On well-trafficked Route 3, the small, three-and-a-half-pearl Playa Esmeralda Beach Resort also sits on a lovely, white sand beach with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Along with a clean, ample pool, meticulously cared-for grounds, and two on-site restaurants with all-inclusive packages, the hotel ticks many of the essential boxes for a waterfront hotel getaway. While the 42 rooms are small and dated, they all offer free, must-have amenities like air-conditioning, mini-fridges, bottled water, and optional ocean view balconies. For those looking for a more full-featured resort, check rates at the nearby Coral Costa Caribe Hotel.
On well-trafficked Route 3, the small, three-and-a-half-pearl Playa Esmeralda Beach Resort also sits on a lovely, white sand beach with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Along with a clean, ample pool, meticulously cared-for grounds, and two on-site restaurants with all-inclusive packages, the hotel ticks many of the essential boxes for a waterfront hotel getaway. While the 42 rooms are small and dated, they all offer free, must-have amenities like air-conditioning, mini-fridges, bottled water, and optional ocean view balconies. For those looking for a more full-featured resort, check rates at the nearby Coral Costa Caribe Hotel.
With two cliffside infinity pools, a pristine, white sand beach, and a hilltop restaurant with stunning views of Cayo Levantado, the three-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Vista Mare Samana ticks many of the must-have boxes for an essential beachfront getaway. 87 apartments are among the largest, most luxurious, and feature-rich accommodations in Samana province. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Samana, though it’s only 20 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Families may want to check out the nearby Grand Paradise Samana, it has a kids' pool and calm beach.
With two cliffside infinity pools, a pristine, white sand beach, and a hilltop restaurant with stunning views of Cayo Levantado, the three-and-a-half pearl Xeliter Vista Mare Samana ticks many of the must-have boxes for an essential beachfront getaway. 87 apartments are among the largest, most luxurious, and feature-rich accommodations in Samana province. The secure, gated property feels worlds away from the hustle of nearby Samana, though it’s only 20 minutes by car from the town’s dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Families may want to check out the nearby Grand Paradise Samana, it has a kids' pool and calm beach.
Set on Boca Chica beach, whala!bocachica is a budget all-inclusive beach resort with an aesthetic inspired by the town’s former life as a quaint fishing village. Rooms are homey, and upgraded categories come with minibars, enhanced decor, and private balconies with pretty garden, pool, or ocean views. The resort features an adult-only section, a kids’ club, and water sports such as scuba diving and windsurfing for an extra cost. Two restaurants, three open-air bars, and a daytime pizzeria and snack bar are on offer. The stairs (no elevators) are a turnoff; and the two pools can become loud and rambunctious when the place is full. Persistent beach vendors can get annoying and Wi-Fi access is limited. Travelers who’d prefer to stay on a private beach could try nearby Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden.
Set on Boca Chica beach, whala!bocachica is a budget all-inclusive beach resort with an aesthetic inspired by the town’s former life as a quaint fishing village. Rooms are homey, and upgraded categories come with minibars, enhanced decor, and private balconies with pretty garden, pool, or ocean views. The resort features an adult-only section, a kids’ club, and water sports such as scuba diving and windsurfing for an extra cost. Two restaurants, three open-air bars, and a daytime pizzeria and snack bar are on offer. The stairs (no elevators) are a turnoff; and the two pools can become loud and rambunctious when the place is full. Persistent beach vendors can get annoying and Wi-Fi access is limited. Travelers who’d prefer to stay on a private beach could try nearby Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden.
There are just a handful of resorts on this particular stretch of beach about 20 minutes from La Romana, and this mid-range, 415-room property is a solid choice that draws an international crowd. This all-inclusive's best attributes are the beach (with great waves, snorkeling, and sunset views), and the food and drink spots, which are spread out over manicured grounds. It's a popular option for both families (children get their own section at the main buffet) and couples, especially honeymooners, who receive an instant upgrade when suites are available. Room types vary greatly: Non-Privilege are as basic as it gets, but Privilege rooms have canopy beds, stocked minibars, and sightly more contemporary decor. Plenty of sports activities can be enjoyed on-site and excursions are available for those who get a case of claustrophobia. Free Wi-Fi is spotty at best.
There are just a handful of resorts on this particular stretch of beach about 20 minutes from La Romana, and this mid-range, 415-room property is a solid choice that draws an international crowd. This all-inclusive's best attributes are the beach (with great waves, snorkeling, and sunset views), and the food and drink spots, which are spread out over manicured grounds. It's a popular option for both families (children get their own section at the main buffet) and couples, especially honeymooners, who receive an instant upgrade when suites are available. Room types vary greatly: Non-Privilege are as basic as it gets, but Privilege rooms have canopy beds, stocked minibars, and sightly more contemporary decor. Plenty of sports activities can be enjoyed on-site and excursions are available for those who get a case of claustrophobia. Free Wi-Fi is spotty at best.
