32 Best Hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Barceló is a glamorous complex of two resorts worthy of gushing praise: the family-friendly Barceló Bávaro Palace is the top of the line, while Barceló Bávaro Beach is adults-only. These two distinct resorts meet two sets of budgets and preferences. All rooms have a clean, contemporary design and exceptionally comfortable beds. On verdant grounds brushing up against a luscious beach, these expansive, always-bustling resorts share Casa Club, which holds the jaw-dropping spa and fitness center, high-tech kids' clubs, shops, two large swimming pools, dual lobbies, a game room, Internet café, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The casino, convention center, and golf resort are attached to the Beach Resort. Even at the Palace, parents love their separate section, the commodious family rooms, and the kids’ activities. Specialty restaurant reservations are hard to come by, so book those on arrival. Among the diversions are golf, horseback riding; and the themed weeks, like culinary week and singles week.

Rates can vary dramatically by season and source.

For adults only, this edgy resort with a sexy yet whimsical vibe is particularly good for singles, filling a void that's been lacking in Punta Cana. The contemporary decor with its explosion of vibrant colors—orchid, orange, flamingo pink—strong lighting, dangling sculptures, and retro-styled furniture may indeed leave you breathless. A social hub is the Plaza, where video concerts are streamed and where guests move over to Wink for their cocktails. Events and holidays are especially popular here, and parties are big celebrations. The spa is a favored amenity, and there's a fitness center, as well as 11 dining venues. If feasible, upgrade to the club level, called Xhale, where you will be catered to as you chill. The beach is gorgeous, with beach parties often midday.

The best rooms are the Master Ocean Suites and swim-up rooms.

This sprawling resort, always thought of as a moderately priced playground for families, golfers, and convention attendees, has improved its offering while keeping prices affordably low. Regular junior suites have tile floors and are fairly basic, though there's a separate tub and shower (though a single sink in the bathroom). The real stunner is the "Privileged" club level, with astounding, contemporary furnishings that one would expect in a much more luxurious resort; the rooms are definitely worth an upgrade. An impressive, refurbished lobby and lobby bar have contemporary Caribbean decor; a shopping area has a great coffee shop; and there's a kids' club and Teens Club that offers video and table games and computers and Wi-Fi. The Catalonia is known for its wide range of day and nighttime activities.

If your room has issues, ask to change; don't wait.

This adults-only haven, with meticulously kept grounds and a magical central lake with fountains, is a perfect example of how an all-inclusive resort can offer top-tier hospitality without the herd mentality. All rooms offer a pillow menu, turn-down service, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, and large flat-screen TVs. Exclusive Suites and Pools—duplexes—have floor-to-ceiling windows (with remote-controlled curtains) that open out onto a terrace with your own infinity plunge pool. One main pool offers an upscale feel with Balinese sun beds; there's also a snazzy beach bar. Royal guests have access to all the facilities of its sister property, the family-friendly and more economical Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort. You don't have to make reservations for the resort's three restaurants, but there may be waits. The only buffet is at breakfast, and it's a notch up. Steps away are a 9-hole golf course run by the resort, with an 18-hole course nearby. By night, the Piano Bar is a social hot spot with fun bartenders and talented entertainers.

The adults-only CHIC Punta Cana has been designed with active, younger (twenty- to thirtysomething) partiers in mind, so there is entertainment all day and night, Las Vegas style. The resort has a South Beach vibe and there is a reason for the Detox Oxygen Bar. The decor of the large rooms is contemporary and beautiful and pretty similar over all room categories (though there are differences in sizes and amenities). Standard rooms are behind the lobby, but those farther from the pool are quieter. The pool with sculpture-like elements becomes a party zone after 2 pm, when some guests leave to find a quiet place on the beach to hide. Come nightfall, there are DJs or live bands and plenty of theme nights. Food here is generally good, with kudos going to the steak house and Middle Eastern venues, but service can be inconsistent. Most guests agree that the Diamond Club upgrade is worth the extra cost; those rooms have the best views, and only Diamond guests can make reservations at restaurants (through their butlers). The Chic Mansion is an adjacent party house marketed to groups who want to party among themselves, like bachelor or bachelorette contingents, along with the luxury service the resort can offer.

