Marcella V.
Our recent stay at the Barceló Resort in Mexico, intended to be a joyful family celebration of my niece’s Sweet 16, was unfortunately marred by persistent disorganization, inconsistent communication, and a troubling lack of accountability. For a group of 20 guests occupying seven premium rooms—booked nearly a year in advance—our experience fell far below even basic hospitality standards.
Despite nearly a year of planning and monthly communication with a booking representative, our group was told that activity and dinner reservations could not be made in advance, but would be easily accommodated upon arrival. That was categorically untrue. The only dinner reservation we were able to secure for our entire group during our four-night stay was Sunday at 5:00 PM—on the final night of the trip. Several family members were told outright that no reservations were available for their rooms on the first two nights and were directed to the buffet instead.
After pressing management, a supervisor managed to “squeeze” my family of four into the Hibachi restaurant on the first night—yet the restaurant was filled with visibly empty tables. Rather than seating our group together, they split us up and placed us with unrelated guests, which completely defeated the purpose of a family celebration.
To make matters worse, we were never informed of the resort’s strict dress code policy for men in à la carte restaurants, which requires long pants. Several male family members—prepared for a beach vacation—were wearing clean, tailored shorts. Had we known in advance, we would have packed appropriately. Instead, they were provided uncomfortable pants to wear over their outfits, interrupting the color coordinated outfits specifically planned for photos.
Additional frustrations included inconsistent access to the amenities that were supposedly included in our package. Spa treatments, water circuit access, and a catamaran excursion were all either unavailable or scheduled in ways that conflicted with the few group dinners we were able to arrange. Five of us attempted to book massages on Saturday and were told nothing was available until Monday—the day of our departure—yet another group was able to schedule treatments for Sunday, same day, with no issue. This kind of inconsistent information was a recurring theme.
We also encountered a serious safety concern: the shower head in our room fell and nearly struck one of the children. The resort’s solution was to move us across the property, far from the rest of our family, at 10:00 PM—with no advance notice or compensation. Given that we were checking out the next morning, we declined and remained in the original room.
And lastly, on arrival, one of our rooms wasn’t available until nearly 8:00 PM due to the resort granting a late check-out to the previous guests. No apology was offered. The hotel’s initial response—a token gesture of water park tickets for just four guests—was tone-deaf, particularly considering our group size and limited time. Only after escalating the issue were we provided with three dinner vouchers for a single room.
Room service took 60-90 minutes each time, mini bar wasn’t restocked any day in my room.
Most disappointingly of all, nothing was done to acknowledge or celebrate the birthday girl—despite our group communicating clearly that this trip was in honor of her Sweet 16. There was no birthday cake at dinner, no special greeting, no gesture of any kind. For a resort that claims to cater to families and special occasions, this was both disheartening and inexcusable.
In summary, Barceló had every opportunity to deliver a smooth, celebratory, and memorable experience for our family—and failed at nearly every turn. This resort may look impressive from a distance, but its internal operations, guest service policies, and lack of communication revealed an organization that is simply not equipped to manage group bookings or uphold its own service standards. We will not be returning.
Kent Bird
We spent 8 days here and it was hard to come back home. This place is amazing and the service is incredible. I would highly recommend Barcelo hotels, they do it right. The service was great from everyone but Joel Hernandez was our favorite. He waited on us at the buffet for breakfast on six of the eight mornings only missing us on two because we went on two all day excursions. He set the tone for our whole day and genuinely remembered us and what we told him we were doing that day, he would ask us about how it went the next day he saw us. I could go on, but see this place for yourself. You won't regret it. Thanks again!
Lauren Damewood
We just got back from a week at Maya Caribe and it so great! Everyone was so kind and helpful. It was easy shuttle from airport, check in, room was clean and stocked with beverages. Book your dinners early, they do fill up and the food was so good! Bottled water everywhere, but no issues with water. The bar will make u anything u can think up, the entire staff was amazing. All the guests were great too, notbing wild and super nice and considerate. Beautiful beach and pier! 10/10 would go back asap! We were bummed to leave. The spa is amazing too!!!
Stephanie Hoffman
We have had the most amazing experience here ! The manager Ana has been so great with accommodating my gluten allergy! Franklin has been amazing with my two young boys who are a bit rambunctious! Feel like we are connecting with family when we head there for our lunch! Always greeted with smiles and warm welcomes. Remembering our drinks and my order for lunch! We were here 6 months ago and Ana remembers us the second we came in.
Yvette B. Reyes
Location is great if you're not going to go very far. You really don't need to leave.
The hotel rooms are very nice and the service is good. However the moisture here from the humidity is palpable, with a light sweat showing up on the tile floors in the room. Thankfully they do not have carpet in the rooms.
Everyone has been extremely friendly and helpful. Service has been excellent.
The pool's are exceptionally clean and it's a plus that they have swim up bars.