Iberostar Bavaro Rooms

All 592 rooms are junior suites with two double beds, a sunken sitting area, and a patio or balcony depending on the floor. Bathrooms have both a shower and a tub, with dispensers offering soap and shampoo, so bring conditioner. Also bring a hair dryer. My wife complained that the dryer in the room works too slowly. The rooms felt spacious, with just the right amount of closet space and dressers. The mini-bar was replenished daily with water, soda, and other drinks. There's also an iron and ironing board if you need to tidy up. Kids could watch Nickelodeon and Disney and other satellite channels on the flat-screen. A special shout out to the maid service that made the place spotless, even after all the sand, sea, and swimsuits we brought into our room. There's also a safe in the room, but you have to get a key from the front desk and you're charged an extra $4 a night, which is a bit ludicrous.

Take advantage of the complimentary bottles of water in the bathroom for brushing teeth. The water in the guest rooms is not potable.

For mothers traveling alone with the kids, you'll notice that peep holes are not provided in the doors for additional security, although the windows are positioned where you can see who is at the door before opening.

Wireless internet has recently been installed throughout the property, although there is an additional charge. However, you should pack a two-pronged adapter for any of your three-pronged electronics. If you forget, they are for sale in the gift shop for less than $1.

All rooms are furnished with an oversized umbrella just in case of rain, but you may want to pack another one for the family. Afternoon or evening showers are brief, but common throughout the year.

This is a nice little feature: If your children require naps at a certain time of day, you can schedule housekeeping services so that there's no chance they will interrupt during nap time.