So, you're looking at the Princess All Suites Dominican Republic. Most people call it the Grand Bavaro Princess now, though the "All Suites" branding still sticks in everyone's head because, well, every room there is huge. It’s located on a prime slice of Bavaro Beach, which is basically the gold standard for sand in Punta Cana. But here’s the thing: people either love this place for the ecological vibes or they get frustrated by the sheer scale of it.
It’s big. Really big.
If you hate walking, you’ll probably hate the layout unless you’re okay waiting for the internal shuttles. But if you want a resort that doesn't feel like a concrete jungle, this is one of the few spots left that actually kept its mangroves. You’ll see peacocks. You’ll see iguanas. Honestly, it feels a bit like a Jurassic Park set, minus the velociraptors and plus a swim-up bar.
The Reality of the All-Suites Setup
When they rebranded from the old Bavaro Princess to the Grand Bavaro Princess All Suites, they poured a massive amount of money into the renovations. We aren't talking about just a fresh coat of paint. They gutted the bungalows.
The "All Suites" name isn't just marketing fluff; you won't find a cramped, standard hotel room here. Even the lead-in categories are massive. The Bungalow Suites are scattered across the property in two-story villas. If you've stayed at a high-rise resort in Cancun, this is the polar opposite. It’s spread out. Low-density. The Platinum Suites are the ones everyone fights over, mostly because they give you access to a private beach area and a separate lounge, which, let’s be real, is a lifesaver when the main pool gets rowdy.
The bathrooms are usually the highlight. Huge soaking tubs, double vanities, and enough space to actually move around without bumping into your partner. However, keep in mind that "renovated" doesn't mean "perfect." It's the Caribbean. Humidity is a literal constant. You might see a bit of wear and tear or a slow-moving drain. It happens.
✨ Don't miss: Anderson California Explained: Why This Shasta County Hub is More Than a Pit Stop
What Most People Get Wrong About the Food
Usually, all-inclusive food gets a bad rap for being bland or repetitive. At the Princess All Suites Dominican Republic, the sheer volume of choices is meant to counter that. You’ve got over 10 restaurants.
The buffet is... a buffet. It's fine. It’s consistent. But the specialty restaurants like Il Tartufo (Italian) or Tanuki (Teppanyaki) are where you actually want to spend your evenings. Pro tip: download the Princess Hotels app the second you check in. If you don't book your dinners early, you'll end up at the buffet every night, and by day three, you will be tired of the carving station.
There's a 24-hour "Rebels" snack bar too. It’s not gourmet, but if you’re stumbling back from the disco at 2:00 AM, a greasy burger feels like a five-star meal.
The Beach and the "Sargassum" Factor
Bavaro Beach is world-famous. The sand is that powdery white stuff that doesn't get hot under your feet. But we have to talk about the seaweed.
The Dominican Republic, like the rest of the Caribbean, deals with seasonal sargassum. The Princess staff works their tails off to clear it every morning with tractors and manual rakes. Some days the water is crystal clear turquoise. Other days, it’s a bit tea-colored near the shore. That’s not the resort’s fault; it’s nature. If you’re a beach purist, check the satellite trackers before you fly out.
🔗 Read more: Flights to Chicago O'Hare: What Most People Get Wrong
The resort has a massive beachfront, so even when it’s at full capacity, you aren't exactly elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Unless you’re at the main pool. That place is a zoo.
Is the Platinum Upgrade Actually Worth It?
This is the question that keeps people up at night when booking. Honestly, it depends on how much you value your sanity.
The Platinum Club at Princess All Suites Dominican Republic gets you:
- A private beach area with better loungers (and more shade).
- Exclusive restaurants that are generally quieter and have higher-quality ingredients.
- Premium booze. This is a big one. The standard all-inclusive liquor can be a bit "bottom shelf."
- A separate pool area that feels way more adult and way less "cannonball contest."
If you’re on a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, just pay for the Platinum. If you’re a family with three kids who are going to be in the kids' club and the water park all day anyway, you might not get the value out of the price jump.
The Ecological Side of Things
One thing that genuinely sets this property apart is the "Eco" path. While other resorts in Punta Cana cleared every single tree to make room for more rooms, Princess kept a massive mangrove swamp right in the middle of the resort.
💡 You might also like: Something is wrong with my world map: Why the Earth looks so weird on paper
It smells like a swamp sometimes? Yeah, occasionally. It’s nature. But it also means the resort has a soul. You can walk the wooden boardwalks and see turtles, ducks, and those famous flamingos. It’s a nice break from the "all-white-everything" aesthetic that’s taking over modern hotel design. It feels like the Dominican Republic, not a generic Marriott in Omaha.
Navigating the Logistics
Getting there is easy. It’s about 20-25 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Don't take a random taxi; book a private transfer beforehand. It’ll save you $20 and a lot of headaches.
Once you’re on-site, use the trolleys. They run pretty much constantly, but during peak breakfast or dinner hours, they get full. If you’re staying in the rooms furthest from the beach (the 8000 or 9000 blocks), it’s a solid 10-15 minute walk. Wear comfortable shoes. Flip-flops for a mile-long walk in 90-degree heat is a recipe for blisters.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
- Pack a Bug Spray: Those mangroves are beautiful, but they are a breeding ground for "no-see-ums" at dusk. Spray your ankles before heading to dinner.
- The App is Life: Use the Princess app for everything. Maintenance requests, restaurant bookings, and checking the activity schedule.
- Tipping Culture: While it's "all-inclusive," $1 or $2 to your bartender or maid goes a ridiculously long way. It’s the difference between a weak drink and a double-pour of the good stuff.
- Power Up: The rooms have standard US-style outlets, but if you have a lot of gadgets, bring a small power strip. The "renovated" rooms added USB ports, but they can be finicky.
- Morning Shade: If you want a palapa (shade umbrella) on the beach, you need to be out there by 7:30 AM. It’s a cutthroat game. If you aren't an early bird, just stick to the pool.
- Currency: Don't bother exchanging for Dominican Pesos. USD is king here. Bring a stack of $1 and $5 bills for tips and small purchases.
The Princess All Suites Dominican Republic isn't a boutique luxury experience. It's a massive, high-energy, beautiful, and sometimes chaotic Caribbean machine. If you go in expecting 5-star Ritz Carlton service, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a huge room, a stunning beach, and a resort that actually looks like a tropical jungle, it's one of the best values in the DR. Just remember to walk the mangrove path at least once; it’s the best part of the whole place.