Crystal Cove, A Tribute Portfolio All-inclusive Resort

First time in Barbados and we chose this hotel, as we had known other people that stayed here. Our room was clean and tidy, spacious and modern. We had a good time and some of the staff were lovely, some were very rude. I guess you cannot please them all! I wasn't keen on the food, and we ended up going out to eat a fair few times during our stay. However, the beach is beautiful, the sunsets are breathtaking, we even saw some turtles and sting rays when we went out on a boat. Overall, it was ok. Comfortable beds, comfortable stay but there are nicer hotels on the island for better quality. Like a travel lodge by the beach!

We’ve just returned from a wonderful stay at Crystal Cove just before they closed for refurbishment. We were fully aware of the imminent closure when we booked last August and read very variable reviews. We were sceptical, but we’re glad that we went. Yes, it needs some updating, but we hope they don’t change the general feel of the place too much. It’s different to many of the hotels as it’s small, low rise buildings set around pretty gardens leading down to a beautiful west coast beach. The staff were all so friendly and helpful. Many of them had been there for many years, and many of them remembered us from our previous 3 visits. We saw no evidence that they were concerned for their future after the closure. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Our room was an ocean front suite, beautiful views from the room and the balcony. It was very clean, comfortable bed, and serviced daily. Everything worked well, but they could do with more power points. I’m sure this is being addressed. The sunset views are amazing from the whole hotel. The food was very good on the whole, and plenty of it. The service was usually excellent, with an informal feed. There are 2 restaurants, one by the beach and the other by the pools, the latter has netting to help prevent the otherwise inevitable birds. We weren’t pestered at all. The drinks flowed, with good variety. And there were plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives, except no alcohol free Banks. We didn’t use the water sports except the water taxi to neighbouring Marriot hotels. We’re very glad we chose Crystal Cove! We stopped for a while at Treasure Beach where we had amazing virgin cocktails! As with the whole island there was an unusual swell while we were there, meaning larger than usual waves, some beach erosion, and red/yellow flags. It’s worth taking beach shoes, as there are pebbles as a result on the shoreline. We hired a car for the duration of our stay, and parking was generally ok. But there are buses to Bridgetown, Holetown, Speightstown and the airport just outside. Many people used these, or local taxis to explore the beautiful island. There’s so much to do and see. Just watch out for potholes. There are slopes and steps around the gardens, so it probably isn’t very convenient for those with serious mobility issues. But for everyone else it adds to the charm of the place. I don’t know if they’re planning to put in any lifts with the refurb, but it could prove awkward. We loved our holiday, and would certainly think about returning when they reopen next January. We just hope they preserve the special feel of the place, and not make it like every other modern hotel. This is Barbados after all. We

We were not told that this hotel was closing down the week after we left. It should have closed before we arrived. Everything was in a terrible state of disrepair. The staff didn’t care. It was all inclusive but the food was underwhelming. The booze though free was weak. Hard to believe this is a Marriott hotel. Hole in the bath. Leaking cistern. Cracked glass table tops. Broken parasols and beds. Filthy doors. Gross smell of vomit in the bar area which you had to walk through to get to the restaurant. Pigeons all over the lunch food which is served in horrid plastic containers. The only redeeming feature was the guy who cooked the eggs. We had hoped to book next year with 9 family members. Will definitely look elsewhere

The staff are wonderful. The food is good. The rooms are are old and tired. The bathrooms are extremely old and in need of renovations. This hotel is not a quiet resort!! The windows on the units are so poor it sounds like the band is playing in your bedroom. Also, the resort has cruise ship passengers come to the resort to use all the amenities for the day. That means beds and all public areas seating is full. So get your seat before they come and don't let it go or you will be seating on your balcony or bedroom.

The standard and facilities of this hotel really let down the Marriot Group name. We booked a beach view room, this was dull, no sun ever hit the balcony. The curtains had moth holes in them. Not able to swim as the sea is full of rocks. My daughter cut her feet and legs. Sun beds were broken. You do not expect to queue for breakfast to check in. The staff were wonderful. All in all a very poor experience and disappointing holiday that I may add cost a fortune. I have put in official complaint waiting for our travel agent to respond. We were advised that the hotel was due to refurbish in Feb this year, they should have brought this date forward.