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The Dominican Republic has some of the best deals in the Caribbean Islands when it comes to all-inclusive hotels and resorts.
The majority of all-inclusive resorts and hotels can be found in Punta Cana, and have become increasingly popular because of their convenience. Many vacationers take advantage of this hassle-free way of planning a vacation and make their reservations at all-inclusive resorts. These resorts give travelers all of the luxurious amenities and services of other hotels and also combine almost every aspect of a vacation into one package deal.
When you consider everything that goes into a vacation - meals, activities, tips, and taxes - all-inclusive resorts can turn out to be a better bargain than paying for everything separately. Having everything on one tab is an easy way to understand all the costs of your vacation. Some of the Dominican Republic's all-inclusive resorts also include extras such as water sports, live entertainment, and cocktails as a part of their packages.
Although the term"all-inclusive" may suggest that you get everything you need in one package, some things may not be covered, depending on where you stay. Generally, spa treatments and some outdoor activities like motorized water sports cost extra, but check with the hotel to see what their package includes.
The Dominican Republic even has a 7,000 acre gated all-inclusive resort that is set aside exclusively for tourists. Travelers worried about safety issues while vacationing on the island may find resorts like this reassuring. On the other hand, since you can find everything you need at an all-inclusive resort, you may not feel the need to go out and explore the rest of the island. This can keep tourists from experiencing the island's intriguing culture.
When making your reservations at an all-inclusive resort, take these suggestions into consideration.
Compare different resorts to see which ones have the best deals.
Make sure you understand the resort's rates. Prices are usually listed per person on a nightly, double occupancy basis. Single occupancy may incur additional charges. Discounted rates my be available for children.
Be sure that your resort is clear about exactly what is covered during your stay.
Ask about extra charges that may not be covered in the hotel's overall bill.
Keep in mind that while other hotels quote their prices per room, most all-inclusive resorts and hotels give their prices per person.
The Resorts
Jamaica may have been where all-inclusive resorts got their start, but the Dominican Republic rules in numbers. There are no fewer than 70 all-inclusive resorts on the island.
Barceló
The Dominican Republic hosts eight Barceló resorts: Barceló Bavaró Caribe, Barceló Bavaro Casino, Barcel Bavaró Palace, Barcelo Capella, Barceló Dominican Beach, Barceló Premium Bavaro Palace, Barceló Puerto Plata, and Barceló Punta Cana Blue Bay Villas Dorads. At Barceló resorts, all meals, snacks, and beverages, sports, activities, and entertainment are included in the all-inclusive price. Rates begin at $111 (USD) and top out at around $268 (USD) per night, depending on the hotel you choose. All of the Barceló properties in the Dominican Republic are family friendly, but the Casino, Palace, and Capella hotels in particular go out of their way to accommodate children. The Barcy Club, in which children ages three to 11 can spend their days learning and exploring while their parents tour the island or relax, is located at these facilities.
Catalonia
The Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Catalonia Royal Bavaro, and Catalonia Gran Dominicus are all five-star, all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. Each resort features several hundred rooms, daily and nightly entertainment, casino facilities, golf courses, pools, children's clubs, game rooms, fitness centers, tennis courts, non-motor water sports, and diving lessons in the all-inclusive price. All meals and beverages are also included in the price. Rates range from $125 (USD) to $250 (USD) per night.
Celuisma Cabarete
With only 170 rooms, the Caluisma Cabarete is one of the Dominican Republic's smaller resorts. It is situated along Cabarete Beach, and offers a pool, a children's pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and an outdoor coffee bar. Four restaurants and two bars provide meals and beverages that are included in the all-inclusive price, which begins at $63 (USD) per night.
Coral
The Coral Sol De Plata's claim to fame is having the most extensive pool landscaping on the Dominican Republic's north side, while the Coral Costa Caribe is near several 18-hole golf courses and has been recently renovated. Sol De Plata features 320 rooms, four restaurants, five bars, and tons of activities and entertainment options. The day's activities, for example pool scuba diving, or a live band are listed by the pool each morning. Cota Caribe is slightly larger, with 422 rooms, five restaurants, several bars, and a spa. Rates begin at around $150 (USD) per night, and do not include spa treatments.
