TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Very disappointed with our trip, we have gone to many all inclusive resorts in this is by far the worst one that we have ever been to, and will never ever go back to this one or any resort in this chain! T...he service is incredibly rude and you don’t have to wear clothes at this one even though there’s so many children they allow everything!!! so disappointed and disgusted with this place!

As someone who rarely writes reviews, I feel compelled to share my experience at Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort to warn future bachelor parties and golf enthusiasts. My group of ten came for ...a bachelor party with high hopes of enjoying golf and relaxation, but this resort fell short in almost every way. Golfing Nightmare: We chose this resort for its advertised 18-hole golf course, only to learn a month before arrival that it had been reduced to a 9-hole course. The 9-hole was in deplorable condition—beat-up, short, and unappealing. Walking wasn’t allowed, and they charged $60 USD for a mandatory cart. It was so bad that we opted to travel to Iberostar, La Cana, and Hard Rock resorts for golf, paying $200 USD per round per person. Those courses were worth it, but it was a hassle and expense we didn’t plan for. Poor Housekeeping: Housekeeping was a letdown. We received room service only once during our stay, and I had to call reception to get fresh towels. The bed sheets were questionable—long hairs were on my bed upon arrival, suggesting a quick clean rather than a deep one. To make matters worse, we found lizards in our room, which added to the overall sense of neglect and discomfort. Casino: Don’t be fooled by the $5 voucher they give you. You have to match it with $5 USD to use it. The slots machine were old and it just looked disappointing. Language Barrier: If you don’t speak Spanish, brace yourself. Only a few staff members, like the front desk and the head of transportation (in orange), spoke English. For a resort charging thousands of dollars, I expected better communication. In contrast, staff at Iberostar and Hard Rock spoke English fluently, making our golf outings much smoother. Food and Dining Issues:The buffet was a constant disappointment. Food ran out quickly, leaving latecomers with just rice, pasta, or sandwiches. Bacon was oddly hidden behind the omelette station, requiring a wait in line. The buffet meat was often dry, and while the food wasn’t bland, it was sometimes overly salty. Room service? We ordered it three times and never received it. Non-“exclusive members” struggled to get restaurant reservations, as they booked up fast. Uncomfortable Rooms: The showers were a nightmare—either scalding hot or freezing cold, with no warm option. This made basic hygiene a challenge. Finding lizards in the room only compounded the unpleasant experience. Moreover, the air conditioning was weak, woke up in the middle of the night sweating. A Few Positives:The resort’s layout and landscaping were stunning, with beautiful grounds that were a highlight. The food, when available, was decently flavored, though inconsistent. Conclusion: Golfers, save yourself the trouble and book at Iberostar or Hard Rock resorts instead. Their golf courses are superior, and food and drinks are included. Yes, they cost more, but Catalonia’s “free” 9-hole course is a joke, and the presence of lizards in the rooms is unacceptable. We deeply regretted not spending a bit more to avoid this resort. You get what you pay for, and Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort was a costly lesson in cutting corners. Resort staff, don’t worry about emailing me, I am not here for anything nor will I take this post down. I just want to make sure my fellow travellers are well informed before coming.

Grounds are beautiful, everything else is bad. Much much better places to stay in the Dominican. Americans should stay far away from this place, it’s very obvious we are not welcome. I have not had a worse... experience in my life and I’ve stayed places all over the world. Beach is full of sea weed. Staff is very rude and will reluctantly wait on you. Rooms are dirty and not fully stocked. Check in was a nightmare, website to make reservations is down and staff will not do it for you. I’m disappointed I have 5 days left in this nightmare.

Rosa and Vanessa did our couples massage and facials, these ladies are amazing! Very talented and skilled! So friendly and helpful! Will 100% come back for more! The massage was medium and was relaxing but... also form enough to get knots out and the facial made our skin glow!

British Married Couples on 2 weeks all inclusive. If you do not speak Spanish it is very difficult at this hotel all the staff including entertainment team do not make the effort to speak English only Sp...anish and French! Food is ok lots of restaurants but not much choice. Tapas place was not good at all. Also very slow at resetting tables during busy periods. To get a drink is difficult in the main restaurants and you are not allowed to get the yourself so dependant on the staff who are very slow. Rooms be careful what you book and what is advertised! We were supposedly given an upgrade on arrival to a room that had no air con no running water in the bath no water pressure in the shower and a broken front door. After speaking with our rep and reception we got moved but at a cost. The new room however was much better despite 2 power cuts and no one speaking English they did not understand the issues. Cleanliness is ok not the worst not the best. The hotel it’s self is beautiful the beach the pool the gardens and amenities. If all the rooms were the newer rooms and there was more effort to speak English and engage with British people I recommend but there was issues and due to this I can’t recommend and nor would come back.