My husband and I and 2 children (ages 13 and 9) went to Barcelo Maya Beach Resort this past summer from august 7 - 14. We had gone to the Iberostar Quetzal the summer before. Here is what we thought:Beach: Iberostar is best. Clear water, no seaweed, no smells. Barcelo: Parts of the beach smelled and lots of black seaweed. The area down at the end with the dock was nice though. The water was pretty but deep. It was fun snorkeling there. The beach down that way was a lot rougher also. That is where the seadoos were and my husband rented them because our son wanted to go on one. He took him out not far and had to bring him back. He said the water was really rough and it scared him. They all rode the seadoos at Iberostar and it was a lot better. You didn't have to go out as far at you did at Barcelo.Food: We always ate at buffets. Thought they were the same. We didn't eat at any restaurants just because we don't like to be on a schedule and we like to eat when we want. My husband doesn't know yet but I would like to go back to Iberostar this summer. The kids liked it better than Barcelo.Pools: Both pools were big and clean. Plenty of lounge chairs. Just keep an eye on your towels. Ours did get taken once at iberostar and I immediately went to the front desk and was not charged.Service: One thing we noticed (and I had read this in the reviews about Barcelo) is that they are short staffed. That is definitely true. The bartenders wouldn't even look at you when you went up to the counter. Finally, the second day my husband went up to one of them and said this is my family and pointed us all out and gave him a $20 bill for the week. After that we didn't have any trouble. I just think for as much as the trip cost you shouldn't have to tip (especially when they demand it). The drinks at Barcelo I thought were terrible. Iberostar drinks were excellent. Barcelo has carona on tap and you help yourself, along with frozen strawberry margaritas. I ordered a regular margarita one day and it was terrible. I don't know what was in it but it didn't taste like a margherita. Didn't drink it. Iberostar's bartenders were friendly and hustled. THe kids loved the virgin pina coladas. they were really good and they also have soft serve ice cream cones. my daughter said she probably had 10 a day. activities: at barcelo we did the horseback riding and atv riding. it was fun and the kids had a blast. You may have read the mosquitos are bad at barcelo. THEY ARE TERRIBLE. Thank goodness I took Off although trying to get the kids to put it on is another thing. horseback riding we all kind of got ate up. atv not so bad. they take you to a cenote and let you swim which is wonderful. the water is cold but feels good. When we went to he michael jackson show the last night the mosquitos in the theater were horrible. We had to go back up to the room to get the off.I would definitely recommend the Iberostar over Barcelo.

I just returned from the Barcelo last week, and I would advise against it. The food and service were terrible. The beach and activities were great, but I think you would be happier elsewhere. Good luck!

Hey jzurosky and juliebug!!!!

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU!!!

Your information is so very appreciated!I've been leaning toward the Iberostar and sharing your opinions/experiances is a great help in making the best choice.

Is Iberostar Quetzel the best 'Iberostar' property or should I consider another?

Thanks once again for taking your time to reply. I think I'll be able to sleep tonite!!

Monica