Barcelo Maya Colonial: The best vacation spot ever!!

This was the best resort we have ever stayed at. We typically vacation once a year, but it’s only our second time bringing our kids (8&4yo) We all had a blast, it exceeded all of your expectations. The pools were perfect and there were a lot of areas to choose from. The kids splashpads were perfect. The resort was busy, but we always found a spot for the day. The beach was beautiful as well and the sand was soft. We didn’t book any of the a la cartes, (although our friends did and bragged  [... read more]about how good they were) but we stuck to the buffets and we’re very happy with the variety and quality. There was a lot of walking so we definitely worked our big meals off. As if the basics of an all inclusive weren’t enough, we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of extras around the resort. The kids loved the bowling ally and the arcade. We watched the dolphins and the kids got henna tattoos. We are planning on making the trip again with our entire extended family within the next few years. It was top notch in every single way.

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Will definitely be back!!

AMAZING resort!! Everything was top notch. Good for all groups from girls trip all the way to family vacation. Resort was impeccably clean. Food quality and variety was great. Staff and room were great. Pools and splash area from kids was so fun! Beach is beautiful! HIGHLY recommend!!!

Occidental Arenas Blancas: what a week

the Hotel is dated but clean - the buffet could be bigger overall the food was fine - very close to down town and walking distantance of the Bealtes bar what a great night that was swiminig with the dalfins was great what a rush varadaro cuba is one of my most favorite places to go and would return again in a heart beat.

Barcelo Solymar: Awesome resort

Resort was well staffed friendly and courteous couldnt have asked for a nicer vacation for the first one outside of Canada. Great pool beach was amazing. Everyone i talked to said food was going to be bad in cuba but i thought it was excellent and lots of it. Cant wait to do it again.

Occidental Caribe: Great Tesort

The hotel itself was very clean. Just a room, nothing special. The maids had to be asked a couple of times to clean our room. The grounds were well kept. Staff were very friendly and helpful Good was good wherever you ate. Overall had a great time

Allegro Playacar: our second visit

We really appreciated the smaller size and very personable staff at Allegro Playacar. Everything is convenient , the grounds are immaculate and very beautiful. The beach is first class lined with palm trees never a problem finding a lounger unlike so many resorts. It is especially convenient for taking tours or just getting a cab into 5th Ave.,Playa del Carmen. Our second visit was every bit as enjoyable as the first.

Occidental at Xcaret Destination: AMAZING!! Soooo Beautiful !!!!

This is the most gorgeous resort ever. The rooms were a good size, up to date, well supplied, and lovely, the linens were excellent quality. The water pressure was good and temperature well controlled with quick hot water available, and all was well taken care of. The grounds and buildings are always well maintained. With the canals and interlinking pools and the wildlife, what a well planned and gorgeous place. The eco/nature theme is done really well, with the nature paths, and there are rui [... read more]ns actually on the property. It's cool to see the monkeys and all the variety of birds up close in their natural habitat. Our balcony faced the trees and monkeys and birds were a regular sight at the balcony. It's an easy boat ride or short walk to the Xcaret park from a couple of entrances right from the resort. The beach is small but lots of sand, and palms, and 3 levels to choose from with the platform beds or hammocks on upper levels. It could possibly use more beach chairs. The swim area isn't much deeper than a pool, and is calm which is great for families or those just wanting a relaxing time in the water. The buffet restaurants are huge with lots of variety, and there are lots of a la carte restaurants to choose from with excellent food, and bars in good locations. They even had a sports bar. There was entertainment each night, and what we saw was all very good, and they were thoughtful to include entertainment for the kids at earlier hours. They have lots of stores on site, and merchants coming in with crafts, etc. various evenings during the week. The people are friendly and all very helpful. It was a wonderful stay, leaving me to want to go back again very soon, we just LOVED IT !!!

