Guest reviews for Cancun Hotels: Barcelo Costa Cancun

Guest Reviews: 41 comments found for this hotel: 37 :: 4

We travelled the 10 hour flight from scotland to go here and it was well worth the travel. We had a fantastic time in Cancun and plan to go back jan 08. Words of advice though: entertainment at night tends to get boring as we are only in our 20's we were out most of the time but if you plan on being at the hotel every night you may want to re consider, The staff is very friendly especially at the beach bar they go out there way to help make your holiday as good as possible. This is a nice hotel and would suit anyone, I just think they need to improve their entertainment. Cancun all in all was amazing clubs and pubs are great, shopping is great, trips are great, weather is great and everyone is so friendly you feel so safe here. Would recommend to anyone. (got to go to Coco Bongo no matter what age you are) have fun we did! Be back jan 08.
Danielle Connelly, danielle_connelly@hotmail.co.uk, 2007-02-04

I just got back from 4 wonderful days at the Barcelo Costa Resort. This was my first time visiting Cancun and I am definitely going back! The hotel was beautiful and the service was excellent. The food was pretty good but I think it was just not the kind of food I'm used to eating. The pool was sparkling clean and our rooms were kept very clean as well. We had no problems checking in or out. I would recommend this resort to everyone!
Brooke Saylor, shrtyb360@aol.com, 2006-12-06

We have been to Gran Costa Real every January for the last nine years in a row. Every year the hotel looks better, and the food the service, the rooms, the beach are excellent. See ya there January 2006.
Don & Terry Beaudoin - Canada, e-mail withheld, 2005-12-06

Costa Real was brilliant and so were the bar staff (nacho, julio, mauro, luis and the rest of them and luis maria the waitress was also a great person).
Zoe, poh1poh@hotmail.com, 2005-10-05

I just got back from Cancun and this was our second time at the Costa Real. When we got to the hotel we immediately checked-in w/o any problems, and because it was our second time there we were upgraded to a JR. Suite! The room was nice and clean! Our room was cleaned spotless everyday, and the hotel staff and service was excellent. The pool was nice, and the activity coordinators Eve and Abraham were so much fun to be around, and planned fun activities to do at the pool. The restaurants were okay, but I'm just use to American cooking. I have no complaints about the food or buffet. They had a different show every night, and they were fun to watch. I was able to use the sauna, fitness center, whirlpool w/o extra charge. Overall, the staff was great, the food was good, the rooms and pools were great! I give this hotel a 4 out of 5, and we are definitely choosing this hotel when we come back to Cancun!
Ebony, e-mail withheld, 2005-09-26

The hotel was regular, the rooms are not so beautiful as some tourists think, the photos are really wonderful in the web, but the hotel is not so pretty. The people goes to Cancun because they want to see a beautiful sea (as in many pictures), and if they go to Gran Costa real, the beach is horrible is like Veracruz or Tampico, I told to my mother that it was better for us to go to the Patzcuaro lake or to Tampico because at least is cheaper. The service and the food are well, but the beach is horrible. I recommend you THE RITZ CARLTON HOTEL instead, is fantastic.
Samuel Montes, samuelmontes@hotmail.com, 2005-09-02

I went to Cancun for the first time in July. I am a teenager and I had so much fun at the Gran Costa Real. I was there a week after hurricane Emily passed. I expected for there to be a lot of destruction but it was the complete opposite. It looked like nothing had happened! The pool was always clean. The shows at night were so fun to watch and there were daily shows at the pool area that were very entertaining. The food was amazing and I was able to drink non-alcoholic pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris. The service was great especially "Beto" from the buffet who treated us very good and even brought us food from another restaurant. My family and I will be returning next year! The only thing we had a problem with was the lock on the door which would not open but the management came in 10 mins. and completely replaced it.
Vanessa, e-mail withheld, 2005-08-11

I'm not usually a critical person, but let me begin. First of all it took 2 hours to check in at Gran Costa Real. After that nightmare we went to eat out side at the buffet. The food was really bad. The restaurant inside was good that you had to reserve. There was no beach just rocks and huge sandbags the size of cars. LOUD. I’m 23 married and let me tell you if you plan to go on a romantic trip change your plans. I had to change rooms at 3am b/c kids kept yelling and carrying on at the pool so needless to say I told the manager to handle it or I will. Entertainment was good, and the rooms were nice, other than that go to GRAN PORTO REAL much better and a romantic setting combed beautiful beaches tons of service and a great rooms--not to mention a coral reef 50 yards from the beach that’s waist deep. So there’s my 2cts. It took another 2 hours to check out.
Jason, e-mail withheld, 2005-08-08

