TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Like many I am surprised at the negative reviews as I’ve just returned from a wonderful stay with my mum! Yes the rooms and hotel decor is a little dated, but the fabulous service more than outweighs this! Important to stress the accommodation/rooms are big, have wonderful views and spotlessly clean! This extends to the facilities with a spotless pool and clean/tidy areas around the hotel. Food was fab with lots of choice at the restaurant that was open for lunch or dinner - a passing comment would be to have not restaurants open in the evening for more choice but appreciate it was low season. Particular shout out to Lisa in the front desk who was a gem! But all the staff were engaging and genuinely seemed to care! Will be coming back after the refurbishment!

The hotel is located in a fantastic location on the west side of the island. I stayed there for a week September 7th and left September 14th, 2024 .Unfortunately, the pictures online and when you book it are old pictures. The resort is in need of repair. Some of the beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach are broken. Some of the canopies like the one that covers the gas grill when they cook outside is covered with black mold or something along the lines of that. When it rains the roof on the dining room called Reflections, leaks and they need to put towels down to dry the floor. The pools look dirty only half the Jets are working water feels kind of slimy.. The restaurants were only open one at a time, only one option to dine at a time, the food is horrible, it's an all-inclusive restaurant so food and alcohol are included they skimp on the food but the alcohol was good, on steak night it was a very tiny piece of round steak mine had gristle in it. Seafood night was a tiny piece of swai (they called it Whitefish) which is a very cheap fish on top of spaghetti noodles with shrimp pieces probably the little pieces that broke off during shrimp packing are two examples. For breakfast it was the exact same buffet all seven days when I was there. Our room was clean and the air conditioner did work good but the shower which is in a bathtub only has a small piece of plexiglass keeping the water in and so you need to make sure you turn the water way down so you don't get the floor all wet. It was a battle to get washcloths in our room, three different days they did not put washcloths in the room and we called down and they said they would bring them right up we never saw them. This leads me to my last complaint which is the staff. Pretty much most of the staff did not want to be there and didn't care and when you walked up to get a drink or something they acted like you were bothering them. The only staff member that I thought was doing a really good job was the gentleman delivering drinks on the beach everyday he was very happy to be there very friendly. The nightly entertainment was okay if you like karaoke, the people they had up there were basically just singing to tracks. A full live band would have been nice at least once especially for the price we stayed to pay there it's basically a budget resort charging a five-star resort price. The resort needs renovated bad.

Fantastic holiday We had the most fantastic time at Crystal Cove, I really don’t understand the negative comments about this hotel- yes it needs some updating in places but all the staff know this and it is happening next year, however Marriott please don’t change this place too much and take away the wonderful charm and character it has. All the staff here are a real credit - so polite and the smiles and laughter is sooo welcoming. I would love to mention everyone but couldn’t get all the names: Sasha you are delightful and gave me the best goodbye hug, Dwana, Tanya thankyou. Shelley, Toni and Tanisha in the coffee shop, Tia on reception ( hope you are enjoying the books) Richard- you are perfect for your role and we so enjoyed the chats with you, you are so personable and approachable striving to do the best for guests. The food here is excellent and plentiful, again take no notice of the negative comments, outstanding Al A Carte most days. We had a lovely view of the hotel gardens and sea from our room which was spacious and kept clean, with bed and towels changed daily. Mini fridge restocked daily with soft drinks. The watersports facilities (which is free) on the beach run by Joe and the boys is a lovely addition. Also the water taxi between Crystal Cove and Waves is fabulous. I so enjoyed singing along with Derek and his music. My one tip would be to include information on arrival of local area/a map- include local supermarket, medical centre, dentist, bus times etc. We can’t thank you enough for our wonderful holiday, you were everything we wanted and more on our Barbados holiday. Although I didn’t want to leave, as Sasha told me, you have to leave to come back again! And we will. See you soon

Crystal Cove is in the ideal location for the beach and includes a host of free water sports. The staff are exceptionally friendly and make you feel welcome. We stayed for 10 nights and there was a very good choice of food throughout the day. The hotel is under going a full refurbishment in 2025. The rooms are clean and satisfactory but will be top standard once the refurbishment has been carried out. Thank you to everyone at Crystal Cove for making our stay superb.

Crystal Cove is a delight to stay at. Staff are truly exceptional, service from Sasha, Stephen, Delores, Allison and Dawna in particular was excellent . The vibe around the hotel is warm and friendly. Food was much improved from when we stayed a few years ago and was delicious.