I just returned from this the Barcelo Bavara Caribe (March 27th- April 3rd). Overall we had a good vacation. This was our first time to the Dominican but have travelled many other places in the world. Our room was the perfect location (6338) not far from the lobby, pool and beach. As all the other reviews say they are alittle out dated but honestly how much time do you spend in your room? Our balcony was great, big and quiet! The beach is beautiful with alittle sea weed by the shore. The food was good, better than I had expected. The only thing is that they don't change it up very much from day to day. The other hotels buffets are much similar so there is no sense going there. We ate at three a-la-cartes, the Italian- GOOD, the Mexican-BETTER and the Steakhouse-EXCELLENT! It is honestly faster to walk to most of the other resorts (Bavaro Beach, Golf and Casino) then to take the trollies. Its confusing at some places such as the pizzeria and at the food stop next to the disco because there are prices next to all the food items... these are still free for you! The first night we got there it was late and the disco was the only place to eat but we didn't bring money out with us so we starved until morning because we thought we had to pay. Lots of Europeans at this resort. I had read about that but didn't quite understand how many until we got there. I swear about only 20% of people spoke english and at the show one night there was only my boyfriend and I and one other couple from Canada! So if you enjoy speedo's and lots of toplessness this is the resort for you! Speaking of engligh, one big down fall is that the staff try and hardly any of them understand english to the extent you need them to. I would also recommend to bring your own mug or something because the cups they give you during the day are so small you need to refill many times and since there is no bar at the beach it will make your life easier! Also there are no face cloths in the room so bring your own. We did a few excursions. Every friday night they have a romantic lobster dinner on paradise island, beware you are not going on an island instead you are eating by the pool. We were disappointed with this but they did a wonderful job and the food and service was excellent. The cost was $35.00 per person but totally worth it. We also went parasailiing one day which we bought from a guy on the beach, that was $40.00 each for about 30 minutes. We chose to do the Reef Exploration tour, don't do it its a waste of money. We might have seen 30 fish and the there are 3 stingrays in a cage and 3 sharks in a cage. Not worth the $83.00 per person. One that we did and really enjoyed is the Bavaro Runners tour. It is all day and you really get to see the Dominican country side. As all the other reviews say, the locals are very pushy just don't make eye contact because if you do then they think that you are interested in what they are offering. All in all we had a great relaxing holiday and we would recommend this resort to others.

Just got back today had a great time despite all the bad reviews. First of all i must say this place is on the older side,but our room was always very clean. We did have a few problems with our room, like plugs but they were fixed right away. Staff was always very freindly and spoke English the best they could. But remember you are in their country you should speak their langage. You would expect that in you own country. The best meal was in the Steakhouse, the medallions are great. The beach was amazing, you could walk forever. Everything runs on Dominican time, not the fast lane that we live in. Do tip, if you watch the staff works day and night seven days a week, they may serve you breakfast in the morning, and be there pouring your drinks at night, and they dont make alot. I think i could go on and on but a will stop. We will be back before long. Oh yes dont waste your money on Manti Park, they dont have half the animals they say they do.

I stayed at this place for a week just to relax and get some sun. The rooms were clean, the food was ok, nothing exceptionally bad or good.

My husband and I just returned from a 5 day stay at Barcelo Bavaro Caribe. I have to admit we were quite skepitcal and worried from the reviews we had read, but it served us well because we must of gone in with low expectations. The truth is everything was great! It took us a while to figure out how to get to the hotel when we arrived at the airport, but we simply took a cab and paid $20 (The range is $20-30). When we got to Caribe we were not disappointed. The beach is breathtaking, and the pool is exceptionally clean. Although the rooms might need a little makeover, how much time do you really spend in the room with such beautiful beaches and landscaping just steps away? There were lots of water sports included in the all-inclusive package (kayaking, peddle boats, and sailing boats), and alternating shows between the 4 hotels to watch at night. The buffets and restaurants always accomodated lots of people with immaculate service, even though we went during spring break week. Our favorites were the Steak House and the lunch cafe at Barcelo Golf. Tipping was not an issue; if you gave it was appreciated, if you didn't there was hardly any negative vibe. Like someone suggested on Trip Advisor before, take $100 in singles and $5 bills and that should be more than enough for tipping for your entire duration. Checking in and checking out were a breeze, and we were allowed a late check-out because we had a late afternoon flight. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and look forward to going again next year!