Barceló Hotels in Phuket

Reviewing this hotel is quite a challenge for me. After a four-night stay, I have a lot of thoughts, with both pros and cons standing out significantly. Let's start with the downsides. Firstly, the food expenses were surprisingly higher than the room rate, and the taste was noticeably inferior compared to the main island – a classic 'only option here' situation. We didn't opt for the all-inclusive package as we don't drink alcohol, need to manage sugar intake, and honestly, the dishes themselves weren't particularly tasty. So, we ended up ordering à la carte at different hotel restaurants for every meal. Secondly, the muddy beach resulted in murky seawater, making good photos nearly impossible. Thirdly, there were clear lapses in hotel management. One afternoon, while we were relaxing in our room, housekeeping repeatedly sent bath towels – three times in a row! By the third time, the staff member looked displeased and mumbled something. I didn't hold back then and used a translation app to clearly state that we hadn't requested any service and that the hotel had simply mixed up the room numbers. The staff member eventually brushed it off as a 'system error' and offered no further explanation. Additionally, there was a severe shortage of shuttle buses and drivers. Most waits were over twenty minutes, and on several occasions, we had to queue for a shuttle, which really tested our patience. Of course, there were highlights worth mentioning too. The water slides were excellent, and our child had a blast. The 24-hour complimentary shuttle boat service was thoughtful and convenient. Breakfast was also good. The restaurant staff and the Caucasian hotel manager were very nice. Overall, as an isolated island five-star resort, there are better options in the same category. If you want to have a truly enjoyable trip, it's worth comparing more choices. BTW: There were quite a few Indian guests.