Grand Bavaro Princess Punta Cana All-Inclusive Hotel Review

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In November 2024, I visited Punta Cana for the first time and had an amazing experience! I stayed at the Grand Bavaro Princess with my boyfriend for a week-long vacation in a bungalow suite. Situated along the beautiful Bávaro Beach, this all-inclusive resort exceeded all expectations. Our trip was from November 10 to November 17, 2024, right at the tail end of hurricane season, when prices were very affordable. In this review of Grand Bavaro Princess, I’ll share everything you need to know before booking your stay at this incredible resort!

Jump To: 

Booking Experience
Transportation to the Grand Bavaro Princess
Check-In Process & Arrival
Our Room – Bungalow Suite
Resort Amenities
Entertainment & Activities
Dining Experience
Service & Staff
Value for Money
Is It Worth It to Upgrade to the Platinum Club?
Know Before You Go
Final Thoughts

Booking Experience

We began our hotel search months before our trip, looking for an all-inclusive, beachfront resort with a swim-up bar on Bávaro Beach. After comparing several options on Booking.com and Expedia, we kept coming back to the Grand Bavaro Princess because of its excellent dining options (over 10 restaurants, including 7 à la carte!). For just $2,280 CAD ($1,630 USD) via Booking.com for a week-long stay, we felt it offered great value. Booking was straightforward with no prepayment required, and we could cancel up to a week before the trip. We booked our bungalow suite and began preparing for our adventure.

Transportation to the Grand Bavaro Princess from Punta Cana Airport

We took a direct flight from Montreal to Punta Cana via Air Canada, which was only a 4-hour 35-minute journey. Upon arrival at Punta Cana airport around midnight, we pre-arranged a car transfer for about $25 CAD, which was incredibly convenient. It’s a good idea to book your transfers in advance to avoid the higher costs and overwhelm of finding a ride at the airport after a long flight. The drive to the Grand Bavaro Princess took about 25 minutes, and we arrived just after midnight. For a full review of the flight experience, check out my detailed blog post here: Air Canada AC1792 Montreal to Punta Cana Flight Review.

Check-In Process & Arrival

Upon arrival at the hotel, we were assisted with our luggage, and we were immediately impressed by the beautiful lobby. Despite arriving at midnight, the hotel was lively, and the check-in process was quick. We paid our balance, received our all-inclusive bracelets (which doubled as room keys and gave access to restaurants and bars), and were given an overview of the resort. The all-inclusive bracelet system was clever—it meant no need to carry room keys around! After check-in, we hopped on a gold buggy to be taken to our room, where we were kindly helped with our luggage up the three floors.

Our Room – Bungalow Suite

We opted for the most affordable option, the Bungalow Suite, which turned out to be incredibly spacious at 66m². The bungalow featured a separate bedroom, a living room area, an open-plan wardrobe, a foyer, a bathroom with double sinks, a rain shower, a separate washroom, and a lovely terrace. The bedroom had a king-size bed with power points on either side, a 55” TV, and a view of both the living room and terrace, making it feel even larger.

The living area was well-equipped with a sofa that could convert to a bed, a coffee table, chairs, and a table & chairs. There was also a minibar stocked daily with water, soft drinks, and beer. The bathroom was beautiful, with a deep-soak bathtub and plenty of space. There was an open-air wardrobe with complimentary umbrellas (perfect for hurricane season!). The room was spotlessly clean and beautifully decorated with tropical accents, and the air conditioning worked wonderfully.

The highlight of our room was the balcony—an outdoor space with a table and a sofa, offering beautiful views of the surrounding foliage. It was the perfect spot to unwind, especially when it rained. Check out the video tour here. 

Resort Amenities

The Grand Bavaro Princess spans 100 acres of tropical gardens and beachfront, offering a wide range of facilities:

• 3 Swimming Pools: A Relax Pool, a Family Club Pool, and the main pool with a swim-up bar. We loved the Relax Pool for its peaceful atmosphere.

• Spa: The Princess Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, a sauna, and a hydromassage pool.
• Gym: A fully equipped fitness center.
• Beachfront Access: A private beach with clear water and no seaweed. The beach club had plenty of loungers and umbrellas.

• Family Area: A family-friendly area with a kids’ club, water park, and dedicated pools.

• Tram Service: A convenient tram that takes guests around the sprawling resort.

• Casino: An on-site casino for some extra entertainment.
• Shops & Booking Centre: A small market and a tour concierge for booking excursions.
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts: With complimentary rackets, we enjoyed a few games of pickleball in the mornings
  
  

  

Entertainment & Activities

The resort offered a variety of daily activities, which could be viewed through the app. We enjoyed yoga, Spanish lessons, aqua aerobics, dance classes, and water volleyball. Every afternoon, there was a special event at the main pool, such as competitions or foam parties. In the evenings, the resort hosted live music, shows, and karaoke. The nightly entertainment ranged from circus shows to Michael Jackson and Lion King tribute performances. Best of all, all entertainment was included in the all-inclusive package. We also took part in paid activities like banana boating—just $45 USD for two people. There were plenty of opportunities to try water sports like parasailing and scuba diving too.

