How to Find Luxury Hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

On the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic lies Punta Cana, with luxury accommodations abounding and where life is all about the beach. Travelers flock to Punta Cana for rest and relaxation, golfing, swimming and snorkeling.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Find Luxury Accommodations in Punta Cana

1. Find luxury accommodations in the Dominican Republic by calling the Ministry of Tourism at [phone] or [phone], or by visiting their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Consider a luxury package before booking your accommodations. A package will include all the expected all-inclusive resort amenities such as meals and activities, as well as airfare, airport transfers and day trips.

3. Make reservations at the luxurious all-inclusive Paradisus Palma Real Resort by calling (866) 43-MELIA or [phone], or by visiting the hotel Web site (see Resources below).

4. Expect to pay between $100 and $500 per night for luxury accommodations, depending on what is included.

Organize Transportation in Punta Cana

5. Land at the thatched-roof Punta Cana International Airport, which is anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes from your hotel. Most luxury accommodations will provide a shuttle from the airport.

6. Take the beach taxi to El Cortecito or Cabeza de Toro tourist areas. Most luxury accommodations will arrange for your taxi.

7. Rent a car from your hotel for $50 to $100 a day. This is the best way to travel if you are planning day trips out of Punta Cana.

Get to Know Punta Cana

8. Exchange your money for pesos. You'll be able to pick up the local currency at your hotel.

9. Feel comfortable speaking English. While the official language in the Dominican Republic is Spanish, English is widely spoken in Punta Cana.

10. Enjoy Punta Cana's all-inclusive style. With 23 miles of beaches, the area offers over 20,000 hotel rooms, mostly in all-inclusive luxury resorts.

Tips & Warnings

• The average temperature in the Dominican Republic is about 82 degrees F year round, making it a perfect getaway anytime of year.
• Most luxury accommodations have a set daily or weekly time that local vendors visit the hotel. This means you don't have to leave the resort to shop, and you will not be bothered on the beach.
• Santa Domingo is about 4 hours away, so it is not a good idea to fly into the capital city unless you plan on spending a few days there first.