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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ส.ค. 2023
- #puntacana #allinclusive #besthotels
WARNING: DO NOT BOOK A PUNTA CANA RESORT BEFORE WATCHING THIS VIDEO.
I ACTUALLY stayed at all of these resorts! Recently! IGNORE the other TOP/BEST Punta Cana Hotels lists - they are made by people that have never travelled to the Dominican Republic or stayed at these resorts!
Over the last 18 months, I stayed at 20 of the best Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resorts. Each stay was for a minimum of 4 nights at each property - so I experienced everything, everywhere, at all of these hotels!
I deeply explored every aspect of these all-inclusive hotels to discover which had the best the rooms, restaurants, activities, entertainment, nightlife, food, drinks, bars, pools. beaches, landscapes, experience, wow-factor. and more!
In this video, I reveal my super-secret insider rankings of the top 20 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. If you are researching Punta Cana hotels, about to book your Caribbean vacation, or have already booked a property in Punta Cana and want to know if you made the right choice, then you absolutely need to watch this video.
🏝️ ALL OF MY COMPLETE PUNTA CANA HOTEL REVIEWS🏝️
• Punta Cana Hotels
- TRS Turquesa
- Secrets Royal Beach
- Hard Rock Punta Cana
- Riu Republica
- Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar
- Royalton Punta Cana
- Majestic Mirage
- Majestic Elegance
- Royalton Bavaro
- Breathless Punta Cana
- Roytalton Chic Punta Cana
- Dreams Punta Cana / Jewel Punta Cana
- Excellence Punta Cana
- Margaritaville
- Barcelo Bavaro Palace
- Riu Palace Punta Cana
- Lopesan Costa Bavaro
- Live Aqua Punta Cana
- Finest Punta Cana
- Excellence El Carmen
My Super Secret Inside Tips To Having The Best Time Ever in Punta Cana
• Travel Diaries: Punta ...
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Instagram - @james.coolist
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#allinclusiveresorts #bestresorts #hotelreviews
#hotelreview #resorts #hotels
I'd love you see a new/ updated list once you vist Secrets cap Cana, Hyatt zilara CC, Iberostar grand bavaro and Sanctuary Cap cana
These videos have made me and my family switch from our die hard Mexico yearly trip to DR. Thanks for this great content, exactly what we need to make a selection that fits the entire family from 75-12 years! Much appreciated.
James.....These kinds of videos are so helpful for those of us that don't travel all the time and only go somewhere for a week or 2 every year or so. Thank you so much for letting us all benefit from the time, effort and $$$ you put into doing this!!! I'm wondering if you have another region in mind to do this sort of resort tour in the future?? I'd love to see a similar video series for Jamaica or perhaps the pacific coast of Mexico
Amazing video! Can’t believe how much info you packed into this in under 20 minutes.
So helpful for us. Love your tone of voice, your pace, your enthusiasm. You are definitely one of my fave travel channels ❤
Tell me about it.
Thank you James. I found you recently and really like your videos. They are really informative and really make you do more research. Let’s face it, it costs a lot to go on holiday these days so to do research and watching your videos means I hopefully won’t chose a really bad place that doesn’t meet expectations. Thank you, thank you, thank you 😊
You are such a gift! Booked Secrets for 11 days in December but now thinking I want to split my vacation between 2 resorts. Nobody reviews a resort like you. 🙏🙏
Another fantastic video James. You're the best travel reviewer I've ever watched.
You’re so detailed and straight to the point! Thank you for sharing your experiences!
We decided to visit Punta Cana. This video helped us to decide on Excellence Punta Cana, and we are not disappointed at all. Thank you!
FYI Breathless is currently undergoing a huge (and much needed) renovation to be completed in December 2023. Includes main lobby, new casino, new xhale club, and room updates. Excited to see!
Also Dreams Punta Cana is now the Jewel Punta Cana.
