We list the best hotels in the Dominican Republic as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews, and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best boutique hotel in the Dominican Republic: Casa de Campo
Best luxury hotel in the Dominican Republic: Tortuga Bay Hotel
Best budget hotel in the Dominican Republic: El Balata Residence
“Within Cap Cana, the most luxurious resort is unquestionably this all-suite boutique hotel with interior decor straight from the mid-century French Riviera. The glamorous interiors juxtapose French classicism with sleek modern accessories.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Dominican Republic.
“A stay in one of these six impeccably restored colonial-era homes means toggling between the 16th and 21st centuries. Imagine archways, terracotta floors and courtyards evocative of a medieval monastery crossed with Sub Zero refrigerators, iPhones to contact your personal assistant and heated plunge pools.”
“Located in the Dominican Republic’s historic sugar mill town La Romana, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas has lured a long line of A-listers (Bill and Hillary Clinton, Julio Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Jay Z and Beyoncé) to its sprawling, 7,000-acre resort. Here, peace, quiet and privacy are important tenets and you’ll find a professional, discreet staff.”
“These 13 Oscar de la Renta–designed villas on the vast (26 square miles!) resort feature suites with kitchenettes—the one-bedroom junior suites are upstairs; the two-bedroom suites below open directly onto the private beach—and villas with three to five bedrooms each.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Punta Cana.
“Few images evoke paradise like an untouched island of white-sand beaches lined with palm trees swaying in a tropical breeze and lapped by a crystal-clear sea. Cayo Levantado, in Samaná Bay in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, is exactly that sort of place—well, except for the “untouched” part.”
“The moment you walk into the intimate Zoetry, relaxation befalls you. Wooden accents and Balinese touches abound at this small property, with 96 suites that radiate out from the dramatic, cathedral-style lobby forged from bamboo and palm leaves.”
“This stylish marina complex smack on the Bay of Samaná has changed the face of tourism in this area and become the social center for the upscale residents, a safe harbor for visiting yacht owners, and a deluxe, yet reasonably priced option for international visitors.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in the Dominican Republic.
“This historic boutique hotel now owned by Hodelpa Hotels was sculpted from the residence of the first governor of the Americas, and it just might be the best thing to happen in the Zona Colonial since Diego Columbus’s palace was finished in 1517. Colonial-style rooms have tall ceilings, original stone window benches, and shutters.”
“A wonderful addition to this charmed neighborhood, this boutique hotel was created from a collection of buildings that date back to the 1700s; in its former lives, it has been an ecclesiastical library, an ammunitions depot, and a private school, but its identity as Padre Billini’s library was the inspiration for the hotel today.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Dominican Republic.
“Perfectly coiffed and manicured, much like the warm and stylish French couple behind this small collection of whitewashed bungalows surrounding a small pool, Mahona does everything right, especially the fabulous multicourse breakfast served up in a sunny space.”
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Forbes, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Forbes
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers
Recommended by:
Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
For 3-star hotels, the average rate is around $130 per night. If you're looking for a 4-star hotel, then the rates are around $260 per night. The average rate for a 5-star hotel in the Dominican Republic is around $490 per night.
The best areas to stay in the Dominican Republic are: Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Las Terrenas, La Romana or Bayahibe. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in the Dominican Republic. It offers a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each area.
If you are on the hunt for an affordable hotel, then you should consider reserving El Balata Residence. It is a great option for those on a budget, as it provides good value for your money. Additionally, the hotel is in a suitable location, and professional travelers have given it their approval. Moreover, the guests who have stayed at the hotel have shared positive reviews. We also have a list of the top-rated budget hotels in the Dominican Republic.
If you fancy a bit of extravagance but prefer to stay away from the well-known chain hotels, then Casa de Campo is an excellent option for you. This hotel has been very well-reviewed by travelers and experts alike. For more information on other cool hotels, take a look at our list of the top boutique hotels in the Dominican Republic.
