hotel’s beach isn’t the prettiest in Punta Cana (expect mounds of seaweed), but what it lacks in looks it helps make up for with its lively atmosphere. Other on-site amenities include a small spa, fitness center, casino, and an outdoor theater. Many guests complain about the poor food quality across the property, which we also found to be pretty bad, at both the buffet and the a la carte restaurants. An all around better pick is Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Casino & Golf Resort.
This large maze-like property is arguably the best of the four Princess properties in Punta Cana. Set on a great stretch of slightly less crowded beach in the area of Bavaro, there are 808 condo-style units spread out over seemingly never-ending grounds. The sprawling property allows for more privacy but also means a long walk to the beach and pool area for many guests. The walk can be broken up with a little exploration in the ecological park, which contains rabbits, peacocks, chickens, and parrots; otherwise, guests will have to patiently wait for the tram, which comes around every 15 minutes or so. Decent restaurant options and daily specials allow for dining variety, and the lively (but not too lively) bar scene is a highlight, especially in the lobby for pre-dinner drinks and piano music. Though the resort brings in a mix of international couples and families, honeymooners might seek a spot with a little more romance.
This large maze-like property is arguably the best of the four Princess properties in Punta Cana. Set on a great stretch of slightly less crowded beach in the area of Bavaro, there are 808 condo-style units spread out over seemingly never-ending grounds. The sprawling property allows for more privacy but also means a long walk to the beach and pool area for many guests. The walk can be broken up with a little exploration in the ecological park, which contains rabbits, peacocks, chickens, and parrots; otherwise, guests will have to patiently wait for the tram, which comes around every 15 minutes or so. Decent restaurant options and daily specials allow for dining variety, and the lively (but not too lively) bar scene is a highlight, especially in the lobby for pre-dinner drinks and piano music. Though the resort brings in a mix of international couples and families, honeymooners might seek a spot with a little more romance.
The upscale Secrets Royal Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a party atmosphere along Punta Cana’s beautiful Bavaro Beach. Its 464 air-conditioned rooms are attractive and modern, and feature free minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with hot tubs; some feature ocean views. Three pools -- two with swim-up bars -- and generous all-inclusive rates mean things can get a bit loud as the day goes on, and it's worth noting that amenities like the spa are at kid-packed Now Larimar Punta Cana next door. Reservations aren’t required for any of the five on-site restaurants, but wait times can be long and food gets mixed reviews. Preferred Club upgrades include a private pool and lounge, as well as great in-room perks. Couples seeking a quieter all-inclusive option should consider the luxurious Sanctuary Cap Cana.
The upscale Secrets Royal Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a party atmosphere along Punta Cana’s beautiful Bavaro Beach. Its 464 air-conditioned rooms are attractive and modern, and feature free minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with hot tubs; some feature ocean views. Three pools -- two with swim-up bars -- and generous all-inclusive rates mean things can get a bit loud as the day goes on, and it's worth noting that amenities like the spa are at kid-packed Now Larimar Punta Cana next door. Reservations aren’t required for any of the five on-site restaurants, but wait times can be long and food gets mixed reviews. Preferred Club upgrades include a private pool and lounge, as well as great in-room perks. Couples seeking a quieter all-inclusive option should consider the luxurious Sanctuary Cap Cana.
The Dominican Republic's classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, the quaint "town" of Altos de Chavon, an equestrian center, and numerous other on-site activities. Rooms and suites are upscale and elegant, but the real deal here are the villas, which feature private pools, butlers, and full kitchens. Food is excellent at this family-friendly resort, and the spa offers great treatments. Note that many guests opt for the all-inclusive package, which covers meals, drinks, and activities such as horseback riding. Though the Eden Roc at Cap Cana may offer more luxurious rooms, Casa de Campo certainly offers more activities and some prefer its upscale, yet slightly more laid-back, vibe.
The Dominican Republic's classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, the quaint "town" of Altos de Chavon, an equestrian center, and numerous other on-site activities. Rooms and suites are upscale and elegant, but the real deal here are the villas, which feature private pools, butlers, and full kitchens. Food is excellent at this family-friendly resort, and the spa offers great treatments. Note that many guests opt for the all-inclusive package, which covers meals, drinks, and activities such as horseback riding. Though the Eden Roc at Cap Cana may offer more luxurious rooms, Casa de Campo certainly offers more activities and some prefer its upscale, yet slightly more laid-back, vibe.
