Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic • Best Dominican Republic Hotels + Resorts

Because the Dominican Republic promises relaxation, cultural immersion and unmatched adventure, knowing where to stay in the Dominican Republic is key to experiencing all this Caribbean destination has to offer.

When it comes to relaxation, visitors to the Dominican Republic can treat themselves to a stay at one of the island’s all-inclusive, luxury resorts situated on world-class, white sand beaches.

For cultural immersion, hotels in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone are a chance for visitors to get to know the locals and experience the history of the Dominican Republic.

Whether it's diving the depths of the surrounding waters or climbing the tallest mountains in the Caribbean, the opportunity for adventure is everywhere in the Dominican Republic. 

Knowing where to stay in the Dominican Republic based on your travel needs can help you enjoy your time and make the most of your Caribbean getaway.

Check Out: Dominican Republic Travel Guide • Plan Your Trip to the Dominican Republic

Article Guide

Best Hotels in Dominican Republic:

• Luca Hotel
• JW Marriott Santo Domingo
• Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
• Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club
• Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge
• Xeliter Vista Mare Samana

Best Resorts in Dominican Republic:

• Sanctuary Cap Cana
• The Westin Punta Cana Resort Club
• Iberostar Costa Dorada
• Grand Paradise Playa Dorada
• BlueBay Villas Doradas
• Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa
• Mi Vista Mountain Resort

The Districts & Neighbourhoods of the Dominican Republic

Many travellers are introduced to the Dominican Republic through the enticing tropical destination of Punta Cana.

This beautiful beach town on the east coast is one of the best destinations in the Dominican Republic because of its picture-perfect beaches that fill the area with a sensation of ultimate rest and relaxation. 

Punta Cana is also home to the world's finest all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotel hideaways for travellers to stay when they visit the Dominican Republic. 

While there’s no denying the beauty of Punta Cana, the northern beach town of Puerto Plata also offers gorgeous beaches as well as majestic natural landscapes such as mountains, valleys, and rivers. Puerto Plata is a great place to stay in the Dominican Republic if you want to experience the country’s natural beauty first-hand.

Another hidden gem in the Dominican Republic is the country's Samaná Peninsula, which is a secluded destination filled with untouched beaches, coconut plantations, and rainforests. While this northern peninsula is less populated, it makes up for its lack of people with its natural beauty. 

Tucked away from the popular tourist sites of the northeast side of the island is Barahona, which is commonly referred to as “The Pearl of the South” or “La Perla del Sur” for its rich landscape that includes surfing beaches, fresh water cascades, mountain ranges and plantations that producing some of the best coffee in the Dominican Republic. 

As another secluded area in the Dominican Republic, Jaracoba, which is a scenic mountain resort town that is a favourite escape of locals who live in the city.

For the chance to interact with these locals of the Dominican Republic, the best place for you to stay is Santo Domingo. This capital city also features a Colonial Zone filled with local landmarks, historical monuments and plenty of museums that will help you learn about Dominican culture. 

Wherever you decide to stay in the Dominican Republic, it helps to know that it is one of the safest countries to visit in the Caribbean. But no matter where you stay, it's still a good idea to stay close to your hotel or resort to stay safe on your trip to the Dominican Republic.

Either check out our top picks below, or find a spot that's perfect for your itinerary here:

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6 Best Hotels in the Dominican Republic 

While the Dominican Republic is best known for its five-star resorts, the hotels in the Dominican Republic can be just as luxurious and enticing as the resorts on the island

They also offer the chance for a more intimate and personal experience during your stay in the Dominican Republic. 

#1. Luca Hotel

With a direct view of the first Cathedral ever built in the Americas as well as the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Luca Hotel is a great place to stay to explore the culture of the Dominican Republic. 

Located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, the Luca hotel is welcoming and warm with comfy rooms that feature local artwork and balconies that overlook Spanish gardens.

Neighbourhood: Santo Domingo Colonial Zone

Restaurants: This hotel makes food its focus through Luca Tasting its onsite restaurant that blends old and new world cuisine through a unique gastronomic experience that represents the Dominican Republic.

Best for: families with children, luxury travel and business travellers

#2. JW Marriott Santo Domingo

Located in downtown Santo Domingo, The JW Marriott Santo Domingo is within walking distance to the area’s many attractions including the Colonial Zone.

The JW Marriott Santo Domingo features upscale rooms and suites that offer Wi-Fi access and each have their own awe-inspiring view of the city.

Neighbourhood: Santo Domingo 

Restaurants: The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Winston's Grill & Patio offers delicious international fare and lets you try signature cocktails at Vertygo 101, its on-site lounge and bar.

Best for: luxury travel and business travellers

#3. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

Promising tranquility and elegance, this hotel offers its guests what it calls “Endless Privileges” to enrich their stay in the Dominican Republic. 

The Zoetry Agua Punta Cana hotel emphasizes an elevated and personalized stay that includes endless food and beverage options, high service levels and amenities, and multiple enrichment experiences for its guests. 

Neighbourhood: Punta Cana

Restaurants: This hotel is all about offering its guests the best of the best especially with four gourmet a la carte restaurants. It also has three bars and lounges as well as its “Sip, Savour & See Dining Experience” that provides 41 additional dining and entertainment venue options at nearby sister properties.

Best for: luxury travel

#4. Tortuga Bay Hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club

A hotel that has interiors designed by the world-famous Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta is bound to be an elegant place experience and the Tortuga Bay Hotel certainly lives up to that expectation. 

This hotel that is nestled in its own private enclave within the original resort has 13 luxurious villas that promise guests privacy, security and five-star service.

Neighbourhood: Punta Cana

Restaurants: Oscar de la Renta also designed the spaces for the hotel’s multiple award-winning restaurants that offer a diverse selection of cuisine and ambiance.

Best for: luxury travel and business travellers

#5. Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge

Located in the secluded, natural setting off the southwest coast of the Dominican Republic, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge intimate hotel was once a private summer house. 

After a transformation 25 years ago, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge now features 12 cabanas with an impressive view of either the mountains or the sea depending on your accommodations. 

Neighbourhood: Barahona

Restaurants: The hotel offers a unique farm-to table dining experience at Pat’s Organic Garden that also contributes to Casa Bonita’s commitment to sustainability. 

Best for: Luxury travel 

 #6. Xeliter Vista Mare Samana

The Xeliter Vista Mare Samana hotel is situated on a hill in the beautiful and secluded area of the Samana Peninsula has 87 residences that offer unparalleled views of the ocean. 

These residences, which include apartments of 1, 2 and 3 rooms, are a great way to experience the natural beauty and the rich history of the area. 

Neighbourhood: Samana Peninsula

Restaurants: The hotel’s El Cayo Restaurant offers dishes prepared with Fresh seafood and imported meats and presents them in a tropical atmosphere, to make every meal special for its guests.

Best for: Families with children and luxury travel

7 Top Resorts in the Dominican Republic 

#1. Sanctuary Cap Cana

As a peaceful escape for travellers, the Sanctuary Cap Cana is known for its dedication to luxury and its excellent customer service.

Located on the private gated community retreat of Cap Cana , this exclusive adults-only resort recently underwent a $45 million modernization that greatly enhanced its already outstanding rooms and amenities. 

This resort is also home to one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, a world renowned Mariana and is all situated on 30,000 acres of white sand beaches.

Neighbourhood : Punta Cana 

Restaurants: Along with five restaurants to choose from, guests also have the options of a romantic dinner at the beach via the resort's dinner packages. The resort also features seven different bars and lounges to choose from.

Amenities: Access to water sports and outdoor activities, unlimited drinks, room service, fitness centre, six swimming pools, private beach access, a welcome drink upon arrival, daily activities, nightly entertainment, complimentary Wi-Fi.

Best for: Luxury travellers

#2. The Westin Punta Cana Resort Club

Boasting 3 miles of white sand beaches, the Westin Punta Cana Resort Club offers a wide array of water sports and endless recreational activities for its guests.

It also offers plenty of chances to relax and unwind by one of its outdoor swimming pools or direct access to Playa Blanca.

Neighbourhood: Punta Cana

Restaurants: Offering guest authentic Dominican dishes, the resort’s three onsite restaurants feature ocean-fresh seafood, locally sourced coffee and vibrant spices. 

