Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Awesome food, short staffed.

I’m not sure where to begin. I guess with a message to the reader. The following is an accurate account of my experiences and situations that happened at this resort including both positive and negative. On arrival, the check in process took over 1 hour and 20 minutes. There were about 10 people in front of us. On average, check in was taking about 20 minutes per person/group. We were privileged, in room 0412. The safe didn’t lock (dead battery), the fridge didn’t work, air conditioning was no [... read more]t working. We called the front desk immediately. Priority was getting the safe working. We had to wait in our room for about an hour for the security technician. He changed the battery and left – the battery was changed with another dead battery. I immediately called the front desk again and they were understanding. The next day at 5pm we were switched to a different room (#1624). In the new privileged room, the fridge door was broken, the AC did not work properly in my experienced opinion the refrigerant needed to be recharged and the “#” button on the safe had to be pressed extremely hard to lock. Staff quickly replaced the fridge, and we “lived” with the other small issues. It took four days for the AC unit to bring the room down from 28 degrees and maintained 23 degrees. These are all fixable issues and in my opinion the hotel staff acted quickly to resolve – it was just annoying to deal with. I felt the entire first 36 hours at the resort was delegating things to be fixed for the rest of our stay. Food: Food was 10/10. Every restaurant food was awesome. Zero complaints on any of the food. Even the buffet was awesome everyday. The food availability to me fell short a bit. Outside of the Al-la-carts and buffet (buffet is closed between 1030AM-1230PM and closed 330PM-630PM for the dinner change overs), the only other option was pizza until 2AM. We loved the pizza, but I really wished there was another late-night option such has burgers and fries or a BBQ style setup. Past vacations had this in other places, and I missed not having it here. Room service is horrible. It took almost two hours to receive our order. The options are quite limited (burger/fries, chicken and BLT sandwiches, brownie, salad) drink options are not available on the online ordering tool. Overall, the resort is short staffed. The entire week we were there, there was only one bar tender working the pool bar, one or two at the beach bar and one to three working the lobby bar. While sitting pool or beach side, there are either zero or one person taking drink orders. In our entire seven days not one person offered to get us a drink. We had to wait in line at either the pool bar or beach bar. Lines were long because of the lack of bartenders. To add on that, the pool bar and beach bartenders were in a horrible mood. I speak Spanish so it wasn’t a language barrier. They were really in a bad mood, not helpful and in a couple cases confrontational. Juan who worked at the towel stand, he would stand at the towel stand for 25 seconds and then wonder off. Often leaving until he noticed someone waiting for a towel from across the beach. There were staff cleaning up the drink cups around the beach and they would drink the leftovers right there Infront of anyone. I’ve never seen anything like it. Situation: One early morning around 9am, two younger hotel employees knocked on our door hard, loud and fast. I answered immediately because I thought something was wrong. They were holding a bottle of rum and gave it to me. I told them I did not ask for this. They replied, “Do you have something for me”. I went to the front desk, and they were quite concerned, asking me questions like what color were their uniforms ext... Long story short this was not normal, and they would be investigating. Bottom line, I won’t be back to this resort. I’ve been to resorts very close to this one and had very different experiences.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: CATALONIA ROYAL BAVARO needs Management Review

Food: Al la Cartes were fair , but buffets contained a lot of recycled food from previous sittings. Restaurants on site were understaffed Hotel grounds and rooms clean, beach cleaned regularly. Multiple Beach Vendors bothersome Doing on site construction during high season was not well planned for its customers. First day no running water all afternoon and then no hot water. Water turned on later but shower would not drain out. Power outage for several hours 3rd day of our stay Wait  [... read more]staff Yohan on the beach efficient and friendly. Front Desk Staff - Ana was very helpful, polite and easy to deal with.

