Description: The appearance of the hotel is beautiful from the moment you walk in. The grounds are impeccably maintained. The front desk was warm and welcoming.
There is no pool bar, but the pool is endless and there's a smoothie bar and an ice cream (best rum raisin ice cream) place that are neat additions. I also enjoyed the little beach hut bar at the beginning of the beach. Yes, the beach!... Bavaro Beach is amazing! You must see it for yourself. It's an easy walk to the Flea Market and you can walk forever! I also liked the little water troughs you step into to clean your feet off after coming off the beach.
I always ate lunch at the poolside buffet, which was very good. There were so many options. The popcorn machine was a nice touch. They made Paella and other dishes by the beach, which was a lot of fun. The size of the lobsters were amazing! If I wasn't allergic, I would have been enjoying it immensely.
The Star Friends were always entertaining. The evening shows were very good (as far as all-inclusive go). I know that people are picky up this. They always had a band playing prior to the evening entertainment. I liked the location of the lobby bar to the evening entertainment...very convenient.
Across the parking lot was the Disco, Internet cafe, and some shops. The Casino was at the entrance to the resort, but it's small... I didn't bother playing.
Rooms were very nice. I stayed in a bungalow-style room, which had a step down to a family/sitting area. I was near the Dive Shop/ocean. I really liked my room a lot. The bathrooms were all marble and had great water pressure. I had no problem.
There is an American and a European buffet. I ate at the American buffet and thought it was very good. There were so many options, even the pickiest person could find something. (After staying at the Barcelo Premium Punta Cana, Kibbles N Bits would be a welcome treat.) I only ate at the Mexican restaurant, which I thought was very good. They have a serve-yourself appetizer/dessert buffet and they serve you your main course. Service is a little slow, but that's pretty typical. You're in another country too. I wasn't in any sort of hurry either. I was offered many more specialty restaurant options, but I decided not to set a particular time and chose to go to the buffet.
Drinks were very good. In the DR, you have to try Mamajuana. I loved that, the bartenders were always smiling. They were very nice and not grumpy. They took care of everyone and did so in order.
I can't wait to go back!
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