Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels

Just back from our 7th visit to Crystal Cove and we will return. Firstly I would like to address the negative reviews. Yes there are improvements needed and these will be resolved when the hotel is refurbished. How people can complain about the birds at lunch at Drifters is beyond me. The restaurant is outdoor and so are birds ! On arrival we were delighted to be upgraded to a sea view room (131) which was fantastic. Although only one restaurant was open for lunch and dinner this did not bother us as we really could not fault the food. Beer was served either by draught Carib or cans of Banks which we opted for and was always chilled. Cocktails were available even if not on the menu. Wine in abundance and beautiful. We love the Vista bar for a pre dinner drink where the staff were so friendly and willing to chat if that is what you wanted. Loved our chats with Shariean who is an asset to the hotel as are most of the staff we have got to know over the last 11 years. Vista also a great spot for a 6am coffee and a pastry. We love this addition to the hotel for those who get up early. I see some negative reviews about the staff and I totally disagree. People in Barbados are chilled and relaxed and that is what we love about them . For some guests maybe they see this as a negative. If you treat people as equals and are pleasant you will get this back in abundance from the staff at Crystal Cove. We have met some lovely people namely Delores who was the first person to serve us back in 2013, Hazel ( our friend ) Michael, Rayna, Donna ( love the teeth jewels), Toni, Tanya ( who loves a dance), Raheen, Kathy, Sophia, Tsyirsha, Devon ( our great pool attendant), Ellis, Stephen on the beach, Antonette on reception, Curtis who always appears to be everywhere doing everything. Also thanks to Richard, Guest Experience Expert who we spoke to numerous times and was always available if needed. Also to Raj who again was always around and making sure guests were happy. A special thank you to all the staff who work in the background, the chefs, kitchen staff, cleaners, gardeners, maintenance, security ( Kenroy Harrison) and anyone else I have left out. We love Crystal Cove and had serious reservations about returning this year having read so many negative reviews but happily it did not disappoint and we will 100% be returning after the renovations are complete. Read less

I don't write reviews very often but thought I would share our experience as there are so many differing opinions of Crystal Cove. Arrival : we arrived mid-afternoon, welcomed with drinks and a smile, advised that we had a dinner slot booked for 7.30 that evening and that we could get food at the café beforehand if we were hungry, very quick process and in our room within 10 minutes of arrival. Room : we booked a sea view room on two levels, it had an excellent view of the beach and sea, plenty of space, it was dated with a few minor issues but nothing next years refurbishment wont resolve. The room was exceptionally clean on arrival, it was cleaned daily to a high standard. A mini-bar with drinks was re-stocked daily.The air conditioning was excellent. Food & Drink : there was plenty of food whenever you wanted it, having to book an evening dinner slot was a good idea, this was booked at breakfast for that evening, if you were late risers (like we were) times got limited and we ended up eating at 8.30pm which was a little late. Dinner was varied each night between a-la-carte and buffet as well as between the two restaurants, Reflections & Drifters. the quality of the a-la-carte food was exceptional, (they allowed us to choose away from the main menu as neither of us eat fish). The buffet food was good, quite a nice choice but not too varied each day. Breakfast had pretty much everything you would need buffet style. I would recommend fridge units to keep certain items cooler. The café offered snacks and sandwiches pretty much all day. All in all the food was very good. The cocktails were very good and plenty of alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks available throughout the day. Resort : what a fantastic location, right on the sea front with plenty of beds around the pools and on the beach. The sea was very inviting and for those younger guests a great variety of all included water sports. The beach has beautiful golden sand, however as you entered the sea it was quite 'rocky', there was only one small area that was free from stones and rocks, I would recommend they dredge a larger area to remove the rocks. The 3 swimming pools were okay, not your standard hotel pools but had character, quite quaint & rustic, but good for cooling down after sunbathing. the ice lollies and drink service to the beach was a nice touch. The site is in need of the refurbishment but it was very clean and tidy, with the design and layout of the resort you can imagine it will be something spectacular after the upgrade. Staff : I would say the staff were very friendly and helpful (once asked), they seemed quite laid back and didn't offer advise or support until asked, I would suggest they could be more forthcoming with advise. There were plenty of staff (too many sometimes) and were available at all times. In summary we had a fantastic, relaxing week at Crystal Cove. I would have given 5 stars had it not been for the need of refurbishment that I believe is due to be done in 2025, if I were to visit Barbados again I would definitely return to Crystal Cove after the upgrade. Don't forget you will need to pay the Barbados taxes at the end of your stay (7 days was about B$140) We had a tour of the island by "Sam the man" who walks the beach offering his service, I would definitely recommend Sam, he was very knowledgeable and showed us the sites. Read less

I am really perplexed by the very negative reviews. We have just returned from Crystal cove (18th April-25th April). There were 10 of us and we had the best time. On arrival we were offered welcome drinks, check in was friendly and efficient. Location amazing! What a beach! The facilities were excellent. Very impressed with water sports activities and all inclusive offer. The food was above average for all inclusive and plenty of choice. Out only suggestion for improvement would be during the refurb to consider air con in the main dining room. The rooms whilst dated were better than we had expected. We were aware before arriving that the hotel was due a refurb (planned) so we’re not put off by the dates bathrooms.Cleanliness was no issue at all we had great maid service and everything was spotless. The best asset to this hotel are the staff. Friendly and welcoming. As previously said we were a large group and our needs were always met and catered for. Will definitely return Read less

Crystal Cove is a scam! The resort is old , run down, and no security. Arrived on 4/4 there was no food available or alcohol, for a resort that advertises as an "all inclusive"! My husband and I knew immediately that this wasn't a 4 or 5 Star hotel! Our ocean front room over looked old beach furniture and a guy about to cook on this broken down grill. The room was so small that I could barley open my suitcase and have enough room to get to the bathroom! Nothing is updated, bathroom old and moldy, and we heard everything going on in the room next door, the walls are super thin. Also for the AC they have loud wall inserts, not central air. We left after about 30 mins of checking in once we saw the condition of the room and that there's not food at all times. They had given us and 7pm dinner time so no food would be out till dinner and we arrived at 5:30ish after a 5 hour flight. I didn't know "all inclusive gave dinner times except if you book a specialty restaurant"! There's no bar except in the very small outdated pool. Since there was no food out we were instructed that we could go to the coffee café a get sandwich "until dinner time". The café gave us 3 sandwiches each had one piece of meat, and they didn't even have mayo or mustard so we didn't even eat them! Who wants a dry sandwich? We went to the front desk told them this place isn't expectable and we are going to another resort and want a refund so that we don't ruin our stay in Barbados, and they basically said well there's the door. So after only spending 30 minutes there, no food, no drinks, didn't sleep there. The Hotel is refusing to refund us our $3000.00. We booked this resort because it's a Marriot property so I figure we couldn't go wrong, but this place is a Motel 8 level at best. So long story short we got taken for 3k and had to spend another $4400.00 to stay at Sandals which is AN EXCELLENCT RESORT THAT DELIVERS WHAT THEY ADVERTISE. Do your self a favor and don't stay there, book at another property! Read less