Any First-hand Experience at this D.R. Resort?

[ronandannette]

This is a long-shot but have any DIS'ers been to the Catalonia Bavaro Beach Golf Resort in Punta Cana? I should "never say never" because we swore we would not ever return to an AI, after hating the one and only one we went to. Here we are now though looking to book an easy trip in April. I find Tripadvisor very unwieldy as a resource and would love somebody to answer some specific questions. TIA

 

[Jennasis]

DH and I have stayed there. What would you like to know? Spoiler alert: we wouldn't go back there again.

 

[ronandannette]

DH and I have stayed there. What would you like to know? Spoiler alert: we wouldn't go back there again.

Well, let's start with than then, shall we? What didn't you like? Is it just because you know of other places that are better or was there actual things wrong? I've got very little to compare to - the one AI we went to was in Mexico (Palladium Royal Suites just north of Tulum). It was apparently a very good place and our package was top-tier but it was truly the worst vacation I've ever had. The only reason we're even considering this one now is because we reallllly need something that's easy and relaxing, which a cruise is typically not for us. DH likes the idea of the golf being included. I'd appreciate absolutely anything you can tell me.

 

[Action City]

Well, let's start with than then, shall we? What didn't you like? Is it just because you know of other places that are better or was there actual things wrong? I've got very little to compare to - the one AI we went to was in Mexico (Palladium Royal Suites just north of Tulum). It was apparently a very good place and our package was top-tier but it was truly the worst vacation I've ever had. The only reason we're even considering this one now is because we reallllly need something that's easy and relaxing, which a cruise is typically not for us. DH likes the idea of the golf being included. I'd appreciate absolutely anything you can tell me.

Since you're close to the West Coast, why not Hawaii?

 

[ronandannette]

Since you're close to the West Coast, why not Hawaii?

Given the woeful state of the Canadian dollar, Hawaii is an extremely expensive trip right now. We've also already been and there was so much to do and see we definitely didn't find it relaxing in any way. I don't think we even bothered to adapt to the time change - we just got up every day at what was about 4:30 am Honolulu time and headed out.

 

[mnrose]

https://www.oyster.com/dominican-republic/hotels/catalonia-bavaro-beach-casino-and-golf-resort/


Oyster is my new go to site for checking our real photos of any property I'm considering, along with a decent description of what you can expect. Based on the ones I've read where I actually experienced the resort first hand, I give them props for accuracy. The one that immediately caught my eye for the property you are considering was "spring break friendly." Uh, no. Just no. YMMV (and perhaps you'd be well after that crowd?).

Also, at least per the Oyster site, there is an additional fee for golf. For any all-inclusive, the fine print is very important.

 

[ronandannette]

https://www.oyster.com/dominican-republic/hotels/catalonia-bavaro-beach-casino-and-golf-resort/


Oyster is my new go to site for checking our real photos of any property I'm considering, along with a decent description of what you can expect. Based on the ones I've read where I actually experienced the resort first hand, I give them props for accuracy. The one that immediately caught my eye for the property you are considering was "spring break friendly." Uh, no. Just no. YMMV (and perhaps you'd be well after that crowd?).

Also, at least per the Oyster site, there is an additional fee for golf. For any all-inclusive, the fine print is very important.

We're looking at a package through a Canadian tour operator that includes charter flights, transfers, upgraded room category, 2 free excursions and one round of golf per day as well as a few other minor perks. The price for an April 6 departure is $1,500/pp CAD, which is more economical than our normal preferred vacation, which is a cruise. Airfare and US exchange is killing us right now.

 

[phorsenuf]

We own DVC but when I had cancer we were unable to use all our points (couldn't bank them) so we deposited them into RCI. We ended up using them at Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana. We stayed in the adults only section, although every part of the resort we could use, and absolutely loved it. It's a beautiful resort, the restaurants were really good and the staff was wonderful. We would go back there again.

 

[J'aime Paris]

We are heading to Punta Cana for the first time in a couple of weeks.
We're staying at the Royallton Bavaro Resort
It opened December 2017. I picked it because everything is brand new. The reviews have been mostly positive, with the negatives being mostly service related. They are still working the kinks out I'm sure.