Whimsy and camaraderie are characteristic of this family-friendly resort—Punta Cana's original all-inclusive—situated on 75 tropical acres, with a coastline of incredibly white sandy shores and a separate luxury reserve for adults only. While regular rooms are not luxurious, 78 brand-new deluxe guests rooms in the Reserve offer spa-like bathrooms, outdoor spaces with plush daybeds, and sleek, flat-screen TVs with a complimentary movie library. The five Trident Tiara family suites offer a lovely pool area, free Wi-Fi, high-end liquor, and its own happy hour. The Kids' Club is still a major draw for families. The plush L’Occitane Spa offers two VIP Couples Suites, as well as plenty of individual treatment rooms, though prices are particularly high, while the large gym has state-of-the-art equipment added. The spirited Indigo Beach Lounge offers à la carte dining with waiter service all day, starting with breakfast, and by night it’s for adults only; later still it's a trendy nightclub. Club Med has partnered with Cirque du Soleil so that all guests can delight in learning many of the exciting circus acrobatics and artistic activities.

This fun resort in a remote, pastoral setting is super for families, young couples, wedding entourages, honeymooners, ladies getaways—yes, even singles. Most of the large rooms, decorated in contemporary style, have been renovated and are looking just fine; deluxe swim-out rooms are most desirable. Few buildings (except #1) have full sea views, and there are no elevators so avoid rooms close to the stairwells. Guests appreciate the five à la carte restaurants (no reservations needed); the pizzeria; a stand-out buffet; and 10 bars (premium liquor in lobby and Club bars). Many guests spend hours bopping around on floats on the winding, “lazy river” pool, breaking to jump up to aqua aerobics and then rewarding themselves with a frosty piña colada at the beach bar. The Explorers Club for kids has activities that include sand-castle building, rock climbing, and camping out in tents; another club is reserved for teens. You'll find tranquility in the lavish spa complex and high energy at the fitness center. The adults-only, totally enhanced Preferred Club is worth the upgrade.

For quiet's sake, no children are booked into second-floor rooms.

This moderately priced branch of the AMResorts family has style as well as a gorgeous beachfront. The standard rooms are too basic for a lot of guests, and the ones near the courtyard can be noisy; room blocks have no elevators, and garden rooms are far from the pool area. The lobby's contemporary interior design is fresh and vibrant with attention-getting details such as shell room dividers. Parents can happily send kids off to the Explorers Club, tweens and teens to the Core Zone, then enjoy the stunning Spa by Pevonia in next door Secrets Royal Beach. The animation team can try a bit too hard, but the resort is fun and tries to get everyone involved. Seven restaurants are all reservation-free, and the main buffet is exceptional. The Preferred Club has a reasonable extra charge, adding contemporary hors d’oeuvres and high-end liquor in the Club lounge.

Within Cap Cana, the most luxurious resort is unquestionably this all-suite boutique hotel with interior decor straight from the mid-century French Riviera. The glamorous interiors juxtapose French classicism with sleek modern accessories. Guest rooms similarly fuse creature comforts and technology, including LCD TVs, iPads that can control everything in the room (even the lighting), sumptuously comfortable beds with fine linens, and outdoor and indoor showers with multiple shower heads. These glorious sanctuaries (with private pools) are ideal for honeymoons and landmark celebrations, and larger units are suitable for groups. Four new infinity pool villas with unique architecture and interior design are oceanfront and overlook the Beach Club. The Koko Kid's Club is for children 4–12. The new, 30,000 square foot Solaya Spa and Wellness Center has yoga, indoor/outdoor cabanas, and a juice bar. The Mediterraneo restaurant has exquisite cuisine, professional service, and silver candelabras that Liberace would envy. Meal plans are available, but they do not include drinks.

This adults-only, all-inclusive is particularly appealing to couples (honeymooners, for sure) and wedding parties, and attracts a younger, fun clientele. Basic rooms at the all-suite property are junior suites, and the swim-out rooms are most in demand. The spacious suites have double Jacuzzis. Honeymooners love the round-the-clock room service, but the restaurants are serving up fine fare like the excellent French restaurant. A very good spa—with a Zen fountain, indulgent massages, and other well-given treatments, plus hot-and-cold-water tubs—has a special couples’ menu. The fitness-cardio conditioning center is impressive, too, plus there's yoga and Pilates. The resort offers a full range of water sports and other activities, including guided horseback rides. Special nights, like the upscale barbecue, are energized with cool, live music.

The best deals are on the resort's website.

