HM Bavaro Beach — Hotel in Higüey

There are so many cons about this hotel that I wanted to give it a zero star but since it was not possible, I’m giving it a one star only. First of all, they have it listed as a “resort” which is not. There are no amenities, just two pools and the only thing that is included is the breakfast (*if you are paying for it), they don't even have a gym. Second, the hotel is NOT an adult only as advertised. The guests from the all inclusive Whala resort that is next to this one have access to this hotel and its main pool. They also have access to the beach lounging area and chairs. Even if they don't bring their kids to the “adult only” area, it is only separated by a rope. The pictures that they have in their website are misleading. You won't get any privacy at all, and will still have families and kids around you. However, guests from this hotel are not allowed to use any of the amenities of the other Whala hotel. Third, the beach area is useless, super dirty with seaweed that they don't take care of (as other resorts and hotels in the area do). In addition, it is right next to where all the boats in Bavaro beach are parked in the sand which is going to be your view from your "Ocean View" room which is also right next to the lounging area (no privacy). The street leading to the hotel is extremely narrow, and when it rains it gets flooded. There’s no parking. The area is not very nice (it’s kind of ghetto) and there’s not many amenities around (restaurants, stores). No nightlife at all and there’s so many people right outside the hotel trying to sell you different things. The only pros about the hotel are the friendly staff and the rooftop pool. This is an extremely overpriced 2 star...

Let me start by saying I enjoyed my stay. There were many good things about the hotel. |- Katherine in Reception, our favorite!|- The rooms are nice (except our first room, see below)|- Water pressure was good and the water was hot|- The bartender was a cool guy but I can't remember his name sorry. Javieroux?|- The hotel was very clean|- The pools are very nice|- The food is good|- Food/drink prices reasonable|- The seating area on the beach is well maintained and there are always seats|- Housekeeping was good|- Security was good|- The rooms have good AC|- The wifi was good||Things I didn't like|- TripAdvisor says breakfast is free...LOL..it was like 21$/person per day! I went to the grocery store down the street and got some bagels|- About my first room...the hotel seemed to be designed to funnel all rain water into our room (1206). Seriously...the rain ran down the hall in just into our room, none of the others. They clean and mopped the water out of it but then it rained and flooded again. "flood' isn't an exaggeration. It took a second request to get a new room.||Things no one can do anything about but worth thinking about|- It was seaweed season, the beaches were covered with stinky seaweed. Didn't bother me..I sat by the pool|- When you leave the hotel you get bombarded with people trying to sell you tours|- There's a grocery store down the street but it is super expensive|- When it rains the street out front floods|- There was no water a couple times...I guess the city was...

In short: Toilet remain clogged all days we were there- needing maintenance every day!

In long- The check in lady was super kind- katherin- She let us check in two hours earlier than our actual check in time. Okay we get to the room. The key isn't working as the door sensor isn't working. We pick up our luggage and on the next floor we go. We get a room. I use the bathroom and the flush is broken. Like nothing is flushing. Walk all the way down to tell the front desk as the telephones aren't working. The guy comes in to check it out and hes using a plunger like there's no tomorrow. Makes a mess in the bathroom. Cleans it partially and leaves. Not the most pleasant of sights or smell. Next morning. Use the bathroom and flush ain't working again. Down the stairs again. They don't offer a change of room and tell me to not flush toilet paper down the flush! Like seriously? We don't even use that much tissue paper- we use water! Third morning- the flush ain't working again. Back to the same routine. Thankfully we were only there for a few days and life's an experience so take it as it comes- but probably look around at other hotels before you want this experience- of going to the bathroom and calling maintenance right after to deal w a clogged toilet !

The location is next to the beach- but the beach it self was unaccessible given the amount of sea weed/moss. The breakfast is...