Catalonia Playa Maroma: lovely, laid back resort

We loved this resort for what it was: smaller than many in the area, immersed in a jungle-like setting with lots of greenery and wildlife and replete with an international vibe (lots of French and Italian speakers, more of a family or mature adult setting rather than a party setting. This is what we were going for. We particularly enjoyed the food and Beloved and feel the privileged rooms were worth it for this restaurant alone. The buffet was fantastic for breakfast but we really preferred the  [... read more]a la cartes for dinner, which were all good. Our only major beef is not with the resort at all, but rather with sunwing, an airline that has had dozens of well-documented long (24+ hr) delays in the last few weeks and keeps touting weather as the issue, though staffing seems to be the major problem. Our flight was cancelled on the first day and then majorly delayed on the second, getting us in at 11 pm. I'd advise Canadian travellers to use air transat or another airline, if possible, to get to the resort right now. But the resort itself is lovely and my family would return in a heartbeat.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Not as advertised

This resort section for adults only not recommended, if you don't get al a carte you have NO OTHER CHOICE BUT BUFFET AT CATALONIA FAMILY SIDE There is an issue with chairs at pools ,people save them and not there all day.There are no carts to take you anywhere a lot of walking Not helpful at front desk All wait staff even ask for tips DO NOT GO

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Do Not Go To This Resort

Terrible rooms, terrible restaurants, terrible beachfront. We had to switch rooms 1st night due to Security issues. The second room didn't have hot water the 2nd day for 1 day. Internet wasn't working for 3 days. TV didn't for 2 days. Restaurants were not good. The Asian restaurant was terrible- we left after the appetizers. We left beloved restaurant because we were left after seating for 45 minutes!! Beaches were awful- could not swim and beach walking was limited

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Catalonia

Good stay. Staff amazing except one from the lobby bar. I don't remember his name. He never wants to say hi to me or serve.me a drink during two weeks! I told him.before my departure! He is short, a llittle bit chubby and working at night.

Catalonia Yucatan: Picture on website 10 years ago

We did not like the way air Canada representative. Talk to us. Key was out of line and was busy and he didn't represent air, Canada or any Canadians. He is an ignorant person. His name is Eric and I do have a picture which I would love to send to you with his badge ID he needs to retrieve. From doing this job, as he does not enjoy his work. The bars opened, we had to serve ourself. We were never asked for drinks. There was never any everything on the side where we are had to stay trying to book [... read more] an all inclusive, you need to do to wake up at 8 o'clock and download an app was more work. When I pay for a holiday, I pay to get spoilt and not being able to actually have them. You have to stand in line and wait for them to open and have a cocktail. There was no pot in the fridge, only bottled water. The deck couldn't sit outside as it was as dirty as it was with leaves and no chairs. That was exciting to sit there. You consider this a 4.7, the pictures you see on their site. Is when the sight opened over 8 or 10 years ago? You need to make yourself current and visit the site via fly on the wall. I have told people who work there and they've only started. I've been there a day 2 days. I'm not sure where it is. There was only salt and pepper shakers on lebries, which was the book buffet the other one? None, you have to ask and fight for salt pepper shakers. The food 6 go all the way to Mexico to eat burgers. French fries fried chicken. It's crepes things that we get in Canada and well made. I was going for authentic something special. Very limited will never return. Say hello?

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Love this resort

We just returned from our 12th trip to Catalonia Royal Bavaro. It is all about the people who work there that makes it our go to happy place. The resort is small so it’s easy to meet people. The rooms are comfortable and clean. We’ve never had any issues with feeling unwell or worrying about food choices. There’s lots of shade on the beach and if you walk a short distance you can find a lovely clear sandy area for swimming. It’s difficult sometimes to find seats (especially with shade) around th [... read more]e pools unless you get up early. Unfortunately there are people who reserve the seats and don’t use them for hours and hours. It’s unfortunate.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Windy beach

Overall a very nice hotel, but the beach is windy and full of seaweed. We are beach people so would not go back. Site was very clean but the wind each day made this a no go to return. The sun sail broke with the strength of the wind and had not been replaced by the time we left, so shade was not that easy to find