I spent a wonderful vacation in the Gran Costa Real. I would return there, my children were very happy in the kid club, they spent nice time with a lot of friends. Everything was nice, delicious food, good services, nice pool and the staff was very kind. I love to be there. I hope to return to this hotel soon. Thanks for everything.
Julieta, juliemart41@hotmail.com, 2005-07-04

I went on a senior trip to the Costa Real. It was a wonderful place. The food was great; the drinks were good, they could have been better. The rooms were always clean. The only problem we had was our door would not work right, the locks kept messing up, but the staff was there within 10 minutes to get that fixed every time we would complain. The bartenders were awesome and fun to talk to, especially Jonathan and Diego. Diego was my man he brought drinks to every one that was with my group. The hotel was well located, and the rooms were always cleaned when we left them for the day. Overall I give the place a 4 out of 5.
Derrick, e-mail withheld, 2005-06-29

This hotel was excellent. The rooms were spacious and clean (the showers are massive), the food was excellent. The staff is superb and made our stay an absolute joy. Didn't want to leave! Thanks to the Gran Costa Real for a fantastic holiday.
Vicki Moss, vlmoss41@hotmail.com, 2005-05-27

I loved every second of our stay at Costa Real. The food, staff, service, pool, and beach were all fantastic. Thanks to Eve, Abraham, Ingrid, and Enrique, we will never forget you guys you made our stay in Cancun all that much better. From your favorite Canadian girls!
Lori and Shenna, lnolan23@hotmail.com, 2005-05-13

Gran Costa Real was a great hotel all together. I went in April 2005 with some girl friends for a quick get away, and as first time vacationer I would say it was worth it. The staff is awesome! If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation this is the place to go. Room was clean and spacious, food was great and the pool and beach were awesome. I look forward to going back some time soon.
AC, e-mail withheld, 2005-05-11

We found the resort excellent. The rooms were very clean and the staff awesome. The food was great. I recommend the lobster at the ala carte restaurant. The grounds were beautiful and the pool was great. The beach is quite small, so if your a beach bunny, get out there early to get a good spot. We will definitely return to Costa Real.
Kris and Clay, e-mail withheld, 2005-02-23

Last year, in October, my fiancé and I took a two week all inclusive break at the Costa Real. Being slightly younger than the majority of holiday makers, I thought we would find it difficult to fit in, but it was the opposite. As the age group were early to mid thirties with the most being of a professional nature all was quiet and relaxed. There is of course a nightlife, but some 8km away from the hotel. Buses run every two minutes to and from the bars, but everything you need is within the tranquility of the hotel. All staff, especially the bar staff were all friendly and polite. The hotel was very impressive and we have booked a three week stay this year. The spa facilities including steam room, gym, and sauna are exquisite and free but are often overlooked.
B.C., e-mail withheld, 2005-02-23

We have just returned from our 1st visit to Cancun. Our travel agent booked our room at the Gran Costa Real Hotel and Spa. We stayed in their Junior Suite. The room was very clean and a good size. The shower is huge! The staff is professional and served us nicely. The all-inclusive package was awesome. The food was good and the drinking water is bottled/purified, so there is no worry about your ice, coffee, tea or plain water. The variety of food was also good. They have three restaurants on site, a beauty salon, spa and recreational activities. The beach area is small, but clean and private. There was some construction noise ~ renovations are under way. Overall, it was a wonderful place to be. We look forward to going back again some time soon. :)
Mr & Mrs Witte, e-mail withheld, 2005-02-04

My first time to Cancun although I was with family and friends who had been there several times. Very impressed with the all the staff at Gran Costa Real. The all-inclusive plan was fantastic, the beach a little small but water was calm. Surf on the central area side was too high for folks to enjoy even swimming. To say it was a 5 star hotel is a little over-stated, however the rooms were nice and everything was spotless. For the cost of my package (including air fare), I really can't complain about anything... and there wasn't anything wrong anyway. The Ritz, it's not...but it's one heck of a place to enjoy life and relax. Would I go there again? In a heartbeat, in fact I'll be the guy in the next lounge chair purring like a kitten.
Mike, e-mail withheld, 2005-02-01

My wife and I had our 25th wedding anniversary at the Gran Costa Real last august. And we both thought that it was the best holiday hotel we had ever been to, and the staff was the most helpful and friendly we had ever had the pleasure to stay with.
Norman Argo, n.argo@btopenworld.com, 2005-01-15

