Catalonia Punta Cana

“Overall good”

We recently stayed at the resort and overall had a very good experience. The food was enjoyable with good variety, the pool area and beach were beautiful, and there were plenty of fun activities throughout the day. Most of the staff were very friendly, always smiling, and made the stay welcoming. … more

We recently stayed at the resort and overall had a very good experience. The food was enjoyable with good variety, the pool area and beach were beautiful, and there were plenty of fun activities throughout the day. Most of the staff were very friendly, always smiling, and made the stay welcoming. However, we were disappointed with the transportation service during our stay. After returning from an off-site excursion, we requested a golf cart ride back to our room, but the request was declined. Later, when we needed transportation to the main gate for a pickup, we were again told that golf cart service was only available for guests with luggage. We were traveling with a 2-year-old and an 8-year-old, and the walk was quite long, especially in the heat. A quick 2-minute golf cart ride would have made a significant difference for our family. We also noticed other guests using golf carts without luggage, which made the policy seem inconsistent. Given the size of the resort and the long walking distances, especially for families with young children, it would be much better if golf cart transportation were available to all guests when possible. What was most disappointing was the interaction with one of the staff members in a red shirt. Rather than trying to help or find a reasonable solution, he spent time arguing and repeatedly explaining a policy that did not appear to be applied consistently to other guests. A more customer-focused approach and willingness to assist would have made the situation much easier to understand and accept. Overall, while we enjoyed many aspects of our stay, this experience left us feeling that guest service consistency in certain situations could be improved.

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“11 night stay”

As we come to the last day here at Catalonia Bavaro I wanted to share my honest opinion of the place as I do each year after my holiday. Firstly the positives and I get this is just my opinion so take it as you wish. The grounds are stunning with lots of beautiful seating areas dotted around the va… more

As we come to the last day here at Catalonia Bavaro I wanted to share my honest opinion of the place as I do each year after my holiday. Firstly the positives and I get this is just my opinion so take it as you wish. The grounds are stunning with lots of beautiful seating areas dotted around the vast grounds where you can relax amongst some amazing wildlife. The pool is really big and has a lovely pizzeria and crepe place right next to it along with a bar. You can also walk directly onto a beautiful white sandy beach where staff try their best to clear the seaweed daily. There is a lovely little coffee shop we went to most evenings too. Unfortunately that’s where the positives end. The rooms are dated and quite scruffy we was firstly put in block 29 we had no bed for my 9 year old so had to go and get this sorted, later that night we found the air conditioning leaked and the sink also leaked which on a tiled floor is dangerous. The next day we was woken by drills and hammers so we looked outside to be greeted by what can only be described as a building site and this went on all day. After numerous complaints to reception we was relocated to a bigger room but still facing the building site in the same block which was pointless and this room also leaked from the air conditioning and a yellow liquid from the bathroom ceiling. Reception wasn’t interested so we have had to put up with it along with the noise sometimes up until 9.30 at night. This was a theme as everyone we spoke to had the same room issues. We have had to regularly queue to get into the buffet restaurant and then queue again for any food that was being prepared which isn’t great. There is a lot of choice but it is very monotonous as most buffet restaurants are. There is no drinks machines in the restaurants or the pool bar which is beyond me so you have to wait for the staff to come to your table which can take up to 20 minutes or queue at the beach bar whilst people are ordering cocktails again this takes time and could be so easily avoided. Also there is no ice creams the kids can have unless in the main restaurant again which surprised me. The pool ends up full of peoples drinks and pizza as people feel it is okay to eat and drink in the pool which is disgusting, not the hotels fault but should be stopped. The entertainment area was barely used so we ended up playing cards of a night. It’s a real shame as it has the grounds to be a great hotel but severely lacks direction. I would say it’s more of a 3* than a 4 plus. I would definitely come back to the Dominican but would never come back to this hotel.

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