Pros

  • Family-friendly all-inclusive resort on a sandy beach a 10-minute drive from Puerto Plata
  • Comfortable rooms have furnished balconies, minibars, and coffeemakers
  • Beautiful tropical grounds and lovely colonial-style architecture
  • Two large outdoor pools plus a wading pool for kids
  • Solid buffet restaurant, as well as Mediterranean, Mexican, and Japanese eateries
  • Full entertainment program, including evening shows
  • Pleasant spa, complete with hydrotherapy areas and treatment rooms
  • Fitness center with cardio and strength-training machines
  • Dive shop with water sports on-site
  • Three kids’ clubs with age-appropriate activities
  • Indoor and outdoor event space; wedding packages available
  • Free, property-wide Wi-Fi, and free outdoor parking
See More Pros

Cons

  • Standard rooms are a tad compact
  • Rooms have slightly bland, basic decor
  • Complaints about lack of variety at the buffet restaurant
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The 516-room Iberostar Costa Dorada all-inclusive resort is a solid upper-middle-range property located right on a long, sandy beach that’s just a short drive from the center of Puerto Plata. Rooms are simple but well-maintained, featuring balconies, minibars, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning. Ringed with loungers, the pools are large and lively, while the spa offers a serene atmosphere and lots of great treatments. The entertainment program is packed with activities for all ages, including games and competitions for children 4 to 17 years old. Buffet and a la carte restaurants receive good reviews from past guests, but some complain that the buffet can lack variety. Couples wanting a child-free vacation may want to consider the adults-only and all-inclusive BlueBay Villas Doradas resort.

See More Bottom Line

Oyster Hotel Review

Iberostar Costa Dorada

What Are the Design and Scene Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

This large beachfront all-inclusive resort caters to families and couples seeking a lively atmosphere with tons of facilities

Grounds at the Iberostar Costa Dorada

Occupying a huge area abutting a lovely beach just outside of Puerto Plata, the Iberostar Costa Dorada is similar to most of its neighbors. It offers large pools, a picturesque stretch of sand, and plenty of activities to keep guests -- most of whom are families and couples -- busy until late at night. However, food gets consistently good reviews (which is not always the case at other all-inclusives in the area), and the architectural style makes it particularly attractive. Colonial-style buildings featuring open, arched hallways and charming wrought-iron accents in walls blend seamlessly with structures topped with palapa roofs. Surrounding them, towering palm trees sway in the ocean breeze, while manicured lawns and spacious pool decks are inviting spots for guests to unwind on a lounger.

This is a family-friendly resort and activities abound -- dance classes, Spanish lessons, archery, bingo, and a popular kids' club as well. Nightly stage shows keep visitors entertained around the bars, while daytime activities take place at the main pool, including water aerobics, games, and competitions.

See More What Are the Design and Scene Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Where Is the Iberostar Costa Dorada Located in Puerto Plata?

Somewhat isolated beachfront location about a 20-minute drive from Puerto Plata airport in the Dominican Republic

Iberostar Costa Dorada is located in a resort-filled beachfront area directly southeast of Puerto Plata. There isn’t much to do within walking distance of the property beyond lounging at the beach, but Puerto Plata is home to restaurants, bars, shops and a couple of historic attractions worth checking out. The colonial center -- located just a 10-minute drive from the resort -- is rather charming, as is the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress, which towers over one of the tips of the Puerto Playa Bay. Most guests never venture off-site, and those who do, do it on a trip organized by the resort’s tour desk. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Gregorio Luperón International Airport.

See More Where Is the Iberostar Costa Dorada Located in Puerto Plata?

