Hilton La Romana Resort in the Dominican Republic Review

Considering a stay at Hilton La Romana, the 5-star all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic? In this post, I share my review based on our memorable trip.

During the lockdown, we binge-watched Caribbean Life on HGTV and dreamed of escaping to the Caribbean, perhaps even moving there post-pandemic. However, life and its complexities, like finding a dog sitter, kept us from traveling immediately. Once we figured it out, we planned our annual big vacation, which started with a friend’s wedding in New Orleans and a scenic stop in Islamorada, Florida Keys, before spending a week in La Romana.

How did we choose Hilton La Romana All-Inclusive Adult Resort?

The Dominican Republic offers an array of all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Though Punta Cana is undeniably beautiful and provides excellent value, I was drawn to a quieter spot with fewer resorts. La Romana, situated on the Caribbean coast, fit what we were looking for.

Hilton La Romana stood out among the few all-inclusive options in La Romana. We compared it with another nearby resort, Dreams Dominicus. After thoroughly researching through TripAdvisor, YouTube, and various online reviews, we concluded that Hilton La Romana offered a slightly more elevated and relaxing experience than we were seeking.

We opted for an all-inclusive package that included flights, accommodations, and transportation to and from the resort. We initially booked a partial oceanview room but decided to upgrade to a premium package, which was well worth the investment for the enhanced amenities and services.

Traveling to La Romana, Dominican Republic

We were fortunate to start our journey from Florida, allowing us a quick two-hour flight from Miami to Punta Cana. Had we flown from Los Angeles, it would have been a daunting 10-hour travel day with a layover.

Arriving at Punta Cana Airport was impressively smooth. The efficiency of their immigration and customs process pleasantly surprised me. However, the experience was not as smooth when departing. For those not flying first class with VIP service, I recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight. Be prepared for long check-in lines and potentially confused airline agents.

Read: Travel Essentials to Pack in Your Carry-on Backpack

Certainly! Here’s how you could present the airport distances using bullet points for clarity:

Our Review of Hilton La Romana

Hilton La Romana operates both as an all-inclusive family resort and an adults-only resort in Bayahibe. This dual setup allows guests staying on the adults-only side to use the amenities and join in the activities on the family side. However, children are not permitted on the adult side. If you’re looking for a completely child-free environment, you might want to consider a different adults-only resort since you will encounter children outside the adults-only areas.

The resort is promoted as a 5-star hotel, but in my view, it more accurately fits a 4-star category. While the resort is undeniably gorgeous, and the service is quite impressive, a few areas could be enhanced to meet 5-star expectations truly.

Due to the ongoing impacts from 2020, the resort operates at 50% capacity or less, which made our experience quite fabulous. It never felt overcrowded, and we had no trouble finding a peaceful spot on the beach—thanks also to our butler service, which reserved our beach chairs each morning. However, had the resort been at full capacity, I suspect securing such prime spots might have been challenging, as many chairs were taken early.

Overall, our week at Hilton La Romana was splendid. The resort’s cleanliness and aesthetic beauty are commendable, with landscapes that are practically works of art. The staff deserves special mention for their warmth and helpfulness; they genuinely went out of their way to accommodate us, like when someone dashed to another bar to get coffee because it wasn’t available at the restaurant we were in.

They were short-staffed in some areas when we were there, but the team hustled to provide top-notch service. It’s really up to Hilton to staff the resort appropriately, though staffing shortages are widespread nowadays.

Premium Partial Oceanview room

When booking our stay, we wanted a view of the ocean. We didn’t need a full oceanfront room, but we wanted some connection to the sea. The partial ocean view room we received at check-in was perfect. It offered lovely views of the pool, palm trees, and Playa Bayahibe.

Additionally, we opted for a Premium room as part of the Premium Club package. The room was not only spacious and modern but also impeccably clean. We particularly enjoyed the view from our furnished balcony. The fridge restocked daily with water, beer, and juice, was a convenient touch that we appreciated.

Is the Premium Club worth it?

Upgrading to the Premium Club at Hilton La Romana is worthwhile if you value more personalized service. Consider the following benefits:

Upon arrival, the attentive concierge service shines immediately; we were escorted to a private area for check-in and greeted with glasses of champagne. It’s also during this initial interaction that you have the option to add Butler service to enhance your stay further. From the start, the level of attention and personalized care sets a reassuring tone for what’s to come.

Hilton La Romana Premium Club Benefits

• Private Premium Pool
• Private Premium Lounge (located next to the premium concierge service desk)
• Premium Beach Area
• Private Concierge Service
• Daily Snack, desserts, and premium liquors in the Lounge
• Premium breakfast at the Grill Restaurant (family side) and “Noor Restaurant” (adult side)
• 5% off at gift shops
• Complimentary room service delivery

Drawbacks of the Premium Club

The Premium Club at Hilton La Romana promises exclusive services, but it lacks clear distinctions between premium and standard guests—there are no wristbands or checks. This oversight allows unrestricted access to premium areas, diluting the value of the extra payment.

