The Dominican Republic is one of the oldest settled regions in the Caribbean. It shared the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. With an average temperature of 78 degrees, year-round golf courses, colonial history, music and baseball, the Dominican Republic is the number one tourist destination in the Caribbean. There are plenty of places from the Dominican Republic resorts to hostels to stay.
Some options include:
- 4 Star Hotels;
- 3 Star Hotels;
- 2 Star Hotels;
- Hostels;
- Bed and Breakfast.
Best Family Resorts in the Dominican Republic
Everything just seems to be extra fun and exciting when you travel with your family. Good thing there are plenty of all-inclusive family resorts in the Dominican Republic that can provide you and your family with the comfort that you deserve.
1. Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana
Families and couples are both welcome here. It is one of the highly-rated all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic. Their amenities include a pool, spa and sports centers, and a theater which holds shows like the Lion King and Michael Jackson tribute.
Their all-inclusive package grants guest with 3 à la carte dinners per week of stay, diving lessons in the swimming pool, children’s activities in their Mini-Club, and a 24-hour babysitting service that covers children 12 years old and below among others.
- Pricing: From $153/night (standard room) $379/night (suite);
- Reservations: Through the online portal;
- Accommodation type: 4-star hotel;
- Fit for: Couples, families;
- Address: Crta Arenta Gorda, Punta Cana 9999.
2. Apartments at Condos Dominican
There are 12 condos available on this property located within a mile from Sosúa Beach and among the Dominican Republic resorts. There are standard, superior, and deluxe studios available with a queen bed in each. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s pool and concierge services, free wi-fi and parking, airport shuttle and many more.
- Pricing: Starting at $38/nightly (standard room) $51/nightly (deluxe room);
- Reservations: Through the reservation portal. You should reserve months in advance because this property is booked until October 2017.
- Accommodation type: 2-star condo;
- Fit for: Couples, families;
- Address: Calle WA Mozart 1, Sosúa.
3. Sosua Sweet Vacations
This Puerto Plata hotel is a property located within a mile of both Museo de la Comunidad Judia de Sosúa, Sosúa Beach, and Sosúa Bay Grand Casino. Accommodation choices include a single room and a double room. Each of them consists of a full bed for two guests and one child. Amenities include an outdoor pool, garden, free wi-fi, flat-screen televisions, and cable.
- Pricing: From at $24/night;
- Reservations: Via the reservation portal;
- Accommodation type: 3-star hotel;
- Fit for: Couples, families;
- Address: Calle Panama No. 8 El Batey, Sosua.
4. Coco Hotel
The Coco Hotel in Puerto Plata is an apart-hotel within two miles of Sosúa Beach and six miles from Encuentro Beach. It is also close to the Mundo King Art Museum and Columbus Aquapark. Amenities include items at other Dominican Republic resorts such as an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, two other bars with lounging areas, and a free area shuttle.
There are 11 apartments, each with a queen-size bed for two guests and one child, free wi-fi, stovetops, and cable. The Coco Hotel is a good place to stay for family travelers who want to enjoy the Caribbean sea without spending too much on accommodations.
- Pricing: Starting at $25/night (single, no air conditioning) $30/night (standard, with air conditioning);
- Reservations: Online. You must book months in advance as it stays booked;
- Accommodation type: 3-star hotel;
- Fit for: Couples, families;
- Address: 151 A Martinez, Sosua, Puerto Plata.
5. Chalet Tropical Village B&B
Chalet Tropical is a bed and breakfast property with advantages comparable to Dominican Republic resorts. Located on the beach, there are standard double, triple and quadruple rooms to choose from as well as a two-bedroom villa. A kitchenette comes with each and breakfast is included each day. There is also free wi-fi access in the rooms and the lobby.
Although they can provide cots and high chairs for the children, they don’t offer any babysitting service which should be taken into consideration.
- Pricing: From $78/nightly (standard rooms) to $390/nightly (villa);
- Reservations: Available online;
- Accommodation type: 3-star bed and breakfast;
- Fit for: Couples, families, single groups;
- Address: Calle Chalet Tropical, 32000, Las Galeras.
You must reserve with a deposit and it is wise to book several months in advance.
Best All Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic
Not all all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic are meant for families only. There are also those that are better enjoyed by solo travelers, couples, and backpackers. Here are our top choices.