Barcelo Solymar: Not a terrible resort...I would go again

The Barcelo Solymar wasn't terrible however there were certainly a few things that were unsatisfactory. The biggest complaint I have would be with the people at the check-in/out desk. When we arrived we were early so we knew we wouldn't get our room until after the check-in time. This was fine because we were able to store our luggage in a safe spot. What wasn't fine was when we finally got our room. The room itself was pretty standard for what you would expect at a 3.5 star resort (beds were no [... read more]t that comfortable, bathroom needs to be upgraded as it's weathered, nice pillows) but we only had a fitted sheet on our bed. We went back down to the front desk since they would not answer our 3 attempted calls and let them know we didn't have any bedding on our beds other then a fitted sheet. The lady there told us they were aware but someone would be up to give us one in a couple hours. We went back to our room a few times and still there was no other sheets. Again, we attempted to call down to the front desk but no one answered, so again, we went back down and let them know we needed some sheets. After our 4th time doing this and we were ready for bed they finally had maid come to our room. The maid showed up with ONLY a thin sheet for each bed. This was certainly NOT enough to keep us warm. We tried to explain to the maid that this thin sheet was not enough to which she became angry. We finally found some old looking blankets that were not even large enough to fit the bed and used those for the entire week. The resort itself was clean, the rest of the staff was extremely friendly. Try to tip the cooks, the staff that goes around the pool cleaning it up and the cleaning ladies on the first floor that clean the floors and bathrooms! The food was not great but that's Cuba. Go out to the restaurants or get the street meat. We went out every night to the bars/clubs and had the best time. I will probably look at another resort however what I did really like about this one was the location and of course the beach!!

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Beautiful ResortThe property

The property is beautiful. Gorgeous beach, very well maintained grounds that cover a vast area. Great for walking, jogging etc. Lots of activities, such as tennis, paddle ball, golf, water sports, etc, are available. There are many different restaurants and two buffets, with a wide variety of food options. The food is excellent, for the most part. Staff are friendly and accommodating, except for a few select customer service reps who were a bit abrupt. We have vacationed at this resort 8 times,  [... read more]because we love the property and the food is very good.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Beautiful with it's own issues

We stayed at one of the sister hotels (Barceló Maya) last year so we had a an expectation of the same quality and experience going into this. Upon arrival, we were greeted and directed promptly. The wait to check in was a bit on the long side. We arrived after 1pm and was told the rooms were not ready. They gave us a beeper and directed us to go and eat lunch and come back when the beeper went off or 3pm. We went back to find the rooms still were not ready so they gave us 2 rooms 8 rooms [... read more] apart. This was disappointing as I did contact the hotel twice previous requesting joining rooms, however I also understand it is subject to availability. The rooms were clean, but well used! a closet door didn't work in each of our rooms as well as the TV in 1 room and an alarm clock. However, when we contacted the operator, someone was always sent promptly. The resort is large. The train that operates is a nice way to get around. The childrens areas are great, however be prepared to pay for extras (Pirate ship splash area, Bowling, Golf, Games) It is setup to still take money from you after you have already paid the money to get there. Golf was no different. Golf is included with your stay! BONUS RIGHT! well, a $75 mandatory cart fee is ridiculous! $35 rental clubs for used or $45 for brand new! So included golf isn't so included! The food was OK. A La Carte were great but the buffets, like all resorts, you get sick of by day 5. Service staff were present however not always working for you it felt like. After a few days, they realized we tipped and service did improve. Some people my have an opinion regarding the lack of English speaking staff, however, I took it as I have travelled to a different country, why should I expect them to speak my language. The beech was the best beech I have been to. Clean shore, clean sand, so clean it was hard for the kids to collect rocks or shells! Pools were large and great. Chairs get snagged up early. The hotel even posts just because a towel is on the chair, doesn't entitle you to it however, who enforces that? We went early and did the same like everyone else. Overall we had a great time. The hotel has shown its age or use at least but it is still beautiful. The experience was great but the extra charges are enough to make you think "Is this place better then others?"

