The hype
Immaculate grounds and incredible food variety, but the 'relaxing' vibe depends entirely on where your room is located.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
$650-1100/ night
Book this if You want the perks of a massive all-inclusive (25+ restaurants/bars) but the sophisticated, adults-only sanctuary of a boutique hotel.
Why People Love It
- Access to the neighboring Hyatt Ziva's water park and restaurants without the screaming kids
- The 'One Eyed Cat' martini bar is genuinely cool, not just 'resort cool'
- Juanillo Beach is significantly calmer and has less seaweed than Bavaro
Quick Take: It's a tale of two resorts: a zen, high-end sanctuary that occasionally gets interrupted by the thumping bass from the main pool's foam party.
Reviewed by @Travelenvogue: I stayed in this Ocean View Double suite and honestly, the balcony was my favorite spot. Waking up to that turquoise water and white sand every single morning felt like a dream. The room is super spacious and modern, but that view stole the show.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Club Level' upcharge is actually worth it here for the exclusive breakfast/lunch at Shutters and Chinola, which are far superior to the buffet.
- You're a foodie who gets bored of the same buffet every day
- You want a modern, brand-new hard product (no 90s wicker furniture)
- You appreciate a gym that's actually gym-quality (14,000 sq ft)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough daily service, but recent reports of dust on high surfaces (lamps, fans) suggest a rush.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling surfaces, but the open shower design can lead to water pooling on the floor.
- Maintenance: The property is new (2019), so it's structurally sound, but humidity causes rapid wear—watch for peeling paint on balcony railings.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens. Beach towels are plentiful and fluffy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like white tea (signature scent). Rooms can smell musty if AC is left off due to tropical humidity.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Main pool DJ (11 AM - 5 PM)
- Evening theater shows (until 10 PM)
- Hallway noise in Building 4
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Hyatt Inclusive Collection app immediately—it's the only way to see daily menus and activities.
- Men need long pants and closed-toe shoes for dinner at the nicer restaurants (Brandos, Journeys).
- Room service can take 60-90 minutes during peak breakfast hours; order the night before.
What to pack
- Insulated tumbler (bartenders will fill it, keeping drinks cold in the humidity)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (expensive at the resort shop)
- Dress pants/collared shirt for men (strictly enforced at dinner)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Building 6 (Club Level) Oceanfront on floors 4-5 for best views and distance from pool noise
- Ocean View Junior Suite (Building 4, high floor) for a great view without the Club price tag
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Swim-Up Suites in Building 5 (often face walkways, zero privacy)
- Rooms ending in '01' or near the elevators in Building 4 (high traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a high-floor room in Building 6 (Club) or Building 4, specifically asking for 'Oceanfront' rather than 'Resort View' to avoid facing the back of the restaurants. Please ensure the room is away from the main pool DJ speakers.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Club Level upgrade worth it?
Yes. It grants access to 'Shutters' and 'Chinola' for breakfast/lunch (a huge upgrade over the buffet) and a quieter private pool.
Do I need reservations for dinner?
Mostly no. Only for 'The Blind Butcher' (extra cost) and teppanyaki tables. Arrive by 6:30 PM for popular spots like Journeys to avoid a wait.
Is the beach seaweed-free?
Not 100%. Cap Cana is better than Bavaro, and they have barriers/daily cleaning, but nature wins after storms. Expect some seagrass.
Can I use the facilities at Hyatt Ziva?
Yes, you have full access to Ziva (restaurants, water park, gym), but Ziva guests (kids) cannot enter Zilara.
Is there a resort fee?
No hidden resort fees, but bring cash for tips—staff work hard and it definitely speeds up drink service.
How far is the airport?
A quick 15-minute ride from PUJ. Taxis are fixed rate (~$30-40), or book a private transfer in advance.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'One Eyed Cat' martini bar has the best espresso martini on the property—ask for it with Dominican rum instead of vodka.
- ✨
You can eat breakfast at the Ziva buffet (El Mercado) if the Zilara buffet (The Pier) is too crowded; it's huge and often has more options.
- ✨
The 'Indian Train Car' table inside Journeys is the coolest seat in the house—ask for it when you arrive.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Swim-Up' pools are freezing cold in the morning because the buildings block the sun.
💡The bathroom layout is open-concept with a glass door for the toilet—hope you're comfortable with your roommate.
💡There is a secret 'Healthy' menu at Chinola that includes amazing avocado toast, but you have to ask for it.
💡The 'Butler Service' for Club guests is mostly just a WhatsApp number for reservations, not a personal butler unpacking your bags.
💡You can hear the nightly show from your room if you are in Building 5 facing the theater—bring earplugs if you sleep early.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is located and what's nearby.