Where to Stay in Punta Cana – A Guide to the “Heart of the Caribbean”
Punta Cana is a resort area in the Dominican Republic. Located on the Caribbean coast, in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is renowned as one of the world’s premier holiday spots thanks to its 32 km of white sand beaches and outstanding hotel developments. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Punta Cana, DR.
As one of the Dominican Republic’s top destinations, tourism plays a vital role in the local economy. From a tourist standpoint, Punta Cana and the nearby Bávaro area form what’s known as Costa del Coco, or Coconut Coast, a well-developed tourist region famous for its all-inclusive resorts. See accommodation in Punta Cana | See accommodation in Bávaro Beach.
The main attractions in the Costa del Coco are hands down its paradisiac beaches which include Arena Gorda, Bávaro, Macao, Juanillo, and Cortecito. Most of these beaches are surrounded by the most stylish hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, some of which have private beaches available to their guests. See all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
The Punta Cana region is also famous for being home to impressive natural attractions like the Hoyo Azul, a clear, safe for swimming sinkhole, as well as the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, Isla Catalina, and Laguna Bavaro.
If you’re traveling to Punta Cana with kids, this area is also home to several family-friendly attractions like Scape Park, Dolphin Explorer, Dolphin Island Park, Manati Park, or Bavaro Adventure Park.
Due to its coastal location, Punta Cana has a tropical wet and dry climate. This means that the city’s temperature presents very little variation throughout the year (20 – 31 ºC). Likewise, although the wet season officially takes place from May through November, rains can happen anytime. Thanks to its constantly warm temperature, Punta Cana is an ideal tourist destination year-round. However, the best time to visit Punta Cana is during the dry(er) season (December through April), when you can enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities without having to worry about the rains.
To get to Punta Cana by air, the city is served by Punta Cana International Airport. This important airport offers a wide range of regional connections to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States, as well as frequent mid and long-haul flights to destinations in Canada, South America, and Europe.
Punta Cana is also very well-connected by a network of inter-city buses to Santo Domingo and the rest of the Dominican Republic.
Local public transportation in Punta Cana is limited and, in order to get around, your best bet is renting a car during your stay. Most hotels arrange tours and excursions with transportation included and, if you’re planning to stay in an all-inclusive resort, you can just walk around and hire a taxi for the outlying attractions.
The best area to stay in Punta Cana is Playa Bávaro (Bávaro Beach). This upscale seaside resort area is home to Punta Cana’s most luxurious hotels and resorts, the hottest nightlife, and the best restaurants. See accommodation in Bávaro Beach.
Other great options to consider when choosing the best location in Punta Cana include El Cortecito, Cap Cana, and Uvero Alto.
Keep reading to find out more about the best location in Punta Cana for tourists.
Best Location in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Punta Cana depending on your travel style and what you may be planning to do during your trip. Keep reading below to find all the specific information you need about each particular area mentioned here.
- Best location in Punta Cana for sightseeing: Bávaro Beach
- Best location in Punta Cana to go the beach: Bávaro Beach
- Best location in Punta Cana for nightlife: El Cortecito | Bávaro Beach
- Best location in Punta Cana for families: Bávaro Beach | Cap Cana
- Best location in Punta Cana without a car: Bávaro Beach
- Best location in Punta Cana for first-time visitors: Bávaro Beach
- Best location in Punta Cana for surfing: Uvero Alto
- Best location in Punta Cana for a honeymoon or romantic getaway: Cap Cana
Best Hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Punta Cana. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Fishing Lodge Cap Cana Diamond Resort
- Best mid-priced hotel: whala!urban punta cana
- Best budget hotel: Riviera Punta Cana Eco Travelers
- Best luxury hotel: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
- Best boutique hotel: Boutique Hotel Las Flores
- Best hotel with a pool: Las Terrazas VIP Pool Beach Club & Spa
- Best hostel: GAVA Hostel
Best Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic by Theme
If you’re traveling to Punta Cana, chances are you want to enjoy the paradisiac Caribbean beaches by the pool and with a relaxing cocktail in your hand. With that in mind, we have gathered a list of the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
- Best adults-only resort: Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar – Adults Only All Inclusive
- Best family-friendly resort: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana – Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
- Best luxury resort: Majestic Colonial Punta Cana – All Inclusive
- Best mid-priced resort: VIK hotel Arena Blanca
- Best resort for a honeymoon or romantic getaway: Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar – Adults Only All Inclusive
The Best Areas to Stay in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
1. Recommended area: Bávaro Beach
Playa Bávaro is a world-famous beach area located on the Costa del Coco.
Bathed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and sporting fine white sand, Playa Bávaro is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic.
Bávaro is home to different hotels and resorts of large international chains.
Most of the resorts in this area have their own restaurants, spas, fitness centers, bars, and nightclubs.
Several shopping centers such as Punta Blanca Mall, Plaza San Juan, or Palma Real make this area an excellent shopping destination.
Bávaro is also recognized as a nightlife area; in addition to the nightclubs located on the resorts, the area hosts several nightlife venues, particularly on the centrally-located Avenida España and the areas near the beach.
