The Dominican Republic is the best thing that can happen to a traveler heading off on vacation. Vivid turquoise sea, snow-white sand, emerald-green palms, delicious food, a rich choice of activities — what else do you need for happiness?
For a 100% successful vacation, it’s important to decide in advance where you’ll be staying. Read our guide to the best hotels in the Dominican Republic, ones that will please even the most discerning traveler.
Resorts of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is currently one of the most popular destinations among tourists. A convenient charter program, last-minute deals, and ideal beach conditions attract travelers here from every corner of the globe every year.
To make it easier for you to decide where to stay in the Dominican Republic, we’ve put together our own ranking of this beautiful tropical country’s resorts:
Punta Cana
The country’s most popular resort, located on the eastern coast.
Who’ll love it: fans of family vacations.
Here you’ll find a perfect beach with snow-white sand, a gently sloping entry into the water, and calm Atlantic waters.
This resort is home to many excellent hotels that regularly make the rankings of the best 5-star hotels in the Dominican Republic.
As a rule, hotels here run on an all-inclusive basis. A Punta Cana vacation isn’t exactly budget-friendly, but the price is well justified, as countless reviews from travelers who’ve been here attest.
And when you want to venture beyond your hotel, you can go fishing, visit the mangroves, or head out whale watching.
Puerto Plata
This popular Dominican resort is on the country’s north coast. Puerto Plata is home to some of the Dominican Republic’s top-rated hotels. It’ll appeal to young travelers and those who prefer an active vacation.
Who’ll love it: anyone who loves clubs and bars, and fans of diving, surfing, and other water sports.
Santo Domingo
The Dominican Republic’s capital is a must-visit for any traveler interested in historical and cultural sights. Here you can visit the Columbus Lighthouse, the Alcázar de Colón, the Three Eyes Cave, and plenty of other interesting spots.
Samana
A true paradise for nature lovers! Visitors here will find beautiful waterfalls and unspoiled beaches, along with plenty of stylish, well-rated resorts.
The cherry on top: a whale-watching excursion you’ll remember for a lifetime!
Boca Chica
Just 30 km from Santo Domingo, and you’re at one of the most beautiful resorts in the Dominican Republic. This is the optimal choice for travelers on a smaller budget, since you can book a great hotel here at a fairly accessible price. We’re talking about some of the best 4-star hotels in the Dominican Republic, which are every bit as good as 5-star ones.
Boca Chica sits in a lagoon surrounded by a beautiful coral reef. It’s a great spot for divers, snorkelers, and fishing enthusiasts.
Families with children also often come here: thanks to the natural coral barrier, there are never strong waves.
Saona
This resort sits on a separate island next to the Dominican Republic. Visitors will find Bounty-style beaches, starfish, iguanas, turtles, and other marine flora and fauna.
Cap Cana
The newest resort in the Dominican Republic, with developed infrastructure for lovers of upscale vacations. Cap Cana means modern spas, golf clubs, prestigious restaurants, and some of the best 5-star hotels in the Dominican Republic.
La Romana
Another resort that will appeal to well-heeled travelers who prefer high-quality service and extra comfort. You’ll find all of that at the best 5-star hotels in La Romana: these hotels will exceed all your expectations!
Within the resort you can take up horseback riding, tennis, or golf lessons. From here you can also head to nearby islands or go on a sea excursion.
Best hotels in the Dominican Republic: 5-star all-inclusive
To make it easier for you to pick the right resort, we’ve put together a ranking of the Dominican Republic’s most stylish and popular hotels. Book a room at any of them and head off on vacation!
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana 5*
A beachfront hotel right on Bavaro’s first line. If you book a room at this resort, you’ll find spacious club suites geared toward different types of travelers. There are family suites as well as adults-only rooms.
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana regularly makes the rankings of the best 5-star all-inclusive hotels in the Dominican Republic.
Guests will love the refined cuisine, the beautiful private beach, water-sports facilities, VIP lounges, and a personal butler service. Exactly what travelers who prefer an upscale vacation are looking for!
Catalonia Punta Cana 5*
Want to fully immerse yourself in a new culture? Here you’ll find Caribbean-style rooms fitted out with all the latest amenities.
Catalonia Punta Cana can confidently be called one of the best 5-star all-inclusive hotels in the Dominican Republic. For guests’ convenience, there’s a solid three-meal buffet at the main restaurant, plus an à la carte system at the resort’s other restaurants.
The beach is just a 7-minute walk away. Guests who choose the Privileged room category can stay in a separate beach area.
There’s something for everyone at this hotel: try your luck at the casino, hit the disco, do water aerobics or regular aerobics, go for a bike ride, take up water sports, or simply relax on the well-maintained beach.
