Presidential Suites – Punta Cana

Tiny by Punta Cana standards at "only" 120 rooms, this resort is towered over by the two residential blocks on either side of its narrow rectangle of land. Down the middle are two elongated freeform pools that drip toward the ocean like blue streaks of paint, leading to a beach gridded with quality cushioned beach chairs and daybeds, as well as the beach bar and the property's restaurants.

The property doesn't go for the poolside DJs of other area resorts, instead letting guests relax on their chaises. The clientele includes many families with young children and older couples, mostly from North and Latin America and Europe. 

A real-estate sales office inhabits a corner right in the center of the hotel. It's hard not to notice the stream of agents leading prospective buyers on tours of the model rooms, putting on the hard sell on a new "home away from home." Members get special perks (such as included drinks at the beach bar) that may make regular guests feel like second-class citizens. Everyone must wear a wristband to make their status clear. 

The hotel sits right on El Cortecito Beach, and only a block on the street side from the public entry to the sand. The upside is that guests are right near the action, but the downside is that as soon as they leave the property, they find themselves on a stretch of some of the area's busiest traffic. Another minus is that the persistent beach hawkers selling various souvenirs regularly wander down from the center of the beach and can become a nuisance. The resort is convenient for international travelers, as it's about a 25-minute drive to Punta Cana airport.

The rooms and residential buildings have bright, clean lines and tasteful decor. Typical decor includes a white and blue color palette that match the pools and ocean outside, and a restrained use of honey-blond wood. All have living areas and kitchens, and one to three bedrooms. They start at 861 square feet. All have terraces, but some overlook the parking lot or property roads. Others face the walls of other buildings. The better views are of the pool (sometimes with a glimpse of the ocean) or directly of the water. The three-bedroom suites are so big (they start at 1,500 square feet but can be as large as 2,700 square feet) have terraces so big that they have to be broken down into three separate sections, including one with a gas grill. All fourth-floor rooms have private rooftop space.

Despite the stylish look, there are wear and maintenance issues. Guests complain of noisy ACs and poor water pressure in the showers, among other issues. 

Families with young children are well catered to here. There is a kids movie or live entertainment every early evening, followed by a family-friendly live act of some sort on the beach stage. During the day, kids can spend time at the kids' club. Every weekend, the property throws a "welcome gala" featuring fire breathers, magicians, music, dancing, and food and cocktails. In a bow to local culture that stands out in an area where the resorts' buffets are invariably labeled "international," the hotel hosts a Dominican night once a week, with live performances by local performers and dancers, and Dominican food on the menu at the main buffet. It's a token effort, sure, but it's a step beyond rum, cigars, and quasi-African wood sculptures.

The narrow freeform pools are pretty but both are located in the central corridor of the resort on the way to the beach -- which means lots of passing traffic, which is an issue when there is limited space at the edges for both lounging and walking. The beach itself is lovely (if occasionally plagued by vendors) and the high-quality cushioned daybeds are a high point. There's a beach bar, but no pool bar.  

Time-share members get special perks such as top-shelf liquor and access to an exclusive lounge.