The relaxed, two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Cortecito Inn Bavaro doesn’t immediately reveal its budget status: guests are welcomed to a spacious, colonial-style lobby and a perfectly pristine, tropical pool area. For such cheap rates, the hotel doesn’t seem half-bad, though rooms leave a lot to be desired. Beyond the depressing, outdated decor, there were basic maintenance issues when we visited. Otherwise, the hotel has a simple, local restaurant, and a basic breakfast is included in room rates. Unfussy travelers who don’t spend much time in their rooms will likely still be satisfied at the prices, big pool, and convenience to the local beach (it’s just a minutes’ walk from the hotel). Everyone else might want to compare with similarly priced, beachfront Whala Bavaro.
The relaxed, two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Cortecito Inn Bavaro doesn’t immediately reveal its budget status: guests are welcomed to a spacious, colonial-style lobby and a perfectly pristine, tropical pool area. For such cheap rates, the hotel doesn’t seem half-bad, though rooms leave a lot to be desired. Beyond the depressing, outdated decor, there were basic maintenance issues when we visited. Otherwise, the hotel has a simple, local restaurant, and a basic breakfast is included in room rates. Unfussy travelers who don’t spend much time in their rooms will likely still be satisfied at the prices, big pool, and convenience to the local beach (it’s just a minutes’ walk from the hotel). Everyone else might want to compare with similarly priced, beachfront Whala Bavaro.
The 115-room TRS Cap Cana Punta Cana is an upscale, adults-only resort that sits on the coast next to the Cap Cana Marina in the Dominican Republic. The vibe is quiet and relaxing, and guests tend to gather around the hotel’s two beautiful pools to rest rather than to party. Rooms are stylish and contemporary, and include features such as marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, butler service, and balconies -- some of which offer direct access to a long, shared pool. Food gets consistently good reviews, as do the spa services. The on-site beach is small and gets lots of rather smelly seaweed, but the property offers free shuttle service to a longer, nicer stretch of sand just a short drive away. Travelers seeking something a tad more luxe may prefer the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Adults Only, which has a nicer beach and is closer to Bavaro's touristy buzz.
The 115-room TRS Cap Cana Punta Cana is an upscale, adults-only resort that sits on the coast next to the Cap Cana Marina in the Dominican Republic. The vibe is quiet and relaxing, and guests tend to gather around the hotel’s two beautiful pools to rest rather than to party. Rooms are stylish and contemporary, and include features such as marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, butler service, and balconies -- some of which offer direct access to a long, shared pool. Food gets consistently good reviews, as do the spa services. The on-site beach is small and gets lots of rather smelly seaweed, but the property offers free shuttle service to a longer, nicer stretch of sand just a short drive away. Travelers seeking something a tad more luxe may prefer the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Adults Only, which has a nicer beach and is closer to Bavaro's touristy buzz.
Now Onyx Punta Cana is a four-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive on Punta Cana’s Uvero Alto Beach. It’s 502 air-conditioned rooms are modern and bright, with king or two double beds plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies with whirlpool tubs. The beach is wide and beautiful, though there are plenty of other swimming options, including two freshwater infinity pools with swim-up pool bars and a saltwater pool for kids. Preferred Club guests have their own adult-only pool and perks like private check-in. Restaurants range from buffets to Asian and French options, but they can be disappointing. Extensive freebies include non-motorized water sports, personal training sessions at the gym, and Spanish classes. For an alternative with delicious food, a circus school, and a gorgeous beach, you should also check out the Club Med Punta Cana.
Now Onyx Punta Cana is a four-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive on Punta Cana’s Uvero Alto Beach. It’s 502 air-conditioned rooms are modern and bright, with king or two double beds plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies with whirlpool tubs. The beach is wide and beautiful, though there are plenty of other swimming options, including two freshwater infinity pools with swim-up pool bars and a saltwater pool for kids. Preferred Club guests have their own adult-only pool and perks like private check-in. Restaurants range from buffets to Asian and French options, but they can be disappointing. Extensive freebies include non-motorized water sports, personal training sessions at the gym, and Spanish classes. For an alternative with delicious food, a circus school, and a gorgeous beach, you should also check out the Club Med Punta Cana.
