Doesn't matter where you are going and what your plans are, always pack one pair of jeans or pants and one collared shirt. That way you are prepared. Plans change, you get invited to things...
What works for you does not work for all. I only use carry on luggage. If I did as you said I’d need to bring one less set of clothes. When weather or culture demands otherwise, I’m happy to oblige.
We have stayed at Barcelo Maya Palace located at the opposite end of the complex several times and have never had an issue. I will say during our last visit we did walk down this resort to check it out and didn't care for the vibe. The Palace has a nicer pool, more shaded areas and also has a small adults only pool if you want to get away from the noise of the main pool. It's been a few years, but the hostess at one of the other resorts offered to loan someone a pair of long pants from a large closet. Maybe they no longer do that...
It seems that it is a common habit from spannish hotel brands to oblige guests to wear long pants in restaurants. I have been refused several times for the same reason in Canarias islands. Luckly, I had long pants in my bag...
I agree with your comment. I have been to the Barcelo Resort for over 10yrs and the new addition just doesn't give you the Mexican vibe like the other 5 resorts. More like Vegas ...meh
Meh. The fact that they’re fighting you instead of making the guest feel happy tells me all I need to know. 🚩The bribe is just pure 🤮 Congrats in advance on 100k!
The L'Occitane products are probably being resold on eBay by housekeeping, and replaced at the Cancun Costco. The staff at Barcelo sound quite entrepreneurial. 😂
Love your videos... fyi, "dress code" automatically means no shorts, no sandals. Some dress codes are more restrictive, but shorts and flip flops are always a no no.
Thanks but that’s not at all true lol. Every resort or hotel I’ve been to on this channel- 150+ of them- that had a dress code was either vague or only for specific restaurants or specified ‘dress shorts’ or ‘beach formal’ (which also means dress shorts and dress sandals). The only exception to this was a hotel in Buenos Aires. If it wasn’t for all of the dress codes I’ve seen in the past years I wouldn’t have even known the terms ‘dress shorts’ and ‘dress sandals’.
It is interesting around the Bribe, before we started youtube when we stayed in Mexico last year, we had a complaint and they wanted us to sign a waiver to say we would not make any negative reviews etc online... We were shocked!
@@tfft I can confirm we did, and from that point onwards recorded everything.... We were just shocked, and has actually put us off returning to Mexico! Looking online after the issue, we noticed LOADS of people had been offered the same.
Oh my god, is there a big problem with the buffet? A five-minute walk from the Barcelo Riviera Maya Arena is Barcelo Maya Caribe, which has 2 buffets open from 6 to 10 pm. As for the dress code. I don’t know how my husband and I managed to read about the dress code when we were traveling to Barceló for the first time in our lives. And you, who constantly travel, could not find out about this? Barcelo is a wonderful resort, large along the ocean coast. We have already vacationed there three times and are very pleased.
Great review style Thanks. I have been to Barcelo Maya Caribe, one of the middle ones in this complex. Never had a service problem or food problems. they let us in the restaurants with kids, food was amazing. the Facility is great for families, there is 4 water parks for kids!! (the best reason to go there), great beach lunch spots, rooms very close to pool and theater, rooms are not noisy. I think the adults one is the problem, the rest of them are great. We ate at 3 different buffets, and 3 restaurants. They have a market, bowling, night life. all the good stuff is on the other side not at the adults only side. I have a vlog on my channel if anyone is interested. Thanks
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So I think one thing you should have mentioned in your video is that if you stay in the Adults only you have full access to every hotel on the property including restaurants. There were many more choices for you to explore you just chose to stay in your one hotel even though you had access to the full site. Barcelo is nice and lots of good reviews on the Palace. Watching your video I would definitely not stay in the adults hotel
The music in this video is making me want to play Tropico 6 again. Such as shame about the food and aircon. The room looks nice enough, thanks to the artwork or it would definitely be an Ikea hotel. I've been catching up on your videos and they are getting better and better! Thank you Kevin.
Sounds like many all-inclusive I've been to. I always bring a pair of long pants like a nice linen for "fancy dining." I wouldn't hesitate to book this place if a deal came up. Try a buffet in a Varadero Cuba all-inclusive. That would be an adventure. Thanks for the video.
@@tfft I don't know about resorts specifically but the area is generally pretty scammy, people often try to fleece you. Even laundry folks will add random fees, cocktails barely have alcohol etc. I went to a Hilton hotel and the front desk wouldn't let me check in without paying some made up fees, finally I got them to remove some of them but not the others, then when I checked out it was another long wait because they apparently had filed what was paid under some other category.... Super sketch.
Thanks, Kevin, for another great review. Sorry you got ill but really I have stayed in hotels in the tropics and I agree formal dress codes normally mean smart casual dress shorts allowed.
@boomds5602 Well I suppose we goto very different places. I’ve documented 11 resorts in the Cancun area and only this one had such requirements. Ironically this was also the cheapest resort I’ve ever been to as well. Bit of a poser syndrome.
I sort of agree that distance gives areas like Cancun a lot of pricing power relative to Asia, what I don’t get is the uniformity of experience across it and places like the Dominican Republic. You would think that one of the low labor cost countries in Latin America or the Caribbean would seek to compete on costs and service, but it doesn’t really seem to be the case. If you’re going to do more mexico I might recommend taking a look at San Miguel de Allende, PVR/Punta Mita, the IC & Westin Cozumel and parts of Cabo. Not sure if your viewership base (presumably majority American) are more likely to click on or be recommended hotel reviews there. Who knows what the algorithm wants.
The only other country in the region which has the infrastructure to safe guard tourist spots is Costa Rica and so much of their land is protected that they're never going to be a "huge" destination. All of the others from Nicaragua, to Honduras, Panama, etc simply lack the security to attract major, marking shifting, investment- in my opinion.
Great review as per usual, we stayed in Savoy, Seychelles and its a 5 star and we were wearing shorts to dinner venue and there was no problem what so ever, mind you the hotel is owned by Russians and we were 2 guys ( a couple, if you know what I mean) . This requirement to wear pants to hotel restaurants in tropics is RIDICULOUS.
We stayed there for 4 nights. Love the view, not crowded, food was ok, not the best & not the worst either! I’ve to say we so used to dress code, so no complaints about if some places more strict than others. We did notice everyone dressed up to the code. Beach a bit rocky. We didn’t like it. Over all 7 / 10 is my honest review. wasn’t a bad place to visit.
We have been to the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort every year since 2019. Never had any issues with any of the things you are complaining about. The staff have always gone above and beyond to keep us happy even during Covid when only the Palace was open. Sounds like you got sand in your britches over the whole pants thing. 21:19 Just one of the areas where you are mistaken. The other 5 buffets at each of the adjoining hotels are open until 10pm and have different themes each night. You could have walked just next door to the Barcelo Maya Beach and gone to their buffet which is pretty large. Dollar for dollar, Barcelo has been the best value for our dollar which is why we keep going back.
“There would have been literally no where to eat dinner at MY all inclusive resort…” is exactly what I said and it is accurate. If you think just one of the many things I complained about shaped the entire review, power to ya, but it’s not accurate. If you enjoy resort hopping for questionably safe food, then yea, sounds like Barcelo in the Riviera Maya is a great value.
There are two other buffets in the other parts of the resort. The pants likely saved you. The restaurants are weak. Be careful of the water served at the restaurants. The best entertainment is way on the other side of the resort. I'd say your review is very accurate.
Excellent review as always. Having moved on from your lowest 147 ranked breakfast this did not disappoint, I think I might have ranked this 147 just because of the hygene side, the choice was fantastic, but how many different ways do you need to get food poisoning? I like the theory behind buffets, lots of choice and you can mix and match, but I've always wondered how much they throw away ( which is not 2024 sustainability / enivornment etc etc ) or do they put it all away to bring it back out the next day, getting rid of just the extra brown curly bits? Either way, not sure that is a good thing. At least with the food poisoning they lived up to the all inclusive tag. Oh Kevin, after your room upgrade fun, you should have remembered that you could have got into the restaurant wearing shorts for as little as $30 .... that's from $15 per leg ! You'll know for next time. Mexico lived up to my preconceptions, hopefully it will never change and remain "traditional".
Having watched all your Cancun reviews, I am tempted to describe Cancun with Henry Miller’s phrase/title The Air Conditioned Nightmare. On second thought, perhaps it is best to avoid references to the air conditioning.
I think Cancun deserves context. If Bali was just a 60 minute flight further, it would be a totally different story. But for the Americas, Cancun scratches a specific itch that can't be found without flying across the globe.
