Dreams Royal Beach - My Review After Staying
Dreams Royal Beach - My Review After Staying
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The Best Luxury Value for Money?
If you are looking for a luxury resort in Punta Cana that has it all (beach, good food, and a luxury feel) but you are scared off by the exorbitant prices of the big 5-star resorts, you have to read this.
The Dreams Royal Beach promises to be the perfect balance, that magical place where you pay half of what other resorts in its category charge (we paid about €204 a night) and still receive a superior experience.
But is it really possible to have accessible luxury without a “catch”?
After staying there, I'm here to tell you the unfiltered truth and my personal review. In this guide, I am going to tell you if it is truly capable of satisfying two such different crowds: families looking for slides and fun in the lazy river, and couples looking for a romantic getaway amidst tropical gardens.
I will tell you what that famous service everyone talks about is actually like (something rare in Punta Cana), if the food lives up to the hype (spoiler: the desserts are insane), and if it is worth choosing this resort over the giants in the area.
My Quick Take on Dreams Royal Beach
If you're in a hurry, here is my direct summary: Dreams Royal Beach is, probably, the resort with the best luxury value for money I have tried in Punta Cana. For about €204 a night, you get a level of facilities, food, and service that at other resorts in the area would cost you almost double.
What surprised me most is its ability to transform: by day it is a fun paradise with a giant lazy river and lively pools. However, apart from adult-only zones and relaxing pools, when the sun goes down, the lighting in the tropical gardens turns it into a super-romantic resort, perfect for strolling as a couple.
The dining breaks the usual mold: here the buffet is the real star (especially lunch and the huge amount of desserts available), often surpassing the à la carte restaurants. Plus, the staff is genuinely friendly and efficient, something that, if you have traveled to Punta Cana, you know is hard to find.
The big “but”? The night shows fall a bit flat for adults (they lack a high level of showmanship) and the à la carte restaurants, although decent and of good quality, don't have that special factor that the buffet or the facilities give you.
In conclusion: It is a winning option if you are looking for accessible luxury. Whether you are going as a family (for the water park and lazy river) or as a couple (for the chill-out zones and the spa), you are going to feel like you paid less than what you received.
Pros and Cons of the Dreams Royal Beach Resort
✅ Unbeatable Value for Money: It is hard to find this level of luxury for about €204 a night. You get superior 5-star services and facilities while paying almost half of what other resorts in the area charge.
✅ The Giant Lazy River: It is the “soul” of the water facilities. It is huge, connects to the main pool, and it is a luxury to let yourself drift along the current while waiters serve you Frappuccinos right in the water.
✅ The Buffet (The Star): Here they break the rule. The buffet, especially at lunch and the dessert area (immense), is at a very high level, surpassing many à la carte restaurants in flavor and experience.
✅ Chameleon-like Atmosphere: By day it is vibrant and family-friendly (with relax zones and adult-only pools), but at night the lighting of the tropical gardens turns it into a super-romantic and elegant place.
✅ Rooms with Jacuzzi: They are large, the beds are very comfortable (you have 4 types of pillows to choose from), and having a Jacuzzi on the terrace gives it that premium touch you look for in the Caribbean.
❌ Night Shows: They fall a bit short. They lack production value and showmanship to hook adults after dinner.
❌ À la carte restaurants don't shine: The food isn't bad, it is high quality and well-prepared, but they lack that surprise or special factor that you do find in the buffet or the facilities.
Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana Map Explained
This resort isn't an “unmanageable giant” like others in Punta Cana, which is appreciated because everything is quite close at hand, but it has its tricks. I've marked the key zones in this photo so you know where to go depending on what you're looking for at any given moment.
Here is an explanation of each zone:
Yellow Zone (Preferred Club / Adults) (click here to read more)
This is the most exclusive zone. If you booked the Preferred category, here you have your private buildings and your own pool. Also, look at the yellow arrow: the lazy river connects to an adults-only pool with direct access from the rooms (swim-out).
The Great Lazy River (Central Zone)
Right in the middle, between the restaurants and the yellow zone, you'll see a snake of water. It's the famous lazy river that connects to the main pool. It is the soul of the hotel during the day and where you will spend hours floating with a drink in your hand.
Red Circle (Dining)
Most of the restaurants and the famous buffet are concentrated here. The good thing is that they are grouped near the beach, so you don't have to cross the whole hotel to go eat lunch.
