We stayed a week at the Crane during our honeymoon in one of the newer one-bedroom suits overlooking the ocean/pool.

The accommodations and views were wonderful! We were on the 4th floor, and although it would get a little warm in the afternoon we never felt we needed to turn on the air conditioning because there was always a delighful breeze circulating through the appartiment when we left our windows open.

Everything was clean, and we never lacked for anything we needed. The concierge service was really exceptional!

Although we were there during peak season, the hotel pool and grounds never seemed crowded - the beach sometimes got crowded during the afternoon, but hotel staff on the beach always made sure we had chairs and towles.

The only thing I could really see anyone having trouble with is the noise during the day (8-6) from the construction that's being done to create the Crane Towncenter. If your room is right near the construction, it would be kind of noisy if you left your windows open. However, when that construction is complete in November 2008 the resort will truely be incredible!

Overall Pros:
Views, grounds, staff, restaurants (including Cutter's which is off the resort within walking distance), accommodations, proximity to some of the most picturesque beaches in Barbados (i.e. Bottom Bay), surf.

Potential Cons:
Need to rent a car if you'd like to see other island sites since many are on the south or west coasts. Some construction on the grounds - a con if your room is very close.

Owing to the building work going on my wife and I were offered a suite at a very reasonable rate. This accommodation was quite superb. Although it was possible to hear the noise from the building site, in our block, (5) it was minimal.
The friendly attitude of the staff and their politeness was particularly impressive. Also despite the extensive buiding activities going on in the middle of the site the gardeners still managed to ensure the flower and shrub beds looked beautifully manicured.
The Crane beach and particularly the quality of the sand is magnificent and although the main beach never seemed to get really crowded there is another completely deserted one just a little way along. Wave action though is strong which is fine for good swimmers and surfers but intimidating for those who are not.
With regard to beaches on the island in general both of us were impressed to see that even on remote ones, like Bath, there was a life guard, carpark, showering facilities and toilets.
The whole holiday was delightful.

I can't believe what I am reading when I read the negative reviews. My husband and I stayed for 3 nights in a garden view suite after finding a good hotel/flight deal on travelocity - we didn't want to leave. The suite was very large, roomy, clean, and beautiful. We especially loved the bathroom which was very large and came with a jacuzzi.
The best part of the hotel is the views because it is built on a cliff overlooking the ocean. They were just spectacular. There are several beautiful pools and the beach is just wonderful. We did not see or hear any construction from our room or from the pools or beach. We loved Zen restaurant - just make sure to make reservations in advance (but they said they were booked and we showed up anyway and they gave us a table).
I just can't explain how happy I am that we stayed at the Crane. I was very skeptical after reading so many negative reviews, but I honestly don't understand them. Maybe it depends on the room. If I could have rated it a six, I would have.

Stayed for 2 weeks at The Crane Resort and very much enjoyed the visit.this is not our 1st visit here,and looked forward to the progress from a year ago.
We were travelling with our young adult children and stayed in a one bed-room ground floor unit with pool in building 4.(1st week)
Wind was stronger than normal and gave a nice breeze at night.Never needed a/c ,ever.
Rooms are well appointed,rollaways added when/if required.
Hot water was not an issue this year.We had lots and it was hot water.
Elevator to beach was working and a great improvement for those who have trouble managing the steps to the great beach.Surf can be rough,depending on wind conditions and tide.Our group enjoyed this beach and liked the challenge.We also drove to Miami Beach near Oistins for those who preferred a more calm beach experience.
The Crane is preparing to add a spa amongst the palm trees on the beach.Elevated,these open to nature rooms will harmonize with the surroundings.The areas all around the beach have been cleaned and are quite well kept.the Crane beach is also looking to regain all its former grandeur and size.That might take a few years,but the beach is already on of the worlds 10 best.
Have been to Crane a number of times,never experienced the Zen restaurant.What a loss to us.Fantastic food ,Japanese and Thai.I have been to Japan and this food is the equivalent to anything there.A little pricey, the locals are frequenting the restaurant from north of Bridgetown.Tells us as well that the food is very good.
Gospel singers on Sunday morning are a treat not to be missed.

There is still construction.Some rooms may get some noise during the day.It never bothered our group.We spoke with other guests,none really spoke to that concern.
During our 2nd week ,we ended up in building 9 ,ground floor.This was closer to construction,yet,in our opinion,no different.Room had a few better amenities because it was newer.i.e.mood lighting,computer lap top plug in on pool deck,more tiling around kitchen counters....
Look for monkeys in afternoon towards the perimeter of property.They are quite entertaining.

We enjoyed it all.Our 20 something age children cannot wait to go back.Neither can we.I would love to rate this property a 5,but a 4.5 will be our choice.We know what is coming and it makes it all the more fun to anticipate for 2009.