Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village

The Four Points is a modern, fresh hotel with a cheerful and simplistic lobby decorated in a coastal living color scheme of white and turquoise with red and orange accents. The staff here is professional and quick, allowing more time to relax in the cozy lobby bar or by the pool. The atmosphere is very relaxed, but amps up around happy hour time, with nightly specials and weekly events.This Four Points is a part of the much larger Punta Cana Resort & Club, a huge tourism and residential development that is (at the core) responsible for the region's entire existence. What this property lacks on-site, the wider Punta Cana Resort & Club does offer (and a free shuttle connects guests to sister properties seamlessly).Local Frank Rainieri is the local man responsible for helping develop tourism in this region (there's usually a reel of him telling the story of Punta Cana Resort & Club on a TV off of the lobby). His team of investors not only own this hotel, but the entire 26-square-mile resort _and _the airport; it's safe to say that the Four Points does not have any competition -- this is the only airport hotel. The familiar chain hotel succeeds in appealing to (mostly) Americans -- typically a mix of business people, flight crews, and people starting or ending their holiday.

The hotel is located a quick five-minute free shuttle ride from Punta Cana International airport. Many rooms in the hotel look out over the airport (those who like to see planes landing, will like the view from the near floor-to-ceiling windows). They are sound-proofed, so no need to worry about noise. The hotel and airport both belong to a larger development called Punta Cana Resort & Club -- an important residential and tourism hub for the area. Guests can walk across the street to the Punta Cana Village, a small outdoor mall that has an ATM, car rental shop, grocery store, and some cute cafes and restaurants, as well as a fast-food chain. Though not directly on the beach, this location makes it a popular choice for those in town on business (it’s one of the few non all-inclusive options in Punta Cana).

Though there are a few one-bedroom suites with separate living areas, most rooms have either one king or two double beds; decor (in shades of white, orange, and red) and layout for both are exactly the same. The room opens up to a small hallway where a bureau holds an iron, ironing board, and coffeemaker. The bathroom has a spacious shower with eco-friendly toiletries, a sink with counter space, and one free bottle of water. Some guests note that beds are on the high side, but the Sheraton brand is known for their comfortable beds and excellent bedding. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and a functional work desk with plenty of outlets. Wi-Fi is free and reliable. Some rooms overlook the airport, but floor-to-ceiling windows are soundproofed to keep out noise.

This Four Points hotel offers a free shuttle to and from the airport, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, and a 24-hour fitness center (though it is small with only a handful of cardio and weight machines). There is also a lounge and bar with drink specials, a restaurant, and room service. Each morning there is a breakfast buffet. More restaurant options are available in the two sister properties on the resort grounds (a free shuttle is offered). For relaxation, there is an outdoor pool with lounge chairs and shady terrace. A free shuttle connects guests to a nearby beach.