Set within the Guavaberry Golf Course off the highway in the small town of Juan Dolio, the three-and-a-half-pearl Sybaris Suites and Residences is a bit tucked away. That seclusion is appealing to the families and couples who often choose this boutique property over the all-inclusive resorts in nearby Bavaro. With 24-hour security, the romantic resort also has family-friendly perks like a children’s playground, babysitting services, a kiddie pool, even a soccer field. The 60 spacious apartments with yards, full kitchens, and washer-dryers are a lovely step up from other area properties, with stylish modern decor. It’s definitely isolated here, but the hotel offers free shuttles all around town. It also has a more social vibe than at nearby Los Marlins Suites, one of its competitors.
Set within the Guavaberry Golf Course off the highway in the small town of Juan Dolio, the three-and-a-half-pearl Sybaris Suites and Residences is a bit tucked away. That seclusion is appealing to the families and couples who often choose this boutique property over the all-inclusive resorts in nearby Bavaro. With 24-hour security, the romantic resort also has family-friendly perks like a children’s playground, babysitting services, a kiddie pool, even a soccer field. The 60 spacious apartments with yards, full kitchens, and washer-dryers are a lovely step up from other area properties, with stylish modern decor. It’s definitely isolated here, but the hotel offers free shuttles all around town. It also has a more social vibe than at nearby Los Marlins Suites, one of its competitors.
The mid-range El Beaterio Casa Museo is a boutique bed-and-breakfast nestled in a calm pocket of the Zona Colonial, an easy stroll to restaurants and sites. Steeped in history as a former 16th century convent, El Beaterio is officially recognized as a “hotel-museum” for its historical and architectural value, which is on display throughout. Old stone walls are filled with artifacts, imagery, and commentary documenting the building’s fascinating past. Its 15 rooms are simple, rustic, and charming, with wrought-iron furniture and comfortable beds, though some guests find rooms a little dark and their bathrooms cramped. Guests love the free breakfast, the chicly furnished rooftop, and the charming Old World vibe on display. El Beaterio is a hidden gem, perfect for a short, comfortable stay in the old city -- but those craving something more upscale should consider the Billini Hotel around the corner.
The mid-range El Beaterio Casa Museo is a boutique bed-and-breakfast nestled in a calm pocket of the Zona Colonial, an easy stroll to restaurants and sites. Steeped in history as a former 16th century convent, El Beaterio is officially recognized as a “hotel-museum” for its historical and architectural value, which is on display throughout. Old stone walls are filled with artifacts, imagery, and commentary documenting the building’s fascinating past. Its 15 rooms are simple, rustic, and charming, with wrought-iron furniture and comfortable beds, though some guests find rooms a little dark and their bathrooms cramped. Guests love the free breakfast, the chicly furnished rooftop, and the charming Old World vibe on display. El Beaterio is a hidden gem, perfect for a short, comfortable stay in the old city -- but those craving something more upscale should consider the Billini Hotel around the corner.
Three-pearl Hodelpa Garden Suites stands in a remote gated development in the sleepy village of Juan Dolio. Surrounded by posh homes, pristine manicured lawns, and an 18-hole golf course, it's reminiscent of a Florida retirement community transplanted to the Dominican Republic. The pool is impressively large and the beach is just a 15-minute walk from here. The hotel's free happy hour -- an unexpected perk at a hotel that's not all-inclusive 00 is a nice touch, though food in the hotel's restaurant isn't great. The 125 homey rooms are massive and have separate bedrooms plus simple kitchenettes. Families with safety as their top priority will appreciate the 24-hour security, but others may want to compare with the more expensive Emotions Beach Resort, which has better food and hotel amenities.
Three-pearl Hodelpa Garden Suites stands in a remote gated development in the sleepy village of Juan Dolio. Surrounded by posh homes, pristine manicured lawns, and an 18-hole golf course, it's reminiscent of a Florida retirement community transplanted to the Dominican Republic. The pool is impressively large and the beach is just a 15-minute walk from here. The hotel's free happy hour -- an unexpected perk at a hotel that's not all-inclusive 00 is a nice touch, though food in the hotel's restaurant isn't great. The 125 homey rooms are massive and have separate bedrooms plus simple kitchenettes. Families with safety as their top priority will appreciate the 24-hour security, but others may want to compare with the more expensive Emotions Beach Resort, which has better food and hotel amenities.
