As one of the lower-priced Princess properties in Punta Cana (with three other locations in the same vicinity) Caribe Club, with its disco and 24-hour bar, appeals to a party crowd, especially in March and April when spring breakers sidle up to bars ordering MamaJuana. This crowd isn’t as discerning when in comes to getting sleep, hence why some rooms -- the Caribe Suites in particular -- get away with patterned bedspreads and tube televisions, making them feel out-of-date compared to Bavaro Princess nearby. (Superior Rooms and Honeymoon Suites are better options for grown-ups.) Overall, low prices help keep the focus on a great beach, large pool, friendly bars, and live entertainment in the open-air theatre. For a special occasion, save up for a night at La Cava, which is not included in the all-inclusive price.
As one of the lower-priced Princess properties in Punta Cana (with three other locations in the same vicinity) Caribe Club, with its disco and 24-hour bar, appeals to a party crowd, especially in March and April when spring breakers sidle up to bars ordering MamaJuana. This crowd isn’t as discerning when in comes to getting sleep, hence why some rooms -- the Caribe Suites in particular -- get away with patterned bedspreads and tube televisions, making them feel out-of-date compared to Bavaro Princess nearby. (Superior Rooms and Honeymoon Suites are better options for grown-ups.) Overall, low prices help keep the focus on a great beach, large pool, friendly bars, and live entertainment in the open-air theatre. For a special occasion, save up for a night at La Cava, which is not included in the all-inclusive price.
The Iberostar mega-complex is made up of four neighboring properties, and the 500-room Iberostar Dominicana is perhaps the best option for families given its more compact size and adjoining rooms. It's also popular with couples, who can likely appreciate the romantic, manicured grounds and fountains, while partiers can take advantage of the lively scene at the pool and beach bars. The beach here is renowned for a reason, but the chairs nearest to the ocean often get snagged in the early morning. With access to the golf course, tennis center, late-night disco and quality food and beverage options, it's a stand-out option for the low price. Just don't expect to be wowed by room decor, or to have free Wi-Fi.
The Iberostar mega-complex is made up of four neighboring properties, and the 500-room Iberostar Dominicana is perhaps the best option for families given its more compact size and adjoining rooms. It's also popular with couples, who can likely appreciate the romantic, manicured grounds and fountains, while partiers can take advantage of the lively scene at the pool and beach bars. The beach here is renowned for a reason, but the chairs nearest to the ocean often get snagged in the early morning. With access to the golf course, tennis center, late-night disco and quality food and beverage options, it's a stand-out option for the low price. Just don't expect to be wowed by room decor, or to have free Wi-Fi.
A gorgeous white-sand beach, two pristine pools (one to please partiers and one more tranquil), and numerous included features make this Riu property a solid value. But dated rooms, mediocre -- at best -- food, and a pesky fee for Wi-Fi make it worth comparing prices with the nearby Iberostar Punta Cana, or spending a little extra at the Dreams Punta Cana.
A gorgeous white-sand beach, two pristine pools (one to please partiers and one more tranquil), and numerous included features make this Riu property a solid value. But dated rooms, mediocre -- at best -- food, and a pesky fee for Wi-Fi make it worth comparing prices with the nearby Iberostar Punta Cana, or spending a little extra at the Dreams Punta Cana.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana is a luxury hotel with a swish oceanfront beach club in Punta Cana’s posh Cap Cana enclave. Its 60 air-conditioned units are a mix of beachfront units with sophisticated European interiors and more classically styled villas with king beds, flat-screen TVs, smart-home systems, private plunge pools, and huge marble bathrooms. The resort has three tasty restaurants and multiple bars, but only breakfast is included in rates. Hotel amenities include a gorgeous private beach, two infinity pools, two gyms, a spa, two kids' clubs, and a romantic natural cenote. Welcome cocktails and airport transfers are free. As an alternative, the Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort and Club is an oceanfront boutique hotel that adds Oscar de la Renta-designed interiors and water sports (the latter are surprisingly lacking at Eden Roc).
