Zona Colonial
$$$Mid-rangeHistoric Santo Domingo
- Boutique hotels in colonial buildings
- Close to the Malecón parades
- Walkable, with plenty of restaurants
Caribbean destination guide
Where to stay in Dominican Republic
From Santo Domingo's carnival Sundays to Punta Cana's all-inclusives. Stay in the capital for culture and carnival, the east coast for beaches.
Where to stay
The best areas to stay in Dominican Republic
Our picks, best first-timer base first. Tap an area to see live prices around it.
Malecón
$$$Mid-rangeSeafront hotels
- High-rise hotels along the sea
- Carnival parades run along here
- Casinos and nightlife
Gazcue
$$$BudgetLeafy and good value
- Small hotels and guesthouses on quiet residential streets
- Walk down to the Malecón in 5–10 minutes
- Between the Zona Colonial and the seafront hotels
Piantini & Naco
$$$Mid-rangeModern Santo Domingo
- Business hotels, malls and restaurants
- About 15 minutes by taxi to the Malecón
- Quieter and more modern
Punta Cana & Bávaro
$$$Mid-rangeAll-inclusive beaches
- The country's big all-inclusive strip
- About 2.5 hours from Santo Domingo
- Best for beaches, not carnival
Showing stays near Dominican Republic
Prices are live for your dates and guests. Tap a pin to see the stay on the booking site.
Festivals
Festivals in Dominican Republic
Each guide has the right nights to book and the closest areas to the venue.
Getting there & around
- Fly into Las Américas (SDQ) for Santo Domingo, or Punta Cana (PUJ) for the east coast.
- Book an airport transfer for arrival day, especially if you land after dark.
- Agree taxi fares before you set off, and ask your host which drivers they trust.
Booking tips
Book refundable, switch later
Lock in a free-cancellation stay now while there's choice, then keep an eye out for something better.
Compare the total price
Festival rates, cleaning fees and minimum stays add up. Compare the total for your nights, not the nightly rate.
Check AC, water and parking
Ask rental hosts about AC in the bedrooms, backup water and secure parking before you book.
Stay near what you'll do most
Roads close and taxis surge on the big days. Being close to the main events saves hours.
Compare every stay in Dominican Republic on one map
Hotels, villas and apartments from the big booking sites, with live prices for your dates.
FAQ
Staying in Dominican Republic
Where is the best place to stay in Dominican Republic?
Zona Colonial: Historic Santo Domingo. Best for Carnival and culture. Malecón: Seafront hotels. Best for Being on the parade route. Gazcue: Leafy and good value. Best for Budget stays near the parades.
Where should I stay in Dominican Republic on a budget?
Gazcue tends to have the best value. Small hotels and guesthouses on quiet residential streets.
Which airport do I fly into for Dominican Republic?
Las Américas (SDQ) for Santo Domingo, or Punta Cana (PUJ) for the east coast.
What festivals happen in Dominican Republic?
Santo Domingo Carnival (Late February to March, with two big Sunday parades on the Malecón). Book early for festival weeks, as the closest stays go first.
Island hopping
More Caribbean destinations
Jamaica
Rebel Salute · Jamaica Carnival · Reggae Sumfest · Dream Weekend · Reggae Marathon
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua Sailing Week · Antigua Carnival
Cayman Islands
Batabano · Pirates Week
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts · Saint Lucia Carnival
Aruba
Aruba Carnival
Bahamas
Junkanoo
Barbados
Crop Over
Curaçao
Curaçao Carnival
Dominica
World Creole Music Festival
Grenada
Spicemas
Martinique
Martinique Carnival
Puerto Rico
Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián
St Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts Music Festival
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Vincy Mas
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad Carnival
Turks & Caicos
Maskanoo
US Virgin Islands
St Thomas Carnival