Four sprawling, contiguous resorts (with a shuttle service until 2 am) share these well-kept grounds and feel like a beachside village, and three of these—Grand Palladium Bávaro, Grand Palladium Punta Cana, and Grand Palladium Palace—share one another's facilities, including a top-notch spa and health club. All rooms are large and well furnished, with flat-screen TVs, jetted tubs, and a fold-out sofa. At the Palace, two-story loft suites have seafront terraces with a Jacuzzi and Balinese sun bed; all the resorts have swim-out junior suites with the same kind of terrace. Guests at the top-tier, adults-only Royal Suites Turquesa (the closest to the ocean) can visit the main complex but can hurry back to their own exclusive restaurant and other offerings; these guests tend to be older and European. Each cluster of rooms has its own private pool and 60 swim-out suites as well as two fine restaurants. After dinner, the nightly show is the typical stopover before hitting the disco or casino. There's also a full plate of organized activities, including a good kids' club.

Hard Rock's first all-inclusive property has its own unique identity, different from any other Dominican resort, and it's a great choice if you want nightlife and a busy, fun atmosphere. The oversized rooms and suites are deluxe, but you need to decide if you’d prefer to be where the action is—closer to reception, restaurants, and the casino—or closer to the beach. Because of the resort's sprawl, you have to be shuttled from the beach or to the lobby, and transportation waits can be long. Overall food is better than most area AIs, and a new Kids' Program appeals to the family market. This 121-acre property has one of the Caribbean’s largest casinos. And then there's the Rock Spa, a 68,000-square-foot, bi-level facility. Despite its size, the hotel, particularly its sensual suites, can be romantic. The nightly entertainment in the many lounges is levels above the usual Punta Cana offerings. And then there are the big-name entertainers, everyone from Ringo Starr to Snoop Dogg, who draw thousands of fans.

This adults-only resort is the star of the five Riu resorts in Macao. Rooms range from junior suites to full one-bedroom suites, and all have double sinks, flat-screen TVs, the signature Riu liquor dispenser, and extras you don't often find at AIs, including turn-down service. Unfortunately, not many have water views; it's worth the upgrade for one of those. Waiter service is an option at the beach and the pool, so you can kick back and keep the Banana Mamas coming. Food deserves its now favorable comments; the chic, pier-side Krystal restaurant is the standout, followed by the steakhouse and the buffet not far behind. It's a short stroll to the complex's shops on Caribbean Street, the gym and wellness (not glamour) spa, and the popular Pacha disco.

By night this megaresort decorated with Arabian-style domes looks like a fairy-tale palace, and its generally older clientele is a departure from the other Riu resorts. It is favored by German, English, and Canadians. The long-and-wide junior suites are simple but attractive; with dark wood against sunny yellow walls, it's shades of Old Havana. Each has a jetted bath and a terrace (but not necessarily a sea view), flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and full liquor bottles in dispensers. The buffet options are wide-ranging but still best when you arrive early. There are several à la carte restaurants but no real standout, and food in general is not a high point. Four pools, a lively swim-up bar, and semi-submerged lounge chairs add panache. There's also a pool for children. The long stretch of beach and the pool complex are breathtaking.

Like its two sister resorts, this Spanish entry has panache—evidenced in its lobby, an artistic showpiece, and contemporary guest rooms with plush bedding—making it competitive with Punta Cana’s newer properties. The dramatic public spaces lead into grounds crisscrossed with lagoons and then a broad, beautifully maintained, white-sand beach, though it sometimes has gentle surf and an undertow. Although the public spaces of the three hotels in the complex still outshine the rooms, the Bávaro's suites are the sweetest (and most expensive), each with a separate sitting area. True to Iberostar's emphasis on food and beverages, there are 11 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. The shows are better than average, with house dancers, a band, and vocalists; animation directors are fun and not too aggressive by day, either. The Iberostar’s Punta Cana and Dominicana share facilities in the complex, but only guests at the more expensive Bávaro can dine at its restaurants. Overall, guest comments are positive and many return, though the big push for guests to join the Iberostar Club is not always welcome.

