Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Casino & Golf Resort

Disco Dave

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Dec 26, 2008
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Hi All,

DR newbie from the UK here. This is my first trip to the Caribean and I'll be staying at Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Casino & Golf Resort with my partner for her 30th birthday. I have a few questions which I would be greatful if anyone could answer.

1. What would your top tips be for tourist trips around the Island?

2. Is there much to do around the hotel as I like to get out and about on foot rather than staying in the resort all day, every day. I've read online about a couple of flea markets nearby but that is it. What sort of goods should I expect to see here?

3. We're staying all inclusive but from what I've read online, tipping is appreciated when you order drinks etc - How much is reasonable? Is it better to tip in dollars or Peso's?

4. I note our hotel has free wifi internet access and paid for internet service. Whats the standard connection speed like for these services DR?

5. Is there any other local nightlife/entertainment other than in the hotel?

6. Anything else you think may be useful to me.

Many thanks,
Dave
 
Information

Catalonia is a very well maintained and clean hotel on the beach at Cabeza de toro.

The best way to see some of the island is to take a day trip such as the Bavaro Runners, this can be purchased at the tour desk in the resort. It will take you away from the resort area, into the plantations of sugar cane and rice, into the mountains to a typical dominican house on a small farm, to a ranch for lunch and some horeback riding, then through some villages with a stop ususally at a local school. While it is a tourist event, the island is very large and this will give you a general idea of how things are away from the resort area.

As far a tipping is concerned, I only tip when service is good, room maid generally I give between $10 and $25 at the end of the week depending on level of service, bar tenders after a few days I will slip a good bar tender $5 or $10 and you will be well looked after from that point on. Use $US get them before you leave the UK, only echange to peso's when necessary which is not often, use small denominations, none higher than $20

There is not a lot of shopping in the area of the Catalonia although there are some souvenir shacks down the beach.
PLaza Bavaro is about 25 minutes away and is an expensive taxi ride. To describe Punta Cana more accurately it is a strip of beach along the east coast dotted with resorts and is near 50 km long, so walking is not an option from the Catalonia, village of Cabeza de toro is about a 2 km walk down the beach approximately.

I was there at the end of October on my 4th trip of the year to the DR and had a marvellous time. If you would like to see my slideshow presentation it can be found here at this link

Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket


Enjoy your stay

Hlywud
 
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Disco Dave

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Dec 26, 2008
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Hlywud,

Many thanks for the response - Very helpful indeed.

If anyone else has any tips/advice, that would be appreciated too.

Thanks,
Dave
 

Disco Dave

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Dec 26, 2008
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Great photos Hlywud - The place looks great.

Was it the Royal Catalonia side you were staying in or the Catalonia? I believe there is two parts to the hotel?
 

Maddy1

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Nov 11, 2008
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Hi Dave--Hubby and I just returned two days ago from the Catalonia Royal. If you have any questions let me know and I'd be happy to help. We were originally booked into the Bavaro side but upgraded to Royal when we arrived after comparing the two. Totally based on preference. Biggest problem we had was language. Resort staff barely speaks any English and often says "yes" when they have no idea what your request is. Other BIG problem was flies. We aren't sure if it is due to the construction going on near the Beach but they are everywhere. The Thalassa (sp?) Restaurant on the Royal side was infested with them. We loved the menu, but the flies made it impossible to enjoy your meal. Make sure you book your restaurant reservations asap at Guest Services. The Steak House was wonderful as was the Mexican. Japanese was tasty but no "show" at all if that's what your looking for. Never made it to the Italian but met people who loved it. Both sides share the same buffet, which wasn't the best. We've been at many DR resorts over the last 20 years and I would have to say this buffet was in the lower half of my list. Also had a problem with hot water every night between 6-7pm. In fact not only was there no hot water, sometimes there was no water at all. Maid service was perfection, and bar service was great. Just remember to ask for alcohol if you want it or you'll get a Virgin drink. I'll do a trip report within the next couple days that you can get more info on.