Pros

  • On the beach in Boca Chica, known for its white sand and calm aqua waters
  • 15 minutes from Las Americas International Airport
  • Water sports available (for an extra cost)
  • All-inclusive rates cover four restaurants and two bars
  • Spacious rooms with private balconies and some ocean views
  • Upgraded rooms get unlimited a la carte dining and lounge access
  • Daily activities and solid nightly entertainment
  • Chic beachfront Pelicano restaurant (extra cost)
  • Access to five outdoor swimming pools
  • Fitness center with cardio equipment and sea views, plus tennis courts
  • Modern spa with a range of relaxing treatments
See More Pros

Cons

  • Local area is less than stellar, thanks to legal prostitution and hawkers
  • Aging property is in dire need of updates
  • The best restaurant, Pelicano, isn’t included in the all-inclusive rate
  • Food at included restaurants can be mediocre
  • Rooms are basic and can experience maintenance issues
  • Sprawling property can require lots of walking
  • Wi-Fi incurs a daily fee and pool towels require a deposit
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The three-pearl Be Live Hamaca is an aging resort set on a calm and swimmable stretch of Boca Chica beachfront. Overall, this hotel is best suited for unfussy families after cheap all-inclusive rates. Technically, this is part of a two-resort complex, with shared amenities which might require a walk to reach. The property has 670 rooms which are spacious and bright with balconies; stylishly renovated Hamaca Suites are the best bet and come with nice perks. Features include five swimming pools, a modern spa, solid evening entertainment, and a casino. Aside from chic Pelicano (not part of the all-inclusive plan), dining at the five restaurants is mediocre at best. Some guests find the quality, maintenance, and tired appearance of the place to be a general letdown. As an alternative, the nearby Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa has slightly higher rates, but a nicer aesthetic. 

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Casino
  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach

Scene

A largely tired beachfront resort and the occasional chic modern contrast 

The most important thing to know about this property is that it's actually two resorts divided into three zones: Hamaca Beach, the beachfront side (built in 1951), the Hamaca Garden, across the road (added to the resort in the mid-'90s), and Hamaca Suites, in the Beach zone, with beautifully renovated interiors.

Hamaca is one of over 30 Be Live resorts in the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Given the group’s scale, it’s surprising that little modernization has taken place in rooms and on the grounds aside from the contemporary spa; slick beachfront restaurant, Pelicano; and the stylish Hamaca Suites. 

The Hamaca Beach exterior remains retro, with a long rectangular building dressed in bright white and a big pavilion-like entrance, lush tropical landscaping, and white on jet-black signage. The building is sandwiched between the all-white casino and a big multi-level car park. The white color theme continues inside the expansive lobby, with marble floors, black and white raffia seating, and tropical open-air views towards the interior gardens. This main structure basically envelops the gardens and a giant courtyard on four sides, which means rooms are incredibly spread out. While the odd, randomly placed elevator makes getting around easier, it can feel like navigating maze at times and all of the walking could easily wear thin. 

Most guests choose to stay and play in the front section on the beach, and there’s a constant stream of foot traffic between the Hamaca Garden and Hamaca Beach properties, as guests shift between the beach and the buffet -- which sits on the garden side. The beach, protected by a coral reef, creates a semicircle around the resort's entire beach area. Guests usually spend their days here sunbathing, playing on the sand, floating around, and sipping cocktails. Families are the main crowd, but flight crews, groups, and couples are also in the mix. 

See More Scene

Location

On the beach in Boca Chica, 15 minutes from Las Americas International Airport

Be Live sits right on a calm stretch of beachfront in the Boca Chica resort municipality. Boca Chica was once a sleepy fishing village, but has evolved to a popular beach resort destination for its convenience to the airport and city. It also happens to be a fairly seedy town full of hawkers and (legal) sex workers. The main strip along the nearby public beach makes for an interesting walk, but the outside activity remains removed from the resort. Guests can walk to the Public Boca Chica Beach in 12 minutes where beachfront restaurants and bars abound. Hamaca is 15 minutes from Las Americas International Airport; 22 minutes from Caucedo Sea Port, and about a half-hour from the capital, Santo Domingo. Free parking for self-drivers is available on-site, and taxis can swiftly be arranged by lobby staff. 

