We booked a week for our family (2 adults, 2 kids / 6&9)....We flew to Santo Domingo and drove to Punta Cana (3.5 hours) as it was the cheapest flight available.

Once arrived at hotel we found out it was over booked...After initial disappointment we moved to other resort 2 miles down the road (RIU Palace Macau) for 4 days and then came back...In the end it turned out that the RIU resort was significantly better than the Principe Bavaro.

The Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro is a very large resort that hosts very many people...I found it very crowded...However our kids liked it, so if they are happy, we are happy!

Room was very clean and comfortable...Food was OK...Pools are very nice.

We were hoping to snorkel,but the water isn't very clear and the boat trafic makes it dangerous (disappointing).

As we had a car we drove north (Playa Limon) following suggestions from Lonely Planet guide...Roads have many holes, so it takes a long time to go anywhere....Drive wasn't worth it in the end.

In summary, hotel was OK, beach OK, but all lucked character...For less money and traveling time we could have gone to Cancun.

I just recently returned from the Gran Bahia Principe with my boyfriend and I think that this must have been the best trip ever!!!
Checking in couldn't have been easier...they gave us our room keys on the bus!!
Absolutely loved the room!! It was very very clean and much nicer than other all inclusives that I've been to!!
The lobby and the grounds were amazing! Most amazing landscaping....beautiful.
The resort was huge....but the little shuttle buses came every second to pick you up...so no worries there!
The a la carte restaurants are a must!!! Particularly enjoyed the Japanese, French and Seafood ones!
The staff were extremely helpful and very kind.
The food at the buffet was pretty good. Make sure you make it there for breakfast....definitely the best meal of the day!
The beach was beautiful...and we never ever had problems finding empty beach chairs.
The entertainment at night was pretty good. The shows were great.
The club was alright. We only went twice. The club didn't play that much english music so it got a bit boring after a while (we knew we were in a Spanish speaking country...so we weren't about to complain about the Spanish music!)
We went on the Country Adventure tour which was interesting. It gives you a completely different view of the country (I guess the real view!! We all know the resort is not how the Dominicans live!!)
Overall...I couldn't have asked for a better vacation...absolutely NO complaints!
Loved it!

We wanted to write a long and detailed review to explain just how great of an experience we had and why we will be making plans to go back as soon as we can....
My boyfriend and I returned from BP Bavaro a few days ago, and had the most perfect vacation. We literally had ZERO complaints about our stay-- the room, the grounds of the property, the food, the drinks, the staff.. this place was above & beyond anything we had ever expected. We truly were treated like royalty. Prior to taking our vacation we read several reviews that had complaints; after a few days at this resort it became clear to both of us that those who had or would complain are those who are totally ignorant of their surroundings.
BEACH: The most beautiful we had ever seen. Our main requirement for this vacation was white sand & turquoise water-- if you're looking for the same, this is exactly what you will get... it really is paradise (especially considering the beach bar located only steps from the surf). There are several water activities going on throughout the day, mostly at an extra cost-- we spent most of our time swimming in the warm sea and soaking up the sun.
POOLS: All of the pools on this resort are well maintained and manned by friendly, accomodating staff. Like anywhere else in the world, they are appreciative of TIPS! One of the things we noticed was that FEW people actually tipped the bartenders, but if you gave a dollar every few drinks--trust me, they take care of you (especially if you ask for MUCHO rum!). The main pool by the beach can get busy, but this is a positive thing-lots of people watching to do and things to experience.
NIGHTLIFE: Again, no complaints here!! At the end of our day at the pool/beach we would go for dinner at either the buffet or restaurant then head to the Pueblo Principe (the square located by the reception). This is probably one of the most attractive parts of the entire resort, lavishly decorated with marble floors, grand ceilings, live entertainment, and staff who are at your beck & call (literally). Here you can sample several drink choices which can become quite entertaining; there is much to choose to from. This square closes at 11, and most people head to the Principe town, where there is a stage that hosts live shows (comedy, etc--very good!), a karaoke bar, a disco, & a casino. This resort is not a huge party place, but if you are looking for a mixture of R & R, and a party, you can do it here.
FOOD: You have a choice of 3 a la carte restaurants- we chose the steakhouse, the seafood, and the japanese (entertaining). All 3 were really something to talk about. There is something here for everyone. We enjoyed the steakhouse the best; each a la carte has an appetizer buffet prior to your entree. Throughout our stay we ate at both the breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. Keeping in mind that this is a resort that accomadates hundreds of patrons, the buffet food is quite good given the volume of people it serves. Many options-- salads, all types of meat, pasta bars, pizza, local dishes, various desserts, gourmet juices... the list goes on. If you are not a picky eater, you will most definitely NOT go hungry here.
DRINKS: The drinks served were great; many choices like daquiris, martinis, mixed drinks, fruity cocktails, beer, wine. If you are looking for something tasty, you have many options--the favorite is the BANANA MAMA--certifiably the best drink in the world!! This is not a wine country, so the wine is not amazing, but the beer is good--the domestic liquors (ie rum) are awesome as well... its hard to complain when you are being served whatever you want as if its water! With bars at the beach, the pools, the restaurants, the square.... most of our nights ended excitingly!
GROUNDS: You feel like you are part of a little town. This resort is beautifully maintained. Workers are constantly maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the resort, which has many pretty trees, plants, and flowers. True, this is a large resort, but the size of it does in no way detract from your experience. In fact, we found it a pleasure to walk here and there, from one end to the other. If you are fit, it is not a problem to do so-- on those days where you're feeling lazy, small trolleys arrive every few minutes to take you where you need to go.
ROOMS: Beautiful. The bathrooms are all marble, with jacuzzi tub. Very spacious, tropical feel, large beds, cable tv, lots of storage space... beautiful view from balcony... the villas are like quaint little homes! Leave a dollar every day and your room will be cleaned to your liking-- if you wake up early enough!
... all in all, this was like staying in paradise; it was really a surreal experience, we couldn't believe what we got for the price we paid. We will DEFINITELY be coming back here again and spreading the words to others so they will do the same!!
If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at [-]

We just recently stayed the Bahia Principe Punta Cana. It was our first all inclusive vacation and first time booking online with a company we heard good things about called Pricebeat.ca Our package was with Sunwing Vacations and went very well. Our week vacation went very well and we absolutely loved this resort. The beach was amazing – white sand and the water was so warm, clear and turquoise!
The food was very good, especially the lobster on Friday nights. Overall we had an exceptional time and really enjoyed the nightly entertainment (Michael Jackson and Musical legend). We’re definitely planning on going back to the Bahia Principe in the near future!