I stayed at one of the other hotels in the complex and was moved here after building works kept my other Cancun hotel closed. It was Ok. The breakfast buffer was decent, they had a buffet down at the pool which was burgers and salads and typical lunch. Speciality restaurants were ok and yes they turned people away for not having long trousers. Beach was ok. Sports bar was probably the best. Too far away from Playa del Carmen to go out of resort. I wish I had t have gone,
Will you review the secrets resorts in Mexico ?🙏🙏🙏. Ive never been to Secrets brand yet , but I Love Nice resorts with great food ! Contrary to a lot of people, we love a good buffet🤷♀️. Right now I can’t decide between the brand new secrets in Costa Mujeres or secrets Akumal since we love snorkeling, and it has better water. But I just want the brand new one! But I also want the water.! 🤦♀️😂🤔
This was entertaining 😅. I avoid buffet hotel restaurants like the plague (breakfast buffets I can live with). This is one of the reasons why. Cant wait for the next review though
God this place should be called “ Moctezuma’s Revenge”… with the addition of Mexican…Customer Servicio… thank you for your fortitude… commitment to the channel. It has been added to the list of never visit nor doing business with. Keep Flip Flopping
We were just there and mostly agree with the takes. A la carte was slightly better but was hard to find what the dress code was on the website. Any idea how places like these get such high ratings? I assumed its across the board high marks on google and tripadvisor would've protected me from some of these major flaws.
Multiple touch points asking for reviews. I’m sure incentivizing them to some as well. Resorts are savvy at who to target these days- if they didn’t directly ask you for good reviews multiple times, I’d take that as a compliment lol.
There never appears to be many people staying at these massive Cancun resorts. Are they all hiding away in their rooms? Is it seasonal? There must be so much food wastage at this resort? It did not look appetising.
Great content Kevin. Undoubtedly the best travel channel on TH-cam. I do disagree with you on the dress code in the sense that I think this one was on you. I always check dress code when I stay in resorts and hotels if I plan on dining on site. I have never stayed in a resort in Mexico but would 100% check. In relation to your comment that it is not a five star hotel and hence having a dress code made no sense, while I get you, this may be luxury for a lot of people who don't want to enjoy an a la carte dinner looking at someone wearing flip flops or running shoes and a baseball cap. In relation to service, I think the key is that it is an European chain catered mainly to Europeans. The customer is always right does not apply here and we have all learned to live with it. I personally much rather having that than the tipping culture in the US and that is coming from someone that mostly holiday in Dubai and Asia.
If I was in Barbados- and I got to a 5 star hotel who requires pants and I didn’t have them- that would be on me. But a 4 star hotel in Cancun? It would sooner occur to me to check the dress code at Applebees 😅
Great video Kevin. I own a restaurant in Denver Metro and I could count the food safety violations. You’re right to be upset. I have not been to Cancun but it’s on our list and will surely avoid this one. Thank you.
The hot food being lukewarm on the buffet is frankly insane, and there was so much too. Their wastage would be sky high unless the hotel is chockers. While i can understand the bring a pair of pants and a business shirt when you travel, far more elite hotels having no quarms about guests wearing shorts, so its a bit of a weird hill to die. Great review, thanks for your effort!
And also, it’s Cancun… If I was in Barbados or Bermuda or even Cabo, I could understand needing to bring along some ‘nicer’ stuff… but bringing business casual clothes to Cancun is like wearing a tuxedo to IHOP 😂.
Nice video! The hotel is MASSIVE, almost too big, no Reminded me a bit of the Congressional Palace in Brasilia or the architecture outside of Rome? Built in the Mussolini era? I like that aesthetic - something calming about it? Anyway, the room looked nice and the pool was massive - almost too big? Now, the food, that was quite a spread but for who? Property seemed empty? The images of that raw fish, piled on a tray made my tummy hurt😏 TBH, none of it looked appealing. The presentation was a bit sloppy? Stayed at a Barcelo, in Barcelona Raval. It was nice, not great but they had an amazing rooftop bar / pool and across the street was the Botero cat. Cool area. Cheers!
I always only comment after having finished watching the whole review, but I’ll make an exception this time. PLEASE, everyone watching this video, LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!!!! I have been following Kevin since a long time and have seen his channel evolve into this wonderful source for all travellers and people who love great, honest and high quality content. I think 100.000 subscribers was well deserved already a year ago, but now that number is so close…..please make it happen. The Flip Flop Traveller is the most deserving “content creator” (I hate this label) on TH-cam by FAR! 💫🙏🏼❤️
Haha thank you very very much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 And I also agree about "content creator" but that is a heck of a lot better than "influencer" which just makes me cringe 😂
I will absolutely never travel to this brand of resort becuase of your review. Thank you for saving us all time. Triflen resort practices. Hope this resort review goes viral.
I never heard of this group Barcelo before until I made the huge mistake of giving bad online reviews about their hotel in Dubai Palm the benefit of the doubt and booked it. The rooms (had 2 because had to move) are filthy: green yuck (living bacteria) on the light switches of the bathroom, rust on plastic shower curtains, dusty and moody aircon vents, dirty couch, smelly stained window drapes it would be disgrace for any decent 3-4 star chain let alone one that calls itself luxury. And yes buffet everywhere. Now if a hotel cannot wipe off light switches of a bathroom do you want to try their buffet food ?? Now I can see the questionable cleanliness is not a one off with this brand. I will be staying way clear of any properties belonging to this group.
This place looks quite modern but all those little/big issues are too many problems. I’ll stick to the other all inclusives. Keep up the great Cancun review series!
@@mpaquette6091 don’t really care about the pants comment. The AC not being adjustable, food in a buffet not being kept at temp (I also ran food warehouses and had to be certified so not keeping food at temp is a big issue), the check-in thing: those are all bigger red flags. Hopefully it’s better on your trip, good luck! I’ve had great stays at the Hiltons in Playa/Cancun and the iberostars, but this one looked quite nice.
I get what you're saying about the design, but I just feel depressed when looking at the stark buildings and grounds (and not because of your poor experience). Also, I can't stand the long pants/formal wear crap for Central America/Caribbean resorts! It's a thing in the Caribbean too - every resort I've stayed there required long pants for dinner. So maybe pack a pair just in case! Speaking of all this, I'm going to miss your Asia focus. It's really my favourite region with the lush tropical grounds and the flip-flop-friendly atmosphere (read: no long pants required). Oh well, happy to see your take of the Americas as well! Thank you very much for your videos!
I am sorry for you, but I definitely enjoyed watching this review. These resorts are meant for couples or groups of friends during the high season. Away from that, it's always better to avoid.
I’m shocked they didn’t have some of those super baggy “loaner pants” they sometimes give you in Asia when they require pants. I hate those things and generally think they make you look even worse, but I suppose their supposed to be a punishment to make you remember next time. Crazy
First thing I thought when watching was, my god, so many places to sit and nowhere near enough people to justify it. Also, those plastic seats by the entrance looked horribly uncomfortable for the climate. EDIT. Fantastic idea to add a static qr code. Normally, I have to freeze frame and hope it isn't too blurry to read.
Why buffet close at 6pm? It weirds that you have to go and eat at other resorts but you paid for Adult only. This is type of resorts for conventions conference people. Go elsewhere. 😊
The only reason it's 'cheaper' (if that's even true) is because the system exists in the first place. Go to a stand up hotel and you've got a decent enough chance of getting upgraded... for, $0.00
I think if the check in agent tried to obviously shake me down like that I'd call the manager / walk - not sure I could stay in a resort where corruption is so obvious. I'd be worried to leave anything valuable in the room
I went there for the snake oil peddler Joe dispenza’s convention (it involved sleep deprivation and inducing kundalini awakening in large groups but calling it science) this is definitely a convention hotel. The beach was nice actually, which is where I spent my time after I ran out of the convention looking for a rosary 😂 Learned to dive there and it was gorgeous with tons of fish in an underwater garden. Amazing! Food wasn’t bad when I was there…much better than the food in Vietnam, that’s for sure. Sushi especially. Wouldn’t return because it wasn’t anything special… The bracelets tell them each time you enter a room, so don’t try sneaking anyone from another Barcelona to your room. They will try to charge them as my sister found out! Definitely scammy management. Two thumbs down for the management. Many thumbs up for the people who teach diving and the clean and trash free beach🎉 Viva Mexico
@@tfft well, yes. It’s true. And it started 30 years ago when I dated a Vietnamese guy and was subjected to the horrid, vacuous, materialistic, fake, humorless sisters. But I do love the food!! Not as much after tasting Cambodian food though. Far superior. 🐙
I'm speechless. I've always found staff at even the most high end resorts - even those with strict dress codes - to be reasonably accommodating to paying guests. Especially in warmer climes. The Barcelo approach is miserly and outdated given it's lane. Wow.
