Catalonia Bavaro All Inclusive Resort

Catalonia has a lot of room to improve

Catalonia Bavaro has potential to be fantastic, but the place is a bit disheveled. The pluses: Beautiful grounds Wonderful beach with enough lounge chairs for everyone. The food at the specialty restaurants was delicious The service was attentive. The minuses: Overall maintenance at Hotel Catalonia is lacking. The fridge in our room didn’t really cool. When we asked if it could be replaced, they said it wasn’t possible. The first morning we woke up with stiff necks due sunken beds that were missing the middle support legs. Luckily when we called maintenance they came right away and replaced the beds.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Some friends upgraded to the Royal Catalonia Bavaro, and their money was well spent. The rooms are modern and in much better shape. If you can, definitely upgrade to the Royal.

Going back next year

This is the second year in a row that my friend and I have stayed at the Catalonia for a "girls getaway." The hotel is perfect for this purpose and we plan to go back next year. Our main goal is to relax and that is very easy to do here. The pool is beautiful - it has actually just been renovated and is even better than the first year we went. The beach is relaxing and the food is decent. We ate at the specialty restaurants every night and had good experiences, especially at the Italian restaurant. The breakfast and lunch buffets had a large variety of food so you could always find something to eat. And, the pizza at the pool bar is fantastic. Overall, the shows were pretty good. The Michael Jackson show was really great and the Circus show was enjoyable. The other nights, they had shows with the resort staff which were ok, but not fabulous. The animation staff was also much more professional this year and seemed to really be enjoying themseleves. On the negative side, we had a few issues with our room that took a while to get resolved (perhaps due to the language barrier) but once we found "guest services" they corrected most of them that same day. The water pressure in the shower wasn’t great and the temperature of the water fluctuated. It was annoying, but not so much that we wouldn’t return to the resort. Overall, for the money, you can’t beat this place. It is a great place to relax and we plan to go back next year.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

You need to ask the bartenders to put alcohol in your drinks if you want it. Also, the frozen drink machines don’t always work that well, so you should ask the bartenders to hand blend it if you want a really frozen concoction.

GREAT SERVICE, TERRIBLE BEACH, HARD BEDS

The resort grounds are maintained extremely well, the food in all the restaurants including the buffett is very good (No GI problems). The liquor is not brand name so you need about twice as much alcohol in your drink than normal. Just ask for more and the bartenders will gladly oblige. The hotel rooms are old in style (architecture), but again everything is so well maintained its hard to let that get in the way. The hammock in the balcony is an awesome addition. The night entertainment (Michael Jackson Show especially) was very good. My biggest problem, and it was a big one, is that the bed was SOOOO UNCOMFORTABLE. I always needed a nap at the beach or pool during the day to resolve the lack of sleep I got at night. The other big negative with this resort is that the beach location is pretty bad. Lots of seaweed in the Ocean. I personnally am a "sit by the pool or better yet at the in-pool bar" kind of guy but know alot of people like a nice beach. Overall I enjoyed my time here very much. Would stay again if I got a great price as I did on this visit. Otherwise, try a resort farther up north on the coast for better beach area.

Traveler's tip

I stayed at block 19 on the 3rd floor. Very close to the pool and beach and small buffett restaurant, but about a 5 minute walk from everything else (the main buffett restaurant, specialty restaurants, night entertainment area).

What I expected

Overall, it wasn’t a bad experience. The beach is great and the room was clean and spacious. the service could have been better, but tip a little bit and things will improve. I didn’t expect too much, therefore I wasn’t disappointed. The food and liquor is plentiful, although not amazing. Lots of Europeans.

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

The snorkeling trip being offered on the beach is fun and cheap.

Happy but humid

Had a great two weeks despite the humid weather. I’ld go back but at a different time of the year. It’s an older resort that could use a little updating and modrenizing. Caters primarily to Europeans, but the staff speaks English. Grounds are beautiful, beach is nice, but the was a lots of seaweed floating in the water. The pour a nice drink, the food was good- something for everyone- although after two weeks it was becoming predictable. Available tours were comprehensive although focused more on social activity rather than cultural/social experiences. Wasn’t bored!

good hotel but rooms need major upgrade

hotel had very nice grounds very pretty staff very nice room water level was less than par and maid came as late as 5pm to clean room a little too late. my daughter broke her foot diving into the pool and the hotel basicly did nothing for her i had to beg for a wheelchair. Mostly they did not care and charged me for the hotel doctor cab back and forth to hospital and wanted 100 deposit for he wheel chair. very disappointed. they only said next time i should have travelers insurance. i learned my lesson.

