TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We booked this hotel nearly a year in advance through Marriott Bonvoy. We had no idea that it was going to be under a major renovation. Fortunately, it re-opened the day before we arrived. This hotel is billed as a five star experience, and claims five star, but it really disappointed. Thus I have given it only a 3 star rating. I have not given very many negative reviews in the many I have written but this is one of them. First the good points, absolutely beautiful resort with lots of potential. Of course everything was essentially new or refreshed (but it didn't all work). The staff was excellent, friendly and caring!!! However it would appear management put them at major disadvantages with all the problems. The general BIG problem was things did not all work. Again management issue I would assume in that nothing appeared to have been tested. Some rooms the refrigerators were not plugged in, apparently in others the phone didn't work. The big problem for our room was the Air Conditioner leaked profusely after the first 10 hours of use. Then constantly after that. We are talking a 2 foot puddle within 15 minutes. They came an looked but couldn't fix it immediately, so rather than my wife's urgently need nap being interrupted, we lived with waste paper baskets as catch basins for the 2nd night we were there. We could have easily made do with our oceanfront door open at night, but alas, there was no screen on the patio door. After 4 bug bites interrupting my sleep door closed and back to dripping. Seems like a significant amount of equipment in the resort was never fully tested. Poor workmanship also showed in our shower in the shower floor tiling which did not drain appropriately due to being off the proper grade. In the restaurant the service staff were good, and the all inclusive menu adequate, we found the food good quality BUT both nights food came out cold. Not an issue at the excellent breakfast buffer. Overall a 4 star experience with what should have been 5. Why 3, they charged us for 5 star, they did not nearly deliver, so another star off for not giving a reduction on their fees. We have been at far better 4 star all inclusive's for $200-300 per night less in the Caribbean. Charging $900 per night for a facility was not yet properly operational was outrageous.

We arrived at Crystal Cove the day after they reopened. It was our third visit so knew how it looked and operated before and were keen to see the changes. Crystal Cove is a relaxed laid back small resort – it's not a big bustling full on resort, but that’s exactly what we like about it. Don’t go here expecting full on entertainment and loads of activities. That’s really the charm of the place. The renovations have been completed and the rooms, restaurant and public areas look really nice and fresh. The bathrooms have all been completely modernised. We had some very small issues with the room but once we notified the reception staff they were sorted out really quickly. You could tell that they had only just reopened and the staff were finding their feet, working out processes and procedures, but it didn't cause us any issues. As the week went on, new improvements were rolling out, for example an activity sheet for the day, labels for the food at the buffet, tables for the High Tide (Drifters) bar area. New sunbeds are very comfortable and plentiful. The watersports (SUP, kayak, waterskiing, hobie cats, donuts, snorkelling) are up and running and there are external guys on the beach offering jetski hire and turtle trips (at a cost). Food was excellent although slightly limited choices, particularly for dinner. We were told that the hotel was only 40% full for the week we were there so I guess that wasn’t a surprise. I imagine this offering will expand over the next few weeks. There was always something to eat and the quality was really good. Breakfast and lunch were buffet, dinners mostly a la carte but there was one buffet. We missed the BBQ but I think it was because they didn't have the tables ready at that point, it looked like those might be running again soon. Staff are super friendly. They come to the pool and beach areas semi regularly to offer from a tray of drinks and take orders if you want something. There wasn’t a cocktail menu at the bar when we were there which was a little disappointing but the staff would make whatever drink you asked for. If you want a relaxing chilled week then I definitely recommend this place. I’m sure we’ll be back again.

Has any been here in the last couple of weeks ? And what your thoughts Thanks

We arrived for a two night stay the day the hotel reopened on February 12 2026. This was our first time here and on the island of Barbados. This hotel is now under the management of Marriott. As with any soft opening, there were a few minor issues that needed to be addressed, but the staff were quick to help and take note of the issue and had people working on it right away. The beach here is gorgeous. The food is extraordinary. Service was improving from one meal to the next as the staff find their way with the expectations of Marriott and learning new routines and set up. All staff are friendly and helpful. I think that previous guests who have come here for years will be happily surprised at the refreshed resort.

Grateful if you could confirm when the hotel re-opens. We have a booking for 13 February. Marriot are telling us it wont be open by then however Expedia (who we booked through) have re-confirmed our booking. Many thanks