The 356-room Hilton La Romana, An All-Inclusive Adult Resort (formerly Dreams La Romana) is an upscale property along Bayahibe Beach, next to its sister property Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort and a 50-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. Renovations in 2019 brought a chic, modern style to the spacious rooms, all of which have flat-screen TVs, free minibars, and rainfall showers. All units have furnished terraces with either pool, ocean, or garden views, and some are swim-out. Swish features include an ocean-view infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a quieter outdoor pool for Premium-level guests, a full-service spa, beach with ample loungers, a bar, and water sports, a gym, and nightly entertainment. A casino, gym, and disco are shared with the family resort. All-inclusive rates cover meals and drinks at a buffet restaurant and a la carte eateries serving Asian, Mediterranean, and Caribbean cuisines, plus a 24-hour coffee shop. Overall, this property offers a relaxed getaway for couples, but for something more centrally located in Punta Cana, consider Sanctuary Cap Cana.
The 356-room Hilton La Romana, An All-Inclusive Adult Resort (formerly Dreams La Romana) is an upscale property along Bayahibe Beach, next to its sister property Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort and a 50-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport. Renovations in 2019 brought a chic, modern style to the spacious rooms, all of which have flat-screen TVs, free minibars, and rainfall showers. All units have furnished terraces with either pool, ocean, or garden views, and some are swim-out. Swish features include an ocean-view infinity pool with a swim-up bar, a quieter outdoor pool for Premium-level guests, a full-service spa, beach with ample loungers, a bar, and water sports, a gym, and nightly entertainment. A casino, gym, and disco are shared with the family resort. All-inclusive rates cover meals and drinks at a buffet restaurant and a la carte eateries serving Asian, Mediterranean, and Caribbean cuisines, plus a 24-hour coffee shop. Overall, this property offers a relaxed getaway for couples, but for something more centrally located in Punta Cana, consider Sanctuary Cap Cana.
Dreams Dominicus La Romana is a four-pearl oceanfront all-inclusive along laid-back Dominicus Beach. The resort’s 392 air-conditioned rooms have modern interiors with huge flat-screen TVs, daily restocked minibars, and balconies -- some with plunge pools or ocean views. The white-marble bathrooms are sophisticated and sleek, but have poorly designed stand-up showers that inevitably flood the floor. Dreams’ seven restaurants include French, Asian, Italian, and a buffet spot that are open late, but often have waits for seating. Amenities include a beautiful beach, three freshwater pools, a spa, and separate kids' and teen clubs. For a nearby oceanfront alternative with a gorgeous sunset-view beach, multiple restaurants, and lots of sports activities, it's also worth checking into nearby Catalonia Gran Dominicus.
Dreams Dominicus La Romana is a four-pearl oceanfront all-inclusive along laid-back Dominicus Beach. The resort’s 392 air-conditioned rooms have modern interiors with huge flat-screen TVs, daily restocked minibars, and balconies -- some with plunge pools or ocean views. The white-marble bathrooms are sophisticated and sleek, but have poorly designed stand-up showers that inevitably flood the floor. Dreams’ seven restaurants include French, Asian, Italian, and a buffet spot that are open late, but often have waits for seating. Amenities include a beautiful beach, three freshwater pools, a spa, and separate kids' and teen clubs. For a nearby oceanfront alternative with a gorgeous sunset-view beach, multiple restaurants, and lots of sports activities, it's also worth checking into nearby Catalonia Gran Dominicus.
Located on the D.R.’s softest and calmest stretch of beach, the highly active Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is a pretty solid family option -- three clean pools, attentive service, and excellent scuba diving (though for a cost). But because the rooms are dated and poorly maintained, and the food is only good (not great), the newly renovated Dreams La Romana is a better option for the same price.
Located on the D.R.’s softest and calmest stretch of beach, the highly active Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is a pretty solid family option -- three clean pools, attentive service, and excellent scuba diving (though for a cost). But because the rooms are dated and poorly maintained, and the food is only good (not great), the newly renovated Dreams La Romana is a better option for the same price.
In sharp contrast to the oversized all-inclusive resorts for which the Dominican Republic is known, the two-and-a-half-pearl Cabana Elke is a cheap and cheerful property with a few nice-to-haves in a no-nonsense package. The 18 rooms are bright and spacious, but dated, and include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and small patios or balconies. This is a simple place to recharge after a day at the beach or hiking, and the the clean, garden-style pool and eclectic Italian restaurant are welcome additions. It's only a 10-minute walk to the public sands at Dominicus Beach. Alternatively, Villa Baya Aparta-Hotel promises similar amenities, except for a pool, in the heart of downtown Bayahibe for less money.
In sharp contrast to the oversized all-inclusive resorts for which the Dominican Republic is known, the two-and-a-half-pearl Cabana Elke is a cheap and cheerful property with a few nice-to-haves in a no-nonsense package. The 18 rooms are bright and spacious, but dated, and include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and small patios or balconies. This is a simple place to recharge after a day at the beach or hiking, and the the clean, garden-style pool and eclectic Italian restaurant are welcome additions. It's only a 10-minute walk to the public sands at Dominicus Beach. Alternatively, Villa Baya Aparta-Hotel promises similar amenities, except for a pool, in the heart of downtown Bayahibe for less money.