What's the Beach Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Along a huge public beach with soft sand, where sunbeds and water sports are available, but seaweed is sometimes a problem

Beach at the Iberostar Costa Dorada

The Iberostar Costa Dorada resort offers direct access to a huge beach with soft golden sand dotted by trees and loungers. The beach itself is beautiful, but the water is less thrilling -- brownish-green with only slight visibility (not ideal for snorkeling). There is some seaweed in the water, but any that is washed to shore gets diligently raked up by the staff. A dive shop offers day trips and both motorized and non-motorized water sports, all for an extra charge.

See More What's the Beach Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

What Are Rooms Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Cute, albeit basic, rooms with air-conditioning, minibars, and balconies

Standard Room at Iberostar Costa Dorada

The hotel’s 516 rooms were all renovated in the mid 2010s and are clean and rather cute, but slightly basic in terms of decor. Pale-green walls, beige floor tiles, and all-white wooden furniture with woven natural fiber accents lend spaces a subtle tropical feel -- but the combination of wicker, pine wood, and blue upholstery is a tad plain, making for a somewhat dated, mismatched look.

Measuring 24 square meters (258 square feet) entry-level Double Garden and Double Lake View rooms -- as well as Superior units -- are a tad compact; all other units start at 35 square meters (376 square feet). All rooms feature either a king bed or two double beds topped with duvets and at least two pillows, plus a small sitting area with a chair or two. Big glass doors open to balconies furnished with basic patio furniture, and offer pool, lake, or sea views.

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffeemakers. Ceiling fans, safes, and irons and ironing boards are also provided in all rooms, while robes, slippers, and free minibar items (replenished daily) are available in Superior units and Junior Suites only. Double Sea View and Superior rooms, as well as Iberostar Costa Dorada Junior Suites offer free spa access. Bathrooms are modern and clean, with walk-in showers outfitted with rainfall showerheads, rectangular sinks over spacious vanities, and big mirrors with wooden frames. Basic toiletries in small containers along with hairdryers are also available in all room types.

See More What Are Rooms Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

What Features Are Available at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

There are plenty of features here, including outdoor pools, daily entertainment, kids’ club, pleasant spa, water sports, gym, and event space

outdoor pool at iberostar costa dorada

A few yards from the beach, the pool is massive. It winds into various pockets, through a Grecian column -- housing a whirlpool -- and around a central garden. It's a single body of water, but it actually feels like three to four separate pools. There are also two smaller wading pools for babies and toddlers.

A full entertainment program is offered daily in and around the pool, along with multiple sports activities and competitions. The hotel also hosts a series of nightly entertainment shows -- all on par with most other all-inclusives. For children 4 to 17 years old, the resort offers three separate kids’ clubs, all with age-appropriate activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and games. In addition, there is a playground that kids can use when accompanied by an adult.

The spa offers massages, manicures and pedicures, and full hair-salon services. It also has a hydrotherapy area, along with saunas. The gym is equipped with a handful of cardio and weight-training machines, and there are tennis courts with nighttime lighting, mini-golf, a full-sized basketball court, billiards and ping-pong tables, a volleyball court, and a miniature soccer field.

For corporate events and weddings, the hotel offers indoor and outdoor space, including four rooms which combined can host up to 300 guests. Audiovisual equipment can be rented for a fee, and wedding packages for different budgets can be booked with the events team.

See More What Features Are Available at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

What Restaurants and Bars Are at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Buffet and a la carte eateries covered by all-inclusive package, plus several bars, including one with snacks

As an all-inclusive resort, Iberostar Costa Dorada food and drinks are available 24/7 at no extra charge. The package covers all buffet meals, as well as one dinner per week at each of the three a la carte eateries available on-site. Drinks covered include soft drinks, coffee, tea, sodas, beer, and cocktails, but not frozen drinks. Drinks available free of charge with the all-inclusive package include some recognizable brands. Food gets consistently good reviews, but some guests have reported a lack of variety at the buffet, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The a la carte restaurants are only open for dinner, and reservations are required.