Be Live Collection Marien 5*
If you’re looking for a 5-star hotel in the Dominican Republic with a Blue Flag beach (an award for cleanliness and safety), you’ve come to the right place!
Be Live Collection Marien 5* is one of the best hotels at the Puerto Plata resort.
The hotel itself is surrounded by greenery, and the beach will impress even seasoned travelers! The conditions here are ideal for diving, water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. If you love water polo or aqua aerobics, you can do both in the hotel pool.
The resort also has a tennis court plus a fitness and spa center for anyone who wants to stay in shape. There’s kids’ entertainment too.
Rooms come with a minibar, air conditioning, TV, and other modern appliances.
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana 5*
The hotel sits right next to Majestic Elegance, on Bavaro’s first line.
Guests regularly leave positive reviews. They highlight the good food (7 restaurants and 9 bars), the clean, well-kept beach, customer-focused service, and the resort’s real highlight — an unusual lazy-river pool with jacuzzis.
Activities include a casino, basketball and tennis courts, mini-football, discos, everything needed for water sports, a golf course, and fun entertainment programs.
There’s also a gazebo on-site that can be booked for wedding ceremonies.
Be Live Collection Punta Cana 5*
The hotel sits in a genuine tropical garden on the Atlantic coast. Rooms come with cable TV, air conditioning, and a minibar.
The resort’s beach is protected by a coral reef.
On-site you can try Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican, and Brazilian cuisine. This resort hotel also has a Lobster House, Burger Corner, Steak House, and KM Pizza.
The hotel has its own club and casino, popular with young travelers from the West.
Kids aren’t forgotten either: there’s a separate pool for children, plus several fun playgrounds and kids’ clubs.
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana 5*
This Bavaro resort regularly makes the rankings of the Dominican Republic’s most popular hotels, appealing to every type of traveler. The rooms are done in Caribbean style, though according to traveler reviews they’re no longer brand new.
On-site there are 7 restaurants, a casino, a golf course, discos, and a fitness center.
Highlights include a gorgeous seaweed-free beach, attentive staff, and engaging entertainment.
Barceló Bávaro Palace 5*
One of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic, appealing to eco-tourism fans as well as travelers with children.
Guests will find a well-kept beach with easy water access and pristine sand. Meals are included in the all-inclusive package.
Highlights include a water park with slides for adults and kids, several pools including one for younger travelers, and great conditions for tennis, golf, and water sports.
Catalonia Royal La Romana 5*
A stylish resort with Bali-style rooms sits on one of the region’s most beautiful beaches — Playa Dominicus. It’s one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular, highly rated 5-star hotels, geared toward adult travelers who prefer quiet evenings.
Guests can try Asian, European, Peruvian, and vegetarian cuisine. For your convenience: a great beach, engaging entertainment, a spa center, canoe and windsurfing-board rentals, and more.
Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa 5*
A perfect option for newlyweds or anyone who loves a romantic getaway. Guests can relax in rooms with local character and modern amenities.
Every room has its own terrace or balcony with a view of the ocean or a tropical garden. Here you can try Caribbean cuisine, plus traditional and exotic dishes from around the world.
There’s a dedicated water-sports center right on the beach. That’s exactly why Dreams Dominicus La Romana Resort & Spa 5* regularly makes the rankings of hotels in the Dominican Republic that appeal to divers, snorkelers, kayakers, and sailing enthusiasts. From here you can also visit Del Este National Park, just 2 km from the hotel.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana 5*
This famous resort, home to the largest casino, regularly tops the rankings of the Dominican Republic’s hotels for a younger crowd.
Hotel highlights:
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custom-made furniture;
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artwork from every corner of the globe;
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15 pools, including one for kids;
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a luxurious beach with developed infrastructure and water activities for every taste;
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all-inclusive dining, plus à la carte restaurants;
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a golf course;
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a kids’ club, playgrounds, and a water park for younger travelers.
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa 5*
One of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic in 2021, ranked among the island’s most popular hotels for guests over 18.
For travelers’ convenience: comfortable rooms with jacuzzi tubs, a gym, and 2 tennis courts. The resort also has two outdoor hot tubs.
The hotel’s signature feature: lively pool parties.
What to do: discover new potential in Spanish lessons, take dance and yoga classes, try pole fitness, play at the casino, or catch a show at the indoor theater. Wedding ceremonies can also be arranged for newlyweds.
Grand Bavaro Princess 5*
One of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic in 2021, near Cortecito Bavaro Beach. This beautiful coastline with moderate waves appeals to both adults and children.
Adults can have a great time at the casino or nightclub, while kids will love the cute animals that roam the resort grounds as if it were a park.
The hotel was recently renovated, so the rooms look quite fresh.
Highlights include 10 restaurants where you can try a huge range of cuisines, fun entertainment programs, and a water park for kids.
