Hotel Carabela Bávaro - Punta Cana

7.4

Stayed for 3 days before moving to a 5 star resort. The comparison was interesting. The Bavaro had much more pleasing grounds and the staff were much more service oriented. The room was large but not luxurious. The food wasn't great but it wasn't bad either. The desserts were great. For the price paid, I was very pleased with my stay.

3.5

In 11 days, I stayed at 3 different resorts in Punta Cana. Here are my conclusions: Hotel Carabella is older, smaller, less formal and very European. Groups tend to stick to their nationality. There wasn't a friendly atmosphere like I saw in other resorts where people would initiate contact. The staff was great... the MC for the evening show was multi-lingual, creative and put on a good show.... tough when your audience is so multi-national. Food was not great, but it was imaginative and plentiful. Don't pick this resort if you want a pristine beach experience. I was spoiled by my previous resort choice. This beach is not combed, they've left it natural. That means wear flip-flops... they have pine needles and twigs. Lots of shade. The water will never be calm there... they don't have a reef big enough to slow the waves reaching the beach. So not a good place for young kids. The most important choice for me after price, was the availability of "included activities" like snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing. They simply skimped on the equipment. Maybe 5 windsurfing boards were stored and visible, but only 2 worked. To me, that's cheating. And that's another reason why the rough beach is a no-no... I want calm water if i'm going to try to learn to sail, or windsurf. The biggest warning was the rock-hard beds. I have neck and shoulder issues and left the property after my 2nd restless night. The front desk fellow was very willing and helpful by offering me a room key to a different room to see if the bed was any better. It wasn't. I moved out and picked a newer, bigger resort. PROS.... creative food choices relaxed atmosphere good, friendly staff big rooms activity staff teaching dance lessons at discotech nightly immediately next door to small "town" (4 blocks of cigars, souvenirs, excursion vendors) where you can experience local flavor & shop & haggle CONS... shady, rough beach worthless "included activity" selection; scarce and broken equipment langu

8.4

Very big and wonderful structure. Excellent cook. Good for family and couple!

8.7

I really enjoyed the hotel and the price was great. I was a little disappointed as my room did not have a screen door to the porch - which i would have liked to have left open during the night - and I ran out of hot water in the middle of my shower. But I thought the food and environment were great and I would return.

6.5

We only stayed one night due to traveling to the south coast. Hotel public areas and grounds were beautiful, especially the peacocks. We did not have time to dine at the speciality restrurants, but the food we had was good. The room suited our needs just fine. The beach bar was not open, and the beach was suffering from extreme erosion, like we have seen at Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina, and in Playa del Carman, Mexico.

9.6

The interaction with staff was good in Carabela,everybody was helpful! My favorit experience was the garden of Carabela,and the food was very delicious,I felt a little Italy similarity!The environment and the beach was marvellous! Thank you!