This post is sponsored by The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana.
You read about my personal experience at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, but now it’s time to plan YOUR trip.
With 10 restaurants, 23 bars, 13 pools, and unlimited options for activities, you really can’t go wrong. I’m just here to help you weigh your options and make the best of your stay at the Hard Rock in Punta Cana.
FOOD:
24-Hour Room Service
Need I say more? There were a couple of times during my stay when I just wanted a slice of Oreo cheesecake at 2am or to have breakfast in bed. The room service menu is on the small side, but has enough to satisfy you for any meal at any time of day (or night). I highly recommend that Oreo cheesecake or the chicken fingers.
Bistro Med
I had appetizers before dinner at Bistro Med one evening while I waited for my dinner reservation at another restaurant on the property. This is a Mediterranean and Lebanese spot perfect for a quick meal or something to snack on.
Ciao
The Italian restaurant on the property. I only had time to visit Ciao for breakfast one morning and would highly recommend it. There are TONS of options from this buffet-style restaurant. I had a plate of pancakes, fruits, pastries, ham, and eggs but that's just a small sample of the buffet options. I can’t speak personally to the dinner menu, but have heard incredible things. Try dinner at Ciao for me and report back!
Ipanema
Ipanema is a Brazilian style restaurant with an open view. I came here for dinner and was blown away by the meal I had. It was buffet-style - we filled our plates to the brim with fresh vegetables, pasta salad, and lots of grilled chicken. Our waiter came around to serve us Brazilian steak. I have a story of a sweet moment from my dinner here and you can read about it in this post if you haven’t already.
Los Gallos
We had EASILY the most fun dinner here. Los Gallos is an Latin/American restaurant. I had a burrito for dinner and my friend Ellen had tacos. We both were beyond satisfied with our meals. The best part of this restaurant was the tequila man! There was a man walking around the restaurant with a cart of different flavors of tequila and he was so much fun! I tried every flavor except the spicy pepper flavors… LOL. Needless to say, we had a fantastic time there.
THINGS TO DO ON THE PROPERTY:
Beach Cabanas (also known as Bali Beds)
The day that I spent on a Bali Bed on the beach was probably my favorite day. We had our own day bed (which is covered - so you can relax in the shade), and two lounge chairs in front of our Bali Bed to lay in the sun. Each Bali bed comes a cooler too, which is stocked for you with water, beer, sodas, and a bottle of wine or champagne. We opted for white wine. In my opinion, there is no better way to enjoy the beach. This is a MUST DO.
Events happening on-site
There is always something exciting going on somewhere on the property. Check on this calendar on the website so you can see what kind of activities they have going on! During my stay, there were concerts, foam parties at the pool, karaoke nights, etc.
Enjoy the 13 pools
… Or at least some of them! I didn’t make it to all 13 pools, but I loved the few that I did swim in. There are different pools for different purposes. To further explain, some pools are quiet pools which are nice if you are looking for a quiet spot to relax and read a great book. There is also a family pool which is perfect for families with kids. But for the record, you’re never too old for a water slide! And there’s a lazy river. Lazy rivers are one of my favorite things ever. You can’t miss that one!
Spa day?
Sadly, I didn’t have enough time to experience the spa for myself. However, I talked to people during my stay who did have a spa day and they raved about the experience! The spa has 54 treatment rooms (plenty of room for a massage or a facial), steam room, clay steam room, dry sauna, sensation showers, and jacuzzis. This is definitely on my to-do list for my next visit.
Take an excursion off the property
There are vacation planners on-site at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana who can help you book an excursion off the property so you can explore more of the beautiful island. You can choose from activities like swimming with dolphins, beach horseback riding, an off rider adventure, zip lining, snorkeling, etc. I chose snorkeling!
The property is enormous and clearly, your options are endless. The best thing you can do is explore and make sure to make friends with the staff. I have never come across so many warm, friendly people! I think that was the highlight for me.
If you end up visiting the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, please let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear about your trip.
xoxo,
Liv