Barcelo Huatulco: Best beach waiters!

Although we were quite unhappy that our “free wifi” was only one hour a day, we were more than thrilled to have such great waiters deliver drinks to the beach! Even if we only wanted cups of ice and bottles of water, they never complained and brought us anything we asked for! The grounds were kept very clean and well looked after, the rooms were comfortable, clean and the A/C worked great! (Thank goodness!)

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Awesome resort

It was awesome! Only thing I would say is that internet not available only if you pay, which for a 5 star resort I feel you should give for free, I have been to other resorts also 5 stars and had internet for free throughout the entire resort, even in our room! But everything else was awesome! I would definitely recommend this hotel, and I definitely will be back!

Barcelo Huatulco: Second visit, lovely vacation!

This was our second stay at Huatulco Barcelo, and was very nice. We upgraded to the Premium level, and appreciated access to the private air condition lounge with bartender and TV, and the priority booking of restaurants. Enjoyed food in the buffet and al a cart restaurants. Room was lovely.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Beautiful & stunning resort. Also, it's massive!

Although the grounds are immaculate and stunning, the Barcelo Bavaro Palace was one of the largest resorts I have ever been to. Having a tram/train to get from one side to the other is an indication of it's foot-print. The main pool was outstanding. I particularly liked the water spouts that gave wicked massages. We really enjoyed the underwater loungers, but not where they were situated right by the buffet. It did give a feeling like everyone is watching you while they eat. The buffet was ext [... read more]ensive and had many options and something for everyone. We got to know some of the staff and a few would go over and above to find us mango or extra passion fruit for our table... worthy of the extra tips ;-) When we arrived, we met with a manager Adiascar Corcoran who treated us extremely well. For six of us travelling together in celebration of our collective birthdays, he made sure we had the best a la carte reservations for every night. He also sent a birthday surprise to our room. Our rooms were also spectacular! I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have a private Jacuzzi tub on our balconies. I used ours everyday, sometimes twice a day. I would recommend this location for those who want a big, clean resort. People who like large pools and beautiful palm trees. The restaurants were great, specially the Mexican. If you want real Dominican culture and more of a natural real experience, this isn't quite the place. The shear size, makes for a loss in intimacy and getting to know people. The beach: Perfect for long walks, awesome pictures and sunning in the morning. We were lucky to not have to battle too much Sargasso washing up and whatever did, they took care of it early in the day. We only saw mass amounts on our last day. It's a natural phenomenon which houses many wee beautiful creatures. It is what it is. We did appreciate the efforts to keep the beach clear. However... the one thing I found frustrating was the stickiness of the ocean water. It is clear that it's polluted by massive amounts of sunscreen. We could feel it on our skin, sticky and white some days but usually we were just coated in a sticky-ick. I would like to see more efforts towards pushing for either no sunscreen use in the oceans or at least a reef friendly kind. I had a very difficult time with the animal enclosures out in the water. I'm pretty sure it's animal cruelty. We didn't quite know what we were signing up for in a snorkel tour. I assumed open water areas. We were taken by boat (who was on a 5-song-loop) to first, an area cordoned-off for snorkeling and then a ocean floor-walk with the big glass helmets. This area is far over-polluted and murky. There was only one kind of fish who have been trained to stick around as the tour guides squirt bread from bottles to attract them to the ocean floor-walkers. Also not an environmentally sound practice. The Ocean floor walk was pretty cool, if it weren't so "set up". We didn't need all the extra Insta-moments or photos stops. It was clear that the push was to get us to buy the video. I would have been happy to just pay to have a guided walk in a natural area where healthy sea-life just float on by. It just felt very dirty/touristy. We then set off to another encloser where we were told we would swim with sharks and sting rays. What we witnesses was very sad animals. terrified sting-rays who cowered from the snorkelers and crawled up on each other in a corner. Same with the sharks who looks very unwell. If these are rescued, then let them heal in peace. We were then lined up (at first we didn't know what), my camera was confiscated and i was urged to line up with everyone else. It was too late to bail when I realized I was lining up to have a poor sea-lion kiss everyone on the cheek as if we were at Sea World in the 80's. He was beautiful and there was no need to train him to do this. It broke my heart! The dolphins were next and I just couldn't watch. They were so distressed that some were fighting. I was out! I sadly took myself back to the boat to drown my sorrows in how fake & cruel this all was. I would come back if there were huge efforts towards the environment, waste, and true cultural experience. I would like to add a piece about our booking agent Angela. She continually made mistakes, left things out, emailed the wrong addresses and/or didn't respond to emails at all. It became glowingly painful to get answers.Some of us just gave up on her. She did promise all of us a gift card per room of a value of $100.00 towards an excursion (which they would NOT accept ) or massage, which they also would NOT accept. We tried calling Trip Central's complaint number & email to ask what it WAS good for and OF COURSE, got zero response. We were counting on those funds and we were never able to use it. So, if you're given a Tripcentral gift card, double/triple check WTF it's truly for. We were also promised a rebate from the airline through our agent and those also never showed up for most of us (or have yet to). Only two of the six of us received a rebate on their credit card before the trip. I wouldn't use Angela Douglas of Trip Central ever again, even if you paid me. Her correspondence skills are extremely lacking and she doesn't deliver what she promises. We have email proof of what we were promised what we did not receive. She blew it, big time. Oops, one more thing. Our arrival at the Dominican airport consisted of a 2 hour line up in the heat (thankfully inside the open air), just to go through their customs. I felt awful for anyone travelling with children. That alone would hinder me from ever coming back. 2 hours is just too long to line up like cattle. No thanks!