Yes and I think the ironic part is that the types of resorts where many might expect such dress codes never actually have them- at least not at all of their restaurants. Had multiple “this is normal, if you don’t know that then clearly you haven’t travelled…” comments on this video. I’d love to reply, “clearly you’ve never been to an actual 5-star resort…” but I digress 😅
That dress code policy is friggin' ludicrous. I think these hotels forget they are located in Cancun. I believe I ran into this same issue at Le Blanc in Cancun proper right after they first opened. That was a stellar property, but still hope in the years since that they've changed that policy. Anyway, this hotel looks amazing design wise but on the basis of that ridiculous policy it's a hard pass. Good review, thanks.
Yes, I think lots of people commenting “why can’t you just bring pants” don’t understand the weight of, “but it’s CANCUN…” I don’t wear a suit to goto Burger King and I don’t pack pants to goto Cancun lol
Stupid dress codes at resorts really, really annoy me. Like, really. I understand no swim ware at dinner, but seriously no shorts. People are on their holidays. As someone who habitually wares shorts in February in the north of England having to put on long trousers in the sun at a mass market hotel is just so pretentious. It does only seem to be the mass market places too. When I was at the Four Seasons in the Seychelles, no one batted an eye lid when I turned up for dinner in shorts and flip flops.
Exactly. There’s this strange 4-star segment trying to be more than what they are where stuff like this happens. I ate at actual royal palaces in India in shorts… lol
We are in cancun mexico we should wear an tropical putfits while eating dinner. Outright refusing the customer in itself is an utterly and completely unacceptable service by the staffs
Man oh man am I disappointed by this review... NOT because I think you got anything wrong or said anything false - I'm 100% sure everything for you was EXACTLY as you described it... BUT ... Between this and Palace at the other end of the campus, we've been to the Barcelo resort down there somewhere north of a dozen times since 2014 - and the AO in this review 4 times since 2021, and we've NEVER had a bad time, ever... NEVER experienced any of the issues you did... ever. The only common themes I can surmise amongst folks who've we've heard from about any kind of troubles is 1) barcelo shits on folks who don't book direct, and for sure they could see that you hadn't (ps the bribe thing I've only ever seen elsewhere down there), and 2) yeah the pants requirement at dinner is lame/stupid, but the first few times we'd been there they firmly reminded us about it at check-in and I just wore pants... the few times we've seen them not enforce it, was for large groups, or for women not wearing dresses... again, I agree, it's dumb, but, to us, was a small thing that didn't effect our stay ... I'll file this one under "you can't always get it right" and like I said, 100% believe your experience was your experience... but our experiences have been VERY different there ... 🤷🏻♂ ... oh, and as to the food, yeah... that's the first time I've ever seen the buffet look shitty - and that made me kinda sad. The Taco Bar at Agave is amazing, and the teppenaki service at Sappora is great... we always had swim-up rooms there... ugh... that sucks, I just hate that you had a bad time. I was really looking forward to this one being a good one because I wanted to share it with some of our travel buddies who've been there with us... oh well, can't win `em all...
I appreciate the sentiment- and I’m always of the opinion “my reviews are just a moment in time” but, the staff and management interactions really did give me the feeling that mine wasn’t so isolated. Thanks for watching 🩴
Why do you keep refering to Cancun when you are speaking about the location of this resort? It is in Rivera Maya. It is closer to Playa del Carmen or Tulum than it is to Cancun. Also whats the big deal about bringing pants. I don't want to see people in shorts in one of the fancy A la Cartes. It throws off the atmosphere. It goes hand to hand with people wearing hats inside these A la carts too. No class. Heading to the resort tomorrow. Can't wait!
I literally showed a map of the area and explained the distances- this is part of the Cancun catchment. If I ever goto a 'fancy a la carte' restaurant, then surely I will put on pants. But this is a cheap 4-star resort, so... you go and enjoy.
This place is nice and chill. I've been 2 times. I highly recommend making dinner reservations at there sisters resorts. They are way better. Like Rodizio Brazilian steak, Santa Fa Steak house, they Japanese restaurant, French, and Seafood. Overall you will have a good time.
His review a bit harsh, but also very truthful. He sets up some huge straw men in bashing the resort, but didn't say some hidden secrets. Let's get started. I have been to Barcelo Maya about 5 times over about 15 years. I have stayed at Tropical/colonial (x2) Palace (x2) and Maya Riviera once. We booked for the Palace the last time but were "upgraded' because we didn't have kids this time. We didn't know this until we arrived. I actually really like the Palace, but we took the 'upgrade'. Now to my comments. Truths: The AC in the new Riviera section is TERRIBLE!. It is locked out to about half a degree C above what would be comfortable. And the temp doesn't stay constant but goes higher by one or two degrees Celsius at random times thoughout the night. But, we also had HUGE issue with AC when at Palace our prior time. But honestly...they need to allow another half a degree cooling. Next, The Riviera is HUGE, and if you are unucky to get a room at the extreme south end, you will tire of the walking. I am VERY used to waliking and love excercise. But walking takes huge amounts of time. Also, tropical living means sand in shorts, gritty sandles and overall chafing that I am not used to, so walking can REALLY suck. Next, it is clear that there was hardly nobody at the resort at the time he reviewed. It must have been a down time. The buffet can only be stocked for the number of guests. I am guessing the adult's only is not getting used as much as they thought itt would. It was maybe 1/3 full when I was there and there was clearly more capacity. What he didn't criticize but I would add is that drinks are modestly watered-down (more sugar, ice and mixes than liquor). This does serve a purpose in that it probably keeps people from getting rowdy. But I would rather sip a strong drink than get a stomach ache drinking sugar, soda and juice. Last thing that is a niggly negative is that the Riviera is pretty 'institutional modern' and lacks the hispanic vibe of the sister areas to the north (tropical, colonial, palace, Beach, etc) Lies: Dude...bring some pants! Honestly...don't bash them for the dress code. It is so simple and the theme restaurants try to keep things a bit more formal. NO ties or jackets required, but just have some slacks (not jeans), and some causal dress shoes. That is all it takes! Next...don't bash the entertainment because you clearly didn't understand the property. there are three venues to the North..the Beach, The Colonial and the Palace that have some pretty good stage shows. The circus show is great, the magic show is pretty good. the "Viva Mexico" is also good. The schedules are posted on the reader boards. The staff isn't much help recomending or even describing the show as it may need translation, but be diligient. I think there is a kid-themed disney show that is meh, and a show tune show that is also meh. If you stay at the Riviera and don't venture to the other venues, you will miss out. You do have free range of the whole property...USE IT. Lastly...The pools at Riviera are nothing short of spectacular. No kids and space galore. Honestly...his review didn't give the pools at Riviera any justice. The pools at Palace are also great...but Riveria is better. TIPS: The Buffet at Riviera does not have themes, as they do at Colonial and Palace. I would HIGHLY recomend venturing up to Palace during their seafood theme night (once a week) I would skip a theme restaurant to do this. Lots of sushi, seafood and enough other items. Because Palace is filled with more people and families, it is busier, and the buffet is better with more items. Riviera just suffers from lack of people, thus the buffet at dinner is, imo, lacking. Breakfast, lunch are good, but you can also eat lunch at the beach buffets at Barceo Beach, Colonial and Tropical...I like those. Oh...bring a 32oz Yeti, or other non-breakable thermal container, with straw. Also, a 32oz nalgeen bottle to be more eco-friendly with water refills is a must for me. You will thank me later.
Respectfully, what you label as "lies" are not lies- they are simply my opinion. If I am going to an adults only resort, I don't expect to need to goto a family resort in order to get the full experience and the overwhelming number of comments on the video suggest most are on board with my 'pants' assessment. If Barcelo advertised this as an "adults only wing" of a larger resort, then perhaps it would be expected to need to hop around different properties- but it doesn't do that. First time guests to any one of these properties would potentially have absolutely no idea it was even part of a larger complex.
That food did not look good. Nothing worse than food poisoning when away. The hotel looked uninviting too and the customer service was clearly missing. I guess that’s why it’s sometimes worth paying extra. I fined the trouser rule a little old fashioned now.
Omg I can't even fathom the amount of food waste generated by these buffets! Truly horrendous and, to top it all off, unsanitary! Quick question: when you talk about food safety violations, I assume you are referring to US laws so do you think, maybe, Mexican laws allow for such gross oversights or is food safety in the hospitality industry generally the same everywhere? Thank you and congrats on the 100K subs! You're the man!
No. Let me put it this way, if a place has food safety laws, then no matter how strict or loose they are, the 2nd most important category of regulations will be holding temperatures since it’s one of the easiest ways to create widespread illness.