El Mercado is the hotel’s main buffet restaurant, located off the lobby. It serves up international cuisine for all three main meals and offers themed nights from time to time. La Hacienda offers Mexican cuisine for dinner. Guests are requested to choose one of three shifts upon making a reservation. Tasty Mediterranean cuisine is available at Mare Nostrum, which is also only open for dinner. Sakura serves up Japanese cuisine in two dinner shifts.

Additionally, the resort features three bars, including a lounge in the lobby, a pool bar, and a snack bar serving up fried fish, pizzas, nachos, salads, hot dogs, and burgers.

See More What Restaurants and Bars Are at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Things You Should Know About Iberostar Costa Dorada

Also Known As

  • Iberostar Puerto Plata
  • Iberostar Costa Dorado
  • Costa Dorado
  • Iberostar Costa Dorada Puerto Plata
  • Puerto Plata Iberostar
  • Iberostar Costa Dorada Dominican Republic
  • Iberostar Hotel Costa Dorada
  • Iberostar Hotel Puerto Plata
  • Iberostar Costa Dorada Hotel

Room Types

  • Standard Room

Address

Carretera Luperon Km 2.5, Marapica, Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

Phone

(809) 320-1000

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Iberostar Costa Dorada

What Are the Design and Scene Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

This large beachfront all-inclusive resort caters to families and couples seeking a lively atmosphere with tons of facilities

Grounds at the Iberostar Costa Dorada

Occupying a huge area abutting a lovely beach just outside of Puerto Plata, the Iberostar Costa Dorada is similar to most of its neighbors. It offers large pools, a picturesque stretch of sand, and plenty of activities to keep guests -- most of whom are families and couples -- busy until late at night. However, food gets consistently good reviews (which is not always the case at other all-inclusives in the area), and the architectural style makes it particularly attractive. Colonial-style buildings featuring open, arched hallways and charming wrought-iron accents in walls blend seamlessly with structures topped with palapa roofs. Surrounding them, towering palm trees sway in the ocean breeze, while manicured lawns and spacious pool decks are inviting spots for guests to unwind on a lounger.

This is a family-friendly resort and activities abound -- dance classes, Spanish lessons, archery, bingo, and a popular kids' club as well. Nightly stage shows keep visitors entertained around the bars, while daytime activities take place at the main pool, including water aerobics, games, and competitions.

See More What Are the Design and Scene Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Where Is the Iberostar Costa Dorada Located in Puerto Plata?

Somewhat isolated beachfront location about a 20-minute drive from Puerto Plata airport in the Dominican Republic

Iberostar Costa Dorada is located in a resort-filled beachfront area directly southeast of Puerto Plata. There isn’t much to do within walking distance of the property beyond lounging at the beach, but Puerto Plata is home to restaurants, bars, shops and a couple of historic attractions worth checking out. The colonial center -- located just a 10-minute drive from the resort -- is rather charming, as is the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress, which towers over one of the tips of the Puerto Playa Bay. Most guests never venture off-site, and those who do, do it on a trip organized by the resort’s tour desk. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Gregorio Luperón International Airport.

See More Where Is the Iberostar Costa Dorada Located in Puerto Plata?

What's the Beach Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Along a huge public beach with soft sand, where sunbeds and water sports are available, but seaweed is sometimes a problem

Beach at the Iberostar Costa Dorada

The Iberostar Costa Dorada resort offers direct access to a huge beach with soft golden sand dotted by trees and loungers. The beach itself is beautiful, but the water is less thrilling -- brownish-green with only slight visibility (not ideal for snorkeling). There is some seaweed in the water, but any that is washed to shore gets diligently raked up by the staff. A dive shop offers day trips and both motorized and non-motorized water sports, all for an extra charge.

See More What's the Beach Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

What Are Rooms Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Cute, albeit basic, rooms with air-conditioning, minibars, and balconies

Standard Room at Iberostar Costa Dorada

The hotel’s 516 rooms were all renovated in the mid 2010s and are clean and rather cute, but slightly basic in terms of decor. Pale-green walls, beige floor tiles, and all-white wooden furniture with woven natural fiber accents lend spaces a subtle tropical feel -- but the combination of wicker, pine wood, and blue upholstery is a tad plain, making for a somewhat dated, mismatched look.

