Best Party Hotels in the Dominican Republic

When it comes to having grown-up fun, it doesn’t get much better than the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, particularly if you’re looking for a more upscale, mature alternative to the spring break party scene. This gargantuan rock-n-roll-inspired mega-resort offers 23 bars, 13 pools (with regular entertainment in some), and its own nightclub. However, for many guests, the real kicker is the Hard Rock casino, with its huge range of table games along with slots and a sports book. The all-inclusive package is particularly attractive if you're hoping to party, with free top-shelf liquor and dining at all but one of the resort’s 13 restaurants and eateries.

The main resort inside of the Barcelo Bavaro compound, this 1,600-room property is popular with families, couples, and partying groups of friends, with four pools and plenty of beach space to accommodate guests. Highlights for those looking to party include Barcelo Bavaro's 14 bars (including a popular swim-up bar), 11 varied restaurants, and an all-inclusive program that covers not only food and beer, but also liquor. For those who like to gamble, the on-site casino is open 24 hours a day — meaning there's never really an end to the party here.

The only adults-only hotel on the Riu complex, this property provides sleek rooms and a laid-back, upscale ambience without skimping on the party vibes. There’s plenty of entertainment day and night, including music by the beach and the pool, plus numerous bars (one of which is swim-up) and even an on-site theater. However, the biggest perk for many may be the unlimited brand-name liquor that comes with Riu Palace Macao's all-inclusive rates.

Spread out over expansive, garden-filled grounds, this huge all-inclusive has just under 700 rooms, but still feels uncrowded; just note that you might end up relying on a bicycle or golf cart to get around. The white-sand beach here is a huge perk, and the beach scene at Paradisus Punta Cana can get even more lively come nightfall. This resort also features an impressive selection of both buffet and a la carte restaurants, and Asian spa with indoor and outdoor treatments. For something extra special, opt for the Royal Service, which includes a private lounge with free Champagne plus its own dedicated pool and beach area.

Set on spacious grounds shared with two sister properties, the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort offers rooms with whirlpool tubs, four pools (all with swim-up bars), and a solid entertainment program complete with evening entertainment (often right in the lobby), a casino, and a nightclub. There are 11 other bars in addition to the pool bar, including a lobby bar, and guests get access to most of the facilities at the two neighboring sister resorts.

Popular with couples, this adults-only resort offers a plenty of romantic amenities for two along with a good selection of party-oriented activities. Rooms at the Secrets Royal Beach all-inclusive resort are spacious and come with marble bathrooms, but the facilities are the real draw, with three pools plus multiple bars and restaurants offering top-shelf liquor (included in the all-inclusive rate). Secrets guests also get access to additional restaurants and bars at the adjacent Now Larimar.

This smaller (by Punta Cana resort standards) adults-only hotel offers plenty for party-goers day and night, including multiple pools (one with a swim-up bar), a beach, four restaurants, and seven bars. The two main pools are lively day and night, with theater by the pool, aqua aerobic shows, and even nighttime pool volleyball; there’s also a quiet pool for those who want to chill out a bit. Note that the alcohol at BlueBay Villas flows freely as part of the all-inclusive package, but don’t expect top-shelf brands at this upper-middle-range property.

Right on Bavaro Beach, this massive resort attracts travelers of all stripes, from spring breakers to families with kids. The Catalonia Punta Cana party vibe starts during the day, with a huge lagoon pool with a swim-up bar and an entertainment team that keeps things lively, plus a second bar right on the beach. Nightlife options are no less abundant, with multiple bars (including a snazzy lobby bar) and a beachfront nightclub, Pearl, that keeps the party going well into the wee hours. There’s also a 24-hour snack bar for cases of midnight munchies.

As the most affordable of the four resorts that collectively make up the Grand Palladium mega-resort complex, the Grand Palladium Punta Cana attracts a younger, more party-focused crowd, with plenty of groups of friends, especially around spring break. Rooms all have jetted tubs, but it’s Grand Palladium facilities that really stand out here, with a white-sand beach, a casino, and regular live entertainment. Along with eight restaurants, the resort offers 14 bars (with off-label liquor included in the all-inclusive rate), four of which are swim-up bars.

Popular with young budget travelers who want to be close to the scene in downtown Bavaro, the whala!bavaro is one of those get-what-you-pay-for spots. It's a simple all-inclusive right on the beach offers simple, but rooms are clean, there are three pools, and whala!bavaro has a beach club with a bar and volleyball. The all-inclusive package covers alcohol, making for some great value for those who want to hit the bottle hard (which, it seems, is almost always the case here). If you're looking for a lively time on a budget, this is your spot.

On a white-sand beach just outside Dominicus Americana, the Be Live Collection Canoa all-inclusive resort offers an alternative from the scene in Punta Cana (about an hour's drive away). Here, you'll find plenty to do right on the property day and night. Along with seven restaurants and seven bars, there's a beach, a large pool, a nightclub, and a theater hosting evening performances. Well drinks are included in the price of the package. Guests wanting top-shelf liquor can upgrade to the VIP package on arrival, which includes a lounge, a dedicated beach area, and access to an adult-only pool.

Part of the gargantuan Iberostar complex, the Iberostar Dominicana Hotel attracts families and couples along with groups of friends who've come to party. The pool here is popular with partiers all day long, with lots of drinking and merriment, particularly at the main saltwater pool. There's also an animation team, Star Friends, that rove the beach and common areas throughout the night, culminating in evening entertainment at the theater. The Iberostar Dominicana's disco that stays open well into the night, but is far enough from the rooms not to disturb guests who want some R&R.

Want a block party vibe with your D.R. beach vacation? Well, you've found your spot. The Coral Costa Caribe All-Inclusive resort offers a ton of on-site activities and amenities, particularly if you’re in town to party. It’s on a white-sand beach with calm waters, and has five restaurants (though some are closed on weekdays). Property features include three pools (one with a swim-up bar), a 24-hour sports bar, a snack shack offering light bites well into the night, plus a casino. There's also a smaller casino with slots and table games plus a nightclub, Boom.

The mid-range Now Larimar Punta Cana offers multiple pools plus a gorgeous beach with turquoise waters and plenty of lounge chairs, plus free non-motorized water sports. The all-inclusive rates include top-shelf liquor (though you have to make sure to ask for it) along with room service and meals at a variety of restaurants. There are seven bars, including Scores Sports Bar, with a pool table, video games, and even bowling lanes. There's also an open-air nightclub, Eclipse, with its own plunge pool. The rooms aren’t too shabby, either, with minibars stocked with beer and whirlpool tubs in the marble bathrooms.