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.
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.
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.
A 20-room upscale hotel with apartment-style units, Chateau Del Mar Ocean Villas is a breath of fresh air in a town whose name is practically synonymous with the words “all-inclusive.” Although you won’t find amenities such as an on-site restaurant, spa, or fitness center, the hotel has a small pool, prime central location, and offers a breakfast package at the restaurant across the street. Well-equipped apartments have simple, modern furnishings and full kitchens; they attract families, couples, and friend groups looking to get away from the all-inclusive crowd. In this respect, there’s really nothing else like the Chateau Del Mar in Punta Cana. The adult-only Sivory Punta Cana is another small, quiet property, but rooms don't have kitchens and rates are higher.
A 20-room upscale hotel with apartment-style units, Chateau Del Mar Ocean Villas is a breath of fresh air in a town whose name is practically synonymous with the words “all-inclusive.” Although you won’t find amenities such as an on-site restaurant, spa, or fitness center, the hotel has a small pool, prime central location, and offers a breakfast package at the restaurant across the street. Well-equipped apartments have simple, modern furnishings and full kitchens; they attract families, couples, and friend groups looking to get away from the all-inclusive crowd. In this respect, there’s really nothing else like the Chateau Del Mar in Punta Cana. The adult-only Sivory Punta Cana is another small, quiet property, but rooms don't have kitchens and rates are higher.
This 473-room upper-middle-range all-inclusive has a central location on El Cortecito Beach in touristy Bavaro. It manages to squeeze three pools (including one with a swim-up bar) and four restaurants onto a compact property footprint. Most rooms have reasonably modern decor though some are showing wear and have minor maintenance issues. The beautiful beach and competitive all-inclusive rates are the main reasons to stay -- not the mediocre food or evening entertainment. Expect to line up early for a la carte restaurant reservations and to snag loungers. For a quiet, even more intimate property (albeit one with pushy time-share salespeople) consider the Presidential Suites next door.
This 473-room upper-middle-range all-inclusive has a central location on El Cortecito Beach in touristy Bavaro. It manages to squeeze three pools (including one with a swim-up bar) and four restaurants onto a compact property footprint. Most rooms have reasonably modern decor though some are showing wear and have minor maintenance issues. The beautiful beach and competitive all-inclusive rates are the main reasons to stay -- not the mediocre food or evening entertainment. Expect to line up early for a la carte restaurant reservations and to snag loungers. For a quiet, even more intimate property (albeit one with pushy time-share salespeople) consider the Presidential Suites next door.
The five-pearl Family Club at Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe is the family-friendly property in Punta Cana’s sprawling Barceló Bávaro compound. Guests have immediate access to every imaginable all-inclusive resort amenity including a dozen restaurants, several large pools, theater shows, a beautiful beach, a golf course, and several water parks. All 288 rooms feature family-friendly layouts with multiple bedrooms, flat-screen TVs, kid-friendly minibars, and private balconies with hot tubs. The resort’s sprawling layout requires substantial walking to navigate, but few area resorts offer this level of luxury in such a family-friendly package. While less sophisticated, the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana offers similar amenities with lower nightly rates.
The five-pearl Family Club at Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe is the family-friendly property in Punta Cana’s sprawling Barceló Bávaro compound. Guests have immediate access to every imaginable all-inclusive resort amenity including a dozen restaurants, several large pools, theater shows, a beautiful beach, a golf course, and several water parks. All 288 rooms feature family-friendly layouts with multiple bedrooms, flat-screen TVs, kid-friendly minibars, and private balconies with hot tubs. The resort’s sprawling layout requires substantial walking to navigate, but few area resorts offer this level of luxury in such a family-friendly package. While less sophisticated, the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana offers similar amenities with lower nightly rates.