Iberostar's adults-only resort—an architectural gem—is a knockout from the moment you walk into the glamorous lobby and is one resort where the term "no expense was spared" is actually true. Suites are elegant, with contemporary lighting, dreamy beds, and plush bedding; juices and premium liquor are stocked in the minibar. The Club level has its own efficient concierge staff and personal butlers who try hard to accommodate, and Club suites have whirlpools on balconies. There are boutiques and activities befitting a more sophisticated clientele. Honeymooners are treated like royalty, as are incentive groups. But what you won't forget are the Spanish galleon–themed dance club (music cranks up at 11 pm); the glorious two-story oceanfront spa with a gym and beauty salon; the sea views; the pool complex at the stunning beach; and the theater, with crimson velvet, classy glitz, and deep, cushy seats. The nightly shows are a cut above those of most AIs.

The best things really do come in small packages at this romantic boutique hotel, which delivers on its promise of expressly personal service and utter tranquility. Zen elements in the architecture, design, and mood of this secluded retreat work well in the natural setting, with indigenous vegetation used in the landscaping. Re-LAX is the operative word with a do-nothing itinerary; the concierges do offer some pleasurable activities and there’s the allure of the spa. In the handsome suites (go water view), a tone of laid-back luxury is achieved with Asian and Caribbean adornments; all have satellite, flat-screen TVs, robes and slippers, wine coolers, and minibars. Morning coffee, juice, and pastries are dropped off at your door. At the communal infinity pool, chaise longues are outfitted with comfortable cushions. Three restaurants feature Asian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine, respectively. Secluded, and for adults-only, it is best for short stays and romantic couples.

The stunning beachfront resort captures the true essence of relaxation and vacation in the Caribbean. The best part about this resort is that it was made for every type of traveler. Whether you are looking for an adults-only escape or the best family-friendly experience, there is something for everyone at this all-inclusive resort.  Each room is modern with cultural decorative accents and comes with a balcony, some even have swim-up access from the adults-only pools. Seven freshwater pools along with a rather large waterpark that has a kids and adult section; beach access to one of the top 25 beaches in the world, Bavaro Beach; and over 16 bars serving tropical cocktails and fresh coconuts are spread out all around the resort, so you'll never risk being thirsty or bored.

This sprawling, mid-range all-inclusive is popular with multigenerational groups who want and need kids’ activities and adult pleasures. The lobby dazzles, and the roomy quarters include jetted tubs, bathrobes and slippers, a furnished terrace, and satellite TV. Family rooms are nice as well. The adults-only Colonial Club has its own pools with swim-up bars, a separate beach area with loungers, as well as butler service. You'll find premium liquors at the Club and in the lower-lobby bars. Caribbean Street, the commercial center shared with the adjoining Majestic Elegance, is where you can go to shop. By day, activities abound. For the kids, there's the updated 9-to-7 club, with plenty to keep them occupied, including Nintendo. Golfers get special rates at the nearby Punta Blanca course and one free round per five-night stay—two for Colonial Club guests. Food is better than it once was, but there are still occasional issues.

The younger of Punta Cana's two Majestic resorts, which is an all-suites property, is the more sophisticated sister—and a busy one. The adults-only "Elegance Club," which is recommended if you want to avoid the throngs, comes with butler service, private pools, three VIP lounges, two adults-only areas of the beach, and a separate à la carte restaurant for breakfast and lunch. All guests get one round of complimentary golf—two for Club guests. The buffet lacks ambience, but its variety is extensive; the Asian restaurant features a full sushi bar, but your most memorable night could be spent at the Limited Gourmand, which has a piano player. There's a splendid spa, with Turkish baths, hydrotherapy, and a nice fitness center. Live music in the courtyard is appreciated. Most guest comments are happy (Club dwellers for sure), and the resort is considered a good value.

Impressive grounds, inviting lobbies in the twin hotels that make up the complex, and eye-catching adornments are hallmarks of this American-friendly resort. There are various levels of accommodations and service here including The Level and Romance Suites; guests paying these supplements generally have a most enjoyable stay, whereas those in the older, original rooms, and the nonrenovated family rooms have definite complaints. The Level is the buzziest section of the resort and is made up of renovated original rooms. But most rooms are far from the beach. There are 11 restaurants, but the standout is Gabi, exclusive to Level guests. Breakfast is generally considered the best meal by most guests, who also like the Thai and Mexican restaurants. The Flintstones-themed kids' clubs is a creative concept. That and the long stretch of idyllic beach and aqua sea are the main draws for the families who like this place. First-rate meeting and banquet facilities make this a good choice for conventions and weddings, which also account for much of the business. Guests have unlimited tee times at nearby Cocotal Golf & Country Club.