We just got back (Dec 16, 2004) from staying at Gran Costa Real for the 3rd time in 3 years. The recent renovations are superb. The rooms were the cleanest I've ever stayed at in Cancun and we have been in the area 10 times. The staff did everything possible to make the guests happy. We even got a complimentary bottle of wine the day before we left. Several people moved from the Grand Caribe Real to Costa and said they were very pleased. Food was good, drinks were too. Beach area is small and the waters are not the pretty turquoise like some of the central area, but you could always go down to the public beach area and enjoy that at any time. We stayed in the renovated section overlooking the pool. The A/C was motion activated - got to be aggravating at night. Shower was the ultimate best - hot water every day! Huge, updated stand up shower - beautiful! Be sure to get phone cards and don't make a call from inside of the airport - we did last year and 3 minutes cost us almost $50 on our phone bill. No one tells you that! Hope this review helps! We would stay here again!
Kim, e-mail withheld, 2004-12-19

This was my first trip to Mexico and I had a stunning time at Gran Costa Real. Folks were incredibly friendly and made this trip very special. I traveled with my mother and the staff was particularly kind to her. I'd absolutely go back and would recommend this spot. What a wonderful vacation.
Maura, makemelaugh1@yahoo.com, 2004-12-14

We've stayed at the Gran Costa Real 3 times & are returning for our fourth time. We love it! We've stayed at other places in Cancun & none of them are even close. The hotel has great food & staff. It is very cozy & fun. The recent remodeling looks really great too.
George & Kelli, e-mail withheld, 2004-11-29

Me & my girlfriend went to Gran Costa Real from 29th Aug - 14th Sept & had a fantastic time. All the construction had finished and the hotel rooms were stunning!! The staff was excellent; they couldn’t do enough for you! There was a good mix of ages & nationalities! It was the best holiday I have had & if or when we go back to Cancun I will definitely be staying in this hotel, I can highly recommend it to anyone for whatever type of holiday they want in Cancun!
Neal, nealhunter5@hotmail.com, 2004-10-19

We had a wonderful time! Everything was excellent! They made us feel special on our honeymoon! We would/will definitely go back to Gran Costa Real again.
Staffords, e-mail withheld, 2004-09-22

Stayed at Gran Costa Real 7 nights in May. If you don't mind construction noise during the day, it is a super place to stay. Food is great and service is exquisite if you are not too cheap to tip.
Joe Koch, kochiej@comcast.net, 2004-06-15

Stayed at the Gran Costa Real in Cancun may1-8. We were deceived! We were told the renovations would be done before May and they were not near being done. If you are going there in May or June, do not, I repeat, do not believe your travel agent or hotel rep. when they tell you it's finished! It is not!. You cannot sit at the pool, unless you want to hear jackhammers, electric saws, sledgehammers banging and other loud construction noises. The construction is taking place directly next to the pool area from 8am to 8pm. Please, for your own sake BELIEVE ME, I wish I had listened to all the other bad reviews because they are TRUE! Will never stay at another real resort. If I go back to Mexico, I will stay in the Mayan Riviera area again; it is 100% cleaner and nicer. The Costa Real is not a 5 star resort, and never will be, it is a 3 star at best.
Nadine Elmer, rickelmer@hotmail.com, 2004-05-10

We stayed at Gran Costa Real hotel 4/14/04 to 4/21/04 the service and the food was great. Everything that we wanted. Also one of the new remodeled rooms. The only problem was the remodeling never stopped all around and under us from 8am to 8pm. The noise was terrible. They should have told us when we checked in, after three days they wanted to move us. We will go back again we really loved the area and great food and service and hopefully all the construction will be finished.
Connie and Jack, conjack@socket.net, 2004-04-26

We stayed at the Gran Costa Real for 2 weeks in Feb 2004. This was our 4th stay here & we love it! So much that we are going again May 13! The staff are the best and really make us feel like family, especially Mario, who is the head waiter in the buffet restaurant. We were invited to his wife's restaurant in Centro and it was a wonderful experience. The remodeling they have done is fantastic, especially the huge lobby bar & 24 hr snack bar. I highly recommend this place!
Donna in WV, e-mail withheld, 2004-04-15

Gran Costa Real is the best. I can not wait to return in the near future. This was the best hotel I ever stayed at. The staff was very nice and the food was good. Keep up the good work. Erick you are the best.
J, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-21

