Sunscape Dominican Beach is a three-pearl, beachfront all-inclusive with some of the lowest rates in Punta Cana. There are some wonderful aspects to the resort, but don't forget that cheaper prices means cheaper everything (including food and beverage quality.) Its 457 beachy rooms come with marble floors, minibars, and private balconies or terraces (some with ocean views). The beach is disappointingly narrow and ugly erosion barriers punctuate the otherwise azure waterfront. Luckily, the freshwater pool provides lots of lounge chairs, a swim-up pool bar, a fun animation team, and a kids' pool. Sunscape shares amenities with the resort next door, Sunscape Bavaro Beach, which has additional restaurants, pools, a spa, and (another underwhelming) beachfront. For a family-friendly stay with a long gorgeous beach, tasty restaurants, and a circus school, it’s worth pricing out Club Med Punta Cana -- but rates are higher.
Sunscape Dominican Beach is a three-pearl, beachfront all-inclusive with some of the lowest rates in Punta Cana. There are some wonderful aspects to the resort, but don't forget that cheaper prices means cheaper everything (including food and beverage quality.) Its 457 beachy rooms come with marble floors, minibars, and private balconies or terraces (some with ocean views). The beach is disappointingly narrow and ugly erosion barriers punctuate the otherwise azure waterfront. Luckily, the freshwater pool provides lots of lounge chairs, a swim-up pool bar, a fun animation team, and a kids' pool. Sunscape shares amenities with the resort next door, Sunscape Bavaro Beach, which has additional restaurants, pools, a spa, and (another underwhelming) beachfront. For a family-friendly stay with a long gorgeous beach, tasty restaurants, and a circus school, it’s worth pricing out Club Med Punta Cana -- but rates are higher.
Though it’s by no means luxurious, the three-and-a-half pearl Velero Beach Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Cabarete. Its cliffside location affords awesome ocean views and is the perfect spot for sunsets. The 50 guest rooms are spacious and bright, with large bathrooms and oceanfront balconies. Although a bit small, the hotel’s gorgeous, mosaic-tile infinity pool is surrounded by pillow-topped day beds and slightly worn lounge chairs. Victor’s, the on-site restaurant, serves international cuisine with a focus on fresh Dominican seafood. Velero is within walking distance of downtown Cabarete, and a full service grocery store, but is secluded enough to remain quiet at night. A major downside is the hotel’s tiny beach, which is subject to rough waters and lots of wind. Travelers who would prefer to be directly on Cabarete Beach should check out the nearby Kite Beach Hotel or Hotel Villa Taina.
Though it’s by no means luxurious, the three-and-a-half pearl Velero Beach Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Cabarete. Its cliffside location affords awesome ocean views and is the perfect spot for sunsets. The 50 guest rooms are spacious and bright, with large bathrooms and oceanfront balconies. Although a bit small, the hotel’s gorgeous, mosaic-tile infinity pool is surrounded by pillow-topped day beds and slightly worn lounge chairs. Victor’s, the on-site restaurant, serves international cuisine with a focus on fresh Dominican seafood. Velero is within walking distance of downtown Cabarete, and a full service grocery store, but is secluded enough to remain quiet at night. A major downside is the hotel’s tiny beach, which is subject to rough waters and lots of wind. Travelers who would prefer to be directly on Cabarete Beach should check out the nearby Kite Beach Hotel or Hotel Villa Taina.
The 288-room Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino is an upscale Marriott property with lush gardens and sweeping sea views located a 10-minute drive from the Colonial Zone. With a beautiful outdoor pool, full-service spa, and top-notch gym, the property feels somewhat resort-like for a city hotel, yet it caters just as well to the business set with solid corporate services and events capabilities. Contemporary rooms were fully renovated in 2015 and are outfitted with great amenities such as coffeemakers, minibars, and Aveda toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi, however, is only free in Club Level Suites. The main restaurant serves tasty international cuisine, while snacks and smaller bites are available at both the poolside lounge and the cafe. This is an excellent pick for couples, families, leisure, and business travelers, but those seeking something cheaper could try Barcelo Santo Domingo.
The 288-room Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino is an upscale Marriott property with lush gardens and sweeping sea views located a 10-minute drive from the Colonial Zone. With a beautiful outdoor pool, full-service spa, and top-notch gym, the property feels somewhat resort-like for a city hotel, yet it caters just as well to the business set with solid corporate services and events capabilities. Contemporary rooms were fully renovated in 2015 and are outfitted with great amenities such as coffeemakers, minibars, and Aveda toiletries. In-room Wi-Fi, however, is only free in Club Level Suites. The main restaurant serves tasty international cuisine, while snacks and smaller bites are available at both the poolside lounge and the cafe. This is an excellent pick for couples, families, leisure, and business travelers, but those seeking something cheaper could try Barcelo Santo Domingo.
