It's one of the most stylish, most luxurious hotels in the Dominican Republic -- but it's surrounded by 14 crowded, all-inclusive mega-resorts in the gated Playa Dorada complex. Rooms are gorgeous -- chic décor, private outdoor tubs, and four-post beds -- but at the beach, the rooftop pool, and on the balconies, guests suffer through their neighbors' poolside megaphones and karaoke nights.

While about half the resort's rooms are a bit out-of-date, the other half opened in late 2008. These rooms include marble, Jacuzzi-equipped bathrooms. An enormous pool, a nice spa, name-brand liquor, and a few reservation-free restaurants are other perks, but the beach can feel a bit crowded and the buffet and entertainment are mediocre. Still, for Puerto Plata, it's a great value.

For a massive, hyperindulgent all-inclusive mega-resort, the Iberostar Costa Dorada is the best in Puerto Plata -- great buffets, activities, entertainment, liquor, and service. Sure, the giant pool can get a little chilly. But to the many guests who come back every year, those are just petty details.

THE HOTEL RECENTLY REOPENED AS THE COFRESI PALM BEACH & SPA AFTER UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF UPDATING OUR REVIEW.

Located inside the Playa Dorada resort complex, a safe, mini-tourist city, the Gran Vantana is a relaxed, uncommonly friendly resort with clean rooms, excellent service, and a large though slightly crowded beach. Features like free bikes, a zero-entry pool, a kids’ club, and animated movie screenings make it great for families.

GOLDEN SAND IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF UPDATING OUR REVIEW.

Located inside a gated community, the 271-room Allegro Puerto Plata keeps kids happy with high-ropes, a wave pool, a huge beach, a teen center, and constant kid-friendly activities. Even better, it lets parents relax, with private bunk beds for kids, lifeguards, and nearby medical facilities. HOTEL CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS.

Located in the safe mini-tourist city of Playa Dorada, this family-friendly resort has an excellent buffet, some of the newest, cleanest rooms in the D.R. (all were renovated in 2008), 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.

This is a slightly quieter, time-share-focused upgrade on the The Tropical at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort, but it's a long walk from the beach closest to the resort and most activities. All rooms are similar to one-bedroom condos –each with a kitchenette, living room, and private bedroom. Still, paying more for a kitchen in an all-inclusive just doesn't make sense.

One of 15 resorts located inside the safe Playa Dorada complex, the Puerto Plata Village is about a 10-minute walk off the beach, surrounded by a golf course. Despite a spirited staff -- many of whom are there to sell time-shares, the resort's primary moneymaker -- the resort's food, rooms, and features are all bested by the nearby Grand Paradise resort.