Help! We're overwhelmed with the number of choices of AIs in Punta Cana! There will be 3 or 4 of us -- 30-something females, looking for a great beach & pool; probably just snorkeling as an activity; some fun nightlife would be good; preferably not too many kids or places with just couples. Would like to have rooms with extra space or a suite. We're going in May, so I know things are a little quieter then, but can someone make suggestions about which hotel?

We have been there several times. We would highly recommend the Iberostar Bavaro Suites, or Iberostar Dominicany or Iberostar Punta Cana. We have stayed in all three, which are all connected with pathways and are interchangeable as far as being able to use each others restaurants, etc. Also, if you don't mind a bus ride of about one hour from the Punta Cana airport, we would highly recommend going to LaRomana and staying at the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus. We were there when it was brand new and we loved it. Quiet beach, fun staff, not many kids. Beautiful.

The best choice by far is the Iberostar Bavaro. The Iberostar Punta Cana and Dominica share the same beach, but the restaurants are NOT interchangeable, and the rooms are smaller. The rooms at the Bavaro are all suites, and very nice. The clientelle is very mixed, a lot of europeans and south americans, and therefore very cosmopolitan. Kids are welcome, but don't overwhelm the place. This is the place to go, by far.

Secrets Excellence sounds amazing too though

We stayed at Secrets about a month ago.
Enjoyed it very much. The food was better than other AI's we've stayed at. The grounds are continuously being groomed. It has both a spectacular beach and large pool that winds through the complex.. It's an adults only resort but really don't think that a group of females would be uncomfortable. We also spent a week at Bavaro Suites at Punta Cana about 3-4 years ago. IMHO Secrets is considerably more upscale than Bavaro Suites. Any questions? I'd be happy to help.