Black Circle (Tropical Pool)
This is the infinity pool surrounded by palm trees that I mentioned earlier. It is the most “Instagrammable” zone, perfect for relaxing in the shade with a calmer atmosphere than at the main pool.
Red Rectangle (Water Park)
It is located in the back (top of the map). You have two distinct zones: one with 4 slides for older kids and adults, and a tiny one with jets and mini-slides for under-5s. They have their own snack bar, so the kids can have a snack right there without getting out of the water.
Black Heart (Nightlife)
When the sun goes down, life moves here. It is where the stage for shows and the main bar are located. Plus, it connects to the neighboring hotel (Secrets) to go to the shared nightclub.
White Section (Secrets Royal Beach)
This is the neighboring “Adults Only” hotel. If you are going without kids and want to change up the vibe, you can cross over (if your category allows it) or just know that the shared nightlife party zone is there.
In summary: The layout is very comfortable. You have relaxation and food right by the beach, the lazy river forming the backbone of the whole resort, and the action for kids (water park) set back a little so as not to disturb anyone.
The Pools and the Lazy River: The Essence of the Resort Amidst Tropical Gardens
If you’re the type who spends your vacation soaking wet, this resort will win you over. Unlike other resorts where you just have one giant pool and that’s it, here the design revolves around water. Therefore, you have very distinct environments so you can choose according to your “mood” of the day.
The Great Lazy River: For me, this is the soul of the hotel. It’s not your typical small water park lazy river; it’s a long “snake” that connects several zones and flows into the main pool.
- The best part: Letting yourself drift along the current while waiters serve you drinks (even Frappuccinos!) right in the water without you having to get out. That is a real “all-inclusive.”
The Tropical Pool: This was my favorite for unplugging. It is surrounded by vegetation and palm trees that provide natural shade (something much appreciated when the Punta Cana sun hits hard). It has its own swim-up bar and the atmosphere is much quieter. It is the ideal spot to read a book or chat with your partner in waist-deep water.
The Main Pool: At the end of the lazy river, you reach the activity zone. This is where they set up the volleyball net, do water aerobics, and where the entertainment team is located. If you’re looking for music, atmosphere, and meeting people, this is your spot.
Exclusive Zones (Adults / Preferred): If you stay in the Swim-Out rooms or the Preferred zone, you have access to more private pools or sections of the lazy river that are adults-only. It’s a plus if you want to escape the kids' splashing for a while.
In summary: You have a perfect balance. You can start the day relaxed at the tropical pool under a palm tree and end it playing volleyball or floating down the lazy river with a cocktail in hand.
The Water Park: The Perfect Addition for the Little Ones
If you start comparing it to those gigantic resorts focused solely on slides, this might seem more compact at first glance, but don't be fooled, because it is very fun and exciting with fast and curvy slides. It is located at the back of the hotel (which is appreciated because the noise of the screaming doesn't reach the relaxation zone) and has everything necessary for the kids (and the not-so-young) to have a blast.
What will you find?
- For older kids and adults: You have a tower with 4 main slides. There is a fast one for the brave and others with smoother curves. The best part is that, since it isn't a “mega park” open to the general public, there are hardly any lines. You slide down, climb up, and repeat without waiting half an hour in the sun.
- For the little ones (up to 5 years): Right next door is a splash zone with a giant tipping water bucket, jets, and mini-slides. It’s a pool that isn't deep, so it is very safe for the little ones to splash around freely.
The extra perk: There is a snack bar inside the water park area. This is a lifesaver when the kids get hungry after climbing up and down stairs so much; they have hot dogs, hamburgers, and sodas right there. No need to dry them off, get them dressed, and go to the main buffet.
Dining: When the Buffet Beats the Restaurants
Here, Dreams Royal Beach breaks the golden rule of the “all-inclusives” we’ve tested on this trip (Check it out: All-inclusive resort in Punta Cana). Usually, you go to the buffet out of obligation and to the themed restaurants for pleasure. Here it is the other way around: the buffet is the real star.
The Buffet: Honestly, one of the best I’ve tried in Punta Cana in this price range.
- Breakfasts (9/10): Forget about dry industrial pastries. Here you have tender, freshly made croissants and donuts, good quality salmon, and made-to-order dishes like poached eggs with ham.
- Lunches (9.5/10): It was my favorite meal. They have a live cooking zone where they make you amazing burgers, homemade pizzas, and pasta to order.
- Dessert Paradise: If you have a sweet tooth, save room for dessert. The variety and quality of the sweets is immense, far above the norm.
