Crystal Cove, A Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort

“Great holiday, great location, great staff”

I have just returned from a 12 night stay at Crystal Cove with my wife and family (age range 16 - 77). We have been to the hotel many times over the last 20 years as well as other hotels in Barbados and other Caribbean islands. The hotel has recently been refurbished but it still retains its ‘vill… more

I have just returned from a 12 night stay at Crystal Cove with my wife and family (age range 16 - 77). We have been to the hotel many times over the last 20 years as well as other hotels in Barbados and other Caribbean islands. The hotel has recently been refurbished but it still retains its ‘village atmosphere’. The staff are great (special mention for restaurant manager Michael and waitress Dawna) and always want you to have a good time. There have been problems with the food and delays in the restaurant but a recent change in management (thank you Raj) has resulted in improvements. Some recent reviews have been very critical but in my opinion are unfair. Barbados is a very British island and I think the Bajan people are very much in tune with British culture. Following the takeover by Marriott there have been more visitors from the USA and they can be more demanding than the Brits. This does not always go down well with the staff. We had a great holiday and would recommend the hotel if you want a great location, friendly staff and an all round good time.

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“A highly enjoyable stay”

My family and I had an excellent 10 night stay at crystal cove. The facilities are excellent with numerous water sports available. The hotel is located next to a lovely beach, has several swimming pools, along with TVs showing the World Cup. The facilities in the hotel rooms are also very good, an… more

My family and I had an excellent 10 night stay at crystal cove. The facilities are excellent with numerous water sports available. The hotel is located next to a lovely beach, has several swimming pools, along with TVs showing the World Cup. The facilities in the hotel rooms are also very good, and have been recently refurbished with a large bathroom and balcony The food was also great, with plenty of options for all at breakfast lunch and dinner. The location of the hotel was also fantastic. Finally, the staff at Crystal Cove were impeccable. Kevin and Jonathan were extremely welcoming and made us feel at home upon arrival. All the bar/food staff were great, however Diane, Michael and Hazel particularly stood out with their warmth and friendliness. Finally, Richard was extremely professional and courteous. He listened to all of our feedback and also checked in with us on several occasions during our stay to ensure all His service, along with all the staff at Crystal Cove’s service made the holiday really enjoyable. Overall, a great experience and I am looking forward to visiting Barbados and Crystal Cove again!

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“Good all round and relaxing holiday”

My wife and I have just returned from 11 nights at Crystal Cove. On the whole it was another amazing holiday, with this being our third visit to this hotel. There were a few things that needed improving but credit where it’s due having spoken to the manger Richard we saw things change while we we… more

My wife and I have just returned from 11 nights at Crystal Cove. On the whole it was another amazing holiday, with this being our third visit to this hotel. There were a few things that needed improving but credit where it’s due having spoken to the manger Richard we saw things change while we were there, for example the beach grill open each lunch time and more choice in the restaurants in the evening. We have been to Barbados a number of times due to the welcoming nature of the people, they really do care and don’t just pay lip service when things perhaps go wrong or can be improved, hence the 5 start review The recent refurbishment is great but do agree with previous reviews about the extractor fan in the bathroom which seems to come on and off when it feels like it and can be noisy. The water taxi is a massive plus for this resort as can travel and spend time at Waves and Treasure beach so get to experience others hotels and food should you wish. We met some lovely people while at the resort with everyone having time for chat, laugh and joke. Would we go back, yes absolutely hopefully next year! Thank you Richard and team.

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“Giving it 3-1/2 stars”

Just returned from an 8 night stay at Crystal Cove. As we've been to multiple AI's in Mexico and various islands throughout the Caribbean, this is our perspective on this resort: Pros: -- the rooms were nice. We had the lowest grade room and it was small but clean and furnished nicely. -- the b… more

Just returned from an 8 night stay at Crystal Cove. As we've been to multiple AI's in Mexico and various islands throughout the Caribbean, this is our perspective on this resort: Pros: -- the rooms were nice. We had the lowest grade room and it was small but clean and furnished nicely. -- the beach is excellent! Clear turquoise water that was fairly calm. It was just a little rocky in places but we didn't feel the need to water shoes. Loungers and umbrellas were plentiful. It was the highlight of the trip -- they provided plenty of water activities that were included if interested --there were 3 pools that were small but nice. All had plenty of loungers and umbrellas. --providing a water taxi to experience their sister resorts was great. --they provided plenty of bottled water by the pools and beach Cons: --the refrigerator in the room was not stocked daily with bottled water unless you asked every day. That should be automatic. --the drink menu is very small and it seemed the selections were limited. Offering a "drink of the day" would be nice. --many people have raved about the staff but we did not find that to be the case really. For the most part they were nice but they were not friendly and engaging at all. --there was no drink service around the pool or beach. We're not too lazy to go get our own drinks but this something that really adds to your experience. We went to Waves one afternoon and enjoyed their adults only pool and the service they provided. --the food was the biggest con. It was VERY limited. And while we can live with a limited selection, we expect the food that is available is top notch. Not always so. Some meals were okay but one night they served French Onion Soup that was just broth and onions...no crouton or cheese. And then I was serviced Chicken Diane with the smallest piece of chicken (not enough for a child) and the chicken was a little rubbery like it wasn't quite cooked enough. When I mentioned it to the manager?, he said "looks done to me". When only the Hightide beach grill was open for lunch, all they offered was hamburgers, hot dogs and fish and fries. I ordered the hot dog and they were out of buns....um, if that's the only food you're offering you should have enough to provide...not to mention there's a grocery store a half mile away. --the resort was not busy, we were told they were at less than 50% capacity. We're wondering if that is the reason so little options were available and the reason for not enough staff to make sure everyone was taken care of. (there was only one bartender at a time for the whole resort and they weren't always around) --they did have a little entertainment in the evening but no where to sit and enjoy it besides the pool chairs. We're hoping the food and service improves as we would love to come back to this resort.

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