My husband and I along with 18 family members had our Family & Friends trip at the All-Inclusive Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort & Spa in Punta Cana. Our group was 5 age groups (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s & 70’s). Every one of all ages enjoyed themselves and was very happy with the Resort.

English speaking people were definitely in the minority but we managed to get pass the language barrier with a lot of Pantomimes (lol). Most of the Customer Service Reps were helpful with the exception of the Manager (Ms. Carolina Beck) who did not have ANY customer service skills which made us wonder how she became Manager. However, the Assistant Manager, Mr. Jhonny Martinez more than made up for her rudeness. He was great.

We all had Jr. Suites which we were very pleased to find out were in small Villas. The rooms were roomy and very nice (I’ve attached pictures). The grounds were well kept and beautiful. The Resort (including the 2 sister resorts) were so large that each of us got a little lost at one time or another but the Tram would take you every where you wanted or needed to go on the 3 resorts.

Food/Restaurants - There was an abundance of food and it was great to be able to go to different restaurants just about every day. The food was varied and good however the majority of us had intestinals problem at one time or another even though we only drank bottled water. In fact, my niece had to get Medical Treatment which cost $250 (it was reimbursable under our insurance plan). One drawback for dining was that Men had to wear long pants at all the Ala Carte restaurants which is not that convenient when you’re on vacation. My husband had on a very nice, expensive Linen knee length outfit and was turned away; however, men were going in with raggedy jeans that looked like they had them on all week. Oh well, if that was all we had to complain about that was not too bad.

Bug bites – we all had repellant with Deet and some of the group did not get bitten at all (including my husband) but some of us (ME) had bites all over. I guess it has to do with body chemistry.

Air Conditioning – some of the rooms air conditioning and refrigerators did not get cool and some were almost freezing. Our first room was very warm but we were moved the next day (thanks to Mr. Martinez) as soon as another unit was available.

All in all – in was a great vacation and I would definitely recommend the Grand Palladium Bavaro and look forward to going again. We plan to take Spanish lessons before next trip though!

At first, if you read this is because you like to do a little research before you book any trip. Yes, I really liked this trip. when we arrived at the resort land---there are three resorts in the same land but they are apart. the differece is the price, the name is a little different and one of them is only adults. At this resort the staff are very nice and very helpful. the staff for the activities work very hard since they are working early and they party with you late at night.
It is a very relaxing place and the beach is beautiful. the food is good as you can choose from many things, you have to remember that you are in a different country and food taste is different.

in general this resort is great and I would love to go back again. I was very happy w/ staff, room, facility, food. etc.

Well first off i would like to say that only the incredibly fussy people didn't like this hotel. not one bad thing happened on this holiday or at this hotel and being a 18 year old girl. i had alot to do and was occupied 24/7.

The hotel was beautiful, didnt see any insects (accept mozzys) the whole time i was there. the place was kept spotless and was run on a very tight shift. there is someone employed to do every job imaginable!

the staff, they were lovely. i cannot comment on how helpful they were because we did not come across any problems in order to ask for their help! if you are kind to them then they will be 10x kinder to you. if your fowl to them, they will 9 times out of 10 still treat you with respect! they are all lovely people!

i cannot understand peoples bad reviews on this place, i was terrified of going here when i first read these reviews, but when i actually got there i couldn't understand where they were coming from. if your laid back and go with the flow, just like the dominicans are then this is a perfect place for you!

the entertainment was ... ok rubish. but there were a couple of good shows. you have to check out whats on at both entertainment centres and decide the better one. the dancing ones are terrible (accept Michael jackson). we went to the disco alot and they played some good music, we had alot of fun and never got bored. instead of going to the entertainment some nights we just sat and had drinks at the bars and walked along the beach.

the hotel staff do not care if you are in the pool later then 7, infact they cheer you on to jump in the pool fully clothed at night time!
its hilarious!

the beach is beautiful, and there is something to do on there for every day of you vacation. its impossible to get bored!

there are alot of different nationalities, they are all friendly and if you are willing to socialize with them, then they are willing to do the same.

the food was lovely, i am a very picky eater, for example i dont eat any fatty foods any fatty meats, any bland foods.. and there is everything from burgers , chips, dounuts, to pork, salad, and exotic dishes. i never got bored of eating and tried all the restraints and they all offer different things.

one of my best holidays, i would defiantly return! i only got back 2 days ago and miss it already!

I simply love the GPBR. We arrived on time from STL. Our room wasn't ready (room 1141) until about an hour after we arrived at the hotel, but so what. We had a perfect location (close to the beach and close to all of the restaurants). This was our first time there and we were encouraged to leave our bags so we went at it. After reading the different reviews it's safe to say that some people are sort of picky and hard to please. I enjoyed the people and the food. (I must admit that I ate a little too much (indigestion), but that was my fault. We enjoyed the "tram/train". We walked a bit. Someone wrote that the tram was a joke. It was slow enough to take in all of the sights. I loved the people (especially the women) :) I was on my honeymoon as well. I picked up a few spanish words and phrases (some naughty and mostly friendly). I had a great time with the staff. The staff were very friendly.

We are an African American couple and we were catered to (not because we were AA), but because we were friendly and appreciative.

The beach was great. I loved the topplessness, despite not everyone being in the greatest of shape. Then again, who is. This is totally prohibited at any public beach in the US that I know of.

I loved all of the restaurants. The staff seemed to try very hard to please the guests. I actually enjoyed tipping. I am willing to bet that 99% of the people from the US can't get this quality of service in the US. You may get better food, but it wouldn't necessarily be over the top better. Let's face it, you are not at home. The beef may be "raised" differently, the seasoning of the food is different, you can't get Budweisers there (as far as I know). Loosen up spoil sports.

The people selling items along the beach can be a little annoying, but brush them off if you don't want to be bothered.

I AM going back and I will stay at the GPBR. As a warning of sorts, bring money and personal items (tampons, lotion, deoderant, cameras, contact lens solution, etc., unless you don't mind paying for the items at about a 500% markup). Am I right people.

Overall, we stayed from June 15 - June 22, it cost about $2100 altogether and all-inclusive (for 2 people). How can you get any better than that.

If you want better food and quite possibly better accomodations, go to Europe and get your pocketbooks in order........