Barcelo Maya Tropical

Barcelo Maya Tropical is part of the large Barcelo Maya Grand Resort complex, which includes three other properties -- Barcelo Maya Beach and Barcelo Maya Caribe (both built in 1999) and Barcelo Maya Colonial (built at the same time as Tropical). The resort has a simple colonial style with yellow and orange tones, wood and wicker furniture, and several columns throughout. While this can be charming and atmospheric in part, some patterned linens and upholstery feel more dated than quaint. Lots of palm trees, concrete statues of Mayans and serpents, decorative pools, and grassy areas, however, are lovely. The vibe is bustling, attracting a mix of couples, groups of friends, and families with young kids. 

Strictly speaking, the Tropical section of the resort is small, making most things on-site within a five- to seven-minute walk or less. Poorly marked pathways and tight proximity between properties make it easy to get lost, land in a dead end, or wander onto a sister resort property -- and many guests move fluidly throughout the four properties. The only resort not accessible to Tropical guests is the neighboring Barcelo Maya Palace, a luxury-level property with restricted access. During our stay, we found check-in to be disorganized, even for those with Premium status.

Barcelo Maya Tropical is a beachfront resort located just south of Puerto Aventuras, within the sprawling Barcelo Maya Grand Resort complex. It's 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, and a 20-minute drive to Akumal or 35-minute drive to Tulum. Its central position in the Riviera Maya makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. Popular parks Xplor, Xenses, and Xcaret are a 17-minute drive north, and the Coba ruins can be reached in an hour and 10 minutes. Cancun International Airport is one hour north by car. 

Barcelo Maya Tropical has 479 spacious and spotless guest rooms and suites, featuring colonial-style decor that includes terra-cotta tile floors, traditional wood furniture, and old-fashioned patterned drapes, couch upholstery, and bed skirts, which creates a dated vibe. Until renovations, the rooms here are of a higher category than those next door at Caribe, but lower than those you'll find at Maya Palace. All rooms have free minibars that are restocked daily with national beer, soda, and water, as well as AC, irons, bathrobes and slippers, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Expect balconies or grassy walkouts with chairs or loungers, except in Family Suites. Spacious bathrooms have walk-in showers and pump toiletries. 

Superior Rooms start at 409 square feet, and have coffeemakers, laptop-sized safes, and a foam cushion couch that doubles as a bed for a small child. Junior Suites feature archways that act as visual dividers to the sitting areas and balconies with pool and ocean views. The corner-located Master Suites upgrade the coffeemakers to espresso machines, plus add dining rooms, full living areas with large balconies housing hammocks that connect to the master bedrooms. Bathrooms are big, with separated walk-in showers and tubs, plus dual vanities with dental and shave kits. Both Junior Suites and Master Suites come with bath salts and a few extra snack items in the minibars. Family Rooms have perks like two sofa beds and small kitchenettes with electric stoves, microwaves, and fridges, but lack balconies. 

Tropical’s main pool is large, featuring many sections with small, connecting bridges. It bumps right up against the Colonial’s pool, giving both pools the illusion of a bigger size. A swim-up bar is on the far end, though most guests tend to grab drinks closer to the action, at Colonial's swim-up bar. As the main pool area is for families, anyone looking for an adult-only pool will need to take a 20-minute walk to the Maya Beach section. The sports pool is positioned closer to the guest room blocks, and its configuration rotates throughout the day between setups for lap swimming and team games. All pools have a hefty number of loungers (though no drink service), including shaded areas and hammocks, so there is no need for reserving or fighting over lounge space. 

Barcelo Maya Tropical has a large, mile-long stretch of private beach shared only with its neighboring sister properties. The waterline directly behind Tropical can be rocky, and offshore snorkeling is better in front of the Palace section. The beach is wide and offers ample space for walking, and guests have a first-come, first-served choice of an abundance of loungers. There are no umbrellas, but several tall palm trees provide shade. Expect lifeguard service during daytime hours, but no drink service. 

Nearly all food, several activities, and entertainment are covered in the hotel's all-inclusive rate, including a specific number of meals at the la carte restaurants (based on length of stay), non-motorized water sports like water tricycles and windsurfing, tennis and other sports courts, and in-room minibars stocked with beer, water, and soft drinks. Expect free entry to the dolphinarium shows, kids' club, and tastings at the La Cantina tequila bar, while there are extra fees for the PADI dive center (snorkeling gear is available with a deposit), motorized water sports, drinks at La Cantina, and Wi-Fi. Likewise, activities at the Maya Mall and entrance to the Pirates Water Park cost extra. All rates include a large resort credit that's able to be spent in the form of percentage discounts off bottles of wine, at the spa, activities, and products. 

Upgrades to Premium level bring extra freebies ranging from daily use of the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit, Wi-Fi for up to two devices, and premium booze. Premium guests also have a dedicated check-in and lounge, unlimited reservations at the a la carte restaurants, better-positioned rooms, and in-room beach/pool towels. 

There is no resort fee.

The Tropical buffet is large and has its own full-service bar that subs as a juice spot and Bloody Mary bar during breakfast. Guests can expect themed nights, live carving stations, a wide selection of desserts, made-to-order omelets, and plenty of seating. Out by the pool, the Palmeras snack bar serves a big buffet of Mexican and American dishes. There are nine a la carte restaurants in the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort complex, though only six are available to Tropical guests. These include the two restaurants on-site, Capri (Italian) and Sante Fe (steakhouse), and the Mexican, Asian, seafood, and Spanish options at the Colonial, Caribe, and Maya Beach properties. Reservations are required and should be made as early as possible. Room service is available, and there is a small, 24-hour buffet inside the bowling alley at Caribe's Mayan Mall. 

Reciprocal access to all of Barcelo Maya Grand Resort's properties is a huge perk of staying at the Tropical. This gives visitors access to five additional pools, including an adult-only pool at Maya Beach, as well as free dolphin shows at the Dolphinarium, four additional a la carte dining options, a PADI dive center, the Jaguar nightclub, and a big mall. Guests can easily move between sister properties thanks to a free shuttle, though most shared features are within a 20-minute walk of the Tropical. 

Tropical is home to a set of free tennis courts, its own theater that doubles as an event space, and a multipurpose sports court by the pool. There's also a small area by the snack buffet where guests will find craft sessions, can check out board games, and shop local handicrafts. The U Spa and Fitness Center is huge and located next door at the Colonial. Standout features include an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy circuit, couples' treatment room with whirlpool, and a well-stocked gym with Technogym equipment, resistance bands, and group classes. In addition to a 24-hour bowling alley, buffet, and arcade, the Maya Mall at Caribe also has a casino, teen dance club, and mini-golf. 

There are no specific kid-friendly features on-site at Tropical outside of a small kids' area in the main buffet, though complex-wide kid features include a small water park area with slides at Colonial, the larger Pirates Island water park (fee), Barcy Kids Club for ages 4 to 12, and a kids' spa room decked out in pink, off the main spa.