Upon arrival, prioritize visiting the Premium Lounge and identifying key amenities like the Premium pool bar to maximize your benefits. However, the resort does not offer a thorough orientation to these services.

Also, for beachside cocktail service, note that premium liquors are not served directly at the beach; you’ll need to head to the designated premium bars.

The expected standard of service for a 5-star resort should be evident and consistent, regardless of guest package choices.

Butler Service

For an additional cost of 7 days, the Butler Service at Hilton La Romana can significantly enhance your stay. You’ll have a dedicated butler, reachable via WhatsApp, who assists you throughout your vacation.

If you’re planning to spend substantial time at the beach, the service proves its value by reserving and securing beach chairs each morning—these tend to fill up quickly. Alongside beachside or poolside setups, your butler will provide an ice bucket filled with beer, water, soda, champagne, and fresh fruit daily. While they don’t deliver cocktails directly from the bar, they might surprise you with fresh coconut drinks.

Additionally, your butler will handle all your reservations, ensuring you have spots at the restaurants and special dining events without hassle.

Restaurants at the Hilton La Romana

Does Hilton La Romana offer on-site dining? Absolutely. Guests at the Hilton La Romana Adult Only Resort have access to dining options on both the adult and family sides of the resort. In total, there are 10 restaurants and 2 cafes available.

Our best dining experiences were on the Adult Side of the resort. While the food was generally good, not everything impressed us—particularly the filet mignon, which red meat lovers might find below expectations regarding quality.

The restaurant staff was attentive, and we made it a point to leave a tip after each meal. However, we noticed that the staff often seemed stretched too thin, managing multiple tables, an area where improvement is needed.

Chinola Restaurant: This Dominican restaurant on the beach is my top pick at the resort. They’ve managed to keep the cuisine authentic, avoiding the trap of Americanization. The food was phenomenal—I highly recommend the Sancocho appetizer and the goat stew entree. The dessert was a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. I wish I had dined here more than once. Tip: Reserve early, as it’s not open daily.

Sakura Restaurant: This Japanese hibachi restaurant is my second favorite at the resort. Having frequented places like Benihana, I found Sakura equally entertaining and delicious. The menu is prefixed, so mention any dietary restrictions in advance. Tip: This spot fills up fast, so secure your reservation early in your stay.

Noor Restaurant: Accessible as part of the Premium Club, we visited Noor multiple times for breakfast and lunch. The typical Dominican breakfast here—fried eggs, mashed boiled green plantains, fried salami, and fried cheese—was exactly as I remembered from my youth. The lunch menu’s ceviche was delightful, and the charcuterie plate at dinner was a pleasant surprise, although the chimichurri steak didn’t quite hit the mark.

Mare Restaurant: This lovely seafood restaurant offers a beautiful beach view, perfect for a meal with a scenic backdrop.

Ausangate Restaurant: A surprising gem on the family side, this Peruvian restaurant served an excellent Lomo Saltado. The meat was tender and flavorful, surpassing my expectations. Tip: Pair it with a side of white rice for the best experience.

The Grill Restaurant: We dined here on our first night. The jerk chicken didn’t taste like traditional jerk chicken but was still flavorful. It’s a romantic spot by the water, ideal for a special evening or a premium breakfast with a view.

Restaurant Moustache: Touted as the top French restaurant, the food was good but not exceptional. Adjust your expectations if you’re looking for authentic French cuisine.

Azzuri Restaurant: We opted to skip this Italian restaurant, as we are quite particular about our Italian food.

Pizzeria: Situated on the family side by the pool, the pizzas here are pretty good for a quick snack. Just a note, the pizza doesn’t taste as good when delivered to your room.

Beachside Grill: Regularly features burgers and hot dogs. Don’t miss out on the special lunches like tacos or paella—they were quite good. Expect a line, though.y

Caoba Buffet and Spice Market Buffet: Offers a variety of dishes, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

This variety and honest reflections should help you navigate the dining options at Hilton La Romana, ensuring a pleasant culinary experience throughout your stay.

Cafes at Hilton La Romana

Hilton La Romana features two welcoming cafes, one on the family side and another on the adult side. As a guest at the adults-only resort, you can enjoy both cafes, which are open from 7 AM to 11 PM daily.

• Aroma Cafe
• Las Tres Hermanas Cafe

For those familiar with my blog, you’ll know that coffee plays a crucial part in our daily routine. We visit the cafes every morning and several times during the day. The coffee here in the Dominican Republic is notably strong and sure to give you a morning wake-up boost. Lactose-free milk is available for those who need it.