I am sorry, but I found this review disappointing. I’ve found your other reviews informative and helpful, but this was so hyper-critical that I found it aggravating to watch. I am NOT a world traveler, as you are. However, I have visited Mexico 3 times so far, my 4th will be this November, and knew each time what a dress code meant. I’ve stayed at the Valentin Imperial Maya in Riviera Maya and the Casa Dorada in Cabo (don’t remember the resort the first trip MANY years ago) and both my friend and I came prepared. I had dresses and he had linen pants and closed toe shoes. And both of us only have carry on. He packs everything into 1 backpack! Different clothes every day. So don’t try using that as an excuse. You just need to be prepared! It’s disheartening that, because you didn’t KNOW what dress code meant for this resort, that you let it fuel your dislike of the property and give them such a negative review. Do your research!
As I showed in the video, the dress code is buried in layers of their website- it’s not my habit to comb a resort’s website page by page by page for an hour before arrival. If you travel with dresses and linen pants, that’s great- but I’ve been to 11 resorts in Cancun (and 8 others in Mexico being published soon) and have never once found such an absurd dress code. And by the way, the disgusting food and food poisoning was the primary “fuel” you referred to.
The food is not hot...ever. I have stayed at Barcelo three times ( different parts) . I go for the pools and beach and stay for 3 days then switch to another resort so I can eat something other than salad and bread. Barcelo has terrible food. The restaurants were horrible. Like I said, great fun at the pools and with the different entertainment at night. Just eat salad to be safe. Oh...the soup was hot.
Congratulations- believe it or not, this report wasn't about your trips- it was about mine. If you can't accept someone else's opinion may be different from yours then my God, you must have a lot of rage bubbling below the surface.
This is so scary. What a joke. Combine Mexico’s less than strict standards with the arrogance of an European owner and this is what you get. I will take a pass. Thanks for the comprehensive review. Outstanding as always.
@@tfft Sadly, yes. But it has been my experience lately that European based travel companies have been a bit more egregious. Your mileage may vary. We wish it were not so!
I think there is a fine line between clean, modern, simple, but this resort looks a little too soulless. Maybe it's just how it comes through on camera. And the buffet looked like salmonella paradise. But at least it looked like the place was clean.
For someone who is allegedly a world traveler and doesn't know that dress codes apply in almost every resort in Mexico doesn't fill me with much confidence in the rest of your review....seems like you were biased from the experience you had being rejected from the restaurant. We have stayed in the Barcelo Caribe which is beside this one but before this new adult one was built and had no issues. Maybe next time do a bit of research so you won't be so surprised by what goes on. Instead of making reviews maybe watch a few next time.... ;-)
I have hundreds of resort reviews on the channel. I’ve never come across a four star tropical resort that even had a whiff of a dress code. This was the cheapest of the 18 or so Mexican resorts I’ve been to for the channel and the only with such a code. I suppose you’ve been to many more pretentious four star hotels than I have. 👏🏻
@@tfft The only one being pretentious is you....and yes, I have traveled all over Mexico for 20 years staying at 3 star and above and they all had a dress code...some enforced it some didn't....but either way always be prepared 😉
Wow that’s so disappointing! We were there last September, and we had the same experience with the long pants ! After showing our strong annoyance at this they offered my husband a pair of “ long Green pants” 🤦♀️ we too ended up at the buffet that happened to be opened that night . Other than poor service compared to the palace , and long walks to the room we did enjoy our time there . But probably won’t go back now after seeing your review! Thank you 🙏
Well.. Cancun .. you’ve absolutely turned me off going there EVER I was last there 10years ago and I have zero desire to darken any of your featured hotels doors and rooms - corrupt as ever I see as well but it is Mexico I suppose and everyone is trying to make an extra buck .. well pesos - great video as always
Yikes!! 😳 Seeing All that raw protein sitting at room temperature made my stomach churn a bit 🤮. Not siding with the resort, or any other that has ridiculous “dress codes “, but maybe it’s time to invest in a pair of lightweight, easy roll up slacks to bring with 😅. Thanks for TOFTT 😊
I'm so sorry for this awful experience.... you should write to Customer Service that thing of the "upgrade" doesn't look legal... and that food ... I'm sick just looking that meat
Kevin, this was so painful to watch. I felt sick just looking at the food presentation OMG food poisoning heaven on a stick. This is on my never to visit list. An upgrade that goes into the agents pocket. Report this immediately
I was in barcelo maya adult only, this hôtel is perfect......your vidéo is very very bad ......food is excellent !!! I am french, i like good wine and good food .....you are bad.......
Sorry you had a bad time and food to. But this will be my 3rd visit had no food problem. But like I tell everyone do your TH-cam home work. I never ate the dinner there went to there sisters resort. Like the Brazilian all you can eat steaks on the stick. Santa Fe Steak house, French restaurant, Japanese restaurant and Seafood restaurant they are way better. And yes those dress codes are everywhere now they want everyone in pants no more shorts and sandels. Closed shoes. They pools are nice biggest Xfinitiy pools in the Western Hemisphere. I go to Cancun and party for a couple days and go here at Barcelo to chill. But respect your video and comments.
Just had to pause the video to say that if I were managing the restaurant, I would have offered room service at restaurant rates, rather than lose a customer. That’s just stupid, they should have done that to get around the dress code
I mean, if I was managing that restaurant- I would have woken up one day and realized we were in Cancun, not Milan and just changed the dress code to an appropriate one haha.
I think the best review channel content on TH-cam. watching you get annoyed and disappointed is pretty priceless
I mean... I kinda prefer being happy, but ok lol
You have to go through these disappointing experiences to appreciate the good ones.
@@neonomad1939nope! 😊
@@GeertjeJ651 You know what i mean. Why do you have to nitpick??
Doesn't matter where you are going and what your plans are, always pack one pair of jeans or pants and one collared shirt. That way you are prepared. Plans change, you get invited to things...
What works for you does not work for all. I only use carry on luggage. If I did as you said I’d need to bring one less set of clothes. When weather or culture demands otherwise, I’m happy to oblige.
Another pat on the back. Added this place to my "hell no, not ever" list. And I was reminded, yet again, how much I HATE buffets.
Haha Thanks for watching 🩴
We have stayed at Barcelo Maya Palace located at the opposite end of the complex several times and have never had an issue. I will say during our last visit we did walk down this resort to check it out and didn't care for the vibe. The Palace has a nicer pool, more shaded areas and also has a small adults only pool if you want to get away from the noise of the main pool. It's been a few years, but the hostess at one of the other resorts offered to loan someone a pair of long pants from a large closet. Maybe they no longer do that...
I'm not really one for loaned pants hahaha. Thanks for sharing ✈️
It seems that it is a common habit from spannish hotel brands to oblige guests to wear long pants in restaurants. I have been refused several times for the same reason in Canarias islands. Luckly, I had long pants in my bag...
I think the Palace you get premium-level treatment
I agree with your comment. I have been to the Barcelo Resort for over 10yrs and the new addition just doesn't give you the Mexican vibe like the other 5 resorts. More like Vegas ...meh
Meh. The fact that they’re fighting you instead of making the guest feel happy tells me all I need to know. 🚩The bribe is just pure 🤮
Congrats in advance on 100k!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
The L'Occitane products are probably being resold on eBay by housekeeping, and replaced at the Cancun Costco. The staff at Barcelo sound quite entrepreneurial. 😂
Could be.
WOW. Thanks for the heads up on this place + video!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Love your videos... fyi, "dress code" automatically means no shorts, no sandals. Some dress codes are more restrictive, but shorts and flip flops are always a no no.
Thanks but that’s not at all true lol. Every resort or hotel I’ve been to on this channel- 150+ of them- that had a dress code was either vague or only for specific restaurants or specified ‘dress shorts’ or ‘beach formal’ (which also means dress shorts and dress sandals). The only exception to this was a hotel in Buenos Aires.
If it wasn’t for all of the dress codes I’ve seen in the past years I wouldn’t have even known the terms ‘dress shorts’ and ‘dress sandals’.
It is interesting around the Bribe, before we started youtube when we stayed in Mexico last year, we had a complaint and they wanted us to sign a waiver to say we would not make any negative reviews etc online... We were shocked!
TH-cam or not, I would literally laugh in their face if someone ever offered me such a document 😂
@@tfft I can confirm we did, and from that point onwards recorded everything.... We were just shocked, and has actually put us off returning to Mexico!
Looking online after the issue, we noticed LOADS of people had been offered the same.
Oh my god, is there a big problem with the buffet? A five-minute walk from the Barcelo Riviera Maya Arena is Barcelo Maya Caribe, which has 2 buffets open from 6 to 10 pm.
As for the dress code. I don’t know how my husband and I managed to read about the dress code when we were traveling to Barceló for the first time in our lives. And you, who constantly travel, could not find out about this?
Barcelo is a wonderful resort, large along the ocean coast. We have already vacationed there three times and are very pleased.
You’ve proved my point nicely, thank you. I’ve been to multiple Barceló resorts and they’ve never had such silly dress codes.
@@tfft You have a point?