Measuring 24 square meters (258 square feet) entry-level Double Garden and Double Lake View rooms -- as well as Superior units -- are a tad compact; all other units start at 35 square meters (376 square feet). All rooms feature either a king bed or two double beds topped with duvets and at least two pillows, plus a small sitting area with a chair or two. Big glass doors open to balconies furnished with basic patio furniture, and offer pool, lake, or sea views.

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffeemakers. Ceiling fans, safes, and irons and ironing boards are also provided in all rooms, while robes, slippers, and free minibar items (replenished daily) are available in Superior units and Junior Suites only. Double Sea View and Superior rooms, as well as Iberostar Costa Dorada Junior Suites offer free spa access. Bathrooms are modern and clean, with walk-in showers outfitted with rainfall showerheads, rectangular sinks over spacious vanities, and big mirrors with wooden frames. Basic toiletries in small containers along with hairdryers are also available in all room types.

See More What Are Rooms Like at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

What Features Are Available at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

There are plenty of features here, including outdoor pools, daily entertainment, kids’ club, pleasant spa, water sports, gym, and event space

outdoor pool at iberostar costa dorada

A few yards from the beach, the pool is massive. It winds into various pockets, through a Grecian column -- housing a whirlpool -- and around a central garden. It's a single body of water, but it actually feels like three to four separate pools. There are also two smaller wading pools for babies and toddlers.

A full entertainment program is offered daily in and around the pool, along with multiple sports activities and competitions. The hotel also hosts a series of nightly entertainment shows -- all on par with most other all-inclusives. For children 4 to 17 years old, the resort offers three separate kids’ clubs, all with age-appropriate activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and games. In addition, there is a playground that kids can use when accompanied by an adult.

The spa offers massages, manicures and pedicures, and full hair-salon services. It also has a hydrotherapy area, along with saunas. The gym is equipped with a handful of cardio and weight-training machines, and there are tennis courts with nighttime lighting, mini-golf, a full-sized basketball court, billiards and ping-pong tables, a volleyball court, and a miniature soccer field.

For corporate events and weddings, the hotel offers indoor and outdoor space, including four rooms which combined can host up to 300 guests. Audiovisual equipment can be rented for a fee, and wedding packages for different budgets can be booked with the events team.

See More What Features Are Available at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

What Restaurants and Bars Are at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Buffet and a la carte eateries covered by all-inclusive package, plus several bars, including one with snacks

As an all-inclusive resort, Iberostar Costa Dorada food and drinks are available 24/7 at no extra charge. The package covers all buffet meals, as well as one dinner per week at each of the three a la carte eateries available on-site. Drinks covered include soft drinks, coffee, tea, sodas, beer, and cocktails, but not frozen drinks. Drinks available free of charge with the all-inclusive package include some recognizable brands. Food gets consistently good reviews, but some guests have reported a lack of variety at the buffet, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The a la carte restaurants are only open for dinner, and reservations are required.

El Mercado is the hotel’s main buffet restaurant, located off the lobby. It serves up international cuisine for all three main meals and offers themed nights from time to time. La Hacienda offers Mexican cuisine for dinner. Guests are requested to choose one of three shifts upon making a reservation. Tasty Mediterranean cuisine is available at Mare Nostrum, which is also only open for dinner. Sakura serves up Japanese cuisine in two dinner shifts.

Additionally, the resort features three bars, including a lounge in the lobby, a pool bar, and a snack bar serving up fried fish, pizzas, nachos, salads, hot dogs, and burgers.

See More What Restaurants and Bars Are at the Iberostar Costa Dorada?

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Casino

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Kids Club

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.