Dining Experience

Our all-inclusive package granted us access to 10 restaurants, 6 bars, two snack bars, and 1 coffee shop. Here’s a breakdown of the dining options:

• La Hispaniola: An international buffet, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Trapiche: A buffet restaurant on the beach, open for breakfast and lunch.
• Foccaccia Pizzeria: A la carte pizza restaurant, open for dinner.
• Tanuki: A teppanyaki restaurant, open for dinner.
• Il Tartufo: A la carte Italian restaurant, open for dinner.
• Wasabi: A sushi and Nikkei cuisine a la carte restaurant, open for dinner.
• Samsara: A la carte Indian restaurant, open for dinner.
• Pescado: A seafood a la carte restaurant, open for dinner.
• El Gaucho Steakhouse: A steakhouse, open for dinner.
• La Hacienda: A Mexican a la carte restaurant, open for dinner.
• Food Trucks: Offering all-inclusive snacks on the beach.
• Rebels Bar: A sports bar open 24/7 with pool tables, games, a 24/7 buffet, and drinks.
• Cappuccino: A cafe open from 10 AM to 7 PM with coffees and baked goods.

 

We were absolutely spoiled for choice when it came to dining. Each evening, we dined at one of the a la carte restaurants, which required a reservation through the app. The food at the a la carte spots was outstanding. My personal favorite was Tanuki, a teppanyaki experience that was not only delicious but also fun and interactive. We enjoyed spring rolls, garlic fried rice, seafood, chicken, steak, and vegetables, all cooked and served right in front of us (check out this video here). Samsara, the Indian restaurant, was another highlight, offering fragrant curries, crispy samosas, and my favorite dessert—gulab jamun.

For a more casual option, the buffets were a great choice for a quick and informal bite. I loved La Hispaniola for breakfast, where they offered fresh juices, a wide range of hot breakfast options, fresh fruit, made-to-order eggs, and my personal favorite—a made-to-order crepe at the crepe station. And let’s not forget the mimosa bar as soon as you walk in! La Hispaniola also had fantastic lunch and dinner options, including paella stations, taco bars, and even a sushi station, alongside an endless array of buffet dishes.

Overall, the food was exceptional. I highly recommend trying a different a la carte restaurant each night, as we did, to sample all the incredible options the hotel has to offer. There were also plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices available throughout the resort.

Service & Staff

The staff at the Grand Bavaro Princess were outstanding—always welcoming, friendly, and eager to make our stay enjoyable. From the bartenders to the housekeeping team, everyone went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience.

Value for Money

For $2,200 CAD for two people for 7 nights in an all-inclusive bungalow suite, the value was unbeatable. This price covered all food, drinks, activities, and entertainment—making it very affordable for what you get.

Is It Worth It to Upgrade to the Platinum Club?

There are also Platinum Club rooms available for an additional $45–$70 USD per person. These offer exclusive access to a private beach, dedicated pool areas, personalized concierge service, and exclusive restaurants. While we didn’t upgrade during our stay, we would definitely consider it for a future visit, as it offers a quieter, more luxurious experience.

Know Before You Go

• Towels: Be sure to grab your beach towels early, as there were a few times during the day—especially in the afternoon—when they were in short supply.
• Tipping: Tipping is customary and appreciated at the resort. While the all-inclusive package covers most things, it’s a good idea to tip staff for their service. The general guideline is around $1–$2 USD per drink, $5–$10 USD per day for housekeeping, and around $5-$20 for à la carte restaurant service. It’s best to tip in cash, and small bills are appreciated.
• Hurricane Season: Hurricane season in the Dominican Republic runs from June to November. It’s a good idea to plan your trip accordingly. During our stay, we had a few showers, but overall, the weather was hot and sunny.
• Restaurant Reservations: Make sure to book your restaurant reservations via the app for the following day. Walk-ins aren’t allowed, so securing your spot in advance is key to enjoying a stress-free dining experience.
• Currency: The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP), but US dollars (USD) are widely accepted at most resorts, shops, and excursions. It’s a good idea to bring some US dollars with you, especially for tipping and any off-property purchases.
• Wi-Fi: The Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but like any resort, it may be slower in peak hours. It’s great for basic browsing and keeping in touch, but don’t count on it for streaming.
• Sun Protection: The sun can be strong, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Even if it’s cloudy, you can still get sunburned! Note: Sunscreen at the resort can be quite expensive (around $50 USD for a bottle), so it’s best to bring your own. Also, don’t forget bug spray, especially in the evening.

Final Review of Grand Bavaro Princess 

The Grand Bavaro Princess truly exceeded all of our expectations, delivering an unforgettable all-inclusive experience that perfectly balanced relaxation, fun, and luxury. The swim-up bar was an absolute highlight, especially during the lively afternoon pool parties and activities. Our spacious room was another standout, offering a comfortable retreat after a day spent exploring the resort and the beauty of Punta Cana. The thoughtful amenities, from the cozy bed to the well-stocked minibar, made it feel like a true home away from home.

The food was fantastic, with an impressive variety of dining options ranging from international buffets to gourmet à la carte restaurants. With a wide array of activities, dining choices, and incredible service, the Grand Bavaro Princess truly caters to all types of travelers—whether you’re visiting as a couple, with family, or on a girls’ trip. I highly recommend this resort to anyone planning a getaway to Punta Cana!