Extreme Hotel is an eco-friendly, three-pearl resort with tons of on-site activities that focus on fitness, adventure, and extreme sports. With an on-site kite school and endlessly windy conditions, an on-site half-pipe, outdoor yoga studio, cross-fit gym, and a full-size trapeze with available circus lessons, this is not the place where vacationers come to spend their days lounging by the pool. There’s a small beachfront bar and restaurant that uses ingredients from the hotel’s on-site permaculture garden in nearly all of its daily changing menu items. The 19 guest rooms are bare-bones, with simple wood furniture, white bedding, and teeny tiny bathrooms. The hotel’s motto “live by the sun” not only implies action-packed days outdoors, but also touches on the need to restrict electricity usage -- which means there’s no air-conditioning. Directly next door is Kite Beach Hotel Cabarete, with fewer amenities and lower rates.
Extreme Hotel is an eco-friendly, three-pearl resort with tons of on-site activities that focus on fitness, adventure, and extreme sports. With an on-site kite school and endlessly windy conditions, an on-site half-pipe, outdoor yoga studio, cross-fit gym, and a full-size trapeze with available circus lessons, this is not the place where vacationers come to spend their days lounging by the pool. There’s a small beachfront bar and restaurant that uses ingredients from the hotel’s on-site permaculture garden in nearly all of its daily changing menu items. The 19 guest rooms are bare-bones, with simple wood furniture, white bedding, and teeny tiny bathrooms. The hotel’s motto “live by the sun” not only implies action-packed days outdoors, but also touches on the need to restrict electricity usage -- which means there’s no air-conditioning. Directly next door is Kite Beach Hotel Cabarete, with fewer amenities and lower rates.
The three-pearl Be Live Hamaca is an aging resort set on a calm and swimmable stretch of Boca Chica beachfront. Overall, this hotel is best suited for unfussy families after cheap all-inclusive rates. Technically, this is part of a two-resort complex, with shared amenities which might require a walk to reach. The property has 670 rooms which are spacious and bright with balconies; stylishly renovated Hamaca Suites are the best bet and come with nice perks. Features include five swimming pools, a modern spa, solid evening entertainment, and a casino. Aside from chic Pelicano (not part of the all-inclusive plan), dining at the five restaurants is mediocre at best. Some guests find the quality, maintenance, and tired appearance of the place to be a general letdown. As an alternative, the nearby Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa has slightly higher rates, but a nicer aesthetic.
The three-pearl Be Live Hamaca is an aging resort set on a calm and swimmable stretch of Boca Chica beachfront. Overall, this hotel is best suited for unfussy families after cheap all-inclusive rates. Technically, this is part of a two-resort complex, with shared amenities which might require a walk to reach. The property has 670 rooms which are spacious and bright with balconies; stylishly renovated Hamaca Suites are the best bet and come with nice perks. Features include five swimming pools, a modern spa, solid evening entertainment, and a casino. Aside from chic Pelicano (not part of the all-inclusive plan), dining at the five restaurants is mediocre at best. Some guests find the quality, maintenance, and tired appearance of the place to be a general letdown. As an alternative, the nearby Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa has slightly higher rates, but a nicer aesthetic.
Hotel Villa Taina is located in the center of downtown Cabarete, right on world-famous Cabarete Beach. With 300 days of consistent wind per year, Cabarete is a wind sport enthusiast’s dream. The upper-middle-range Hotel Villa Taina sits on a lovely section of the beach, and has its own wind sports center, where amateurs take lessons in windsurfing and kite boarding. However, such a fabulous location does come with a few pitfalls: The 57 guest rooms are small and not all are updated, the pool is tiny, and the fitness center is an afterthought. Serenade, the beachfront bar and restaurant, serves reasonably priced drinks and mediocre food, but the incessant wind makes dining outside a challenge (think flying napkins and spilled drinks). Travelers looking for a hotel with bigger rooms and an infinity pool might prefer nearby Velero Beach Resort.
Hotel Villa Taina is located in the center of downtown Cabarete, right on world-famous Cabarete Beach. With 300 days of consistent wind per year, Cabarete is a wind sport enthusiast’s dream. The upper-middle-range Hotel Villa Taina sits on a lovely section of the beach, and has its own wind sports center, where amateurs take lessons in windsurfing and kite boarding. However, such a fabulous location does come with a few pitfalls: The 57 guest rooms are small and not all are updated, the pool is tiny, and the fitness center is an afterthought. Serenade, the beachfront bar and restaurant, serves reasonably priced drinks and mediocre food, but the incessant wind makes dining outside a challenge (think flying napkins and spilled drinks). Travelers looking for a hotel with bigger rooms and an infinity pool might prefer nearby Velero Beach Resort.