Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort

Beautiful hotel beside gorgeous beach. Unfortunately only one receptionist spoke English which created a problem and we only saw her at check in. The animation team also only spoke in Spanish so if with kids they can’t join in plus evening entertainment was also only in Spanish. Food was also geared to Spanish cold scrambled egg ,cold meatballs, cold spaghetti bolognaise etc though lovely warm soup at lunch and dinner . Cleaners and bar staff were smiley but a few receptionists were extremely rude and unapproachable. Food was very repetitive and 3star standard not 4star. Unless you speak Spanish and like cold food steer clear .

1. Once I got in bed, from day 1, I got dust mite allergy. I did not realise at start. Before the last night, I asked to see the manager who was not available. I was told he will call me back. The manager never did. 2. The Italian restaurant they operate is more like a food that does not demand much skill. Fruits are left in one area, yogurt in another, salad bar, cheese bar, overcooked food, bacon in a lot of food, not enough variety for vegetarians or vegans. I suggest for vegetarians and vegans to stay away from this hotel. The food is basic. For example, the tiramisu is not good and if I have to rate this on a scale of 10, I will give it “0”. The risotto was average or below average, the aubergine parmigiana was another joke, the aubergines were sliced between 3 to 4 cms thick, tasteless, as if prepared by a worst cafe chef instead of an Italian restaurant in a hotel. The food seemed to have been prepared by a below average Italian chef. I was told that I can arrange and suggest for some food for vegetarian but got completely ignored when requested. 3. Watch out before signing on order invoices in the Italian restaurant at the entrance. The lady welcoming you will get you to sign a blank order invoice even if you do not intend to order any drink. Check your bills before paying. This could be a fraudulent practice that I drew their attention on given I am an auditor of hotels and businesses!! 4. Lack of facilities: very limited. 5. Not welcoming for non-Spanish!

Good location, big space, poor check-in process and restaurant organization, lack of options in the bar and for all-inclusive methods, you have to pay some utilities in hotel, like the warm pool and padal space as extra and the parking too. I don't think it's fair once you just have a kid entertainment inside the resort (think a rain day) nothing to do and not a rainy day beach and pool. Always the same for 3 people, accommodation is not prepare for it.

Good location, big space, poor check-in process and restaurant organization, lack of options in the bar and for all-inclusive methods, you have to pay some utilities in hotel, like the warm pool and padal space as extra and the parking too. I don't think it's fair once you just have a kid entertainment inside the resort (think a rain day) nothing to do and not a rainy day beach and pool. Always the same for 3 people, accommodation is not prepare for it.