John, you are stepping on my toes, how may I politely respond to your post ( "You are wrong PJT. Barcelo Villas Bavaro is not part of the Barcelo Bavaro Complex"), was I was wrong by the error of omission, about Barcelo Villas Bavaro and Barcelo Beach Resort and Convention Center? I mentioned, the Villas are part of the Barcelo Complex, sort of. I was hedging on stating that they were fully part of the complex because I know they are not. There is a dotted line connection between the two areas only. They act as separate resort areas and they are separated by the land and beachfront occupied by the tourist shops. Yet, they do share on occasion, employees and equipment. An example of this is beachfront cleaning. Normally, it is done at both resorts in the early AM. Barcelo Beach Resort and Convention Center (BBRCC) uses manual labor and a motorized beach rake. The other resort (Villas) uses manual labor. On occasion BBRCC will send the motorized beach rake over to the Barcelo Villas Bavaro to assist with cleanup.
The Barcleo Villas Bavaro area is part of three four star **** resorts to the west of BBRCC. The star rankings are according to Barcelo on their web page and sign posts at their resort entries. The closest to the beach is Barcelo Ocean Village, behind that is Barcelo Barvaro Village and furthest from the beach is Barcelo Villas Bavaro. John, you also said, "you can't eat, or drink in any of the Barcelo Bavaro Complex." That's almost like saying, "you can't get they-a from hee-a". Of course guests at the three other Barcelo locations may eat, drink and patronize BBRCC. All they have to do is pay for a day or night pass for entry. The pass costs US$22, it is about half the price one would pay for entry at BBRCC from the street. The cost for entry from the street is RD$750.
My recommendation to carribeantravel, if he or she desires more amenities and if budget allows, is to book into BBRCC. Regards, PJT
The Barcelo Web page is:
http://www.barcelo.com/hotels/seleho_i.htm