Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic (Best Places & Areas)

11 Best Areas to Stay in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic shares the island with Haiti, which occupies the western side. The northern shores are met with the Atlantic Ocean and the southern shores are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The country is geographically diverse with stunning beaches, lush vegetation, steep mountain peaks, and desert zones. 

Santo Domingo

👉 Best Area For First-Timers and Business Travel | ✨ Best Santo Domingo Hotels: InterContinental Real Santo Domingo • JW Marriott Hotel • Billini Hotel

Santo Domingo was the city my daughter and I called home for nearly two years. This vibrant metropolitan area is the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Santo Domingo is brimming with city life and Dominican culture, making it a great choice for first-time visitors as well as travelers visiting on business. 

The capital is compact and located in the middle of the country on the southeast coastline. The lively streets are swarming with cars, motos, street fruit vendors, music, restaurants, cultural institutions, rich history, and much more. 

History buffs will appreciate the colonial-era architecture of the Zona Colonial. I know I did! At the heart of Santo Domingo, it feels like you can travel back in time as you wander through the cobblestone streets. 

My #1 hotel pick, the InterContinental Real Santo Domingo is perfect for first timers and business travelers alike. It’s located in the financial district. My daughter and I enjoyed superb service when we used a day-pass that gave us access to the infinity pool overlooking the cityscape. 

The JW Marriott Hotel is another great hotel, as it’s a luxurious property just steps from the high-end BlueMall. 

For more details, check out my entire guide to where to stay in Santo Domingo.

Pros of Staying in Santo Domingo:

• Rich culture
• Great dining scene
• Lots of activities
• Easy to get around via public transport

Cons of Staying in Santo Domingo:

• Congested
• Poor air quality
• Lots of traffic

Punta Cana

👉 Best Area For Resort Life | ✨ Best Punta Cana Resorts & Hotels: Tortuga Bay Hotel at Punta Cana Resort • Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana • Sanctuary Cap Cana

Just the mention of the Dominican Republic will trigger the thought of Punta Cana. This area is located at the island’s eastern point and is the resort capital of the country. It is also recognized internationally for offering the best in resort life. 

There is an abundance of resorts to choose from. Tortuga Bay Hotel at Punta Cana Resort is an infamous luxury destination in the area. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana is a fun and vibrant vacation spot for family and friends. 

Nightclubs and bars are limitless inside the hotels and resorts. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to your hotel to enjoy Punta Cana’s vibrant party scene. CocoBongo Night Club is one of the hottest places in the area for nightlife. 

There is plenty of outdoor adventure for those who prefer to immerse themselves in nature. Scape Park Punta Cana is a natural theme park offering zip-lining and other attractions. Cava de las Maravillas is a wonderful cave expedition. I enjoyed learning about the ancient paintings made by the indigenous Tainos within the cave.

For more, see my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Punta Cana.

Pros of Staying in Punta Cana:

• All-inclusive resorts
• Beautiful beaches
• Nightlife
• Safety

Cons of Staying in Punta Cana:

• Tourist heavy
• Hard to get around outside of your resort. Plan ahead for transportation
• Beaches can get crowded

Samana

👉 Best Area For Nature Lovers | ✨ Best Samana Hotels: Mosquito Beach Hotel • Viva V Samana by Wyndham • Cayo Levantado Resort

Samana is a favorite destination among locals to go on holiday. This small beach town is located in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic. It is praised for its natural beauty and eco-tourism.  

One of the main attractions in Samana is whale watching. As a Massachusetts local, it’s cool that the humpback whales I see back home during the summer months are the same humpback whales found in Samana! They travel to these warm waters between January and March to give birth to their calves. 

The Samana Peninsula is sprinkled with small boutique hotels. This is a big contrast to the luxury resorts in Punta Cana. Mosquito Boutique Hotel is situated on Playa Bonita in Las Terrenas. This boho-chic hotel is in a beach paradise. It is known for its restaurant, music, and vibes. 

Las Terrenas is a dreamy little beach village in Samana. It is a very safe area for tourists to walk on foot or hop on a moto to get around. There are plenty of cafe bistros, bars, and lounges to catch the best sunsets.

