Pros

  • Private beachfront with loungers and umbrellas
  • Six interconnected pools, one of which is for adults only
  • Spacious suites with a stocked fridge and TVs
  • Gorgeous Mayan-inspired grounds
  • Four restaurants: a buffet, Mexican, Italian and Japanese
  • All-inclusive rate includes restaurants and five bars
  • Kid-friendly amenities include a waterslide, kids' club, and animation team
  • Meeting/event spaces
  • Well-equipped fitness center and spa
  • Free parking
  • Most staff speak English
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Cons

  • Wi-Fi only free in lobby; otherwise fees apply
  • Tap water is not potable (typical in Mexico)
  • Some wear and tear in guest rooms
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The 324-room all-inclusive Barcelo Karmina is an upper-middle-range property with all the amenities you expect from the Barcelo hotel chain. The suites are spacious, if a bit spartan, but have balconies, stocked fridges, and comfortable beds. The beach is smaller than most, bit it's private, so no pesky vendors. The hotel's huge pool complex has six interconnected pools, including an adult-only pool and hot tub. There are four restaurants and five bars, and the food receives solid reviews. Also spread out amongst the Mayan-inspired grounds are a spa, fitness center, meeting spaces, kids' club, and tennis courts. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby, unless you upgrade to a Club Premium room, though several guests report it isn't worth it. 

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Kids Club
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Barcelo Karmina

Scene

Bustling all-inclusive with gorgeous Mayan-inspired architecture

A long road off the main street takes guests to the hotel's entrance, where the Mayan-inspired architecture is immediately apparent. The seven-story white building has carvings and gold stone that brings to mind the ancient culture. Inside, the lobby's ceiling is covered in the same stunning stone, and columns are etched with Mayan designs. Guests are often seated at one of the dozens of wooden chairs and tables, either making use of the Wi-Fi or grabbing a drink from the lobby bar.

The manicured grounds are just as gorgeous -- complete with winding stone pathways, palm trees, and a Buddha garden with rock sculptures. It's a peaceful environment unless you're by the waterslide at the Family Pool or taking part in the theater show at night. Speaking of, be aware that the show runs late and can be heard from many of the rooms. Request one away from the theater if you're not interested in hearing Disney tunes until 11 p.m. While guests are primarily families, couples and groups of friends still frequent the hotel.   

See More Scene

Location

On the Santiago Peninsula in Manzanillo, about 40 minutes by car from the airport 

The Playa de Oro International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel; the hotel can arrange an airport transfer for a fee. Most restaurants and sites require a car, though cabs are plentiful and inexpensive. A Walmart is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and a Starbucks is six minutes away by car. It's a four-hour drive from the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Guadalajara. Many visitors choose to rent a car to explore the surrounding area, and the hotel provides free outdoor and garage parking.

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious suites have bland decor, but come with balconies and stocked mini-fridges 

The most basic rooms are the Junior Suite Deluxe, which are a spacious 667 square feet. They're decorated blandly with wooden furniture, white bedding, and a couple pieces of Mayan-inspired wall art. They all have a living room area, though it's not separate, which includes a blue love seat, chair, glass dining table, and a flat-screen TV. Across from the bed is an armoire with another flat-screen TV. All rooms have mini-fridges with water, beer, soda, juice, and snacks, which are refilled each day. In-room safes, coffeemakers, robes and slippers, and balconies with either garden or ocean views are also standard. The large marble bathrooms have bathtubs, separate showers, two sinks, hairdryers, and ample toiletries.

Upgrading to Club Premium means a higher-floor room with better views of the ocean. You'll get a few extra perks, like 24-hour room service, in-room Wi-Fi, and premium liquor. You'll also gain access to the Club Premium Lounge, which has computers, and snacks and coffee throughout the day.  

See More Rooms

Features

Huge pool complex, private beach, spa and fitness center, meeting spaces, a theater, and water sports

The private beach at Barcelo Karmina is a small cove separated from the ocean by the 18th hole of the Las Hadas Golf Course. It has several blue plastic loungers, umbrellas, water sports, and cabanas for a fee. Since it's private, the beach is free of vendors. The hotel's pool complex is huge, consisting of six interconnected pools that have lush greenery surrounding them. There's one secluded adult-only pool and another whirlpool also restricted to adults. The family pool has a fake grotto and a kids-only waterslide. The animation team sometimes leads activities in and around the pool. 

The U-Spa has a variety of treatments available, including massages for couples. The adjacent fitness center is well-equipped with plenty of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights. A beauty salon is also available. Other facilities include tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and game room. Many of the families participate in the nightly show at Teatro Maya; the night I was there was Disney-themed, with both English and Spanish songs. There's also a disco for adults from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Additionally, there's a business center with computers, several meeting and event spaces, a boutique, tobacco store, and photo shop on-site.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Four restaurants -- buffet, Mexican, Japanese, and Italian, a snack bar, and five bars

The all-inclusive package means guests can take advantage of any of the five bars or four restaurants at the hotel. The main Bugambilias Buffet is open for all meals, including a kids' section for picky eaters. It receives favorable reviews, particularly for an all-inclusive resort. Indoor seating includes blue wooden chairs on marble floors and the outdoor space has metal chairs and tables under a canvas. Times vary and reservations must be made for the three a la carte restaurants; they also require a dress code. Agave is an open-air, thatched-roof Mexican restaurant on the cliff that has stunning views over the ocean. Capri is the Italian restaurant located within the pool complex and Kyoto is the Japanese restaurant next to the main buffet.

