First some background--this was our first trip to Cancun and the first trip in which we have stayed at an all inclusive so, aside from the Fiesta Americana Condesa in Cancun, I cannot compare it to other all inclusives or other options in the area etc. Also, we are non-drinkers so perhaps a lot of the value of the real value in all inclusives is lost on us. Finally, my wife and I prefer to stay at smaller places with fewer people around so we were a little anxious about what was in store for us.

Bottom line--we would definitely return as family and it would be a very popular choice with the kids.

We had reserved two rooms in the Club Premium Section. Upon check-in, my wife asked about connecting rooms and the gentlemen checked his computer and offered to upgrade us (for a price) to a suite which would connect to the kid's room. This would also give us special privileges to use the Barcelo Maya Palace facilities and restaurants. He gave us a key to check it out before we made a decision and I bit because I wanted the extra space and liked a common area where we could play games with the kids etc. Although not a factor in the decision, it turned out to also be a real plus to use the Palace's restaurants etc. We has a suite and a junior suite for 5 people so space was not an issue. The bathroom in the suite was very nice as was the chaise and hammocks out on the balcony. We are used to sleeping on harder beds so that was not a negative for us. The bedding was not super premium but OK. However, the rooms had a musty smell which was the biggest negative of the whole experience for us. Not surprisingly, it bothered my wife the most. It would air out reasonably quickly with the patio doors open but it was noticeable each time you entered the room.

Overall, we had a great stay. There was always something fun to do and the food was much better than I expected. The snorkeling by the dock was good, the beach was really nice. The kids pools were well designed and a lot of fun for the smaller set. The kids loved being able to get food and drinks any time they wanted and clearly enjoyed being able to take stuff out of the minibar without their parents erupting. We had very good meals at the three a la cartes we tried (Japanese Tepanaki, Steakhouse and Brazilian). The kids tried and enjoyed some new things (which is a plus). We strongly preferred the breakfast buffet restaurants at the Palace that we discovered on our second day (better located, fewer people, nicer atmosphere).

If we were to return to the Barcelo, I would probably want to have access to the Palace which would require us to stay there (or get a suite again). Like many all inclusives, the place is huge and there are lots of people around. My wife and I would prefer someplace smaller if it were just us coming. However, with the kids, this would definitely be a popular and solid choice. We were very happy with our stay and pleasantly impressed with the facilites--great memories (which is the bottom line for me).

We stayed from 19Jan2011 to 26Jan2011. The beach area is best in the center of this three tier resort. The "Palace" which is the high end of the price range has the worst beach area. The "Beach" is the least expensive and has a nice beach but it is rocky in places. The mid-level "Colonial/Tropical" beach is in my opinion the nicest. It had the fewest stones in the sand and no need for water shoes to walk in to the surf.
There were two volleyball nets on the beach at about the mid-point between the pier and the Palace. Nets were put up at 10 a.m. and taken down at dusk. Another net is also set up near the pier. We played for hours each day with a changing mix of nationalities and skill levels
The food was good overall with the Japanese and Mexican specialty restaurants my favorites. If you couldn't find something to satisfy you at the buffets then you are being too picky. I found the skirt steaks and burgers to be especially good in the buffets.
The fruit was top notch and smoothies made to order at breakfast along with mimosas for the asking.
Alcoholic drinks were good also. For those who complained that the drinks are "watered down" all you had to do is ask for a little extra and they would add it. At the beach restaurants you can pour your own beer or mix your own rum and coke (or what ever) along with having the staff blend something for you. It did take a while to get drinks once in a while but the bartenders and waitresses were always busy so it wasn't like they were ignoring you.
Our third floor room was nice with a huge balcony. For energy savings the ceiling fan and some lights would turn off when you are out of the room and turn back on when you entered via motion sensors. The fan would also turn off while we were sleeping which was annoying since we like to sleep with the air conditioning off and the patio door open. If you toss and turn I guess the fan would stay on but after a long day on the beach we were dead tired and didn't move.
A dollar or two and a note gets you more beer or soda in your fridge. There are ice machines on each floor so I recommend bringing a collapsible cooler to chill down the in room drinks faster.
So far this was the best all-inclusive of the five we have stayed at in Mexico and I hope to return soon.

We just returned from a one week Jan28-Feb5/11 stay at the Tropical in building Yucatan; we were a family of 10 with 4 children ages range 6-13; we had read a lot of reviews on the internet before we left; any of the reviews that were negative were dead wrong; the service was terrific; from housekeeping right to the managers (especially the front desk manager Carlos); there was lots to do for everyone; kids club, snorkeling; mini golf; volleyball, socceer field, darts, ping pong; free water activities (water bikes, kayaks) just to mention a few; the food was great; especially the japanese, seafood, italian, and steak house restaurants. We had lobster at the japanese and seafood that the entire family enjoyed. The buffet for breakfast (smoothies, omellettes and french toast were great) lunch was good and had something for everyone. The bartenders were prompt, friendly and willing to accomodate special drinks you wanted made. (especially Miguel and Angeles) Try the Miami Vice. They made non-alcoholic drinks for the children and had ice cream available at the bars and buffets; our kids loved it. We did have premium wrist bands that allowed us to have premiums liquors such as bailey; malibu rum, don julio tequila, absolute vodka and many others which was worth the extra cost. The other premium privledge the kids enjoyed was a private room with internet access, big screen tv, fridge with drinks and food. For the adults they had a self service bar to make your own drinks. The grounds were gorgeous with flowering hisbus, phlox, etc. There were paths to each hotel that were landscaped with beautiful plants and flowers. The kids enjoyed seeing numerous iguana of all sizes and birds. There we signs indicating iguana crossing and each time there was one nearby. Bring your walking shoes or most comfortable sandals as this resort is huge and lots to see if you choose to see it all. They give you a pocket map of the grounds and do use it as there are five hotels on this property and a couple of times I did go to the wrong lobby. The pools we clean, large, refreshing (they were not cold as others indicated in previous reviews) and ample places to sit (chair or hammock). I was up at 7:30 and had my choice of any chair. The kid pool was clean and they loved the slides. The beach was clean with lots of palms and chairs. I even saw pelicans and a hawk catching his breakfast. When we were snokeling near the pier we saw a sting ray and a school of over 1000 fish under the pier. A great place for snorkeling and even for amateurs. We had a gorgeous room with a nice ocean view and my only complaint is the palms blocked our view from the third floor but in a few years they will be higher than the balcony(not so bad if that is all you have to complain about). Entertainment was good; however since our children we worn out by 9:30pm we only saw three shows. We did not have the opportunity to get to the disco. Shopping on the grounds compared to Playa de carmen was similar. There we lots of families which allowed the children to all find a friend. We have travelled to Florida, Hawaii, Jamaica, Dominican and five times to Mexico and would recommend this hotel to other families. We would like to thank the front desk Manager Carlos for the excellent customer service he provided to our family.

Simply the best resort..We keep going back every year with 50 + friends and family and we have a blast..If you find something bad to say, your really looking for something very picky..It's perfect for honeymooner,couples,kids,family groups..I'm an agent and I know..I send people here all the time..