À la carte Restaurants: They are decent, and the food is quality, well-prepared, and healthy, but they don't have that exceptional factor you look for in 5-star hotels. You have options like the Italian (Portofino) or the Seafood (Oceana), which are fine for a more dressed-up and quiet dinner.
The Service (A Strong Point): Here I didn't have to “chase down” anyone for a coffee. The staff is genuinely kind, friendly, and efficient. From the waiters to the chef and especially the pool staff, you can tell there is a desire to please, something that makes the difference compared to other neighboring hotels.
The Rooms: Jacuzzi and True Relaxation
If at other hotels the room is just “for sleeping,” here you actually want to spend time in it. You can tell they are well-maintained and, although the style is tropical, they feel modern and very clean.
What makes the difference: Most rooms feature a whirlpool tub (Jacuzzi) on the terrace or balcony. Being able to end the day taking a private bubble bath while looking at the illuminated gardens is a luxury that, for the price we paid (remember, about €204), isn't easy to find in Punta Cana.
Details that score points:
- Rest: The beds are huge and very comfortable, but the big plus is that you have 4 types of pillows to choose from. If you are picky about your neck support like me, this is infinitely appreciated.
- Quality Amenities: These aren't the typical generic bottles of gel that leave your hair like straw. The quality of the soaps and shampoos is so good that, I confess, I took some to use at home.
- Minibar and Coffee: They restock not just sodas daily, but also good coffee and rums, so you can make yourself something in the room without having to call room service.
Swim-Out (Pool Access): If your budget allows, the ground floor rooms have direct access to the pool from the terrace. If you are going as a couple, it is a treat worth it; if you are going with very small children, a higher floor might give you more peace of mind regarding safety.
The Beach and Nightlife: Relaxation and Magic
If you’re coming looking for the beach, you’re in the right place (Playa Bávaro), but Dreams Royal Beach has a couple of “aces up its sleeve” that set it apart from its neighbors.
The Beach (Balinese Beds): The sandy area is extensive and the sea is usually calm, perfect for swimming without fighting the waves. But what really won me over were the two-story Balinese cabanas. They are wooden structures with beds on the top and bottom that give it a super exclusive touch. If you manage to get one, you have the perfect “base camp” to spend the day looking at the sea with the whole family or as a couple.
The Nighttime Transformation (The Surprise Factor): I didn't expect this. By day the resort is pretty, but when the sun goes down, the garden lighting changes everything. It becomes an intimate, elegant, and super romantic place. Strolling among the illuminated palm trees after dinner was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
And if I want to party? As I told you in the “cons,” the hotel shows are a bit quiet. But don't worry: since it shares facilities with Secrets Royal Beach (little link to sell just in case), you have access to the joint nightclub. It’s a huge plus because you can go have a few drinks, dance, and check out the adult vibe without having to leave the complex by taxi. You have the safety of the resort and the fun of a nightclub.
Conclusion: Is Dreams Royal Beach Worth It?
After my stay, my answer is a resounding yes, but with a caveat: it’s worth it if you know what you are buying. Dreams Royal Beach is, possibly, the best luxury “value for money” you will find in Punta Cana. Paying about €204 a night for this level of facilities, cleanliness, and service is a bargain compared to its direct competitors.
It is a hotel that hits the sweet spot: you pay a mid-to-high-range price, but you receive a high-end visual experience, with beautiful gardens, a lazy river you'll fall in love with, and a buffet that, surprisingly, runs circles around many specialty restaurants.
Is it perfect? No. If you expect Broadway-style night shows or for the à la carte restaurants to be a Michelin experience, you will be disappointed. But if you are looking to eat very well at lunch, rest on a Balinese bed, and have a Jacuzzi in your room without breaking the bank, this resort has no rival.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
It is for you if:
- You are looking for smart luxury: You want to feel like you're in a premium and romantic resort without spending €500 a night.
- You are traveling as a couple but don't mind seeing kids: You want romantic walks and chill-out zones, and you don't care if there are families in the main pool because you'll be at the tropical pool or in the lazy river.
- You love sweets and good eating: If you enjoy a good buffet with live cooking and endless desserts more than a pretentious à la carte restaurant.
It is NOT for you if:
- You are a fan of night shows: If you need spectacular shows inside the hotel every night (although the nightclub saves the day, the show itself is weak).
- You are looking for strict “Adults Only”: Although it is very romantic, it is a family resort. If seeing a child running through the lobby bothers you, you better check my list of the best adults-only hotels in Punta Cana.