Punta Cana via Santo Domingo on bus

We are arriving at the Santo Domingo airport late on a friday evening and are to be put on a bus provided by Sunwing holidays. Apparently the bus trip is three and a half hours to Bavaro beach, making our check-in the wee hours.
My wife is wondering about the safety of the roads and our comfort on such a long bus ride.
Has anybody made this trip recently? Any tips?
Thanks

Thanks Dolores

It's our first trip to the DR and I blew it as far as the transportation from Canada.Once we arrive at Santo Domingo the bus ride should'nt be too bad, I am just curious about the condition of the roads and if we should be concerned about check in at the hotel at 11:30/midnight.We will be at the mercy of the Sunwing rep and wonder if any other canucks have done the same trip in the last month or so.
Thanks for getting back to us.