Royalton Splash Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
Family-friendly resort in Bavaro.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(440 discussions)
Royalton Splash Punta Cana opened in late 2022 and built its entire identity around one thing: the water park. Travelers call it one of the Caribbean's largest, and families with kids 6–14 treat it like a theme park resort where the hotel happens to have rooms. The water park delivers — there's a reason this property gets recommended alongside Nickelodeon and Sandals' water park resorts. If you're booking for kids who want slides all day, this achieves that goal at a meaningfully lower price than Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The problems emerge everywhere outside the water park. The beach requires a 10–15 minute walk from the resort's main footprint, which is laid out more like a condo complex than a classic beachfront resort. Food quality complaints are persistent and specific: cold breakfast buffet items, watered-down drinks, and a restaurant reservation system that Travelers say effectively upsells you to pay extra at a supposedly all-inclusive resort. Most concerning are the illness reports — at least one detailed account described family members sick for four out of six days, traced to drinks cups being rinsed under cold water and reused. Adding to these concerns in 2026, exterior renovations are underway from April 14 through December 23, meaning daytime construction noise, and the Selections International Buffet will be completely closed August 17 through October 14, further limiting already-criticized dining options.
This is a resort where you need to go in with eyes open. Book it for the water park, don't expect gourmet food, consider sticking to canned/bottled drinks, and you'll likely have a good time. For 2026 specifically, consider waiting until early 2027 to enjoy the finished renovation. Families looking for a beach-first experience should look elsewhere — Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana or Grand Sirenis (recently renovated) offer better beach access for a similar family-with-water-park concept.
Pros
- +One of the Caribbean's largest water parks — multiple slides and tubes that keep kids entertained for days
- +Genuinely family-focused design with activities and programming for all ages
- +Friendlier price point than competing Nickelodeon or Beaches properties with similar water parks
- +Staff are accommodating and the service culture is generally praised
- +Pool and water park area is the genuine selling point — what Travelers come for
- +Part of Marriott/Autograph Collection so bookable with Marriott points
- +Strong entertainment lineup for families during evenings
- +Good excursion access — catamarans, jet skis, ATVs, and snorkeling all bookable nearby
Cons
- −Active exterior renovations from April 14 through December 23, 2026 mean daytime construction noise and disruption - the Selections International Buffet is fully closed August 17 through October 14, 2026
- −Beach is a 10–15 minute walk from the main resort area — not a true beachfront experience
- −Multiple reports of illness — drink cups reportedly run under cold water and reused rather than washed properly
- −Buffet food quality complaints even before the renovation: cold scrambled eggs, dried sausages, hot food not hot - and the main buffet closure in late summer 2026 further limits dining
- −Restaurant booking via app is broken — people reportedly had to pay or get quoted $70–$350 to get a reservation at supposedly included restaurants
- −Not enough pool umbrellas — guests reported visible sunburns from lack of shade
- −Room cleanliness inconsistent — some guests reported beds not made and rooms not cleaned during stay
- −Drinks described as watered down by multiple reviewers
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“This was our first all-inclusive resort, as we normally travel 3–4 times a year on cruise ships, so we weren’t sure what to expect. After four nights at Royalton Splash Punta Cana, we were pleasantly surprised and honestly wished we had booked a long...”
“Royalton Splash Punta Cana is a fun and lively resort with a great atmosphere, especially for guests looking to enjoy water parks, pools, and a high-energy vacation experience. The property is well maintained, visually impressive, and offers plenty o...”
“This place was great. Upon arrival your are treated to a beverage. Check-in takes some time, but they are nice. Several bars in the resort. Bartenders appreciate tips, so bring ones. Rooms are spacious and clean. Soap provided. Gift shops are a littl...”