1. Barcelo Bavaro Beach
Barcelo Bavaro Beach is one of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic. In fact, it has received a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor. It is located on the beachfront of Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Bávaro Beach was noted as one of the top ten beaches in the world. On top of that, all of their rooms have a clear view of the Caribbean sea.
Hotel amenities include pool, spa, tennis, fitness center, golf course, and a casino. It also has 9 à la carte restaurants where guests can enjoy some international cuisine.
- Pricing: Starting at $229/night;
- Reservations: Through the reservation portal;
- Accommodation type: 4-star hotel;
- Fit for: Couples;
- Address: Carretera Bavaro Km 1, Punta Cana 23301.
2. Blue Garden Caribbean Team
This property in Sosúa is within two miles of Sosúa Beach and six miles from Encuentro Beach. There are two smoke-free condos available. The Blue Garden Caribbean Team property is a two-bedroom apartment with two king beds and one twin bed which covers up to 4 guests.
Amenities include kitchens with standard appliances. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a garden, laundry facilities, flat-screen televisions, and free wi-fi in public areas.
- Pricing: Starting at $160/nightly;
- Reservations: On the portal;
- Accommodation type: 2-star condo;
- Fit for: Couples, singles traveling together;
- Address: Calle Mexico S/N Sosua.
Reservations are required and should be made a year and a half in advance as the property stays booked. The earliest availability is July 2018.
3. Island Life Backpackers’ Hostel
Those touring the Caribbean have rated this hostel incredibly high in the atmosphere, security, location, facilities, staff, and cleanliness categories. This Santo Domingo hostel, which sits on a 400-year-old property, is in the Colonial zone and within walking distance of historical sites and other attractions.
Amenities rival that of Dominican Republic resorts and include a bar, free breakfast, hot tub, free wi-fi, and steam room. They can also supervise excursions to various destinations like Cayo Arena, Cayo Levantado, Isla Saona, and Isla Catalina among others.
- Pricing: Ranges from $14 to $22.50 per night;
- Reservations: Available on the reservations portal;
- Accommodation type: 3-star hostel;
- Fit for: Backpackers, single travelers;
- Address: Calle Isabel La Catolica #356, Zona Colonial.
There is a three-day cancellation policy with a cancellation charge equal to the first night’s stay. A passport per guest is required to check in. Full payment in USD or in Dominican pesos is due upon check-in. There are no refunds for early departures and the property has two friendly dogs on site.
Getting Ready for the Dominican Republic Resorts
Now, we don’t want to overwhelm you with a long list of best resorts in the Dominican Republic. Instead, we want to help you narrow down your choices. However, in the case that you still haven’t found what you are looking for in any of those hotels and resorts mentioned above, here is a backup list for you.
- Grand Paradise Playa Dorada – a 3-star all-inclusive and family-friendly resort in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic offering amenities that include various water and land activities, a kids club, casino, medical services, and beauty salon among others.
- Zoetry Agua Punta Cana – this 5-star hotel is a wellness oasis and a luxurious escape that will surely capture your tourist’s heart. Some amenities to look forward to our daily afternoon tea, maid service, international premium drinks, unlimited wifi access, Luxurious Bvlgari bath amenities, and many more.
- Altos de Caño Hondo – this family-friendly hotel is situated in Los Haitises National Park. Their amenities include the Lazy river and 11 other outdoor pools, restaurant and bar, garden, a rooftop terrace, free water park, and a picnic area.
- Eden Roc at Cap Cana – this is another 5-star hotel that is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. It boasts of amenities that include a complimentary daily breakfast, 24/7 room service, fitness center, full-service spa, access to the Eden Roc Private Beach Club, and a private pool in the room.
Depending on your desired itinerary, budget, and personal preference, you may also want to consider these accommodations.
Whether you want a completely pampered treatment during your stay, a fun-filled family vacation or an adventure, there are various options among Dominican Republic resorts for you to consider. Each one has its own character and amenities. The resorts book pretty quickly too, so strategic planning is required. Book ahead of time; secure your comfort.
Just a final reminder, don’t get so caught up on your resort hunting. Remember, you are traveling to a foreign country to experience everything that it has to offer and whatever those are, they are most definitely not found only in your resort.
Images from depositphotos.com.
