Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach

The most important thing to know about this property is that it's actually two resorts divided into three zones: Hamaca Beach, the beachfront side (built in 1951), the Hamaca Garden, across the road (added to the resort in the mid-'90s), and Hamaca Suites, in the Beach zone, with beautifully renovated interiors.Hamaca is one of over 30 Be Live resorts in the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Given the group’s scale, it’s surprising that little modernization has taken place in rooms and on the grounds aside from the contemporary spa; slick beachfront restaurant, Pelicano; and the stylish Hamaca Suites. The Hamaca Beach exterior remains retro, with a long rectangular building dressed in bright white and a big pavilion-like entrance, lush tropical landscaping, and white on jet-black signage. The building is sandwiched between the all-white casino and a big multi-level car park. The white color theme continues inside the expansive lobby, with marble floors, black and white raffia seating, and tropical open-air views towards the interior gardens. This main structure basically envelops the gardens and a giant courtyard on four sides, which means rooms are incredibly spread out. While the odd, randomly placed elevator makes getting around easier, it can feel like navigating maze at times and all of the walking could easily wear thin. Most guests choose to stay and play in the front section on the beach, and there’s a constant stream of foot traffic between the Hamaca Garden and Hamaca Beach properties, as guests shift between the beach and the buffet -- which sits on the garden side. The beach, protected by a coral reef, creates a semicircle around the resort's entire beach area. Guests usually spend their days here sunbathing, playing on the sand, floating around, and sipping cocktails. Families are the main crowd, but flight crews, groups, and couples are also in the mix. 

Be Live sits right on a calm stretch of beachfront in the Boca Chica resort municipality. Boca Chica was once a sleepy fishing village, but has evolved to a popular beach resort destination for its convenience to the airport and city. It also happens to be a fairly seedy town full of hawkers and (legal) sex workers. The main strip along the nearby public beach makes for an interesting walk, but the outside activity remains removed from the resort. Guests can walk to the Public Boca Chica Beach in 12 minutes where beachfront restaurants and bars abound. Hamaca is 15 minutes from Las Americas International Airport; 22 minutes from Caucedo Sea Port, and about a half-hour from the capital, Santo Domingo. Free parking for self-drivers is available on-site, and taxis can swiftly be arranged by lobby staff. 

Rooms are available in a range of categories to cater to all budgets from from Standard through Superior Deluxe and Junior Suites. While they’re all big on space and open onto private furnished balconies (ocean or garden views), lower categories are pretty basic in decor and features. Decor varies, but most rooms begin with a crisp white foundation in walls and bedding, offset with matching wood and bamboo, or wrought iron furniture. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, safes that lock with a key, and (empty) mini-fridges, but that’s about it for lower categories. Wi-Fi costs extra, but there's no guarantee it will work. Deluxe Ocean View, Superior Deluxe, and Junior Suites add contemporary style and even more space into the mix, along with with added perks, such as stocked minibars and personalized check-in. Junior Suites also receive turndown service, access to the VIP lounge for free continental breakfast and all day snacks, unlimited Wi-Fi access, premium drinks, and unlimited reservations at a la carte restaurants.Bathrooms vary across room types, but all are spacious. There's a range of shower/tub combos, showers, and jetted tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Past guests have complained about a myriad of maintenance and cleanliness issues that include mold, odors, and stray hairs. 

Low all-inclusive rates on the beach are the main reason that most guests book here, but be warned that you get what you pay for. The Hamaca Beach property features two outdoor pools, and guests also have access to the three pools on the Hamaca Garden property across the road. The calm stretch of beachfront on which the hotel sits offers plenty of deck chairs and palapa shade, although it can attract seaweed (which staff collect in big buckets). A beach bar ensures seaside drinks are accessible, but beach towels require a $20 deposit.Five restaurants and two bars are spread out over both resort properties. Food-wise, the Buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A la carte options include Gourmet (specializing in fish and meat); Orale (Mexican); Portobello (Italian) with wood-fired pizza; and Rodizio (Brazilian). The Snack Bar provides in-between-meal snacks. Pelicano is a chic, upscale contrast to the rest of the property, set right over the water. While it’s not included in the all-inclusive deal, the quality is exceptional. Mr. Roger bar serves drinks and cocktails with views of the beach. Junior Suite guests have access to a VIP lounge for continental breakfast and all day snacks, unlimited Wi-Fi access, and premium drinks. Note that reservations are required for the a la carte restaurants and there are limitations to the visits. Past guests have complained about food quality and safety. The contemporary spa features a range of treatments which include chocolatherapy, mud baths, and Vichy showers. There is a fitness center with beautiful water views, but the equipment is dated and while the space is cooled by fans, there appeared to be no air-conditioning during our visit. Tennis courts are also on offer for guest use. Daily activities and nightly entertainment are provided. Other leisure amenities include bicycle rentals, plus water sports like diving, water skiing, Jet Skiing, and sailing -- but they’re all at extra cost. A kids’ club caters to children ages 8 to 12.Unless guests are in a high category room, just 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi is permitted per-device, per-day in the lobby. Otherwise, guests can pay a daily fee for 24-hour access property-wide, but the signal isn't dependable. A choice of conference, meeting, and events rooms are available for all manner of functions, with capacity for 1,300 people. Babysitting services can be arranged for a fee. Free on-site parking is available.