Exclusively situated on the turquoise shores ofCarlisle Bay on one mile of white sand beach, the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados offers124 rooms, full service restaurant, ocean front bar and a UNESCO-listed Victorian Pier.Modern meeting facilities with flexible space totalling 3,300 square feet with spectacular views of the ocean.
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The Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados charms guests with its stunning beachfront setting, often highlighted as a prime location close to local attractions. While the friendly staff receive commendations, some travelers express frustration over slow services in the room and dining areas, and occasional hiccups in housekeeping.
The atmosphere and rooms, offering clean spaces and inviting balconies, are overshadowed by dated decor and the call for modern updates. Despite its affordability, the resort's value is debated due to aging amenities and additional costs for on-site services.
Location
Beachfront
Atmosphere
Outdated
Rooms
Dated
Value
Affordable
Cleanliness
Pristine
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Underwhelming
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Just returned from 14 wonderful days at the Radisson Aquatic Resort in Barbados. What an outstanding place!
There have been past reviews where this older hotel is criticized and said to need a renovation. My response is: perhaps so in spots, but be glad it is still there, with the wonderful people, cleanliness and unsurpassed location! Take advantage of it and be grateful that it has not been snapped up by one of the big conglomerates that are taking over Barbados's south and west coasts where their unjustifiable rates make them impossible for ordinary people like you and me to stay and enjoy such good old time charm and hospitality.
To begin not at the beginning, Monday evening was the management hospitality party. I met the delightful Hotel Director named Cheryl who even days later remembered my name and, in fact, even what I wore! Amazing! Thank you, Cheryl. Here as promised:
Upon arrival as I waited to check into my room, the first hospitality to be extended by the friendly front desk staff was a rum punch (which became two! Quite frankly, I believe I came home with about 6 lbs of rum punch around my hips - so delicious.) I was given a room at the east end of the hotel that benefitted from not one, but two balconies. One overlooked the spectacular beach, the other looked across the Island. My room was large and spotlessly clean thanks to Nadene (you go, girlfriend!). The comfortable king bed and 4 pillows plus black-out drapes and excellent air conditioning guaranteed a great sleep every night. The bathroom had double sinks and all the amenities you could want, regularly replaced, and lots of big fluffy white towels changed daily. *The toilet flush was unusual in that it was operated by air pressure but once I figured out how to work it, it was just fine.
My one and only complain of the entire 14 days was the bath/shower. The tap dripped and during the time I was there, I could see the yellow building up. My biggest complaint though was the shower - there's lots of steaming hot water but once you are blissfully lathered up, the water suddenly goes cold. COLD - not pool or sea cold, but frigid cold like at home. Adjust it .... moments later, it's scalding hot, adjust again .... a few minutes later: repeat. Yes I lodged a complaint however, it was never repaired but perhaps with the age of the property, it would have been impossible. Benefit of the doubt.
There is one large restaurant and bar/lounge that is built out over the beach and sea. There are three distinct settings daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all overlooking the beach in both directions. Impossible to go hungry.
Breakfast consisted of fresh made omelets usually by sweet Margaret. Hey Margaret, I miss my breakfast! Additional to eggs of choice, there was always bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, potatoes and several Caribbean offerings that I did not try. There was also LOTS of fresh fruit every morning together with breads, muffins, pastries and yogurt. No-one could possibly not start their day off with the hearty breakfast of their choice. Even the milk for coffee was heated!
I want to recognize ALL the marvelous wait staff. There are too many to name individually but each and every one is absolutely delightful. So friendly and so helpful. You know who you are, ladies, and I thank each and every one of you! The last few mornings, wonderful restaurant manager Sophia even knew what I generally ate and actually had it prepared for me so I didn't even need to get up. I was so touched, and made to feel special by everyone. For this, I thank you!