Besides coffee, the cafes offer a variety of snacks throughout the day. You can find everything from freshly baked goods to quick sandwiches, perfect for a speedy snack.

Playa Bayahibe

The resort is set on the stunning Playa Bayahibe, a sandy Caribbean beach with cerulean blue waters that instantly soothe and uplift. The warm yet refreshing water is perfect for cooling off on humid days.

Included Water Activities:

• Snorkeling (masks provided)
• Paddleboarding
• Pedal Boats
• Kayaking

Most of our days were blissfully spent on the beach, a welcome change from the colder waters of California’s coast. We relished relaxing, snorkeling, and swimming in the inviting Caribbean.

Tours and Excursions

Scuba Caribe, located on the beach behind Chinola Restaurant, offers various water-related tours and excursions. Although resort staff may approach you to sell tours, we recommend going directly to Scuba Caribe. They offer competitive pricing and sometimes even discounts. Their friendly staff expertly led their tours, including sunset cruises and trips to nearby islands like Catalina or Saona.

We had multiple fantastic outings with Scuba Caribe. In fact, my husband decided to pursue his Scuba Certification with them during our stay. The team was thorough, ensuring he understood the process and was safe throughout.

The snorkeling and diving experiences are highly recommended.

Pools at Hilton La Romana

Though our vacation was primarily beach-focused, the resort offers several inviting pool options. The paths around the property lead to various pools, including:

Main Pools on the Adult Side

• Infinity Pool
• Premium Adults-Only Pool

Main Pools on the Family Side

• Family Pool
• Premium Family Pool

Special features include private pools for Premium Club members and smaller pools that accommodate 2-4 people with ocean views. Additionally, swim-up bars are a highlight at the main pools, though they were closed during our visit due to pandemic restrictions.

While we mostly enjoyed the beach, these pool options provide a relaxing alternative for guests looking to unwind closer to their rooms.

Spa at Hilton La Romana

The spa grounds at Hilton La Romana are enchanting, complete with a serene koi pond and lovely relaxation areas, including a private pool and a hot tub. Using the hot tub is an extra charge. I recommend taking a stroll behind the spa to fully appreciate these tranquil spots.

We opted for a coffee scrub and massage during our stay. The scrub’s aroma was delightful, leaving my skin feeling softer. The massage was exactly what we needed—thoroughly relaxing.

While the spa may not rival the luxurious, world-class facilities I’m accustomed to in Los Angeles, it provides a soothing, tropical experience that perfectly complements the resort’s ambiance.

Hilton La Romana Water Park

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Hilton La Romana is within the all-inclusive family resort and features a delightful small water park. We spent an enjoyable afternoon there—it’s a must-visit! Even if you want to relax, floating in a tube on the lazy river provides a refreshing escape on a hot day.

The water slides offer thrilling fun suitable for all ages. Surprisingly, it was quite calm during our visit in the afternoon, possibly because the water park is somewhat removed from the main resort area—you need to exit the family resort’s main entrance to get there. This seclusion might explain the peaceful atmosphere, which was a pleasant surprise.

Nightly Entertainment

The resort’s nightly entertainment options were underwhelming. On some evenings, a DJ played music in the adult-side lobby, while other nights featured a local singer performing popular songs.

Additionally, the resort includes a casino, which has fewer machines available due to social distancing measures. The discotheque was also closed during our stay, further limiting nightlife activities.

For a 5-star resort in the Dominican Republic, I had hoped for more vibrant local touches, like live bands playing merengue or other traditional Dominican music, which would have enhanced the atmosphere.

On the family side, entertainment like shows and trivia nights are tailored more towards families, which didn’t quite appeal to us. However, after a day soaking up the sun, you might find that a quiet evening is exactly what you need to wind down.

Tips For Planning and Staying at the Hilton La Romana

1. Premium Club Benefits: Evaluate the perks of the Premium Club when booking to enhance your experience.
2. Butler Service: Consider booking a Butler service for the week to help with dinner reservations and securing beach chairs.
3. Restaurant Reservations: Book popular spots like La Chinola Restaurant and Sakura on your first day as they fill up quickly.
4. Familiarize with Premium Benefits: Learn about your Premium Club benefits on the first day.
5. Explore the Property: Dedicate a day to exploring beyond the family resort, enjoying stunning views along the rocky coastline.
6. Cash for Tips: Bring sufficient cash for tips to avoid frequent ATM withdrawals, which dispense only Dominican pesos.
7. Mosquito Spray: An absolute must, or you’ll be eaten alive. The cost is triple at the gift shop.
8. Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Pack your own to avoid paying high prices at the resort gift shop.
9. Eco-Friendly Straws: Bring reusable straws for your beach drinks, especially for enjoying frozen cocktails.
10. Towel Cards: Keep track of the towel cards you give at check-in to avoid charges for lost cards or towels.