Great review style Thanks. I have been to Barcelo Maya Caribe, one of the middle ones in this complex. Never had a service problem or food problems. they let us in the restaurants with kids, food was amazing. the Facility is great for families, there is 4 water parks for kids!! (the best reason to go there), great beach lunch spots, rooms very close to pool and theater, rooms are not noisy. I think the adults one is the problem, the rest of them are great. We ate at 3 different buffets, and 3 restaurants. They have a market, bowling, night life. all the good stuff is on the other side not at the adults only side. I have a vlog on my channel if anyone is interested. Thanks
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Hi Kevin, great video as always! Just checking, what brand of luggage do you use and is it durable ? :)
I’ve been using Level8 who I’ve been working with since December. Just got off of my 32nd flight with my 20” Voyeuger Bag and it is holding up like a champ. You can check out everything at bit.ly/tfft_level8
Use code KEVIN10 at checkout for 10% off of your total order.
So I think one thing you should have mentioned in your video is that if you stay in the Adults only you have full access to every hotel on the property including restaurants. There were many more choices for you to explore you just chose to stay in your one hotel even though you had access to the full site. Barcelo is nice and lots of good reviews on the Palace. Watching your video I would definitely not stay in the adults hotel
I did mention that 😉
At Palace resort you have no beach only rocks 😊
The music in this video is making me want to play Tropico 6 again. Such as shame about the food and aircon. The room looks nice enough, thanks to the artwork or it would definitely be an Ikea hotel. I've been catching up on your videos and they are getting better and better! Thank you Kevin.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Sounds like many all-inclusive I've been to. I always bring a pair of long pants like a nice linen for "fancy dining."
I wouldn't hesitate to book this place if a deal came up.
Try a buffet in a Varadero Cuba all-inclusive. That would be an adventure. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching 🩴
The upgrade/cash/receipt thing: this is how pretty much how all of the riviera maya is. Vegas '93!
I've been to plenty of resorts up the coast and never saw it myself (in this decade...).
@@tfft I don't know about resorts specifically but the area is generally pretty scammy, people often try to fleece you. Even laundry folks will add random fees, cocktails barely have alcohol etc. I went to a Hilton hotel and the front desk wouldn't let me check in without paying some made up fees, finally I got them to remove some of them but not the others, then when I checked out it was another long wait because they apparently had filed what was paid under some other category.... Super sketch.
Thanks, Kevin, for another great review. Sorry you got ill but really I have stayed in hotels in the tropics and I agree formal dress codes normally mean smart casual dress shorts allowed.
Yup, dress shorts and dress sandals are two terms that frequently grace less codes in the region- and fairly enough.
@boomds5602 Well I suppose we goto very different places. I’ve documented 11 resorts in the Cancun area and only this one had such requirements. Ironically this was also the cheapest resort I’ve ever been to as well. Bit of a poser syndrome.
I sort of agree that distance gives areas like Cancun a lot of pricing power relative to Asia, what I don’t get is the uniformity of experience across it and places like the Dominican Republic. You would think that one of the low labor cost countries in Latin America or the Caribbean would seek to compete on costs and service, but it doesn’t really seem to be the case.
If you’re going to do more mexico I might recommend taking a look at San Miguel de Allende, PVR/Punta Mita, the IC & Westin Cozumel and parts of Cabo. Not sure if your viewership base (presumably majority American) are more likely to click on or be recommended hotel reviews there. Who knows what the algorithm wants.
The only other country in the region which has the infrastructure to safe guard tourist spots is Costa Rica and so much of their land is protected that they're never going to be a "huge" destination. All of the others from Nicaragua, to Honduras, Panama, etc simply lack the security to attract major, marking shifting, investment- in my opinion.
You had me at - "Oh...OK...I didn't realize we were in Vegas in 1993"!
Equally, that's when they lost me lol
Great review as per usual, we stayed in Savoy, Seychelles and its a 5 star and we were wearing shorts to dinner venue and there was no problem what so ever, mind you the hotel is owned by Russians and we were 2 guys ( a couple, if you know what I mean) . This requirement to wear pants to hotel restaurants in tropics is RIDICULOUS.
Haha yes you’ve spelled it out quite well 😉
But yeah- I’ve never had such a problem at any hotel in a hot climate before.
We stayed there for 4 nights. Love the view, not crowded, food was ok, not the best & not the worst either!
I’ve to say we so used to dress code, so no complaints about if some places more strict than others.
We did notice everyone dressed up to the code.
Beach a bit rocky. We didn’t like it.
Over all 7 / 10 is my honest review. wasn’t a bad place to visit.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
We have been to the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort every year since 2019. Never had any issues with any of the things you are complaining about. The staff have always gone above and beyond to keep us happy even during Covid when only the Palace was open. Sounds like you got sand in your britches over the whole pants thing. 21:19 Just one of the areas where you are mistaken. The other 5 buffets at each of the adjoining hotels are open until 10pm and have different themes each night. You could have walked just next door to the Barcelo Maya Beach and gone to their buffet which is pretty large. Dollar for dollar, Barcelo has been the best value for our dollar which is why we keep going back.
“There would have been literally no where to eat dinner at MY all inclusive resort…” is exactly what I said and it is accurate.
If you think just one of the many things I complained about shaped the entire review, power to ya, but it’s not accurate.
If you enjoy resort hopping for questionably safe food, then yea, sounds like Barcelo in the Riviera Maya is a great value.
But you paid for adult only- and you don’t want to eat with kids 😊 so noisy
What did you do to all the guests? I was there 5 months ago and enjoyed it and they had plenty of people
All of my resort videos are filmed during off peak times of the day, specifically to avoid other guests.
There are two other buffets in the other parts of the resort. The pants likely saved you. The restaurants are weak. Be careful of the water served at the restaurants. The best entertainment is way on the other side of the resort. I'd say your review is very accurate.
Saved by the pants!
Excellent review as always. Having moved on from your lowest 147 ranked breakfast this did not disappoint, I think I might have ranked this 147 just because of the hygene side, the choice was fantastic, but how many different ways do you need to get food poisoning?
I like the theory behind buffets, lots of choice and you can mix and match, but I've always wondered how much they throw away ( which is not 2024 sustainability / enivornment etc etc ) or do they put it all away to bring it back out the next day, getting rid of just the extra brown curly bits? Either way, not sure that is a good thing.
At least with the food poisoning they lived up to the all inclusive tag.
Oh Kevin, after your room upgrade fun, you should have remembered that you could have got into the restaurant wearing shorts for as little as $30 .... that's from $15 per leg ! You'll know for next time.
Mexico lived up to my preconceptions, hopefully it will never change and remain "traditional".
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Having watched all your Cancun reviews, I am tempted to describe Cancun with Henry Miller’s phrase/title The Air Conditioned Nightmare. On second thought, perhaps it is best to avoid references to the air conditioning.
I think Cancun deserves context. If Bali was just a 60 minute flight further, it would be a totally different story. But for the Americas, Cancun scratches a specific itch that can't be found without flying across the globe.
Nice resort, thank you for share 🤩🤩
Thanks for watching 🩴
I stayed at one of the other hotels in the complex and was moved here after building works kept my other Cancun hotel closed. It was Ok. The breakfast buffer was decent, they had a buffet down at the pool which was burgers and salads and typical lunch. Speciality restaurants were ok and yes they turned people away for not having long trousers. Beach was ok. Sports bar was probably the best. Too far away from Playa del Carmen to go out of resort. I wish I had t have gone,
Sounds reasonable enough!
Will you review the secrets resorts in Mexico ?🙏🙏🙏. Ive never been to Secrets brand yet , but I Love Nice resorts with great food ! Contrary to a lot of people, we love a good buffet🤷♀️. Right now I can’t decide between the brand new secrets in Costa Mujeres or secrets Akumal since we love snorkeling, and it has better water. But I just want the brand new one! But I also want the water.! 🤦♀️😂🤔
I have one Secrets coming up, but not in Cancun.
This was entertaining 😅. I avoid buffet hotel restaurants like the plague (breakfast buffets I can live with). This is one of the reasons why. Cant wait for the next review though
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
God this place should be called “ Moctezuma’s Revenge”… with the addition of Mexican…Customer Servicio… thank you for your fortitude… commitment to the channel. It has been added to the list of never visit nor doing business with. Keep Flip Flopping
Someone's gotta do it! haha
We were just there and mostly agree with the takes. A la carte was slightly better but was hard to find what the dress code was on the website. Any idea how places like these get such high ratings? I assumed its across the board high marks on google and tripadvisor would've protected me from some of these major flaws.
Multiple touch points asking for reviews. I’m sure incentivizing them to some as well. Resorts are savvy at who to target these days- if they didn’t directly ask you for good reviews multiple times, I’d take that as a compliment lol.
There never appears to be many people staying at these massive Cancun resorts. Are they all hiding away in their rooms? Is it seasonal?