Dinner varied between days. There was lots of choice on the menus but my favourite was the rack of lamb. Absolutely splendid if you like lamb. Every night there was a homemade soup, my favorite of which was the broccoli soup. A hint of garlic, a hint of a nip, and oh so good. Something else that was special - the butter was already soft when served. None of the little frozen bricks we get here at home!
The bar was complete service with just about every drink imaginable. The perennial favourite besides rum punch has to be "Banks - The Beer of Barbados". So refreshing after a hot day on the beach. Hey Fabian - thanks for the specials😉!
Folks, please don't complain about slow service. You are there to relax, to enjoy a different experience. Everything is fresh and custom made with care which takes time. Its not the Chef's fault nor your server's fault that you have to wait a little. If you want fast food, stay home and go to McDonald's.
Speaking of the beach, it is fabulous on both sides of the Radisson. Going south, its a short walk to the Hilton with a number of "watering holes" along the way. The other way, you'll pass the Barbados Yacht Club next door then you can walk all the way into Bridgetown. When you walk onto "our" beach, you'll be greeted by Shane who will set you up with fresh beach towels every day, chairs and umbrellas. Shane is another very special person at the Radisson who I want to recognize. Many mornings as I sat eating breakfast, from right beside me on the sand, I'd hear "Hey Miss ***, you coming out today? I'll set you up." Now THAT is special! Thank you, Shane. Thank you!
A real treat every morning any time after 5:30 am until about 7:45, grooms from the Garrison Savannah Racecourse bring their charges (chargers?) to the beach right beside the hotel. There, these Thoroughbred beauties are permitted to roll in the sand then the grooms take them into the ocean where they swim far out to where a number of yachts are anchored. This cools off the horses while providing their exercise at the same time. In 90 degree weather, the swim provides a cooling start to their day. Over that time period, there could be anywhere from between 12 and 18 horses that come and go on a daily basis. And yes, the grooms DO pick up after them fastidiously.
The sea in this area is VERY calm and warm where you can swim long laps or paddle board. Closer to the Hilton, it is occasionally possible to surf a few waves.
I want to give a tip of the hat to Silver Moon. What a special day out on the water it was on this luxury catamaran and fun crew.
Finally, I wanted to have some custom jewellery work done while I was in Barbados. I thank the Hotel's front desk for introducing me to Winston Alleyne who custom made me two special pieces in just two weeks. For anyone who needs custom work, you can feel safe and confident to contract Winston. Radisson's front desk can provide you with his contact information.
I hope I have not forgotten anyone but if so, I will remember everyone very fondly until I can greet all of you once again. So many thanks to each and everyone for making this such a holiday and for all the wonderful memories.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Â Relax. Take your time. You are on vacation.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for four days after our first cruise to the Caribbean and couldn't believe the stunning views of Carlisle Beach and Bridgetown from our room. The fine sand and calm waters made it an excellent spot for bathing plus you can walk for miles along the beaches in both directions. Although there are only a few local bars in the immediate vicinity we liked the location, and it is very close to the Garrison Savannah racecourse where we had a great afternoon watching the racing. Then the following morning we were treated the memorable site of the racehorses enjoying themselves in the sea on the beach by the hotel. We also had a trip on the bus to nearby Oistins for fish fry Friday which we thoroughly enjoyed and had the great fish cutters at lunch time from Cuzz's fishstand next to the hotel. The staff in the hotel were all very pleasant and helpful so we would love to stay here again when we return in the future.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â All rooms have a view of the beach.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5th visit to Barbados & after a weeks cruise was really looking forward to our stay. It was rather boring to say the least. Dull entertainment if any, hotel has absolutely no soul Just a bar in the dining room. Room was tired & very basic the patio doors must be 50 yrs old. The bedding is lumpy & ugly not at all what you would expect. The sun beds were taken up really early so just sat on the beach with our towel if we could get one. I know it was Christmas but really we would have love a bit of shade from the sun. Room towels were rare one day we showered using a face cloth to dry us. Location is desolate we walked passed a dead monkey every day just to get a few essentials for our room from the local garage ( thank heavensfor that garage) Really dissatisfied with this hotel. Only thing this place has going for it is the beaches. But what a desolate place. Feel really sad after our long awaited holiday.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just spent a nice week at the Radisson Aquatica Resort. Decided to have a week here before our Caribbean cruise. The hotel is located directly on Pebbles Beach, pool area is very small but as you are directly on the beach that doesn’t really matter. Be aware that there are a limited number of umbrellas on the beach so you need to be out early to get one. The hotel itself is nice, we had a room on the 7th floor with a great view of the beach where the horses come to swim early in the mornings. Breakfast buffet is fantastic with loads of options and omelette station etc. Staff in general is very nice and helpful. The only disadvantage is possibly the location as it is a bit off and there are not really any other dining options available apart from the hotel restaurant. Two garages a 5 min walk from the hotel where you can get your essentials as crips, soda etc.
