TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

First, some background. We are a professional couple (decades of experience in the U.S. workforce). Our worklives are filled with long days of resolving complex issues in fast-paced environments with competing high priority items. Our corporate stress is constant, and quality downtime is a necessity. This was our 4th or 5th stay at the Crane. It was EXCELLENT. If you like tradition, lush gardens, beautiful surroundings, and great customer service this is the place for you. If you want to slow down and experience quality downtime away from the crowds and the daily grind, the Crane is the place. Enjoy a flying fish cutter with an ice cold Banks beer or a potent rum punch. Then stroll through the village, head to the beach, or get in the pool and let the stress melt away. The service makes you feel welcomed. Janine greeted us like family. It was so good to see her again (she remembered us, we remembered her). Chris Forbes (General Manager) made time in his busy schedule for us. We told him why we chose the Crane (again & again) over the various other places in the world we considered. In short, we told him why the Crane is like home ... it's like living in a different world. The Crane's magic is in transporting you into another time period. Through its historic village, lush gardens, scenic views, and its friendly people, you won't feel like you're in your normal, daily setting. The staff will greet you as you move about the property. They are pleasant and polite. (there's some ongoing work at the Crane, but you'll barely notice it). You can hire a driver to take you to the market, tour the island, or take you to Oistins on Friday night (good fish fry, King fish & fish cakes are our favs). There's plenty to do in Barbados ... and we've done much of it on prior visits. However, our 2023 trip was all about decompression and one-on-one time. So, we chose to luxuriate on the Crane's 40 acres of extraordinary tranquility. The staff even helped us with charging my wife's tablet (older model). The person she left in charge of packing the tablet charger forgot it! I'm so glad the Crane was able to help him! LoL (yup - I strongly resemble that forgetful person). Perhaps the most satisfying thing about the Crane was how quickly we forgot about our workplace fire-drills. We didn't think of our busy calendars to see "what's next?" We enjoyed the solitude of our surroundings while engaging in spontaneous laughter and organic conversation. We enjoyed silence together as we sat on our balcony. The Crane reminded us of the "quality of life" we wanted away from work ... peaceful, flowing, and easy going. Our suite was lovely. It had a traditional feel with wood shutters. The rooftop pool was nice to relax in as we listened to Bob Marley, mellow jazz, and old-school R&B. On previous visits, we've tried the suites with the 28ft pool and the plunge pool. We were happy with each of them. However, the panoramic views of Barbados from our suite with the rooftop pool was excellent (might be our new favorite). We visit during the off season to enjoy the "near private" experience. Our package in 2023 included a buffet breakfast (the omelette station is a must). Our afternoon favorite is the Carriage House. It's an outdoor venue on the property that serves flying fish, mahi mahi, and other good things. They've added a canopy system on the sprawling pergola structures to shield guests from the direct sunlight while permitting them to enjoy the ocean views and cooling tradewinds. For dinner, the Mussaman Curry at Zen was delicious. The beach was cleaned of sargassum seaweed. We could see the equipment tracks in the sand. We were pleased to see the Crane found a workaround for the recurring issue that's impacting much of the Caribbean. For us, the slow walks along the Crane beach at sunrise were romantic. The warm waters washing over our legs was therapeutic. We held hands and admired the beautiful morning sky as the sounds of the ocean serenaded us. We felt one with nature. With each step we were renewed. Our cumulative fatigue from the daily "corporate hustle" simply vanished. Do it. Book the trip and completely immerse yourself in the Crane's serenity. You will be rejuvenated. Chris, Janine, Mikal, Tanisha, Gloria, and the Crane Team (Vivian, etc) ... thank you! Our visit has been a blessing and your consistent teamwork made us feel at home. God willing, we will see you again.

We close Hilton Grand Vacation at The Crane for our wedding anniversary and we were glad we did. The resort had everything we were looking for for a restful vacation. The resort is beautiful but is in need of a little updating. The pool is in need of repair and they were working on it while we were there. If you are looking for a relaxing location you found it. If your looking for nightlife and recreational sports this is not your spot. We chose not to get a car but when we go back we will get a car. Taxis are readily available but it starts to add up and you need cash on hand to pay for them, no credit cards accepted. The drivers do wait for you which is nice but that is why the fee is high. We went to a lovely dinner for our Anniversary at Chambers (which was fantastic-expensive but worth it) and the fee was $80US. We tried to go to De Ole House which was 8 miles up the road and it cost $23. We did bring enough cash with us so we had to consider where we used our cash. Next time we know. There are two other restaurants close BR callas Le Shack - great atmosphere and a wonderful dining experience and Cutters a local quaint restaurant which was wonderful. Both are within walking distance.

I've been to the Crane about 6 or 7 times. I am afraid I am not sure I would head back again. Standards had really dropped this trip What worked well: - Late check-out on final day - Lovely room cleaning ladies (when they were assigned) - Zen restaurant (amazing!) - Spacious landscape - Lovely beach Significant room for improvement, so much we are put off: - Initial room was so smelly and musty we could not use it - Reception staff were down right rude and lied to me (i have an issue with lack of honesty and integrity, very disappointing) - Maintenance of rooms, we had issues with windows not closing, blinds permanently open and wifi, I then had to project manage the fixes - Lack of cleaning in corridors (e.g. dead flies and bees in the corridor for 5 days) - Lack of cleaning of swimming pool Also, not putting us off, but the buffet breakfast is ok at best. Not at all modern or healthy. Would be great if you were inspired by other resorts e.g. how about Avocado's? Wider cheese selection. More variety every day, I said to my travel companion "the 90s called and they want their buffet back..." it about sums up the offering. I think it will be interesting to see if the Crane can up it's game when the new Wyndham grand opens up. I hope so for the future of this place. So much potential, but a lack of execution.

Great hotel for family. Spacious rooms with full kitchen and appliances makes it easy for any family with a baby (mine was 6 months old). Friendly staff do everything possible even when shorthanded.

The resort was stunning! We loved having beach access every day and several pools to choose. We did two excursions; an island tour and a catamaran tour with Cat & Fiddle. I would recommend both! The staff at The Crane were so friendly and helpful and we would definitely go back.