Designed like a small town, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife concentrated near a central public square, this huge resort still has many positive attributes considering its moderate price range. The beautiful lobby dazzles with contemporary sculptures and an inviting bar. The VIP Club Lounge also makes a striking impression, but aggressive time-share staff can aggravate guests. Upgrading to Privilege Junior Suites and their amenities are definitely worth the extra cost. Food-wise, the variety at the main buffet is still satisfying, and à la carte favorites include the steak house, French, and Japanese restaurants. Pools are large and inviting, but the beach has some major erosion during some seasons. All told, the resort is not brilliant, but fun-loving and easy-pleasing guests (particularly from Canada and the U.K.) enjoy their holiday.

This luxury all-inclusive is a visual showstopper. The average suite, with flat-screen TV, terrace, and semi-open marble bathroom with jet showers and a Jacuzzi for two, is spacious. Family-oriented, the Reserve, a private self-contained group of 190 luxurious suites, has an optional, signature, family-concierge plan, that includes lavish attention for kids, who get their own check-in, welcome backpacks, and mini robes and slippers. The mini club offers sports activities in the multiadventure park (climbing wall, trampolines) and arts and crafts activities (mask-making and cooking among them). The resort's restaurants are trendy, opulently decorated, though in some cases the decor may outshine the food; Royal-level guests have a new exclusive Italian Palazzo Restaurant. Four spas shared across Paradisus properties offer a soothing experience.

Although there are adults-only sections at this resort, including the upper-strata Blue Diamond Club, couples and adults without kids are better served elsewhere; the right demographic for this stunning hotel is young families and groups. Most rooms are lovely, with luxe bedding and contemporary furnishings, but not spacious, particularly given that most will hold two adults and kids. To truly enjoy your family time, splurge for a one-bedroom Presidential Suite with two bathrooms. Although the handsome, well-designed resort may appear new, it's a major renovation of a preexisting property, but everything has been done right. In the plaza, where a lot of the recreational activities are staged, there are more kids than in a school yard; even the nightlife is geared to children, like the circus performances. Splash, a splendid if not gigantic water park, is a short shuttle ride away. Overall, food is good, with Opa, the Mediterranean restaurant, and the signature steak house the best choices. The buffets are fine, too, but early time slots are swarming with little kids. Parents may want to repair to the Martini Bar, where good drinks and entertainment prevail.

The lobby at this sceney, adults-only all-suites resort is like a modern art gallery, but the Caribbean-accented guest rooms do not quite match these high expectations, though the white-sand beach is glorious. Five à la carte restaurants serve up a variety that includes American, French, Pan-Asian, and Mexican. Preferred Club guests get access to Olio, a Mediterranean restaurant serving all three meals. Basic junior suites have playful contemporary decor and furnishings. Rooms views range from garden to oceanfront. Upgrade to the Preferred Club if possible, where extra perks and pampering are worth the up-charge and access to the private infinity pool, access to the lazy river, and better suites. Fun activities include tennis clinics and big-screen movies on the beach.

The Punta Cana Group has eschewed the all-inclusive in favor of a beautiful Westin property on a glorious stretch of beach with ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies in every guest room. The marble-floor guest rooms are large and have a nice, contemporary feel but are fairly boutique-hotel generic. From the time you are handed your welcome drink to your last bite of dessert you will be aware of just how good (and healthy) the contemporary cuisine is—produce comes from the group's organic plantation. The breakfast buffet is served indoors and is outstanding—a morning must. There's a gym as well as a kids' playground. Weekend packages can help keep prices down, as can Westin's meal deals.

Shuttered French windows that open to grand vistas of the sea and a cotton-white private beach are hallmarks of this luxury-villa enclave within the grounds of Puntacana Resort & Club. Originally designed by the late Oscar de la Renta, the property's elegant style includes four-poster beds clad in Frette linens and breathtaking stone bathrooms. Minibars are stocked with premium liquors, and there's a desk and a huge flat-screen TV in each suite; you can rent a laptop, and Wi-Fi is free. Personal attention is big, and your villa comes with its own manager. A golf cart is included, and zipping along the gorgeous coastline is one of the joys here. Larger groups will enjoy the privacy of Tortuga Bay's multiroom villas, which open directly onto the beach. Villa guests also have an exclusive restaurant, Bamboo (also designed by de la Renta), plus access to all the facilities of the main resort, including the impeccable golf courses,The Grill restaurant, and the glorious Six Senses Spa.