Barcelo Bavaro Casino

“Relaxing Vacation - Beach, Buffet, and my Baby! (and Rum Punch)”

My first impression was similar to some negative reviews you will read. But, after a day surrounded by all the beautiful aspects of the resort, my mood started to shift. I've stayed at nicer resorts (better service, better food, nicer rooms, etc.) but, this one is not bad. The main complaint at ... more

My first impression was similar to some negative reviews you will read. But, after a day surrounded by all the beautiful aspects of the resort, my mood started to shift. I've stayed at nicer resorts (better service, better food, nicer rooms, etc.) but, this one is not bad. The main complaint at first was the service. The staff (the younger staff mostly) are slightly standoffish, slightly judgmental, and slightly sassy. They are "nice", but not friendly (with the exception of some). I really believe this is a cultural thing and you will probably experience it at the other resorts as well. The food was not bad, we went at off times so some of the trays were on their last leg - but, the last day we went during rush hour and the trays were plentiful. There are some a la carte restaurants to choose from - also, okay (with the exception of the steakhouse - avoid that at all costs). Book your reservations when you arrive. The walk along the beach to the palace resort is doable, or you can take the tram. We never took the tram. Bring an insulated water bottle (we didn't, but many had one and that seemed like a good idea). We NEVER had an issue getting a beach chair. We stayed in building 2 and found chairs on the beach directly in front. You also have the added benefit of listening to the music from the party boats that depart from that side of the beach. As for seaweed, there was some when you entered the water and some patches here and there. It was avoidable. On the first day I witnessed the staff raking it up. I didn't see that happen again for the remainder of the trip. There were also a few patches of sargassum starting to come in. Hopefully that will stay away. Bring your snorkle set (again, we didn't - but others did and they looked like they were having fun). There are sea turtles, small stingrays, star fish and tropical fish that swim around the patches of sea grass in front of where we sat (closer to the party boat part of the beach). Request a room on the 3rd floor. I heard a lady complaining that she found bugs in her room on the 1st floor. Our room was spotless and magically cleaned every morning when we left for breakfast. We would return to change for the beach and the room was already turned over. Drinks were okay. Rum punch is the way to go. You're welcome. I would stay here again. My last piece of advice, don't be like me - embrace the beauty from the start and let the negative energy fly away! ;-)

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