Returned today after 7 nights at this marvellous hotel. If you want "cutting edge" modern design in an hotel don't come here (or probably Barbados at all). This hotel was established in 1952 - but it is immaculately maintained and has an elegant but informal air to it. All ages should feel comfortable here - but if you want a lively night life go elsewhere! This hotel is for those that want to chill out. Watersport is easily available on the beach. The beach area of the hotel is cramped (as are most hotel beaches on the west coast) but walk 50 yards and you can find more space - but never complete privacy; or have a sunbed on one of the lawns (less than 20 yds from the beach). We were not pestered by the traders on the beach - just politely decline and they move on - but if you show interest they will try to sell - it is their living after all!! The gardens are extensive and well established and maintained.

The restaurant offers excellent food and wine and is on a par with many of the restaurants on this part of the west coast. We were on the meal plan (half board) but they do offer exchange dining with several other hotels which is worth doing. We had evening meals at The Sandpiper and Cobblers Cove on exchange dining and also swapped an evening meal for lunch one day when we went to Tides Restaurant for dinner. Prices at these restaurants do not vary too much - three courses approx B$140 plus drinks. All the meals we had were top quality - and probably which restaurant one feels is best, depends as much on the restaurant's ambience and service as it does on it's food.

Reception staff were particularly friendly and helpful with restaurant bookings and taxi services and any other requests - one of them even lent my wife his "blackberry" charger. Guests are asked not to use cell phones in public places and this appeared to be adhered to - people just walk into the gardens!

An excellent hotel that gives excellent value (for Barbados).

We will return!!!

Like other reviewers have commented I don't get the negative reviews on this hotel either.

We've stayed there for a number of years and everytime the hotel exceeds our expectations. The staff are delightful and friendly - they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and safe. The hotel is spotless - the rooms are SO thoroughly cleaned it is amazing and if you are not careful you can end up with a bathroom that is just full of fresh clean towels - the supply is endless.

The restaurant is second to none - having eaten in many amazing restaurants in London this place has high standards. The food might not be cutting edge by London standards, but then that is not what many of the guests would want.

The rooms are simple but great - don't expect TVs, trouser press etc - but that is all part of the charm. Complete relaxation away from TV, internet etc.

The grounds are lovely. The beach is a little sparse, but one second next door is more and more beach some of which seems constantly empty.

Ignore the negative reviews!!!

Strictly for the discerning! I have been lucky enough to stay at The Coral Reef club twice this year. On both occasions the standards were excellent, staff efficient and friendly and the ambience relaxing. The O'Hara family who own and run this hotel, add their own brand of magic to make this my favourite hotel worldwide. Coral Reef is a rare find, I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.

I really do not get the negative comments on this site for this luxury hotel. I've travelled the world and yes, there is always room for improvement but this is simply world class. Friendly owners take a personal interest in your happiness, the rooms especially the Plantation suites are second to none, the staff are professional yet incredibly genuine and friendly, the food was so good, we felt robbed when we ate elsewhere. Also the clientel was not as stuffy as I imagined it would be but a great mixure of people from all walks of life, some of whom we retained as friends. You can have it all at the Coral Reef. Relaxation, quite or make new friends in excellent surroundings and socialise. A beautiful each is just yards away. The gardens are unsurpassed in beauty. Facilities were excellent not just at the hotel but surrounding it too. I can't recommend it highly enough. I had a gret time. Oh and by the way, I spoke with the owner re some of the negative reviews and there are definately two side to a story it seems for those who write in a malicious way. Stay here if you want a great break, you willnot regret it, or I'll pay for your trip (ok that bit was false but don't be swayed by someof these comments). Its a devine and enchanted place to holiday.