Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana Review


Megan Johnson

If you’re like me, Hard Rock evokes thoughts of 80s music, rock and roll, and t-shirts that were collector's items in the 1990s. I thought that was what I was getting myself into when I headed to the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it is so much more than the image I had in my mind.

Punta Cana is a popular destination for people from around the world, offering a relaxing yet adventurous vacation experience. The all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana delivers everything you need for the perfect tropical vacation, no matter what type of traveler you are, not just fans of old-time rock and roll.

One thing to note about the Hard Rock brand is that the Seminole Tribe of Florida owns it, a fact I learned during my stay at the resort. So, a stay at the resort benefits a Native American tribe —something not everyone may be aware of, and a great way to support them.

  • Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  • Beach on punta cana with chairs and shade. | hard rock hotel punta cana

    The Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana is located on the beach, about thirty-five minutes from the Punta Cana airport. The gated property spans a massive 121 acres.

  • Property: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

  • Eden Pool Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana | Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

    You’ll find palm trees, gorgeous views, and music playing over the loudspeaker at all times as you’re walking around the grounds. There are an astounding thirteen pools, all with their unique vibe. Kids pools with waterslides, four pools with swim-up bars, a lazy river, and of course, pools for partying.

    The Casino features slots, table games, and other gaming options, including the horse racing table, which was a favorite spot for my group. Head to one of the thirty-five table games to try your hand at poker, baccarat, blackjack, and more. In total, there are 370 slots & games, and you can usually find one free, but you’ll quickly learn the popular games (some even get a line at times). The casino is the only smoking area on the resort, and the restaurant and drinks are not included in the all-inclusive rate.

    Some resort spas are not anything special, so my expectations were low when I headed down for the hydrothermal experience before my massage. I was pleasantly surprised as soon as I arrived. I checked in and was escorted to the women’s locker room, where I was given a robe and slippers. I stored my clothes and other items in the locker and was ushered out to begin the hydrothermal experience. First, I entered the aromatherapy steam room, followed by a quick rinse, and then came the dry sauna. Next was the ice room, and finally, the clay steam room, which was a new experience for me. The clay steam room resembles a regular sauna, but before I entered, I was given a small dish containing clay to spread all over my body. I sat for a few minutes, then rinsed it off in the shower located beside the steam room. From there, I took another shower, then I headed to where the cold plunge, feet plunge, and hot tub were. Due to a recent biopsy on my hip, I couldn’t participate in the plunges, but I did soak my feet for a while, which was delightful. My treatment was the Synchronicity massage, and once again, I was pleasantly surprised. The table I was on vibrated to the music playing, the pressure was fantastic, and the massage was thorough.

    Other amenities include:

    • Kids club
    • Spa
    • Fitness center
    • Yoga
    • Golf course
    • Shopping
    • Bowling Alley
    • Laser Tag
    • Escape Room
  • Rooms: Spacious and Comfortable

  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino King Suite | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

    Standard does not exist as far as rooms go at the Hard Rock Hotel. Their smallest rooms are the “Caribbean Suites,” which feature a king-sized bed or two double beds, along with a pull-out sofa. There are family suites and “rock suites” available with 1-2 bedrooms. For the ultimate experience, book a Rock Royalty stay, which includes a room upgrade, aromatherapy menu, complimentary beach bag, 25-minute couples massage, espresso machine, and more.

    All rooms include:

    • Hydro spa tub
    • Balcony
    • Mini bar
    • Coffee maker
    • Free internet
    • Selection of Guitars (PICKS program) and Crosley Turntable (WAX program) available upon request and availability
    • Tablet for ordering food and other services
  • Dining: Plenty of Options

  • Toro Restaurant Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Tables | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

    With eleven restaurants and twenty-three bars, there is something for everyone. You’ll find italian food, mexican, asian, and a variety of other cuisines.

    Awaken Your Senses

    Awaken Your Senses is a culinary experience like no other. Not included in your all-inclusive rate, it’s worth the splurge (at $150 per person). It features “high-resolution video projection, an interactive touch table, scent synchronization, augmented reality, a surround sound system and more.” I ate here and struggled to find the right words to describe exactly what happens without ruining it for anyone who tries it. Part of the experience was not knowing what comes next. Every sense will be utilized during this unique meal.

    The Market

    This buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I am fairly certain that people with every type of diet will find something to suit their needs here. I went for breakfast, and even missed some stations when I was walking around to fill my plate. The restaurant is bright, and the servers are friendly and attentive.

    Toro

    The resort’s steakhouse, Toro, serves up perfectly cooked steak paired with a glass of wine from their extensive list. Reservations are required.

    Montserrat Manor

    Montserrat is not part of your rate, featuring modern American cuisine. I was slightly disappointed, as neither of the two dishes I originally wanted was available, so I had to settle for my third choice. The food was tasty though. I wouldn’t bring kids to this restaurant, at least not picky ones - I know my kids would not have wanted to eat anything served there!

    This is just a sampling of the restaurants they have at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Other restaurants are:

    • Bistro Med
    • Ciao
    • Ciao Trattoria
    • Ipanema Brazilian House
    • Stacked
    • The Split
    • Isla Gastro
    • Los Gallos
    • Zen
    • YouYu
    • Ice Cone
  • Price & How to Book

  • Rooms start at $423 per night and can be booked on Expedia.com .

    The all-inclusive rate includes:

    • 5-Star accommodations
    • Casual and à la carte dining in 9 restaurants
    • Beverages (alcoholic & otherwise)
    • 24-hour in-room service
    • Land sports
    • Fitness center
    • Pool & beachside service
    • Daily activities
    • Nightly entertainment
    • Free Wi-Fi in-room & resort-wide
    • Free parking
    • Unlimited phone calls to US and Canada
    • Gratuities included

    FAQ

  • Is Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana all-inclusive?

    Yes, Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana is an all-inclusive resort. Guests can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, 24/7 room service, daily entertainment, non-motorized water sports, and access to pools, the beach, and on-site activities—all included in the stay.

  • What is there to do at Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana?

    The resort offers a wide range of activities, including a full-service spa, 13 pools, a water park, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, nightly entertainment, a casino, and clubs for both kids and teens. Guests also enjoy live concerts, beach parties, and themed events throughout the year.

  • Is Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana family-friendly?

    Absolutely! Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana caters to families with its Kid’s Club, teen lounge, water park, family-friendly pools, and special events for all ages. The resort also offers family suites and babysitting services.

  • How far is Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana from the airport?

    Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana is approximately 35 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) by car or shuttle. Many guests use private airport transfers or book through the hotel.

  • Are there nightlife and entertainment options at Hard Rock Punta Cana?

    Yes, the resort is known for its vibrant nightlife, including multiple bars and lounges, a full-scale casino, themed parties, and live music performances. The ORO Nightclub is a standout venue for those seeking a more high-energy scene.

  • Is Hard Rock Punta Cana good for couples or honeymoons?

    Yes, the resort is a popular destination for romantic getaways and honeymoons. It offers adults-only areas, romantic beach dinners, couple’s spa treatments, and honeymoon packages with exclusive perks.

  • Is Wi-Fi included at Hard Rock Punta Cana?

    Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is included for all guests throughout the resort, including guest rooms, pools, restaurants, and public areas.