Amenities: water sports, access to two championship golf courses, a full-service marina, a shopping village, spa access, Oscar de la Renta Tennis Center, horseback riding at the estate stable. 

Best for: Families with children, luxury travel and business travellers

#3. Iberostar Costa Dorada

Situated on a lush natural environment and located on an award-winning beach, the Iberostar Costa Dorada was built with families in mind and offers amenities that are geared toward a memorable family vacation.

It offers an all-inclusive stay and is only a 10 minute drive from the city centre in Puerto Plata. 

Neighbourhood: Puerto Plata

Restaurants: Boasting flavours from around the world, this resort offers three restaurants that highlight Mexican, Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. 

Amenities: Three outdoor pools, a fitness room, tennis courts, archery targets, hydro-massages pool or sauna at the onsite spa, and three à la carte restaurants. 

Best for: Families with children

#4. Grand Paradise Playa Dorada

With a beachfront location that’s close to Puerto Plata’s downtown attractions, the Grand Paradise Playa Dorada is an all-inclusive resort that has so much to offer the adventurous traveler. 

The Grand Paradise Playa Dorada is home to a welcoming staff and gives guests the chance to pursue any activity they’d like to try whether its water-sports  or other daily activities. 

The resort also has an onsite casino as well as an exciting night show, evening entertainment, and a disco where you can show off your dance moves. 

Neighbourhood: Puerto Plata

Restaurants: This resort offers four restaurants that feature a buffet, continental breakfast, a la carte grilled and a la carte Italian. There are also four bars including one swim up bar at the resort. 

Amenities: free meals and drinks, access to non-motorized water-sports equipment, daytime tennis courts, aerobics, an archery range, miniature golf, entrance to the onsite disco, use of bikes, horseback riding and a supervised kids activities program for children ages 4-12.

Best for: Families with children and luxury travel

#5. BlueBay Villas Doradas

When you stay at Bluebay Villas Doradas, this all inclusive resort ensures that nothing will disturb your Caribbean getaway. Its peaceful atmosphere highlights the resort’s dedication to luxury and relaxation. 

As an adult exclusive resort, this destination is ideal for couples looking for a romantic stay right next to the beautiful Playa Dorada. 

Neighbourhood: Puerto Plata 

Restaurants: This resort has three al la carte restaurants and one International cuisine buffet-restaurant. It also is home to the Black & White bar and offers its own swim up bar at the pool.

Amenities: Twenty-four hour reception, concierge service, fitness equipment, spa access, private beach access, tourist assistance.

Best for: luxury travellers 

#6. Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa

This laid-back, cliffside resort has some of the most spectacular views of the wildly beautiful Samaná Peninsula. 

The Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa gives guests the chance to experience authentic Dominican village life through its beautiful natural location. 

This resort is all inclusive and perfect for the traveler looking to get lost in the natural wonder of the Dominican Republic’s most secluded areas. 

Neighbourhood: Samaná Peninsula

Restaurants: With three onsite restaurants, the resort gives guests the options of enjoying Italian, french or Mediterranean cuisine. It also features pool bars, beach bars and bars throughout the resort. 

Amenities: International entertainment programs for adults and children, Diving lessons, Themed events, dance classes, sports and leisure activities, volleyball, scuba diving equipment for the pool, gym and aerobics, three à la carte dinners in restaurants, access to paddle surf, kayaks, catamarans for hire, and snorkelling.

Best for: families with children and luxury travel

#7. Mi Vista Mountain Resort

For an authentic trip into the mountains of the Dominican Republic, a stay at Mi Vista Mountain Resort will have you falling in love with the majesty of the mountain area. 

The resort offers five bungalows and two double occupancy cabanas all with breath-taking views of the nearby mountains.

Just a short walk from popular waterfalls like Salto de Jimenoa and Baiguate Salto Waterfall, this resort is great for the adventurous traveler looking for a chance to feel closer to the natural environment of the Dominican Republic. 

Neighbourhood: Jaracoba

Restaurants: Note the restaurants, cafes, bars etc in the hotel and what type of food/vibe they have.

Amenities: a pool, lounge, refrigerator and a minibar in each room, free wifi, and free parking. 

Best for: budget travelers