We went April 15-22. Last minute deal, so we got a bargain. Overall it was fine-- especially for the price. Just to clarify the word "premium"-- We got a package through Air Transat-- which included a premium room and a separate check-in desk. This means that you get a bottle of rum, a plate of fruit, and robes in your room. This is different from Club Premium, which are the suites with the private pool area and eating area and internet (1 PC)-- although if you have something that is wifi capable, you could catch the signal by sitting on a lounge chair around the pool right outside Club Premium.

Check in was a little confusing. There's the front desk, but we were told to go around the corner. This was where we got our bracelets, and our room assignments-- but then we had to go back to the front desk to officially check in. Our plane got in around 11:30am, but we were able to go to our room right away... We were in building 12 room 102. Right near the beach... Loud thumping music from the other complex I think, but it mostly stopped around 11pm. Ear plugs are great!!

Free pop and beer and water in mini-fridge. Just watch where you put finished pop bottles-- make sure you rinse them out-- otherwise you'll end up with a bottle full of ants. I'm NOT a bug person, but they didn't bother me... They basically went through the room to get to the other side. No mosquitoes or other insects... We got a little bag of chips and a chocolate bar :-) when we left $1-$2 for housekeeping.

Room was fine. We got 2 3/4 beds. We were on the bottom floor, but didn't hear anyone above us-- even with ceramic tiles. Clean and neat... a bit dated, but fine since we didn't spend too much time there... TV-- had plenty of English channels... Always had hot water, OK pressure. Showered 8-9am and sometimes 6-8pm-- always had hot water. Housekeeping, turn-down service and towel exchange in the evening were all different people... Power went out a couple of times... Mostly at night... Would come back on in under 1 minute. We charged our ipods during the night to avoid interruption-- like when we got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. $15 for the safe. They give you a key, and security "activates" it. You put in your own code.

Food was fine... along the lines of the Mandarin with different theme nights... I'm fairly picky and always had something to eat. Pasta bar is great-- as is the omelette bar. Went to ala carte-- Brazilian (lots of meat), Italian-yummy, and Mexican- I should have picked something else. (My husband liked his entree). Pizza place was great too.

We didn't go to the pool at all-- except at night to sit on the loungers to catch the wifi. The beach is nice. Loungers under the umbrellas were usually taken (near the pool as well) but there's plenty of shade from trees and lots of loungers available at the beach. My husband did some snorkeling-- when you go to the beach, head left... There's a coral patch that's pretty big, but go even further and it's much nicer... Of course he found the nicer one on the last day. A quick shake of the head or no thank you to beach vendors and they're on their way.

Bring a big bottle/ travel mug type thing... Otherwise you're up and down to the bar a lot. (our first AI vacation-- we have learned ;-P)

Staff were great-- really friendly. Security everywhere, especially at the entrance to the beach. On our first night, there were some rowdy guests who had too much to drink... screaming at 2-3am... There was a security guard near the entrance of our building the following night. No more screaming people.

Overall it was fine... 3.5

We (13 of us) stayed at the Barcelo Mar. 19-26 and had a great time! The food was great---buffet always had something for everyone, even the pickiest eater, gotta try the spaghetti! The a la cartes we great. The rooms were clean. Not one of us had any problems in the 6 rooms we had. We stayed in buildings 11 and 12, in my opinion the best buildings to stay in. I was there 9 years ago for my honeymoon and it was just as good as I remember!! Clean grounds, restaurants and buildings, friendly people and the security guards were always around the entrance to the beach to check arm bands. We were not harrassed on the beach--the vendors made it interesting--a friendly "no gracias" and they moved on to the next bunch of people. The trip to Paradise Island was fun. The snorkelling was amazing The trip back was a little long, but you get to see some of the country side.
I would definately go back~~tomorrow if I could!

Well it was with some concern that we headed out on this vacation, my husband and I, after reading so many negative comments about this resort. I am glad to report that it was a great week, well beyond my expectations. The resort is so well laid out, clean, the food is phenomenal (different themes every night at the buffet), activities staff worked so hard to keep us entertained and amused with their antics. Our room wasn't what we had asked for, we wanted a main floor room facing the pool, king size bed. What we got was a second floor, rear facing, 2 3/4 beds. Whatever, it was fine. We just pushed the beds together and enjoyed the quiet of the treed area beyond our balcony! We were hardly there, so no matter. It was a good room otherwise, the room was made up nicely each day, the floors washed, the bar and snacks re-stocked, lots of hot water and water pressure. We met some great new people to chat (and share a "beverage") with, and had a nice relaxing, kick-your-shoes-off vacation, just what we needed to recharge. We are already planning a return visit next year with our kids.

We were so glad we remembered our floatie for the pool and the thermal mugs for our drinks. Ahhhh! We just wish we didn't have to play the pool chair game at 5am, but sitting in full sun all week wasn't an option for a fair skinned redhead like me!

Thanks Barcelo, and Tito, Victor, and everyone else for a great week. Really, what a bargain for the $ we paid!

There was 8 in our group going to the Barcelo. First time here for all of us. We flew Transat Air out of Halifax early Wed morning. The flight they tell me was good..haha..(I don't like to fly) and staff at the DR airport great. We arrived at the resort by 10:30 am but check in was not until 3:00.

My boyfriend and I had a ground floor room in the middle of everything. Building 10 Room 101 is a great room. For early morning arrivals pack gear for the pool so you can go swimming while waiting.

The food was awesome no complaints here. We ate at 3 a la cartes..with the Mexican being our favourite. "The buffett always had something we liked.

The beach massage is wonderful...$50US for one hour. The tour "Outback Safari" which you can book in the lobby is by far the highlight of our trip, Our guide Kenny and driver Watchie...took very good care of us. Make sure you ask him for a rum and coke Dominican style. If you go on the tour you will see Dominican life as it is. Tour through the country side..visit a home and school..swim in a warm river, have lunch and go on a river boat ride...boogie boarding in the ocean!

We hung out alot at the main pool...,very nice and clean. The pool bar could use another bartender at times..but Lenny our favorite bartender kept them coming...tips help! The staff is very friendly. The nightly shows are amazing! Lots of dancing and singing.,..believe it or not..they had a karokee nite and I sang a song...what a time!

There is security at the beach entrance checking for your arm bands and keeping others out. The beach disco is fun...with open concept so you get some fresh air and the music is upbeat with lots of sexy dancing.

There are some shops located on the resort and if you walk through the back entrance across the street there is a mall. Lots of nick nacs to take home. A 15 min horse and buggie ride or 1/2 hour walk along the beach will take you to the Flea Orange Market. Over 45 vendors there selling local goods. Some deals but mostly you have to bargain with them.

In all we had a blast..met some new friends and would definately go back again!