Everything was fabulous! The beach (cove) is stunning, the jungle surrounding the property is breath taking! The staff at Barcelo were superb! The friendliest I have seen! Usually greeted with "Amigo", already they are acknowledging we are friends and seem as if they enjoy being there as well.
I traveled with my two children (11 and 12) from Minnesota and my sister met us there from the west coast. We are 50ish.
We shared a family premium room and it was perfect for us. The balconies are huge and I don't think there is a bad room or view in the complex.
The guests were a mix of couples and families; all friendly, "well behaved" and all obviously there to just relax and have a great time.
It is very safe and with two active kids this meant a lot to me. We never worried about "our stuff" left on our lounge chairs as we went for a walk, in the pool, or to the restaurant to eat.
Food: Although there are 3 fancier restaurants that were an option, we never went. We were just too water logged and lazy after hours at the pool etc...all day. We ate the buffet for almost every meal and it is very good; many choices and some real stand outs like a stir fry wok area made individually for each guest, an omelette station at breakfast (super good!) and tons of pastries and breads. There is a good mix of chicken, beef and fish courses as well. Many drink choices or they will even get your something from the bar. We also had room service (available in the "premium" rooms). They got absolutely everything just right that we ordered and the quality was high.
Bars: There is an Cantina which is OK. The swim up pool bar was great and staff were adequate around the pool. We always a hand a drink in hand. They pour good drinks and it did not feel cheap like some all inclusives and nothing was watered down. Would be fun if they had a beach bar of some sort or something that looked out at the beautiful water for a more "spirited" bar experience.
Amenities: The kids loved the game room, the pool and my daughter played basketball. We did not need anything else.
Pool: The pool is THE most important element when we book a warm, ocean and/or sun centered vacation. This pool is glorious! Clean, perfect temp., many areas to explore or just lay on the steps entering the pool with Margarita in hand! The swim up bar is a blast. One evening my sister and I planned on getting "one more" drink at the swim bar and ended up staying 4 hours! You heard me right! We made new friends and laughed and laughed and just had the best time. No one cares what you look like or what body type you have; everyone was there to just enjoy the experience.
Suggested improvements: There were only 2 things that we did not like. There is no food served at the pool and who wants to put shorts on just to get a quesadilla? (you sun worshipers know what I am referring to!) ..you just want to stay in your zone. It would be great if they would serve even a very limited menu at the pool: chips, pico de gallo, guac and quesadillas would have been just fine...
The game room was a hit with my 11 and 12 years old. However, they would not let he kids check out the equipment (ping pong paddles, pool balls etc..) without an adult signing at the front desk. Major bummer since they ended up spending a lot of time there and I was up and down a lot just to sign out stuff. I would have preferred they allow my children sign the things in and out and I would have signed something saying I took responsibility if my kids didn't return something. They should let the parents decide if they want to take that "risk". It was a real pain, and unnecessary, I believe.
We stayed 3 nights before going to a private home..Next time, we vow to stay longer.
We absolutely loved Barcelo and can't wait to go back! I investigated many many resorts on the web before booking and I am so pleased I picked Barcelo. We stayed at a less nice resort a few times over the last years and there simply is no comparison. Everything at Barcello was truly included, even tipping. They have a few nice shops if you want to buy gifts etc... but I did not have to spend any extra money on sneaky things that often pop up at other all inclusives. Also, the entire property had a very "all is good vibe" and we did not feel there were too many rules or restrictions yet it still felt safe and that management must have had an eye on things. They are very friendly and kind but not intrusive.
I highly recommend this property and hope everyone can experience it! Book it! You won't be disappointed!
Can't wait to return!
