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Punta Cana isn’t quite as popular as Cancún or Cabo, but the Dominican Republic’s easternmost city is famed for its 20-mile stretch of white sand beaches, clear waters, and delightful people.
And although Punta Cana has plenty to do, including zip-lining, windsurfing, and golfing, it’s still primarily an elegant beach resort town.
In particular, Punta Cana is popular for being host to many all-inclusive resorts, which is why it draws in value-focused travelers from all over the Western Hemisphere.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to redeem various hotel points to achieve a complimentary stay in Punta Cana.
Punta Cana has hundreds of full-service hotels and resorts. In putting together this guide, we’ve analyzed the big 4 hotel programs: IHG One Rewards, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy.
IHG doesn’t have any properties in Punta Cana, which is why they are absent from this list.
We’ve also excluded hotels in Santo Domingo, the bustling capital city of the Dominican Republic.
As you’ll find out, there’s a clear winner in terms of offering the best luxury properties.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is our favorite points resort in Punta Cana. Offering the ultimate family-friendly escape with Juanillo Beach’s clear waters, this resort will have you luxuriating in quintessential Dominican luxury in no time!
In total, this all-inclusive, 40-acre resort has 375 suites, each at least 600 square feet large and appointed with either 1 king-sized Hyatt Grand Bed and a queen sleeper sofa or 2 double-sized Hyatt Grand Beds.
Additionally, you’ll find a large sitting area, a furnished balcony, a desk, coffee and tea facilities, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV.
The luxurious bathroom contains double vanities, an oversized countertop, a walk-in rainfall shower, terry bathrobes, slippers, upscale amenities, and a hairdryer.
The real fun starts when you explore the expansive resort; there are 14 dining options, ranging from a Caribbean grill to an Asian fusion restaurant with teppan tables.
A stay at this property also includes daily activities, such as cooking lessons, dance classes, VR experiences, access to the waterpark with slides and a lazy river, fitness workouts, sports, kids activities, live entertainment, and so much more. At a surcharge, enjoy spa treatments or a private cabana.
World of Hyatt Points Required: 35,000 to 45,000 for double occupancy (12,500 points per night for each additional guest; maximum of 4 people per room)
Cash Rate: $415 to $1,000 ($590 on average) per night, based on double occupancy
Points Value: Up to 2.7 cents per point, based on double occupancy
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is the sister resort of the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana — whereas the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is family-friendly, the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is adults-only.
Just 15 minutes from the international airport and mere minutes from championship golf courses and other attractions, this all-inclusive resort has a lot going for it.
For starters, each of the rooms measures 600-square-feet large, has either 1 king bed or 2 double beds, and contains a furnished balcony. After that, the spacious sitting area has a sleeper sofa, a desk, and a coffee table. Elsewhere in the room, you’ll find a flat-screen TV, minibar, and coffeemaker.
The large bathroom contains his-and-hers vanities, a walk-in rain shower, a make-up station, bathrobes, slippers, premium bath products, and LED-backlit mirrors.
There are a whopping 26 dining options available, plus private dining and 24/7 room service! You’ll find an infinity pool, a gym, a spa, a ballroom, a waterpark with a lazy river, and much more here.
Included amenities include access to the waterpark, swimming and non-motorized water sports, access to the 14,000-square-foot gym with TRX training, Zumba, Pilates, and spin classes, as well as live entertainment and daily activities like painting and yoga.
The optional extras include spa treatments, romantic private dining, private cabana rentals, and space for meetings and events.
World of Hyatt Points Required: 35,000 to 45,000 for double occupancy (12,500 points per night for each additional guest; maximum of 4 people per room)
Cash Rate: $450 to $880 ($560 on average) per night, based on double occupancy
Points Value: Up to 2.3 cents per point, based on double occupancy
Hot Tip: Learn about the best ways to fly to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in our guide to the best ways to fly to the Caribbean with points and miles.
Hilton La Romana refers to 2 properties: the all-inclusive family resort is a 4-star property, while the adult-only resort is a 5-star property. And while both properties offer many of the same amenities, none of them are shared. In this case, Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort is our more luxurious pick.
Situated along Bayahibe Beach on the Caribbean Sea and 5 miles from Cueva de Chicho caves, this luxury resort is 45 minutes from Punta Cana but is on a picture-postcard stretch of beach.
The resort offers standard rooms of at least 411 square feet in size with 1 king bed or 2 double beds, as well as garden views. The standard rooms have crisp bedding, a private furnished balcony or terrace, a sitting area with a couch, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar refreshed daily.
The well-appointed bathroom contains double sinks, Crabtree & Evelyn amenities, a walk-in rain shower, and more.