Barcelo Maya Palace: Wonderful vacation resort

The Barcelo Maya Palace is a wonderful resort. The staff is friendly & always smiling. The food was first rate. I tried many different drinks that I thoroughly enjoyed. The on sight shopping was very good. Our tour guides to Tulum & Playa Del Carmen were fun & informative. The rooms & the whole complex were clean & well kept. We would certainly consider returning for another fun filled vacation. The only down point is that people reserve the lounges by the pool early in the morning (7am) so t [... read more]hat there were no lounges available when we came out later. Most of these lounges were not occupied most of the day.

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Quality Family time + Adventure = Goal Accomplished

From the moment we booked our trip until we returned, the trip central team and the resort ensured we were taken care of to achieve our goal = relaxation with a splash of adventure! Knowing we could ask rep any questions with confidence was invaluable. The resort breathtakingly clean and well maintained. The staff demonstrated that they cared repeatedly. The amenities were wonderful and kept our teenage kids moving and shaking when they wished or chilling when they needed it! The food  [... read more]was delicious. Our favourite restaurant was the a la cart Japanese - one word to describe - WOW! Overall, this is a great resort that is beautiful and luxurious, staffed by some of the hardest working people I have ever met, who prided themselves on taking care of the visitors. We wish we had everyone's name Antonio, Joshua, Samantha, Jacob to mention a few!

Palma Real: Great spot!

Had an excellent stay at this resort! Was clean, great location, beach was beautiful, people were helpful and nice. Rooms were upkept everyday. Lots of stuff was going on. Food wasn’t great but it was bad either. Would definitely go again!!!

Barcelo Solymar: The not so sure resort

First the good stuff it was really easy access for wheel chairs on the grounds of the hotel and very clean in the outside the beach was super. Inside was a night mare dirty no toilet seat in the bathroom dirty towels daily dirty sheets 2weeks never changed the sheets once what a mess never again but I will return to Cuba but not where we stayed that's for sure

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Beautiful Resort

We had a great trip with no issues. The room, the beach the food, the staff were all great. We would definitely come back and definitely recommend the Barcelo Bravo Palace. The location of the resort to the airport was great as well no long drives

Occidental Arenas Blancas: This hotel needs attention

We arrived late on Sat. night (1130 pm) and the lobby was open, but it was lifeless and badly lit giving off an institutional vibe. We were escorted to our room promptly by the bellboy but found it was more like a college dorm room than a hotel room in a tropical resort. There were no room towels and not enough beach towels for the three of us. The double bed mattresses were so tired my body rested on the boxspring and my husband woke with a spring poking in his back. Pool tiles were all mis [... read more]sing around the edges on the bottom and sides of the pool and the water was cloudy. Only two elevators worked, one of which broke down. The late night snack bar had the feeling of being a prison cafeteria line-up. There was always an interminable line-up for the most popular item, be it coffee, snacks, pasta chef, pancake chef, the bar, there were never enough staff to support the busy times around the resort. No one smiled, there were no maps available for guests to use, and the guest services person who demanded that all issues be presented to him, deferred every single query that we presented to him. We arrived Saturday night and couldn't book an a la carte until Tuesday and weren't successful getting a booking without firstly trekking over to Barcelo, then back again to Arenas Blancas, and finally escalating the issue - first to guest services, who was useless, and then to the Sunwing rep who took pity on us and found us a couple of bookings. This process occupied over half a day of our vacation. Then on Thursday Corporate office reps appeared out of nowhere and distributed satisfaction surveys, and suddenly the animation reps were doing their jobs and putting on the pool and beach activities, there was a buffet maid walking around cleaning the buffet stations and making sure there were plates and cups, there were chefs and bartenders everywhere, it was like night and day seeing the staff suddenly smiling and willing to help and serve you. I could go on and on... The resort needs to better equip and support their staff. The resort has good bones but maintenance has fallen off their radar. I do NOT recommend this resort the way it is. The beach is amazing but just find another hotel

Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos: Nice Place, Beach Disappointing.

