Barcelo Huatulco

The Barcelo chain isn't exactly known for its chic and stylish properties, and the quality can vary from one resort to the next. While most of the common areas at this outpost do look in need of an overhaul, they're well kept, and most guests are pleased with their stays. First impressions are appropriately breezy and beachy, and the lobby has an open-floor concept, which opens to the pool terrace, where most of the socializing is done during the day. With the Lobby Bar open throughout the afternoon, and music playing down by the pool, guests can expect both of those areas to be busy and sometimes overrun. There's an adult-only pool for those who want something a little more tranquil. As only one of two restaurants open during the day, Dona Rose Buffet Restaurant can fill up with lines during peak breakfast and lunch times, while at night the a la carte restaurants require reservations. At night, there are shows at the Oaxacan Theatre, as well as the late night El Jorongo with live music, dancing, and drinks. Guests should note some entertainment is only offered based on occupancy. Even though it's a busy, bustling spot most of the year, the property rarely gets rowdy, and guests are mostly families, as well as couples.

Located on the popular Boulevard Benito Juarez, Barcelo Huatulco is situated right on the golden sands of Tangolunda Beach, with great offshore views. It's all big resorts and tourist trappings out here, and those seeking more to see and do will need to drive. Guests who enjoy golf can head to the 18-hole Las Parotas Golf Course, a five-minute drive from the hotel. Chahue Beach is 10 minutes from the hotel by car, as is the small tourist town of Santa Cruz, which has open-air markets, restaurants, and shops. There's also plenty of street food available along Boulevard Chahue, a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Downtown Las Crucecitas is a 15-minute drive away from the hotel. For nature lovers, the trails and wildlife of Huatulco National Park is a 15-minute drive away, and feature over 700 species of birds. It will take 25 minutes to reach Huatulco International Airport by car. 

Across all categories, rooms are spacious and modern, especially when compared to the more dated common areas in the hotel. Still, it's a simple look, and colors in the rooms tend toward green, black, and brown. Some pieces of furniture look a bit older or more classic, like the tables and chairs that we saw in the room we visited. There's just a bit of bright art hanging on the walls. Rooms have king or double beds plus flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, safes, air-conditioning, and minibars. There is plenty of walking space and extra seating, with either dining tables or couches, and all rooms sleep up to four adults. They also come with balconies, and some have ocean views -- larger rooms feature outdoor hammocks or lounge chairs. The nightly turndown service is a nice extra, though unfortunately Wi-Fi is only free with Club Premium plans. Higher-category suites include separate living and dining rooms. Bathrooms are spacious and have standing glass showers with rainfall showerheads. All bathrooms feature hairdryers, toiletries, and plenty of vanity space.  

Barcelo Huatulco has plenty of features to keep everyone busy. Situated on the golden sands of Tangolunda Beach, the hotel has plenty of blue lounge chairs for sunbathing. Three pools overlook the Pacific Ocean -- a kids' pools, adult-only pool, and activities pool. The kids' pool features water slides, fountains, and waterfalls for the kids, while the adult-only pool has a swim-up bar and Mexican music. The spacious pool terrace can get busy and loud during the day when the hotel is full, though it generally lacks the same boozy chaos of other all-inclusives we've visited.

There are a few entertainment and wellness options on offer at the Barcelo Huatulco as well. The hotel has a tranquil spa offering massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa waiting room has fresh fruit, water, and cookies, though decor is a bit dated. A spacious fitness center is located near the spa, with plenty of modern cardio equipment and free weights. There are also a few flat-screen TVs. A spacious game room is available for families to use with a few ping-pong tables, flat-screen TVs, and foosball tables. The hotel also has mini-golf and other ways to keep the little ones distracted. Tennis, basketball, and other outdoor sports are offered as well.

Self and valet parking is free, though Wi-Fi is only free for those who've paid Club Premium rates.

There are two tiers of all-inclusive rates available here, and Club Premium rates -- of course -- include more, like premium liquors and extra in-room and in-hotel perks. Dona Rose Buffet Restaurant is the Barcelo Huatulco’s main restaurant, serving an international cuisine and local flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. La Tortuga, the open-air restaurant adjacent to the pool terrace, serves a traditional buffet breakfast and lunch with spectacular views of Tangolunda Bay. Snacks are served at La Tortuga in the afternoon, and guests can expect ceviche, nachos, burgers, and hot dogs. Both of these can be busy, as they're the only dining options that are open during the day.

There are four a la carte options, though guests should note that restaurants are open based on occupancy and most have dress codes. Reservations are also required at all but the sushi spot. Agave Restaurant serves traditional Oaxacan cuisine in a spacious and bright setting with red cushioned chairs, chandeliers, and striped tablecloths. Spanish cuisine is served at Don Quijote, alongside piano music. For dinner service, La Tortuga changes to the open-air Italian restaurant La Trattoria, serving pastas and pizzas. The tiny Kyoto Sushi Bar serves salads, sashimi, and temaki in an intimate space.

There are plenty of places throughout the hotel for guests to grab a drink. Open throughout the afternoon and evening, the open-floor concept Lobby Bar serves beer, wine, and mixed drinks in a casual setting with plenty of couches and space to socialize. In the afternoon, there are pastries and snacks set up next to the sunken bar. The swim-up pool bar is open during the day and serves beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Bar Palmas also serves drinks throughout the day, but in a quieter setting. El Jorongo is open late night, with live music, lots of tequila and mezcal, and dancing. There are also nightly themed shows in the theater, and entertainment scores fairly good marks from previous guests.