Catalonia Playa Maroma: Laid back, amazing beach and jungle wildlife

The Catalonia Playa Maroma is a lovely resort, if your priority is a stunning white sand beach and a laid back vibe, additionally you have to enjoy wildlife. I have travelled extensively to AIs in Dominican Republic, Mayan Riviera & Cancun area over the past 20 years. My favourite resort chain has been the Finest / Excellence chain (depending if we travel with children or as a couple). While the Catalonia is not in the same caliber of resort as the Excellence there are many highlights that make [... read more] the Catalonia Playa Maroma a place I will travel back to again and again, this being our second year at this resort. Dates: Jan 31-Feb 7, 2025. 4 adults: 52, 50, 72, & 18 . 2 rooms: 1x Privilege superior room in building 5, and 1x Privilege romance room in building 2. This resort is for you if the following are a priority for you: 1) Price - you truly are getting a great resort for a reasonable price. The same week at the Excellence was going to be double the cost. 2) Beach - Playa Maroma is the most beautiful beach we have come across in this area of Mexico. I am picky about beaches, and most in the area have left me disappointed... but not Playa Maroma. The sand is soft and white, the swimming area is free from rocks and weeds. Note: the sargassum is impossible to escape anywhere in the Caribbean, it totally depends on ocean currents & winds etc... there is no way to control this. This year when we visited (Jan 31-Feb 7, 2025) the ocean was red flagged, and the waves were very aggressive. But with a bit of caution we were all able to enjoy jumping in the waves and bobbing around in the ocean. 3) No chair game at the beach - at least on the beach there are more than enough loungers in the shade / sun to go around. This makes it un necessary to be at the beach by 8am. We would wander down after breakfast around 10am and always find 4x chairs together in the shade without issue. There are 'beds' and hammocks that are sometimes all being used, but often only for an hour or so... so you can also get a turn using these amenities. The pool is another story, there are limited spots around the pool...but I would never go to this resort if I was into the pool scene. 4) laid back vibe - The a la carte restaurants are easy to book via the app/website each day, and we also had access to the Privilege restaurant for dinners and a sit down breakfast. What I like about this resort is that while you 'dress up' for dinner it does not need to be fancy. I find when staying at the Excellence or Finest, I bring way too many evening clothes, shoes, accessories, makeup, hair dryer etc... The whole vibe at the Catalonia Maroma is a little less 'fancy' which makes bringing less with you easier. A simple sun dress and sandals for women and a pair of long pants for men keeps the vacation vibes casual and laid back. 5) Wildlife - This resort with it's jungle environment and grounds has had the best land wildlife and vegetation of any resort we have visited in the area. This year I found the coati situation better under control, they had security guards keeping the coati (mostly) off the beach and away from the food truck areas. We saw Coati, Mexican grey fox, peccary's, racoons, agouti, spider monkey (not wild), chachalaca, green parrot and dozens of species of shore birds. If you like wildlife and jungle (without the bugs) this resort offers a very manicured jungle experience on your patio and around the resort. Some negatives depending on your priorities: 1) pool is very small and therefore very busy, and full of children. It is difficult to find a lounger or sun bed near the pool. But, we were able to enjoy a swim at the pool everyday, and it did not interfere with our enjoyment of the resort. But if a great pool scene is what you are going for, I have seen better at other resorts. And if a quiet pool experience is what you prefer, this is not the resort for you. The activities team does a great job in the afternoon hyping up the crowd for water activities and fun, if that is what you and your kids enjoy, but be aware there is only 1 pool with different 'sections' (e.g. shallow for babies, pool bar area and a deep section for swimming / activities etc...) 2) Rooms - are a bit dated and worn out but the sheets and towels are clean and the housekeeping staff keep the rooms clean and well stocked. The air conditioning in both rooms was great and there was minimal damp smell. We did have an issue with our toilet leaking, but it was fixed after a few days, so overall a non issue. Last year we had a room with 2x queen beds and had 2x adults and 1x 17 year old - which felt very crowded, so this year we opted to have 2 rooms. 3) Gym is small - if you like to go to the gym on vacation this may not be the resort for you. It is crowded in the morning and late afternoon/evening and there is very little equipment. 4) on site shopping - is limited, but if you need something that you forgot, e.g. bandaids, sunscreen, advil, a swim coverup or sun hat... you can find something on site that will work 5) limited evening entertainment - just be aware evening activities don't start until 9:30pm and while they do their best to encourage dancing, participation and fun, it is typical resort entertainment. I usually like to be in bed early so it doesn't really impact me. 6) no comfortable seating - there are very few comfortable chairs on the resort. My favourite chairs were in the Beloved restaurant and the hammock at the beach. Least favourite chairs - any chair in the lobby, the concrete 'couches' with thin pillows scattered, the bar seating ... all of it was so painful. The really bad: WestJet tours - despite us checking in on the app with the local tour agent to verify that we would be taking the shuttle from the resort back to the airport, it never came. We were in the lobby waiting for the shuttle at 3:30pm, the shuttle was supposed to arrive at 4:35pm so we were an hour early and we waited until 5:30pm when I got so panicked that we ordered our own shuttle mini bus to drive us to the airport. I have never had this before when visiting any resort. I am beyond angry with Westjet for abandoning us, and we could have missed our flight because of this. Note: this has nothing to do with the resort ! But I am including it here so folks are aware that it can happen. at least 4 other people on our flight were also forgotten by their return shuttle ... which leads me to believe it is a systemic problem with Westjet's local shuttle service provider.