Been waiting for this video to drop all year 😂
Great video James! I stayed at Margaritaville in April and agree with your review. Incredible food but the beach was a disaster. I will try Lopeson though after watching this video. Keep up the great videos!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Thank you for the time, effort and expense you put in to take us on a tour of all these Punta Cana resorts to help us choose our next all-inclusive vacation. I appreciate how thorough you are covering all the categories we are interested in like room, food (restaurants and room service), drinks, pools, beach, entertainment, and vibe. I look forward to hear your 3 likes and dislikes at the end of your videos. You have visited so many great resorts in Punta Cana that its hard to pick one for the next vacation. I have been anxiously waiting for this video before booking my 20th wedding anniversary vacation. As soon as my husband and I finished watching your video we made the decision and booked our 2024 anniversary vacation and we can't wait to get there. If you are wondering, the decision was between Lopesan Costa Bavaro and Excellence Punta Cana. However, I chose Excellence Punta Cana and my husband chose Lopesan. Since marriage is all about compromises we decided to book Lopesan for our anniversary and book Excellence Punta Cana for our next vacation UNLESS you find a better resort :) Thanks again and I can't wait to see where you go next.
Thanks James these videos are invaluable. really fantastic content from a super down to earth dude.
Been waiting for this! Thanks James. It just keeps getting better and you out did yourself. I followed your suggestion and have done Majestic Elegance (actually twice) and loved it. You nailed República perfectly - the value and vibe over the food and luxury. Did two weeks there and I barely survived, one can only eat so much jerk chicken (even if it is great). Did you find a big gaps in food between Chic and the other Royalton properties? By the way, IF you do Melia ensure you stay beachside in the "The Level" otherwise its not very good. You have me leaning towards Lopesan and Live Aqua, but I will be looking at the price point for value (this is what keeps me out of Excellence they are $$$),
Thank you for these videos!! It has been so helpful in planning-so thorough!!! 😊
I absolutely love your videos. Thank you so much for making them and sharing your time with us. I have only been to two resorts on your list and the is the Majestic Mirage and the Majestic Elegance and I agree 💯. My husband and I went there to celebrate bout 24th wedding anniversary that year and we thought it was absolutely beautiful but it was boring. Last December we took a chance and stayed at the Elegance and couldn’t believe the difference. The vibe was much better. I am returning this December again and I plan on staying at the Lopesan resort. Thanks again
Best reviews! Thanks James!
I'm glad you picked Live Aqua as number one. That is my favorite! Great presentation, thanks.
LOVE your videos! Really excited to watch them when they come out. This list is informative. Crazy to see (in a positive way, of course) that Live Aqua is number 1. Who would have thought? 🌴
James, I cant begin to explain how grateful I am for your videos. You made my vacation a dream come true instead of nightmare shot in the dark. The way you evaluate hotels on multiple categories and do it with a smile is very much appreciated. I owe you a drink if we ever run into you. Cheers
Where did you go?
I really appreciate your videos. They are amazingly helpful and I really appreciate you.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Best reviews I have ever seen put together.
Thank you! I felt completely overwhelmed by trying to choose an all inclusive adults only! I do not subscribe to channels until you! We are empty nesters and traveling, is big in our future now… If you keep turning out the videos, I will keep watching! I am super confident in the choice. We made thanks to your videos and content, you are authentic and straight to the point without blowing smoke! Much appreciated!
Watching Coolist’s videos gives me the travel bug everytime 😅 - thanks for the extremely informative content boss!
Stayed at the finest a couple weeks ago. This definitely reassured me that riu is more my vibe. Thanks for the great reviews!
Incredible video! Thank you!!
I love lopesan, went before you reviewed it, but I love and trust your reviews - so will try one from your list next year! Thanks for the time you put into each hotel. department UK viewer x 😊
Did Lopesan casino have a poker room?? Just curious
Currently planning our Punta Cana trip & this video helped me tremendously. I would have never thought beaches would be an issue in the Caribbean.