Pros of Staying in Samana:

• Safe for tourists
• Lots of natural beauty
• Plenty of outdoor activity
• Fewer tourists

Cons of Staying in Samana:

• Small hotels and resorts
• Service is slow at restaurants (this is cultural–it never bothered me)
• You may be overcharged at small cafes if there are no prices listed. Be sure to agree on a price before ordering

Cabarete

👉 Best Area For Surfing | ✨ Best Cabarete Hotels: Velero Beach Resort • Viva Tangerine by Wyndham • Hotel Villa Taina

Located on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic is Cabarete. This small, laid-back beach town is a 30-minute drive from Las Terrenas and offers major thrills. Cabarete is renowned for having the best winds and tides for any water sport. Think windsurfing, snorkeling, kiteboarding, and surfing.

Adventure seekers should check out El Limon Waterfall. Hike a wet and rocky 1.5-mile trail that crosses through rivers on foot or horseback. The destination is a 150-foot waterfall that cascades into the cool waters of a swimming hole. 

After a day of activity in the water, stay and rest at Velero Beach Resort. This hotel is away from the active main road and offers a quiet oasis. There, you can take in the stellar balcony views of the ocean. You will find that the resort is well-priced and extremely accommodating. 

Pros of Staying in Cabarete:

• Not crowded with tourists 
• Paradise for watersports
• Natural beauty
• Plenty of outdoor activity
• Small and tranquil area 
• Lots of expats

Cons of Staying in Cabarete:

• Be mindful of your belongings in downtown or at the beaches
• Lots of motorcycle traffic

Puerto Plata

👉 Best Area For Beach Lovers | ✨ Best Puerto Plata Hotels: Casa Colonial Beach and Spa • BlueBay Villas Doradas • Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort and Spa

Puerto Plata is a city and province located in the northern part of the Dominican Republic. It is established at the base of the Cordillera Septentrional mountains. 

Beach lovers will enjoy outdoor adventure and watersports in Puerto Plata. There are opportunities to surf, kitesurf, ride horseback, zipline, and more. Many visitors enjoy going snorkeling at Cayo Arena. This area is home to the most abundant marine life in the DR.

Relax on the beach in style at Playa Dorada. The sand at this beach is, as its name suggests, golden. It’s perfect for lounging and swimming in warm waters.

Take in Puerto Plata on the Teleferico cable cars. Passengers can hop on at Mount Isabel de Torres to get a bird’s eye view of the Atlantic coastline, sea, mountains, valleys, rivers, coastal villages, and beaches. 

Casa Colonial Beach and Spa is a popular place to stay. The property is located in San Felipe and is only a few steps away from Playa Dorada.

Pros of Staying in Puerto Plata:

• Beautiful beaches
• Rich in culture and history
• Plenty of water activities

Cons of Staying in Puerto Plata:

• Rains quite often
• High mosquito activity. Wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors

Jarabacoa

👉 Best Area For Mountain Lovers | ✨ Best Jarabacoa Hotels: Gran Jimenoa Hotel • Hotel Pinar Dorado • The Sunset Jarabacoa

Jarabacoa is a direct contrast to the oceanside villages of the DR. Instead, it offers lush, green mountains and no shortage of activities. This area in the central mountain range of La Vega Valley is loved for its natural beauty and tranquility.

Dominican locals and adventure seekers alike, escape to the cooler temps in Jarabacoa.

There is so much to do along the Rio Yaque del Norte, the longest river in the country. Adventure goers have the opportunity to go whitewater rafting, four-wheel driving, mountain biking, zip lining, and more. 

Jarabacoa has some of the most stellar waterfall hikes. Visit the spectacular Salto de Baiguate waterfall or hike and marvel at Salto de Jimenoa Dos. 

Dotted along Jarabacoa are several eco-lodges, luxury villas, and riverside ranches. Imagine drinking a warm cup of coffee in the cool mist of the mountain peaks when you stay at the Gran Jimenoa Hotel. 

I also really love The Sunset Jarabacoa, which has lodges alongside the cliffs with the most magnificent views of the mountains and green valleys. 

Pros of Staying in Jarabacoa:

• Tranquil area
• Natural beauty
• Lush mountains
• Outdoor activities

Cons of Staying in Jarabacoa:

• Hard to get around if you don’t have a car. Organize ahead to use public transport

La Romana

👉 Best Area For Conventions and Events | ✨ Best Hotels in La Romana: Casa de Campo Resort and Villas • Dreams La Romana Family Resort • Bahia Principe Grand La Romana 

La Romana is a world-wide coveted beach destination in the Dominican Republic. It hosts luxurious events, special occasions, and large conventions in its large all-inclusive beachfront resorts. 

