Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic
Closed — What Happened
Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic has closed permanently — left Hyatt and closed May 2024; being converted to condominiums.
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Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic with 355 rooms. Amenities include Beach. Travelers rate it 4.1/5 across 2,247 Google reviews.
Seaweed & sargassum
Puerto Plata gets sargassum, typically worst June and July, in heavy years only.See the month-by-month guide →Amenities
Traveler Insights(310 discussions)
Sunscape Puerto Plata Dominican Republic was a mid-tier all-inclusive that punched above its weight in certain areas, particularly for travelers who wanted a genuine beachfront experience on the Dominican Republic's north coast without the price tag of the Punta Cana mega-resorts. The property sat on a nice stretch of beach, offered a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and had just enough amenities to keep most guests happy for a week. The resort closed in 2024 as the property transitioned - with plans for a portion to become condominiums while renovations reshape what remains. Hyatt, which owns the Sunscape brand, has signaled plans to bring two renovated Be Live properties in the Dominican Republic into the Sunscape family by 2025, making Puerto Plata an interesting market to watch.
Food and beverage were a genuine bright spot. Five a la carte restaurants with no reservation system was a practical luxury that regular all-inclusive travelers deeply appreciated - you just showed up and ate. Drinks quality was above average for the price point, with beach bartenders getting consistent praise. Rooms were larger than expected with walk-in rainfall showers and proper minibars. The pool area with its swim-up bar was the social center of the resort, especially mid-afternoon. Where things fell short was in consistency: staff shortages occasionally closed dining outlets and slowed service, and the entertainment programming never quite matched what larger Dominican resorts delivered.
Sunscape Puerto Plata was a strong fit for first-time all-inclusive travelers, Canadian snowbirds looking for affordable winter sun, and anyone who valued a genuine beach location over a full-scale resort campus. It competed well on price against Punta Cana properties while offering the added bonus of Puerto Plata's mountain scenery and cultural access. The famous cable car to Mount Isabel de Torres and the Damajagua waterfalls were easy day trips. When the property eventually reopens in its new form, the north coast setting and beach access will remain the core draw.
Pros
- +Immaculate grounds and a genuine beachfront location on Puerto Plata's northern coast, with a broad stretch of sand that guests praised consistently
- +Five a la carte restaurants with no reservation required - a rare perk that travelers celebrated compared to the typical Caribbean reservation grind
- +Large, well-kept pool area with a lively swim-up bar that became a social hub throughout the day
- +Cocktails and drinks routinely praised for quality and generosity - guests noted the beach bartenders as a highlight
- +585 spacious guest rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and walk-in rainfall showers that felt more upscale than the mid-tier price point suggested
- +Friendly and energetic staff who created a welcoming, festive atmosphere - individual team members frequently called out by name in reviews
- +Good value positioning in Puerto Plata made it accessible for budget-conscious families and couples who still wanted a solid beach experience
- +Proximity to Puerto Plata city and local attractions like cable car rides to Mount Isabel de Torres gave guests easy off-resort options
Cons
- −Inconsistent service quality with some guests noting staff shortages that led to reduced restaurant hours and slower poolside service
- −Property showed signs of aging wear in some areas, with maintenance inconsistencies between wings
- −Entertainment program was limited compared to larger Dominican resorts like those in Punta Cana
- −Beach vendors and solicitors outside the resort perimeter could be persistent and disruptive for guests relaxing on the sand
- −Food quality in a la carte outlets was uneven - strong in some restaurants, underwhelming in others
- −Limited late-night options for guests who wanted to keep the energy going after 10pm
- −The resort closed in 2024 for its condominium-conversion redevelopment, and no confirmed reopening date has been announced
- −The north coast surf can be noticeably rougher than Punta Cana's reef-protected coves - fun for wave swimmers but less suited to calm wading on some days
Common Questions
Why did Sunscape Puerto Plata close?
How did the beach compare to Punta Cana resorts?
Was the no-reservation restaurant policy really that good?
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Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Great value for the price. Buffet is good, lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, rice and beans, pizza . Coco cafe had almond milk for cappuccinos. Beach is great. Terrible wifi so if that is important then bring your own. Rooms are tired but the b...”
“Only had a day pass here, so no room review. This property is immaculate. The beach was great, the pool was good, the staff was friendly, courteous, and energetic. The food was just OK but the cocktails were very good. Definitely worth the fee if y...”
“Amazing resort. It was a small resort, so everything was nice and close, but not too crowded. We could always find chairs at the pool and never had to wait in line for a meal or drinks. When we realized the beds weren't big enough for us and our 2...”