There must be so much food wastage at this resort? It did not look appetising.
I always film hotel and resort videos during off peak hours so I don’t disturb other guests.
I just got back from Barcelo, i had a great time!!!
Glad you enjoyed!
Great content Kevin. Undoubtedly the best travel channel on TH-cam. I do disagree with you on the dress code in the sense that I think this one was on you. I always check dress code when I stay in resorts and hotels if I plan on dining on site. I have never stayed in a resort in Mexico but would 100% check. In relation to your comment that it is not a five star hotel and hence having a dress code made no sense, while I get you, this may be luxury for a lot of people who don't want to enjoy an a la carte dinner looking at someone wearing flip flops or running shoes and a baseball cap.
In relation to service, I think the key is that it is an European chain catered mainly to Europeans. The customer is always right does not apply here and we have all learned to live with it. I personally much rather having that than the tipping culture in the US and that is coming from someone that mostly holiday in Dubai and Asia.
If I was in Barbados- and I got to a 5 star hotel who requires pants and I didn’t have them- that would be on me.
But a 4 star hotel in Cancun? It would sooner occur to me to check the dress code at Applebees 😅
Wow this must be one of your most critical videos - thanks for saying it like is and hope you're back in India soon!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Great video Kevin. I own a restaurant in Denver Metro and I could count the food safety violations. You’re right to be upset. I have not been to Cancun but it’s on our list and will surely avoid this one. Thank you.
Isn't that ironic... my flight to Denver was just cancelled an hour ago! haha
@@tfft probably weather related or as is now happening to United, maintenance issues. Be safe and happy flying.
Sooooooo close to 100k!!!
Today I reckon!
The hot food being lukewarm on the buffet is frankly insane, and there was so much too. Their wastage would be sky high unless the hotel is chockers.
While i can understand the bring a pair of pants and a business shirt when you travel, far more elite hotels having no quarms about guests wearing shorts, so its a bit of a weird hill to die.
Great review, thanks for your effort!
And also, it’s Cancun… If I was in Barbados or Bermuda or even Cabo, I could understand needing to bring along some ‘nicer’ stuff… but bringing business casual clothes to Cancun is like wearing a tuxedo to IHOP 😂.
Nice video! The hotel is MASSIVE, almost too big, no
Reminded me a bit of the Congressional Palace in Brasilia or the architecture outside of Rome? Built in the Mussolini era? I like that aesthetic - something calming about it?
Anyway, the room looked nice and the pool was massive - almost too big?
Now, the food, that was quite a spread but for who? Property seemed empty?
The images of that raw fish, piled on a tray made my tummy hurt😏 TBH, none of it looked appealing. The presentation was a bit sloppy?
Stayed at a Barcelo, in Barcelona Raval. It was nice, not great but they had an amazing rooftop bar / pool and across the street was the Botero cat. Cool area.
Cheers!
Brasilia comparisons are spot on!
I Loved my trip there and my buffet was Incredible
To each their own.
I probably would have been hauled away by security had I been in the same position as you when arguing with the front desk about the dress code
Luckily you may have been able to pay off security 😅
Nothing like a righteously indignant (deservedly so) flip flop traveler review. Congrats on 100K. Here’s to a million!
Haha Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thank You ✈️. Ps buy some travel convertible pants problem solved.
For Cancun? 😂 noooo lol
100K subs very soon.. congrats!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I always only comment after having finished watching the whole review, but I’ll make an exception this time. PLEASE, everyone watching this video, LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!!!! I have been following Kevin since a long time and have seen his channel evolve into this wonderful source for all travellers and people who love great, honest and high quality content. I think 100.000 subscribers was well deserved already a year ago, but now that number is so close…..please make it happen. The Flip Flop Traveller is the most deserving “content creator” (I hate this label) on TH-cam by FAR! 💫🙏🏼❤️
Haha thank you very very much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 And I also agree about "content creator" but that is a heck of a lot better than "influencer" which just makes me cringe 😂
I will absolutely never travel to this brand of resort becuase of your review. Thank you for saving us all time. Triflen resort practices. Hope this resort review goes viral.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I never heard of this group Barcelo before until I made the huge mistake of giving bad online reviews about their hotel in Dubai Palm the benefit of the doubt and booked it. The rooms (had 2 because had to move) are filthy: green yuck (living bacteria) on the light switches of the bathroom, rust on plastic shower curtains, dusty and moody aircon vents, dirty couch, smelly stained window drapes it would be disgrace for any decent 3-4 star chain let alone one that calls itself luxury. And yes buffet everywhere. Now if a hotel cannot wipe off light switches of a bathroom do you want to try their buffet food ?? Now I can see the questionable cleanliness is not a one off with this brand. I will be staying way clear of any properties belonging to this group.
I wonder if they would have let you into the restaurant if you offered them some lets call it dresscode fee (which can't be paid by card of course). 😂
Wouldn't put it past them lol
This place looks quite modern but all those little/big issues are too many problems. I’ll stick to the other all inclusives. Keep up the great Cancun review series!
@@mpaquette6091 don’t really care about the pants comment. The AC not being adjustable, food in a buffet not being kept at temp (I also ran food warehouses and had to be certified so not keeping food at temp is a big issue), the check-in thing: those are all bigger red flags.
Hopefully it’s better on your trip, good luck! I’ve had great stays at the Hiltons in Playa/Cancun and the iberostars, but this one looked quite nice.
I wish the Iberostars were incorporated into IHG before this trip! Thanks for watching 🩴
I get what you're saying about the design, but I just feel depressed when looking at the stark buildings and grounds (and not because of your poor experience). Also, I can't stand the long pants/formal wear crap for Central America/Caribbean resorts! It's a thing in the Caribbean too - every resort I've stayed there required long pants for dinner. So maybe pack a pair just in case! Speaking of all this, I'm going to miss your Asia focus. It's really my favourite region with the lush tropical grounds and the flip-flop-friendly atmosphere (read: no long pants required). Oh well, happy to see your take of the Americas as well! Thank you very much for your videos!
Thanks for watching 🩴
I am sorry for you, but I definitely enjoyed watching this review. These resorts are meant for couples or groups of friends during the high season. Away from that, it's always better to avoid.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
I’m shocked they didn’t have some of those super baggy “loaner pants” they sometimes give you in Asia when they require pants. I hate those things and generally think they make you look even worse, but I suppose their supposed to be a punishment to make you remember next time. Crazy
Well if they do, they certainly didn't offer them to me (not that I would ever wear 'loaner pants' lol)
22:25 Spot on with the Apple campus vibe comment! They are all soulless places...
Well, Apple purchased my soul outright years ago... so I suppose the charms I find are a bit of Stockholm syndrome haha.
First thing I thought when watching was, my god, so many places to sit and nowhere near enough people to justify it. Also, those plastic seats by the entrance looked horribly uncomfortable for the climate. EDIT. Fantastic idea to add a static qr code. Normally, I have to freeze frame and hope it isn't too blurry to read.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Why buffet close at 6pm? It weirds that you have to go and eat at other resorts but you paid for Adult only. This is type of resorts for conventions conference people. Go elsewhere. 😊
My point exactly lol
That's why Americans like casual tips, much cheaper this way, when you "grease the palms!"
It isn't cheaper when it involves paying a bribe
The only reason it's 'cheaper' (if that's even true) is because the system exists in the first place. Go to a stand up hotel and you've got a decent enough chance of getting upgraded... for, $0.00
@@fincarosa How much is your time worth to you? You can make more money, but can't replace time lost!
@@tfft Have you never heard the term, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do?"
I think if the check in agent tried to obviously shake me down like that I'd call the manager / walk - not sure I could stay in a resort where corruption is so obvious. I'd be worried to leave anything valuable in the room
Coffee money is engrained in daily life where I live- so perhaps I have a higher tolerance for it haha.
Kevin lucky your survived the stay. Loved the comparison with IKEA/Costco!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I went there for the snake oil peddler Joe dispenza’s convention (it involved sleep deprivation and inducing kundalini awakening in large groups but calling it science) this is definitely a convention hotel. The beach was nice actually, which is where I spent my time after I ran out of the convention looking for a rosary 😂 Learned to dive there and it was gorgeous with tons of fish in an underwater garden. Amazing! Food wasn’t bad when I was there…much better than the food in Vietnam, that’s for sure. Sushi especially. Wouldn’t return because it wasn’t anything special…
The bracelets tell them each time you enter a room, so don’t try sneaking anyone from another Barcelona to your room. They will try to charge them as my sister found out! Definitely scammy management. Two thumbs down for the management. Many thumbs up for the people who teach diving and the clean and trash free beach🎉 Viva Mexico
Someone has a perpetual bone to pick with Vietnam lol.
