Went the week of April 13th.

At airport, if you don't want to start out tipping, don't let the guys take your luggage. They are very forward like it is what they are supposed to do, but they expect a tip.

We must be closest resort to the airport, so it is only approx 15 minutes and you are first to get dropped off.

Royal Side

We were very impressed with the hotel itself. It feels small and personal, with your own pool, spa, beach, restaurant, bar, free internet, etc.. Beautiful property and especially pool and you forget you are attached to a much larger resort. Even the common washrooms are way nicer than you would expect!

Because of the size you quickly become familiar with many staff, as well as other tourists and if you are not shy you will make friends from all over. Many french and spanish tourists, as well as some german and an even mix of canadian and american.

Rooms were outstanding, from extra large shower, tub and bed, to ceiling fan , flat screen, air conditioning, sitting area. Rooms were in 4 villas (36 rooms each). These run parallel to the main resort villas in the direction of the beach which is about a 5 minute stroll down one of several walkways. We got to see a room at the main resort.These were similar with slighly older decor and smaller showers. We heard hot water was in small supply at main resort (not a problem here).

Staff were all very friendly and helpful. Some key staff were better at english than others, and you will quickly realize how detailed a conversation you can have. Notable staff were Basilio at main bar, Carlos at pool bar, front desk staff, Alexandra for booking and the manager (Jorges, I think). Brought some pre-translated questions like "could you leave extra water?", or "could you leave extra beer?" for the maids. That works great. Left $3 a day on the bed and some Mary Kay samplers. Tipped bar and restaraunt staff periodically to build rapport (worked great).

Smiles work with all the staff (saw some people who appeared unnecessarily cranky or rude.) You get what you give! Said "Hola" to just about everyone you pass and they say it back.

Spent most of our time at the pool with only a few trips to the beach. Beaches and water are outstanding. Getting chairs / umbrellas at either pool or beach was never a problem (I went down to pool at 8 each morning and threw towels on chairs, but you could still get them through day).

I did snorkel at the royal beach ($20 deposit on gear). You have to go way out to get to reefs, but that is where you will see lots of tropical fish (I even saw a large turtle there). It stays quite shallow most of the way out.

We did not see any flies, although there were some hornets at the beach (did not come near you) and my wife seemed to get sand flea bites on her ankles.

Ate one supper and some breakfasts and lunches at the Royal restaurant. You can eat inside, under the overhang outside, or under a large thatch roof area beside the pool. Some of the food here and at the main resort does not have a lot of flavour, but you will still find plenty of good stuff anyway (omeletes, scrambled eggs, squeezed OJ and coffee, BBQ chicken, pork, hamburgers, my wife abosolutely loved the salmon). There was a BBQ on Sunday which was quite good (except steak was like rubber!).

Drinks are all brands, not just domestic, although beer appears local

Pool is gorgeous, and the best thing, is even though the main resort, pool and beach are beautiful, you can always return for a little peace and quiet here.. Also, for north americans, you will notice a lot of topless sunbathing which is common in Europe (north americans sometimes joined in after a few hours at the pool bar!). You get used to it.

Pools and beach at both resorts close early (by 6) Lobby bar closes at 12.

We did not go on any excursions although many other tourists decribed some really good ones they took. We did walk off the resort to the right of the beach to a "strip mall" of huts. (another single vendor to the left of the main beach also). Each booth was selling the exact same merchandise, so they are rather forward at trying to get you to come in to their individual shop. Don't pay quoted prices. You can get anything at probably 60 - 70% less than their first offer. They will also entice you with free necklaces (we got 4). We got a painting for $22 that started at $65.

Don't buy wood products (or at least look for and evidence of termite holes). We had Canada customs confiscate a bongo drum we bought (the lady behind us got hers through, but she had bought it at the duty free at the airport and it must have appeared termite free). If you buy oil paintings (there are many), the shopkeeper with remove the wood frame for you.

Main Resort

Spectacular property. Connected by nice walkways and only minutes to walk to. Beautiful grounds, fountains, statues, facilities. Lots of marble. Staff good, but not as personal as Royal.