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Great Resort!

Huge resort, but still walkable. Impeccably clean. Lovely rooms and balcony with jacuzzi tub(building 5,4th floor is a great spot). Great beach, good food, a la carts were all good except seafood restaurant had cold food and it was ok ish. Mexican was awesome and Japanese was awesome. The only thing Barcelo Palace is missing is a beach bar and a lunch place on the beach. Always had to go to buffet. Nightly shows were surprisingly really good too! Wi fi only in Casino which was a little annoying [... read more] but it’s good to be “unplugged” for a week. I would recommend it and I have travelled quite a bit.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Last Minute Getaway Nov 28 - Dec 10, 2019

PROS Location Beach A la Carte Restaurant selection Access to adjacent Bávaro properties Friendly staff Pool Trains between the properties Never had an issue finding lounge chairs Quiet atmosphere CONS Rooms outdated Bathrooms in severe need of complete overhaul No wi-fi unless purchased Only free wi-fi is at the casino in Barcelo Palace Several of the Al la Carte restaurants have a $15 per person charge OVERALL Based on the last minute booking and the price we paid, we co [... read more]uld get by with the cons. If we would have paid a higher price, the disappointment level would have been pretty high

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort: Fantastic Resort

This resort was even nicer than we had expected, such a nice surprise. First off, the staff were all so friendly and helpful. The resort was; clean, safe, amazing overall amenities, beach was great for swimming and great areas for snorkeling. The property is large enough to accommodate all the guests without making the pool area, restaurants, bar areas etc. feel busy. It has the benefits of being able to have stay and play options. Despite being so large, the property and amenities is all access [... read more]ible and walkable. If you didn’t want to walk from one area to another they offered a free shuttle service back and forth. Overall, this was an amazing resort and would love to go back.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Amazing Resort

The grounds, the rooms, the restaurants all were excellent. Cleaning personnel were forever attending to the various restrooms all over the resort. All staff from the reception area to the room attendants were all courteous and friendly and always willing to help.

Barcelo Maya Caribe: Nothing Special

I love beach and unfortunate the beach on this resort is not good. You need to wear water shoes all the time because of the rocks. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. The food is O.K Pools are good but beaches are not along all Barcelo resorts. I would not recommend this hotel for a beach lover like me.

Barcelo Maya Caribe: Great resort

The resort was amazing. I had a lot of fun. It is super spacious and the beaches are really close to the rooms. The staff are really friendly and always greet you with a smile. The food is also really good.

Occidental Caribe: Occidental Caribe

The views were beautiful of ocean and the pools were lovely but the hotel was not great. Things that had been repaired over the years were evident with shotty workmanship . Safe and toilet were broken. The front desk staff were rude and didnt speak English. They would say anything to get rid of you and then never complete the task requested. No tour of grounds were given and you were not kept in the loop of activities. Took my family here and it was a huge disappointment. Other people were also [... read more] complaining of resort. Ads are very deceiving....travellers be aware!

Barcelo Maya Caribe: Beautiful vacation resort

From the first steps into the lobby you feel like you’re important. The staff makes an immediate impression that you mean something to them. The incredible food, awesome pools clean rooms and great beach made my family vacation very special!

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Great resort with lots to do!

