Bahia VS Barcelo

TAPPY · 06-18-2005

We stayed at the Bahia (Akumal side) in June 2005 and the Barcelo in June 2004.

My Bahia trip report is under Tappys Topless Trip report for more details on the Bahia.
BAHIA TRIP REPORT

Here is a break down of what I like (or disliked) about the Bahia and how it compares to the Barcelo.

Bahia vs Barcelo.
What I liked about the Bahia.
(The Pros)

THE BEACH - Everyone raves about the Barcelo beach, but I actually think the Bahia (Akumal side) is better than the Barcelo. It is more diverse, more to see and do. You have a nice sandy swimming area, two piers, some good wave action in another part, a natural saltwater pool, and little secluded spots here and there. I think the snorkeling is a lot better than at the Bahia as well.

THE SERVICE - #1, treated all of us like royalty, waiters brought drinks to the beach, the service in the buffets was excellent. The maid/mgmt left us little treats every day in our room - this was a nice touch. (T Shirts, Slippers, Flowers, Fruit basket, Bahia Spa goodie basket)..lots of towel art as well. Maid service was outstanding. The mini frig was always full with chips, candy and drinks.

THE BUFFET'S - Same quality of food (Buffet) as the Barcelo. The service was wonderful and takes the edge over the Barcelo in this area. I think the food at the Bahia had more of an international flair/flavor to it. (This can be good or bad depending on your taste). There was always something good to eat and they also had a nice (large) kids buffet as well. The waiters were very quick to bring you drinks/cappuccino to the table. The frozen drinks, such as Pina Coladas, were wonderful and fancied up a bit with all kinds of fruits and other special touches. I tried to order the Flaming Mexican Coffee one night, but the waiter did not understand and I got a Mexican version of Irish Coffee, but it was still yummy and was fancied up with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The deserts at the Bahia were DIVINE and really a big plus for my family(for me anyway). The best part about the Bahia Buffet Restaurant was that it was cool, they have that cross flow ocean breeze ventilation/fan thing going on and it has a great view of the ocean. I never got hot eating at the buffet restaurants (and I can remember being very hot when eating at the Barcelo). We also loved the 24 hour snack bar at the Bahia, The roasted chicken was yummy. A big plus was they would wrap the food up “to go” (to the beach, pool or room). This is great if you have hungry kids, you can always get the pizza or nachos “to go” so they can eat it in the room late at night.

THE BARS - Very nice/cool and comfy with a very impressive drink menu. (Try the frozen Lemon Daiquiri, my drink of choice on this trip) There was live music and dancing in the evening. The live music was nice, a little salsa dancing and chatting with other folks(again it was nice and cool). The one on the Akumal side has a/c.

RESORT SIZE /ROOMS - I did not mind the size of this resort, in fact it was kind of nice because there was always something new to discover or check out. It was not hard to find your way around and the shuttles were always coming by if you needed to hitch a ride. I would not like to be on the Tulum side of this resort or way in the back part of the Akumal side (Golden Club). I do think this resort is “prettier” and more tropical than the Barcelo. The lobbies/bars are very impressive and I like the lay out of the buffets/bars etc.

THE GYM/THE SPA - I did not use them, but I did go check them out, both are really nice and I give them the edge over the Barcelo in this area.

POOLS – I like the pools at both resorts and think they are both equal as well as the activity staff and crazy games they have going on.

SHOPPING: The Bahia has the Hacienda right up the road (you can walk or take the free shuttle.) This is a nice way to spend an hour or two and they have some good deals (I think the prices are cheaper in Playa)
There is also some “nightlife” here after 10 pm, we did not go, but my younger cousins went a few times and they did not get in until 3:30 am so they must have had fun.

And now for the “The Cons” (Bahia)

A LA CARTES - They are nothing more than a small Buffet type of restaurant, all of them have basically the same type of food on the menu. Nothing special or different. The service is very good, but again the food is comparable to what you would get at the Buffet. The Barcelo takes a BIG edge when it comes to the A La Cartes.

THE NIGHT SHOWS - The shows at the Bahia are ok. This is the only place on the resort where it was really hot and uncomfortable. Barceló takes a BIG edge when it comes to night shows. This is not a big deal for us as we would rather hang out in the bar and listen to live music. If you have kids they may find the bars boring (as mine did), so it would be nice if they had some good shows for them. We only went twice and it was to hot and stuffy for us to enjoy the show.

