Updated on:
My friends and I have started doing a yearly trip to an all-inclusive in a tropical place, and I cannot recommend this enough. We all travel extensively & usually our trips are jam packed with cities, full itineraries, 20K step days & more, but these trips are all about relaxing.
We’ve now visited the Hard Rock Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic & the Hard Rock in Riviera Maya Mexico. I’ve loved all my stays at the Hard Rock. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive with tons of food options, included amenities, & upcharge availability at a reasonable price the Hard Rock Resorts are great options.
Keep reading for my full review of the Hard Rock Punta Cana, and see my full review of the Hard Rock Riviera Maya here.
Jump To:
- Location
- Food & Drinks
- Amenities & Activities
- Paid Activities
- Rooms
- When to Visit Punta Cana
- Hard Rock Resort Punta Cana Cost
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Location
Hard Rock Resort Punta Cana is located on the east side of the DR. It’s in the town of Bavaro, about 35 minutes from PUJ International airport in Punta Cana. This is your best airport option for flying to Punta Cana.
Transportation to the hotel can be booked through the Hard Rock website here. Costs below:
- Round trip shared ride $40
- Round trip private van (6 max passengers) $110
- Round trip private (4 max passengers) $195
- Baby seat cost $20
Planning to explore more of the Dominican Republic? My Dominican Republic Travel Guide has everything you need.
Food & Drinks
This resort is massive, so there are tons of restaurant options – sit down, casual poolside, food trucks & more! For larger groups you can make dinner reservations through the concierge.
Sit Down Restaurants
Toro Steakhouse
One of our favorite spots was definitely Toro Steakhouse. These steaks were unreal (especially for an all inclusive) the sides were also 10/10. Menu here.
Ciao
The Hard Rock’s signature Italian spot. They had all the classics served with fresh pasta options. Menu here.
Los Gallos
Tacos, margaritas & all other types of Mexican fare. This colorful spot was fun, they even came around and offered tequila tastings! Menu here
Zen Hibachi
Hibachi is so fun as part of a group trip. Definitely make reservations in advance for this one. Super fun for kids too! Menu here.
Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse
A more casual spot than Toro, Ipanema is more of a classic Brazilian steakhouse where the sides are all served buffet style, and the servers come around with different cuts of meats for you to try!
Casual Dining Options
Stacked
Smashburgers are a must during your trip. Don’t miss Stacked in the main lobby!
The Split
Classic sandwich spot. Choose your own ingredients – meats, cheeses, breads, toppings and more!
Buffet Options
- Isla Gastro Market
- The Market
You’ll also find poolside lunch options serving burgers, nachos and more. These are stands set up by most of the pools & food trucks you can’t miss along the beach!
Room Service
One of our absolute favorite amenities was the 24 hour room service food & drink menu, we took full, full advantage of this!
Bars & Clubs
You’ll find endless bars across the resort. There’s either a swim up or poolside bar at each pool, every restaurant has a bar. The lobby area also features the Oro nightclub. The club was busy every night we were there.
Included Amenities
- 13 pools
- Ocean/beach access along the entire length of the resort
- Rockaway Bay Water Park – a full on-site water park, perfect for younger and older kids!
Paid Amenities:
- golf
- casino
- spa – the spa treatments were absolutely unreal
- bowling
- laser tag
Paid Activities
If you’re looking for a little adventure there are some fun excursions you can take off-resort around Punta Cana.
Snorkeling Booze Cruise
This was so fun! Although we got a bit of a stormy day, so there wasn’t much to see snorkeling and a few people felt a bit seasick, we still had fun! Our included unlimited drinks, snorkeling, and a stop at a sandbar.
ATV Tour
For the adventurous, try an ATV tour around the island, most also include a visit to a water cave
Beach Horseback Riding
For a romantic, but adventurous day out try horseback riding on the beach! You can also try this excursion that combines ziplining and horseback riding!
Rooms
The rooms at the Hard Rock Punta Cana were the perfect layout. They were spacious with 2 queen beds, a living area down a few steps from the beds with a couch and coffee table. This layout was perfect for our large group to hang out at the beginning or end of the night! Each room also had a balcony/outdoor space with a large tub. The bathrooms were spacious, the showers were huge!
These rooms were some of my favorite of any all inclusive I’ve stayed at.
When to Visit Punta Cana
Punta Cana is warm year round, but there are certain times of year that are better to visit than others.
Dec – April
This is the dry season in Punta Cana and you’ll find the best weather, but the highest prices.
May – Jun; Nov – Dec
These are considered shoulder seasons, where you’ll still find good weather, but maybe a bit more rain. Prices will be lower.
Jul – Oct
This is hurricane season, which can impact Punta Cana, these months are likely to be rainier even if hurricanes generally don’t impact Punta Cana.
Hard Rock Resort Punta Cana Cost
Our friends parents are part of the Hard Rock Resort rewards members program, so we got discounted rates on the rooms — we paid $1,300 per person (2 per room) for 7 days (flights not included).
Without the discount, current non-member rates for a week in November run roughly $2,500–$4,500+ for two people depending on room type — rates fluctuate quite a bit so I’d recommend checking current availability for the most accurate pricing.
