Search the resort database. This has been the topic of much discussion in the past. Puerto Plata offers much more activities outside of the resort. Punta Cana has a much nicer beach and is located in a rural part of the country.
I have stayed at both Bavaro Palace and the Melia Bavaro, which is connected to and for all practical purposes, the same resort as the Paradisus. The Melia Bavaro/Paradisus is nicer and the Bavaro has more activities. However, one can walk outside of the Melia hotels into the shopping plaza next door to experience night life outside the resort whereas a taxi would be required to do the same from the Bavaro Palace.
There are reports on both of these resorts here in the library. I suggest you go with the Paradisus unless you want to mingle with the local culture day and night, then I would suggest Puerto Plata area (which generally includes Puerto Plata the city, Playa Dorada, Sosua, and Cabarete), specifically, Sosua, which has the best night life in the area and the nicest beach. I personally did not like Puerto Plata (the city) at all, thought Playa Dorada's beaches were not the best and was a bit downscale and touristy for my tastes although still a decent value, and I did like Sosua, especially for the price.
Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM