Hotel catalonia bavaro beach golf & casino
Like nearly every resort in the Punta Cana region, the features here are almost limitless. The number of restaurants is impressive, if not always inspiring, and most are found close to the lobby area. Other options exist on the other side of the property, closer to the golf course, as well. Reservations can be made for Mexican, Asian, Italian, or American (a steak house), and snack bars include a hour pizzeria and beach-front creperie. Food is generally hit-or-miss (especially at the buffet bars), though the wide range of restaurants helps to add much-needed variety.
The main buffet, Gran Caribe, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a large outdoor dining area overlooking the main pathway, fountain, and gardens. It's worth noting that all-inclusive rates don't include premium liquors. Foodies might want to upgrade to the Privilege category of rooms: Guests get exclusive access to PURE beach bar and the Terrace tapas lounge -- considered one of the best restaurants at the resort. Privilege guests are also entitled to extras such as a private lounge for check-in and concierge services, hour room service, welcome cocktails, and discounts on spa treatments, golfing, and romantic beach dinners.
The beach buffet is open for breakfast and lunch (a great spot during sunrise, especially). Once a week, the resort puts on a beach barbecue for dinner with live music. Though there isn't beach drink service, there is a beach bar so guests can get up to order beer and cocktails. Like many other beaches in the Dominican Republic, the beach here is plagued by smelly gulfweed, an unfortunate result of climate change. Staff are efficient about cleaning it daily, though, and the water is otherwise crystal-clear, shallow, and calm enough for little kids to splash around. The swim-up pool bar also stays busy with daytime drinkers. The animation team is active during the day providing fun games on the beach and pool, as well as merengue lessons. Seats are often snatched on the beach and pool by early risers.
For activities, there are two golf courses (for a fee), tennis courts, archery, soccer, bikes, a small fitness center and non-motorized water sports (boogie boards, kayaks, catamarans, windsurfing, and snorkel gear). Other excursions are available for an extra fee and there are salespeople who will approach guests to sell them sometimes more than once per day. Timeshare sales people can also be a bit aggressive. Evening entertainment changes nightly. During our visit, there was a Michael Jackson show in the outdoor theater close to the the Like nearly every. Partiers can continue with domestic beer and liquor at the casino and disco later at night.