See More Location

Rooms

Simple and spacious rooms with balconies -- many with ocean views, but most are dated 

Rooms are available in a range of categories to cater to all budgets from from Standard through Superior Deluxe and Junior Suites. While they’re all big on space and open onto private furnished balconies (ocean or garden views), lower categories are pretty basic in decor and features. Decor varies, but most rooms begin with a crisp white foundation in walls and bedding, offset with matching wood and bamboo, or wrought iron furniture. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, safes that lock with a key, and (empty) mini-fridges, but that’s about it for lower categories. Wi-Fi costs extra, but there's no guarantee it will work. Deluxe Ocean View, Superior Deluxe, and Junior Suites add contemporary style and even more space into the mix, along with with added perks, such as stocked minibars and personalized check-in. Junior Suites also receive turndown service, access to the VIP lounge for free continental breakfast and all day snacks, unlimited Wi-Fi access, premium drinks, and unlimited reservations at a la carte restaurants.

Bathrooms vary across room types, but all are spacious. There's a range of shower/tub combos, showers, and jetted tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Past guests have complained about a myriad of maintenance and cleanliness issues that include mold, odors, and stray hairs. 

See More Rooms

Features

Multiple all-inclusive restaurants, five pools, a calm beachfront, and a quality spa 

Low all-inclusive rates on the beach are the main reason that most guests book here, but be warned that you get what you pay for. The Hamaca Beach property features two outdoor pools, and guests also have access to the three pools on the Hamaca Garden property across the road. The calm stretch of beachfront on which the hotel sits offers plenty of deck chairs and palapa shade, although it can attract seaweed (which staff collect in big buckets). A beach bar ensures seaside drinks are accessible, but beach towels require a $20 deposit.

Five restaurants and two bars are spread out over both resort properties. Food-wise, the Buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A la carte options include Gourmet (specializing in fish and meat); Orale (Mexican); Portobello (Italian) with wood-fired pizza; and Rodizio (Brazilian). The Snack Bar provides in-between-meal snacks. Pelicano is a chic, upscale contrast to the rest of the property, set right over the water. While it’s not included in the all-inclusive deal, the quality is exceptional. Mr. Roger bar serves drinks and cocktails with views of the beach. Junior Suite guests have access to a VIP lounge for continental breakfast and all day snacks, unlimited Wi-Fi access, and premium drinks. Note that reservations are required for the a la carte restaurants and there are limitations to the visits. Past guests have complained about food quality and safety. 

The contemporary spa features a range of treatments which include chocolatherapy, mud baths, and Vichy showers. There is a fitness center with beautiful water views, but the equipment is dated and while the space is cooled by fans, there appeared to be no air-conditioning during our visit. Tennis courts are also on offer for guest use. Daily activities and nightly entertainment are provided. Other leisure amenities include bicycle rentals, plus water sports like diving, water skiing, Jet Skiing, and sailing -- but they’re all at extra cost. A kids’ club caters to children ages 8 to 12.

Unless guests are in a high category room, just 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi is permitted per-device, per-day in the lobby. Otherwise, guests can pay a daily fee for 24-hour access property-wide, but the signal isn't dependable. A choice of conference, meeting, and events rooms are available for all manner of functions, with capacity for 1,300 people. Babysitting services can be arranged for a fee. Free on-site parking is available. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach

Scene

A largely tired beachfront resort and the occasional chic modern contrast 

The most important thing to know about this property is that it's actually two resorts divided into three zones: Hamaca Beach, the beachfront side (built in 1951), the Hamaca Garden, across the road (added to the resort in the mid-'90s), and Hamaca Suites, in the Beach zone, with beautifully renovated interiors.

Hamaca is one of over 30 Be Live resorts in the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Given the group’s scale, it’s surprising that little modernization has taken place in rooms and on the grounds aside from the contemporary spa; slick beachfront restaurant, Pelicano; and the stylish Hamaca Suites. 

The Hamaca Beach exterior remains retro, with a long rectangular building dressed in bright white and a big pavilion-like entrance, lush tropical landscaping, and white on jet-black signage. The building is sandwiched between the all-white casino and a big multi-level car park. The white color theme continues inside the expansive lobby, with marble floors, black and white raffia seating, and tropical open-air views towards the interior gardens. This main structure basically envelops the gardens and a giant courtyard on four sides, which means rooms are incredibly spread out. While the odd, randomly placed elevator makes getting around easier, it can feel like navigating maze at times and all of the walking could easily wear thin. 