The room was fine, but seems due for an upgrade. We had a Superior Ocean View Room, and were initially given two small- very hard, almost double size beds. When we requested a change, we were moved to a room with a King sized bed. The bed was still a little hard, and the pillows were well used, but the linens were clean. The pools, restaurants, and food in general, were all great. The staff was also awesome. There was no swimming in the ocean because of the very dangerous undertow. The water  [... read more]in this area is not very warm in March, and the beach was also not that great to walk on due to the slope and deeper sand than usual. We missed snorkelling, boogie boarding and swimming. Finally, there wasn't as much to do and see in this area, as we have experienced in other parts/ resorts in Mexico.

Occidental Caribe: Nice resort, wrong week

We went during March break, which was unfortunately the same week as spring break for college students. Our hotel was overrun by them. The noise and partying was ridiculous - we were kept up until 5:00 am the first night and every night of our stay was noisy! Didn't get a good night sleep the whole time due to our neighbours and the resort having loud music outside as well. Our room overlooked the pool - not a great spot. The main pool was really nice, but we never got to use it because it  [... read more]was always full of students who were drunk and partying. This resort had the most beautiful beach. We loved the beach and never had to worry about finding chairs each day. The rooms were dated, but okay considering you only slept there. The food was nothing spectacular, but to be expected. Overall would probably go back to this resort, but stay in the upgraded section and definitely not during March break.

Occidental Punta Cana: Beautiful Beach - Not 4.5 star service

Few key points regarding our visit: -Very busy resort but all to be expected for spring break/march break trip -Staff (concierge and his manager) were very pushy for 2 days straight regarding sale of timeshare (We were pushed to meet a representative for a 1.5 hour meeting in order to obtain a 50$ voucher for the gift shop. We were then reminded to help out the staff *our concierge* as he gets commission when we sit for the meeting. We were then advise to lie to the timeshare representative a [... read more]bout how long we have been dating as according to the laws of their country we needed to be together 3 years or live together in order to obtain the voucher for the gift shop. When I left the meeting point to go gather our passport, the manager of our concierge continued to speak with my bf and showed him pictures of himself when he used to work out as my bf is into fitness and scrolled through his library only to show him pictures of naked women he had on his phone. I felt that was very inappropriate. We finally advised them that we had not come on vacation to meet for sales meeting for half a day so advised we would not need their assistance. This unfortunately left a bad taste in our mouth regarding the staff) -The main buffet restaurant was a bit chaotic (We would have people come sit beside us to enjoy a meal, only to leave the table for a minute and return to have their plates and drinks removed from the tables in order to make room for next guests. Unless one person stayed at the table, your food and drinks were taken away. It was already bad enough that it took sometimes up to 15 minutes to get an omelette in the morning and worse that we both had to wait 15 minutes separately as we couldn't leave the table) -Beverage selection was not a 4.5 star (We started approaching the bars with requests for margaritas only to be told that they did not have tequila on hand. We then would order mojitos and were told they were only available in the lobby bar - which they then advised they couldn't make them there either. We aren't big on sugar drinks but ended up drinking mostly vodka lemonade for most of the trip. Not too sure if this was an issue due to the busy time or just simply the resort not being able to offer as much selection.) -The beach was beautiful and weather was perfect which helped make our visit pleasant. -Housekeeping wouldn't come clean our room until 4pm some days and it ran into the timeframe we had to get ready for our dinner. This was a bit of an inconvenience. This was our first all inclusive vacation together in 2.5 years and we expected a bit more but overall it was nice to get away to the sunshine. Only reason we would recommend the reason was for the beach, the weather and the updated rooms. Thank you

Palma Real: Good

It was a great vacation...................................................................................................................................................................................