We visited the Iberostar Bavaro in Sept 2012. This was our first visit in the Bavaro. We had a fantastic time.
All of the staff were really friendly and helpful.
The hotel complex itself is set in beautiful grounds which are nice and relaxing to walk around in (if you fancy a walk). The grounds are constantly being tended by a team of friendly staff keeping things perfect.
There is a small shopping area should you decide you want to spend some money.
The beach was always clean with hotel staff on hand to respond to any of your requests, they were always checking if you want your glass topping up.
The food was excellent with lots of choices restaurant to eat in, Note all of the restaurants were included in cost of all inclusive so no extra to pay for these.
We tried a few of them but the food in the main buffet restaurant is so nice with so much choice we tended to eat there most evenings.
The beef plate in the steak house restaurant was one of our favourites. But by far the nicest thing we had was the baked salmon in the buffet restaurant (so if you go make sure you have some).
Thank you to all the staff for making our stay such a lovely relaxing time.
And a special thank you to the hotel manager who dealt with with an issue I had so efficiently.
If I have any negative points it would be that the weekly Friday market traders are too pushy and made it uncomfortable to look at their market stall so we didn't stop to look.
Bur we really did enjoy our stay. So much that I have booked to go again in 2013 we hope we have as good a time then.
Thank You to all of the staff and we look forward to seeing you again next Sept.

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