TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Great hotel, amazing food, wonderful beaches- couldn’t fault anything. Staff were attentive and friendly. A Special thank you to Rolando at reception who was really lovely and welcoming. I Will definitely be coming back here again soon!

So welcomed by reception staff especially Ronaldo, super friendly. All staff at the resort are polite and helpful , they helped us fix our air conditioning ect would definitely recommend, the hotel is clean, fresh , up to date , my family and I are pnlanning to come back next year !

I travelled to Barceló Maya Tropical for a weeks holiday with my 10 year old son and we had an amazing time! The resort has everything to offer, from its gorgeous beach that stretches far to all the activities available. The beach was definitely the highlight for us, not just because it’s stunning and there is soo much of it, but because if you go for a swim early in the morning in front of the palace / tropical you will experience very close encounters with turtles!! My son will never forget this! He also got the chance to swim with the dolphins at the resort which was also great - but a little costly (although the shows are free to watch). Watersport activities that don’t have a motor are free which meant we got to try the mini catamaran during our stay too :) And the Mall has soo much to offer for kids at a small cost (bowling, rock climbing, ice skating, video games). The pool areas are great and well enjoyed but the pool bars can get busy so it takes a while to get a drink! The food sucks. It’s not that great and there definitely wasn’t enough options for my son, who spent his week eating bacon and chicken nuggets as there was nothing else for him he would eat :( It is edible though and isn’t as bad as some of the reviews make out, just typical all inclusive food really… it didn’t make either of us ill and some dishes I did enjoy. The Japanese restaurant was probably the best food we had - we tried this and the Mexican but the Mexican a la carte was not great. Whilst on the subject of food - we paid for all inclusive which is supposed to be breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and drinks - but there are no snack options, no sandwiches or crisps… you’re not even allowed to take fruit from the restaurant! So if you get peckish by the pool, you are forced to get dry and dressed and go have a sit down meal… very irritating. More information at check in would have been better as the resort is soo big, knowing where things were and what it had to offer would have been good rather than having to work everything out! My son didn’t get to participate in any kids activities as we didn’t see any? Or had no idea where they were?? There is zero entertainment for kids in the evening which was also a little disappointing. The hotel itself is impressive as it is soo big with soo many pools and restaurants and things to do…. But everything is a little dated, especially the rooms. It’s not very aesthetically pleasing until you reach the beach. I agree with what someone has previously said - it’s a very decent all inclusive but it’s not 5 star luxury. You don’t get the super lux feel from it… but it is nice. Service was not amazing but it was pleased and I have no complaints, staff were polite and willing to help when asked. Daniel at breakfast in the colonial was wonderful with my son… so thank you to him. We would recommend coming here on your holiday - the price is very good for what you get and you will have a lot of fun! (The topical pool is like a pool party everyday thanks to the entertainment team!) Overall, it’s a lovely hotel that just needs to improve a few small things and give everything a bit of a refresh and it would be perfect! Thank you Barcelo Maya Tropical for a great trip!

Rolando Martinez, was amazing best front desk ever!! Barcelo maya tropical is best vacation spot ever!!!! Look and ask for Rolando when ever you can! He will take care of you I promise! AAAAARRRRRRRWEEEEEEEEEEEEBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAA

