11 Best Hotels in Punta Cana
Some time back, I had a Spanish discussion about my escapades in Punta Cana, viewing it from both the traveler’s and the salesperson’s lens. Although I’ve moved on from my role as a salesperson, echoes of those times still linger. Part of my job was to dazzle customers with my daily recommendations of the best hotels in Punta Cana. It’s quite remarkable how I memorized every amenity of these places, even the ones I never set foot in. Then again, there are others I’ve been fortunate to experience firsthand, allowing me to eloquently describe why they stand out as the cream of the crop in Punta Cana and some of the best beaches in the world.
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Regardless of my opinion on the Punta Cana All Inclusive life, it’s something that many travelers adore, especially in the summer. Specials can be found everywhere. That’s why I’ve prepared this list (based on what I know about their amenities, from customers, and what I’ve seen) of the best hotels in Punta Cana.
Best Hotels in Punta Cana: Ocean Blue & Sand
Oh, let me tell you about the fabulous Ocean Blue, one of the best hotels in Punta Cana. This place is a dream come true with its central pools that just beckon you to take a dip and hold your horses, we’re talking about not just one but eight themed restaurants! Imagine feasting on scrumptious Mexican, Italian, and Dominican delights, and to top it off, there’s an American diner and a fantastic steak house, so there’s something for every palate.
They also have a swanky nightclub for the grown-ups to let loose and a super cool bowling alley for the little champs to blast. And hey, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets; they’ve got a lineup of dazzling night shows for everyone’s entertainment.
And you know what makes this place extra special? It’s all those fantastic beachside activities! Yep, they’ve got water sports galore to keep everyone soaked in laughter and excitement.
No wonder this place is the go-to summer spot and easily one of the best hotels in Punta Cana! It’s like a dream destination, and trust me, it fills up faster than a speeding bullet—100% occupancy in the blink of an eye! You don’t wanna miss out on this tropical paradise, folks!
Read Ocean Blue Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana
This is another one of those hotels with options for everyone, and that’s why it’s one of the best hotels in Punta Cana. It features two pools, five themed restaurants, seven bars, and a nightclub. When you stay here, you also get access to the facilities and restaurants of the Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro and Grand Bahia Principe Turquesa hotels (excluding the buffet).
If you’re looking for a more intimate and couples-oriented vacation, Bahia Principe also has an adults-only hotel, the Luxury Bahía Príncipe Ámbar.
Read Grand Bahía Príncipe Reviews on TripAdvisor
Barceló Punta Cana
Let’s talk about Barceló—the name that has won the public’s hearts and firmly secured its place as one of the best places in Punta Cana. Barceló Punta Cana is no exception! This delightful four-star hotel spoils you with not just one or two but seven restaurants to indulge your taste buds. Picture yourself lazing by the pools, gazing at the mesmerizing ocean view; pure bliss, right? But wait, there’s more! Entertainment galore and plenty of family-friendly amenities keep the little ones grinning from ear to ear. It’s no wonder Barceló has a reputation that shines in Punta Cana and worldwide.
Believe me, my dear, I’ve never once encountered someone with a bad word to say about their experience at this heavenly haven. It’s all praises and happy memories, folks! That’s precisely why I urge you to keep Barceló at the top of your list for your much-awaited vacation. You won’t be disappointed!
Read Barceló Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Best Hotels in Punta Cana: Princess
Like the other hotel lines, there are four Princess hotels, each catering to different budgets and needs. The Caribe Princess and the Tropical Princess are the more affordable options, while the Bávaro Princess is a luxurious hotel, and the Punta Cana Princess is exclusively for adults. As with the others, it all comes down to your needs and desired vacation type.
All these hotels offer similar features to the previous ones: more than five themed restaurants, snack bars, nightclubs, bars, and even a poolside bar. I recommend checking them out and selecting the one that best suits your mood and travel companions, be it a romantic getaway, a fun-filled trip with friends, or a family vacation. Recently, this hotel line has become popular among travelers, who consider it one of the best hotels in Punta Cana.