 

[ronandannette]

We own DVC but when I had cancer we were unable to use all our points (couldn't bank them) so we deposited them into RCI. We ended up using them at Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana. We stayed in the adults only section, although every part of the resort we could use, and absolutely loved it. It's a beautiful resort, the restaurants were really good and the staff was wonderful. We would go back there again.

I looked at that one but we're really only interested in the Catalonia due to the good price and package inclusions. It will be that or not going to DR at all. Thanks anyway.

 

[AndreaDM]

I haven't stayed there, but have stayed at the Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana, and LOVED it!

 

[Jennasis]

The food was absolutely abyssmal. Really just a joke.

 

[ronandannette]

The food was absolutely abyssmal. Really just a joke.

Was that the buffet or at the ala cartes too? Did you ever try room service? Were the facilities as advertised? Was the service OK? What kind, if any, evening shows do they put on? Do you remember if any of the tv channels had English programming? Do you know how easy it is to access independent excursions (not booked through the hotel)? No quiet pool from what I understand, but do you know if they had floating mats and a outdoor hot tub? TIA.

 

[Jennasis]

Was that the buffet or at the ala cartes too? Did you ever try room service? Were the facilities as advertised? Was the service OK? What kind, if any, evening shows do they put on? Do you remember if any of the tv channels had English programming? Do you know how easy it is to access independent excursions (not booked through the hotel)? No quiet pool from what I understand, but do you know if they had floating mats and a outdoor hot tub? TIA.

The breakfast buffet was ok so we tended to load up there knowing the rest of the day was going to be a challenge (can't screw up toast). The ala carte restaurants were just awful. The quality of the food was terrible...the flavors were just wrong. Even down to the condiments...the ketchup tasted off. The hamburger meat tasted horrible (we started wondering if it was beef or "other")

We did not have room service.

The facilities were fine. The beach was nice. The pool was nice. There were pool activities daily that were organized by the resort. However they only gave instructions in Spanish (whomever the MC or activity director was). There was an outdoor hot tub. No floating mats.

There were stray dogs wandering around freely through the resort grounds (people were feeding them from the buffet). The resort is open air and the common areas have no air conditioning (thought the weather was pleasant enough not to be a big deal).

I know there was some English programming on the tv since we spent an afternoon watching a movie. I think it was Die Hard.

We went on 2 excursions which were easy to book but in hindsight maybe a bit sketchy? One was a horseback ride on the beach. We had to walk down the beach OFF PROPERTY to get to the spot the ride started from. Leaving the resort grounds without an armed guard is not a great idea. We were met by a guy with 4 of the raggediest looking nags ever. These horses were drenched in sweat and so skinny. They took us down the beach where the horses all burst in a flat out gallop for about 2 miles straight with the other couple with us screaming bloody murder. When the horses finally stopped, the guide was laughing "Es bueno eh?" It was then that I realized we were in the middle of nowhere all alone and that's when they made us stop at a shack where they tried selling us stuff. It was clear we had to buy. So we wound up with some trinkets.

The other excursion we DID have an armed guard for. They picked us up (a group of 20) in a big "monster truck" where they took us on a tour of the country side (including a stop at a rooster fighting arena). They took us to go tubing on a river and a BBQ. When we stopped anytime with the truck to go tour around, we were set upon by a bunch of local kids begging us for money.

On the plus side, we scuba dived daily (I actually completed my scuba certification here) and it was lovely.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Wow, I am wondering why your visit to the Palladium was so bad??? Especially since you did the Royal Suites???

Anyhow, I do not know much about D.R., This destination would not be on my bucket list.
But, I wonder if there are any resort developments there that are not the Spanish/Mexican operated resorts. Which I believe the Catalonia would be.

The resort, and the brand/company I think could make a big difference.
This would def.
This would def. be a factor for me if I were planning a trip back to Mexico.

We have stayed at Secrets, Royal Resorts, and would consider Palace resorts, for this reason.

 

[ronandannette]

The breakfast buffet was ok so we tended to load up there knowing the rest of the day was going to be a challenge (can't screw up toast). The ala carte restaurants were just awful. The quality of the food was terrible...the flavors were just wrong. Even down to the condiments...the ketchup tasted off. The hamburger meat tasted horrible (we started wondering if it was beef or "other")

We did not have room service.