La Romana has put itself on the map with its world-renowned golf courses. The famous Casa de Campo Resort and Villas is known for its exceptional hospitality, plush accommodations, and world-class golf courses. 

I love to visit Altos de Chavon when passing by La Romana en route to Punta Cana. This replica of a Mediterranean Village is perched right over Rio de Chavon. It offers stunning riverfront terraces, restaurants, historical sites, an outdoor amphitheater, and shopping. It is the perfect backdrop for a series of photos to be taken. 

Those not staying at the property can still access Altos de Chavon for a fee, unless you have a reservation at one of the restaurants on site. Just bring your passport and identification to present to the security guards before entering. 

Pros of Staying in La Romana:

• World-renowned golf courses
• Beachfront resorts

Cons of Staying in La Romana:

• Long bus rides to get in or out of La Romana
• Lots of vendors on beaches

Cabrera

👉 Best Area For Seclusion | ✨ Best Hotels in Cabrera: Cabrera Chalet Boutique Hotel

Cabrera is a charming town that offers a sweet escape from heavy tourist areas. This peaceful retreat is home to picturesque beaches and a unique, tranquil atmosphere. 

Cabrera offers authentic, laid-back Dominican hospitality. It is located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. This remote area provides visitors with an intimate experience to explore. 

Nature lovers can soak in the sandy beaches and other natural surprises of Cabrera. Stunning ocean views are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation for beach enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, adventure seekers can hike and swim the nearby cascading waterfalls of Damajagua. Or they can explore secret caves created by nature. 

Stay at Cabrera Chalet Boutique Hotel for easy access to many local attractions. After a day out exploring the beaches, local markets, and classic eateries, you can relax by the hotel’s outdoor fireplace for total relaxation. 

Pros of Staying in Cabrera:

• Relaxing atmosphere
• Outdoor activities in nature

Cons of Staying in Cabrera:

• A remote area

Santiago

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Santiago Hotels: Hodelpa Gran Almirante Hotel & Casino • Residence Inn by Marriott Santiago de los Caballeros • Alegria Hostal

In the north lies the second largest city in the country–Santiago de los Caballeros. Dominicans know this city as La Ciudad de Corazones, “the city of hearts.”

Families love Santiago for its laid-back city life. This city offers a beautiful display of the country’s history, culture, cuisine, and arts. 

My daughter and I loved spending time at the Monument of Santiago de los Caballeros. This monument is located in Duarte Park. We often go inside the monument and climb the stairs to the top for breathtaking views of the city. 

Stay in the heart of Santiago at Hodelpa Gran Almirante Hotel & Casino. This famous downtown hotel is known for its rooftop infinity pool with views of the city and surrounding mountains. Plus, it has family-rooms. 

Pros of Staying in Santiago:

• Culture
• Vibrant dining and nightlife scene
• Lots of green spaces

Cons of Staying in Santiago:

• It can be hard to find decent accommodation

Bayahibe

👉 Best Area For Divers | ✨ Best Bayahibe Hotels: Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus • Catalonia Bayahibe Resort

On the southern coast of the Dominican Republic is a small fishing village known as Bayahibe. This quiet resort town has access to the most stunning beaches and waters for scuba diving. 

Coastal life at Bayahibe includes coconut trees, colorful wooden houses, fishing boats, and catamarans. Bayahibe Beach and Dominicus Beach are great for activities on the water, such as paddleboarding.

This seaside village is rich in eco-adventure. Visit Cotubanama National Park for Taino cave exploration. Island hop to Soana and Catalina where you can snorkel the colorful reefs, swim, and relax. 

Stay at Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus. It is only a five-minute walk from Dominicus Beach. This hotel offers beachfront surroundings and various activities for kids. You are bound to have an unforgettable family vacation.

Pros of Staying in Bayahibe:

• Beautiful beaches
• Aquatic activities
• Natural beauty

Cons of Staying in Bayahibe:

• Do not leave your items unattended

Boca Chica

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Boca Chica Hotels: Batey Hotel Boutique • Hampton by Hilton Santo Domingo 

Boca Chica is a popular escape from the capital. It is just about a 40-minute drive east of Santo Domingo. Families and partygoers alike are drawn to this city for its shallow beaches and lively nightlife.