Most guests choose to stay and play in the front section on the beach, and there’s a constant stream of foot traffic between the Hamaca Garden and Hamaca Beach properties, as guests shift between the beach and the buffet -- which sits on the garden side. The beach, protected by a coral reef, creates a semicircle around the resort's entire beach area. Guests usually spend their days here sunbathing, playing on the sand, floating around, and sipping cocktails. Families are the main crowd, but flight crews, groups, and couples are also in the mix. 

See More Scene

Location

On the beach in Boca Chica, 15 minutes from Las Americas International Airport

Be Live sits right on a calm stretch of beachfront in the Boca Chica resort municipality. Boca Chica was once a sleepy fishing village, but has evolved to a popular beach resort destination for its convenience to the airport and city. It also happens to be a fairly seedy town full of hawkers and (legal) sex workers. The main strip along the nearby public beach makes for an interesting walk, but the outside activity remains removed from the resort. Guests can walk to the Public Boca Chica Beach in 12 minutes where beachfront restaurants and bars abound. Hamaca is 15 minutes from Las Americas International Airport; 22 minutes from Caucedo Sea Port, and about a half-hour from the capital, Santo Domingo. Free parking for self-drivers is available on-site, and taxis can swiftly be arranged by lobby staff. 

See More Location

Rooms

Simple and spacious rooms with balconies -- many with ocean views, but most are dated 

Rooms are available in a range of categories to cater to all budgets from from Standard through Superior Deluxe and Junior Suites. While they’re all big on space and open onto private furnished balconies (ocean or garden views), lower categories are pretty basic in decor and features. Decor varies, but most rooms begin with a crisp white foundation in walls and bedding, offset with matching wood and bamboo, or wrought iron furniture. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, safes that lock with a key, and (empty) mini-fridges, but that’s about it for lower categories. Wi-Fi costs extra, but there's no guarantee it will work. Deluxe Ocean View, Superior Deluxe, and Junior Suites add contemporary style and even more space into the mix, along with with added perks, such as stocked minibars and personalized check-in. Junior Suites also receive turndown service, access to the VIP lounge for free continental breakfast and all day snacks, unlimited Wi-Fi access, premium drinks, and unlimited reservations at a la carte restaurants.

Bathrooms vary across room types, but all are spacious. There's a range of shower/tub combos, showers, and jetted tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Past guests have complained about a myriad of maintenance and cleanliness issues that include mold, odors, and stray hairs. 

See More Rooms

Features

Multiple all-inclusive restaurants, five pools, a calm beachfront, and a quality spa 

Low all-inclusive rates on the beach are the main reason that most guests book here, but be warned that you get what you pay for. The Hamaca Beach property features two outdoor pools, and guests also have access to the three pools on the Hamaca Garden property across the road. The calm stretch of beachfront on which the hotel sits offers plenty of deck chairs and palapa shade, although it can attract seaweed (which staff collect in big buckets). A beach bar ensures seaside drinks are accessible, but beach towels require a $20 deposit.

Five restaurants and two bars are spread out over both resort properties. Food-wise, the Buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A la carte options include Gourmet (specializing in fish and meat); Orale (Mexican); Portobello (Italian) with wood-fired pizza; and Rodizio (Brazilian). The Snack Bar provides in-between-meal snacks. Pelicano is a chic, upscale contrast to the rest of the property, set right over the water. While it’s not included in the all-inclusive deal, the quality is exceptional. Mr. Roger bar serves drinks and cocktails with views of the beach. Junior Suite guests have access to a VIP lounge for continental breakfast and all day snacks, unlimited Wi-Fi access, and premium drinks. Note that reservations are required for the a la carte restaurants and there are limitations to the visits. Past guests have complained about food quality and safety. 

The contemporary spa features a range of treatments which include chocolatherapy, mud baths, and Vichy showers. There is a fitness center with beautiful water views, but the equipment is dated and while the space is cooled by fans, there appeared to be no air-conditioning during our visit. Tennis courts are also on offer for guest use. Daily activities and nightly entertainment are provided. Other leisure amenities include bicycle rentals, plus water sports like diving, water skiing, Jet Skiing, and sailing -- but they’re all at extra cost. A kids’ club caters to children ages 8 to 12.

Unless guests are in a high category room, just 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi is permitted per-device, per-day in the lobby. Otherwise, guests can pay a daily fee for 24-hour access property-wide, but the signal isn't dependable. A choice of conference, meeting, and events rooms are available for all manner of functions, with capacity for 1,300 people. Babysitting services can be arranged for a fee. Free on-site parking is available. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Beach

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Casino

  • Children's Pool

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • 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.