BEACH SHADE - They do have Papalas on the beach, we are early risers so we always managed to claim one. They need more. Bahia Beach does not have all the trees that the Barcelo has to provide shade. So if you need shade while on the beach you will have to claim your spot early or take a spot further back from the beach. There also seemed to be a shortage of chairs from time to time and a lot of “chair games” going on. We only had trouble finding a chair around the activity pool late one afternoon.

I loved both resorts and would not hesitate to go back to either resort.

**Shammy** · 06-18-2005

Bravo Taps!

See, that's why I never put up a comparison between these two resorts....I was waiting for YOU to come back and do it!

TAPPY · 06-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

Bravo Taps!

See, that's why I never put up a comparison between these two resorts....I was waiting for YOU to come back and do it!

It is hard to compare....I really think it is all "frame of mind" ..... if you go to have a good time ....you will have a good time !!!

Karlla · 06-20-2005

Tappy I think you said it perfectly!!!!

"....I really think it is all "frame of mind" ..... if you go to have a good time ....you will have a good time !!!"

As you can see I do not know how to quote people yet, need to figure that out though!

**TeeZet** · 06-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlla

As you can see I do not know how to quote people yet, need to figure that out though!

Pretty easy, Karlla: hit the reply button (down right of each post) and the quote is included (and editable).
B.t.w.: you can also edit your own posts by hitting the edit button that is available for your own posts only.

Tappy: nice comparison!

You don't seem to push either one of the resorts, but just try to give an objective as possible point of view.

Karlla · 06-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeeZet

Pretty easy, Karlla: hit the reply button (down right of each post) and the quote is included (and editable).

Although it still does not quote like yours!!

Thanks TeeZet!!!

**TeeZet** · 06-20-2005

[quote=Karlla]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeeZet

Pretty easy, Karlla: hit the reply button (down right of each post) and the quote is included (and editable).

Although it still does not quote like yours!!

Thanks TeeZet!!!

No problem.
You deleted the /QUOTE thingie at the end of my post: that's why the quote doesn't show properly.
Now you can edit your post and fix it, if you like.

**Shammy** · 06-20-2005

I fixed it for you Karlla, but now try it again with my post! Just hit "reply" and what I'm typing will show up in the box (don't edit anything though

)

Karlla · 06-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

I fixed it for you Karlla, but now try it again with my post! Just hit "reply" and what I'm typing will show up in the box (don't edit anything though

)

Thanks Shammy!!! Will the quotes show up on all replies even on other threads??? Sorry I am so ignorant

**Shammy** · 06-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karlla

Thanks Shammy!!! Will the quotes show up on all replies even on other threads??? Sorry I am so ignorant

Anytime you hit "reply", no matter which forum...the quote will show up!

**TeeZet** · 06-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

Anytime you hit "reply", no matter which forum...the quote will show up!

You are GOOOOD!!!

I always try to think of the time when I first started posting

, mostly...

**Shammy** · 06-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeeZet

You are GOOOOD!!!

I always try to think of the time when I first started posting

, mostly...

Lot's o' practice...mostly.