Really Nice

I went with my girlfriend. I’m 25 and we both had a blast. Everyone was super friendly and patient with the language barrier. Hardly any of the staff spoke english but we didn’t mind; as long as they knew "beer" and other drink names. The food was so so. Pool was great with the swim up bar and the beach was beautiful. The only thing is you have to get up at 6am to get a hut on the beach and 7am to get one at the pool. Jerks come and throw towels on the lounge chairs and then either go back to bed or breakfast. The specialty restaurants were nice. The room was cool too. We had a junior king suite. It was huge. The maid always had plenty of water in the fridge. And the day my girl and I wanted to sleep late, we put the "do not disturb" sign up and she left us a case of water, a couple of beers and some sodas outside the door. It was mostly couples and families. Hardly and groups of buddies. A LOT of Europeans almost all the women topless and the men in Speedos. Overall, this place was really nice. Definitely go.

The most relaxing vacation in a long time

The place is fantastic. We were skeptical about a resort vacation at first but we are completely converted because of this hotel. Here is the deal: If you are looking for 5 star food you won’t find it and if you are looking for a 5 star hotel you have to go to the Catalonia Royal, which is on the same compound but has its own exclusive areas. The food is fantastic it’s just not what you get for a 5 star meal in Manhattan. There is so much food...no way you’ll get bored in a 2 week stay. The hotel staff...if you show some respect, as anyone should, they will do everything to make your stay comfortable. We read some complaints about the staff and reception before we went and it is obvious that these people were probably from the completely ignorant camp without any respect to the hotel staff. We took our 2 year old and he was in heaven. The pool is kid friendly, the staff loves the kids and there are turtles, fish, ducks and birds who live in the resort and our son spent hours watching them. In one word: Go!

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

If you love the beach...try to get a room in a house close to the beach...That is also where the smaller restaurant is that serves breakfast and lunch. It’s not quite as busy as the large one in the reception area.

Upgrade if you can!

This hotel is massive. It was okay for the money but I have to say the food was horrendous. My bf and I both lost 5lbs on the trip. What sustained us was all the liquor and beer we drank. Thank God that was included. I didn’t find the front desk to be helpful and it wasn’t until we upgraded to the Royal Catalonia (adjoining adults only hotel)that our service got better.

Traveler's tip

If you can upgrade to the Royal Catalonia (adults only). Its worth the upgrade charges and the amenities are worth every dollar.

Great vacation

The service was very good. The food was plentiful and good. The pool was great. The entertainment was just ok. If you want to go someplace and just relax, this is the place.

Can’t do any better for the price

Excellent place if you just want to relax with your partner. Upon arrival everything looks fantastic, no loud and mundane music, no crowds or waitiing in line, at least the last week of april. The weather was beautiful as well, rained only 2-3 times for about 15 min total.The buffets had numerous choices although not much variety day-to day, but what else can they provide? The dinner restaurants are very good as well, but don’t expect lavish portions, that’s what the buffet is for. Drinks at the bar are indeed with little alcohol, unless you tip in advance and then watch how they pour the bottle in your cup:)The beach was my favorite part of the hotel, plenty of chairs and palapas, nice sand and they cleen the seaweed constantly through out the day. Night life may be a little boring at the hotel if you are single and came to party, but still the shows were good, especially the beach party was unforgettable. All staff was very helpful,even though most speak no English,you’re greated everywhere you go, I don’t know how grumpy or sour one is not to see that they enjoy you being there. All in all, a wonderful place to relax and have no worries.

Traveler's tip on nightlife

Shows finish at around 10:45. Bars close at 12 am, a tour to a nearby club is offered but it cost extra $$.

Economical Safe Choice

This was a very nice family friendly resort. For the low price point, it was a satisfying place to stay. The food quality was average at best but there was always something to enjoy. The family aspect of the hotel was great and the kids had a great time. The grounds were very clean and the beach and pool were super.

Traveler's tip on dining

Make sure you book the a la carte restaurant reservations when you get in. They are better than the buffet options.

Not Impressed

We stayed in Punta Cana at another hotel and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. There was no activity here. This hotel felt too isolated from anything. Walking on beach was not enjoyable with landfill smell in one direction and no other hotels around. No afternoon entertainment for cocktail hour; no locals displaying their work. Very quiet if that is what you are looking for.

We had a good time at the pool.

The beach was not as I expected. There was trash floating in the water. It seemed that a garbage dump was nearby. Scuba diving not good. the coral reef is dying.

Would Definetly Recommend it

I was extremely pleased with this hotel. The variety of food, activities, and things to do was excellent. The entertainment staff was a treat. They were very involved and created a fun atmosphere for everyone. I loved that it wasn’t too packed and allowed for a nice romantic getaway. It was mostly couples and families which was nice.I would definitely recommend it to others.

Traveler's tip on shopping

I would make sure you take all your suntan lotions. I forgot mine and had to purchase an Australian Gold brand for $30 dollars which here in the states I could get for $10.

Very nice Resort. With a beautiful golf club.

The Resort is beautiful. Nice Pool, Nice Sand an Beach. Nice food (sometime too much) and restaurant (nine...). Just if we want find something negative, the water in front is not really a carribean sea and the Scuba diving Club is not skilled and prepared. All the rest is ok. Go Ahead and relax yourself.

Kids club very nice up to 6y old. Nothing for Older kids

Beautiful!

