Crystal Cove, A Tribute Portfolio All-inclusive Resort

Clearly Crystal Cove is 'marmite' for many! However, that doesn't matter now as is closed for a refurb; something it definitely needed in several places like the bedrooms. My wife and I had a great time and enjoyed many aspects. Every meal was good, 99% of the people were lovely, great little beach, good West coast location, and good drinks. The place has a traditional design and style to it, and we like that over something more modern. No point mentioning the rooms as they are (and needed to be) gutted; but I knew this when we booked in late December. However, everything was clean - even if the chest of draws were falling apart, it was spotless. So, I would definitely return as it is likely to be lovely when it reopens, and is far superior to Waves where we stayed a year ago.

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

AVOID AVOID AVOID!! Marriott should be ashamed to have this hotel under its name. We stayed at Crystal Cove in November in one of the Ocean View One Bedroom Suite, supposedly one of their superior rooms, but it was a disgrace. The roof leaked, mattress was filthy and stained, there were sandbags outside the front door and the mini bar was never restocked. The food was also absolutely revolting, the worst I've ever experienced on holiday. The restaurant was outdated, and the food was lukewarm, never hot. The so-called "a la carte" was merely precooked food plated to order. One lunchtime I was served a burger which was still frozen in the middle! The bars were infested with flies, and the beach was never raked or cleaned. Who wants to relax on a beach covered in other guests' cigarette butts? Gross. I wanted to leave the holiday early and couldn't wait to get home. Such a disappointment after saving up for a nice holiday. This place should be shut down by health and safety

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.

We have been to Crystal Cove so many times over the years but had not been for 12 years. We were not aware when we booked that it had been taken over by Marriot and after reading so many poor reviews we were very close to changing hotels. However, as we were only staying 5 nights before going to the South Coast for another 6, we decided to stick with our plans. The only regret we had was not staying there for longer! We arrived 21st December and had the warmest of welcomes and our first impressions, whilst sipping our rum punch that we were given on arrival, was that it looked amazing and pretty much as we remembered it from our last visit. Our ocean view room was very clean and comfortable, great bed too, and we always had fresh towels and the housekeepers done a great job. The food throughout our stay was really good and Christmas Day lunch and dinner were exceptional and far exceeded our expectations so well done to all the staff who worked incredibly hard to give us all a wonderful time. We also had the pleasure of meeting once again several staff members we got to know over the years and it was great seeing them all again. All the staff are so welcoming and friendly and just go that extra mile to make your holiday special. A big thankyou to Stephen for his wonderful beach service, always there with a drink or ice lolly and Darren in Reflections who made the best omelettes in the Caribbean! Also a special thanks to Hazel, Donna, Kathy, Tanya, Fabian, Sherri Ann and Juliet and apologies for those I may have missed out. It was really lovely seeing you all again. The whole team at Crystal Cove gave us a very memorable Christmas for all the right reasons and we hope to be able to return once again after the refurbishment.

Please ignore the negative comments, yes the decor and a few other things are tired and need updating hence the reason they are closing in February for a year's renovation. I don't know where to start from the moment you walk in you are made to feel welcome your greeted with rum cocktails and a warm welcoming smile, infacr that goes for all the staff, they are amazing, friendly happy and helpful. The restaurants are kept clean at all times and the food is amazing, I can't say we had a bad meal, the drinks are all premium brands. The beach is raked clear and sunbeds wash daily. Twice a day there is a bar service, ice lolly and ice Creams serviced at your sunbed. If your looking for a glass boat trip see Dwayne on the beach, lovely friendly chap with local knowledge. Hiring a car is a must if you want to see the island at leisure, its a easy drive and locals are happy to help you. Oistins is another must on a Friday night, average for cost 40bbd. So once again another amazing holiday at Crystal Cove we will be back once you reopen. Thank you to all the staff that work so hard to make this happen for us 5* plus