Where to stay in the Dominican Republic

If you're planning a vacation in this Caribbean paradise, you surely want to make sure you find the perfect accommodation that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for absolute luxury, an adult-only romantic getaway, or a friendly and welcoming place for the whole family, I've prepared this guide to offer you a carefully curated selection of the best lodging options in different regions of the country. Get ready to discover amazing places that will make your stay an unforgettable experience. First, I recommend:

Punta Cana

Hotel in Punta Cana

Tortuga Bay Hotel: This luxury boutique hotel offers private villas designed by Oscar de la Renta, a private beach, and personalized service. A helpful tip is that although the price may seem high, the exclusive experiences such as private catamaran rides or romantic dinners on the beach make every penny worth it.

Excellence Punta Cana: An all-inclusive, adults-only resort known for its beautiful beach, multiple dining options, and extensive activities. During my last visit, I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail in the service, which includes a personal butler available for any need.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana: A family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with a variety of dining options, entertainment, and a casino. Although it is large and bustling, it has quiet areas such as its spa, where I enjoyed a relaxing massage with sea views.

Santo Domingo

Calle Arzobispo Merino in Santo Domingo

Hodelpa Nicolás de Ovando: Located in the Colonial Zone, this historic hotel offers modern amenities in a colonial-era building. If you decide to stay here, don't miss the historical walking tours that depart from the hotel itself, providing a complete immersion into the city's rich history.

JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo: A luxury option in the heart of the city with contemporary design, an infinity pool, and excellent dining options. A unique detail is its rooftop bar, perfect for enjoying a panoramic view while sipping a cocktail at sunset.

Billini Hotel: A boutique hotel in the Colonial Zone with a rooftop pool, modern amenities, and historic charm. My experience here was unmatched thanks to its personalized service and the opportunity to explore the historic area on foot.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata Resort

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa: A luxurious beachfront boutique hotel with elegant rooms, a spa, and gourmet dining. A tip is to take advantage of their sunset spa treatments, which perfectly complement the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings.

Iberostar Costa Dorada: An all-inclusive resort with a large pool, multiple restaurants, and family activities. During my stay, I enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere and dance classes, a fun way to connect with the local culture.

BlueBay Villas Doradas: An adult-only, all-inclusive resort that offers a tranquil environment, beach access, and a variety of activities. A detail I loved was the tranquility of its gardens, perfect for a morning walk.

Samaná Peninsula

Downtown area in Samaná Peninsula

The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club: A luxury marina hotel with stunning views, elegant suites, and a range of amenities. A personal tip: take the opportunity to go on a yacht tour of the bay – it's an experience you can't miss.

Viva V Wyndham Samana: An adult-only, all-inclusive resort with a beautiful beach, elegant rooms, and various activities. Something unique here is the chance to do yoga at sunrise on the beach, a rejuvenating experience.

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences: A boutique hotel offering spacious suites and villas, a serene atmosphere, and personalized service. My stay was incredible thanks to the attentive staff and personalized excursions to nearby waterfalls.

Bayahibe

Beach Resort in Bayahibe

Dreams Dominicus La Romana: An all-inclusive resort with a family-friendly atmosphere, multiple pools, and diverse dining options. A unique detail is their babysitting service, which allows parents to enjoy some alone time while the children are in good hands.

Catalonia Bayahibe: A mid-range, all-inclusive resort offering a beautiful beach, various dining options, and a relaxed atmosphere. My vacation here was very relaxing thanks to their spa and daily activities like local cooking classes.

Tracadero Beach Resort: A boutique hotel with luxurious accommodations, a private beach, and personalized service. A tip is to try their Italian restaurant – it offered me one of the best pastas I've ever had in my life.

La Romana

Altos de Chavon in La Romana

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas: An expansive luxury resort known for its golf courses, private villas, and exclusive services. A tip is to rent a bike to explore the resort's vast grounds – a fun and healthy way to explore.

Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville: An adult-only, all-inclusive resort with a beautiful beach, multiple dining options, and many activities. I recommend the themed dinners, especially the Dominican night, where you can enjoy authentic local dishes.

Hilton La Romana: A family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with an impressive beach, numerous dining options, and activities for all ages. I was pleasantly surprised by their kids' club, which offers a variety of educational and fun activities for the little ones.

Cabarete

Nighttime (and party time) along Cabarete

Millennium Resort & Spa: A beachfront boutique resort known for its modern design, excellent service, and proximity to water sports. During my visit, I particularly enjoyed the kite surfing classes – an exciting and fun experience.

Velero Beach Resort: A mid-range beachfront resort offering comfortable accommodations, a pool, and easy beach access. My stay here was calm and pleasant, with the advantage of being close to Cabarete's vibrant nightlife.

Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa: An eco-friendly boutique hotel with unique bungalows, a serene atmosphere, and wellness-focused amenities. My experience was rejuvenating, especially with their outdoor yoga classes and organic food restaurant.

I hope this guide has provided you with a clear and useful overview of the best lodging options in the Dominican Republic. From luxurious resorts in Punta Cana to cozy boutique hotels in Samaná, there is a perfect place for every type of traveler. Remember that beyond the amenities and services, the most important thing is to enjoy every moment of your trip and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this wonderful destination.

I wish you an unforgettable vacation and hope you find the ideal accommodation to make your dreams come true in the Dominican Republic!