To indulge, there are 10 dining options, ranging from a sushi bar to a Mediterranean restaurant, an executive lounge, and even a beachside grill.
What’s more is that there’s private beach access, a casino, 3 outdoor pools, a gym, a kids’ club, a water sports center, a spa, and meeting space!
Almost everything is included, such as unlimited food and beverages, non-motorized water sports, service, amenities, and more.
Hilton Honors Points Required: 54,000 to 80,000
Cash Rate: $200 to $410 ($340 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 0.5 cents per point
Hot Tip: Executive lounge access is a perk of Hilton Honors Diamond membership.
The Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort is newly renovated and the ideal location for family adventures.
To start off, each room has either 1 king bed or 2 double beds, both at least 411 square feet large with connecting rooms available. In each room, you’ll find a furnished balcony, a large sitting area with couches and tables, and a flat-screen TV.
The spacious bathroom includes a walk-in rain shower, double vanities, a bright LED mirror, bathrobes, a hairdryer, and Crabtree & Evelyn bath products.
There are a total of 10 food and drink outlets, none of which are shared with the adults-only resort. This includes a club lounge!
On-property amenities include an adults-only disco, a gym, a spa, a beauty salon, numerous outdoor pools, kids’ clubs, live entertainment, a waterpark, a casino, and 8,000 square feet of event space!
Hilton Honors Points Required: 58,000 to 80,000
Cash Rate: $200 to $425 ($275 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 0.5 cents per point
The Radisson Blu Resort & Residence Punta Cana is a 5-star all-inclusive resort boasting amenities just steps from Cabeza de Toro fishing village and white-sand beaches.
Each of the spacious rooms is appointed with at least 431 square feet of space, a choice of 1 king bed and a sofabed or 2 double beds, a desk, a separate sitting area with armchairs and tables, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and coffee and tea machines.
The glorious bathroom contains a walk-in rain shower, a single vanity, a wall-mounted make-up mirror, bathrobes, slippers, and more. You’ll also find beach towels and umbrellas already furnished in your room.
There are 6 on-site restaurants, 3 bars, as well as private beach access, a spa, an outdoor pool, a kids’ club, a gym, and more.
The all-inclusive features consist of dining, accommodations, a wide selection of activities like yoga, cooking lessons, and live entertainment, while spa treatments and Elixir Lounge access can be booked with a surcharge.
Category: 5
Radisson Rewards Americas Points Required: 75,000
Cash Rate: $150 to $315 ($250 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 0.4 cents per point
Part of the 15,000-acre Puntacana Resort & Club complex, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is the most upscale Marriott Bonvoy property available in DR. Located on a private beach less than 3 miles from Punta Cana International Airport and less than 10 miles from downtown, there’s a lot to love about this property.
The standard guest rooms have either 1 king bed or 2 double beds, a minimum of 409 square feet of real estate per room, and European-style amenities. Within the rooms, you’ll also note the Westin Heavenly Bed, superb ocean views, a flat-screen TV, a desk, a chaise lounge, a furnished balcony or patio, and coffee and tea facilities.
The classy marble bathroom consists of a single vanity, a walk-in rain shower, Westin Heavenly Bath products, a hairdryer, a lighted makeup mirror, bathrobes, and slippers.
This resort is not all-inclusive but has 2 restaurants, including a beachside grill and seafood spot, plus a Six Senses Spa, a gym, clay tennis courts, outdoor and indoor pools, a hot tub, 2 golf courses, and water sports.
Average Marriott Bonvoy Points Required: 40,000 to 60,000
Cash Rate: $150 to $560 ($240 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 0.9 cents per point
Our last property is the Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village — it’s located less than a mile from the airport and should be booked if you’re short on points (or cash) and would prefer to arrange your own activities and dining.
The hotel is 2 miles from Corales Golf Course and less than 7 miles from Playa Juanillo’s white sand beach.
Each standard room has 1 king bed or 2 double beds, crisp white bedding, a sitting area with an armchair, a desk, a coffeemaker, a flat-screen TV, and at least 258 square feet of space.
In the bathroom, you’ll find a walk-in shower, a lighted mirror, a single vanity, a hairdryer, and classic bath amenities.
You can make use of the complimentary airport and local shuttle, as well as the international restaurant and bar. There’s also a 24/7 fitness center, an outdoor pool, meeting space, and even a spa!
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village offers full-service accommodations at a terrific price.
Average Marriott Bonvoy Points Required: 15,000 to 20,000
Cash Rate: $110 to $130 ($120 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 0.7 cents per point
Now that you know which hotels are the best to redeem your points at, the next step is to pick which property you like the most.
From there, you can get an understanding of which type of points you’ll need to accumulate for a free stay.
