What can I say about the DR? Well for starters any one who has never traveled outside the US should make this Iberostar resort their first trip abroad. You will then have experienced a true vacation paradise that you will find next to impossible to top!
We have returned from 10 days of relaxation and fun in the sun. The staff sets the bar very high for other resorts.
A special thanks to Alexandra for the time she took to prepare something special for us. When any staff at the Iberostar hears of a need or request from a guest they have always done their best to accommodate the request. Alexandra and staff thanks for he best mufongo (sp) that we have ever experienced in the DR.
Luis and Edwardo of the Star friends went out of their way to make our vacation memorable.
We have recommended to many of our friends in the states to visit this resort and all who have stayed can not wait to return.
The addition of the childrens water area makes this resort even better for families vacationing with children.
As for the food.. do not stay at this resort if you plan to stay on a diet! There is always something new and exciting at the buffet to try and the gourmet dinning available is awesome.
The swim up bar was being resurfaced during part of our stay but rest assured that it will be completed soon for all to enjoy. What the heck there are two other bars at the pool!

The Hotel was, very good and worth the 5 star rating. The service personel was very friendly in non sticty way they ment what they said. The food was excellent for our European taste. The beaches were clean. Very important the beds were good and the rooms were clean.

To make it short will just enumerate what we did not like:
- My wife and I got food poisoned.
- Poor buffet selection.
- All the food was super salty.
- Very bad service (nobody speaks English)
- Bad room cleaning in general (tips or no tips). Once our room hasn't been cleaned altogether.
- Started renovation of the pool.
- Rooms hasn't been renovated since 80s. Bathrooms a bit fresher.
- All hotel smells something rotten from time to time (sewer waters) probably.

What we liked:
- beach
- sun
- sea
- entertainment
- drinks at the lobby bar

We made a last minute decision to go to the Dominican Republic and to stay at the Iberostar Bavaro - and we are so glad we made that decision.
We had an unbelievable holiday made very special by the staff at Iberostar Bavaro.
We asked for a room not too far from the pool and not too far from the restaurants and that's what they gave us. No more than a minute's walk for breakfast and a couple of minutes to the pool.
The hotel itself is great - very clean - the staff work tirelessly tending the gardens, cleaning the public areas and making sure the pool area is immaculate.
Our room itself was absolutely fine - the maid made it spotless every day with different flowers left on the bed and on the towels. There was also a different towel scuplture every day!
We did have a couple of problems with the room - the TV reception was very bad, the hairdryer only blew cool air and the door to the balcony had a very loose handle but these were fixed within an hour of calling housekeeping.
The pool area was great for us and our 6 year old daughter - the children's pool with it slides etc as well as the main pool which was more than deep enough for jumping in and for some proper swimming.
The food was good. Breakfast was great as were the buffet dinners and lunches with lots of food being freshly cooked for you. We've stayed at AI resorts in Mexico where barely any of the food is cooked to order at the buffet.
We loved the Jambalaya restuarant - the food was fantastic. We also enjoyed the steak restaurant but please get a new CD! Hearing "Country Road Take Me Home" on virtually continuous loop was just too much!
And what a great idea to have Alexandra chatting to diners at all the restaurants and buffets asking for their feedback both positive & negative. We used to enjoy our chats with her - often several in a day as our daughter would look out for her and bring her to out table!
Entertainment was great. The Animation team work so hard to make sure everyone has a great time. From the games at the pool to the shows at night.
One tip - if you're not keen on audience participation don't sit near the front of the audience as you're a prime target to be asked on stage to take part in various games or dance with the team!
We have to mention especially Eduardo and Risa but all the Animation team were brilliant. So much energy and enthusiasm. Hearing "Gangnam Style" back at home only makes us think of one thing - Iberostar Bavaro.
The ladies in the Kids Club were fantastic as well - keeping our daughter very entertained. Halloween was a great night with trick or treating around the hotel. Our daughter loved all the girls especially Rosa.
Overall we had an unforgettable stay. Our 2 weeks there simply flew past and a lot of this is purely down to the staff and the effort they put in.
We had only one negative experience and of all times that was on check-in. After a 9 hour flight + taxi ride from the airport you don't really want to be greeted by a surly and unhelpful person checking you in. And to be given all the hotel information leaflets in French when he's just looked at your British passport is a bit of a blunder. But apart from that minor hiccup it was a great holiday.
We are looking forward to going back - we're already planning it!