Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Overall a great trip!

We recently returned from a 7 day vacation at the Barcelo Bravaro Palace. Overall we had a great time. The resort itself is spectacular! The grounds are very well kept and everything is very clean.This resort is attached to the Bavaro Beach resort which is adult only. All the services, including the a la cart restaurants, casino and shopping area are all in the main palace complex, so the folks from the adult only area had to come to the Palace complex for these services. I did have a chance to  [... read more]go visit the adult only area. It was defiantly quieter and a little higher end overall. I went a couple times to the bar at that end of the resort. The second time they noticed may Palace bracelet and would only let me get one drink..:(, ( I was there to get one for me and one for my wife). I assume this is a way to keep you in your respective resort area, however there were lots of folks from the adult only area drinking at the bars in the palace area with no restrictions. There is a large theater with high quality shows every night. There are quite a few shops for general shopping and the main complex so there really wasn't any need to leave the resort. We usually travel around the area when we are on these trips but spent this whole trip on site. We did find some prices inflated in the hotel shopping area. The room it self was kept clean and made up whenever we asked. The bed was large and very comfortable. They kept the bar fridge stocked with juice, pop, beer and water. They also replaced the chips and peanut snack bags every day. The drinks at the bar were all very good. The clear well alcohol was not the best but was hidden well in the mixed drinks. If you asked for premium brand alcohol, ie Absolute vodka, Beefeater gin, they served it no problem. There is only one kind of beer available and the cups are small. The beach is very large and one complaint i have is it is too far to walk to the bar if you were way down the beach. I would recommenced taking a travel mug, to save you some trips! Bottled water is readily available. The beach was kept very clean and there was a crew out every day raking up the seaweed. The resort makes an effort to recycle with plastic only and organic only bins around the beach area. There were ample deck chairs available, although if you didn't get one reserved early in the day, you couldn't get close to the pool or anywhere near a bar on the beach. They allocated you two towels when you arrived to be used at the beach and pool area, which you could swap out anytime. On the second last day, we had a sudden down pour of rain and everyone's towel was soaked. I assumed they would run out of dry towels, but to my pleasant surprise, they had lots. There were hobbie cats available to use for free as well as sail boards and paddle boats. You had to book them a day ahead and you really needed to get there early to get a spot. The food overall was good. With any large buffet, you expect to see yesterdays leftover food recycled in today's meals somewhere. I did not see this. There was lots of selection and different foods every day. The fresh fish was excellent. the salad bar and fresh fruit was excellent as well. Overall, the buffets did not compare to those we have had in mexico, but we didn't loose any weight...;) The a la carts were a little disappointing. We ate at 4 different ones. The Italian restaurant was good. The pasta was always cooked properly. They need to work on their sauces. The Japanese was disappointing. They limit how many different dishes you can order, although you can share. The rice in the sushi rolls was overcooked (which I have found normal at these places). I wanted some Sake with my meal. I was told it was an extra charge (huh?) The seafood restaurant was good, the the service was very slow and non-attentive. Didn't enjoy the atmosphere. The steak house was by far the best. The atmosphere and service was excellent. the steak was done to perfection! There were not many English speaking people there including staff. We had a little difficulty communicating but overall it added to the experience. There were a lot of Russian tourists there and i found them generally self absorbed and rude. Lots of Spanish speaking tourists, coming from South America mainly. I would say less than 20% English speaking American and Canadian guests. The WiFi was supposed to be complimentary, however this was only in the casino. If you wanted WiFi outside of that there was an extra charge. I think it was $45 US for the week, not outrageous, but you could only have one device on at a time and it was a pain to log in and out! Overall a good experience and we would go back!

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Large Resort

Grounds well maintained. Room cleaning needs to be improved with proper replacement of toiletries. Perfect for families with young children in family only area. all inclusive price does not include Wave Pool and Pirate Island, this should be stipulated in description.when paying so families can budget costs. Good selection of food. Steak house and Seafood Restaurants should not be considered as an Al a Cart as the food was not anything different from buffet. Hoya (included as part of resta [... read more]urants, but is an Al a Cart) service at table with small buffet area,and good, hot food. Service slow, like all D.R. to be expected. Most importantly ************ they do not understand, speak English well and do not care to try.

Allegro Cozumel: Good

Grounds were beautiful, well kept. Rooms also nice, small but nice - liked the hut idea. Food was ok, experienced better in other resorts in Mexico. Since we were limited to two a la carte choices (although we managed to get a third), the buffet for lunch and dinner was very repetitive. We were also not allowed to take any food out from the buffet so each meal had to be a sit down one (even if you wanted a quick snack).... we had no grill available during the day by the beach or pool so now [... read more]here to get a quick snack with the exception of the sports bar which often had not so attractive choices (hot dogs, etc.). The resort would also benefit by having somewhere to get a coffee/latte. They had two machines only, one was out of service the entire week we were there and the other only available while the main buffet was open. The Beach however was incredible, friendly staff and our weather was amazing so it made up for what we were lacking. I would recommend the hotel if someone was looking for a decent affordable place as the beach is incredible, great location to explore Cozumel, plan snorkel and/or scuba diving activities.