Fabulous video. I hope people like Lopesan without a great price as it is as high as the others now. Thanks for your resorts reviews. I watch ALL of your posts.
Just watched 5 of your videos.
You have a new fan.❤🎉
I’m a exllance Punta Cana, and it’s one of the finest ever. Thanks for your video. That’s why we are here
James, GREAT videos!!! I'm a solo traveler myself. Live in the Twin Cities (yes, the MPLS airport is of one of the best!). Please make a video of the PROS and CONS of solo travel and what it's like eating alone and what you do during your 'down time' when you aren't vlogging at these amazing resorts. Do you purchase any spa treatments? Any solo travel tips would be wonderful to know. THANKS!
so happy JAMES, I saw your "countdown of the best 5 star resorts in Punta Cana...this summer is our 1st time going to Punta Cana.(usually it's been Cancun & surrounding area) I was a bit nervous hoping I selected a great place to celebrate our 38 year anniversary this summer...since I already booked arrangements, I was pleasantly shocked that LIVE AQUA was your number 1 pick!!!! NOW WE CAN GO & ENJOY WITH NO APPREHENSION...thank you!
THANK YOU!!!!!! This was so useful!!!!!
fabulous video thank you James..
I love how the sun is in your hotel room towards the end of your video.
I stated at Breathless at the end of August 30..through September 5. I loved the swim out rooms with the Lazy River. It was everything, my first All inclusive ❤❤❤❤
Thank you this was so helpful. My husband and I are planning our first trip to Punta Cana and couldn't decide which resort to choose. We were looking for all inclusive, adults only and your videos really helped. We went back and forth on Excellence Punta Cana and El Carmen. We decided on Excellence Punta Cana and are looking forward to our trip later this year.
I would suggest you to go to Hyatt Zilara or Live Aqua
Great stuff… thank you!
Hey James, it was so great to meet you in Minneapolis/MSP.
Looking forward to your future content!
Was a Pleasure 🙌💫
Great video, I’m actually visiting Punta Cana on March.
We just returned from a week at Live Aqua in June and definitely concur! I suggest booking the Honeymoon package if possible. We booked it for my birthday and the dinner on the beach, couples massage, and Bali Bed were well worth it! If on a budget book it for the weekend. Don't miss the foam party Saturday!
Do you still get all of the honeymoon suite perks if only booking for the weekend? How amazing is it? I am deciding between honeymoon and Fuego suites.
Thanks so much for these videos .. and ranking Excellence PC #2.. we r going in April🕺🏻
If it wasn't for the show-stopping service that you described in your experience video that truly blew me away, Live Aqua probably wouldn't have even seemed like a Top Five resort because it just feels and looks................underdeveloped? Yet I'm one who prizes customer service experience and value immensely and...............where they may lack in the aesthetics, they absolutely more than make up for in going over the moon to make you feel right at home and ensure timeless memory-making, and it is for THAT reason why I wholeheartedly agree they look like a top resort alongside RIU Republica. 😍
Glad you discovered new gems there this trip, yaaaaaaaaaayyy! And can't wait for your next Vegas content. I'll actually be there in two weeks so for all I know we may be simultaneously there, hahahahaha! Who knows: maybe I'll bump into you by happenstance, yaaaaaaaayyy! 🙂
James I think that you should start rating these hotels by categories.
Party hotel is very different from a relax hotel or a family hotel.
Have them rated in their categories so we can get a better idea and make a better decisions when booking a vacation.
There's no way that Riu República is above Secret. But you rated Riu for it's value and party atmosphere.
Can't wait for your next trip to Cap Cana!
I was just about to ask the same thing👏. When you group them together it's hard to discern a true ranking and make comparable decisions. You should rank also by resort category/vibe.
Thank you for all the work you put into these reviews.
@@jgates594 I can see your point but it would be a challenge given several resorts are very much "cross-catagory". Some certainly target different demographics. There are pure adult (21+) resorts (Breathless, Republica, Chic) while there are some that are massive properties that are hybrids with exclusive and adult sections. It's tricky but if anyone is going to solve this I would leave it to James.
