Barceló Bávaro Palace

Barceló Bávaro Palace is the definitive big family resort on Bávaro Beach and our mid-range pick for families. It is part of the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, a complex that also includes the adults-only Barceló Bávaro Beach, and it fronts one of the finest stretches of sand on the coast. The hotel has more than 200 family rooms, two themed water parks and a children’s pool, a Family Club, and entertainment for kids and adults from morning to night, so parents get some time to themselves. Eleven restaurants keep the food varied, and the pools range from a semi-Olympic lap pool to an adults-only pool. When the sun goes down, there are nightly shows in the Grand Teatro Bávaro, which seats up to 1,400, two nightclubs and a 24-hour casino. Golfers can play The Lakes, a P.B. Dye course on the property. For more space and privacy, the Premium Level adds private check-in, a lounge, round-the-clock room service, ocean-view rooms and access to the bars and restaurants of the adults-only sister hotel. Expedia guests rate it 8.2 out of 10 from more than 6,000 reviews, a sign of how many families return.

Location and getting around: the resort is on Bávaro Beach, about 25 minutes by car from Punta Cana International Airport. Bávaro’s shops and restaurants are a short taxi ride away, and most excursions, from the catamaran to Saona and Santo Domingo, collect from the lobby.

Rooms: the 1,400 or so rooms range from standard and family rooms to junior suites and premium ocean-view suites. The complex is very large, so ask for a room near the beach or the family facilities you will use most.

Who it suits: families with children of any age, multi-generational groups and golfers. Couples who want a quieter base in the same complex should look at the adults-only Barceló Bávaro Beach.

Good to know: some water park and spa extras carry a fee, so check what your rate includes. Parking is free, check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at noon. Book à la carte restaurants early in your stay.