Where to stay in Punta Cana

Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting the Caribbean at least once in their life? The truth is, it’s an incredible destination, and often, the reality surpasses the expectation. Photos of turquoise waters and white sands are beautiful, but experiencing the warm sea, tropical food, cheerful music, and friendly people elevates everything.

If you're planning a trip, one of the most important decisions is where to stay in Punta Cana. Here's everything you need to know about accommodations, areas, and tips for your stay.

Punta Cana Airport

Punta Cana (PUJ) is the most convenient airport if you’re planning to visit Punta Cana, La Romana, or Bayahíbe. From there, you can rent a car or book a transfer service (which is usually quite affordable) to your hotel.

All-inclusive Hotels

The most common type of accommodation in Punta Cana is the all-inclusive hotel. And what does that mean? That all meals and drinks are included. These hotels have restaurants open during set hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And when the restaurants close, there are always bars available for snacks and drinks. All of this is included in the lodging fee. So once you book your hotel, you won’t have to worry about anything else—unless you want to add extra activities like excursions or premium drinks, which may not be included.

Where to stay in Punta Cana

The most well-known area to stay in Punta Cana is Bávaro, located about 30 minutes from the airport. Most hotel chains are located in this area, offering different categories and price ranges.

Main Beaches - Punta Cana

On Arena Gorda Beach, you’ll find major hotel chains such as Bahía Príncipe, Iberostar, and Riu, with several hotels in the same complex. Rates vary depending on the services offered or how close they are to the beach. For example, the RIU group has five hotels: Riu Palace Punta Cana, Riu Palace Macao, and Riu Palace Bávaro, which are high-end; followed by Riu Bambú (mid-range and family-friendly); and Riu Naiboa, the most budget-friendly. The latter is a bit farther from the beach but still offers services like lounge chairs, umbrellas, and an open bar.

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In the same Bávaro area, you'll find El Cortecito — a perfect spot if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option or a different kind of experience. This charming local corner offers a variety of more affordable and cozy hotels. It also features all-inclusive resorts like Occidental Punta Cana, located very close to the small town center. If you prefer something more economical, there are also hotel options that include just breakfast. The advantage of this area is that it's full of restaurants, bars, and shops, where you can enjoy local life and savor delicious Dominican cuisine.

Find hotels in Punta Cana on booking.com

The areas of Uvero Alto, Macao, and Cabeza de Toro are also well-known and located near Bávaro. Uvero Alto is quieter, with less developed beaches and stronger waves. Macao is famous for its more unspoiled beach, while Cabeza de Toro offers smaller, more peaceful hotels.

Lastly, we mention the most exclusive area of Punta Cana: Cap Cana, home to the most luxurious hotels, private villas, and high-end condominiums.

Find hotels in Cap Cana on booking.com

Bayahíbe y La Romana

Further south, about 70 km away, are Bayahíbe and La Romana —quieter areas with calmer seas. Here you'll find the Viva hotel chain, including Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace. These are more budget-friendly options, but for those who aren't seeking luxury and simply want to have a good time, these hotels are very well-equipped. They also boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, especially Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach. The Catalonia chain is also present here, with the Catalonia Bayahibe and the adults-only Catalonia Royal La Romana.

Find hotels in Bayahíbe on booking.com

What excursions are worth doing?

Although this destination is mainly for enjoying the sun and the beach, one excursion we recommend is a visit to Saona Island. It's a true paradise, reached by boat or sailboat for a day trip. The turquoise water and the softness of the sand are on another level.

You can also add a visit to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, to your itinerary if you're interested in learning more about its culture and history.

What is the weather like in Punta Cana?

The weather in Punta Cana varies depending on the rainfall and is divided into two main seasons:

• High season: From December to April. During these months, the chances of rain are lower, and the temperatures are more pleasant.

• Low season: From May to November. These months are more humid, hot, and rainy. Additionally, hurricane season begins in September, increasing the likelihood of tropical storms.

We hope the information provided helps you choose accommodation for your stay in one of the paradises on earth, Punta Cana.

¡Sigamos viajando!

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Ah! While all-inclusive hotels usually have a small medical room to attend to their guests without the need to go to a medical center, it is important to keep in mind that this service is not included in the rate and the care can be quite expensive. That’s why we always recommend traveling with health insurance. We suggest ASSIST 365, which offers 24/7 assistance, and with our promo code VANDEADOS, you can get a discount at the time of purchase. More info in our article.