@@markrussell3428 True, I see your point, but we're not actually suggesting separating family friendly from adult only. More like party, relax, a good time categories.
For example, luxury resorts like Excellence, Finest, Secrets Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana are not party resorts. Then there may be locations family friendly or not that could be considered 'a good time' because it's not a party vibe nor relaxing🤷 but you can still have a 🎉 time. A section like Hideaway @ Royalton, if you classify it separately would be relaxing. It seems the adult only sections of family resorts are geared to be quiet relaxation
sections.
IJS🤷 but yes, your point.. some resorts may cross categories, but I don't think by much truthfully. Thanks for that thought process.
@@jgates594 I like your thinking! You have offered up a good start to the categories. Maybe I can add to this and leave the rest to James. I think some resorts can fall into the multiple categories:
1. Party (high energy vibe)
2. Luxury/High end exclusive
3. Casual/Multi-purpose good time property
Getting the categories defined is the tricky part. The resorts are getting so specialized with the exclusive areas, adults only sections/facilities. Even the typical true luxury resorts have family sections. You can stay at RUI Palace, which is a family property which is RUI's idea of up-scale luxury (which it isnt); however, you can walk from the property to the party zone and be part of the mind-numbing adults only party events. The Republic has a party vibe throughout most of the property, including adults only waterslides, and makes use of the same RUI party facility. Which I think people should experience at least once.
@@markrussell3428 👏👏👏🤗 Exactly!! You nailed it . Especially your view of the Riu palace🤭.
A good start. James... this is what would be useful my dear sir ......🤔 🙏
went to Riu after seeing your original video and it did not disappoint
Loved live aqua! Went for my husbands 30th and had an amazing time. Honrstly i want to go back within a few months but my husbands wants to try out a different resort.! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks James for this video. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the resorts within the top 7 or 8. I really hope you enjoy Secrets Cap Cana. But I know in the end, each resort gives a different experience and vibe. And what a person's expectations are when they enter the resort is going to highly impact their take on it.
I enjoyed the food at Secrets Cap Cana, but it's probably above average. Definitely try the fish tacos at Seaside grill for lunch. My pallette probably isn't refined enough to enjoy the French restaurant but you'll probably enjoy it. El Patio was definitely our favorite restaurant there. If you stay Preferred, then Rosewater will be your best bet for breakfast. Try a burger at the Barefoot Grill for lunch. which is easy to pass by.
It's not a huge resort so it's much more intimate. It has that tropical feeling to it. There are plenty of places for shade with all fhe cabanas and umbrellas on the beach and around the pools. Secrets Cap Cana felt very private and secluded. It was such a relaxing resort and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure you are relaxing and enjoying yourself. If you really take the time to get to know the staff, they will make your time there the best. Every room gets a concierge or butler if you're on the preferred side. We didn't feel like we needed to do preferred when we were there. Our Concierge, Peniel took care of us and checked on us every day. He booked our two dinner reservations at the Tepanyaki restaurant and the Havana night themed dinner on the beach. The food and experience at Havana night dinner was amazing!
TYSM for this!
At Royalton Chic right now and having a blast! Thanks for the great videos!
Great video and summary! Have you stayed at the Hyatt all-inclusive hotels in DR?
Hyatt Zilara is the best -or al least in the top 3- hotels in DR. I would suggest you to go 100%
I don't even know you, but I trust your judgement. You are well traveled and it shows. I felt the same way about Breathless P.C. I think my friends and I want a better food experience, so I don't know about Riu Republica but I can definitely check a few properties off my list after hearing your views about these resorts! Thank you so much.
Great video!