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I wanted to leave a review for those considering visiting Barbados during August. My stay here was only for a few days prior leaving the island. The best way to describe the hotel's shape is rectangular with rooms facing on the left (see the Hilton, beach, ocean) or right (view ocean/beach, and city) of the building. Ocean view is still great on either side. Because of this time of year, if you'd like to catch a sunset from your room, sun sets in the "front" of the builidng. You can catch see it from the the beach at the hotel. It's still a win! My room was cleaned daily, staff friendly, bed was comfortable. Be Aware, since I booked directly on Radisson's websiite, the reservation displayed as if I had already paid the taxes. I was wrong! Upon arrival, I had to pay the taxes and fees. I knew I'd have to pay a deposit for incidentals however, thought my taxes were paid directly on the website. Know what type of "package" your reservation includes such as breakfast. I had a slight mishap when asked, I was told no but, they quickly made up for the mistake the next day. The breakfast was good. It was buffet style eggs, waffles, omelet station, however, it was a bit pricey, if paying ala carte. The restaurant is open air facing the ocean While on the beach you can indulge in a few drinks, soak up sum sun, and enjoy the warm blue water! Enjoyed my lovely visit!
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Date of stay: August 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â rooms are on the side of the building,
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Let me start with the positives.. The beach is beautiful and location is good. You can walk to some local restaurants and the local beach kiosks and the food is good and cheaper than the hotel food. Try Cuz’s fish stand, Penny Diver, Tiki pies,Brown Sugar Cafe, and Mama Mias and Tapas were excellent and about a mile walk. It’s safe so you can walk it or take a taxi if you want the extra expense. You can walk to a couple of gas stations and buy snacks and water much cheaper than the hotel also. The staff is friendly and helpful. The two young men who work on the beach are very helpful and friendly. They try to please everyone with limited supplies. Get to the beach before 8:30 to get chairs and an umbrella. If you go at 6 a.m. to the beach, you get to watch the horses from the Garrison track being bathed.
The not so good... I was charged for my 15 year old even though she is always free since she is under 17. We got nothing extra for the extra charge and I had 3 full price adults. We only had enough clean towels for the four of us twice during our stay. We shared towels and reused almost everyday. One night we had to cancel our dinner reservation because there were no clean towels and we were told to use our room towels for the beach. The manager on duty did offer us complimentary room service. The beach does not have enough chairs or umbrellas for a hotel serving that many guests. I believe upper management is not planning or supporting the customer service staff enough. They know when they are at full capacity and should plan better. The hotel needs updating. Tile would be so much better than carpet at a beach resort. Bottom line I would rent a condo or another type beach rental and go get groceries and take care of most things myself. It would save a lot of money and for me the end result would be the same. It was nice to walk out directly to the beach but a overpriced overall. We had a good time so I can’t knock it completely the stay was just average but the trip excellent.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The staff was exceptional... from reception to beach attendant to the lady at Neptune's. They truly made our stay a warm one. I booked air, hotel and transfer. Once there, the ladies at the reception helped us with day tour, recommended restaurants, and helped us get around the island - we took $2 bus and saved USD$50 roundtrip if we had to take a taxi. The room was spacious and clean, bed was very comfy, view was excellent! The property is part of the best beach on the island, the sand was a bit pink and so fine, no rock no algae, clean - makes a perfect walk along the beach. The chairs can be upgraded a little, but they served their purpose.
