Best Value Hotels in the Dominican Republic

At Oyster Hotel Reviews, value is the most important factor we consider when evaluating a hotel. After sleeping at over 100 carefully selected hotels throughout the Dominican Republic, we were able to determine which hotels offer the real values -- and which hotels are a rip-off at any price.

1.

Iberostar Costa Dorada Hotel

• Price: $115/night
• Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
• Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

For a massive, hyper-indulgent, all-inclusive mega-resort, the Iberostar Costa Dorada is among the best in Puerto Plata -- great buffets, activities, entertainment, liquor, and service. Sure, there's no gym, and the giant pool can get a little chilly. But to the many guests who come back every year, those are just petty details. It's also cheaper to reach Puerto Plata than La Romana or Punta Cana; flights to the Puerto Plata airport tend to cost less, and the 25-min taxi ride from the airport averages $35.

2.

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach

• Price: $206/night
• Pearls: Rating: 3.0 Pearls
• Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic

Quality food, oceanfront bungalows, free trapeze lessons, and beachside canopy beds make this 600-room resort an excellent value; the sexy, 80 percent Italian clientele doesn't hurt, either. There are some minor cleanliness issues, like debris in the pool, but the beach has some of the softest sand and clearest water in the D.R. (though there are the occasional coral rocks).

3.

Natura Cabanas

• Price: $220/night
• Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
• Location: Cabarete and Sosua, Dominican Republic

Offering eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern-coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-free private beach, daily yoga and Pilates classes, and a fabulous spa. It's quiet -- and a bit rustic without TV or AC in the rooms -- but that's the point.

4.

Grand Paradise Playa Dorada

• Price: $115/night
• Pearls: Rating: 3.0 Pearls
• Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Located in the safe mini-tourist city of Playa Dorada, this family-friendly all-inclusive resort has an excellent buffet, some of the newest, cleanest rooms in the D.R., and one of the best beaches on the north coast. It's an incredible bargain, if you ignore the cheap booze, the lingering service kinks, and a pool that's less awe-inspiring than others.

5.

Occidental Grand Punta Cana

• Price: $197/night
• Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
• Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

An 877-room all-inclusive, the Occidental draws mostly young families with its massive, lagoon-shaped pool (one of Punta Cana's best), as well as its popular beachside activities, lively entertainment, many restaurants, and all-night pizzeria. Rooms are well decorated and even include spa robes and slippers. Reasonably priced, this all-inclusive has bang for the buck!

6.

Holiday Village Golden Beach Puerto Plata

• Price: $125/night
• Pearls: Rating: 3.0 Pearls
• Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Also located in the safe Playa Dorada complex, the 271-room Holiday Village is easily one of the most family-oriented all-inclusive resorts in the D.R. It excels in keeping kids happy with a high-ropes course, a wave pool, a huge beach, a teen center, and continuous kid-friendly activities. Even better, the resort lets parents relax, with lifeguards, nearby medical facilities, and even private bunk beds for kids.

7.

Grand Oasis Marien

• Price: $247/night
• Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
• Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Modern rooms (half of them renovated in late 2008 with marble, Jacuzzi-equipped bathrooms) amp up this otherwise ho-hum all-inclusive. An enormous pool, a nice spa, name-brand liquor, and reservation-free restaurants are the property's other perks, but the crowded, less pristine beach isn't ideal, and the buffet and entertainment are mediocre. Still, for Puerto Plata, it's a great value.

8.

Grand Paradise Samana

• Price: $168/night
• Pearls: Rating: 2.5 Pearls
• Location: Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic

Because the Grand Paradise Samana is located on one of the D.R.'s best beaches, the 2.5-hour, $95 taxi from the closest airport is well worth it. But the bungalows and guest rooms are extremely worn and dingy, and the resort lacks luxe features like a gym or spa. Still, with a quality buffet and, again, a spectacular beach, most guests don't ask for more.