Dreams
Dreams resorts choose their property locations at only the best Caribbean beaches, and this holds true in the Dominican Republic. The Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana faces the Caribbean Sea, and Dreams Punta Cana is situated along the northeast coast. These resorts were created to accommodate both couples and families, provide relaxation as well as endless activities, great food, and enjoyable entertainment. The Dreams Punta Cana has even been voted by Trip Advisor as the"Best Family Friendly Resort" several times over. Rooms range from $250 to $365 (USD) per night, and include meals, snacks, beverages, beach and pool use, admission to the children's club, admission to the teen's club, taxes, and gratuities.
Excellence Punta Cana Luxury
Excellence Punta Cana is a Colonial style spa resort geared as an adults only retreat. Couples seeking a romantic getaway will especially enjoy Excellence Punta Cana for the private rooms, spa facilities (at an additional cost), and romantic settings in several of the eight on-site restaurants. Activities included in the all-inclusive price include non-motorized water sports, aerobics classes, tennis, volleyball, billiards, and horseback riding. At an additional cost, guests can also scuba dive and deep sea fish. Rates begin at $289 per night; wedding and honeymoon packages are available.
Fun Beach Resorts
Adjacent to the Robert Trent Jones 18 Hole Championship Golf Course is the Fun Tropicale Beach Resort, and next to that is its sister hotel, the Fun Royale Beach Resort. Guests of either hotel are welcome to enjoy the amenities at each resort. Between the two there are 352 rooms, five restaurants, six bars, numerous water and land sports, and a kids club for children ages four to 12. Scuba diving, baby-sitting services, motorized vehicle rentals, and a beauty salon are also available for an extra fee. Rates begin at $88 (USD) per night.
Gran Bahia Principe
The Gran Bahia Principe hotel family offers nine resorts to Dominican Republic visitors. The names of these resorts are Bahia Principe San Juan, Gran Bahia Principe Ambar, Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana, Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro, Gran Bahia Principe La Roma, Gran Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa, Gran Bahia Principe Samana, Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo. Each resort features a variety of water and land sports, game rooms, night time entertainment, and kids programs. The all-inclusive packages at these facilities begin at around $200 (USD). Meals can be enjoyed at one main restaurant per facility, or at one of several a la carte restaraunts or snack bars. While many of the Gran Bahia Principe resorts are extremely family friendly, the Ambar is adults only. Those traveling with children will want to avoid booking this resort.
Gran Cabanna Cabarete
Gran Cabanna Cabarete is a hip new resort, located in Cabarete. Rooms are modern yet bohemian, and the atmosphere is similar to South Beach, Miami. Three on site restaurants provide all of your meals, the wellness spa takes care of your relaxation needs (at an additional cost), dozens of available activities (such as yoga and kite surfing) keep you active.
Grand Oasis
The Grand Oasis all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic are Grand Oasis Bravaro and Grand Oasis Marien, both of which are located just minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport. Included in the all-inclusive packages are meals, snacks, and beverages, non-motorized water sports, use of on-site pools and fitness facilities, nightly entertainment, and beach sports. Horseback riding, 4-wheeling, spa use, and golf are available at an additional cost. Rates range from $83 to $203 (USD) a night.
Grand Palladium
The Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort and Spa, Grand Palladium Palace Resort, Spa, and Casino, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa, and Royal Suites Turquesa are all-inclusive resorts located on adjacent properties along Bavaro Beach. Between the three resorts there are over 1,600 rooms, 25 restaurants, numerous bars, nine pools, a casino, a mini golf course, several tennis, football, and volleyball courts, three spas, three fitness centers, two children's centers, and a shopping center. Rates begin at $150 (USD), and all-inclusive packages include all meals, snacks, and drinks, non-motorized water sports, land sports, access to the pools, saunas, and fitness centers. These resorts are family-friendly, except for the Royal Suites Turquesa, which is adults-only.
IFA Villas Bavaro Resort Spa
Situated along one of the top ten prettiest beaches in the world, IFA Villas Bavaro Resort Spa is known for its relaxing atmosphere and superior spa treatments. The facility boasts three pools, two tennis courts, darts, volleyball and basketball courts, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, windsurfing, and sailing. Diving lessons and horseback riding are also available at an additional cost. Seven restaurants, seven bars, and a disco round out the resort's offerings at $134 (USD) a night.
Lifestyle
There are two Lifestyle resorts in the Dominican Republic, and each offers guests a different experience. The Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort and Spa is a newly renovated facility, at which each room is decorated in soft hues to compliment the Mediterranean style buildings and Caribbean atmosphere. Spa treatments, two pools bars, and a beach club reinforce the resort's laid back atmosphere. Meanwhile, Lifestyle Crown Residence Suites is located in a secluded area among lush trees and along a private beach. Crown Residence Suites focus on elegance and tranquility, with a golf course, private riding school, and delectable food. Nightly rates range from $106 to $400 (USD) a night.
