Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort

Located a distance away from the hubbub of central Punta Cana, the massive Sirenis complex, with its flag-lined entrance, was once two properties, and traces of the original division are still eveident throughout the resort: A pretty garden, for example, has two separate walkways leading to two airy lobbies for check-in. Sitting between them is a bar area that comes alive with entertainment in the evening, and guests can continue around the corner to find another bar where coffee and croissants are served in the morning (members of the management team are often here, recognizable from their lavender shirts). This area leads to yet another lounge containing low-slung tables and chairs (expect to see smokers) under a wooden trellis that divides two buffet entrances and a few gift shops leading to the main walkway. This is the central hub for all guests, and the occasional wild peacock, as this walkway leads to all paths toward the rooms (which are situated in three-story buildings on either side), as well as toward the outdoor theater, disco, casino, and a la carte restaurants.This promenade, which hosts local vendors a few nights a week (yes, they do get pushy) also leads to the large pool area, which is divided into two sections by the walking bridge. It is spread out enough for everyone to have space under a palapa, at the snack bar, or sidled up to one of the swim-up bars. The beach is the place to go for peace and quiet, especially since kids are either splashing around at the water park or using the pool (swimming conditions in the ocean may be too rough for them). There are blue lounge chairs and tall palms to provide shade.At night, guests head to one of the restaurants or buffets. Attire for the a la cartes is semi-formal, but there is a maximum of two themed restaurant reservations per stay. After dinner guests can take part in typical all-inclusive-resort style entertainment at the theater, disco, and casino.

Sirenis is located a bit farther north than most of the Bavaro Beach mega-resorts, and is in a more secluded area of Punta Cana called Higuey. The resort is about an hour's taxi ride north of the Punta Cana airport. Like at most all-inclusives, guests mostly stay on the property: There’s not much outside the complex’s gates, save for day trips, which can be arranged through the hotel. The waves along this area tend to be a bit more choppy, which might make the beach too dangerous for young children, but there are plenty of kid-friendly pools both next to the beach and in the water park, which is a five-minute walk from the lobby.Taxis are readily available -- it usually takes about five minutes for one to arrive.

Sirenis consists of more than 800 rooms, which are housed in three-story pale yellow buildings spread out over pretty manicured grounds dotted with tall palm trees (the site was a former coconut grove). Decor varies, but most rooms have tropical style, colorful accents, white bedding, and tile floors. Most also have flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers (with local Dominican coffee), bathrooms with tub/shower combos, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, free minibars (with a small selection of water and sodas), flat-screen TVs, and private balconies with two chairs, a table, and an ashtray. Some older rooms have older tube televisions. There is a daily fee to use the safe. Guests have reported maintenance problems in rooms, whether renovated or not.Among the seven room types are Double Rooms, Superior Double Rooms, Suites, Club Premium Rooms, Club Premium Connecting Suites, Club Connecting Suites, and Club Platinum Junior Presidential Suites. There is a fee for Wi-Fi, and it is best accessed in the lobby at one of the desk areas.

The biggest standout feature here is the addition of Aquagames -- the biggest water park in Punta Cana, which guests can use for free. All slides are supervised by resort staff. Adults can use the slides, or just sit back and watch from the lounge chairs.The pool complex is bigger than it first appears, since it is divided into two sections by a walking bridge. There are child-friendly areas, as well as areas where adults can swim over with their drinks from one of two swim-up bars and set them down on little tables in the middle of the pool. Shaded palapas with blue lounge chairs surround the pool areas, and a small area is sectioned off for VIP guests. Restrooms and a changing area are provided. Non-motorized waters sports -- kayaks, catamarans, wind surfing, and snorkeling -- are included in the room rate.The all-inclusive dining is not a standout, and reservations to the six a la carte restaurants (Mexican, Italian, steakhouse, Japanese) are limited to two per stay. There is also a snack bar at the beach (and water park), and a late-night snack bar. Evening entertainment starts in the outdoor theater, and there's also a nightclub and casino.Tennis courts are in good condition, but may need to be booked in advance. There’s a gift shop in the lobby area, which is also the best place to get steady Wi-Fi, although it comes with a fee.