Barcelo Isla Canela

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.

Excellent hotel with lovely gardens and water features, friendly helpful staff and the food in the restaurant was delicious and so much to choose from.

A beautful resort. A good size, so well equipped with facilties, but not so big that you feel like one in a crowd. Rooms are well-appointed and beautifully clean. The resort has great swimming pools (also very clean) which are well maintained, as are the rest of the grounds. A gym, tenis court, paddel ourt, and spa centre complete the offering. If you want to have a restful stay whilst 'chilli' in Isla Calena, then I don't think you will be disappointed with a stay here. We came in 2024, then again this year (2025). I can see us returning next year as well..

O que menos gostei foi a limpeza dos quartos e corredores.
Todo o resto foi bastante bom.

Excellent hotel, from the accommodations to the service provided and kind and professional staff. We loved everything about our stay and we’ll go there again for sure. The rooms were impeccable and extremely well cleaned. All the staff from room service to reception very kind and professional. The swimming pool area very organised and extremely clean also. The breakfast is excellent with wide variety of choices.

Muy bonito el hotel con una ubicacion estupenda para la playa. Necesita algo de reparacion pero por estar en la playa sufren mas los materiales

The hotel is great. Very good food. It is a family hotel and I really liked it. Great animation, special mention to Poli who made us have a great time. Thanks to him the experience was unforgettable.

Stay in September 2021. The hotel is very beautiful and very well maintained, the common areas are flowery and wooded, there are small fountains. The buffet is well stocked and very varied and compared to other all-inclusive formulas, of very good quality (quality meat and fish) varied and well-cooked vegetables. The beach is right in front of the hotel so perfect for sunbathing. Ditto very beautiful outdoor swimming pool and also a small indoor swimming pool. Lots of deckchairs and parasols, we had no trouble finding free places despite people reserving "their" deckchair from 8 a.m. The staff is also very friendly and very considerate. Two bars, one near the swimming pool and one near the restaurant with a lot of choice. The anticovid measures are well respected and well monitored. Negative points: unheated and relatively cold pool water.. very nauseating smell of latrine next to the pool bar, yet after a week of searching I did not find a toilet in this place. Hotel corridors that resonate and people who do not know how to speak quietly or whisper and who wake up the whole floor ... Huge waste in the restaurant ... The all-inclusive formula means that many customers serve themselves huge plates which are then unfinished and thrown away which bothers me in 2021 ... The evening entertainment starts too late 10:30 p.m. and is exclusively in Spanish despite the international clientele. Last negative point: hotel out of the city and places of interest, only one bus per hour and stopped after 7 p.m. ... No shuttle organized by the hotel which is a shame. Conclusion: Positive assessment, ideal hotel for resting and sunbathing but no more than 7 days.

Great location, amazing staff and really awesome week in this hotel!! The food is great and it's the paradise for any celiac, they are really prepare for handling gluten free or other intolerances. The reception and flexibility is great, very efficient in cleaning and in all aspects. The food is really good and they have a lot of variety, really great stuff!! My kid loved it and we also did, next year we will return for another amazing week.