Hotels near Arena Blanca Beach, Bavaro

Ok. First off I don't know how anyone could give Marcos and Magdelina anything but 5 stars. They are both fluent in Spanish, English and several other languages which made everything very easy. When I wanted to practice on my Spanish Marcos would speak with me in Spanish and when I wanted to speak in English we spoke in English. If you read the other reviews, some people were confused about where they were and reviewed this place in error. I was traveling solo in the Dominican Republic as a single woman and I was slightly worried before arriving, but the second I walked into the garden late at night to check in - all my fears melted away. The family was sitting having a casual conversation with guests and the kids were playing on the ping pong table. They welcomed me like family. The most gracious couple I have ever met. In addition to being met by Marcos and Magdalena I was also met by a friendly dog which made this feel even more like home. As far as my room went, everything was clean, very spacious, had air conditioning in the bedroom, a mini fridge and some snacks and drinks in the minibar. I settled in immediately. I also ate dinner there every night because the food was so amazing! They have four different menus to choose from, including Dominican food, Caribbean and even Polish food. All of which was absolutely delicious. The service was incredible and it was a true experience that I will never forget. I even got to play air hockey with the kiddos! I almost don't want to write this review because I'm afraid I won't be able to get a reservation when I return next year! Now let's address the fact that this is not an all-inclusive resort. This is a small bed and breakfast that is run by a family. They have a recycle mentality and everything they had is reused and repurposed and I love that vibe. If you are one that wants fancy and luxury or no culture, this probably isn't the place for you. If you're a solo traveler that wants to feel like you're part of a family 1000% recommend. I will return to see them many many times. ♥️

It’s a very great resort and people out there is very kind. The restaurant Skybar has a beautiful seaside view. Johanny is very nice and kind to help us check in. Something went wrong with the air conditioner but they help change another room. Very great.

The hotel has a car at counter 35 at the airport exit, but there is a fee of 40 dollars for a family. Check out to the airport, there is also a car to send, but also pay 40 dollars per family. The wait time was very long when checking in. The waiters seemed to be very busy and very inefficient. The room sanitation is so-so, and the towels and bedding feel very old and not clean and white. But it feels very good after moving in. The hotel is very large and it takes two days to familiarize yourself with the environment. All-inclusive food and drink, including drinks, there are many restaurants with different dishes, very rich, and rich in seafood. There are also many small living rooms that provide food and drink during non-dinner times. In short, you can find food at any time. The beach and sea water are very beautiful. There are different large-scale show performances every night, which is surprising because I did not see the introduction of the show when I booked the room. All inclusive of eating, drinking and having fun at the hotel, a great experience. The test for the new coronavirus is provided free of charge the day before departure, and the result is obtained on the day of departure. You need to present the test result when you check in.

This is our fourth visit this time we decided to do a little bit differently. We love the adults only side but the rooms are a little dated so we booked a room at the Barcelo palace, premium level ocean front in building one, but spent most of our time, in fact, all of our time in the adults only section. The service in this resort is truly spectacular. The ladies by the pool, Belkis, Ava Marleny are truly superb and take care of you with wonderful service. You really don’t need to swim up bar with these ladies George and Marleny from the entertainment team always swing bye have a chat to you very welcome and invite you to do the Zumba etc.. The Buffay at Karibe is awesome. The selection is truly amazing the wait staff from one of the managers, Iris and Maria are such a welcome part to the day. The chefs are more than willing to make anything for you at breakfast not counting salads, cheeses and pastries. I counted 37 options , anybody who complains about this food he’s really not used to traveling I see a lot of mentions about five star you have to understand. This resort is a five star by Barcelo standards not by the international hotel ratings if you would compare this to a four seasons, Conrad, JD Marriott, or Ritz Carlton. Of course it’s not going to measure up, but at 350 at night all inclusive it’s hard to find fault . We met a lot of airline pilots and air crew at this resort. I think it’s fair to say that they are used to staying in pretty high-end properties. All of the pilots recommended Chez gourmet, and we’ve been a number of times. The service is exemplary, and the food is spectacular. My wife could not decide between lobster tail and château Briand so our wonderful server brought her both I must give a big shout out to Mabel and Premium services. She takes care of all our restaurant bookings. Make sure we get the room that we like, and always look out for us having an awesome It is true that the adults only side the rooms are old and in need of refurbishment and the resort is looking a little tired in some areas, but it is spotlessly clean very very well-maintained, and this price point is hard to beat We found our perfect four day vacation spot. We now arrive Sunday leave Thursday stay at the palace side in a premium level, oceanfront Jacuzzi room and spend our time enjoying the beach and the fabulous service at adults only side. I recently read a lot of reviews how people think the staff are surly and rude to be honest with you. I have always found that you get out what you put in , we always make time to chat with the staff. We tip consistently and accordingly and it is very well received. We find the staff at this resort to be exemplary. The lunch Buffay at Las Brisas is truly spectacular. You come ask the chefs to make anything that you like Please, PM me for any questions.

I love the idea of a suite, and this hotel has the best suites with real doors to close off the bedroom so one person can sleep while the other watches TV. There is s mini kitchenette with a small fridge, a sink, and a microwave and coffee maker that makes hot water, too. There was a nice walk in shower in a big bathroom. Housekeeping is hit or miss as it is in all hotels around the country. You have to ask! Breakfast was a treat at the omelet station on the first floor. Now, we'll be looking for Embassy suites whenever we travel.

So far everything is okay, nice pool area, gym also OK. TV and WiFi disastrous. TV Problematic with the internet, very annoying because the internet was way too slow, one night even a total failure. Watch out for extras. For example late check out until 3pm costs 25 US$ plus 18% tax plus 10% service charge, madness???? And, beware of the misleading booking. Because Garden View rooms are actually on the side of the street - so no garden. Only pool side rooms have garden etc. Restaurant prices very very high due to additional taxes and fees.

Just returned from our holiday at Catalonia, our second stay here at the same resort, and it was so nice to be remembered by the staff here . We had a great time and loved being privileged guests. The room was lovely with no issues . Bad points were mainly reception whilst I understand there are a lot of guests coming and going it was certainly a very slow process to check in and out or even have any queries answered seem to take forever. Food was nice in the alacarte restaurants and the air con was a welcome relief from the main buffet area which was un bearably hot and uncomfortable and very busy ( had to queue most evenings) buffet was OK average food with lots of choice ( the stir fry station was amazing though). The pool area is amazing. There is plenty of seating for everyone, although the area was very noisy at weekends when I believe the locals are aloud into the resort. Beach covers a very large area and is stunning and beautiful with plenty of sunbeds, we loved the juice bar ( go for the Caicu) and the Pure beach bar for a chill out area. But all the praise has to go to the staff at this resort especially the entertainment team who work tirelessly hard every day to make your stay enjoyable, big big shout outs to my guys Emmanuel and Alvani (King kong) two of the nicest guys your ever meet who go out of there way to make sure your having the best holiday thankyou so much , also like to thank pool bar staff Yohan and Felix beach bar Francesca and in the main lobby bar Jhonny and Hector who served us most nights all very friendly and hardworking . Im sure we will return again as Emmanuel says we are now familia. 😎