TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

This was by far the worst “all inclusive” resort I have ever stayed at. And I have stayed at many affordable options. Pigeons were EVERYWHERE around the food areas, picking at our food on the tables and at the buffet itself. Staff seemed unbothered. Food was generally very limited and tasted very mediocre. Meat all grilled on the same grill. One night for dinner, we waited more than 1 hour for food at the restaurant- only for the portions to be so small and the taste to be so disappointing. Many times we left to go to Starbucks for food due to Pigeons, long wait times or bad food. Keep in mind, throughout this whole process - the staff was so rude at all times. Even ignoring my group (we are also from the Caribbean) to attend to the white guests. The AC in our room did not work and was constantly leaking, we did not get clean towels unless calling the front desk and asking 3 times in a row, the rooms were extremely old and not clean at all, the only lock on the door was a simple “chain lock” straight out of the 90s. There were crabs EVERYWHERE, you couldn’t see them at night because the lighting was so bad. They gave us a different room than we booked on the site. And the most hilarious cherry on top, they left a card with our names on the bed with a thank you note and used the wrong names. The price for the experience is absolutely diabolical. It would be extremely disheartening to see the general manager comment on this review to invalidate this experience and act as if this did not happen. But I would not be shocked as accountability is not this hotel’s strong suit. Awful experience, really wished we stayed somewhere else.

I took my son for his 4th birthday for a day pass at the Crystal Cove Hotel and I just want to say he had a fabuloussss 4th birthday experience there. The atmosphere was perfect for this experience for him especially at the Cave pool lolol. Super friendly team. We got a room in addition to the day pass and it was well worth it because when he got tired I was able to take him to get a little nap. The room was super comfortable and very clean so I was quite pleased that I made that choice as an add-on. The food which is included in the cost was quite delicious and my son was able to make his selection from the kids menu, quite happy about that because you know, picky eaters lol in addition to that he loveddd his birthday cake plate. Thanks to the Crystal Cove team for a really memorable time. I thought it was definitely great value for money. He said that will be back so 10/10 we will do it again!

I have just returned from a 12 night stay at Crystal Cove with my wife and family (age range 16 - 77). We have been to the hotel many times over the last 20 years as well as other hotels in Barbados and other Caribbean islands. The hotel has recently been refurbished but it still retains its ‘village atmosphere’. The staff are great (special mention for restaurant manager Michael and waitress Dawna) and always want you to have a good time. There have been problems with the food and delays in the restaurant but a recent change in management (thank you Raj) has resulted in improvements. Some recent reviews have been very critical but in my opinion are unfair. Barbados is a very British island and I think the Bajan people are very much in tune with British culture. Following the takeover by Marriott there have been more visitors from the USA and they can be more demanding than the Brits. This does not always go down well with the staff. We had a great holiday and would recommend the hotel if you want a great location, friendly staff and an all round good time.

Just returned from an 8 night stay at Crystal Cove. As we've been to multiple AI's in Mexico and various islands throughout the Caribbean, this is our perspective on this resort: Pros: -- the rooms were nice. We had the lowest grade room and it was small but clean and furnished nicely. -- the beach is excellent! Clear turquoise water that was fairly calm. It was just a little rocky in places but we didn't feel the need to water shoes. Loungers and umbrellas were plentiful. It was the highlight of the trip -- they provided plenty of water activities that were included if interested --there were 3 pools that were small but nice. All had plenty of loungers and umbrellas. --providing a water taxi to experience their sister resorts was great. --they provided plenty of bottled water by the pools and beach Cons: --the refrigerator in the room was not stocked daily with bottled water unless you asked every day. That should be automatic. --the drink menu is very small and it seemed the selections were limited. Offering a "drink of the day" would be nice. --many people have raved about the staff but we did not find that to be the case really. For the most part they were nice but they were not friendly and engaging at all. --there was no drink service around the pool or beach. We're not too lazy to go get our own drinks but this something that really adds to your experience. We went to Waves one afternoon and enjoyed their adults only pool and the service they provided. --the food was the biggest con. It was VERY limited. And while we can live with a limited selection, we expect the food that is available is top notch. Not always so. Some meals were okay but one night they served French Onion Soup that was just broth and onions...no crouton or cheese. And then I was serviced Chicken Diane with the smallest piece of chicken (not enough for a child) and the chicken was a little rubbery like it wasn't quite cooked enough. When I mentioned it to the manager?, he said "looks done to me". When only the Hightide beach grill was open for lunch, all they offered was hamburgers, hot dogs and fish and fries. I ordered the hot dog and they were out of buns....um, if that's the only food you're offering you should have enough to provide...not to mention there's a grocery store a half mile away. --the resort was not busy, we were told they were at less than 50% capacity. We're wondering if that is the reason so little options were available and the reason for not enough staff to make sure everyone was taken care of. (there was only one bartender at a time for the whole resort and they weren't always around) --they did have a little entertainment in the evening but no where to sit and enjoy it besides the pool chairs. We're hoping the food and service improves as we would love to come back to this resort.

My family and I had an excellent 10 night stay at crystal cove. The facilities are excellent with numerous water sports available. The hotel is located next to a lovely beach, has several swimming pools, along with TVs showing the World Cup. The facilities in the hotel rooms are also very good, and have been recently refurbished with a large bathroom and balcony The food was also great, with plenty of options for all at breakfast lunch and dinner. The location of the hotel was also fantastic. Finally, the staff at Crystal Cove were impeccable. Kevin and Jonathan were extremely welcoming and made us feel at home upon arrival. All the bar/food staff were great, however Diane, Michael and Hazel particularly stood out with their warmth and friendliness. Finally, Richard was extremely professional and courteous. He listened to all of our feedback and also checked in with us on several occasions during our stay to ensure all His service, along with all the staff at Crystal Cove’s service made the holiday really enjoyable. Overall, a great experience and I am looking forward to visiting Barbados and Crystal Cove again!