The facilities were fine. The beach was nice. The pool was nice. There were pool activities daily that were organized by the resort. However they only gave instructions in Spanish (whomever the MC or activity director was). There was an outdoor hot tub. No floating mats.

There were stray dogs wandering around freely through the resort grounds (people were feeding them from the buffet). The resort is open air and the common areas have no air conditioning (thought the weather was pleasant enough not to be a big deal).

I know there was some English programming on the tv since we spent an afternoon watching a movie. I think it was Die Hard.

We went on 2 excursions which were easy to book but in hindsight maybe a bit sketchy? One was a horseback ride on the beach. We had to walk down the beach OFF PROPERTY to get to the spot the ride started from. Leaving the resort grounds without an armed guard is not a great idea. We were met by a guy with 4 of the raggediest looking nags ever. These horses were drenched in sweat and so skinny. They took us down the beach where the horses all burst in a flat out gallop for about 2 miles straight with the other couple with us screaming bloody murder. When the horses finally stopped, the guide was laughing "Es bueno eh?" It was then that I realized we were in the middle of nowhere all alone and that's when they made us stop at a shack where they tried selling us stuff. It was clear we had to buy. So we wound up with some trinkets.

The other excursion we DID have an armed guard for. They picked us up (a group of 20) in a big "monster truck" where they took us on a tour of the country side (including a stop at a rooster fighting arena). They took us to go tubing on a river and a BBQ. When we stopped anytime with the truck to go tour around, we were set upon by a bunch of local kids begging us for money.

On the plus side, we scuba dived daily (I actually completed my scuba certification here) and it was lovely.

Thanks very much. When abouts was this? The food issues we could likely deal with. "Good" is better, but we've withstood a lot of lousy cruise ship buffets and plenty of the food at the Palladium in Cancun was gross.

We've been to many Caribbean islands on cruises and have never perceived any of them to be dangerous including Jamaica. Maybe our radar for that is a little different. I'd regret not being able to leave the compound; in fact I was thinking of going on excursions on my own while DH golfs. We're not "lay on the beach" people AT ALL and we don't drink much.

 

[AnnaFloridaLover]

Thanks very much. When abouts was this? The food issues we could likely deal with. "Good" is better, but we've withstood a lot of lousy cruise ship buffets and plenty of the food at the Palladium in Cancun was gross.

We've been to many Caribbean islands on cruises and have never perceived any of them to be dangerous including Jamaica. Maybe our radar for that is a little different. I'd regret not being able to leave the compound; in fact I was thinking of going on excursions on my own while DH golfs. We're not "lay on the beach" people AT ALL and we don't drink much.

If I were you I would heed Jennasis's warning about DR. I haven't been but have many friends that have. Locals are extremely poor which makes you, travelling outside the resort, a target. I have a friend who was involved in a car accident a few years ago. She was riding in a taxi at the time to some excursion off the resort. The hospital they took her to was horrible, no windows in the place. The cab driver was more severely hurt and they both waited 9 hours to be seen. It was a nightmare. If you do travel there you should not leave the resort, IMO.

Jamaica is very dangerous in certain places especially off resort. I wouldn't go back. Once was more than enough. https://globalnews.ca/news/3975072/canadians-advised-not-to-travel-jamaica/

 

[AnnaFloridaLover]

Given the woeful state of the Canadian dollar, Hawaii is an extremely expensive trip right now. We've also already been and there was so much to do and see we definitely didn't find it relaxing in any way. I don't think we even bothered to adapt to the time change - we just got up every day at what was about 4:30 am Honolulu time and headed out.

You picked the wrong Island. Go to Maui. Much more "Hawaiian". Expedia has Kaanapali Beach Hotel in April for $3200 Canadian for flight and hotel for a week for two, April 9th out of Edmonton (I think that's where you are?). I'd take that any trip any day over any Caribbean Island. Much different vibe that Honolulu.

 

[Action City]

@ronandannette If you're Costco members, check into their travel packages to Hawaii. They include resort, flight and rental car...at least the US packages do. They are a great deal.

 

[AnnaFloridaLover]

@ronandannette If you're Costco members, check into their travel packages to Hawaii. They include resort, flight and rental car...at least the US packages do. They are a great deal.

I always forget about Costco. I just checked Costco and for $3400 CAD you can get a week with flight, hotel car rental and breakfast, for two, included in April.