My husband and I just returned from our third trip to Punta Cana and our first time staying at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro. We have travelled extensively, staying at numerous all inclusive (A1) resorts (all 5 stars) and in comparison; the Iberostar Grand is absolutely wonderful. I am an extremely picky person and not at all easy to please. My goal in writing reviews for Trip Advisor is to give my honest opinion, in hopes of helping others decide where to vacation. Heavens knows we all work hard for our money and we don’t want to waste it.
Any negative reviews you read for this resort are either due to a very rare incident that might have occurred or someone travelling to an A1 for the first time. People like Kathleen B must remember that the DR is not North America and they cannot be compared to hotels in our own countries…they are unique in their own right and quiet different. With that said, below is my honest opinion.

Arrival at Airport: We arrived in Punta Cana around 9:30pm and once in the airport, we were in and out (with luggage in hand) in less than 15 min. This is an all time record for us, being the 3rd time to Punta Cana. Our vacation package (Air Transat) included private ground transportation which was nice because we didn’t have to wait for anyone else or make other stops along the way. We arrived at the Iberostar within 20 min.

Check-In: Very quick and easy. I had hoped to get a room facing the pool but the resort WAS full and once I saw my room, we had no complaints at all. The check-in staff was very pleasant and gave us a great first impression.

Room: Our room was located on the on the 2nd floor, opposite the ship but on the backside of the resort,. Our view overlooked the Iberostar’s sister property and below us, on the ground floor, were the swim up rooms. Note…all swim up rooms are on the backside of the resort. During the week we were there, we never saw anyone use this pool, so it leads us to question whether or not it’s worth paying the extra money for this room category. Our room itself was beautiful and had everything we needed. Although we had a butler to our disposal, we didn’t require his services. A beautiful, romantic bubble bath with champagne and candles awaited us on our last night there (you must put in a request for this) and it was absolutely stunning, the work that went into it.

Food: The main buffet and lunch buffet was smaller than we are use to, but had a good variety to please even the pickiest of eaters (my husband didn’t have to eat pizza once during our stay). The lady on the egg station during breakfast makes incredible omelets so be sure to try one. We found the house wine a little harsh, so we asked for a chardonnay which was much smoother. Service at the buffet was always great and there was always plenty of seating available inside and outside. The hamburgers on the beach are extremely tasty and worth a try.

A la Carte Restaurants: With any resort, it’s always best to make your reservations within the first few days of your vacation to ensure you’ll get into the restaurants you want. Reservations can be made with the person at the concierge desk. By choice, we only tried the Mexican restaurant at the sister resort and in my eyes, it was below par BUT, the restaurant was NOT at the Grand. We found the other resort very busy, full of kids running around and had a very different atmosphere…again; this restaurant was at a sister property and not a reflection of the Grand. I wouldn’t personally would not recommend this restaurant.

Room Service: The room service menu is extensive for an A1 resort. We only ordered breakfast and asked for it to be delivered between 8-8:30am…it arrived right on the dot at 8am. The food was plentiful, very tasty but maybe a little on the cool side BUT, it was hotter than any room service we’ve ever ordered from an A1 resort.

Bars: The bar service is very attentive and includes many top shelf beverages. The strengths of the drinks were never an issue, if you wanted a strong one; they were more than happy to fulfill your request. I can’t say enough about our pool waitress Rosy…she was so friendly and personable and made you feel like royalty.

Pool/Beach: The Grand is no different than any other A1 resort when it comes to the “pool/beach lounge game”. In order to get a cabana (especially) by the pool, you need to “reserve” one by 8am. What angers me most, is that people would reserve a cabana and a lounger at the pool, as well as loungers on the beach. We mainly stayed at the pool and day after day, we’d see cabanas reserved but no one ever used them. Because the Grand doesn’t use a towel card system, we saw many people use loungers or cabana and when they were done, just leave their towels on them and return to their room. So even though cabanas/loungers were not being used, they looked occupied because of the towels left behind. Both the pool and the beach were kept very clean and the waitress/waiter service at these locations was very attentive. The grounds themselves are kept very nice and are well maintained.

