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Hi! We just got back last Friday night and this is a fantastic place. Our third time to Mexico, and we would definetely return to the Barcelo (don't feel that way about the other 3 at all!).
Reception is huge, staff are pleasant and go out of their way to help you out. Not understanding spanish wasn't much of a problem, you could usually eventually make yourself understood. Our rooms were not ready, so we waited in the lobby with drinks. They told us they'd be ready by 3... and at 3 PM the bell "boy" took our luggage to our room.
The resort itself is open and airy, swaying palms, stone walkways, lots of mayan statues, fountains.
We had a nice first floor room in building 2 (Coba) Beautiful colors, tile floors, 2 double beds, and a table, 2 cushy chairs, and a footstool. Bathroom was complete with a hairdryer, large shower/bathtub, and 2 thick terrycloth robes. There was also a mini refrigerator that was stocked with water, Pepsi products, and Sol beer daily. If you wanted more of one thing than another, all you had to do was ask. The in-room safe was programable with your own 4-digit number. The directions on how to do this were right on the safe. If you have room 2168, you are in building 2 on the first floor in room 68. There are 5 buildings, no room really having an ocean view, but all have balconies with an incredible view of something. Ours happened to be a resident iguana, about 2 1/2 feet long. We enjoyed hanging out in our room at times, enjoying the peace and quiet, watching the iquana, and having drinks or coffee with our other friends that had come with us.
We put $2.00 a day out for the maid, which she really seemed to enjoy. Might seem like alot, and not necessary, but these people don't make much money (a bar tender told us he makes $75 for two weeks - 6 days/week!!, and that others make less). And, frankly, 7 days x $2 is only $14! Compare that to what you make, what you paid for your vacation, and I had no problem justifying it. However, I think we would have had the same service irregardless of the amount we left.
Our maid, arranged everything in our room when she cleaned it up, and turned down our covers at night. Early in our week, she put our toothbrushes and toothpaste in a glass and off the bathroom counter. Just little special touches.
The beach is huge, powdery white sand with fine old coral mixed in. We walked along without shoes daily, no cuts, etc. There are plenty of open, sandy areas in the water to swim, and assorted coral areas to check out tropical shells (bring water shoes if you plan to walk around there during low tide). One morning we set our alarm to get up and video the beautiful sunrise... we weren't disappointed.
We snorkeled off the snorkeling pier (either side), and on the last day saw a huge sea turtle. He comes in after the deep sea fishing boat comes in in the afternoons and gets handouts from the captain. There were lots and lots of us brightly colored fish. We'd brought our own equipment, complete with biodegradable fish food, which made it easy to snorkel any time, and see lots of fish. Doug was quite an "attraction". The Barcelo does include snorkel gear in their ameneties, but it can only be used one hour a day... we'd come for the snorkeling and thought having our own would be better. Coral friendly sunscreen is available in the gift shop, if you can't find it at home or on the internet, although it is cheaper at home. Make sure to wear some if you're light-skinned, or you'll end up with a nasty burn on your back.
There are two gift shops, with lots of neat things. Also, a very nice jewelry shop in the Beach part, and a cigar and liquor shop. On Thursday nights, a gentleman sits at a table outside the cigar shop and rolls cigars for you to purchase. Some shops you pay cash at, others you charge to your room and pay at the end of your stay. We found quite a few fun and different souveniers to take home with us.
The pools (2) are large and interconnecting. There are plenty of beach/pool chairs. No need to reserve. We found it busier down on the beach side of the resort, with games, music, more beach bodies getting tanned, (some totally tanned, I might add) etc.. Mostly we hung out in the pool at the swim up bar, and had the bartenders make us huge daquiries and margaritas in the giant insulated mugs we'd brought. We found the drinks in the small glasses melted quickly, and the bartenders find it a challenge to mix a 32 oz margarita. Hee Hee
They have two a la cartes restaurants, one is Mexican and one is Spanish. We ate at the Spanish one, and had a delicious meal complete with a mariachi band. Captain Morgan's is a third restaurant, which serves as a steak house and the disco later.
The buffets are the best, since they have a huge selection of food, which varies daily. Didn't really notice any special theme nights, except Sun. (mexican), when they had flags hanging from the ceiling. There was supposed to be a seafood night on Thursdays, complete with lobster, but when we were there in April, they (lobsters) weren't in season. They have great breakfast every morning, with an omelet station, a juice station, lots of fresh fruit, and good coffee. All the water on the resort is bottled, and the restaurant servers pour bottled water into the pitchers to fill your glass at the table.
If you wanted to go to one of the specialty restaurants you needed to book the day you arrived, to make sure you got into them. You were allowed 2 restaurants if you were there 7 nights, just 1 if you were there 5 nights.
Everything was imaculately clean, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Lots of "holas" and smiling faces as you walked to wherever you were going.
We will probably go to this place again, although that has not been our usual travel mode. We've gone a different place each time. This one was refreshingly different, and we are ready to go back again... soon.
Submitted by: JeanNDoug -- djmacjean@mchsi.com
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Pages Updated On: Thu Nov 20 2008 - 00:00:12