@@tfft well, yes. It’s true. And it started 30 years ago when I dated a Vietnamese guy and was subjected to the horrid, vacuous, materialistic, fake, humorless sisters. But I do love the food!! Not as much after tasting Cambodian food though. Far superior. 🐙
Definitely a place to only go if it’s ridiculously cheap ….and bring your own toiletries and bath salt and bubble bath
...and food. lol
@@tfft beef jerky and macadamias nuts 😀
I'm speechless. I've always found staff at even the most high end resorts - even those with strict dress codes - to be reasonably accommodating to paying guests. Especially in warmer climes. The Barcelo approach is miserly and outdated given it's lane. Wow.
Yes and I think the ironic part is that the types of resorts where many might expect such dress codes never actually have them- at least not at all of their restaurants.
Had multiple “this is normal, if you don’t know that then clearly you haven’t travelled…” comments on this video. I’d love to reply, “clearly you’ve never been to an actual 5-star resort…” but I digress 😅
Barcelo hotels are best avoided. Visited one in Punta Cana, food situation was absolutely mediocre, and got sick.
Sorry to hear!
The place looks abandoned. Where are the people?
I film all of my videos during off peak times so I don't disturb other guest.
That dress code policy is friggin' ludicrous. I think these hotels forget they are located in Cancun. I believe I ran into this same issue at Le Blanc in Cancun proper right after they first opened. That was a stellar property, but still hope in the years since that they've changed that policy. Anyway, this hotel looks amazing design wise but on the basis of that ridiculous policy it's a hard pass. Good review, thanks.
Yes, I think lots of people commenting “why can’t you just bring pants” don’t understand the weight of, “but it’s CANCUN…”
I don’t wear a suit to goto Burger King and I don’t pack pants to goto Cancun lol
That food gives me stomach cramps just looking at it. Great review as always.
Same here! Some of that meat had colors I never saw before haha
Stupid dress codes at resorts really, really annoy me. Like, really. I understand no swim ware at dinner, but seriously no shorts. People are on their holidays. As someone who habitually wares shorts in February in the north of England having to put on long trousers in the sun at a mass market hotel is just so pretentious. It does only seem to be the mass market places too. When I was at the Four Seasons in the Seychelles, no one batted an eye lid when I turned up for dinner in shorts and flip flops.
Exactly. There’s this strange 4-star segment trying to be more than what they are where stuff like this happens. I ate at actual royal palaces in India in shorts… lol
We are in cancun mexico we should wear an tropical putfits while eating dinner. Outright refusing the customer in itself is an utterly and completely unacceptable service by the staffs
Agreed!
Another great hotel review,thanks Kelvin.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Man oh man am I disappointed by this review... NOT because I think you got anything wrong or said anything false - I'm 100% sure everything for you was EXACTLY as you described it... BUT ... Between this and Palace at the other end of the campus, we've been to the Barcelo resort down there somewhere north of a dozen times since 2014 - and the AO in this review 4 times since 2021, and we've NEVER had a bad time, ever... NEVER experienced any of the issues you did... ever. The only common themes I can surmise amongst folks who've we've heard from about any kind of troubles is 1) barcelo shits on folks who don't book direct, and for sure they could see that you hadn't (ps the bribe thing I've only ever seen elsewhere down there), and 2) yeah the pants requirement at dinner is lame/stupid, but the first few times we'd been there they firmly reminded us about it at check-in and I just wore pants... the few times we've seen them not enforce it, was for large groups, or for women not wearing dresses... again, I agree, it's dumb, but, to us, was a small thing that didn't effect our stay ... I'll file this one under "you can't always get it right" and like I said, 100% believe your experience was your experience... but our experiences have been VERY different there ... 🤷🏻♂ ... oh, and as to the food, yeah... that's the first time I've ever seen the buffet look shitty - and that made me kinda sad. The Taco Bar at Agave is amazing, and the teppenaki service at Sappora is great... we always had swim-up rooms there... ugh... that sucks, I just hate that you had a bad time. I was really looking forward to this one being a good one because I wanted to share it with some of our travel buddies who've been there with us... oh well, can't win `em all...
I appreciate the sentiment- and I’m always of the opinion “my reviews are just a moment in time” but, the staff and management interactions really did give me the feeling that mine wasn’t so isolated. Thanks for watching 🩴
Why do you keep refering to Cancun when you are speaking about the location of this resort? It is in Rivera Maya. It is closer to Playa del Carmen or Tulum than it is to Cancun. Also whats the big deal about bringing pants. I don't want to see people in shorts in one of the fancy A la Cartes. It throws off the atmosphere. It goes hand to hand with people wearing hats inside these A la carts too. No class. Heading to the resort tomorrow. Can't wait!
I literally showed a map of the area and explained the distances- this is part of the Cancun catchment. If I ever goto a 'fancy a la carte' restaurant, then surely I will put on pants. But this is a cheap 4-star resort, so... you go and enjoy.
Oh no! I recently booked their tenerife location, so I am deeply hoping that is better than this!
This place is nice and chill. I've been 2 times. I highly recommend making dinner reservations at there sisters resorts. They are way better. Like Rodizio Brazilian steak, Santa Fa Steak house, they Japanese restaurant, French, and Seafood. Overall you will have a good time.
@@nelsonperez28 Ah that is great to know, thank you so much! I am definitely still looking forward to it 😄
Thanks for watching 🩴
His review a bit harsh, but also very truthful. He sets up some huge straw men in bashing the resort, but didn't say some hidden secrets. Let's get started. I have been to Barcelo Maya about 5 times over about 15 years. I have stayed at Tropical/colonial (x2) Palace (x2) and Maya Riviera once. We booked for the Palace the last time but were "upgraded' because we didn't have kids this time. We didn't know this until we arrived. I actually really like the Palace, but we took the 'upgrade'. Now to my comments.
Truths: The AC in the new Riviera section is TERRIBLE!. It is locked out to about half a degree C above what would be comfortable. And the temp doesn't stay constant but goes higher by one or two degrees Celsius at random times thoughout the night. But, we also had HUGE issue with AC when at Palace our prior time. But honestly...they need to allow another half a degree cooling. Next, The Riviera is HUGE, and if you are unucky to get a room at the extreme south end, you will tire of the walking. I am VERY used to waliking and love excercise. But walking takes huge amounts of time. Also, tropical living means sand in shorts, gritty sandles and overall chafing that I am not used to, so walking can REALLY suck. Next, it is clear that there was hardly nobody at the resort at the time he reviewed. It must have been a down time. The buffet can only be stocked for the number of guests. I am guessing the adult's only is not getting used as much as they thought itt would. It was maybe 1/3 full when I was there and there was clearly more capacity. What he didn't criticize but I would add is that drinks are modestly watered-down (more sugar, ice and mixes than liquor). This does serve a purpose in that it probably keeps people from getting rowdy. But I would rather sip a strong drink than get a stomach ache drinking sugar, soda and juice. Last thing that is a niggly negative is that the Riviera is pretty 'institutional modern' and lacks the hispanic vibe of the sister areas to the north (tropical, colonial, palace, Beach, etc)
Lies: Dude...bring some pants! Honestly...don't bash them for the dress code. It is so simple and the theme restaurants try to keep things a bit more formal. NO ties or jackets required, but just have some slacks (not jeans), and some causal dress shoes. That is all it takes! Next...don't bash the entertainment because you clearly didn't understand the property. there are three venues to the North..the Beach, The Colonial and the Palace that have some pretty good stage shows. The circus show is great, the magic show is pretty good. the "Viva Mexico" is also good. The schedules are posted on the reader boards. The staff isn't much help recomending or even describing the show as it may need translation, but be diligient. I think there is a kid-themed disney show that is meh, and a show tune show that is also meh. If you stay at the Riviera and don't venture to the other venues, you will miss out. You do have free range of the whole property...USE IT. Lastly...The pools at Riviera are nothing short of spectacular. No kids and space galore. Honestly...his review didn't give the pools at Riviera any justice. The pools at Palace are also great...but Riveria is better.
TIPS: The Buffet at Riviera does not have themes, as they do at Colonial and Palace. I would HIGHLY recomend venturing up to Palace during their seafood theme night (once a week) I would skip a theme restaurant to do this. Lots of sushi, seafood and enough other items. Because Palace is filled with more people and families, it is busier, and the buffet is better with more items. Riviera just suffers from lack of people, thus the buffet at dinner is, imo, lacking. Breakfast, lunch are good, but you can also eat lunch at the beach buffets at Barceo Beach, Colonial and Tropical...I like those. Oh...bring a 32oz Yeti, or other non-breakable thermal container, with straw. Also, a 32oz nalgeen bottle to be more eco-friendly with water refills is a must for me. You will thank me later.
Respectfully, what you label as "lies" are not lies- they are simply my opinion. If I am going to an adults only resort, I don't expect to need to goto a family resort in order to get the full experience and the overwhelming number of comments on the video suggest most are on board with my 'pants' assessment.