We recently returned from Gran Costa Real... a fantastic trip to Cancun. The staff was fantastic. We gladly appreciate it. Thanks to everyone who made our trip one to remember. Special thanks to the entertainment crew Erick, Juan, Miguel, and Ingrid.
The Canadians, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-20

The best hotel I've ever stayed at... wonderful staff/food/place. I would, without a doubt, stay at Gran Costa Real again on my next Cancun trip.
Sal, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-12

Gran Costa Real is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at in Mexico. The food was great, the rooms and grounds were meticulously clean, and the staff was more than pleasant. My girlfriends and I were very impressed with the service we received. In particular, we would like to say thank-you to the staff at Las Gaviotas restaurant, they treated us like family. The beach is small, but private, so it's the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation in Cancun. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone considering it for their vacation.
Piera Timeo, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-07

We have been to Gran Costa Real 3 times with many of our friends, and would recommend the hotel to anyone. We have always had an absolutely great time. Hope to return again as soon as possible. Great staff great food not a bad word to be said about this hotel at all. does anyone know there catchphrase. (give me some noise England) Alex the hotel entertainer and staff.
The Parker family, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-05

Horrible hotel. Noisy, rude staff. Full of nasty spring breakers. Would never return to Gran Costa Real.
Deb D, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-04

We stayed at the Gran Costa Real by mistake, our reservation was for the Gran Caribe Real but when wee arrived they told us that our room was given to someone else and they where going to place us at the Gran Costa Real. I told them that the was not acceptable and ask for the manager, the manager then toll us that he was sorry for what had happen and to makeup for the mistake, we would get a suit at the Gran Costa Real and the all inclusive was part of the mistake for all the time that we were going to stay . I said OK lets go and see. My wife and I where a little inconvenient. But what they did for us was great. The next day they took our luggage and return us to the Gran Caribe Real. We where so happy with both hotels the food was great and the personal. In my book that is the way that a manager of a hotel should take care his gests. If we ever get a chance to go back to Cancun is going to be Gran Caribe Real or Gran Costa Real.
Edgar & Maria Rojas, edgarrojas@adelphi.net, 2004-02-20

Just returned from Gran Costa Real in January. We were very pleased with this place. The staff were very friendly and extremely helpful. The beach although small is in a bit of a cove, so you did not get the big waves off the ocean and was big enough for everyone. The room was clean and very comfortable. As in most buffets, it gets a little boring, but with the mix of the a la carte restaurant and the snack bar, everyone was happy. I took the whole family on this vacation, which included kids 15, 8, and 1 and everyone had a great time. Would not hesitate to return here.
Lee Bellamy, bellamy629@shaw.ca, 2004-01-26

My new husband and I spent our honeymoon at Gran Costa Real. It was a fantastic holiday. I would recommend the hotel to everyone. Great position, staff, food and the view from our room was wonderful. Being able to eat and drink at the other hotels in the chain was brilliant - we eat and drank at the Gran Caribe alot of the time - amazing hotel.
Jenny Ley-Meek, South Wales, UK, jennyley@btconnect.com, 2003-08-24

Our stay with Gran Costa Real was awesome! Great service and we loved the daily menu changes! Enjoyed access to their sister properties which had much better beaches (liked Playa del Carmen!). Close to bus stops which gives fast connections to downtown and the shopping. Will return to Costa Real for good service and the great price for our next visit!
Lilliana, redlimelily@yahoo.ca, 2003-07-04

I had a wonderful time at the Gran Costa Real in 2000. I am planning a return trip this year. Thank you and see you soon.
Pamela Dorsey, Birmingham, Alabama, pdorsey@brookspc.net, 2003-06-25

The Gran Costa Real was an amazing place. The staff are wonderful. They are friendly, fun, interesting and knowledgeable. The food was great and the hotel itself was perfect. I would highly recommend it. I plan to return another time.
Pamela Walach, Nova Scotia, Canada, pamywalach@hotmail.com, 2003-06-22

The hotel Gran Costa Real was just perfect. I enjoyed every part of it. I look forward to returning in the near future.
Vanessa Hernandez from Miami, VnHrnnd6@aol.com, 2003-05-21

I would like to say thank you to the Gran Costa Real Hotel. I had a great time and I will look forward to coming back to your county-city place. I had a great time every thing was WONDERFUL!! I also love the way your pool was shaped!!
Kaelee Hatfield, e-mail withheld, 2003-01-21

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