TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I’ve traveled a lot over the years, and I have to say, my recent stay at Barcelo Maya Caribbean was one of the most shocking experiences I’ve had at any resort. We were there for a week-long vacation, hoping for a relaxing family trip, but what we encountered left us deeply concerned for the safety and atmosphere of this place. What really caught us off guard was how blatant the drug activity was—groups of teenagers openly hanging around the pool and beach areas, approaching guests, and trying to sell drugs. It wasn’t subtle; it felt like it was happening right in front of everyone, like it was a normal part of the scene. One afternoon, I was sitting by the pool while my kids were playing nearby, and I saw a group of teenagers walk up to a couple, offering something quietly and then laughing and moving on to another group. At first, I thought I must be seeing it wrong, but then it happened again—and again. It’s incredibly unsettling when you’re trying to enjoy a vacation with your family, and you see this kind of behavior happening so openly. It made me question the kind of environment this resort is encouraging and how safe it really is, especially for families. I ended up reporting this to the front desk, expecting some level of concern or action, but the reaction was honestly just a shrug. The staff seemed uninterested and unwilling to address the issue, almost as if they’d seen it happen a hundred times before and didn’t think it was worth following up on. There was no sense of urgency, no assurance that it would be dealt with, and no follow-up from management. It left us feeling completely unheard and honestly a bit unsafe. We tried to make the best of the trip, but after a few more days of the same thing happening, it became clear that this resort is not a safe or family-friendly place. The idea that kids and teens can sell drugs openly around the pool area without any staff intervention is beyond unacceptable. I would strongly caution anyone considering a stay here, especially families, to think twice. It’s just not worth the risk.

Wish I would have read reviews and listened before booking ??. I am here now and wish I wasn’t…the resort should not be 5 star because it lacked completely…and the food really is not that great or good at all. No ice cream shops or coffee shops. Just completely missed the mark. The rooms were sub par…luckily I complained and they probably got tired of seeing me at the front desk so this nice lady listened to me and moved me. I tried canceling my reservation and they just wouldn’t allow it…I had a minute ch much nicer stay at Dream Sands a couple years ago. Wish I would have booked there instead. My whole family was unimpressed…

My wife and me booked a 10 days vacation to this hotel. Pros: very nice grounds and buildings accommodation, very good service at buffets and bars , beach gorgeous with natural palm trees shades. Cons: very poor service from front desk/ reception..our room phone line off after second day, no one has come to fix it; our bracelets that also open the room door locks working poorly; we requested a late check out they kept saying come in the last day to find availability..lies..despite hotel was not fully booked the answer was no..shameless attitudes.. All in all very good vacation and a place torest after hard work.

Very rude staff and poor service and poor quality food. we never get direct answer from the staff For our inquiries-specially in the reception area.

Great Resort Property. Rooms and restaurants were awesome. Not overly crowded. The beach could be cleaned more often.