There's also a Beach Snack Bar that serves fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, and tacos throughout the day. There are five bars spread throughout the property that guests can order from, though only the Club Premium visitors receive premium liquor. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Things You Should Know About Barcelo Karmina

Also Known As

  • Barcelo Karmina Palace Deluxe

Address

Ave Vista Hermosa 13, Manzanillo 28867, Mexico

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Barcelo Karmina

Scene

Bustling all-inclusive with gorgeous Mayan-inspired architecture

A long road off the main street takes guests to the hotel's entrance, where the Mayan-inspired architecture is immediately apparent. The seven-story white building has carvings and gold stone that brings to mind the ancient culture. Inside, the lobby's ceiling is covered in the same stunning stone, and columns are etched with Mayan designs. Guests are often seated at one of the dozens of wooden chairs and tables, either making use of the Wi-Fi or grabbing a drink from the lobby bar.

The manicured grounds are just as gorgeous -- complete with winding stone pathways, palm trees, and a Buddha garden with rock sculptures. It's a peaceful environment unless you're by the waterslide at the Family Pool or taking part in the theater show at night. Speaking of, be aware that the show runs late and can be heard from many of the rooms. Request one away from the theater if you're not interested in hearing Disney tunes until 11 p.m. While guests are primarily families, couples and groups of friends still frequent the hotel.   

See More Scene

Location

On the Santiago Peninsula in Manzanillo, about 40 minutes by car from the airport 

The Playa de Oro International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel; the hotel can arrange an airport transfer for a fee. Most restaurants and sites require a car, though cabs are plentiful and inexpensive. A Walmart is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and a Starbucks is six minutes away by car. It's a four-hour drive from the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Guadalajara. Many visitors choose to rent a car to explore the surrounding area, and the hotel provides free outdoor and garage parking.

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious suites have bland decor, but come with balconies and stocked mini-fridges 

The most basic rooms are the Junior Suite Deluxe, which are a spacious 667 square feet. They're decorated blandly with wooden furniture, white bedding, and a couple pieces of Mayan-inspired wall art. They all have a living room area, though it's not separate, which includes a blue love seat, chair, glass dining table, and a flat-screen TV. Across from the bed is an armoire with another flat-screen TV. All rooms have mini-fridges with water, beer, soda, juice, and snacks, which are refilled each day. In-room safes, coffeemakers, robes and slippers, and balconies with either garden or ocean views are also standard. The large marble bathrooms have bathtubs, separate showers, two sinks, hairdryers, and ample toiletries.

Upgrading to Club Premium means a higher-floor room with better views of the ocean. You'll get a few extra perks, like 24-hour room service, in-room Wi-Fi, and premium liquor. You'll also gain access to the Club Premium Lounge, which has computers, and snacks and coffee throughout the day.  

See More Rooms

Features

Huge pool complex, private beach, spa and fitness center, meeting spaces, a theater, and water sports

The private beach at Barcelo Karmina is a small cove separated from the ocean by the 18th hole of the Las Hadas Golf Course. It has several blue plastic loungers, umbrellas, water sports, and cabanas for a fee. Since it's private, the beach is free of vendors. The hotel's pool complex is huge, consisting of six interconnected pools that have lush greenery surrounding them. There's one secluded adult-only pool and another whirlpool also restricted to adults. The family pool has a fake grotto and a kids-only waterslide. The animation team sometimes leads activities in and around the pool. 

The U-Spa has a variety of treatments available, including massages for couples. The adjacent fitness center is well-equipped with plenty of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights. A beauty salon is also available. Other facilities include tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and game room. Many of the families participate in the nightly show at Teatro Maya; the night I was there was Disney-themed, with both English and Spanish songs. There's also a disco for adults from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Additionally, there's a business center with computers, several meeting and event spaces, a boutique, tobacco store, and photo shop on-site.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Four restaurants -- buffet, Mexican, Japanese, and Italian, a snack bar, and five bars

The all-inclusive package means guests can take advantage of any of the five bars or four restaurants at the hotel. The main Bugambilias Buffet is open for all meals, including a kids' section for picky eaters. It receives favorable reviews, particularly for an all-inclusive resort. Indoor seating includes blue wooden chairs on marble floors and the outdoor space has metal chairs and tables under a canvas. Times vary and reservations must be made for the three a la carte restaurants; they also require a dress code. Agave is an open-air, thatched-roof Mexican restaurant on the cliff that has stunning views over the ocean. Capri is the Italian restaurant located within the pool complex and Kyoto is the Japanese restaurant next to the main buffet.

There's also a Beach Snack Bar that serves fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, and tacos throughout the day. There are five bars spread throughout the property that guests can order from, though only the Club Premium visitors receive premium liquor. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Kids Club

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.