As we discussed earlier, public transportation in Punta Cana is scarce, but Bavaro has a large number of taxis available during the day and at night.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Punta Cana:
- World-famous beach
- Crystal clear and calm waters
- All-inclusive resorts
- Variety of stores
- Great for watersports
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
WHE Bavaro
WHE Bavaro is located 20 km from Punta Cana International Airport. This modern hotel features a 24-hour reception, a gym, Wi-Fi and free parking. The rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, minibar and coffee maker. The private bathroom includes a shower and toiletries.
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Budget
EcoHostal
Located in Punta Cana, 1.1 km from Bavaro Beach and 25 km from Freshwater Lagoons, ecohostal offers accommodation with a bar, free WiFi throughout the property, and free private parking. All rooms have a shared kitchen and bathroom. The property has family rooms.
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Luxury
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana – All Inclusive
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana All Inclusive complex is a family-friendly establishment overlooking one of the Dominican Republic’s beaches, a magnificent casino, nightlife venues, a Nicklaus-designed golf course, and an extraordinary full-service spa.
2. El Cortecito
El Cortecito, officially Punta El Cortecito, is another Costa del Coco beach located south of Playa Bávaro.
This modern and well-developed area is great for practising all kinds of watersports such as snorkelling, diving, parasailing, surfing, and even skydiving.
Although this popular area is also home to some expensive all-inclusive resorts, the atmosphere here is more laid-back and local.
El Cortecito Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Costa del Coco and the beach itself has several seafood restaurants, nightlife venues and cafés.
Because this area is slightly less upscale than neighboring Playa Bávaro, hotels are also notably cheaper here.
In Cortecito, you can find everything from small inns to boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Punta Cana:
- Access to the beach
- All types of hotels
- Restaurants and bars
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa – All Inclusive
This all-inclusive resort is located on El Cortecito Beach, in Bavaro, Punta Cana, and offers 3 outdoor pools, 6 restaurants and tropical gardens. All rooms feature a private balcony, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a safe, and a bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
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Budget
Art Hostal
Situated in Punta Cana, 1.1 km from Bavaro Beach and 25 km from Freshwater Lagoons, Art Hostal offers accommodation with a bar, free WiFi and free private parking. It offers family rooms and a terrace. All rooms have a balcony with sea views.
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Luxury
Impressive Premium Resorts & Spas
Located in Punta Cana, a 13-minute walk from Dolphin Island Park, Impressive Premium Resorts & Spas offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a concierge service. There is a private beach area and casino. Resort guests also have an outdoor pool, fitness center, and nightly entertainment options.
3. Cap Cana
Cap Cana is a still expanding tourist complex located on the Costa del Coco.
Considered one of the most exclusive tourist developments in the Caribbean, Cap Cana is located south of the Punta Cana International Airport.
This modern area has first-class spas, five-star hotels, gourmet restaurants, gyms, convention centers and other services that make it one of the best areas to stay in Punta Cana.
Among the most interesting places in Cap Cana is Hoyo Azul. This natural cenote is located within the Scape Park and is ideal for tourists who are not satisfied with the confinement of their resorts.
The coastal area of Cap Cana and its Marina offer different leisure options and luxury restaurants.
As is common in the Costa del Coco area, the hotel offer in Cap Cana consists mainly of all-inclusive luxury resorts.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Punta Cana:
- Hoyo Azul
- Upscale hotels & resorts
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Ancora Cap Cana – Marina Resort and Villas
Ancora Punta Cana is located on the marina, 10 minutes’ drive from Punta Cana International Airport. The property offers the Juanillo Scape Beach Club, which serves food, drinks and snacks. The free shuttle service to Juanillo Beach is available from 10:00 to 17:00. The hotel has been awarded the Four Diamond award.
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Luxury
Sanctuary Cap Cana – All Inclusive Resort
This luxury resort offers a full-service spa, 24-hour room service and a beach. The suites at the Sanctuary Cap Cana – All Inclusive by Playa Hotels & amp; Resorts have ocean views or direct beach access and separate seating areas with plasma TVs.
4. Uvero Alto
Unlike Bávaro, Uvero Alto is characterized by its long, wide beaches with wild waves.
This area is located at the northern end of Punta Cana, about 30 minutes from the airport.
Being a somewhat remote beach, it is the best area for couples looking for total disconnection from the hustle and bustle.
Thanks to its high waves, this area is also ideal for bodyboarding and surfing.
Uvero Alto has few resorts. Its accommodation is more locally-owned and its atmosphere is way more relaxed than that of the intensive tourism areas further south.
Uvero Alto beach has a reef near the coast where you can snorkel and dive.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Punta Cana:
- Quiet secluded beach
- Suitable for watersports
- Coral reefs
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa – Adults Only
The Breathless Punta Cana Resort & amp; Beachfront Spa – Adults Only offers 6 pools, 2 outdoor hot tubs, spa treatments and free WiFi throughout.
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Budget
Macao Beach Hostel
Situated in Punta Cana, 21 km from Dolphin Island Park, Macao Beach Hostel features a garden and views of the garden. The property is 41 km from freshwater lagoons and 42 km from Playa Juanillo.
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Luxury
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana – Gourmet All Inclusive
Located in Punta Cana, 46 km from Freshwater Lagoons, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana – Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma features a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor pool and a fitness center. It also has a bar, common lounge, garden, 24-hour reception, airport shuttle service, room service and free Wi-Fi.
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