Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

16374 reviews

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  Disappointing

  Our stay began at Catalonia Bávaro Resort Punta Cana, and unfortunately, the experience fell well below our expectations. The first room we were assigned overlooked one of the many construction sites across the resort. We had booked a Privileged Room at an additional cost, expecting better accommodation for what was meant to be a romantic holiday. Instead, there was no cold water in the bathroom taps, making showering a challenge. We had to constantly turn the water on and off to avoid being scalded. We requested a room change, but as the alternative offered was no better, we decided to upgrade to Catalonia Royal Bávaro. The transfer process was extremely complicated, forcing us to spend several hours of our holiday moving between reception desks. Customer satisfaction seemed to be a very low priority. The overall impression was that, once payment had been made, we were simply expected to put up with the conditions. At Catalonia Bávaro, we tried the Chinese and Japanese restaurants, the main buffet and the beach buffet. The food quality was disappointing. Furthermore, the buffet dining areas are outdoors and extremely uncomfortable in the heat. Most restaurants share this problem, making meals far from enjoyable in such high temperatures. Catalonia Royal Bávaro, the adults-only resort, was a significant improvement in many respects, but the accommodation problems continued. Our first room had no cold water, once again, and no air conditioning. It was also in a building undergoing construction. After requesting a room change, we were told the problem had been resolved. However, only on the second day, after two nights in the heat and considerable difficulty sleeping, were we moved to another room, as the issues had not actually been fixed. The third room finally had air conditioning and at least a trickle of cold water. However, the building was still under construction, and the dirt and debris we had to walk through to reach our room were completely unacceptable for the price we had paid for what was supposed to be a dream holiday in paradise. One positive aspect of Catalonia Royal Bávaro was the food. The restaurants were enclosed and air-conditioned, and the overall food quality was considerably better. This was one of the main reasons why the upgrade proved worthwhile. However, the restaurant reservations we had made at the first resort were all deleted during the transfer, without anyone informing us. We happened to check with reception before dinner and discovered the problem, allowing us to make new reservations. Had we not checked, we could have arrived at the restaurants only to be turned away because we had no bookings. The beach area at Catalonia Royal Bávaro was also much quieter, and the pool atmosphere was noticeably more pleasant. Unfortunately, the infinity pool was closed for construction, meaning we could enjoy neither the pool nor the view. Construction barriers were visible everywhere, further detracting from the holiday experience. Overall, we believe Catalonia Hotels may appeal to guests who have little experience with other five-star, all-inclusive resorts. However, having stayed at comparable properties, we found the standard of accommodation, maintenance, service and overall experience far below what we would expect at this price point. The better food and quieter atmosphere at Catalonia Royal Bávaro were positives, but they did not compensate for the repeated room issues, poor handling of complaints and extensive construction that affected our stay.

  Oct 22, 2026
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  Save your money and go elsewhere, privilege is a joke here !

  Our group of 20 people from Canada just returned from this resort and have to say it’s definitely not a place any of us would ever want to return to. Check in was terrible, didn’t get our room until after 6pm Had to change rooms 3 times due to air conditioning not working. The staff at the front desk are so unbelievably rude? They truly do not care. Food was not good. Pool bar staff were rude except for Jessica The only good thing was that our group will make the best of a bad situation no matter what. We travel 4 times per year and found that this resort caters to locals which is fine except that they ignore other people and even when tipping a lot, it doesn’t make a difference. The best place to hang out was the privilege chill out bar near the beach. Israel was by far my favourite bartender and he did go above and beyond. I booked a birthday diner to celebrate my husband’s birthday and had ordered balloons and a cake to the restaurant but it never showed up to the steakhouse. Staff were also rude and disrespectful Pools are dirty and very deep, beach was not good either but that’s out of their control. I would definitely recommend that you go to anywhere else and don’t waste your money here. We also speak fluent Spanish and they do seem to prefer only those who speak Spanish and not English. Everyone has their own experience and I’m sure if your standards are not overly high then you can enjoy this place but comparing it to places I’ve been, it’s really more like a 2 or 3 star tops Rooms were nicely renovated but the air conditioning just couldn’t keep up and the room would have leaks as well.

  Oct 21, 2026
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  Avoid this resort!!!

  I have been to the DR 6x. This resort was the ABSOLUTE WORST of them all. Broken items in rooms, called them in multiple times, noone ever came to fix them. Sons diabetic and couldn't even keep the insulin cold as fridge did not work. Buffet food was DISGUSTING; cold and dried out. Same items daily. Getting restaurant reservations is a nightmare. Pool was dirty with floating bandaids amongst other things. Staff were not very friendly.

  Oct 21, 2026
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  Lots of potential or missed opportunity?

