Best Party Hotels in Bayahibe, La Altagracia Province

Located on the D.R.’s softest and calmest stretch of beach, the highly active Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is a pretty solid family option -- three clean pools, attentive service, and excellent scuba diving (though for a cost). But because the rooms are dated and poorly maintained, and the food is only good (not great), the newly renovated Dreams La Romana is a better option for the same price.

There are just a handful of resorts on this particular stretch of beach about 20 minutes from La Romana, and this mid-range, 415-room property is a solid choice that draws an international crowd. This all-inclusive's best attributes are the beach (with great waves, snorkeling, and sunset views), and the food and drink spots, which are spread out over manicured grounds. It's a popular option for both families (children get their own section at the main buffet) and couples, especially honeymooners, who receive an instant upgrade when suites are available. Room types vary greatly: Non-Privilege are as basic as it gets, but Privilege rooms have canopy beds, stocked minibars, and sightly more contemporary decor. Plenty of sports activities can be enjoyed on-site and excursions are available for those who get a case of claustrophobia. Free Wi-Fi is spotty at best.

This 330-room mid-range resort for all ages attracts a European crowd (expect to hear Spanish and Italian) and has about half the number of rooms as its sister property next door. Fewer guests, expansive grounds, and full access to features at both resorts make this the slightly higher-priced option. The rooms are nothing to write home about, but have been upgraded with white comforters and flat-screen TVs; bathrooms have either tub/shower combos or walk-in showers with removable nozzles and limited toiletries (there's a convenience store on-site for the essentials). Kiddos stay busy with shallow swimming on the beach, a children's pool, and kids' zone next door. There are limited reservations for a la carte restaurants, but a late-night wood-fire pizzeria stays open all night.

This family-friendly, 613-room all-inclusive resort has a mostly European clientele. Basic rooms have received a slight refresh (no more patterned bedspreads), and the limited all-inclusive amenities help keep prices low. Three pools, trapeze lessons, and tennis are available, but most guests flock to the beach. For drinks, guests will have to take turns standing in line to get small pours in plastic cups, and repeat the process until the (beautiful) sunset. Food is not a highlight: there’s a limit on a la carte reservations, and the main buffet seems to have a crowd at all times. Overall, though, this is an affordable choice for families. Romantics should consider the VIP upgrade.

This 871-room mid-range all-inclusive resort just outside the sleepy tourist town of Dominicus Americanus caters to an army of families. There are dizzying array of options for eating, drinking, and playing -- specifically, seven restaurants, seven bars, a disco, a big main pool with a swim-up bar, and a beautiful beach. The downside to all these features is that the resort can get crowded and loud. Rooms range from slightly dated to stylish and beachy; most guests consider the VIP amenities well worth the upgrade. Those who want a quieter, mellower vacation that's still geared toward families may want to consider the Cadaques Caribe just down the road.