In Punta Cana, it's almost impossible to rival the five-pearl Tortuga Bay Hotel for sheer luxury, VIP treatment, and boutique intimacy. The Oscar de la Renta (a locally legend, born in nearby Santo Domingo) designed property offers some of the chicest lodging on the entire island. Every amenity -- including Bamboo restaurant, the white-sand beach, free airport transfers and expedited immigration service, and Six Senses Spa -- is world-class. The 30 spacious and sophisticated suites are luxuriously appointed with jetted tubs, beautiful bathrooms, private butler service, and ocean-view balconies/terraces. Cruiser bikes and golf carts come with each suite. If guests are going to balk at anything here, it’s likely to be the price and lack of evening entertainment. Although it lacks the same sophistication, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club offers a similar location and amenities on an adjacent beach -- for lower rates.
In Punta Cana, it's almost impossible to rival the five-pearl Tortuga Bay Hotel for sheer luxury, VIP treatment, and boutique intimacy. The Oscar de la Renta (a locally legend, born in nearby Santo Domingo) designed property offers some of the chicest lodging on the entire island. Every amenity -- including Bamboo restaurant, the white-sand beach, free airport transfers and expedited immigration service, and Six Senses Spa -- is world-class. The 30 spacious and sophisticated suites are luxuriously appointed with jetted tubs, beautiful bathrooms, private butler service, and ocean-view balconies/terraces. Cruiser bikes and golf carts come with each suite. If guests are going to balk at anything here, it’s likely to be the price and lack of evening entertainment. Although it lacks the same sophistication, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club offers a similar location and amenities on an adjacent beach -- for lower rates.
The 323-room Sanctuary Cap Cana is a romantic adults-only all-inclusive resort set along a lovely white-sand beach a 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. This luxury hotel looks like a Spanish castle town by the ocean and it's located in the still developing Cap Cana complex, a bit removed from the main resort area. All rooms have attractive decor, jetted tubs, and furnished outdoor spaces, while upgraded units add outdoor hot tubs, living rooms, and/or private plunge pools. Its beautifully decorated swimming pools, full-service spa and fitness center, and array of daily activities and nighttime entertainment are standouts in the Dominican Republic. All-inclusive restaurants include buffet, Asian, Italian, and overwater seafood options, plus there are 24-hour room service and bars serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. However, some past guests have complained of a lack of variety and quality when it comes to both food and alcohol. Nevertheless, this is one of the D.R.'s best options, though it’s worth comparing rates with the similarly impressive Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, which has a more intimate feel.
The 323-room Sanctuary Cap Cana is a romantic adults-only all-inclusive resort set along a lovely white-sand beach a 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. This luxury hotel looks like a Spanish castle town by the ocean and it's located in the still developing Cap Cana complex, a bit removed from the main resort area. All rooms have attractive decor, jetted tubs, and furnished outdoor spaces, while upgraded units add outdoor hot tubs, living rooms, and/or private plunge pools. Its beautifully decorated swimming pools, full-service spa and fitness center, and array of daily activities and nighttime entertainment are standouts in the Dominican Republic. All-inclusive restaurants include buffet, Asian, Italian, and overwater seafood options, plus there are 24-hour room service and bars serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. However, some past guests have complained of a lack of variety and quality when it comes to both food and alcohol. Nevertheless, this is one of the D.R.'s best options, though it’s worth comparing rates with the similarly impressive Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, which has a more intimate feel.
The sole adults-only hotel on the five-resort Riu complex, the Macao has a generally upscale vibe that’s significantly more tranquil than its sister properties. There’s still the requisite poolside entertainment and loud music by the gorgeous, white-sand beach, but couple-friendly amenities (which the other properties lack) include name-brand liquor and a designated VIP section on the beach. While this all-inclusive features sleek rooms and fun nightly entertainment, many guests complain about the mediocre food and the long walk to the gym and spa.
The sole adults-only hotel on the five-resort Riu complex, the Macao has a generally upscale vibe that’s significantly more tranquil than its sister properties. There’s still the requisite poolside entertainment and loud music by the gorgeous, white-sand beach, but couple-friendly amenities (which the other properties lack) include name-brand liquor and a designated VIP section on the beach. While this all-inclusive features sleek rooms and fun nightly entertainment, many guests complain about the mediocre food and the long walk to the gym and spa.