Eden Roc at Cap Cana is a luxury hotel with a swish oceanfront beach club in Punta Cana’s posh Cap Cana enclave. Its 60 air-conditioned units are a mix of beachfront units with sophisticated European interiors and more classically styled villas with king beds, flat-screen TVs, smart-home systems, private plunge pools, and huge marble bathrooms. The resort has three tasty restaurants and multiple bars, but only breakfast is included in rates. Hotel amenities include a gorgeous private beach, two infinity pools, two gyms, a spa, two kids' clubs, and a romantic natural cenote. Welcome cocktails and airport transfers are free. As an alternative, the Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort and Club is an oceanfront boutique hotel that adds Oscar de la Renta-designed interiors and water sports (the latter are surprisingly lacking at Eden Roc).
The all-inclusive Riu Palace is a luxe option in Punta Cana. It's part of the massive complex of Riu resorts, which are all located on a beautiful, white-sand beach. Rooms are some of the best in the area, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and liquor dispensers. Their sexy look (picture sleek lines, a pink, purple, and black color scheme, and spacious open bathrooms) seems designed with couples in mind, but the hotel does provide a kids' club as well as numerous on-site activities. With 610 rooms, its a mid-size resort for the area: Getting around the property does not require a shuttle but some amenities (such as the casino) are located farther away at sister properties in the Riu complex.
The all-inclusive Riu Palace is a luxe option in Punta Cana. It's part of the massive complex of Riu resorts, which are all located on a beautiful, white-sand beach. Rooms are some of the best in the area, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and liquor dispensers. Their sexy look (picture sleek lines, a pink, purple, and black color scheme, and spacious open bathrooms) seems designed with couples in mind, but the hotel does provide a kids' club as well as numerous on-site activities. With 610 rooms, its a mid-size resort for the area: Getting around the property does not require a shuttle but some amenities (such as the casino) are located farther away at sister properties in the Riu complex.
The 674-room Grand Palladium Bavaro is spread over spacious grounds (guests also have access to two sister properties) offering 15 bars, five buffets, and eight restaurants. Walking shoes are recommended, but family-friendly amenities, lower prices than some neighbors, and renovated rooms are the big draws. In 2014, the resort added 178 units including a swim-up option overlooking the beach (a great pick for honeymooners -- otherwise romantics may want to check out the adults-only Royal Turquesa next door). Kids and their parents, on the other hand, will appreciate the outstanding kids' club, but the beach can get crowded.
The 674-room Grand Palladium Bavaro is spread over spacious grounds (guests also have access to two sister properties) offering 15 bars, five buffets, and eight restaurants. Walking shoes are recommended, but family-friendly amenities, lower prices than some neighbors, and renovated rooms are the big draws. In 2014, the resort added 178 units including a swim-up option overlooking the beach (a great pick for honeymooners -- otherwise romantics may want to check out the adults-only Royal Turquesa next door). Kids and their parents, on the other hand, will appreciate the outstanding kids' club, but the beach can get crowded.
The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is one of three upscale all-inclusive sister resorts on a beautiful stretch of Bavaro Beach. The property closed completely for two months in 2017 to thoroughly renovate the lobby and restaurants. It now operates almost as two resorts: the family-friendly side and the adults-only Colonial Club side. The 658 attractive suites have rainfall showers and separate jetted tubs, free minibars, and furnished outdoor spaces -- some with ocean views or swim-out access. Food is above average at eight restaurants, including two lovely buffet options and a fun sushi restaurant. The dedicated animation staff keeps the energy upbeat at twice-weekly foam parties, while a full-service spa offers relaxing facilities. A 1,300-foot lazy river-style pool meanders down the center of the property and there are always sun loungers available, though the beach does get crowded. A casino, disco, and free non-motorized water sports round out amenities. For cheaper rates, but slightly less exciting rooms, check prices next door at Majestic Elegance Punta Cana.
