My adult family and
I stayed at the Iberostar Punta Cana for 7 nights in mid-June 2001.
This all-inclusive resort is located along the stunning
Bavaro Beach on the island's northeast coast, and just 15 miles from Punta Cana
International Airport. This hotel has 427 units (334 standard rooms, 13
family-sized rooms, and 80 suites) spread over two four-story buildings. The
property also features a spa (for an additional charge), buffet and a la carte
restaurants, sports activities, entertainment, casino. Rooms have either two double
beds or one king-size bed, balcony, air
conditioning, ceiling fan, hairdryer, TV, telephone, coffee maker, iron and
ironing board, and complimentary mini-bar (including soft drinks, beers, and
bottled water).
Restaurant options include Marinero La Marimba, Start Rock
Café, La Cana Steak House, The Pagoda (Asian), La Sibila, Maria Bonita
(Mexican), Higuey Buffet, La Hispaniola (Buffet)
This Iberostar
complex consists of three separate hotel areas: Bavaro is the best of the
three, and consequently, the most expensive. Punta Cana and Dominicana are
equal. All three properties are adjacent to one another, and they share some
facilities like the shopping street/plaza, disco, casino, and theatre. The
Bavaro has casitas, and the other two properties do not. Guests of the Bavaro
can eat anywhere on the three properties, but guests of the other two cannot
eat at Bavaro. (As guests of the Punta Cana section, we tried to eat lunch at the
Bavaro pool buffet, but we were asked to leave. The Bavaro guests wear
different colored wristbands that distinguish them from Punta Cana and
Dominicana guest.) I think the Bavaro had a Japanese restaurant and something
else (maybe Mediterranean). You can walk around on their property, you just
can't eat in their restaurants or drink at their bars (I think they have more
top-shelf brands). Bavaro may also have 24-hour room service, while the other
two do not.
