Tropical Princess Beach Resort & Spa

Tropical guests enter a long driveway and go past the disco, two tennis courts, and bike rental rack before reaching an open-air lobby with an authentic palapa-style roof. After check-in is complete (be wary of time-share offers), the tram service transports guests past a chapel and bright row of shops, and through mangrove trees dotted with peacocks, to reach the rooms. They are housed a series of colorful buildings that are pretty accessible to the pools and beach.

While Caribe Club is the larger resort, the Tropical comes with a quieter and more family-friendly vibe. Though the Tropical shares many features with its bigger and louder sister resort next door, it does lack access to the Caribe's restaurant selection; the limited restaurants here include Dominican and Brazilian options. But the Tropical does have a chill beach buffet and snack area, which offers outdoor seating with direct views of the ocean and parasailers taking off and landing right in front. For nightlife, Tropical guests can use any of the bars here or at the Caribe Club.

Thirty minutes from Punta Cana Airport, Tropical Club -– like the other Princess properties –- enjoys a prime location along a swimmer-friendly area of Bavaro Beach. Though Tropical arguably has a slightly more crowded stretch of sand than its neighbors, guests here have on-site access to the beach snack bar. The resort, like all resorts in Punta Cana, faces east for spectacular sunrises. Tropical's rooms are easy walking distance to the beach, though the lobby is longer walk or tram ride.

Smallish in feel compared to the other Princess properties, the Tropical's 310 rooms come in two main types, starting with the Superior Tropical Rooms (either two double beds or one king bed). These budget-friendly rooms tend to have outdated decor with patterned bedspreads. The Familiar Rooms, which are larger family-friendly options with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, often have more updated decor, but maintenance problems aren't completely uncommon in either category (just call the front desk and they will send someone for repairs). All Tropical rooms have minibars with water and soda, which are stocked daily, small patios, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and tub/shower combos. Coffeemakers, however, are not included.

As at all Princess properties, the beautiful beach location is the stand-out feature. This long sandy stretch is a walker's paradise and has great waves for swimming. As for dining, guests have access to a main buffet, a Creperie for sweet treats, a beach snack bar overlooking the ocean, as well as Dominican and Brazilian cuisine. If food boredom starts to ensue, guests have the option to make reservations next door, but it will require an additional fee. Bars however, are accessible at both properties and service is pretty consistent and prompt. As for sporting facilities, guests and their little ones have access to a range of kids clubs, tennis courts, non-motorized water sports, bikes, mini-golf (next to the pool), archery, and a fitness center, and spa.