The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is one of three upscale all-inclusive sister resorts on a beautiful stretch of Bavaro Beach. The property closed completely for two months in 2017 to thoroughly renovate the lobby and restaurants. It now operates almost as two resorts: the family-friendly side and the adults-only Colonial Club side. The 658 attractive suites have rainfall showers and separate jetted tubs, free minibars, and furnished outdoor spaces -- some with ocean views or swim-out access. Food is above average at eight restaurants, including two lovely buffet options and a fun sushi restaurant. The dedicated animation staff keeps the energy upbeat at twice-weekly foam parties, while a full-service spa offers relaxing facilities. A 1,300-foot lazy river-style pool meanders down the center of the property and there are always sun loungers available, though the beach does get crowded. A casino, disco, and free non-motorized water sports round out amenities. For cheaper rates, but slightly less exciting rooms, check prices next door at Majestic Elegance Punta Cana.
The 620-room Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive property suitable for both couples and families looking for a relaxed beachfront getaway. It sits on a beautiful white-sand beach a 20-minute drive from touristy Bavaro, and about double that from the airport. A long list of features here includes a huge freeform outdoor pool, free non-motorized water sports, tons of daytime activities, a full-service spa, and nightly entertainment, plus a quality kids’ club with a mini water park. Dreams’ Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive experience means guests eat free at both a la carte and buffet restaurants, and receive top-shelf liquor at several bars. Rooms are contemporary and have outdoor spaces, free minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but they’re showing wear and few have direct ocean views. Overall, better values can be found at all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana; families should consider Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, while couples may prefer the boutique Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
The 620-room Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive property suitable for both couples and families looking for a relaxed beachfront getaway. It sits on a beautiful white-sand beach a 20-minute drive from touristy Bavaro, and about double that from the airport. A long list of features here includes a huge freeform outdoor pool, free non-motorized water sports, tons of daytime activities, a full-service spa, and nightly entertainment, plus a quality kids’ club with a mini water park. Dreams’ Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive experience means guests eat free at both a la carte and buffet restaurants, and receive top-shelf liquor at several bars. Rooms are contemporary and have outdoor spaces, free minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but they’re showing wear and few have direct ocean views. Overall, better values can be found at all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana; families should consider Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, while couples may prefer the boutique Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
Occidental Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort with a gorgeous setting along Bavaro Beach. Its 860 simple, but modern, rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and rainfall showers. Unfortunately, there's no beach service (or free Wi-Fi) unless you're a Royal Level guest. Given the property's sprawling size, amenities are predictably numerous. Three freshwater pools have abundant poolside seating, while the zero-entry pool features ocean views. Occidental’s seven sit-down restaurants and four quick-bite eateries offer cuisines ranging from Asian to Italian. They get mixed reviews and reservations are required at some; drinks are also underwhelming according to previous guests. Other amenities include a spa, kids' club, gym, and tennis. For something even better for kids, check out Memories Splash Punta Cana, which has a water park, but isn't on the beach.
Occidental Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort with a gorgeous setting along Bavaro Beach. Its 860 simple, but modern, rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and rainfall showers. Unfortunately, there's no beach service (or free Wi-Fi) unless you're a Royal Level guest. Given the property's sprawling size, amenities are predictably numerous. Three freshwater pools have abundant poolside seating, while the zero-entry pool features ocean views. Occidental’s seven sit-down restaurants and four quick-bite eateries offer cuisines ranging from Asian to Italian. They get mixed reviews and reservations are required at some; drinks are also underwhelming according to previous guests. Other amenities include a spa, kids' club, gym, and tennis. For something even better for kids, check out Memories Splash Punta Cana, which has a water park, but isn't on the beach.
This upper-middle-range, adults-only resort is one of the original sections of an ever-growing resort complex that feels sort of like Dominican Republic’s version of Las Vegas. Make sure your driver knows the exact hotel name -- there are five hotels total -- otherwise you may end up confused at the wrong lobby. Spacious but basic rooms are close to a nice beach, pool, four restaurants, and four bars. The resort is clean but not quite as upscale as advertised; young honeymooners seeking a chic retreat may want to look elsewhere.
This upper-middle-range, adults-only resort is one of the original sections of an ever-growing resort complex that feels sort of like Dominican Republic’s version of Las Vegas. Make sure your driver knows the exact hotel name -- there are five hotels total -- otherwise you may end up confused at the wrong lobby. Spacious but basic rooms are close to a nice beach, pool, four restaurants, and four bars. The resort is clean but not quite as upscale as advertised; young honeymooners seeking a chic retreat may want to look elsewhere.