The Naiboa offers the least expensive rates of the five resorts on the Riu complex, and it is readily evident why; food is bland, liquor is bottom-shelf, there are pesky fees for Wi-Fi, and the beach is a bit of a walk. But once on the sand, the resort proves to be a solid budget option, as the beach is absolutely gorgeous, and offers plenty of water sports and entertainment. Families will likely appreciate the kids’ club and large pool, although some find the poolside activities to be more of a noisy bother.
The Naiboa offers the least expensive rates of the five resorts on the Riu complex, and it is readily evident why; food is bland, liquor is bottom-shelf, there are pesky fees for Wi-Fi, and the beach is a bit of a walk. But once on the sand, the resort proves to be a solid budget option, as the beach is absolutely gorgeous, and offers plenty of water sports and entertainment. Families will likely appreciate the kids’ club and large pool, although some find the poolside activities to be more of a noisy bother.
Situated on a white-sand beach, Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a mid-range family-friendly resort that's part of the larger Bahia Principe Punta Cana complex. The property offers 512 Junior Suites with soft but contemporary decor and small balconies, but it's the features here that really stand out. There are a ton of perks for kids of all ages, including a water park and a variety of kids' clubs. For adults, there's a spa, extensive sports facilities, and dining and drinking options from around the world. If you're looking for an all-inclusive, family-friendly property with easy beach access, the Fantasia ticks all the boxes, but there are plenty of other options to consider on the Bahia Principe complex. If you'd prefer something adults-only, though, we'd recommend the quiet and secluded Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique instead.
Situated on a white-sand beach, Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a mid-range family-friendly resort that's part of the larger Bahia Principe Punta Cana complex. The property offers 512 Junior Suites with soft but contemporary decor and small balconies, but it's the features here that really stand out. There are a ton of perks for kids of all ages, including a water park and a variety of kids' clubs. For adults, there's a spa, extensive sports facilities, and dining and drinking options from around the world. If you're looking for an all-inclusive, family-friendly property with easy beach access, the Fantasia ticks all the boxes, but there are plenty of other options to consider on the Bahia Principe complex. If you'd prefer something adults-only, though, we'd recommend the quiet and secluded Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique instead.
With 372 rooms, Royal Turquesa is the more expensive, adults-only section of the massive all-inclusive Palladium complex, and has a more peaceful setting than its three neighbors. Notable aspects here include the swim-up suites and a prime stretch of private beach dotted with lounge chairs, hammocks, and daybeds. The main pool is smack in the center of the resort and has built-in lounge chairs and a swim-up bar. Rooms options come in seven spacious types, all with canopy beds, stocked minibars (soda, water, beer, and liquor), DVD players, sofa beds, and jetted tubs. There is premium liquor at the bars, and two restaurants (including a romantic French option) are exclusive to this section only; guests can also access the wide selection of bars, restaurants, and activities at the three sister properties, though they're a long walk or crowded shuttle ride away.
With 372 rooms, Royal Turquesa is the more expensive, adults-only section of the massive all-inclusive Palladium complex, and has a more peaceful setting than its three neighbors. Notable aspects here include the swim-up suites and a prime stretch of private beach dotted with lounge chairs, hammocks, and daybeds. The main pool is smack in the center of the resort and has built-in lounge chairs and a swim-up bar. Rooms options come in seven spacious types, all with canopy beds, stocked minibars (soda, water, beer, and liquor), DVD players, sofa beds, and jetted tubs. There is premium liquor at the bars, and two restaurants (including a romantic French option) are exclusive to this section only; guests can also access the wide selection of bars, restaurants, and activities at the three sister properties, though they're a long walk or crowded shuttle ride away.
The luxury Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana is the adult-only property inside the Royalton complex, right on Bavaro Beach. The resort within a resort does an excellent job at providing peace, quiet, and style to its private reception area, indoor lounge, hidden pool, private stretch of beach, beach bar, and seafood restaurant, El Dorado. Guests can definitely stay in these dedicated Hideaway areas for their entire vacation and avoid the rest of the world. However, Hideaway guests also get access to the Royalton Punta Cana and Memories Splash Punta Cana, and these pools, restaurants, beaches, and activities are much more crowded and kid-friendly. The 161 rooms are beautifully decorated and nicely appointed, all have balconies and some have swim-up pool access and ocean views. Guests can also upgrade to Diamond Club access for butler service.
