We stayed at the Barcelo the week of January 29/12. The staff, especially entertainment, were great. They were always there to help you and made the trip very enjoyable.

We upgraded to the premium club the first day we were there. If you have the chance well worth the money..No line ups for food, they go above and beyond to get you what you ask for.
The pool was great and the travellers were very friendly. On the weekend, some Dominicans came to the resort, but they were pleasant and very friendly and did not "take" over the resort as some has stated. We enjoyed the Mexican a la carte restaurant the best and the pizza is fabulous. We did do one trip 1/2 day to Puerto Plata - other than going up the mountain in the cable car, not worth the money. Great trip and we will go back.

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