Pool is very large and busy. Lots of families with kids (appears to be a common European thing to bring kids). Snack bar at pool is good for thin crust pizza and nachos. There is a large buffet between pool and beach in addition to the huge buffet at the front of the resort. Tons of activities like archery, painting, dance lessons, etc. going on all the time. .

We ate at the main buffet several times (tons and tons of choices), and booked dinners at the Mexican, the Steakhouse, Japanese and the Thalhassa (that is the one at the Royal). You have to book 24 hours ahead for dinners (not needed for buffets, or breakfast / lunch at Thalhassa). You can book all at the royal through Alexandra (beside front desk). The Japanese was excellent for us, followed by the Mexican (couldn't finish fajitas after getting appetizers) and the steakhouse (good flavour, but small portions, especially appetizers). Didn't get to the french.

Blew $20 in the small casino. There is a disco (opens at 11) and a large stage and outdoor entertainment area with nightly shows. There is also a strip mall of stores that were nice to browse, a "crepe" restaurant ,medical centre, and gym in the same area.

Monday night is a large beach BBQ. Great atmosphere with flood lights in trees, hundreds of tables with white linen set up, live band, dance area and huge BBQ and buffet lined with palm branch paths and archways. Every thing from baby pigs (not appealing to see them), to ribs, steak, hambuger, sausage, hot dogs, chicken, fish, etc..

Loved the place and would not hesitate to return!

Date: April 10 - 17, 2008

Review is a little lenghty

We just returned from the most amazing vacation at the Royal Catalonia Bavaro. Flight from Moncton NB to Punta Cana was fabulous without a hitch, going through the airport in Punta Cana went very smoothly. Bus ride from Airport only took 20 min at most. Once at the hotel bellhop gathered our luggage at Reception they greeted us with champaigne, we were travelling with another couple and requested ahead of time to have a pool facing room with rooms in same villa and floor which was accomodated for us, reception service was smooth and very friendly, once in our room checked everything over they were so clean and sheets were very fresh not sure where other people saw bugs or cockroaches did not even see a mosquitoes, maids cleaned rooms twice a day with lots of fresh flowers and fresh towels no shortage, lots of hot water only thing water pressure wasn't the best but that did not bother us at all. JUpon arrival in our rooms we received a chocolate scupture of a palm tree with shaved white and dark chocolates with triffles. Also all of our Al-a-carts were already made for us which was a bonus. Food at the Thalassa was ok I would say about at 3 out of 5 the breakfasst was the best we loved the Momosa girl, did not have to much of a problem with communication much of their front end staff spoke english to some extent.

We ate at the American Steakhouse , Mexican, Parrisean (french Resaurant) which were all very good, they mixed up our reservation for the Asian but that did not bother us at all we just ate at the grand buffet that night, During the day we ate at the Pizzaria which also served nachos, roast chicken, french fries, hot dogs on the Catalonia side very, very yummy.

Now onto the beach, we are ealy risers so we always went for a walk around 6:45 and 7 am there were plenty of Plapas( spelling?) to choose from, it gets so hot during the afternoon it is nice to get some shade, one afternoon I counted 15 beach chairs vacant so no problem to find them on the beach. Beach bar is very close on the royal side we also had butler service a few days on the beach. Sand was nice and white, others spoke about lots of seeweed on the beach but really there was hardly to speak of when we were there, they cleaned the beach at least twice a day to pick the seaweed up. Water was very warm easy to just jump right in.

Each night after supper we walked around the Catalonia side and looked at all the shops and took in 1 night show which was Grease, it was good, if you are looking for a Vegas style show I suggest you go to Vegas, they really did a very good job intertaining, We also went to the Casino but did not make it to the Disco so cannot comment on that.

The ground of this resort are just gorgeous, lots of birds and turtles and fish, the grounds are lush with plants and vegetation, the ground keepers are doing a super job.