Boca Chica has the prettiest shallow waters I’ve ever seen. It is considered to be home to the “largest swimming pool in the Dominican Republic.” The coral reefs off the shore keep the warm waters calm. 

Nightlife is especially big in Boca Chica during the summer months. With waterfront bars and nightclubs, the party and dancing tend to spill out onto the beach. 

There are many beachside restaurants with oceanfront views and fried fish on the menu. Boca Marina Restaurant and Lounge is a gem among them. It offers an incredible atmosphere with seating over the water. My favorite part? You have access to the ocean for a swim between meals!

Batey Hotel Boutique offers a very comfortable environment for overnight accommodations. Guests can take a dip in the jacuzzi and pool, or head to Boca Chica Beach (only a few steps away!).

Pros of Staying in Boca Chica:

• Close proximity to the Capital, Santo Domingo
• Beautiful beaches
• Vibrant nightlife

Cons of Staying in Boca Chica:

• Can get extremely crowded and noisy
• Safety can be a concern, especially at night

Tips for Staying in the Dominican Republic

Learn a bit of Spanish

The national language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. In all-inclusive resorts, most staff know how to speak some English and can communicate without any issues. However, you should not assume everyone can understand English. You’d be surprised how a simple “Hola” and “Gracias” could improve your trip.

Island life is slower-paced

No one is in a rush in the Dominican Republic and service tends to be much slower. Remind yourself to go with the flow and the relaxing vibes of the Caribbean. If you need to be attended to at a restaurant, do not hesitate to grab your server’s attention. They will gladly assist. 

Indulge in the food

You can’t visit the Dominican Republic without trying the region’s cuisine. I recommend that you indulge in the country’s tropical fruit, fried plantain, yuca, and fish by the beach. In the photo above, you’ll see a traditional Dominican breakfast of mashed plantains, pickled onions, fried eggs, fried cheese, and avocado slices.

Stay hydrated

The Dominican Republic has a year-round hot and humid climate. Drink enough water throughout the day as you can become easily dehydrated. I also advise you not to abuse alcohol at the all-inclusive resorts. Drink plenty of water with your favorite cocktails. Lastly, it’s important that you do not consume tap water. It is advised that you drink bottled water only.

Leaving a tip

I suggest you leave a 10% tip minimum if you are happy with your service at a restaurant. Some restaurants already include a 10% service charge on your bill. It is a good practice to check your bill and leave a little extra to ensure your server receives a tip.

Play it safe

Some areas in the Dominican Republic have a high crime rate. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you are walking. Do not leave your personal items unattended at the beach.

📚 Related Reading: Dominican Republic Packing List

Want More? Listen to My Dominican Republic Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Dominican Republic episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Dominican Republic”). 

I talk about where to stay in the Dominican Republic at minute mark 18:10.

Betty and I also discussed the best things to do in Dominican Republic (04:35), how to get around DR (31:52), DR travel tips and etiquette (37:32), why more people should visit DR (02:50) and all the other common questions about travel to Dominican Republic.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Dominican Republic.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in the Dominican Republic for first-timers?

Punta Cana and Santo Domingo are great areas for first-timers. Punta Cana caters to tourists and offers a variety of all-inclusive resorts. Santo Domingo is the historic capital city of the country that offers an immersive cultural experience.

What are safe areas to stay in the Dominican Republic?

Punta Cana and Samana are safe areas to stay in the Dominican Republic. These destinations have low crime rates and offer a sense of safety to leave the resort. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal belongings, though.

What are the best parts of the Dominican Republic to stay with kids? 

Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago are great areas in the Dominican Republic to stay with kids. They all offer family-friendly accommodations and activities. A family vacation to the Dominican Republic with kids can make for a memorable experience. 

What are the best parts of the Dominican Republic to stay for the weekend? 

Puerto Plata is a great destination for a weekend trip to the Dominican Republic. This resort city gives access to beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure, watersports, and more. There is something to do for everyone.

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I hope this guide opened your eyes to everything else the Dominican Republic has to offer! Your trip will be one to remember no matter where you decide to stay and what you decide to do. Have a wonderful trip!

Looking for more? The Dominican Republic is one of many places you can visit without a US passport via a closed-loop cruise. Read our guide for the full list of passport-free destinations!