Read Princess Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Sirenis
Due to their water park, the Sirenis used to be two of the family’s favorite hotels. They are located in Uvero Alto, a northern hotel strip area comprising Bavaro and Punta Cana. The Sirenis Cocotal and Sirenis Tropical have merged to become the Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort. It features two pools, themed restaurants, and more.
Those who have stayed at this hotel rave about the top-notch entertainment programs. If you’re traveling with your family, this is one of the best hotels in Punta Cana to have a blast together.
Read Sirenis Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Royalton
Undoubtedly, the Royalton is one of the most beautiful hotels in Punta Cana I’ve had the chance to visit. It’s not just one of the best hotels in Punta Cana but the absolute best. It offers bars and various themed restaurants, and what I find truly fantastic (I hope to stay in one someday) are the Swim-Out rooms. Picture this: you leave your room’s balcony and plunge right into the pool. I was intrigued before seeing them in person, but once I had them before me, it was love at first sight.
The diversity of its bars, communal areas, and guests caught my attention. Among all these hotels, this is the one I can wholeheartedly recommend because I’ve seen it and experienced it firsthand. Plus, it’s conveniently close to the beach, and you’ll find the Memories Splash Hotel within its facilities, too. As a Royalton guest, you get to enjoy all the amenities of Memories Splash, including the water park.
If the Royalton doesn’t entirely convince you or you’d prefer an adults-only vacation, the Chic by Royalton is your go-to option. Since its grand opening, this hotel has become a crowd favorite. It boasts different bars, a stunning rooftop pool with external views where mesmerizing shows take place, and the Chic Mansion, rumored to cost a fortune per night.
Read Royalton Review on TripAdvisor.
Be Live Punta Cana
The Be Live hotels have earned a solid reputation among travelers, especially due to the local preference for Be Live Hamaca in Boca Chica. Be Live Punta Cana offers amenities like over five themed restaurants, bars, beach activities, and entertainment.
For many, this wasn’t their top choice when selecting a hotel. I wouldn’t consider it one of the best hotels in Punta Cana, but most people who chose this hotel were satisfied with their experience.
Read Reviews of Be Live on TripAdvisor.
Best Hotels in Punta Cana: Iberostar
The Iberostar is another hotel line that pleases all kinds of travelers. The Iberostar Punta Cana, like the rest, offers amenities such as beach activities, various restaurants (some with facilities for children), and bars, among other things.
The Iberostar line includes hotels like Bávaro Suites, Iberostar Dominicana, and Iberostar Grand Hotel Bávaro, which falls under the luxury category.
However, I don’t consider Iberostar hotels to be the best choice for families with children. I’d recommend them more for couples or even traveling with friends.
Read Iberostar Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Best Hotel in Punta Cana: Meliá
The Meliá hotels also boast a distinctive seal of quality. In Punta Cana, you’ll find three different hotels under the Meliá brand: Meliá Caribe Tropical, Paradisus Palma Real, and Paradisus Punta Cana. Each one caters to various budgets and guest needs.
Meliá Caribe Tropical is ideal for couples and families, featuring nine pools for adults and kids, entertainment, a spa, diverse themed restaurants, and a water sports area for children.
Paradisus Palma Real, conversely, exudes luxury with its high-end dining options, a 37,600-square-foot pool, and personalized service, making it a top choice for couples.
For those who revel in eco-friendly gardens, Paradisus Punta Cana beckons with 400,000 square meters of lush greenery. It boasts five pools for kids and adults, themed restaurants, and a lively program of activities and parties, making it a fantastic choice for friends traveling together.
No doubt about it, Meliá hotels offer some of the best hotels in Punta Cana.