Luperon Beach Resort
The Luperon Beach Resort is not what many would call a luxury resort, but with rates as low as $85 (USD) per night that includes room, meals, beverages, taxes, and gratuities, this resort is a great place to stay for those traveling on a budget. The resort is located on 300 yards of white sand beaches, and offers such activities as archery, basketball, and non motorized water sports.
Majestic Resorts
Majestic Resorts featuring two resorts in the Dominican Republic: Majestic Colonial Punta Cana and Majestic Elegance Punta Cana. Both resorts are located on a private stretch of Punta Cana Beach and designed to mimic colonial-style architecture. There are six restaurants and nine bars on both properties; each of the 658 rooms includes its own jacuzzi and many include a private terrace and garden. There is an 18-hole golf course on property, and one of the swimming pools was voted The Best Swimming Pool in the Caribbean by Traveler's Choice. Other bonuses include a casino, spa, and high-class fitness center. Rooms run from $386 to $428 (USD) per night.
NH Real Arena Punta Cana
The NH Real Arena is a luxury, five-star resort in Punta Cana. The resort is comprised of 642 rooms, six restaurants, seven bars, several conference rooms, a spa, a casino, a fitness center, and many sports facilities (bowling, tennis, and basketball are the most popular). Everyone is welcome, from singles and couples to families and buisnesses holding corporate meetings. The all-inclusive price tag ranges from $130 to $240 (USD) a night, and includes meals, snacks, drinks, entertainment, a children's club, 24 hour room service, dive lessons, and non-motorized water sports.
Oasis Hamac Resort
561 rooms on the beautiful Boca Chica Bay make up the Oasis Hamac Resort. Meals, drinks, and activities such as use of the pool and sauna, tennis and volleyball courts, mini golf, and non-motorized water sports are included in the all-inclusive price. Extras such as spa treatments, laundry, and horseback riding are available at an additional fee. Rooms go for around $161 (USD) per night.
Occidental
There are two Occidental hotels in the Dominican Republic: Allegro Playa Dorado and Occidental Gran Punta Cana. The Allegro is well-suited for travelers who crave fun and adventure on their vacation. Qualified dive instructors show guests the rules of the sea, tour guides provide hiking excursions throughout the island, canopy tours on zip-lines are provided, and families can spend as much time as they desire exploring beaches. Meanwhile, the Gran Punta Cana is a more relaxing resort that features spa treatments, award winning restaurants, as well as wedding and honeymoon packages. Prices begin at $98 (USD) per night.
Ocean Arc Decameron
Just 18 miles from the Santa Domingo Las Americas International Airport is the Ocean Arc Decameron. This three-star resort features three restaurants, several bars, an outdoor pool, casino, and spa. Rooms run from $87 to $250 (USD) per night, a price that includes all meals, activities, entertainment, a kids club, and non-motorized water sports.
Ocean Blue Golf and Beach Resort
Ocean Blue Golf and Beach Resort is a 5-star resort in Punta Cana. The resorts offers 374 suites, two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, kids club, teen club, entertainment, most land and water sports, a casino, meals and beverages in the all-inclusive package. Prices run from $198 to $300 (USD) per night, with extras such as spa treatments available at an additional cost.
Paradisus Palma Real Resort
With prices ranging from $468 to $900 (USD), Paradisus Palma Real Resort is one of the more expensive all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic. The resort is family-friendly, and includes such amenities as seven restaurants, nine bars, two pools, seven whirlpools, nightly entertainment, a kids zone, golf, a casino, scuba diving, horseback riding, and kayaking. Personal concierge services are available, as well as a"kids only" nightly turn-down service that features a snack of cookies and milk.
Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort and Spa
The Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort and Spa is a great place for adults to enjoy a quiet and relaxing Caribbean vacation. There are 263 luxury rooms and seven honeymoon suites, each of which includes a living room area, fully equipped bathrooms, and mini bars that are restocked daily and available at no additional cost. The all-inclusive price, which ranges from $200 to $280 (USD) per night, includes all meals and beverages from four restaurants and three bars, daytime sports, night time entertainment, and one diving lesson. Those who purchase the honey moon package will also enjoy two spa treatments per person, per stay, one breakfast in their room, one romantic dinner, and one gourmet dinner.