The upper-middle-range 410-room Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino is the third largest all-inclusive in a sprawling resort complex, and closer to the beach than the Grand Palladium Bavaro. Grand Palladium Palace has three pools, three restaurants, and a small spa and fitness center, but other amenities like more pools and restaurants, a kids' club, a casino, and a nightclub, can be found across the Grand Palladium complex. Bright, modern rooms with contemporary decor are the highlight here, but their open concept bathrooms are better suited to couples than families (though the resort still draws a healthy mix of both). Restaurants are always crowded, and usually require long waits for mediocre food. Upgrade to Paradisus Punta Cana for nicer amenities and better food, but expect to pay slightly more per night.
The upper-middle-range 410-room Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino is the third largest all-inclusive in a sprawling resort complex, and closer to the beach than the Grand Palladium Bavaro. Grand Palladium Palace has three pools, three restaurants, and a small spa and fitness center, but other amenities like more pools and restaurants, a kids' club, a casino, and a nightclub, can be found across the Grand Palladium complex. Bright, modern rooms with contemporary decor are the highlight here, but their open concept bathrooms are better suited to couples than families (though the resort still draws a healthy mix of both). Restaurants are always crowded, and usually require long waits for mediocre food. Upgrade to Paradisus Punta Cana for nicer amenities and better food, but expect to pay slightly more per night.
ApartHotel Costambar is a modest, two-and-a-half-pearl property located across the street from lovely Playa Costambar beach. The hotel’s 18 one- and two-bedroom apartments are basic but tidy, offering kitchenettes and separate living areas. There’s an uncrowded outdoor pool on-site and the beach is less than a one-minute walk away. The peaceful surrounding neighborhood is a welcome change of pace for guests wanting to escape the crowds, but those looking for action may find it too quiet. Travelers seeking a more high-energy scene might prefer Hotel Villa Taina in Cabarete, though rates are a step up.
ApartHotel Costambar is a modest, two-and-a-half-pearl property located across the street from lovely Playa Costambar beach. The hotel’s 18 one- and two-bedroom apartments are basic but tidy, offering kitchenettes and separate living areas. There’s an uncrowded outdoor pool on-site and the beach is less than a one-minute walk away. The peaceful surrounding neighborhood is a welcome change of pace for guests wanting to escape the crowds, but those looking for action may find it too quiet. Travelers seeking a more high-energy scene might prefer Hotel Villa Taina in Cabarete, though rates are a step up.
With fewer than 200 suites, The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort that offers a serene, luxurious environment. The property offers sprawling grounds and upscale amenities such as a top-notch spa, yoga, and a seemingly never-ending pool area; couples will find that the well-behaved little ones here are hardly ever a bother. Guests have free access to the services, facilities, and restaurants at next door Paradisus Palma Real -- particularly the beach area, which this property lacks. Parents will likely appreciate the Kids Zone and babysitting services, while all can enjoy the daily excursions, quality restaurants and bars, and personal concierge service. Rooms are contemporary and well-equipped with free Wi-Fi, free minibars, and two-person whirlpool tubs on the terraces. Swim-up options are available, but no rooms have ocean views. Travelers seeking a larger all-inclusive resort directly along the beach should consider Barcelo Bavaro Palace.
With fewer than 200 suites, The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort that offers a serene, luxurious environment. The property offers sprawling grounds and upscale amenities such as a top-notch spa, yoga, and a seemingly never-ending pool area; couples will find that the well-behaved little ones here are hardly ever a bother. Guests have free access to the services, facilities, and restaurants at next door Paradisus Palma Real -- particularly the beach area, which this property lacks. Parents will likely appreciate the Kids Zone and babysitting services, while all can enjoy the daily excursions, quality restaurants and bars, and personal concierge service. Rooms are contemporary and well-equipped with free Wi-Fi, free minibars, and two-person whirlpool tubs on the terraces. Swim-up options are available, but no rooms have ocean views. Travelers seeking a larger all-inclusive resort directly along the beach should consider Barcelo Bavaro Palace.