Allegro Cozumel: Average Resort .

The resort is isolated as far as shopping or dining out. Approximately $30 USD to take a taxi to town. We booked the premium package which was probably not worth the additional cost. It did get us a room close to the beach and one extra a la cartel booking. The lounge was nice and at the beach with a private pool, but shade was at a premium at this pool. Rooms were nice, although we had to keep a towel over the floor drain in the washroom to block sewer smells. Maintenance came twice and declare [... read more]d the emergency solved- not so- but the towel did work. Food was adequate but certainly not great. The buffets (lunch and dinner) were usually crowded and line ups were normal. These was a first for us. Evening entertainment was nothing special and even repeated one act during our week there. The beach is small but nice. Don’t expect your own space or palapa, too many people. It is a family resort so expect plenty of wee ones, especially on the beach. They don’t seem to use the kids pool but prefer the beach. Snorkelling off the beach is great. Starfish, rays and many varieties of fish are regular sightings. Staff are wonderful and always friendly. We were also disappointed that wifi was not free anywhere on the resort with an y of the packages. For 12 USD per day, we opted to block our contact with the outside world. It did get cheaper if you took the entire week at 56 USD which is still expensive. All things considered, probably won’t return to this resort.

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Beautiful Resort!

We enjoyed our stay at the Barcelo Maya Colonial. The resort was very clean and the beach was beautiful! The staff were friendly and warm and the food was good! Octavio went out of his way to serve us any time he saw us and he was a wonderfully friendly face to see in the lobby! He was very resourceful and always very helpful!

Allegro Cozumel: New Years Fun

Our family of four, with two teenage daughters, stayed at the Allegro Cozumel for one week over New Year’s. We had a wonderful vacation and met many very friendly people. Our girls had a great time participating in the activities offered, especially volleyball on the beach. The staff was always working hard and very friendly. The resort is very pretty with lots of palm trees and greenery. The pools were fun and the beach is nice although the water wasn’t as clear as we expected. The food was [... read more] always good with plenty of options to choose from. The only downside with the food is that there is only one restaurant for lunch. There was always a line up during peak times although it was only about 10 minutes and the food was always good once we got in. We loved going on a snorkelling trip and exploring the island by Jeep one day. The resort did a great job on New Year’s Eve. There was an excellent, special meal at the buffet restaurant and then some really good entertainment with an acrobatic show and a super fun band to ring in 2019. All in all, we experienced a very fun and relaxing vacation!

Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Disappointing resort

The grounds were nice and the staff were friendly. However there were many problems with this resort including: no hot water for showers, only 1 pool for non club members, not enough deck chairs and pool space available for non club members, washroom at beach was for club members only, the lobby buffet was hit or miss, main pool should have another bar, ala cart restaurants do not take reservations. The resort is over priced and I would recommend other resorts over this one.

Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Beautiful Resort

This was my first time on an all inclusive resort (and in Mexico). The resort itself was beautiful, very tropical and surprisingly full of wildlife. We stayed for 7 nights & really enjoyed the experience. The food was great, the people were very kind and helpful, and it always felt safe and comfortable. Our concierge in our building were amazing. Two lovely ladies - Evelyn & Alma. They were always smiling & happy to be there and give advice on where to go or what to do to make sure we have t [... read more]he best trip possible. Along with that the cleaning women were wonderful. Our main cleaner was Isabelle and she was always making sure we had a clean, fresh room to walk into whenever we needed. The extra activities and excursions were pricey, especially in a different currency (mostly USD) so it was disappointing realizing we were spending so much money on not even a full day of activities. We instead went into the city & bought our excursions through the local people. This was a better deal for your dollar. But all in all the hotel was wonderful and very beautiful. A great and relaxing place to stay for the week.

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort: Fabulous Getaway Spot

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort gets a 2 thumbs up 👍 Buffet choices for all 3 meals were amazing and staff were so friendly. Beaches are white sand with many chaises available all the time Pools were great, Lots of places for little kids to play Resort very well maintained and very clean A relaxing place to unwind Would go back in a heartbeat

Palma Real: Horrible

Horrible where to start, food at the hotel can't even eat it they left out food that went bad and wouldn't remove it, had to eat outside the hotel everyday, no towels in the room, went almost a hold day without water in the room do not take your kids to this hotel

Allegro Cozumel: Amazing resort!!

