Reviewers Rating: Excellent
I cannot begin to express what an amazing time I had at the Occidental Flamenco Bavaro in Punta Cana. The grounds are quite impressive and will not dissapoint especially to those of you as picky as myself. The hotel, built in 1999, hosts over 800 air conditioned rooms that are situated in separate apartment like buildings. The rooms themselves are spacious and neat however, regardless one will at one point encounter a "cucaracha". Leave the lights on if the sucker gets away as they don't like bright surroundings. Hairdryers are not provided but soap, shampoo, towels etc. are. Housekeeping comes everyday unless otherwise requested. It is recommended, however, to make use of the in room safe as I know of someone personally who had some $$ go missing. The grounds are very well maintained and beautifully adorned with tropical blooms and palm trees. There are three, giant, lake sized pools, the largest complete with bridge and swim up bar. There are several restaurants available for guests including a buffet (open all day), Mexican and Italian restaurants, a taqueria and pizzeria, as well as a grill. Aside from the buffet, guests will have to make reservations to eat at the restaurants. Try to make them early in the day to be guaranteed a choice seating. Also, expect to wait for the reservation desk to open somewhat late as it seems dominicans are on a different time schedule than the rest of the world. There is also one other restaurant(the name fails me) that is not included in the all inclusive packages but offers a 30% discount to hotel guests. For guests with children, the hotel offers babysitting services and activities until 5pm. Everday various activities take place in the pool by the beach as well as on the beach itself: volleyball (pool and beach), aqua aerobics, latin dance lessons (@ 5 pm daily)... scuba clinics, banana boat rides, parasailing, snorkelling, horseback riding etc are also available either free or at a price. The beach itself is absolutely AMAZING!!! The sand is pure, white and powdery, the kind that glides between your toes. The water (Carribean sea) is warm and inviting and the MOST enticing turquoise one has ever seen. About a half hour's walk left down the beach is the market where dominican wares are sold. Anything from jewellery (larimar-Dominican stone) to paintings may be found. Just be sure to bargain...usually at half of what is suggested. Only DR pesos or U.S. dollars (bills only) will be accepted. For those interested in doing some more shopping there are some stores located on the grounds themselves out front, a sort of mini strip mall. As well, outside the main gates there is a larger market/mall located on the right where more bargaining may be pursued. In need of some $$$? A currency exchange is located in the hotel right beside front desk but make sure to take note of the hours as they are sporadic. Again the time difference! Nightlife is rather quiet in Punta Cana but perhaps the most happening at the Flamenco as the resort boasts its own disco "Mangu", open nightly till 4am. Nightly entertainment, at 10 pm, is also provided by the Occidental Fun Club Staff. Varied shows are put on, both audience participation required and non: karaoke, '70s disco revival, latin dancing and so on. The one caveat is that the lobby bar only serves till midnight and not 2am as mentionned in brochures and vacation guides. All acoholic beverages are included save for imported alcohol this includes Bailey's, Kahlua, Malibu...which are on hand but priced accordingly. Overall, I think that the hotel Occidental Flamenco Bavaro deserves an off the charts rating. Aside from entertaining a different concept of time and not quite understanding how the rest of the world might not so easily endure a "cucaracha" visit, everything was up to par and customer service was top notch. Not once did any of us experience slack in service or an unfriendly face. I would go back in a heartbeat! :)

Linda

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