Let’s take a look at how you can get a reward stay booked in Punta Cana across each loyalty program.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one of our favorite ways to help you earn points!
To be specific, you’ll earn up to 9x points per $1 spent at Hyatt, Discoverist elite status, a free night at a Category 1-4 property after every cardmember anniversary, 5 elite night qualifying credits, and 2 elite night qualifying credits after each $5,000 in purchases spent.
The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.
When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.
We walk you through the complete list of benefits that the World of Hyatt card offers to its holders in our complete guide, too.
Hyatt and Chase also recently launched the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, which gives you that same 9x points per $1 spent at Hyatt properties as well as a more favorable 5 elite night qualifying credits per $10,000 spent.
World of Hyatt points are earned quickly via the World of Hyatt card. Unfortunately, the bonus categories on the World of Hyatt card are limited relative to what most people spend in their everyday life.
Luckily, Chase offers a suite of credit cards whose points can be transferred to World of Hyatt. Specifically, Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earn points that can be transferred to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
Thanks to these Ultimate Rewards cards, you can earn points on travel, dining, and business expenses like advertising and shipping!
A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.
The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.
Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!
Marriott is one of the world’s largest hotel companies and its Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are issued by American Express and Chase.
Those who have any of these credit cards will earn Marriott Bonvoy points with every single purchase — but to choose which one best fits you, you’ll need to think about annual fees, bonus categories, and card benefits.
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThe Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesA premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.
So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?
Even though credit card spending on a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy card is our preferred way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, there are still other options should you find yourself short a few thousand points.
Marriott Bonvoy points can be earned indirectly through its 2 major transfer partners: American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
It’s perfectly acceptable to transfer a small number of points to top off your balance if you need to make a redemption, but we wouldn’t recommend moving large amounts of points unless you’ve confirmed that you can get superb redemption value.
Hilton Honors is unique in the sense that this loyalty program doesn’t have fixed redemption prices at each property.
Instead, Hilton uses a dynamically-priced program, which means that there’s a range of prices that a free night will cost. The exact price you’ll find at a property will depend on the stay date, how far out you’re booking, and more.
American Express is the sole issuer of Hilton Honors co-branded credit cards, and depending on which card you make purchases on, you can earn up to 14x Hilton points per $1 spent!
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesComplimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!
You can’t beat a comfy king-sized bed and room service. For many travelers, it’s the hotel that really makes or breaks an experience. If you’re one of those people, you’ve probably stayed at a Hilton hotel.
Whether your visits are for work or pleasure, the Hilton brand has you covered with more than 6,200 locations in 100 counties and territories.
To enjoy a host of great benefits, you may want to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesAn excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and Priority Pass lounge access.
If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status, to airport lounge access, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesAutomatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.
The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.
So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesAn excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
For frequent business travelers who regularly stay in Hilton hotels, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a great option.
Not only will the card help you earn more points on all of your Hilton stays, but you’ll also receive automatic elite status, complimentary Priority Pass visits, travel protections, and the opportunity to earn free night certificates.
Here’s a detailed look at all the benefits this card offers so that you can determine if it’s a good fit for you.
There are plenty of ways to earn Hilton Honors points. The most effective way is through Hilton credit cards, but Amex Membership Rewards is also a Hilton Honors transfer partner.
You can transfer Amex points to Hilton to top off your balance, but we don’t suggest transferring large balances due to subpar redemption value.
Radisson Rewards Americas, not to be confused with Radisson Rewards, is the loyalty program for Radisson Hotels loyalty program members in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Radisson Rewards applies to all other members around the world.
Radisson Rewards Americas has a total of 5 hotel categories, each of which charges fixed pricing for an award night.
Currently, the best way to earn Radisson Rewards points is through its co-branded credit cards.
Punta Cana offers a luxurious getaway destination for those traveling to the Dominican Republic.
While it isn’t as popular as other destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Cancún, or Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana should still be on your shortlist if you’re a value-focused traveler in need of a beach resort getaway.
By sticking to Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Radisson, you’ll have good options to redeem points for hotel stays in Punta Cana!
The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
The most luxurious resort you can book with points in Punta Cana is the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, a posh all-inclusive, adults-only property. This is followed by Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort, Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, Radisson Blu Resort & Residence, Punta Cana, and Four Points By Sheraton Puntacana Village.
The best month to visit Punta Cana is the shoulder spring season between March and May. The weather is excellent during this time, and the high season is beginning to fade, resulting in lower costs.
The top resorts in Punta Cana you can book using points are:
The coldest month in Punta Cana is February, where the temperatures average 76 degrees, the lows are 72 degrees, and the highs are 81 degrees.
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Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
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