If Barcelo advertised this as an "adults only wing" of a larger resort, then perhaps it would be expected to need to hop around different properties- but it doesn't do that. First time guests to any one of these properties would potentially have absolutely no idea it was even part of a larger complex.
That is sad, beautiful place but this review put it in the heck no i will not go there.
Thanks for watching 🩴
When we go to a resort anywhere on earth we want a wow factor
Even if it’s tacky
This is awful I would never consider its dullness
Fair enough! haha
That food did not look good. Nothing worse than food poisoning when away. The hotel looked uninviting too and the customer service was clearly missing. I guess that’s why it’s sometimes worth paying extra. I fined the trouser rule a little old fashioned now.
Agreed!
Another hotel added to my "Do not visit" list, thanks kevin!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Omg I can't even fathom the amount of food waste generated by these buffets! Truly horrendous and, to top it all off, unsanitary! Quick question: when you talk about food safety violations, I assume you are referring to US laws so do you think, maybe, Mexican laws allow for such gross oversights or is food safety in the hospitality industry generally the same everywhere? Thank you and congrats on the 100K subs! You're the man!
No. Let me put it this way, if a place has food safety laws, then no matter how strict or loose they are, the 2nd most important category of regulations will be holding temperatures since it’s one of the easiest ways to create widespread illness.
Hi Kevin, 500 to go!!
Today I reckon!
🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤ Viva Mexico ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤
Thanks for watching 🩴
I am sorry, but I found this review disappointing. I’ve found your other reviews informative and helpful, but this was so hyper-critical that I found it aggravating to watch. I am NOT a world traveler, as you are. However, I have visited Mexico 3 times so far, my 4th will be this November, and knew each time what a dress code meant. I’ve stayed at the Valentin Imperial Maya in Riviera Maya and the Casa Dorada in Cabo (don’t remember the resort the first trip MANY years ago) and both my friend and I came prepared. I had dresses and he had linen pants and closed toe shoes. And both of us only have carry on. He packs everything into 1 backpack! Different clothes every day. So don’t try using that as an excuse. You just need to be prepared! It’s disheartening that, because you didn’t KNOW what dress code meant for this resort, that you let it fuel your dislike of the property and give them such a negative review. Do your research!
As I showed in the video, the dress code is buried in layers of their website- it’s not my habit to comb a resort’s website page by page by page for an hour before arrival. If you travel with dresses and linen pants, that’s great- but I’ve been to 11 resorts in Cancun (and 8 others in Mexico being published soon) and have never once found such an absurd dress code.
And by the way, the disgusting food and food poisoning was the primary “fuel” you referred to.
Don't like the dress code we isn't that too bad. LOL!
🤔
Jeez ..that was a hard one Kevin but kudos for another great and honest review 👍. Maybe a trip back to India to lift the spirit on the horizon?
No India hotel content coming in the near future lol. 20 of them was enough for a while!
The food is not hot...ever. I have stayed at Barcelo three times ( different parts) . I go for the pools and beach and stay for 3 days then switch to another resort so I can eat something other than salad and bread. Barcelo has terrible food. The restaurants were horrible. Like I said, great fun at the pools and with the different entertainment at night. Just eat salad to be safe. Oh...the soup was hot.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Your score is too high for your experience. Mistake, I feel
Thanks for sharing ✈️
The food looks revolting - bizarre how they have so many options yet put no effort into quality.
Yes, truly bizarre.
Wow. That dress code situation isn’t cool of them… the lack of food safety.. not cool. Thanks for the good content!
Thanks for watching 🩴
This dude is a cry baby spoiled brat I been to Barcelo 4 times this hotel is excellent in all aspects this review should be erased
Congratulations- believe it or not, this report wasn't about your trips- it was about mine. If you can't accept someone else's opinion may be different from yours then my God, you must have a lot of rage bubbling below the surface.
This is so scary. What a joke. Combine Mexico’s less than strict standards with the arrogance of an European owner and this is what you get. I will take a pass. Thanks for the comprehensive review. Outstanding as always.
I'll just point out that hotel owner arrogance is pervasive on both sides of the pond lol.
@@tfft Sadly, yes. But it has been my experience lately that European based travel companies have been a bit more egregious. Your mileage may vary. We wish it were not so!
This is a way, to force a large % of people to ONLY eat at the buffet, thus saving Barcelo $$$$$+!
So then why do they usually not have buffets for dinner? lol
@@tfft Mexican companies (Spanish too) can be strange in seemly common sense ways. They have their own logic, that only they understand.
I think there is a fine line between clean, modern, simple, but this resort looks a little too soulless. Maybe it's just how it comes through on camera. And the buffet looked like salmonella paradise. But at least it looked like the place was clean.
Nope, the camera didn't lie lol
For someone who is allegedly a world traveler and doesn't know that dress codes apply in almost every resort in Mexico doesn't fill me with much confidence in the rest of your review....seems like you were biased from the experience you had being rejected from the restaurant. We have stayed in the Barcelo Caribe which is beside this one but before this new adult one was built and had no issues. Maybe next time do a bit of research so you won't be so surprised by what goes on. Instead of making reviews maybe watch a few next time.... ;-)
I have hundreds of resort reviews on the channel. I’ve never come across a four star tropical resort that even had a whiff of a dress code. This was the cheapest of the 18 or so Mexican resorts I’ve been to for the channel and the only with such a code. I suppose you’ve been to many more pretentious four star hotels than I have. 👏🏻
@@tfft The only one being pretentious is you....and yes, I have traveled all over Mexico for 20 years staying at 3 star and above and they all had a dress code...some enforced it some didn't....but either way always be prepared 😉
Wow that’s so disappointing! We were there last September, and we had the same experience with the long pants ! After showing our strong annoyance at this they offered my husband a pair of “ long Green pants” 🤦♀️ we too ended up at the buffet that happened to be opened that night . Other than poor service compared to the palace , and long walks to the room we did enjoy our time there . But probably won’t go back now after seeing your review! Thank you 🙏
Ohh, shared pants, that sounds like just the kind of holiday I was looking for! hahaha
Well.. Cancun .. you’ve absolutely turned me off going there EVER I was last there 10years ago and I have zero desire to darken any of your featured hotels doors and rooms - corrupt as ever I see as well but it is Mexico I suppose and everyone is trying to make an extra buck .. well pesos - great video as always
Can't win 'em all! lol
Yikes!! 😳 Seeing All that raw protein sitting at room temperature made my stomach churn a bit 🤮.
Not siding with the resort, or any other that has ridiculous “dress codes “, but maybe it’s time to invest in a pair of lightweight, easy roll up slacks to bring with 😅. Thanks for TOFTT 😊
Wearing pants in searing heat at a 4-star hotel in Cancun (stress on the ‘in Cancun’ part)… I’d sooner wear a tuxedo to McDonalds lol.
@@tfft but what if you were aware of this peculiar dress code, would you still refuse to wear or bring them?
I'm so sorry for this awful experience.... you should write to Customer Service that thing of the "upgrade" doesn't look legal... and that food ... I'm sick just looking that meat
Sobreviví 😅
Kevin, this was so painful to watch. I felt sick just looking at the food presentation OMG food poisoning heaven on a stick. This is on my never to visit list. An upgrade that goes into the agents pocket. Report this immediately
Well, I'd say a feature length video on TH-cam is a pretty good report haha.
I was in barcelo maya adult only, this hôtel is perfect......your vidéo is very very bad ......food is excellent !!! I am french, i like good wine and good food .....you are bad.......
What’re you, 6 years old? If you think the food is fantastic, good on ya. Learn to respect other people’s opinions.
Sorry you had a bad time and food to. But this will be my 3rd visit had no food problem. But like I tell everyone do your TH-cam home work. I never ate the dinner there went to there sisters resort. Like the Brazilian all you can eat steaks on the stick. Santa Fe Steak house, French restaurant, Japanese restaurant and Seafood restaurant they are way better. And yes those dress codes are everywhere now they want everyone in pants no more shorts and sandels. Closed shoes. They pools are nice biggest Xfinitiy pools in the Western Hemisphere. I go to Cancun and party for a couple days and go here at Barcelo to chill. But respect your video and comments.
Just had to pause the video to say that if I were managing the restaurant, I would have offered room service at restaurant rates, rather than lose a customer. That’s just stupid, they should have done that to get around the dress code
I mean, if I was managing that restaurant- I would have woken up one day and realized we were in Cancun, not Milan and just changed the dress code to an appropriate one haha.
That would be the nastiest buffet I've ever seen. 🤮
Same.
@@tfft like you I've been in the restaurant game for a long time. How they think that could be safe is beyond me.
Avoid Barcelo....Check. Thanks so much.
Thanks for watching 🩴