I have been to the Barcelo 3 times at different times of the year and have yet to find anything negative. This is my take...
Check-in: As in most places, they say rooms will be ready by 3....we have never had a problem getting checked in by then and have always been treated with utmost respect and courtesy. We had concerns with having some photos we had taken on our last day delivered in time and the hotel desk staff went out of our way to help us out! (By the way--photos right on time!!)
Photo Booth: Down the hall around the corner from front desk is a Photo Place. If you set up an appointment, they have a photographer that will take you out on the beautiful resort property, down to the beach, etc. and photograph you.....you can pick what you want and get in a book or even get a CD with photos on it....we found prices to be very reasonable in comparison to the US....my husband were celebrating our first anniversary and eloped last year, so didn't have but a small amount of personally taken photos, so this was a treat for us...we loved the pics and bought them all! We highly recommend these people!!
Bars: Can't say enough good about them---if you think you need more alcohol in them, they will accomodate you---and as others have said....tipping a little gets you a lot. We slip our waitresses in the bars a $10 and she takes good care of you all night!
Food: For the food complainers....remember--you are not in the US anymore...nothing is going to taste the same...if that's what you want, then maybe you shouldn't leave home!! My husband is the king of picky and he loves all the food here--some more than others though...our favorite is the Mexican Restaurant--be sure to reserve--the steak (Filet Mignon) was excellent every time. We ate at the seafood place 1 time--good, but we found the Mexican to be our favorite. The other 2 are buffet and everyone should be able to find something to satisfy them....the restaurant down by the pool serves quickie snack bar type food during the day such as pizza, burgers, hotdogs, nachos, plus other stuff...if you have picky kids, they will find something they like here. Again, the wait staff goes out of their way to please and we have no problem with rewarding their hard work with tips.
Pools: Very clean...many chaise lounges..3 of them...one caters to the ususally younger crowd with games, music, etc....this was funny to watch!!
Rooms: We always get ocean view and have never been disappointed....maids kept room spotless and well stocked with drinks and towels....but as in ANY place I have been in Mexico, at times the HOT shower is lukewarm at best, but again---this is Mexico- not the US!!
Beach: Beach area has shrunk, as in many of the resorts on the strip....but adequate with plenty of lounge chairs if you want them. Not as many vendors here as there used to be, but I like that!! Not too many rocks...
Conclusion: I don't think I have left anything out...if I have, feel free to contact me to ask---we feel like the Barcelo is our home away from home....oh and the Kuklakhan Plaza mall is a walk right across the street and we love to browse there...there's a luxury mall on one end (and I do mean Expensive!!) but there are many other places to buy reasonable souvenirs, etc here. Also be sure to skip the taxi and use the busses...an adventure in itself! Be sure you sit in a hurry because they take off quick---only around 60 cents a person...that's all we use.
All in all, there is something for everyone at the Barcelo Tucancun Resort!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine, Shopping