Re: Hamaca best hotel in DR? I don't think so.
The Hamaca hotel is a very nice hotel, but it is far from the nicest hotel in the DR. There are hotels with prettier beaches, more elegant buildings and lobbies, nicer rooms, far better pools, better service, more expensive, and of course, and far better food. At most, the Hamaca is the biggest hotel in Boca Chica, and some might say the best in Boca Chica, but that too is questionable as myself and my friends typically prefer the Don Juan.
Having stayed at the Hamaca about 5 times over the past few years (and over 35 times at the Don Juan), I give it 3 stars (out of 5). I give the Melia Bavaro 4 stars, the Bavaro Palace 3 1/2 stars, Casa de Campo 3 3/4 stars.
All my friends agree that their food is ok at best and service stinks throughout. Their only decent pool is quite a walk from the beach and doesn't come close to some of the magnificent pools of other all-inclusives. Their lobby is decent but doesn't even come close to the magnificent lobbies of the Punta Cana area resorts. The beach is decent but their are prettier beaches. Their standard rooms are plain and simple, nothing special and for even less money, the Don Juan offers much nicer rooms down the beach in their luxury suites.
Check out the Melia Bavaro, the Melia Paradisus, and the Melia Tropical resorts. They blow the Hamaca away in just about every respect accept for being close to the city, night life, and outside-the-hotel activities.
Boca Chica is my favorite beach, but only because of the calm shallow water for water skiing.
Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM