We were in Punta Cana from Feb 20th to the 27th. When we landed the Apple rep was very helpful and got us and our luggage to the bus rather quickly. Once we got to the hotel we checked in and our daughter in law immediately made our 3 restaurant reservations for the steak house, Japanese and Mediterranean. We also tried the Cajun which I liked the best. Yes the buffet had some interesting food however; for the most part the food was good and plenty of it. I ordered a bandy old fashion which I explained in full detailed and received a fluorescent blue drink.
The beach was beautiful, so was the weather. My husband and I highly recommend the Outback Safari tour. It really gives you a better picture on how the real Dominican people live. Yes there are topless women at the beach but this lends to the fact of the many cultures vacationing at the hotel. We met many wonderful people and participated in the daily challenges, arm wrestling, and beer drinking and daily bingo. My Son won both of the above.
The grounds were beautiful and the rooms were clean to even my satisfaction however, we are still trying to get the musty smell out of our clothes. I love being tan and having such great warm weather so early in the season. Would we go back? YES…..If you go please say hello to J.P (one of the staff) from Maddie… I will be downloading pictures soon….

Well this was our 2nd visit to the Iberostar Bavaro and yet again it lived up to its well earned high review rating. Indeed many people we spoke with confirmed they were repeat bookers which speak volumes in itself.

The beach is beautiful, lined with palm trees and cleaned daily.
Plenty of sunbeds available with a beach bar playing music and serving drinks and snacks (fries, hotdogs, toasties). A great place to mingle with other tourists over a cold drink.

Rooms as classed as suites, there is plenty of room for 2 people. Bath & shower. Iron & Ironing board. Hairdryer. TV is mainly US/local - no BBC worldservice although live UK football games are broadcast on ESPN.

The staff are a credit to the Dominican Republic, friendly and always saying 'Hola' right through from the Gardeners to the Managers.

Food is varied with all tastes catered for. The speciality restaurants are very good (our favourite was La Dorada (Mediterranean seafood) & LaBallena (gourmet). Long trousers are mandatory for gents apart from the steakhouse. Reservation can be made at guest services in advance.

Check out the Sunday & Wednesday pool restaurant party starting at 12.30pm - live music, singing & dancing for 1 hour. Lively & entertaining.

The evening shows have improved with a 14 day rotating programme in place. Our favourite was the Latin night. The evening runs 8.30pm to 9.30pm - children/dancing to the live band. 9.30pm to 11.00pm Showtime. 11pm - 11.45pm dancing. You can watch at tables with waitress service or take a seat at the bar. Premium brand drinks with good quality Cava which is very popular. Cocktail menu also.

There is a gym (open 7.30am to 7.30pm) along with 4 hot tubs seating 4 which are bookable in 30 minute slots (9am to 7pm) located next to the Dominicana hotel on Carribean Street which also has some tourist shops and a hairdressers.

There is a casino at the Dominicana - either walk around or ask reception to call you a taxi (golf cart).

Guest of Iberostar Bavaro may use all facilities at the adjacent Dominicana hotel however Dominicana cannot use Bavaro as the latter is classed as 5 star.

Tipping is not mandatory although we did find at the evening bar (El Cayuco) the bartenders favoured those who tipped. that said once we brought this observation to the Bar Manager we had no problems whatsoever. Do tip when you wish to show your appreciation be it the maid, bartender, waitress and not forgetting the gardeners and cleaners who keep the resort very very clean.

There is presently a new hotel being built next door however we knew of nobody who was disturbed by this (they are building Iberostar Grand Paradiso which is designed for couples and due to open in November 2008).

In conclusion would highly recommend this hotel and resort and by way of endorsement will no doubt be back again in 2009! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

We just returned yesterday from a fantastic vacation!! The entire trip was enjoyable. The staff at the Iberostar were very friendly and catered to your every need! The weather was great. It rained early one morning , but cleared up by 10:00. We stayed four nights and made reservations out three nights. Friday night they have lobster at the buffet so we decided to eat there. The food was exceptional each night. One night we went to the Cajun Resteraunt and I picked at my food because it was a little too spicey. The waitress came over and got me a special made meal, the best garlic shrimp, cooked perfectly. The beaches were beautiful and the grounds are very well maintained. The pools are nice too. We went to several shows which were entertaining. The service there was also good. We spent some of our nights at the casino, unfortanately we didn't win. We spent most of the time on the beach laying around, drinking rum drinks, going for long walks on the beach. There is a flea market type place down the one end of the beach where we bought souvineers. My husband on a fishing excursion and he caught a Mahi Mahi. We have been to several all inclusive resorts, we feel this was the best so far. We will be returning!!

we just returned from Iberostar Bavaroand and had a great time.
rooms are very large and hotel is immense. best restuarant in our opinion is the Gourmet.we didn't like the mediterranian at all.portions are small,but you don't leave hungary.the pool bar is in the shade,so didn't spend much time there.went on a Marinium tour,which is a party boat with snoerkling.well worth the money.there are coffee makers in all the rooms also. we stayed in room 2392. very close to the pool and several of the restuarants. very diffucult to communicate. Hardly anyone speaks english.Have been to mexico (Riveira Maya) twice and the service is much better there. waited sometimes 15 minutes for a drink!!! overall the hotel is nice,but would go back to Mexico but not Punta Cana.