Entertainment: The entertainment staff (Star people), had lots of activities for the resort guests during the day. If you chose not to participate, they didn’t force it upon you. The ship is a great place to spend part of your evening. You can choose to sit on deck and enjoy a drink or go down below for karaoke. The evening entertainment (the show) was hit and miss. The magic show and circus were very good. Seating was never a problem. It seems like the Grand dies down after the show but you are more than welcomed to go the sister properties to continue the party or try your hand at the casino. They will call a golf cart for you if you so wish to visit the other properties.

Staff: Awesome and first class. They are so friendly and so eager to please you but not once, expected anything in return (tips). Most people who travel usually leave a few dollars in their room for the maid service, thus I’m sure the maid in Kathleen B’s review automatically assumed it was a tip left for her. The resort gives us a room safe for a reason; it’s in your best interest to use it. Maid service usually visits twice a day (morning and night) to ensure you have everything you need. Twice during our stay, we were surprised with gifts of champagne chilling on ice and 2 fresh flower arrangements in our room. The service is what really sets this resort above all others…my hats off to the staff…all of them.

Shopping: There is a beach market right next door with multiple vendors. You must haggle for a good price and I would suggest going to the resort shops to see what things are selling for so you have an idea of what you want to pay for things.

Overall: Book it, you won’t be disappointed. If you come across a negative review don’t let it turn you off; this resort is top notch and one of the finest we’ve stayed at. Again, I’m a very, very picky traveller with champagne tastes and an average budget. All the other guests we spoke with while we were down there, loved the resort and were very impressed with the Iberostar Grand. I would recommend this resort in a heart beat.

I thought the place was very good. Beautiful resort, rooms were great, pool and beaches were clean. The food was pretty good. Nothing amazing, but nothing I disliked either. The only issue I had is that I had trouble communicating with the staff. I speak American English and know Spanish from school, but can't speak it fluently. I constantly felt like I was getting dirty looks and wry smiles when conversing with the staff (in either language). I just felt uncomfortable sometimes. I would have liked the staff to speak more/better English as well, especially since their primary customers are Americans and Canadians.

But other than that, I loved the place and would go back. I can handle the language barrier, but some people may not like that.

Our stay was absolutely incredible. OUr travel agency screwed up our transfer reservations, and even though Iberostar was not responsible for this part of our trip, their Guest Services Manager, Melissa, went to great lengths to make sure everything would be taken care of.
The hotel is in fantastic shape, the food is great, the staff is sooo nice and friendly, and there were always a ton of activities to do if so desired. We met a lot of great fellow vacationers on this trip. It was a huge plus that this is an adults-only resort. I'll DEFINITELY go back.

I just read Kathleen B. from Philadelphia's review, that is one bitter woman. I will try to keep this short and readable. Just came back from a week at the IGB. The place is the Best All Inclusive my wife and I have ever stayed at. All the staff were wonderful, but just to mention a few, Laura the young lady at the Front Desk check-in, to my our Butler, Pastor who seemed to be psychic, every time we wanted him, he just happened to be knocking on the door, to Kennedy the waiter in the dining room who always seemed to be on hand. We also met the Manager Mr. Ricardo Dominguez who seemed to be easily available to the guests.

POSITIVES.

Great Staff. (All of Them)
The beauty and cleanliness of the Hotel and the Resort.
Nice Room. Comfortable Bed. Good Pillow selection. Spa Tub.
Good Food in the Restaurants. Good Complimentary Wine List.
Great Buffet. I have never been to a Buffet that has Stone Crab Claws.
The Service was Impeccable.
Great Beach and Pool Area.
Really enjoyable PB Dye Golf Course, on the resort, I played every morning.
Great Selection of Beers and Booze.

NEGATIVES.

Food in the Specialty Restaurants was only good and not very good or great. The Hibachi needs dipping sauces for the shrimp, steak etc., food very dry and saturated with soy sauce.
None of the bar staff could make a blended drink. Worst Daiquiris and Pina Coladas and Margaritas I have ever had.
Place has a lot of Polished Marble, which is very beautiful, but very slippery, my wife slipped and almost fell head first down the stairs.

On the Davis Scale of Rating Wine, I will give the Resort 95/100 points an A+.

Mr. Dominguez I would like to thank you and your staff for making our vacation a wonderful experience.

After this stay, The Iberostar Grand will be the only All Inclusive we will Vacation at. (Where Available)

WE’LL BE BACK. HASTA LA VISTA

Henryk U.