Riu
Riu Hotels and Resorts has over 100 hotels around the world, four of which are all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic: Riu Bachata, Ria Bambuall, Riu Naiboa, and Riu Taino. These four facilities are all one-star resorts with prices beginning at $130 (USD) per night. Each resort has several hundred rooms, spa facilities, and several restaurants for on-site dinning. They are family-friendly, and offer the typical non-motorized water sports, land sports, and night time entertainment to guests.
Sosua Bay Hotel
Sosua Bay Hotel is a colonial structure featuring a 144 rooms decorated in the colorful style associated with the Caribbean. There are three restaurants on property, which feature a wide variety of international cuisine and Caribbean favorites. Windsurfing, kiteboarding, horseback riding, and scuba diving are some of the activities offered at Sosua Bay, and less adventurous guests can spend their days lounging at one of two pools that overlook the beach. Rates start at $191 (USD) per night, and children are welcome.
Sosua by the Sea
Sosua by the Sea is a cozy, romantic resort with only 91 rooms situated along the Sosua shore. The hotel features a restaurant, two bars, a swimming pool, a beauty salon, and a spa. All-inclusive pricing includes three meals a day and all beverages, and children can stay at discounted prices depending upon their age. Regular room rates are also available.
The Bungalows
The Bungalows is an adults only all-inclusive in Puerto Plata. It is a five-star resort that features a private yacht, luxurious spa, and 24-hour concierge services. The rate of $252 (USD) per night includes meals and beverages, nightly entertainment, high-end rooms with a fully stocked mini-bar, a private pool, scuba lessons, tennis courts, and non-motorized water sports.
Tropical Clubs
Tropical Clubs Beach Resorts offer Dominican Republic vacationers five options for lodgings; the Alisios Bavaro, Casa Laguna Club, Orquieda Club, Princess Beach Resort and Spa, and the Sueno Resort and Spa Club. These resorts range from two to four-star ratings, and run in price from $71 to $216 (USD) per night. Each resort offers three meals, beverages, non-motorized water sports, nightly entertainment, and horseback riding in their all-inclusive packages.
Victorian Hotels
Victorian Hotels are defined by the magnificent architecture designed by the daughter of the hotel's owner. Known for their excellent service and views of Playa Dorada, the Gran Venta Beach Resort and Victoria Resort and Beach welcomes everyone from singles to large groups. The Gran Venta Beach Resort features 506 rooms, four restaurants, and seven bars; while the Victorian Resort and Beach offers 190 rooms, four restaurants, and four bars. Rates begin at $158 (USD) per night.
Vik Hotel Arena Blanca
Renovated in 2006, the Vik Hotel Arena Blanca offers visitors beautiful Caribbean vistas along the Bavaro Beach. 447 rooms are available, along with two restaurants and three bars. Guests receive 3 full meals daily, as well as snacks and unlimited beverages. Guests beware, the La Proa Restaurant that is located on the property is not included in the all-inclusive meal plan. The resort features an outdoor pool, a children's pool, many sports facilities, a children's club, a spa, and daily and nightly entertainment. Daily rates begin at $122 (USD).
Viva Wyndham
There are four Viva Wyndham properties in the Dominican Republic, all of which are all-inclusive. Viva Wyndham Tangerine and Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada are located in Puerto Plata, while Dorada and Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach both reside in La Romana. Dominicus Palace and Dominicus Beach are sister resorts, and guests can travel back and forth between the two to enjoy any of the seven restaurants, pools, and activities. Each hotel has a casino, spa, game room, health club, kids club, and several pools. Daily rates range from $102 to $347 (USD).
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
The Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is an exclusive resort with just 53 suites, located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. These suites are not only private, but pricey as well, running from $680 to $760 (USD). Included in this price are gourmet meals, endless beverages, a mini-bar in each suite that is restocked twice daily, a bottle of champagne and fresh fruit basket daily, access to a private beach, horseback riding, one 20-minute massage per guest, unlimited in-room dinning, complimentary laundry, and maid service three times a day. At Zoetry Agua Punta Cana guests are truly treated like royalty.
All-inclusive accommodations may be perfect for your budget and vacationing needs while staying on the Dominican Republic. But if you want to spend more time exploring the island, other accommodations are available.
Learn more about the types of hotels and resorts you'll encounter in the Dominican Republic.
There are many advantages to renting your own accommodations for your trip to the Dominican Republic.
Many travelers may want to brush up on the unique culture and beautiful landscape of the Dominican Republic.
