Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical setting. There are hotels that range from moderate to the luxurious. Capitalizing on cheap land and the virtually insatiable desire of Europeans for sunny holidays during the depths of winter, a half-dozen European hotel chains have rushed to acquire large tracts of sugarcane plantations and pastureland. As a result there are at least a dozen mega hotels, most with over 500 rooms, that attract a large clientele.

Some hotels in Punta Cana are designed by prominent Spanish architects - and are very impressive. They include all kinds of amenities from offering delicious food, drink, exceptional entertainment to sports activities and business facilities. Visitors can find hotels to suit both their budget and taste. Some hotels have their own Web sites and booking facilities while information on others can only be accessed through government tourist centers on arrival.

Built in 1993, the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Hotel is an all-inclusive hotel that caters to every taste. The property is situated on the beach and is surrounded by impressive greenery and a lovely coconut grove. The hotel has 594 rooms, each of which have balconies or a terrace with an excellent view of the beach. Apart from the regular hotel activities, this hotel has facilities for ping-pong, water polo, badminton, and other sports and games. It also includes a business center, multilingual staff, swimming pools for children, tennis courts and access to the beach. Accommodations offer air conditioning, telephone, television, mini bar and broadband Internet access.

The Barcelo Bavaro Golf and Suites is a deluxe hotel located 13 miles from Punta Cana Airport. It is also convenient to reach the hotel from the Santo Domingo Airport. This hotel overlooks the Bavaro Golf Club and is surrounded by tropical gardens that provide a tranquil atmosphere. The Barcelo Bavaro Golf and Suites resort can be the perfect getaway from hectic city life. The nearby Bavaro beach offers a wide variety of water sport facilities. Accommodations are comprised of elegant guest rooms with all modern conveniences. The hotel offers two restaurants serving Italian and Mexican cuisine. As the name suggests, this hotel is known for its 18-hole golf course. The hotel pampers its guests with personalized service to add to the facilities it offers.

Secrets Excellence Punta Cana is a relatively new hotel located on a mile-long stretch of beach. Situated approximately 50 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, this hotel is strictly for adults. The hotel has a large pool with bridges, a swim-up bar, snack bar, and six restaurants. There is also a more intimate pool. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, 24-hour fitness programs, and evening entertainment that include both performances and interactive shows. All 446 rooms have balconies or terraces, hot tubs, bathrobes, hairdryers, vanity mirrors, data ports, mini-bars, irons, coffeemakers, and cable TV. The prices of the rooms range from $308 to $476 per night.