  The two rooms were great for a couple and two daughters in their twenties. Own balcony and sitting area, plus two double/kingsize beds and his and hers sink and overhead big showers. Walk in dressing area and mini bar was a plus too. No lifts in hotel but stairs to second floor weren't too bad. We paid for the updated privilege rooms but didn't really get much more value perks other than access to Chill Out bar on the beach but it's pretty near the standard beach bar anyway so it didn't really make much difference. Oh and staff don't check who goes on the separate privilege area anyway so everyone just sits where they please. Beach area had plenty of loungers and parasols which was nice. The sargasso wasn't bad at all and the sand was lovely and soft. Pool was even better with lots of room and various areas to go and do, like jacuzzi, aerobics, volleyball, etc. but not imposing on everyone. The usual saving of loungers at crack of dawn but left empty while they're in the beach but luckily there are always spare loungers. The Arome coffee shop was fabulous with speciality coffee, frappe, and cakes to get your daily fix. Ladies who served us there were fantastic too! Best service ever. Thank you. Two main things were let downs though - food and service. Staff needed direction and management. Housekeeping had missing towels everyday, if it's not hand towel, it's bath mat or both. They also took water bottles from the room but drinks in fridge were not replenished. The beach towels were stained and should really have been replaced. Nobody wiped/cleaned the sun loungers, tables or pool area and several broken ones not taken off. The grounds were immaculate however, so the grounds staff do an excellent job. There are nice little shops around the resort and everywhere is spotless. The wooden walkway over the water and the lounges were always nice. As for the restaurant, it's not great! Let's start with food. First night was nice - there were good quality seafood, fish, meat, salad, and fruits. Next day onwards it just went down. The grills were dry and tasteless. Someone forgot to tell the chef what marinade or seasoning is - and there's no sauce to flavour it either. So you got grilled fish/pork/beef/lamb dried to smithereens with no salt and pepper and no garlic butter or sauce to put on top either. It was like eating crispy cardboard. The stews were watery you had to hunt for the meat or if you found the chicken/beef/pork it was chopped so small or it's mostly bone and grizzle. It is a buffet so some looked after themselves first but this is where staff needed to either replenish, clean, and make sure the area is appealing and appetising rather than standing around having a chat. If you wanted something replenished, you had to ask and someone might begrudgingly oblige. I'm not so sure the waiting staff really wanted to be there. Worst thing is, nobody took charge of organising anyone either so no one smiled and you felt apologetic asking to be served. You come in and have to look for your own table. Then you have to chase someone to set it, chase someone for coffee, chase someone for water, etc. You get the idea. No one seems to care what the guests need. It's always someone else's job but not theirs. The coffee lady pours coffee but can't bring teaspoon or sugar because that's someone else's task and they'll point to you the other lady doing that while your coffee goes cold. As a whole, the resort's infrastructure is sound and has the potential to be really good but it needs strong management to be run much better and the staff trained to understand what good guest service should be! Please take note of Catalonia Costa Mujeres' customer service from their happy staff - it makes such a difference!

  Oct 20, 2026
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  Holiday feed back

  I’m never good with food abroad anywhere but amazing selection and the late open beach Pizza Hut done me amazing! All the staff tried to get me everything I could eat made me toasties and was amazing.. the selection of food is loads… but yes reparative, but from pizza fresh cooked pasta and stir fry’s, the staff here do their best!! The staff are what make this hotel special.. my room wasn’t what I seen and paid for, very old but every day cleaner come in new towels and fresh bedding, left money and my phone out never touched! Would have liked a better room but who cares on holiday and was clean … u don’t change your sheets every day at home like these cleaners do for you!! I couldn’t eat much as have ocd and really funny but the went out their way to get me bookings at restaurants and a taxi to kfc (I paid for that) everyone is so welcoming and remeber your name, alway try table serve u, the staff are on Pennie’s we are there on an amzing holiday and they are happier than us! They all work so hard.. yes most staff are limited English but you are in another county, their county so respect that and take time and they will understand you, your in a Spanish speaking country expecting them to talk English… so English people learn Spanish if your so offended!!! The pool is cleaned daily by hand by staff, it’s so clean, there isn’t flys on the food u like Soana island, your holiday is what you make it these people are not there to be servants! Give and take! I met the most amazing people there in the bar mostly, sat on the settee at night watching my corrie lol remembered me ever day, waited on me although I didn’t ask for it.. holiday ate what u make it… having amazing staff like Katherine and I iceallia r only and the lads behind the bar just makes it so special… and Jessica and Ronaldo at the pool bar on days just make your holiday more amazing!!! Thanks to all the staff well friends… that I have made for making my experience and holiday so special I’ve booked to go back again in June!!! React to their own but never slag the staff they ent your servants if u don’t like the hotel ok speak to management but they all work so bloody hard!! God bless u all and defo recommend

  Oct 19, 2026