Catalonia Royal Tulum: Wonderful

The room was great, grounds beautiful. Staff are so friendly and helpful. They are also knowledgeable and attentive to food allergies. The beach is seaweed and rock free and the pool activities were great.

Catalonia Royal Tulum: Couldn’t ask for a better resort

The Catalonia Royal Tulum Resort in Mexico provides a fantastic vacation location. The resort offers gorgeous beach with plenty of chairs. As it’s an all inclusive waitresses come around to ask you if you want something to drink. The buffet restaurant staff are absolutely the best. The pool bar offers any type of drink you want. I’ll be going back for sure.

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Amazing beach

The resort was beautiful, with plenty of activities that we didn't get a chance to participate in all of them, the food was delicious and plentiful, the beach was gorgeous, albeit a bit windy while we were there. The only downside was the stomach bug I caught on our 2nd day that ravaged through our group all week long. The room was very nice too, loved the hammocks on the balcony, but the giant tub could've done better as a giant shower.

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: We have been there three times. Loved and would go back.

There is something for everybody. A spacious beach with mild waves with the creperie and Ma Loo (natural juices station) being the highlights. There is some activity every day for all age groups including cooking fresh food. Beach restaurant nearby if you don't want to go to the main buffet. The room was great and staff were friendly and responsive. If minor imperfections bother you, this is not for you. We truly enjoyed it.

Catalonia Yucatan: Nice grounds

The resort was nice Needs more restaurants and aka carts 2 of us got really sick half way thru until we got home and our included transportation to airport never showed up to take us to airport,cost us 1500 pesos We will never return to this resort

Catalonia Riviera Maya: mini moon

We came for a mini moon, and had a great time! Weather was meh with some cloudy rainy days, but it wasn’t the snowy north! Even with the rain lots to do with nightly entertainment and food we’re SO SO GOOD! Bartenders were friendly and the PURE bar made the best drinks! Also the location of this resort is great as you can leave to explore playa adventures and feel safe doing so!

Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres: Excellent Resot

Beautiful resort. Beach is excellent. Food and drinks were excellent. Service all over the resort was excellent. Really enjoyed the lattes at the coffee shop each morning. The resort has a little bit of everything. Had a great, relaxing stay.

Catalonia Royal Tulum: Lovely Resort

The best features of this resort are the beautiful beach and friendly staff! It's a quiet resort set in the jungle with lots of wildlife to enjoy. The resort is very clean and well maintained. Beloved is the best restaurant with good food - our favourite was the skirt steak. However, Beloved has a leisurely pace so not the place to go if you are in a hurry. The theme restaurants and buffet have great service and average food. There was a variety of activities during the day and some entertainm [... read more]ent every night. The privilege deluxe room was nice and the bathroom has great counter space. However the water pressure in the shower is low and hot water was not consistently available in our room. Also the air conditioning in our room seemed inadequate.The indoor restaurants were also quite warm. Our biggest concern was the lack of hot water to shower. I think there is also room for improvement with food.

Catalonia Yucatan: Reasonable

The resort is aging but well maintained staff are friendly, however reception manages are not so helpful, they ignore your request to address a loyal client situation. Apparently the adjacent resort is no longer managed as previously. Reducing flexibility to share overall resort

Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres: Very clean resort

This is a great resort. Staff is amazing. The resort is very well maintained. And the rooms are very spacious. There seemed to be alot of young children. It was not easy to book the ala carts. And the buffet food was not very warm.