06-18-2005	#1 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 21,148	Bahia VS Barcelo We stayed at the Bahia (Akumal side) in June 2005 and the Barcelo in June 2004. My Bahia trip report is under Tappys Topless Trip report for more details on the Bahia. BAHIA TRIP REPORT Here is a break down of what I like (or disliked) about the Bahia and how it compares to the Barcelo. Bahia vs Barcelo. What I liked about the Bahia. (The Pros) THE BEACH - Everyone raves about the Barcelo beach, but I actually think the Bahia (Akumal side) is better than the Barcelo. It is more diverse, more to see and do. You have a nice sandy swimming area, two piers, some good wave action in another part, a natural saltwater pool, and little secluded spots here and there. I think the snorkeling is a lot better than at the Bahia as well. THE SERVICE - #1, treated all of us like royalty, waiters brought drinks to the beach, the service in the buffets was excellent. The maid/mgmt left us little treats every day in our room - this was a nice touch. (T Shirts, Slippers, Flowers, Fruit basket, Bahia Spa goodie basket)..lots of towel art as well. Maid service was outstanding. The mini frig was always full with chips, candy and drinks. THE BUFFET'S - Same quality of food (Buffet) as the Barcelo. The service was wonderful and takes the edge over the Barcelo in this area. I think the food at the Bahia had more of an international flair/flavor to it. (This can be good or bad depending on your taste). There was always something good to eat and they also had a nice (large) kids buffet as well. The waiters were very quick to bring you drinks/cappuccino to the table. The frozen drinks, such as Pina Coladas, were wonderful and fancied up a bit with all kinds of fruits and other special touches. I tried to order the Flaming Mexican Coffee one night, but the waiter did not understand and I got a Mexican version of Irish Coffee, but it was still yummy and was fancied up with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The deserts at the Bahia were DIVINE and really a big plus for my family(for me anyway). The best part about the Bahia Buffet Restaurant was that it was cool, they have that cross flow ocean breeze ventilation/fan thing going on and it has a great view of the ocean. I never got hot eating at the buffet restaurants (and I can remember being very hot when eating at the Barcelo). We also loved the 24 hour snack bar at the Bahia, The roasted chicken was yummy. A big plus was they would wrap the food up “to go” (to the beach, pool or room). This is great if you have hungry kids, you can always get the pizza or nachos “to go” so they can eat it in the room late at night. THE BARS - Very nice/cool and comfy with a very impressive drink menu. (Try the frozen Lemon Daiquiri, my drink of choice on this trip) There was live music and dancing in the evening. The live music was nice, a little salsa dancing and chatting with other folks(again it was nice and cool). The one on the Akumal side has a/c. RESORT SIZE /ROOMS - I did not mind the size of this resort, in fact it was kind of nice because there was always something new to discover or check out. It was not hard to find your way around and the shuttles were always coming by if you needed to hitch a ride. I would not like to be on the Tulum side of this resort or way in the back part of the Akumal side (Golden Club). I do think this resort is “prettier” and more tropical than the Barcelo. The lobbies/bars are very impressive and I like the lay out of the buffets/bars etc. THE GYM/THE SPA - I did not use them, but I did go check them out, both are really nice and I give them the edge over the Barcelo in this area. POOLS – I like the pools at both resorts and think they are both equal as well as the activity staff and crazy games they have going on. SHOPPING: The Bahia has the Hacienda right up the road (you can walk or take the free shuttle.) This is a nice way to spend an hour or two and they have some good deals (I think the prices are cheaper in Playa) There is also some “nightlife” here after 10 pm, we did not go, but my younger cousins went a few times and they did not get in until 3:30 am so they must have had fun. And now for the “The Cons” (Bahia) A LA CARTES - They are nothing more than a small Buffet type of restaurant, all of them have basically the same type of food on the menu. Nothing special or different. The service is very good, but again the food is comparable to what you would get at the Buffet. The Barcelo takes a BIG edge when it comes to the A La Cartes. THE NIGHT SHOWS - The shows at the Bahia are ok. This is the only place on the resort where it was really hot and uncomfortable. Barceló takes a BIG edge when it comes to night shows. This is not a big deal for us as we would rather hang out in the bar and listen to live music. If you have kids they may find the bars boring (as mine did), so it would be nice if they had some good shows for them. We only went twice and it was to hot and stuffy for us to enjoy the show. BEACH SHADE - They do have Papalas on the beach, we are early risers so we always managed to claim one. They need more. Bahia Beach does not have all the trees that the Barcelo has to provide shade. So if you need shade while on the beach you will have to claim your spot early or take a spot further back from the beach. There also seemed to be a shortage of chairs from time to time and a lot of “chair games” going on. We only had trouble finding a chair around the activity pool late one afternoon. I loved both resorts and would not hesitate to go back to either resort. Last edited by TAPPY; 06-18-2005 at 08:49 PM..

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/15466-bahia-vs-barcelo.html
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06-18-2005	#2 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 17,485	Bravo Taps! See, that's why I never put up a comparison between these two resorts....I was waiting for YOU to come back and do it!

06-20-2005	#4 (permalink)
Karlla toe in water Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 50	Tappy I think you said it perfectly!!!! "....I really think it is all "frame of mind" ..... if you go to have a good time ....you will have a good time !!!" As you can see I do not know how to quote people yet, need to figure that out though!

06-20-2005	#8 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 17,485	I fixed it for you Karlla, but now try it again with my post! Just hit "reply" and what I'm typing will show up in the box (don't edit anything though )

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