Barceló Solymar reviews
8845 TripAdvisor reviews
Disappointed disheartened
Elizabeth S on Mar 21, 2024
I stayed at BSAB March 2 through 12 have stayed at this resort 25 times. I have love the beach and location. And I am never picky about the food I am always able to find something to eat Sadly this trip was a nightmare. The resort is very dirty. And they treated me like a new customer Im fact Darius said there was no record of me at the hotel. It was my first trip ! ! I HAVE STAYED twenty five times or more!!! Luckily several other people including Ana Theresa recognized me and treated me like family. Ileigo security guard was wonderful and helpful. Also Louis Fally. Leonardo Juan Carlos and Martin bus boys very helpful. Also oleidy at the front desk was very helpful Randy and Jorge were always ready to try to help I will attach a photo of a towel that was made into a swan and left in my room. There is no excuse for this disgusting towel to be in my room Imagine opening this disgusting towel.
Nightmare.. don't stay there!
Connector65215872307 on Mar 20, 2024
We stayed at the Barcelo Solymar this past week (12March-19March) and were very disappointed with the accommodation, slow service and terrible food. The elevator was always broken down so after the first night we asked to be moved to a lower level as I have Rhuematoid arthritis and it was just too difficult to be going up and down all the stairs. They moved us to a bungalow 2112 and it was filthy and mold everywhere. The mini fridge didn't work and there was someone's puke dried on the side of the bed frame as well as a small blood stain on the pillow case. The shower leaked constantly with water running down the side of the wall. The buffet was disgusting to say the least. The woman grilling chicken would use the same tongs that she used on the raw chicken to serve the chicken, needless to say we did not go near that chicken. There was no food variety and every morning they would say the coffee machine was broken...really!! Alot of the food was re-used from one meal to the next, just re-heated. They were always out of beer at an all-incusive?? Also there was no such thing as 7up or coke as I don't drink alcohol. If there's one good thing to say about this resort is the location and the beach. I would never stay here or recommend this resort ever. The Barcelo is usually a good chain but definitely not up to par here at all. Staff was friendly and the pool area was okay...no beach bar either. Very disappointing trip...won't go back there!
Run…don’t walk….RUN away from this one
Melissa D (Hamilton, Canada) on Mar 19, 2024
Highlights: -rooms filthy -run down/dated -lacking supplies Day one- checked in around 3:45pm to room number 1415…. When we walked in we were horrified. The room was filthy. Hair around the shower and on the pillow, shower tub would not drain and no matress cover. Floors were so dirty that I had to wash my feet off before getting into bed. Went down to reception after attempting a shower and we were told that we could not switch rooms until the next morning. That was the most uncomfortable sleep I have ever had. Day two- switched into a room in building 32. Building run down very badly, room full of cobwebs and again floors, dirty. We are only given one bath towel each, no hand towel or face cloth. Had to wear shoes in the room otherwise my feet would be dirty/dusty. After all this all I wanted was a nice drink. I quickly found out that this hotel does not have anything other than beer, red/white wine, whiskey or rum (if it’s too late they run out of rum). No vodka, no gin, no Prosecco and no fun tropical drinks. The most tropical my drink got was a horribly constructed mojito. Day Three- excited to try the seafood restaurant as the buffet food was already wearing thin. Basically you had a choice of rice, beans, yakka and mystery meat. Seafood restaurant was actually pretty good and the service was far better than anywhere else I’d been on the resort. All good until leaving the building and rounded the corner to find a giant dead rat ??. See photo. Went to the bar, all out of EVERYTHING except whiskey. Day four we had enough of the food so we ventured into town. Worth it. Day Five we went to the a La cart Mexican restaurant. At 7:15pm “Bellomar”. We received our menus from our waitress “Nette” and as soon as she turned around a cockroach came running across our dinner table. We killed it with a menu and the sever just laughed and re-set our table. Last day we had to be in the lobby for 7am… all I wanted was a coffee… Coffee bar doesn’t open till 8am. I mean, what morning coffee bar opens so late!? By day three I got pretty sick. Sore stomach and diarrhea. By the last night I was throwing up pretty violently. I really do not recommend this hotel to anyone. If you are older, like us, expect to do a lot of walking to get anywhere. Beach has no bar so to get a drink you have to walk a fair distance. All in all this resort has so much potential but desperate for some love.
Buffet and bar staff
Greg P on Mar 18, 2024
This was our second year staying at Barcelo Solymar. Great staff in the buffet, Eva Lubrini and Dariel Lazaro. Both looked after us well and were always smiling and happy to see us. Thank you for helping us have a great visit! One of the reasons we chose this hotel again was the great staff and the friends we made last year.
Barcelo Solymar
Nada M on Mar 18, 2024
I will rate 5 because I love Barcelo Solymar and its people, but… Berated employee in front of me. It is with regret that I feel I need to address this complaint about one of your managers. On March 15 I went to Arenas Blanca for dinner my first since arriving. Through the course of my dinner I observed a couple of dogs begging for food by my window seat. Incidentally one of the dogs was pregnant. Not being able to resist I gave the dog leftover food from my plate since it is thrown out anyway. Unbeknown to me one of your managers Daniel saw me and reprimanded me in front of onlooking guests. Totally embarrassing me a multi returning guest of at least 18 times. His words to me were “do not feed the dogs, worry about the Cuban people not the dogs“. The following evening I was standing in line at the grill for food when the same Daniel Manager this time berated the young man working the grill in front of us. I did not need to understand what he said I clearly saw it in the young man’s expression and his shaking hands when he served me. I am a multi time returning guest and did not appreciate his behaviour toward myself or the employee. In my opinion having been in the food service industry myself for many years I believe staff should be reprimanded after their shift and not embarrassed in front on guests. I have seen Daniel upset many employees in front of guests since he has been here. I keep returning here because of the staff their warmth and care in seeing customers satisfied. They should be commended not embarrassed. Thank you in advance for taking care of this matter. I consider this place my second home and the people an extension of my family because that is how they make me feel. Thanking you in advance for taking care of this matter.