Barceló Isla Canela

Nice rooms, all inclusive does not mean all food & drinks Staff are friendly and polite. Some drinks are weak but palatable and food was plentiful and tasty Evening entertainment was good, and varied, I also think it's a lovely location

Just back from 10 days at the Barcelo where we had a good stay overall. There are some really nice aspects to the hotel but one or two things for us, that could be improved a little so understand some reviews on TA. The grounds are lovely and well maintained. The pool is OK but shallow and was very cold. It’s basically one pool, with a connecting *****. We booked a suite, which was well laid out. The bathroom was well designed with bath and a separate double shower, the bed was very comfortable and the lounge area was spacious, but a couple of pictures on the wall would make it less stark. Our patio are was rather small and we did not use it. House keeping was OK but the app was a bit hit and miss ordering stuff. Hand soap was in the bathroom and shower gel by the sink. Had to request a change of sheets as whilst I don’t expect this done every day at least once is what I would expect. Minor points really but they make a difference The suite was advertised having tea and coffee making facilities. But we had to ask 3 times to get it sorted, which it eventually was. Reception staff were ok and functional with check in and check out. We had B and B, which was a buffet style. Food choice was good. Coffee from machines was not the best and in other hotels with buffets you get served this. Possibly this hotel catering for large numbers of (predominantly elderly) customers means this is not an option. We did not see any activities in the entertainment area and it did look a little like a dark 1980s set up. There are other planned activities such as aqua size and there is a kids club but this hotel seemed really not the choice for many young couples or families. We knew there was not much in Isla Canela and that was fine for us. There are a few restaurants, but watch the opening times. Puccinis was excellent with the Bomadill and Didiers worth a visit. Bus to Ayamonte is €1 .50 and it’s OK for a day trip. Be wary when planing for the siesta times as things literally shut down for 2-3 hours. The bus goes via the Marina area and you can walk it in around 45 minutes along a good walkway . It’s OK but again not much was open. Boat trip for €14 around the harbour with some shrimps and wine was good. There is a tourist train ( reception told us it was not running!) that goes to the Marina but €4 per person each way and only runs 3/4 times a day. The beach is superb and really enjoyed walking along it literally having no one around you for miles during the week. A shame the hotel does not have a bar/ sunbeds on the beach. Overall we did enjoy our break but would not return to the hotel/area. Much is good about the Barcelo but a few aspects ( subjective I know)in our view could be improved.

We have stayed at a few Barcelo Hotels and had a great experience but we are really disappointed with the Barcelo in Isla Canela. When you arrive at the hotel no one meets you at the door to help with your luggage or take it to your room after check-in. Check-in is at 2 pm but room was not available, we were told 10 minutes, then 10-20 minutes, an hour later still waiting in the lobby and no one offered to store our bags or use the facilities until the room was ready. Finally got into our room which was very small and the bottom of the shower looked filthy but was actually very old and paint had peeled off. During our stay we came across (4) nice employees but the rest were rude. The only nice thing about this hotel are the beautiful grounds and the pools. After 40 years of traveling, this is the first time I've posted a complaint.

The hotel is nice with beautyfull andalousian style, great location, nice swimming pool, not too crowded, Very good food quality and nice presentation. The staff however was very unfriendly. No understanding of any basic english or french language. In the evening too much noice till after 1am. Very thin walls so poor night sleep.