There are just a handful of resorts on this particular stretch of beach about 20 minutes from La Romana, and this mid-range, 415-room property is a solid choice that draws an international crowd. This all-inclusive's best attributes are the beach (with great waves, snorkeling, and sunset views), and the food and drink spots, which are spread out over manicured grounds. It's a popular option for both families (children get their own section at the main buffet) and couples, especially honeymooners, who receive an instant upgrade when suites are available. Room types vary greatly: Non-Privilege are as basic as it gets, but Privilege rooms have canopy beds, stocked minibars, and sightly more contemporary decor. Plenty of sports activities can be enjoyed on-site and excursions are available for those who get a case of claustrophobia. Free Wi-Fi is spotty at best.
There are just a handful of resorts on this particular stretch of beach about 20 minutes from La Romana, and this mid-range, 415-room property is a solid choice that draws an international crowd. This all-inclusive's best attributes are the beach (with great waves, snorkeling, and sunset views), and the food and drink spots, which are spread out over manicured grounds. It's a popular option for both families (children get their own section at the main buffet) and couples, especially honeymooners, who receive an instant upgrade when suites are available. Room types vary greatly: Non-Privilege are as basic as it gets, but Privilege rooms have canopy beds, stocked minibars, and sightly more contemporary decor. Plenty of sports activities can be enjoyed on-site and excursions are available for those who get a case of claustrophobia. Free Wi-Fi is spotty at best.
Mimicking a Spanish fishing village, this upper-middle-range, 69-room resort at the end of a long, resort-filled road in Dominicus Americanus is a quiet, mellow respite from the crowded, club-like atmosphere that Dominican resorts are often known for. Stylish, airy rooms include condo-style options with kitchenettes, the pretty (if short) white-sand beach has a long pier, and the main restaurant has a great view of the ocean. The most notable feature might be the water park near the entrance, a hoot for kids. Those looking for an activity-filled mega-resort with all-inclusive rates should consider Be Live just down the road.
Mimicking a Spanish fishing village, this upper-middle-range, 69-room resort at the end of a long, resort-filled road in Dominicus Americanus is a quiet, mellow respite from the crowded, club-like atmosphere that Dominican resorts are often known for. Stylish, airy rooms include condo-style options with kitchenettes, the pretty (if short) white-sand beach has a long pier, and the main restaurant has a great view of the ocean. The most notable feature might be the water park near the entrance, a hoot for kids. Those looking for an activity-filled mega-resort with all-inclusive rates should consider Be Live just down the road.
This 871-room mid-range all-inclusive resort just outside the sleepy tourist town of Dominicus Americanus caters to an army of families. There are dizzying array of options for eating, drinking, and playing -- specifically, seven restaurants, seven bars, a disco, a big main pool with a swim-up bar, and a beautiful beach. The downside to all these features is that the resort can get crowded and loud. Rooms range from slightly dated to stylish and beachy; most guests consider the VIP amenities well worth the upgrade. Those who want a quieter, mellower vacation that's still geared toward families may want to consider the Cadaques Caribe just down the road.
This 871-room mid-range all-inclusive resort just outside the sleepy tourist town of Dominicus Americanus caters to an army of families. There are dizzying array of options for eating, drinking, and playing -- specifically, seven restaurants, seven bars, a disco, a big main pool with a swim-up bar, and a beautiful beach. The downside to all these features is that the resort can get crowded and loud. Rooms range from slightly dated to stylish and beachy; most guests consider the VIP amenities well worth the upgrade. Those who want a quieter, mellower vacation that's still geared toward families may want to consider the Cadaques Caribe just down the road.
The down-to-earth, two-pearl Villa Baya Aparta-Hotel in Bayahibe is a fine choice for those looking for a humble, independent getaway near famous dive sites. It’s a simple place, with 17 homey apartments and rooms, many of which include minimally appointed kitchens, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. The hotel is right in town, and there's several shops, restaurants, and dive outfitters all around, and the local beach is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Keep in mind that the neighborhood can be noisy with everything from loud music to roosters. While we were able to photograph a restaurant in 2016, but at the time of writing it was temporarily closed, so check ahead.
The down-to-earth, two-pearl Villa Baya Aparta-Hotel in Bayahibe is a fine choice for those looking for a humble, independent getaway near famous dive sites. It’s a simple place, with 17 homey apartments and rooms, many of which include minimally appointed kitchens, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. The hotel is right in town, and there's several shops, restaurants, and dive outfitters all around, and the local beach is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Keep in mind that the neighborhood can be noisy with everything from loud music to roosters. While we were able to photograph a restaurant in 2016, but at the time of writing it was temporarily closed, so check ahead.