Love your informative video's.... Q? do you have any experience and info on the Iberostar properties especially the Grand Bavaro. Thanks
Yesss I went to Riu republica in June solo and I definitely loved it! It was definitely an experience
We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Excellence Punta Cana. Been twice, would go back in a heartbeat. Been to Excellence El Carmen, and it was a one and done for us. Most of the trip was a disappointment. Haven't been to Live Aqua, and from your video, we just don't get that same warm tropical feel we get at Excellence Punta Cana. So, who knows? Perhaps someday. But right now, for us it's Excellence Punta Cana all the way.
Did you go to Secrets Cap Cana or Sanctuary Cap Cana? Surprised neither are on this list. Great video
I booked majestic mirage based on your recommendation. Hope it’s a great vacay 🤞🏼
Hey James, appreciate ya, lots of good stuff, Majestic Elegance has doubled in price
Hey bud, enjoying your videos. Staying at Iberostar Coral Level & Finest Punta Cana next week, can't wait!
Would love you to eventually go to Iberostar and Nickelodeon (lol), the Ocean El Faro and possibly Dreams Flora and give your rating.
nice video dude, thank you very much! what time of the year were you there filming all of this? how was the weather?
Hi James - appreciate you and the great work you do!
For a vegan family of 4, with 2 kids under 10, would you chose Majestic Elegance or Lopesan? Food and entertainment for kids are huge!
Thanks!
Thanks for the reviews! I'm curious why Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana was not on the list. I've read so many good reviews about that property.
He didn't go there.
Hello SIr, I've been watching some of your videos and they are very informative...Thx. Do you recommend a particular Singles all inclusive resort outside the US? That is actually party oriented?
I've stayed at Lopesan, Dreams Macao, and Majestic Elegance. Among the three, Lopesan was the worst due to its lacking customer service. Also, the rough quality of the bath towels, the additional cost for more than two towels per room, no selection of pillows 9they were extra stuffed and hurt my neck), and the biggest reason for making it the worst was the non-private bathroom with stall-like partitions. However, it could be a great choice for solo travelers. The resort had great food, especially the hibachi, a delicious coffee shop, fun shows, and friendly cats wandering around. During our stay, we found that the beach had limited space, with only 10 feet to walk out before reaching the blockage of buoys and many boats. These were house & fishing boats that people slept in as they didn't leave during our 3 night stay.
Thank you for the video that helped me decide to stay at Lopesan. Unfortunately, my experience wasn't great for me and my family, but it's not your fault. I need to do more research and consider my likes and dislikes in resorts.
I enjoy watching your videos, so please keep them coming.
Oh wow I love your recap. What about the mexico ranking soo far? I pray your next trip is to try the beloved hotel in Mexico, Barcelo maya riviera #1 on Google and maybe the atelier hôtel and Riu palace Costa mujeres.
You made the call for us, we're going to Live Aqua Punta Cana, at least partially on your recommendation. Looking forward to it!
How was your experience?
Regarding Margaritaville…“ The beach is an ABOMINATION…” I think I laughed for 2 minutes straight when you went in on their beach 😂😂😭😭 (I’m still laughing btw) GREAT TOP 20 thank you so much ! Chefs Kiss 🤌🏽💋
Edited to add I just came back from LIVE AQUA yesterday and toasted you because yup that place is my number 1 also IDC what anyone says…In my line of work getting away to CHILL is the main box needed to check off and LA does that as well as checks off all my other boxes..(Food is not the best but my expectations are realistic w/ ANY all inclusive)
Thank you for this! They all start to look the same when researching. What about Catalonia Barvaro Beach & Golf resort? Everything is so expensive
Great review! One additional point about the Majestic Elegance is that they are closing for 3 months from august 2023 to November 2023 to remodel all their guest rooms! We have stayed at all 3 Majestic resort and agree that the Elegance is the best of the 3.
Looking forward to your review of riu reggae
My wife and I just ran into you. Keep up the great work. Your buying the dri is Tomorrow. Lol
Booked Finest Punta Cana, "Ghost Town" sounds exactly what I want lol
Amazing video
When are you headed back to Vegas? A video at Horseshoe and Fountainbleu (when it opens) would be cool
Great video! Was hoping Hyatt Zilara would be on your list. Any reason it wasn't?