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Review collected in partnership with Radisson Hotels
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of an individual contributor and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was my 4th stay at the Radisson and I noted various improvements. This hotel is a bit dated in terms of bedroom decor but it’s well equipped , clean and most rooms have excellent views or either one side of the bay (facing the Hilton / pool / horses in the morning) or the longer stretch of beach (Bridgetown / cruises ships ). Breakfast has improved - far more choice and better service There are now a range of activities but only if you want to take part The best improvement is Shane and his mate on the beach. He organises the sun beds and towels and regularly comes around to offer drinks and food. A complimentary item such as sorbet or lemonade comes round at 3pm which I think is a brilliant idea. Shane is lovely and friendly and a real asset to this hotel. We only ate dinner once for the Bajan buffet and it was OK but far too pricey if you aren’t that hungry and only want a small plate of food. Brown Sugar round the corner is very good - we had 2 excellent meals there. Numerous other restaurants are a short bus/taxi ride away.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 5 nights in this hotel. the service is unbeatable and the location is fantastic.
The reception area opens directly onto the beach. The water is clear and warm, the sand is soft and it is appropriate for both adults and children. Towels and deck chairs are provided. The open-style dining room juts out over the sea, with beautiful views of the water and setting sun. The food was very good in both dining room and Neptune's Grill ( we would suggest trying the fish with salad and a rum punch for lunch from the beachside Grill).
Our double room was roomy and perfectly clean, with an excellent, comfortable bed and bedding , good wardrobe space, water and tea/coffee facilities and a safe. We often sat on the balcony that overlooked the beach. The bathroom was spacious with double basins and a large bath/shower.
However, the best thing about staying in the hotel was the level of service. EVERYONE was competent, cheerful, and eager to help us. Every staff member seemed to go the extra mile when it came to making our stay comfortable and enjoyable.
The hotel is close to the bus stop for a journey into town and this is a great way to absorb the culture of Barbados...particularly the Reggae buses with their music blaring!
I agree with some others that it is in slight need of refurbishment, but the other aspects of this hotel make it one we will return to without hesitation.....
Very family friendly.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Higher floors have better views.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have been for the Gala Dinner a few times, and always enjoyed it, so treated ourselves to an overnight stay this year. The hotel laid on an afternoon party for the kids, they provided food, hats etc, had some fun games laid on, which was a nice touch. The hotel is obviously an older hotel, and the bathrooms could do with updating, but everything was sparkling clean, the beds were comfy and the room had everything you needed, The main reason for goiung back woudl definately be the staff, nothing was too much trouble, when they ran out of beach towels, it was quickly rectified. Its on a great beach, thats perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers alike due to its very gently slope. The gala dinner was exceptional and very good value compared to other offerings on the island. No double sittings here, your table is yours for the night, also included in the price was a cocktail hour, photo booth and bottle of bubbly for the nights celebrations. We will be back, and we'll stay again next year if there are any rooms available.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Higher floors obviously have better views.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They did not offer that to us when we visited. Their food is quite pricey buying it per meal, so if you have an all inclusive option that might be best if you plan to eat all of your meals there.
There are more places to choose from in the Bridgetown area.
PRICE RANGE
$193 - $380 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CaribbeanBarbadosSaint Michael ParishBridgetown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
124
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Are there any historical sites close to Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados?
Many travelers enjoy visiting George Washington House (0.2 miles), Garrison Savannah - Barbados Turf Club (0.5 miles), and Barbados Garrison (0.2 miles).
