Hemingway’s Café (Playa Dorada Plaza, tel. 809/320-2230, noon–2 a.m. daily, US$4–19) is a popular hangout right in the middle of the Playa Dorada resorts. It looks unlike any other venue in the complex, decorated like Papa Hemingway just cleaned out his boathouse, with nautical equipment everywhere. The good variety of food includes bar food favorites like burgers and quesadillas. It’s air-conditioned to the max and has a lively atmosphere at night with live rock and karaoke nights.

Spice (Playa Dorada, tel. 809/320-1046, www.occidentalhotels.com, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. daily, RD$100), although not the hot spot it once was, has undergone a makeover and is making a comeback hoping to become a popular dance club with tourists again on the grounds of Golden Beach Holiday Village. Music is a mix of Latin and international pop. The dance floor starts to crowd between 11 p.m.and midnight. The management hopes to resurrect the former (and at one time very popular) Mangú disco from the dead.

Playing the same mix of music is the Crazy Moon (Playa Dorada, tel. 809/320-3663, 10 p.m.–4 a.m. daily, US$4 cover charge), at the Paradise Beach Resort. It’s popular.

In recent years, the resort dance scene has become hotter at CocoBongo (Playa Dorada Plaza, tel. 809/320-2259, 6 p.m.–2 a.m. weekdays, 6 p.m.–4 a.m. weekends), which can get a bit crowded. It plays Euro and hip-hop music (no cover). Eat dinner outside and dance inside. The Roadways Steak House (Plaza Playa Dorada 1, tel. 809/320-2259) is a popular chill-out bar with a disco inside that is perfect for getting your evening started.

It is advisable to take a taxi between these venues.