The luxury Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana is the adult-only property inside the Royalton complex, right on Bavaro Beach. The resort within a resort does an excellent job at providing peace, quiet, and style to its private reception area, indoor lounge, hidden pool, private stretch of beach, beach bar, and seafood restaurant, El Dorado. Guests can definitely stay in these dedicated Hideaway areas for their entire vacation and avoid the rest of the world. However, Hideaway guests also get access to the Royalton Punta Cana and Memories Splash Punta Cana, and these pools, restaurants, beaches, and activities are much more crowded and kid-friendly. The 161 rooms are beautifully decorated and nicely appointed, all have balconies and some have swim-up pool access and ocean views. Guests can also upgrade to Diamond Club access for butler service.
This quiet, mid-range hotel in the back of a strip mall on a busy local shopping street is a great value among the overpriced all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana. Clean rooms have attractive Caribbean decor but few frills (no free bottled water, for example). There is a small, attractive courtyard pool, and both breakfast and Wi-Fi are free. The location near downtown Bavaro is well-suited to those looking to explore local restaurants and shops, but it's a five-minute drive to the beach. The all-inclusive whala!bavaro has a location closer to the beach, but a more party-oriented crowd.
This quiet, mid-range hotel in the back of a strip mall on a busy local shopping street is a great value among the overpriced all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana. Clean rooms have attractive Caribbean decor but few frills (no free bottled water, for example). There is a small, attractive courtyard pool, and both breakfast and Wi-Fi are free. The location near downtown Bavaro is well-suited to those looking to explore local restaurants and shops, but it's a five-minute drive to the beach. The all-inclusive whala!bavaro has a location closer to the beach, but a more party-oriented crowd.
The 730-room Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is a sprawling, luxury all-inclusive located on a beautiful fine-sand beach that’s about a 20-minute drive north of Punta Cana. With several pools -- including a beautiful infinity one and a 1,200-foot lazy river -- several kids’ clubs for different ages, and a full entertainment program, the resort is an excellent pick for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. Spacious, elegant rooms have big tubs and terraces. Travelers wanting a more exclusive stay can upgrade to the Diamond Club, which offers great perks such as private pools and beach areas, butler service, preferential restaurant reservations, and additional in-room amenities. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all buffet meals as well as unlimited meals at any of the a la carte restaurants. For something quieter, consider the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
The 730-room Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is a sprawling, luxury all-inclusive located on a beautiful fine-sand beach that’s about a 20-minute drive north of Punta Cana. With several pools -- including a beautiful infinity one and a 1,200-foot lazy river -- several kids’ clubs for different ages, and a full entertainment program, the resort is an excellent pick for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. Spacious, elegant rooms have big tubs and terraces. Travelers wanting a more exclusive stay can upgrade to the Diamond Club, which offers great perks such as private pools and beach areas, butler service, preferential restaurant reservations, and additional in-room amenities. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all buffet meals as well as unlimited meals at any of the a la carte restaurants. For something quieter, consider the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
Golf's the main game in town for this shrine to Jack Nicklaus that's only a 10-minute drive from an 18-hole course designed by the Golden Bear himself. But though the upscale property is decently equipped for long-term residents and golfers, non-golfers may find the surroundings a bit dull. There's no beach or dining options (but guests can access restaurants within the Cap Cana complex). Modern, stylish rooms are actually condo rentals and all but the entry-level Studios come with kitchenettes, outdoor jetted plunge pools, and washer/dryers; all, however, have ocean views. Those who want a more traditional all-inclusive beach resort might look into Vista Sol or Ocean Blue & Sand.
Golf's the main game in town for this shrine to Jack Nicklaus that's only a 10-minute drive from an 18-hole course designed by the Golden Bear himself. But though the upscale property is decently equipped for long-term residents and golfers, non-golfers may find the surroundings a bit dull. There's no beach or dining options (but guests can access restaurants within the Cap Cana complex). Modern, stylish rooms are actually condo rentals and all but the entry-level Studios come with kitchenettes, outdoor jetted plunge pools, and washer/dryers; all, however, have ocean views. Those who want a more traditional all-inclusive beach resort might look into Vista Sol or Ocean Blue & Sand.