Loved the environment, friendly people, and beuatiful beaches. The food was okay... expected better in restaurants than buffets, but the restaurants were subpar. Excursions were great, but were available with other hotels. Overall, enjoyed the place.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Use the excursions services that are setup at the hotel. Watch out for cab fees; you might spend more than you expect or what the cabbie originally estimated.

had a blast Catalonia hotel punta cana

great beach and pool fantastic disco food is fair casino is small take an extension cord because the outlets are old and would not accept my cell phone or camera charger

Nice resort but poor service

After checking in, the room had no towels, blankets, iron, or remote control. The onsite maid attempted to give us an iron provided we give her 12 dollars in return for her services. The blanket, towels, and remote control were only received after several calls and three trips to the front desk. After receiving the remote, it was discovered that the TV did not work. The technician did not exchange the TV until 1:00 am the next morning, and as a result woke us up. The new TV had severe audio issues.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

The Monster Truck tour was great and provided and excellent way to see how the real Dominicans live. In addition, a large portion of the proceeds received from the tour went to the Dominican educational fund.

Never go back

This is my worst vacation ever. You must take this resort of f your list, because all units smells mold. (I change 3 of them). The sewer does not work properly. The shower cabin covered with mold and water stays in . The towels fill like sand paper the same are the bed sheets. Do not go there.

Definite Decline in Service

Although the price of the hotel is certainly competitive, the service was abysmal. We called and emailed in advance to request a crib for the baby and a cot for the 3 year old and neither was available the first night. They had not noted it anywhere and were hardly accommodating. Needless to say, the vacation was not off to a restful start. The hot water didn’t work in the room for an entire day, the bath stopper didn’t work, the shower had but a drizzle of water pressure, and for several days, although we were clearly 4 staying in the room, we only received two (2!) towels. Calls to the front desk were absolutely useless. The food was not good. By the end of the first day we couldn’t bear to see the picked over buffet choices yet again, and the service was not good. It felt like the people of the resort were unhappy, and unhappy to serve you, even if you left them a dollar, as advised by previous guests. The restaurants in the evening were better--it was also nice to just sit and be served--but not by much. The atmosphere in many of them was funereal, and again, the staff seemed bothered by our presence. The quality of the pina coladas varied so much--as did the alcohol content. All in all, we made the best of it, but I would not return, and given this "down" economy I’d suggest that people shop around rather than settling for this hotel. Not worth the low cost!

WE WILL BE BACK ANYTIME, VERY GOOD PEOPLE AND HOTEL

This is a very nice hotel, especially the people is good, happy, and always take care of you, was plenty food and liquors anytime, staff working hard for the clients, animation group was excellent for the hoilidays in the New Year eve and new Year’s Day,installations good, only it is small refrigerator in the rooms it can be improved, but anyway we will go back to Catalonia, that’s one of the best vacations we had.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Everithing is at the place, good with beach sports and activities

Affordable luxury

Spent 4 nights at Catalonia. Amazing beach. Many sun chairs, palyapas. Beautifully nestled among coconut palms. Swam often in water, fairly clear, good sand. Can wade far out as never too deep. Pool beautiful too. Enough chairs but go early for palyapa. Weather disappointing. December still rainy season. Of 4 days, one rained most of day, another cloudy with some rain, other 2 mainly sunny. Warm but not hot, mid 70s. Intense wind at beach. Lovely on hot days. Too cold on wetter days. Other guests said we caught the worst of it. Would probably be fine for full week. Staff outstanding; cheerful, energetic, always nearby. Knowing a little Spanish helped a lot as most staff knew very little English. Guests from Europe, Canada; very elegant air. Restaurants better than usual all inclusive. Breakfast fresh omelets, fruit, etc. Lunch buffet boring, but rotissere chicken, burgers, hot dogs, pizza available all day. Room fine, just like photos online. Not big. Shower and toilet were in one room, sink and tub for two in another room. Shower warm at best. Plenty of bottled water. Our room faced some construction (Dec 2008) which was annoying, but did not care enough to move. Bought airport transfers online. On return, they insisted we leave hotel 2.5 hours before our flight. Spent over an hour bored at airport. Flight boarded and left early. Sheer luck we heard final boarding call. I would definitely come back to the Catalonia, but during spring when weather is better.

Ask for a room close to the pool and beach, or you might have a long walk back and forth to the room. Nothing’s that far away, but with kids I’d want to be close to the pool for sure.

wonderful stay

very good hotel, close to Punta Cana airport, clean good hospitality and wonderful entertainment...

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

get the all inclusive packet

Just Rambling about some pros and cons

The afternoon popcorn and crepe shop were great! It was wonderful having the refidgerator in the room. The restaurants provided good and varying food choices. It was difficult to communicate with anyone working at the hotel since there English was minimal. We were, however, in their country! The beach was wide with beautiful sand. As in most Domincan Republic beaches though, there was much seagrass. The walk to the beach was long and hot. They did provide a covered walkway though. The hotel grounds were beautiful.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Learn at least a few basic Spanish words. They will help a lot in your communications with the hotel staff.