If cost is not an issue, Tortuga Bay Hotel is a great option for those seeking a luxurious hotel in the Dominican Republic. This establishment offers excellent customer service, is situated in an ideal location, and has garnered high reviews from customers and travel experts alike. To discover more 5-star hotels, take a look at our selection of the top luxury hotels in the Dominican Republic.
If you're in search of a well-priced private room or comfy dorm in the Dominican Republic, Afreeka Beach Hostel is worth a look. The hostel has been highly praised by backpackers. Additionally, we have compiled a shortlist of the finest hostels in the Dominican Republic based on thousands of reviews from backpackers.
When it comes to planning a romantic getaway, there is nothing more important than choosing the perfect hotel. We recommend Breathless Resort if you want to make your stay in Punta Cana truly memorable. It's also an adults-only hotel.
If you and your family are considering a holiday getaway to the Dominican Republic, travelers who have gone there with their families have had excellent feedback about Hotel Villa Colonial.
The Dominican Republic is a beautiful island tucked away in the heart of the Caribbean. It is a sublime mix of postcard-perfect beaches, lush tropical jungles, and a laid-back vibe that welcomes everyone. The coastline covers an area of 1,000 miles (1,609 km) and consists of many stunning white beaches which are considered the gem of the island. These outstanding soft sand beaches offer crystal-clear waters in azure shades of blue and are the playground of the island, with plenty of beachside activities available for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
The areas of Punta Cana, Bavaro, and Juanillo Beach offer some of the most breathtaking beaches with endless pristine white sand and shimmering water ideal for snorkeling, or enjoying catamaran excursions to see the beautiful marine life that thrives around the island.
Traveling to the inland areas of the Dominican Republic offers dense forests filled with spectacular botanicals, lush vegetation, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. Jarabacoa, located in the center of the island, is an eco-hub attracting many people to its gorgeous green landscapes and is known for its horseback riding culture to navigate the mountainous valleys. Samaná is a great place to visit if you want to combine the coast with picturesque mountains. It is also here where you can glimpse humpback whales, who grace the shores during winter mating season or explore its beautiful waterfalls such as Cascada El Limon.
Beyond the exquisite scenery, the Dominican Republic is a melting pot of culture and history. The island, once known as Hispaniola, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and was split in two by the French and the Spanish into what is now known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, is a UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial town and one of the oldest settlements in the Caribbean.
Its picturesque cobblestone streets whisper tales of centuries past and it is an interesting place to explore with baroque structures, red roofs, and stucco exteriors. Here a lively city experience can be found, with pretty 16-century courtyards filled with vibrant bars and restaurants and boutique stores selling rare larimar treasures and native art and crafts.
However, it is the rich history that makes the Dominican Republic so unique and charming. The lively culture spreads throughout this small tropical island which can be experienced in the less developed areas of the island. To witness a true taste of the Dominican, visitors should seek culinary treats such as mofongo, La Bandera, and tostones, or restaurants serving mouthwatering seafood. The lively cuisine of the island connects effortlessly with the friendly atmosphere and energy of the island where bachata, merengue, and salsa music can be heard wherever you go.
Regarding accommodation, there are some amazing options ranging from ultra-luxurious private resorts equipped with wellness spas to more affordable stays available throughout the island. Glamorous resorts pepper the beachfront in Punta Cana, and La Romana offers exclusive private villa accommodations, whereas the more budget-friendly stays can be found in quieter areas such as Las Terrenas or Santo Domingo.
However, whether you come to indulge in a glamorous resort or are looking to explore the rich culture and exemplary scenery of the Dominican Republic, you will no doubt leave with a piece of this magical island close to your heart and a yearning to one day return.
Next, get to know the country even better by reading our guide about where to stay in the Dominican Republic.
Or, if you like our list of the best hotels and resorts in the Dominican Republic, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in the Bahamas or the best hotels in Mexico City.