12:56 I bloody love Royalton Chic! We “last minuted” this location in January and we would go back in a heart beat.
Amazing videos on Punta Cana.
We are planning to go in December 2024.
If you could narrow it down for a family with an awesome pool and Amadinv beach front. What would you pick??
Thanks for this. Any ranking for Falcons by Melia pls?
Hi, James, I'm flying out to EPC in 6 weeks, but I've heard they've now got sand fleas. What resort would you recommend in the same calibre ?
We had the garden veiw club for 2 weeks as we're flying from the UK.
Thank you.
With the huge consolidation of all inclusives, you should talk about the hotel program's top tier level benefits, such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot, and Hardrock.
Thanks for this video! Have you ever stayed at Dreams Flora Punta Cana? We are staying there in December, just wondering your thoughts?
Hi how was it??
Love your reviews brother. Would you be able to review of Paradisus, Melia Punta Cana including their Level service, Dreams Flora, and Bavaria Princess please. I’m really seeking help in possibly staying at one of these locations later this year.
Hi, I've been following your channel for a while now and I think you're doing a great job🤩 I'm going to go on holiday to Punta Cana with my friends, we're from Central Europe, 40+ We like chilling on the beach but also spending time actively, walking, sightseeing, dancing, watching people. I'd say everything a bit. We are looking for a place with a decent beach, good hotel and food and nightlife and not expensive.😂Can you suggest something??
To each there own. Went with a group of 10, and we loved the Ambar!
Thanks for your comment. I am just waiting for the Riu Palace Macao reopening in September. Hope you make a review on it.
We went to Iberostar Grand Bávaro 2 years ago had such a wonderful experience with the food, pool, and service. It's not even listed in your top 20...yikes! Looks like we're missing out according to your list
is Riu Republica walking distance from Riu Palace? thanks and great video.
Great! Im gping to Live Aqua today ❤
Thinking of trying Secrets Cap Cana. When are you reviewing this resort? Thanks
I stayed at live aqua Punta Cana I agree also! Just came back from live aqua loved it!
I wanna stay at 20 all inclusives😭😭😭😂😂😂. Love your videos. You are real and tell it like it is... you didnt mention the amazing food at Hard Rock.. at least it was in 2017. It was awesome. I hope the quality is still good. But yes, huge massive property and beach
I loved my stay at Live Aqua. The staff was so nice. The mexican restaurant was so good and they made me an authentic Dominican dinner my last night.
You should revisit Breathless in 6 to 9 months... they started a complete renovation last week... plus I think maybe when you stayed the crowd that week was a dud... it's worth a 2nd try
Infinitas gracias, un trabajo durisimo!!! ayúdame por favor con una duda se que los mejores hoteles están en playa punta cana pero la mejor palaya entiendo es bavaro?
Hello from New Jersey big fan of you could you please try to go to Xcaret Arte in Cancun
I absolutely love lopesan❤❤
Thank You James
@coolist Excellent content and review. I subscribed! One request: include reviews of fitness facilities on site. This is so important to me (and likely to the many travelers who are fitness pros or are committed to fitness. I have to search for content other than yours to assess the gyms.
I really wish you would have stayed at the Princess Grand Bavaro. Would have loved to have seen your opinion for that resort. My wife and myself stayed there in july and had an amazing time. Everything was perfect.
You can't be serious....the only good thing is the pizza restaurant....and the beach...the pool water was disgusting totally bacteria filled... absolutely no entertainment I could go on and on....the place is more like a 4 star.. .not a 5
I’m just back from it and all the pools were perfect 👌🏼 And very nice for families, a lot for kids.
Plus the beach is amazing, and all the place hug and beautiful. Only rooms were not that amazing but definitely in the top 10 compare to this 20 top list