Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Puerto Plata

This mega-resort caters to party people (and their children) looking for an excellent pool, big buffets, and a slew of activities, like dance classes, Spanish lessons, archery, bingo, and a popular kids' club as well. Most guests have the time of their lives, but the crowded, inebriated scene won't appeal to all. The food is as good as it gets at an all-inclusive mega-resort. It is produced in bulk and a far cry from four-star dining, but it offers ample international variety. The liquor is name-brand -- not generic -- and the bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly.

Located inside the Playa Dorada complex, a gated tourist mini-city, the Gran Vantana is a bit cut off from the rest of the D.R. But compared with other all-inclusives in the complex, Gran Ventana exudes the friendliest vibe. It’s a relaxed mix of families, older couples, and young groups. Its buffet restaurant, like many in the D.R., is underwhelming, though its breakfast is a highlight. It includes a fresh waffle station and made-to-order smoothies. For the most part, the resort uses "Classic" brand liquor -- i.e., cheap well drinks -- at its bars. The only exception to this is higher-quality rum, the national brand Brugal, and the top Dominican beer, Presidente. Other top-shelf liquors are rare. At the a la carte restaurants, a fairly extensive wine list is available, though bottles cost extra. Finally, every bar includes a frozen juice dispenser for making sickly sweet daiquiris, margaritas, and pina coladas.

Located in Playa Dorada, a gated hotel community just outside of downtown Puerto Plata, BlueBay Villas Doradas is within walking distance to shops, a variety of restaurants, and the Playa Dorada golf course. The chic and lively adult-only all-inclusive has lots of activities and entertainment options, from pool aerobics to nightly theater performances, from mini-golf to beachfront massages. There are four on-site restaurants and several bars at BlueBay. Restaurants include a steakhouse, a seafood option, an Asian-fusion establishment, and the classic all-inclusive buffet. Food is mediocre, drinks are made with bottom-shelf liquor, and restaurants' menus lack variety, but the food is noticeably better and fresher here than at other nearby all-inclusive resorts. Perhaps the most annoying part of BlueBay’s is the fact that seemingly basic services like beach towels, Wi-Fi, and room service, are not included in the cost of the room.

Part of the sprawling Lifestyle Holidays complex, the Cofresi Palm Beach is a lovely, upper-middle-range property with a gorgeous white-sand beach, numerous pools (one with a cave-like swim-up bar and one with a waterslide), and updated rooms featuring sleek decor and spacious marble bathrooms. As is common among all-inclusive resorts, food at the Cofresi Palm Beach is mediocre. There are, at least, numerous dining options; with eleven restaurants on-site, guests can choose between buffet-style meals or a la carte. The a la carte restaurants require reservations. The resort also has a dozen bars, and guests of the Cofresi Palm Beach can access the dining facilities at the sister properties. A  long list of activities and an on-site shuttle are included in the rates, and an on-site theater hosts evening entertainment.

Part of the massive Lifestyle Holidays resort, the Crown Villas share in the complex's quiet and tranquil vibe. Rowdy spring breakers are rarely sighted; instead, the resort attracts families and couples looking for a relaxed vacation. The Villas in particular attracts larger groups coming for family reunions or bachelorette parties. There’s little to do outside of the complex’s grounds, but most guests are content with the long list of available activities and facilities, including a spa, kids’ club, a dozen restaurants, numerous pools, and water sports.

Part of the massive Lifestyle Holidays complex, The Tropical has a similar vibe to its sister properties -- that being quiet and tranquil. Rowdy spring breakers are rarely sighted; instead, the resort attracts families and couples looking for a relaxed vacation. There’s little to do outside of the complex’s grounds, but most guests are content with the long list of available activities and facilities, including a spa, kids’ club, a dozen restaurants, numerous pools, and water sports. There are three restaurants and three bars on-site, and guests can also make reservations at a handful of the restaurants on other properties -- or visit their bars and nightclub -- but getting to them either requires a long walk, a long wait for the hotel shuttle, or the rental of a VIP golf cart.

This 425-room all-inclusive resort just outside of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic first opened in the late '80s, making it one of the older options in the area. It was renovated in the late 2000s, and has had minor spruce-ups since then. The family-friendly upper-middle-range resort has an above-average buffet, rather modern you'll find for this category, and one of the best beaches on the north coast. Liquor, however, is a letdown -- all of the brands are generic.

Be Live Grand Marien is a warm, laid-back kind of place. Families tend to outnumber couples and partiers, though you might find a few guests drinking in the disco in the wee hours. The lushly landscaped resort consists of nine compact buildings that surround an enormous zero-entry swimming 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.

Though it is far from luxurious, Clubhotel Riu Bachata attracts plenty of return visitors with its low rates, friendly staff, and nice beach. All-inclusive rates include unlimited bottom-shelf alcohol and food at the resort’s three restaurants. A buffet, with hot and cold items, is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the buffet restaurant celebrates weekly “themed” nights with varying cuisines. For dinner, guests can also opt for two a la carte restaurants, both of which require reservations. Snacks are available throughout the day, but overall the food is mediocre at best.