Club Med Punta Cana is a four-pearl, oceanfront all-inclusive resort that's popular with families and 10 minutes from Punta Cana’s international airport. The resort’s 630 rooms have modern interiors with tan daybeds, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and balconies or terraces. Some rooms have mini-fridges, but none include alcohol. The resort's stunning long, sandy beach is lined with lounge chairs and a beachfront Cirque du Soleil circus school. The three restaurants are delicious and even the table wine is tasty. Other amenities include two outdoor pools, free non-motorized water sports, a full-service spa, modern gym, and huge kids' club. Upgraded Tiara packages are available with swisher rooms, a private lounge, infinity pool, and bar. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts is another family-friendly all-inclusive with more exciting water features and a pineapple-shaped villa.

This 485-room upscale all-inclusive resort serves as the newer, pricier sister to the Memories Splash next door. It is better suited to couples, with its on-site casino and adult-only options (a pool and dedicated room buildings), while the Memories Splash -- which has easier access to the large water park, as well as some rooms with bunk beds -- draws more families. Rooms here are stylish and modern, and some have swim-out pool access. Features include an attractive ocean-view main pool with swim-up bar and adjacent kiddy pool, huge and gorgeous white-sand beach, six restaurants, and access to the options at Memories. 

Two Sirenis properties have merged into one here, with more than 800 rooms. Aquagames, the biggest water park in Punta Cana, has a number of cool vertical slides (adults love them, too), two kids' pools, and sunbathing areas. Guests have unlimited free access to the water park. The resort, which is on a beach, offers clean (if slightly basic) tropical-style rooms with colorful decor accents. Its facilities, including two swim-up bars, a full fitness center, evening entertainment, a disco, casino, and several themed restaurants draw guests from North America, Europe, and Russia. Not all the rooms have been renovated, though. Guests have complained about maintenance problems.

The Dominican Republic's classiest, most famous resort since 1974, the Casa de Campo is part of a massive, 7,000-acre resort community that includes three world-renowned golf courses, an immaculate beach, a marina, the quaint "town" of Altos de Chavon, an equestrian center, and numerous other on-site activities. Rooms and suites are upscale and elegant, but the real deal here are the villas, which feature private pools, butlers, and full kitchens. Food is excellent at this family-friendly resort, and the spa offers great treatments. Note that many guests opt for the all-inclusive package, which covers meals, drinks, and activities such as horseback riding. Though the Eden Roc at Cap Cana may offer more luxurious rooms, Casa de Campo certainly offers more activities and some prefer its upscale, yet slightly more laid-back, vibe.

This 400-plus-room resort on the coast west of La Romana has sunset views, a calm bay, and zero neighbors, except for its sister Bouganville resort next door. (Getting here will require a pricey taxi ride from any airport.) Though lacking the iconic turquoise waves of Punta Cana, this is a relaxed environment for families and couples (the latter can schedule a romantic private dinner at the end of the picturesque dock). The decent food choices (including uncrowded a la carte restaurants), bars, entertainment, long shoreline, and sizable but basic suites help make this a great value. Guests have access to an on-site golf course and spa for additional fees.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort is an all-inclusive, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on lovely Playa Dorada beach. Gran Ventana offers a typical, upper-middle-range all-inclusive experience, which means a steady lineup of activities, a massive main pool, and a couple of decent dining options. The resort’s 506 rooms have generic decor and the limited Wi-Fi will be annoying for some, but those seeking a simple, no-fuss vacation are likely to be satisfied. It’s worth comparing amenities and rates with Be Live Collection Marien.

Part of the massive Lifestyle Holidays complex, this smaller, tranquil property attracts families and couples with its pristine pools and spacious suites. With the beach nearly a 20-minute walk from some rooms, and amenities spread throughout the sister properties, the sprawling nature of the upscale complex can be a pain, but it allows for tons of activities and a relaxed, uncrowded vacation.

BlueBay Villas Doradas is an adult-only, upper-middle-range, all-inclusive resort with lots of entertainment options. Whether its pool aerobics, nightly theater performances, mini-golf, or beachfront massages, there’s always something to do at BlueBay. White shag rugs, back-lit headboards, and sleek tile bathrooms give the 244 guest rooms a modern feel -- but dingy tile floors and worn bedding look less upscale. Food is mediocre throughout the hotel (if better than at some nearby all-inclusive resorts) and drinks are made with bottom-shelf liquor. Annoyingly, the hotel charges for things like beach towels, Wi-Fi, and room service. Guests looking for something a little more laid-back might prefer the nearby Blue JackTar, which is not an all-inclusive but has better food and nicer rooms.

Playa Dorada Beach House is an all-inclusive, two-and-a-half-pearl property located on Playa Dorada beach. The resort’s 411 guest rooms have dated decor and simple furniture. This trend continues throughout the property, where everything from the fitness center to the pool area could use a refresh. Dining options include a buffet and four a la carte restaurants, but the food -- particularly at the buffet -- is subpar. While the beach is great, many neighboring properties provide access to the same stretch of sand, including Be Live Collection Marien, where rates often aren’t much higher, but the experience is significantly better.