The hotel grounds are spacious and beautiful. Very clean. Perfect for sandy beach strolls and your daily workouts! Great atmosphere for kids of all ages. For kids 10 and under, recommend staying at the Barcelo Maya Beach resort which is to the left side of the property. Beach there is shallow for some distance ahead and has great kids zone with babysitting and activities on site. Great plus is that you can use all resort property no matter where you stay with exception of food/drinks at Barcelo  [... read more]Maya Palace which is to the left side of the resort. Also that right hand side of the resort (Caribbean and Beach section) is less windy so less waves and calmer sea. If your kids are older, they will enjoy Colonial or Tropical section of the resort which is in the middle of the resort. Beach there is more rocky in some spots, so wear swim shoes. However, it is so much more interesting for snorkeling and swimming with the turtles!! Some kids enjoy more waves which you get there too! There are about 3 water parks for kids 12 and under or so. And one bigger waterslide and serfing that you have to pay for. 3 other ones are free. Beach resort has a pool with swim lanes for those who love their water excersize. Kayaks, wake boards are also available free of charge. Seadoos you have to book and pay for separately. Food is amazing everywhere and pretty much the same in terms of selection across the resort no matter where you stay. Restaurants are so worth it!! Desert is much better there than in buffets. Our fav was tempura ice-cream with mango ice-cream deep fried. Yum!! Carribean and Colonial theathers' acoustic is very bad. So take free shuttle or walk to Palace side for better experience. Palace theater has proper walls around it, better sound. Others are open with a roof overtop. Resort has a mall with everything you need there from clothing to swim gear. Bring your googles or snorkeling gear or you will pay tripple to purchase at the resort ;) Highly recommend swim shoes to avoid rough rocks in the sea or long-spined sea urchins which hide in the rocks. Very painful as spikes are hard to get out and may need to go to hospital for that!! Easy to avoid though once you know what to look for. Standard or superior hotel rooms are ok. Clean but dated and need reno upkeep. But it didn't bother us as we were barely in the room. Cleaning service is thorough and prompt. Premium front suits by ocean seem nicer. However there is no rooms on the ocean itself. These are more by the pools that face ocean. Grand Resort is a new adult section opening in Dec 2019 seem very nice and brand new of course. It is located in far right hand side of the resort and next to the Beach resort area where beach is calm. Beautiful and perfect location for weddings actually. We saw one practically every day ! There are 2 locations they host weddings and we loved by Caribbean and Beach, right hand side of the resort as it is very quiet and not so windy. We enjoyed our stay this Nov 2019 and will definately consider coming back here again!

Barcelo Solymar: The best time

I came with my sister, ages 26 and 21 and this is definitely a party resort. So close to walk into town, about a 2 beer walk to the beetles bar and calle 62 if you cut through arenas blancas. Beaches are beautiful and clean, staff are great, food isn’t that good we ate in town most nights. Do NOT lose your towel they will give you a very hard time but overall- if you’re looking for a good time and to party this is the place to go. Definitely had wild nights here.

Barcelo Aruba: Barcelo Aruba

The hotel is a very average one. The food was below average, the coffee in a bar was horrible. The room was OK, quite clean, however I heard everything from the corridor - all talks, discussions, etc. The sound isolation of the room was bad. I would not go there again, and I would not recommend this hotel to my relatives or friends.

Occidental Caribe: Excellent Resort

This was my second time at this resort. The resort is amazing , very clean, lots of activity and excellent customer service. The only complaint I would have is that the food was always cold. There was a good variety and plenty of choices but was always cold. Other than that had an amazing holiday, would highly recommend.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Amazing Vacation!

Grounds were beautiful, well kept. Clean rooms, great food. Very much the best family vacation spot! Many pools to hang by, the casino and disco are open late foe entertainment. Everything you need on one ground

