My boyfriend and I went to Barcelo Puerto Plata at the end of January 2012. The first night we checked in we had to stay in a room with two beds, we had asked for one king and the second night they gave us an amazing suite for the rest of the week. We talked to a lot of people that still loved their room, they pushed the two beds together which works. Breakfast is early its from 7-10 everyday, which actually works because you need to be by the pool by 7am at the latest to save a chair.
Next, we headed to the beach. We had read a lot about booking with "Felix" so right about we looked for him. The reviews we had read were right. He hooked us up with a great price. We did the Super Buggies and the Jeep Safari, I would highly recommend both of them if you really want to see what Puerto Plata is like. So do not forget his name, Felix. Make sure you book with him.
The A La Carte Restaurants were all fantastic. Try to make as many reservations as you can, you are aloud to make them up to two days in advance but they are difficult to get so do so as soon as possible.
We had a late departure flight, and we were unable to get a late check out time (1:00 latest) so they keep your luggage for you in a safe spot, locked up so you can still have a day in the sun.
Overall, Barcelo was a great resort. The workers were hilarious, you should be prepared to shake everything not at your own will. The vendors at the beach are kind of a pain, but you just have to tell them "no" or pretend you're sleeping. Unless of course you are interested in what they have to offer, you can get anything for a good price.
Bon Voyage!

My boyfriend and I went to Barcelo the beginning of December 2011 for four days. I expected the entertainment to be more lively once we got into the hotel, but it was extremely quiet. The food at the buffets didn't have much flavor, but the Brazilian and Mexican restaurants had the best food.

On the weekends, the locals come to the resort which makes more entertaining. Since my boyfriend is Dominican he automatically bonded with the staff and locals. We probably spent most of time with the entertainment crew watching them rehearse...or dancing with them. They made our trip memorable.

Overall, we made the best of our trip because of outing personalities. Have we been to better resorts before? Of course! I wouldn't recommend this hotel, but we enjoyed ourselves.

this was my second time at barcelo puerto plata stayed jan20 -27 2012
we were very disappointed with the service we received this time the resort is in need of repairs lack of hot water sewage pipes backing up in bathroom light fixtures falling of posts broken tiles on stairs lack of choices or food unavailable at al carte restaurant or just not able to book al carte at all main buffet area dirty tables food the same every other day over cooked tv did'nt work fridge did'nt work fridge door fell off bath tub backing up when you shower people who work guest service and front desk rude to the point of calling you a lier asked why there are rated 4* on internet they say there only a 2 1/2* i cant believe
that this is the same resort i stayed at before dont go to beach people in numbered blue shirt at the beach trying to selling thing wont leave you alone unenjoyable time mainly this resort only

The resort is quaint and everything is within a 5 minute walk, which is excellent. The beach is very nice, with lots of lounge chairs and nice sand. The pool is decent. So ends the positives.
We paid for the Premium Upgrade - and thank God we did. We were promised "VIP check-in" and various daily activities included in the pkg (horseback riding, windsurfing,snorkeling...) and a private restaurant, bar and jacuzzi.

We waited in line to check in for nearly 30 mins, and were then taken by golf cart to the VIP lounge, where we...spent 15 mins checking in. Again. Our room was nice, though not terribly clean. There was a bedrm and a living area - but the furniture in the living area was all for show. All broken and unuseable. Mice were living in the walls and we could hear them all night.

After 3 days of searching, asking, and being pawned off from one employee to another, we gave up on ever finding the "included activities".

The service and drinks in the Premium Lounge were great. Food was pretty good, and we could order from a small menu if we weren't into what was being served on the buffet. Premium also has extended hours for meal service, and drink choices not offered in the regular bars, which was awesome. Food in the "general" buffet was disgusting. The a la carte restaurants were horrid. Two out of 6 had food we actually ate - and we are NOT picky! Service in the a la cartes was garbage. The pizza restaurant, though, was pretty good.

Beach is populated by local merchants who harass you non-stop. Forget about grabbing a nap or reading!

Staff were generally friendly, but not terribly helpful. They seem to operate on a "do what you want" basis, and don't offer suggestions to avoid offending anyone. "What time does the bus come?" "What time do you want it to come?" or "When is breakfast served?" "When do you want it?" were typical conversations. Very frustrating.

The private jacuzzi was broken 6 of the 7 days we spent there, though still served as a small pool, as it was cold.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay. Pay for the Premium Upgrade, expect a 2 -or 3-star experience, and you might, too. Though we would not return.