The adults-only, all-inclusive Bavaro Beach is the smaller resort in the Barcelo Bavaro complex, and offers the tranquil vibe of a smaller property, but the extensive features of a mega-resort, including a spa, fitness center, golf course, and numerous pools. However, most of these amenities are about a five-minute shuttle ride away at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace. This romantic, upscale spot in Punta Cana is located on one of the best beaches in the area, and features four on-site restaurants, two bars, and rooms with modern technology and beachy decor.
The adults-only, all-inclusive Bavaro Beach is the smaller resort in the Barcelo Bavaro complex, and offers the tranquil vibe of a smaller property, but the extensive features of a mega-resort, including a spa, fitness center, golf course, and numerous pools. However, most of these amenities are about a five-minute shuttle ride away at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace. This romantic, upscale spot in Punta Cana is located on one of the best beaches in the area, and features four on-site restaurants, two bars, and rooms with modern technology and beachy decor.
With a prime location in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, the three-and-a-half pearl Boutique Hotel Palacio is well-situated for tourists looking to visit the city’s most popular attractions. The Cathedral Primada of America, Alcazar de Colon, and Parque Colon are all within a short walk. The two-hundred-year-old property is distinctly inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture built around a beautiful, four-story outdoor garden terrace with a rooftop pool. The 44 guest rooms are quiet, clean, and relatively large with nice-to-have modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. While the historical nature of the hotel is charming, the lack of attention to detail is evident in some areas with peeling paint, missing light bulbs, and non-functional lamps and electrical sockets.
With a prime location in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, the three-and-a-half pearl Boutique Hotel Palacio is well-situated for tourists looking to visit the city’s most popular attractions. The Cathedral Primada of America, Alcazar de Colon, and Parque Colon are all within a short walk. The two-hundred-year-old property is distinctly inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture built around a beautiful, four-story outdoor garden terrace with a rooftop pool. The 44 guest rooms are quiet, clean, and relatively large with nice-to-have modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. While the historical nature of the hotel is charming, the lack of attention to detail is evident in some areas with peeling paint, missing light bulbs, and non-functional lamps and electrical sockets.
One of the few boutique luxury hotels in Punta Cana, the luxury Le Sivory is a quiet, adults-only all-inclusive property situated in a secluded beachfront location, a (bumpy) 50-minute ride from the airport. The 55 rooms here are large and chic, all with terraces or patios (some with hot tubs or private pools) and swish bathrooms. There are four dining options here ranging from stellar gourmet fare to a casual open-air restaurant overlooking the beach. Other features include a beautiful pool, spa, and fitness facilities, as well as a beach that's free of both hawkers and throngs of tourists. Travelers with kids will have to look elsewhere, and may find it worthwhile to compare rates with the nearby Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, which is arguably more luxurious but allows children.
One of the few boutique luxury hotels in Punta Cana, the luxury Le Sivory is a quiet, adults-only all-inclusive property situated in a secluded beachfront location, a (bumpy) 50-minute ride from the airport. The 55 rooms here are large and chic, all with terraces or patios (some with hot tubs or private pools) and swish bathrooms. There are four dining options here ranging from stellar gourmet fare to a casual open-air restaurant overlooking the beach. Other features include a beautiful pool, spa, and fitness facilities, as well as a beach that's free of both hawkers and throngs of tourists. Travelers with kids will have to look elsewhere, and may find it worthwhile to compare rates with the nearby Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, which is arguably more luxurious but allows children.
Casa Colonial Beach and Spa is a swish, four-pearl property located on Playa Dorada beach. The hotel’s 50 rooms exude timeless style, featuring decor inspired by colonial-era aesthetics. Amenities, which include a spa, two restaurants and a pair of bars, plus a rooftop pool, are equally chic -- most are on the smaller side, but this mainly just enhances the hotel’s intimate feel. While you might hear some noise from the busy resorts nearby and service is sometimes a bit off, Casa Colonial is by far the most luxurious option in Puerto Plata. Guests may want to compare rates and amenities with Blue JackTar, but it’s not as fancy.
Casa Colonial Beach and Spa is a swish, four-pearl property located on Playa Dorada beach. The hotel’s 50 rooms exude timeless style, featuring decor inspired by colonial-era aesthetics. Amenities, which include a spa, two restaurants and a pair of bars, plus a rooftop pool, are equally chic -- most are on the smaller side, but this mainly just enhances the hotel’s intimate feel. While you might hear some noise from the busy resorts nearby and service is sometimes a bit off, Casa Colonial is by far the most luxurious option in Puerto Plata. Guests may want to compare rates and amenities with Blue JackTar, but it’s not as fancy.