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Wouldn't Go Back

Hotel grounds were beautiful, MINUS the 5 dolphins held inhumanely in captivity (small pool). They literally sit there and stare at the ocean. They can smell it. They can see it. Simply Cruel. One look brought me to tears. How do other guests celebrate this? If you'd like to see dolphins or show them to your children, please book a boat and show them how Dolphins LIVE not how they are tortured. That IS Torture. As long as that remains an attraction, I will not pay to visit any Barcelo  [... read more]location. Shame on you Barcelo. Boycott. Other than the cruel and inhumane treatment of the dolphins, the hotel is lovely and the beach is beautiful!!! Simply breathtaking. The rooms are average and they do have a strong musty smell (you read it in other reviews). Both the Colonial and Tropical buffets have the same stench, but it's less potent in the Colonial than the Tropical. However, you have access to the buffet in the neighboring resort (go through the Maya Mall) and there is no musty smell at all. Though we did find that one has less food variety than the musty Colonial. Food variety is very good, but all food is very bland. No salt or garlic used in anything. If you want some kick, head over to the sauces station. I enjoyed the salsa verde (green one) but it was not always available. Very disappointed in the flavors. Given it's Mexico, I was expecting at least some garlic or even a hint of spices. Nothing but bland (no salt used even). I found better spices used in Cuba - no kidding. There is no night life. Period. The shows are, sorry, but they are horrible. Completely horrible. Hard to stay awake through. Solid Pass. The disco, well, we heard better music coming from the wedding celebrations on the beach. Epic Fail. Great resort for family travel - it's bedtime after dinner apparently. Not such a great plan for anyone that wants to enjoy nightlife. And I'm not a big party person but I do enjoy one night of dancing/partying while away. There were 3 disappointments in the room. First, our coffee maker exploded one morning. Slightly dangerous much? The machine was replaced that afternoon and we did have to go without morning coffee (not pleasant). Second, someone that works for the resort, either housekeeping or the person that stocks the fridge, or the person that leaves you chips... One of them broke the stand-up dresser's door. They didn't fix it. They didn't call it in. The whole thing was hanging outward and holding on by the bottom screws. I have a nice bruise from walking right into it. It was repaired within an hour of calling it in. However, where is the pride of work? Someone that works there broke it while doing their job and they simply left it for the guest to injure themselves? Yuck. The third disappointment was the shampoo dispenser in the shower. First, yay that they think to provide shampoo, conditioner and body gel!! Kudos. However, the shampoo container must not have been properly installed. When washing my hair (with my own shampoo - we didn't use theirs), my elbow gently touched it and the whole dispenser flew off. Broken shards of plastic all over the shower with shampoo in my hair, trying not to step on the shards, while cleaning them up and rinsing my hair. Fun times. There was also a very unpleasant waiter in the beach grill and I'm being nice with that word selection. On Saturday the 23rd, just after 4pm, after spending the whole day in the sun, heat exhaustion kicked in and I needed water and food. The beach grill was between the beach and our room. So, we headed to the grill and the waiter that was working the open side refused to give me water, even though I told him I was about to pass out. He got very angry with me - while I'm trying not to pass out, I'm sweating, my head is spinning, color is dropping from my face. Why? Because I wasn't wearing flip flops. Someone was clearly having a bad day (not me, I got the ocean!!!). After a brief and very unpleasant back and forth (for a glass of water), the security guard came over, at which point the waiter passed me the glass of water. Security asked me what was happening, I said I needed water and wasn't feeling well. The waiter then said something to him in Spanish and I heard the word "Punta". The security guy started to tell me that I needed shoes and I simply said all I need is water. I finished the glass and we went back to the room so I could lay down, cool off and hydrate. I then asked my friend what that word I heard the waiter say, meant. WOW!!! You're kidding me. WOW! We did have some very pleasant resort staff that show they care about their jobs and the guest experience: Horacio (bell boy) started us off with smile and service - Great job! You rock! Thank you so much!!! Martha and Cindy in the gift shop (Maya Mall), Amazing!!! So much fun to interact with. Luis in the grill bar (yes the same one with the waiter, hence why I was so surprised about the water)… Luis in the grill bar is simply Awesome!!! Thanks for taking such good care of us every day you were there!!! :-) And of course, the Air Transat resort rep, Alfredo or Alfonzo, sorry I'm horrible with names... now that is service! He's very patient, uncovers what you are looking for and walks you through the whole process. Being that we were two women travelling alone, and hadn't been to Mexico before, he made us feel like Air Transat was with us the whole way and that we were always safe. He gave us some goods tips for when we went out on our own. The best was to turn over our Hotel Bands so they were white and the hotel name wasn't visible. That way any potential scammer wouldn't be able to identify where we were from. Brilliant. I could have gotten the excursions cheaper elsewhere but after dealing with him, I'd rather spend a little bit more based on service and we did so, happily. Overall, I would not return to the Barcelo Maya Colonial. I don't appreciate being called names by staff when I'm in the midst of a medical issue (heat exhaustion could have gotten a lot worse). I found the musty stench too overpowering; especially when you are trying to eat. The flavors were lacking despite the variety of food selections and I will not support Barcelo for as long as they hold any dolphins as inhumanely captive as they do.

Barcelo Maya Palace: Vacation at Barcelo Maya Palac

I love Barceló Maya Palace which is an all-inclusive resort, and that is why we returned to this resort for the third time to enjoy our family vacation. This Barceló Maya Palace is very charming and welcoming, and for this reason, my oldest son decided to marry there. It is a nice and clean place, both inside and outside the resort. The rooms are amazing, and the staff that works there is very friendly. The food and drinks are excellent both in the buffets and in the restaurants a la carte. [... read more] The beach is very clean and is great where we could all enjoy. This resort also has more than one pool and they are large and very clean. The aquatic activities are great, and the night shows are really nice and have variety.

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort: BARCELO MAYA GRAND RESORTR

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT RESORT WE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH ALL THE SERVICES PROVIDED THE FOOD WAS VERY GOOD AND THE SERVERS ARE ALL POLITE AND HELPFUL THE GROUNDS ARE WELL KEPT AND THE ROOMS ARE ALWAYS CLEANED