Those who have been to Iberostar Bavaro

I need your opinions on this place. I want to take DH for his 30th b-day in April next year and I am starting to plan now. I see the reviews on trip advisor are great but wanted to get your opinions as well.

Also would it be possible to spend like $1000 for the entire stay with airfare included. I want to do 4 nights.

Re: Those who have been to Iberostar Bavaro

We have been twice once in 2000 and once in 2005.

I would say you could definitely do 4 nights for $1000 (each person). When we went both times it was $1300 for 7 nights. The price didn't increase in those five years! Booked through Apple Vacations.

Obviously we liked it or we wouldn't have gone back!

The rooms are great--all suites with a king bed and living room area. Big bathroom. They were always so clean and the housekeeping restocked the fridge everyday. I would leave a note in Spanish if we needed something specific (like water) and they were always happy to do it.

Although we would probably not do a vacation like this by choice again (we are really into great food and wine and would rather go to Europe, plus we have both become anti-sun people the last few years!) the all inclusive aspect is great. Any drink you want they will make and they have drinks of the day each night near the entertainment area. The food was good at the main buffet restaurant, but better at the reservation places (the gourmet, the Japanese, the Mexican, etc.). When we went if you stayed at the Bavaro, you can dine at any of the restaurants on this property or the two next door (the Dominicana and Punta Cana). Not sure if this is true andymore. The two gourmet ones were the best IMO. Breakfast was really a sight!

The night life is not too crazy if that is what you are looking for. They have shows, musicians, dancing, etc. We mostly sat and had drinks and watched the show or walked around and had drinks at all the different bars. There is a club, but we just peeked in once.

We went on two excursions--one snorkeling/booze cruise and one jeep "safari." The latter was really good but it was an all day thing (like 7-4). We really learned alot about the Domincan culture and people. The poverty is terrible--it made us so sad and we also guilty for going back to our beautiful hotel. Both times we brought notebooks, crayons, pencils, etc to give the children in the villages we visited. The second time we brought clothing and left it in the hotel lobby for a pick up. Look at Debbie's Dominican website for info on this (and great reviews and advice).

The beach is gorgeous. Really wide and the water is pretty calm. Some waves, but not like Jones beach or anything. Plenty of palapas and lounge chairs to go around. There is a big shopping area down the beach.

Both times we went in April and the weather was perfect.

Hope this helps...Have fun!