Read Meliá Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Best Hotels in Punta Cana: Riu
Riu hotels are among my top favorites in Punta Cana due to their diversity. When I worked as a salesperson, they became my top recommendation for clients because of their beautiful decor, restaurants’ reputation, fantastic nightclub, and how well they cater to different vacations. Undoubtedly, Riu stands out as one of the best hotel brands in Punta Cana.
There is a quite common question…
Which is the best Riu in Punta Cana?
If you’re planning a family vacation on a limited budget, your options are Riu Bambu and Riu Naiboa. Both hotels offer various activities for the little ones, and if you stay in one, you can enjoy the facilities of the other.
Riu Palace Punta Cana and Riu Palace Bavaro are the way to go for a more luxurious getaway. They are renowned for their lavish rooms and exquisite decor.
If you’re looking for a more intimate and romantic vacation, Riu Palace Macao and Riu Republica are your best choices as they are Adults Only hotels.
Read Riu Reviews on TripAdvisor.
If we talk about the best hotels in Punta Cana, we can’t miss:
Hard Rock Hotel
Hard Rock Punta Cana by Magnus Bråth, Flickr
The Hard Rock Punta Cana is a place I’ve yet to set foot in, but it lingered in my thoughts. This wasn’t part of the hotels I used to promote, but somehow, it became my mental treasure trove. Now, let me tell you, this hotel is like a shining star in the night sky, a rare gem with an almost flawless reputation. You’ll struggle to find negative reviews about this place—it’s like they’ve mastered the art of creating a blissful experience for their guests.
Let’s talk about the heart and soul of any hotel—the rooms. At the Hard Rock Punta Cana, they’ve hit the jackpot with rooms that exude unparalleled luxury and comfort. It’s like slipping into a dream, where every detail is meticulously crafted to pamper you like royalty. And when it comes to entertainment, they don’t hold back. From sunup to sundown, the Hard Rock experience delivers entertainment in a league of its own, an A1 spectacle that will leave you spellbound.
I dare say, for many wanderers, this place is one of the best hotels in Punta Cana, a haven where every desire is catered to. Undoubtedly, the Hard Rock Punta Cana proudly stands among the crème de la crème.
Read Hard Rock Hotel on TripAdvisor.
Nickelodeon Hotel
Nickelodeon Punta Cana – Picture belongs to NickResortPuntaCana.com
This is a relatively new hotel. So far, I haven’t met anyone who has visited it (and I must admit, it’s a bit of a dream of mine to go there myself). According to TripAdvisor reviews, the hotel is fantastic. It features a suite shaped like a pineapple, emulating Spongebob’s house, and boasts a water park. I can’t wait to visit and see how good it is and if it deserves to be among the best hotels in Punta Cana.
FAQ on the Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Punta Cana
Which part of Punta Cana is the best?
The best part of Punta Cana largely depends on your preferences. However, Bavaro Beach is often considered one of the finest areas due to its stunning white sand, turquoise waters, and numerous resorts offering various amenities and activities.
What are the best and worst months to visit Punta Cana?
The best time to visit Punta Cana is typically from December to April when the weather is warm and minimal rainfall. These months offer plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures for enjoying outdoor activities. On the other hand, the worst months to visit are usually September and October, as they fall within the hurricane season, increasing the likelihood of rain and storms.
What is the most beautiful beach in Punta Cana?
While beauty is subjective, Bavaro Beach is often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana. With its soft, powdery sand, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque palm trees lining the shore, Bavaro Beach offers a quintessential Caribbean experience.
What is the best side to stay in Dominican Republic?
The best side to stay in the Dominican Republic depends on your preferences and travel plans. Punta Cana, located on the eastern coast, is renowned for its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a tropical getaway. However, other regions like Puerto Plata on the northern coast and Santo Domingo, the capital city, offer unique cultural experiences and historical attractions. Ultimately, the best side to stay depends on what you’re looking for in your Dominican Republic vacation.
Best Hotels in Punta Cana: Mapa
We leave you this map with the best hotels in Punta Cana to make choosing the best for you easier.
Pin the best hotels in Punta Cana!
