My husband and I stayed here with our 8 year-old daughter from Oct 27 - Nov 3. My husband and I fell in love with the island and the resort. I told him I don't need to go to any other island ever again. I would rather return to Iberostar Bavaro every year! The resort was gorgeous, the beach amazing, and the people were fantastic. The staff is the nicest I have ever met.

We were originally going to be put in a 2nd floor room, but we asked for a 1st floor as-close-to-the-beach-as-possible, and they accomodated us without a problem. In fact we were given a room in a building right next to the beach.

Hubby and I prefer the beach, but my daughter likes the pool, so I split my time between the two. And I have to say the pool was awesome. It was huge. I liked that there is a large area which is only a little over 3 ft., so I didn't have to worry about it being over my petite daughter's head.

The grounds were immaculate. They clean and spruce up constantly. I was super impressed when I saw a maid using a broom to brush off the outside walls and windows. The landscaping is beautiful and varies so you are always seeing different things. We loved the bungalow-style buildings. It felt like walking through a neighborhood.

The buffet food was good. Some of it we liked a lot, some maybe not so much. But overall it was good. And the options were beyond anything I've ever seen. Even my picky child found plenty to eat at every meal. We dined at the Cajun and Mediterranean restaurants and the food was very good. It was not what we would think of as "authentic," but then when people come to the US they don't get authentic Chinese food either. I don't expect authentic if I'm not in the country of origin. As long as it's tasty, I'm happy.

I recommend sitting in the same area at the main restaurant each day so you can get to know your servers. And as others mentioned, tipping is always a good idea. It shows your appreciation AND inspires your servers to remember you. I have never seen a more pleasant group of people. They were always smiling, singing, dancing, etc. It seemed they truly enjoyed their jobs.

We were there over Halloween, and the staff did a great job decorating the resort. Even the desserts were in Halloween theme. My daughter said she'd rather be there than go trick-or-treating at home.

My husband said if he HAD to come up with one complaint, it would be the lack of access to coffee early in the morning. While there is a coffee pot in each room, it doesn't compare to cafe con leche in the restaurant. Perhaps most people sleep late on vacation, but we tend to wake at 6 or 7 a.m.

My only complaint is that I have to wait at least another year before I can go back. Iberostar Bavaro was my idea of paradise!

Family of 10 (ages 3-66) travelled to this hotel last month. Last year, we stayed on the Dominicana side. I had emailed the hotel in advance requesting 3 rooms close to pool and in the same building. I received a response within 24 hours that they would do their best to accommodate us. Upon arrival we had gotten the requested rooms with a bottle of rum and fruit plate.
This hotel is more family oriented (more than the Dominicana), kids loved the kiddie pool. Last year the Kids club was being renovated and they did a great job. Place is spacious, clean and the staff was very friendly. Mini-disco at night was lots of fun.
Beach was gorgeous, plenty of sunbeds available throughout the day. Waves were too strong to really enjoy swimming. We spend most of our time by the pool, sunbeds there had nice fluffy cushions. We used the jacuzzi few times, remember to reserve in advance. Food at the buffet was very good, excellent variety. We didn’t eat at any of the restaurants as buffet was easier with the younger ones. Drinks were hit and miss depending on who made them. Some of the mixed ones were way too sweet. The best drinks we got were at the lobby bar at night. Checked out the disco almost every night, not that many ppl but we still had a great time.
I love this Iberostar property will definitely return next year!

I spent two weeks with my family at this resort in October.The weather was good but there were short showers a few times. The hotel and rooms were clean and spacious. The food was varied and delicious. The service was fast and helpful. Tips are required. The hotel complex was insect-free. Beaches:white, clean, sandy. The sea : turquoise blue, wavy. We enjoyed the swimming , pools, too. Excellent animation!

A great holiday destination for those who want to relax, swim and eat well. A week was long enough however as you do get buffet-overload and surprisingly tired of doing the same thing (not much!) every day. Would definitely consider going back if it wasn't for the hundreds of other holiday destinations to choose from!