We arrived in Punta Cana at 10:30am, found our luggage without a problem, were directed to the bus without any confusion, boarded the bus and drove to the Catalonia. We arrived by 11:30. Had a welcome drink. Reception told us to come back at 2:00 and they would have our rooms. We asked for 3 rooms in the same building. Had drinks in the lobby bar, went and got some lunch at the pool bar. Went back to the lobby and at exactly 2:00 we got our rooms. We had asked for 2nd floor but they put us on 1st floor in building 30. Two rooms at one end of building and one room at the other end. We had been to the Catalonia before, so unpacked and went to the pool before 3:30. Got chairs without a problem, drinks.
Rooms:
The rooms are lovely and large. We had a king size bed and a cot for our son, all as requested. The shower is rather small but serves the purpose. Our maid always made us a figure out of towels. Not many washcloths. Fridge was always stocked up. Safe in room is at no extra charge and worked wonderful.
Restaurants and Bars:
They have 4 ala carte restaurants. Steakhouse, Mexican, Italian and Japanese. When we were there before you had to have a reservation so we never bothered. They have changed their practices and you just go to the restaurant and wait until there is a table. We went at 6:30 and never had to wait. You can only go once to each one. They were all excellent and the workers try very hard to make your experience as real as possible. Dress in theme outfits, somberos in Mexican. Japanese is a wonderful treat. They cook at your table. We had never tried such a thing before. Awesome. The buffets are always excellent with lots of choices. The chicken they serve at lunch at the pool bar is beyond belief. Build your own omelettes in the morning, fresh made crepes. There is an ice cream parlour up in the shopping area. Lots of bars and a couple dollars go a long way. Always have tablecloths and linen napkins, fancy glass glasses in the bars.
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
The pool is absolutely gorgeous. Huge and pretty warm. Island to swim around. Swim up bar. Only 5’3" deep. Lots of chairs and palapas. Kids pool also. The beach is beautiful. Lots of lounge chairs and palapas. Not rough water at all. It was quite windy when we were there, but so nice. Had a couple showers but not enough to get us off the beach. Sand is so white and soft. The beach is relatively quiet, lots of people to watch, but that is why we like it. Relaxation is important to us. Workers rake the beach every morning and sometimes again during the day. Just up the beach is a "Shopping Mall". Get experience, don’t go alone, very overwhelming. Harmless people but not what we are used to. They love to haggle over prices. Never pay more than 1/2 of what they ask.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
They had beach aerobics. They had contests at the pool. Kids club. Entertainment at night, but doesn’t start until 9:45, to late for us after a big day on the beach. Casino that has quite a few machines. My son and friend paid to swim with the dolphins. Just 2 minutes from the Catalonia. They upgraded to 45 min. in water with 2 dolphins. I paid to go watch and take pictures. Also had a sea lion show. Great experience, well worth the money and only gone for the morning. Lots of other excursions but just takes me away from the beach.
Other Comments:
Tips are not necessary but sometimes are very helpful. If you leave the tip on the table, they have to share. If you put it in their hand its theirs. On our last night there was a torrential rain storm go through. Our bathroom had about 6" of water in it and it ran in under our door. Not much they can do about the weather. Thank goodness it was our last night. One problem with ground floor. Everything outside was under about 4" of water also. Building 30 is right up by the lobby, so I walked there to use the washroom. Overall we had a great holiday and would not think twice about going back for a third time, I have recommended it to several people. Its an easy resort to find your way around in.