Barcelo Maya Tropical

[Beachbum40]

Ok let me start by saying...I did extensively research this before I wrote this post, in fact thats why I ask this in the first place.
I have a trip booked in August to stay at the Barcelo Maya Tropical/Colonial. After reading a lot of reviews and looking at pics, im now a little concerned. Seem to be a lot of negative things said about this place. Of course some people gripe just to gripe, but there seem to be a lot of negatives posted.
Ive been to playa several times. Ive stayed at Xcaret Flamenco, Riu Tequila and Iberostar Paraiso del Mar (to name a few). Does anyone have an idea of how Barcelo stacks up next to these? Should I even be worried? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[Shammy]

No, you shouldn't be worried. There's nothing "wrong" with the Barcelo Maya Tropical or Colonial. If there was, I wouldn't personally have vacationed at this resort 4 times. It beats the pants off the Tequila and Grand Xcaret (which has no beach compared to the Barcelo which has one of THE best beaches in the area!). It's pretty comparable to the IB* though, but still has a better beach.

You looked at pictures and saw something you didn't like? What for instance? The resort is beautiful - almost brand new, gorgeous pools, stunning beach. Are you sure you were looking at pictures of the Barcelo???

And in your research, did you come across the Unofficial Barcelo Maya web site....

HERE


There are going to be people who have complaints about something, anything, no matter what resort they stay at - have you read some of the reviews of the Grand Xcaret? Ya, not all very good - but you said that you liked it, right?
Who knows what kind of people they are that are complaining, or the reasons for their complaints (difficult to please, IMPOSSIBLE to please?). Then again, sometimes a particular resort simply doesn't suit someone, they just don't like it for whatever reason. It happens.

I send more people to this hotel than any other AI in Riviera Maya. I rarely get a complaint about this hotel and when I do, it's usually something about reallyyyyyyy dumb (sorry to say that but it usually is! ).

I do think you're worried about nada. My dos pesos!

[Beachbum40]

Thank you! That makes me feel better, youre my new hero. Shouldnt have even worried what others have to say, afterall i personally think you have to be looking to find something to complain about when you're in paradise. Thanks for your help! Look forward to writing a great trip report when I return!

[Banzoomba]

Have a great trip we loved it there ....looking forward to your report

[K and P]

Barcelo is the best we have been to, going back for 5th visit in November. We have been to a few places and it has everything we could ever ask for. Shammy is totally right, very well said.
We personally did not like the Tequila,paid extra to go back to Barcelo. But then again everyone likes different things. Barcelo is big and beautiful and very will layed out. Very relaxed atmosphere resort.

[KevKaos]

Originally Posted by Shammy

There are going to be people who have complaints about something, anything, no matter what resort they stay at

I don't............. but I could start to a week and a day from now if you want.

Seriously though, I go crazy doing research sometimes. OK, Shammy does the research for me, but I double check her work.

I usually go to that one really big internet site that all those thousands of reviews, and I start reading. I toss out the ones that are just from complainers as well as the brown-nose posters who act like if they post a super glowing review, the hotels company is going to give tham a free trip. The reviews in the middle are where the meat and the truth are. There is NO resort that is PERFECT for everyone. There is always going to be some little thing that maybe just wasn't perfect but the bottom line is you usually get over it and all in all you hopefully have a wonderful trip. I am not staying at the Barcello this year, but I will be, maybe next year.

[Shredman]

Originally Posted by Beachbum40

Ok let me start by saying...I did extensively research this before I wrote this post, in fact thats why I ask this in the first place.
I have a trip booked in August to stay at the Barcelo Maya Tropical/Colonial. After reading a lot of reviews and looking at pics, im now a little concerned. Seem to be a lot of negative things said about this place. Of course some people gripe just to gripe, but there seem to be a lot of negatives posted.
Ive been to playa several times. Ive stayed at Xcaret Flamenco, Riu Tequila and Iberostar Paraiso del Mar (to name a few). Does anyone have an idea of how Barcelo stacks up next to these? Should I even be worried? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

We just got back from 7 nights at the Barcelo a couple of weeks ago. It was our first time there. I think you'd have to look pretty hard to find something to complain about at the Barcelo. I posted a trip report with my observations a couple of weeks ago. I think you should relax.

[OGreenlee]

I've actually found some of the best reviews for the Barcelo out of ALLLL the ones I've been looking at. Most of the complaints have been about stuff like weak drinks and no palapas. I was looking thru the reviews for horrible service, really bad food, uncleanliness, and most of all beach conditions. I hardly found any complaints at all regarding those things.

I plan on going to the Barcelo when I go, and I'm so glad I found this place (playa.info) b/c that's what jump-started my search into that resort.

Shoot..... I can't wait!!

[tequiladude]

Was there last year. Beautiful beach, Nice clean rooms, bar service was not as slow as stated in the reviews, but it is all in the attitude. Smile, talk to the bartenders, get to know them and you will never even notice when they are busy (unless you are downing shots at the rate of 20 /hr). Landscaping was awesome, pre-Wilma, should be fine now though.
This is a large diverse resort. We got to meet people from all over our small planet.
I liked the self-serve Tequila stations. One waiter at the buffet remembered us and had my Tequila brought to our table immediately after we sat down.
There are trade off's with this resort. Not a big deal, but it is a ways away from Playa, but taxis, vans and the collectivo make it a breeze to get to Playa and back. After all, if you stayed in Playa/ Playacar, you would not have this beach.
Even though this resort is big, it still does not have that overcrowded feel.
The staff, as in most all resorts I have been too in Q.Roo, work very hard to please you. This is true from the management staff to the ground keepers.
Go, have fun, don;t worry....be happy.
PS: When entereing the Caribe side pool, watch the first step....it is by the swim up bar and it is very slippery. Got drunk aand watched people slip in all day. Of course I had to be the first of the day to show everyone else how to do it with style, not a drop of Pool water in my Tequila, but that was because it was the only thing attached to my body that did not submerge..

[racsanone]

Been to the Tequilla and to the Barcelo, the Barcelo wins hands down, larger resort, more to do, BEAUTIFUL Beach...... have a great time

[MikenJulie]

We're going back for visit #4. We were booked at the RPR but changed for the Barcelo beach, you just can't beat it.