Marketed as its own property, The Level Melia Caribe Tropical is actually the exclusive enclave of the massive, upscale Melia Caribe Tropical resort. With adult-only and family-friendly sections, The Level has broad appeal, and guests get perks such as private check-in, large rooms, and exclusive pool, beach, and restaurant access. But it's worth noting that The Level is situated in the forested swaths of a massive, overwhelming property where rooms are far from amenities and don’t have ocean views. A better pick for an exclusive enclave is the less confusing Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, but its nightly rates are more expensive.
Marketed as its own property, The Level Melia Caribe Tropical is actually the exclusive enclave of the massive, upscale Melia Caribe Tropical resort. With adult-only and family-friendly sections, The Level has broad appeal, and guests get perks such as private check-in, large rooms, and exclusive pool, beach, and restaurant access. But it's worth noting that The Level is situated in the forested swaths of a massive, overwhelming property where rooms are far from amenities and don’t have ocean views. A better pick for an exclusive enclave is the less confusing Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, but its nightly rates are more expensive.
Sunscape Bavaro Beach Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort that opened in 2016 on beautiful El Cortecito Beach. It offers some of the lowest all-inclusive rates in Bavaro Beach, but comes with some caveats. Namely, erosion barriers dampen the beach view and past guests have complained about poor food quality and weak drinks at the 11 restaurants and several bars. Still, two freshwater pools include a floating climbing wall and swim-up bar, the animation team is high energy, and the free teen club is fun. The 452 air-conditioned rooms have private balconies and free minibars. It might be worth the upgrade to a Sun Club package for a private bar, expedited check in, and bigger room. As an alternative, Now Onyx Punta Cana has hip decor and a nicer stretch of beach -- but higher rates.
Sunscape Bavaro Beach Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort that opened in 2016 on beautiful El Cortecito Beach. It offers some of the lowest all-inclusive rates in Bavaro Beach, but comes with some caveats. Namely, erosion barriers dampen the beach view and past guests have complained about poor food quality and weak drinks at the 11 restaurants and several bars. Still, two freshwater pools include a floating climbing wall and swim-up bar, the animation team is high energy, and the free teen club is fun. The 452 air-conditioned rooms have private balconies and free minibars. It might be worth the upgrade to a Sun Club package for a private bar, expedited check in, and bigger room. As an alternative, Now Onyx Punta Cana has hip decor and a nicer stretch of beach -- but higher rates.
NOW GARDEN PUNTA CANA HAS MERGED WITH ITS SISTER PROPERTY NOW LARIMAR AND NO LONGER OPERATES INDEPENDENTLY. Now Garden Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort that's smaller and quieter than many area properties. Most of the hotel's amenities -- including the beach -- are a five-minute walk away at the sister property Now Larimar. Now Garden’s 180 air-conditioned rooms have pool or garden views with king or two double beds, small flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies or patios with whirlpool tubs (some also have direct access to the resort’s ambling pool). On-site amenities include a pool, three restaurants, a poolside grill, two bars, and a small kids' club. Access to Now Larimar adds a gym, spa, huge pools, and multiple restaurants. Alternatively -- for an oceanfront, family-friendly stay with modern rooms, a gorgeous beach, and a 24-hour gym -- it's also worth pricing out Now Onyx Punta Cana.
NOW GARDEN PUNTA CANA HAS MERGED WITH ITS SISTER PROPERTY NOW LARIMAR AND NO LONGER OPERATES INDEPENDENTLY. Now Garden Punta Cana is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive resort that's smaller and quieter than many area properties. Most of the hotel's amenities -- including the beach -- are a five-minute walk away at the sister property Now Larimar. Now Garden’s 180 air-conditioned rooms have pool or garden views with king or two double beds, small flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies or patios with whirlpool tubs (some also have direct access to the resort’s ambling pool). On-site amenities include a pool, three restaurants, a poolside grill, two bars, and a small kids' club. Access to Now Larimar adds a gym, spa, huge pools, and multiple restaurants. Alternatively -- for an oceanfront, family-friendly stay with modern rooms, a gorgeous beach, and a 24-hour gym -- it's also worth pricing out Now Onyx Punta Cana.