Occidental Punta Cana 5*
This gorgeous resort complex sits right in the heart of Bavaro. Occidental Punta Cana is a genuine tropical paradise and one of the Dominican Republic’s best 5-star hotels, geared toward both families with children and younger travelers.
To meet the needs of both groups, the resort is laid out so kids and young adults don’t get in each other’s way.
Kids get their own play areas, while adults get their own activities — pools (including one of the largest pools in the Bavaro area), a casino, evening shows, discos, and even their own orchestra.
You’ll spot plenty of tropical birds, turtles, and beautiful fish around the hotel grounds.
There are 11 restaurants for guests, serving different cuisines: two offer a buffet, while the rest work off a menu.
Ocean Blue & Sand Beach Resort 5*
This resort regularly makes the rankings of the best 5-star hotels in the Dominican Republic, located within the Punta Cana resort area.
The hotel offers all-inclusive dining. Guests can also try American, Italian, Caribbean, and Mexican cuisine.
It’s a great spot for anyone who loves an active vacation: guests get a climbing wall, archery, an indoor bowling alley, a golf course, horseback riding, and diving lessons.
And if you just want to relax — Punta Cana’s gorgeous beaches are right at your disposal.
Viva Wyndham V Samana 5*
This resort is for guests 18+. It’s located on the Dominican Republic’s northeastern coast in Las Terrenas and offers guests delicious, creative cuisine.
Here you can relax on the soft golden sand of Cosón Beach, go cycling, explore the surroundings by kayak or canoe, or try diving.
This spot is also a popular choice for newlyweds’ wedding ceremonies.
Excursions in the Dominican Republic: what to see
The Dominican Republic isn’t just about gorgeous beaches and luxury resorts. Travelers here will find a fascinating range of excursions for every taste.
Top 5 popular options:
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Sea excursions: diving, surfing, fishing, whale watching, and more.
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A helicopter tour, letting you admire this pearl of the Caribbean from the air.
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Extreme excursions: zip-lining, ATVs, buggies.
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Historical: the capital, Santo Domingo.
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Nature: Saona Island, the Samana Peninsula, Redonda Mountain, and more.
Saona Island
You’ve probably seen those colorful tourist photos of people holding starfish? You can see it all on Saona!
Vivid turquoise water, tropical fish and turtles, snow-white sand that stays cool even in the heat, and lush green palms — what is that, if not paradise?
Indeed, Saona’s beach is often called the most beautiful in the Dominican Republic. It’s worth the trip to see for yourself!
This program also includes a visit to the famous city of artists — Altos de Chavón.
Santo Domingo, the capital
Travel back a few centuries and learn all about the history of the discovery of the American continent!
On this excursion you’ll see the Columbus Lighthouse, stroll through the old town, step inside America’s very first cathedral, visit Columbus Park, and see the Three Eyes Cave, at the bottom of which lie 3 lakes of crystal-clear water.
Samana Peninsula
A must-try for nature lovers! Here you’ll find untouched tropical forest, dense mangroves, caves with indigenous Taino drawings, pelicans, herons, frigatebirds, and humpback whales!
On this exciting excursion you’ll visit Bacardi Island: the perfect place to relax surrounded by unspoiled nature.
But that’s not all: on a horseback ride you’ll reach El Limón waterfall, where you can swim in the pool at its base and bring home hundreds of beautiful photos.
Redonda Mountain
Another thrilling excursion for lovers of adventure and nature. On this trip you’ll climb a mountain 300 m high. From its summit there’s a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush surrounding greenery.
You’ll feel your heart skip a beat swinging over the cliff edge, see the crystal-clear waters of the Taino cave, and learn about life in the Haitian neighborhood in the heart of the Dominican Republic.
La Altagracia Province
On this jam-packed program you’ll step inside the province’s only inhabited cave and head to the city of Higüey — the capital of La Altagracia.
This excursion will appeal to true food lovers: we’ll stop at a cocoa ranch and sample delicious exotic fruits you definitely won’t find at your hotel.
ATVs and buggies
An unforgettable adventure for anyone who loves racing off-road. Your route runs through tropical nature. On this trip we’ll also visit local villages, a cocoa ranch, and cool off in a pristine freshwater lake.
If the lake isn’t quite enough, at the end of the program we’ll stop at the wild Macao Beach, where you can swim with a view of the eastern Cordillera.
You can book all these excursions in the Dominican Republic on our website. We value our clients and want the Dominican Republic to leave you with the most heavenly impressions.
We guarantee the best prices, an interesting, jam-packed program, transfers to every location in comfortable vehicles, and customer-focused service!
We hope it’ll now be easier for you to decide where to go on vacation and how to pick the excursion of your dreams!