Let me tell you just few words about me so you can relate to who is writing this review. I am experienced traveler, I have visited Riviera Maya few times now, traveled to Cuba few times, to Dominican Republic, traveled throughout USA, Canada and have visited most countries and tourist destination in Europe. I appreciate good food and highly value human aspect, meaning I value friendliness and honesty more than my pillow softness. Barcelo Maya Tropical review: As previously stated, I have visited Riviera Maya now few times including all inclusive resorts and I must say Barcelo Maya Tropical has impressed me with multiple things. There is one aspect that I wish management will take into consideration, but I will mention it later. For readers who did not visit Barcelo Maya Complex yet: the Barcelo Maya Resort is made up of 6 hotels conglomerate: Beach, Caribe, Colonial, Tropical, Palace and Riviera. No, it is not huge like some people write, it is quiet big but very walkable to every corner of the complex. What impressed me is that you can walk everywhere without getting sunburn and wet from rain showers because Barcelo has thought this through, thank you Barcelo for this thoughtful necessity. Every path from individual room blocks, restaurants, cafes, bars, theatres are covered. Paths are connected with each other and nothing is too far. Much better organized and located than Bahia Principe and Grand Palladium for instance. If you pay for Caribe, Beach, Colonial or Tropical, you can use all their amenities, eat and drink there. Palace is more upscale and if you purchase your stay there, you can use all 4 mentioned resorts including the fifth Palace. Riviera is adult only and most luxurious and pricey out of the other 5, if you choose your stay here, you can use all 6 amenities, restaurants and so on. Food: Food at Tropical is very good. They have all you need and wish for, do not ask for some specialities from a small village in a small town on the other side of the globe.... you get the image. They really have more than plenty. From breakfast to dinner, buffet restaurant is really good. Before I booked the trip, I read comments like, the food is awful etc., now I am thinking where did those kings and queens eat before to leave such comments? I am fine dining enthusiast who prefers Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisine with fine wines and yes, you can not compare buffet food with fine dining restaurants, but Barcelo buffets were good, period! Breakfast is great with things you name it: smoothies and mimosas to start, over to eggs any style to breads, many cold cuts, hot breakfast choices, yogurts, sweets like churros, French toast, pan cakes..... Lunch was good as well, plenty of choices and of course even better dinner. They really mix things up. Every day you will find something else on the menu. A la carte restaurants were good too. We have eaten at Mexico Lindo, Santa Fe, Tokyo and Marenostrum. Santa Fe and Mexico Lindo were excellent, Tokyo is more show than food as food is dry and too oily for my taste. Marenostrum was a bit dry as well but decent. All in all, food is good and you will like it I am sure. If the taste is plain sometimes, you can always use many sauces available. Drinks: Mexico all inclusive resorts are known for "premium" drinks and there is no difference here at Barcelo. You will find most of brand name alcoholic beverages at Barcelo. Every bar will have plenty of choices and helpful baristas who will mix your drinks according your liking. Yes, some drinks might be watered down but you will have more fun enjoying more drinks rather than being cross eyed quickly. My favourite bar was Tequila bar close to the reception because the staff there was amazing and drink choices they offer. Some drinks like General Mendoza is only for premium paying guests, but I am sure none premium paying guests will find alternatives. Rooms: Rooms are very Caribbean oriented and styled. Decent size and comfortable beds. We had two double beds and I can not say I had plenty of room on my bed side, but it was OK for 7 night I guess. Rooms were cleaned daily with detailed touch from room cleaning ladies. Very professional and throughout. Nothing was missing, always had plenty of towels, mini bar was always restocked and so on. Rooms were very clean and in good shape. Rooms are not newly renovated but also not dated as many have reviewed. In general, very clean, decent, AC is blasting and shower had great pressure. Pool/Beach: What to say other than paradise! It is truly a desire to live in places like these! I was impressed like never before with cleanliness and sense for details. Wherever you might be, walk, sit- or lay down, you will be encircled with clean and well kept grounds, amenities, furnitures, you name it. They really pay attention to detail. Great job Barcelo, all I can say! Beach was cleaned daily from sea grass if there were any and really combed down. There were always plenty of lounge chairs, no need to do German thing early in the morning and reserve a lounger with beach towel. Pool was clean, plenty of lounge chairs, party music, pool bar, activities.... You will never be bored at Barcelo, that is given. Night Entertainment: I was so tired from all daily activities, swimming, eating, drinking, snorkelling, ball sports that I was glad to stay awake through the night show. Not due to show boredom but due to my incapability to stay awake like when I was 20. Every night Barcelo Tropical/Collonial theatre has put up a great show from Mexican fiesta show, International gala, Broadway, Las Vegas show..... there was only one night Karaoke show where I rather stayed at the bar. Great job Barcelo, as every night live band including great singers, performers and Mariachis entertained their guests. There is also jaguar club, but I did not go there as I was knocked out after the night show. Also to mention: one night in a week Mariachi band plays at Maya Mall, definitely you don't want to miss that. Also they play one night, I believe every Tuesday at Plaza Mexicana. TIP: if you miss some nightly theatre entertainment, don't miss Las Vegas show! Especially as a Man, you will enjoy every minute of it, I promise. The blond tall lady acrobat, dancing and performing on overhead ropes and rings will amaze you. It is truly like Las Vegas and Cirque du Soleil. Amenities: Barcelo complex is quite big and offers all one can desire, from shopping, casino, games, shows..... they have an entire Mall between Colonial and Caribe, adventure park in front of Colonial, swim with dolphin pool, surfing island, 24hr ambulance and pharmacy, photographers.... if you can stay up 24/7 you will be entertained and cared for. One Conn: I mentioned at the beginning that I had one conn I did not like. It was rather confusing and not really professional nor enjoyable and management should definitely consider improving it. That is a la carte restaurants. Why the decision to rush guests? I am aware that resort wants to accommodate every guest as seats and time is limited, but to rush guest is not all right. That was the only time we felt not appreciated and unwanted. Same at every 4 restaurants we visited, from Santa Fe to Mexico Lindo to Tokyo to Marenostrum. Besides, the wine list is extremely inappropriate! We all love wine and pay good money for nice bottle of vino but to charge 2250 Mexican pesos or $114 US or $154 CAD for bottle of Chianti is beyond healthy business decision. I have to mention that the Chianti was one of the cheaper bottles! Come on Barcelo, really? All in all: Everything beside a la carte restaurants was excellent! From staff to beach, pool, rooms, amenities, entertainment, cleanliness .... everything was really remarkable. We (group of 10 people) have had great time and have all made great memories for lifetime. Probably we gained few pounds as we just couldn't pass on the great food selection, but nothing a good diet cant't fix at home. Honourable mentions: Give Rolando at the reception a raise as he is great human being, overly friendly, helpful and at least he deserves to be praised. I guess left handed people are friendlier, just kidding. Snorkelling with Sea Turtles close to Barcelo Maya Palace is a must do. Many thanks to Maru for organizing our Birthday event, birthday cake and reserving a la carte restaurants. Big shout out to Mariachi band who played at Santa Fe restaurant, they made us all cry for joy. Viva Mariachi! Book Barcelo Maya Resorts with confidence! Thank you Barcelo!