Excursions: Did the Quad 1/2 day in the am was fun to get off the resort for a few hours, not sure if I would recommend this to any one.
Saona Island was the highlight of our vacation seeing the country side of this country and how people live was truly an eyeopener. once we arrive to Saona by speed boat they had a large buffet which has something for everyone and lots of rum, after about 2 hours on this beautiful Island they board you on a catermeran and then the party starts more rum and cokes (lol) just amazing I would recommend this excursion to anyone,

To end this review I would say the workers at this resort really do go out of their way to help you, just remember you are not in your own country so things will not be the same, go with an open mind and don't sweat the small stuff and you will have the most amazing vacation

After much debate as to where to stay and when we settled on the Catalonia Royal from April 6 - 13 2008. Simply put, it exceeded our expectations.

AIRPORT/ARRIVAL
The airport? The bus ride? Check-in? Who really cares? We got there on the scheduled day with the beautiful sun and ocean breeze greeting our chapped, dry, winter beaten skin.

ROOMS
If you like modern style then these rooms on the Royal Side will not disappoint. Very spacious, very clean and a joy to chill in after a long day lounging on the beach. The tub is perfect for two and the four-post king size bed is perfectly positioned under the ceiling fan and in front of the flat screen TV. Jerry Seinfeld said it best..."Xanadu."

FOOD
The choices are endless from the extensive buffets to the several ala carte restaurants. The Royal guests have access to the Thalassa restaurant which is where we had breakfast and lunch most every day. The food and service are amazing! The buffets have a large variety and should satisfy whatever you are looking for. Definitely book the French, Japanese and the Thalassa for dinner. We were not too impressed by the Mexican, but try it if you have the opportunity.

BEACH/POOLS
It is Punta Cana... one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. White sandy beaches with aqua water as far as the eye can see. The sand is like baby powder and the mature palm trees provide plenty of shade. The pools are beautiful but we didn't use them because we prefer salt to chlorine. Though both beaches and pools are great, the Royal side is a much quieter alternative if that is what you are looking for.

SERVICE/STAFF
The staff went out of their way to make sure we had a great vacation. These folks work extremely hard every day, but are always ready with a smile and a pleasant "hola". We had a few minor issues that were quickly resolved and the staff deserve every tip they receive. Yes, not everyone speaks great English but guess what...you are in the Dominican Republic. Learn a few basics and it will take you a long way. We have to give special thanks to Raphael, Juan, Ramon, Luisa, Juan, Geneovera, Maria, Kenya and Andres for making the Thalassa what it is. Also major props to the Animacion Team for keeping everyone active and laughing.

This is our third trip to the DR and we are definitely going to return to this particular resort again in the future. Our only regret is that we booked for just one week and not two.

Our reaction to the Royal Catalonia has to be placed in the context of our last two resorts in Punta Cana. They were both impressive, featuring lots of marble, grand staircases, and swimming pool/lagoons that meandered through landscaped grounds. In short, they were gorgeous.
The Catalonia. by contrast, is pleasantly old fashioned. Its main buildings are plain. The buffet is open to the air (and birds) on three sides instead of being sealed and air conditioned. The center of the resort is a park extending from the lobby/buffet to the pool/beach. It is dominated by mature tropical trees, bushes and flowers, complete with explanatory labels. There is even a bandstand. I loved its traditional calm ambience. It's so unslick, so unglitzy.
But we didn't have to actually live there. Accommodations in the Catalonia were a bit dated and shabby, and the public areas, often noisy.
In the Royal Catalonia, by contrast, the rooms are modern. Floral/geometric print fabrics have been updated to cool beige and hotel "art" by mirrors. And so the already large room appears even larger and airier. The furniture is light, stylish and functional. Even the TV is flat screen.
The front desk people were professional and cooperative. A similar "esprit de corps" was evident with waiters, maids, groundskeepers and security. Even the recreation equipment, e.g. boats, gym, was shipshape. I am at a loss to explain this work force professionalism. We saw little of such discipline at other resorts. And, of course, the "royal" private beach and pool area were quiet and uncrowded.
There is one problem. You want the Royal Catalonia, not the plain, ordinary Catalonia. And because they have a reputation for overbooking, there is a real possibility that you could be dumped into the shabby poor relation. It happened to us! And to all the others who came in the same night.. Although we were moved after one day and received apologies and freebies, we wasted much of our first day running back and forth and repacking and lugging luggage.
You have been warned!