Barcelo Bavaro Palace - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

32393 reviews

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  Everything about this place is BAD except the beach is OK. Do not rely on them for big events.

  food was horrible and gross. its sad to see that much food be ruined by being cooked so poorly. all the ingredients and quality of the food is questionable. the service is horrible. you need to book your restaurant reservations all in advance. everything is always completely full. you need to book your complimentary water sport stuff all in advance. everything is completely full. dont expect any of the restaurant to ever get your order right, to ever bring the drink you asked for. even when they are so close to getting it right - it is wrong. check in took forever. they gave us a wrong room. also shower had hair / dirt in it. towel had blood. my brothers room AC was broken and they wouldnt move him. the worst part is that they nearly ruined the reason we came to this place- to celebrate a 70th birthday. we had a group of 28 people at this resort just for this event and for this party. we had our travel agent book the dinner reservation months in advance so we could be together, and we confirmed the reservation daily once we got to the resort once we realized how bad the service is. the only thing we expected was 1) be seated together to celebrate. they could not even do this. we get to the restaurant and it is closed. we move to the new location where we were ushered to, and they are not prepared for our reservation and say we cannot be seated together. literally the point of why we came here. and by the way- there are many ways they could have seated us together. after 1 hour of back and forth with all the management- i pushed them to seat us together in a side-room that was nearly empty. no idea why they didnt just do this to begin with and why it was so difficult. we asked for the common curtesy of closing off the room since there were a few tables around that did not need to be there. they absolutely refused (out of a pure ego / power trip) - there was MANY open tables in the rest of the restaurant. i checked multiple times to be sure, but half of the rest of the restaurant was empty. we were doing speeches and toasts and you could barely hear it over the sound of multiple crying babies and screaming young children that they sat all around our party. why would they do this? it is really not that hard to provide basic service and they had multiple other solutions and ways to help. even getting us together was a fight. DO NOT TRUST THEM FOR ANY BIG EVENTS OR ANY LOGISITCAL PLANNING NEEDS- THEY ARE INCAPABLE AND WILL NOT DO THEIR ALL TO HELP YOU

  Jan 15, 2026
• 

  Disappointed from Toronto

  Not advisable for people with walking disabilities. They dont accomodate room wise or go over and above to help make your stay easier even after several phone calls, promises with reservations and reception. I tried many times to be sure i had the right room for my needs and was willing to pay for upgrade or loose money if i had to down grade if it meant being closer to facilities. Bell boys went over and above to help me with my needs and transportation back and forth to my room etc. Train was not reliable. Reception never got back to me as promised next day to try and move us and i wasnt gonna waste another whole day waiting for help and answes as we had lost half a day and got no where. Beach does not have alot of shade and entering into the water has a slope so again, not great for people with knee,hip or any other issues. No services to bring you drinks or even a bar on the beach like many others. Have to go to the pool area to get a drink youself. Water was not clear and alot of weeds floating above water. Always rough waters in Punta Cana. La Romana way better for calmer and tranquility waters for sure. Food in buffet very repetitive, no special nights offered at buffet much. For that you much go to their alacarte restaurants if you can get in. They are really good. Best is the Japanese one for sure. Animation staff not as socialble and out going as ihave met in past. By time you go home you would know all their names if good and socialable staff. Not many fun outgoing activities by pool and beach area exept for the repetative ones. No pool arobics only beach. Need to hear Dominican music. Their culture mixed more in with a bit of 70,80's and others. But mostly their music is more vacation fun music. As a former Air Transat rep. i have stayed at less expensive and high ends resorts that offered more, couldnt do enough for you, and had their customers best interests at heart. Great resort for young kids for sure. But alot of walking, take wagons, strollers etc... even some shade covering. Bring alot of protection for sun and after sun as it will cost you a fortune to buy it there. The more you tip the better service you will receive with waiters, bar staff, maids etc... Just remember when you book to acknowledge the size of resort, pay for the exact room and block you really want and dont rely on your travel agent or their reservations until you get all you need to know togther first. Remember a request is ONLY a rerquest and never guarante

  Jan 15, 2026
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  Memorable Vacstion

  My wife and I had a fantastic time in Punta Cana, as usual, and this time at the Barceli Bavaro Palace. The restaurants sre truly amazing. Very good food. The service at the Ole Bar is equally amazing. A special mention to Cesar Guerrero who was an exemplary employee that was very attentive to vacationeers, polite and professional. That being said, he is also a people person, smiling and easy to talk to. We will be back!

  Jan 14, 2026
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  Highly recommend

  Kind staff, amazing drinks, yummy food, beautiful buildings and rooms, amazing shows every night, highly recommend. Faviola entertainment Madonna!

  Jan 14, 2026
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  Barcelo Bavaro Palace Jan 4/26 - Jan 11/26

  Hotel grounds and pools are beautiful but the hotel and rooms are dated and need to be upgraded. There are lots of daytime activities and the shows at night were OK. Restaurant service was good, food was very good at the specialty restaurants and average at the buffets. The beach was washed out from the hurricane in October and they managed to keep ahead of the seaweed washing up every day. Generally the vacation was OK but I would not come back.

  Jan 13, 2026