For a massive, hyper-indulgent, all-inclusive mega-resort, the Iberostar Costa Dorada is among the best in Puerto Plata -- great buffets, activities, entertainment, liquor, and service. Sure, there's no gym, and the giant pool can get a little chilly. But to the many guests who come back every year, those are just petty details. It's also cheaper to reach Puerto Plata than La Romana or Punta Cana; flights to the Puerto Plata airport tend to cost less, and the 25-min taxi ride from the airport averages $35.

Located in the safe mini-tourist city of Playa Dorada, this family-friendly all-inclusive resort has an excellent buffet, some of the newest, cleanest rooms in the D.R., and one of the best beaches on the north coast. It's an incredible bargain, if you ignore the cheap booze, the lingering service kinks, and a pool that's less awe-inspiring than others.

Modern rooms amp up this otherwise ho-hum all-inclusive. An enormous pool, a nice spa, name-brand liquor, and reservation-free restaurants are the property's other perks, but the crowded, less pristine beach isn't ideal, and the buffet and entertainment are mediocre. Still, for Puerto Plata, it's a great value.

With plenty of on-site activities, above-average all-inclusive food, and extremely reasonable rates, the Bahia Principe offers a good value for budget-conscious travelers. Rooms are bland, there’s no free Wi-Fi, and the remote location takes an hour to reach from the airport; most guests, however, feel that the large, private beach, the four pools, and the unlimited bottom-shelf liquor make overlooking the negatives easy enough.