Great resort for family fun, the entertainment was excelllent. The service was great and rooms really felt like the outdoors. I really like the entrainment in the day/time as well. I also like the a la chart Resturant’s the had

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Beautiful

We travelled to the Bavaro Barcelo Beach (adult side) December 2018. It was a wonderful experience! The buffet food was very good, although they could have changed it up more. The restaurants for the most part were average and I wouldn’t keep high expectations for taste and quality. However, the buffets are splendid. The beach was also average but the resort does a pretty good job at trying to clean the seaweed. The rooms were cleaned nicely and we had no complaints. It’s a very large resort [... read more] and be prepared for some exercise. They have a shuttle service which is quite good given the size of the resort. Food: Buffets at palace and beach 4/5 Restaurants: 3/5 Friendliness of staff: 3/5 Beach: 3.5/5 Pools: 5/5 Weather: 4.5/5 Activities: 4/5 Shows: 4/5 Casino: 4/5 The only thing I didn’t care for were the surcharges for activities at the Palace resort. Bowling, golf, waterpark, kids club etc. All had extra charges. They should consider eliminating this as it’s an ALL inclusive resort. We did some scuba diving and we loved the experience. The spa was awesome and we were happy most of the regular services were included with our package. The gym was also fantastic given it serviced both resorts. Might want to consider opening another gym on the adult side as well. The views from our room were spectacular. Honestly, really good value for the Canadian dollar. A last note, our travel advisor Manuela with Tripcentral was fantastic. We give her our TravelCouple69 FIVE star recommendation!

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Amazing vacation

The resort is beautiful with so many places to walk to and enjoy. The grounds are well cared for and clean. The rooms are good with a very comfortable bed. We loved the pools and beach space. We knew the resort was full but it never felt too crowded. The New Year’s Eve party was fun. The buffets and restaurants were all very good. The service was fantastic and the food was tasty with lots of choices. The staff work hard to make you feel pampered. The New Year’s buffet was excellent with a lo [... read more]t of effort put in to the food selection and presentation. We had an awesome time and would go back for a fourth time. We definitely recommend this resort.

Palma Real: The worst resort/hotel I've seen.

The grounds were good. Hotel lobby and pool area had a nice vibe to them but the rooms and food were horrible. We stayed 1 night and paid $535 extra to move next door for the last 6 nights. That hotel was very good!

Barcelo Solymar: Amazing resort

Hotel was very clean and the waiter/waitress / all staff treated us like we were the only ones there , would definitely recommend this resort , , the beach was breath taking , the pool was also good , I can’t say enough good stuff about this resort , Barcelo Solymar you are the best , I will be returning

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: good resort

nice resort , all good except few suggestions: more food options at the sports bar and must add another place to eat when buffet is closed since eating at the sports bar all the time and same food is not fun. it would be nice to have a place on the beach where they do BBQ fish grill etc. bad experience at la Fluente. i would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. poor customer service and food is terrible.

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort: Thumbs up !!!!!

-very nice place to stay -French Brasserie,Tokyo Tepparyaki and Trattoria Pizza e pasta restaurants were very good. The Mexico Lindo restaurant not so much .The buffets are really good . The beds and pillows are awesome, the room was clean .you really don't need to leave the resort everything we think is there except if you want to go the ruins . Ocean was rocky in most places when getting in, lot of lounge chairs. Really nice water parks for the kids , and nice pools for any age . All [... read more] the people that work there are great hosts!!!

Occidental Caribe: Fun Christmas vacay

We had a nice Christmas vacation at Occidental Carribe our room was clean view was beautiful staff was helpful - some language barriers with some staff and others were most friendly and helpful - issue with our safe one day but was fixed within an hour the beach was fun and you can walk forever the pools are clean water aerobics was fun the food was great with tons of choices lots of restaurants and many open air bars Christmas eve gala dinner was our favorite and Louis made it great daily Ramon [... read more] and Richard greeted us and did a great job The excursions were a blast and not far from the hotel and the drive from airport to hotel was not far either We would recommend for sure

Barcelo Solymar: The Food was great

My booking agent knew a lot about Varadero and the hotel itself. The food was great. Inside the hotel lobby was beautiful, looks like you are inside a rain forest. Kept clean. What i did not like was that there is a very strong sewage smell that comes through the bathroom (no vents). It wakes me up. This same smell come along the corridors. I went on a bus tour of the city and the same smell in some area. Oh and it the amount of tip given out is more than the cost of the vacation. Next  [... read more]time I am going to change my money into their local peso and give out as tips. Change your money at the airport. The exchange rate in the hotels and banks is terrible. Do not go on the horse carriage tour it is a waste of money. I went on a private tour to havana it cost us same amount as the group tour (I connected with one of the tour guides and this was arranged). The group tour wastes a lot of time, it takes so long. Wifi only works in hotel lobby as usual. 1 peso of an hour.

Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos: Awesome Resort

The Barcelo Grand Faro Resort is an immaculate place, the grounds were manicured and everything clean. The rooms were large and in good condition. Our room had a king and double bed and was kept clean by our maid daily. We had lots of bottle water. The staff were great from the front desk to the maid and waiters in restaurants and at pool. Geremias in the Las Olas buffet was great, he provided excellent service. Jorge, waiter at pool was awesome helping us get drinks and providing information ab [... read more]out the Resort. Both of these men went above our expectations. The alacarts, Los jicama and Los gondola and Los olas all provided exceptional service and great food. The evening shows in the lobby were good but would be better if had a theatre for them. This Resort was a good size, easy to get around and close to a shopping mall, la Comer. Overall, we would recommend this Resort for a relaxing stay.