Barcelo Palmeraie

A beautiful hotel set in the most amazing setting! So very disappointed to find this not the standard I was used to being advertised as 5 Unfortunately the smallest things let this 5 star hotel down. The biggest one was the food which is a bit like the same throughout the day and evening. Not very nice, ok if you’re just having breakfast and going out. To be honest quite boring even though there’s a lot of choice, we were disappointed as we booked all inclusive but were told we could not have everything on the menu by the bar and pool areas. We had to Pay extra. I have always had all inclusive and that’s exactly what it means everything is included so I was a bit surprised to find this was not the case here. The adult pool was the worse, the beds had seen better days, they were torn and shabby and looked quite dirty. We were given plastic cups with straws that bent as soon as you took a sip. The glasses were stained and looked like they had been used thousands of times. Empty bottles under the sun lounges that hadn’t been picked up with rubbish. The staff had to be asked to pick these up. They just stood around aimlessly doing nothing. One day one night was enough for us. We checked out the next day. There was no way we could have stayed here for 5 night. Just looked very repetitive. The rooms were clean and nice and the bed was comfortable. If the staff payed attention to detail these things could easily be sorted and bring it up to 5 So for that reason I give it 4* all the way. Shame really as this could have easily been avoided. At reception all we got was sorry and yes we will let management know.

1. Resort Layout and Physical Setting

The resort is spread across a large area, with accommodation mainly in one- or two-storey buildings rather than a tall hotel block. This creates a lovely rural atmosphere, with beautiful views of trees and greenery, which is a definite advantage for those seeking a peaceful and natural environment.

However, the resort’s size and layout also have a significant downside. Our room was approximately a 10–12-minute walk from the restaurant and several minutes away from the bar. Consequently, every time we wanted food or drinks, we had to walk quite a distance. This somewhat defeats the convenience of an all-inclusive holiday, particularly for guests who prefer easy access to refreshments.

While the layout may be ideal for younger and more physically active guests, it can be challenging for older people or those with mobility difficulties. Another consideration is that, because the resort has so many trees and green spaces, insects can be an issue. Carrying food or drinks back to your room may expose them to insects along the way, which is worth bearing in mind.

2. Food Quality and Variety

Overall, the food was reasonable, although there was room for improvement in terms of variety. Having previously experienced all-inclusive holidays in Turkey and Egypt, I would say that both countries offer a wider selection of food compared with this resort in Morocco.

Chicken and meat dishes were often served in curry-style sauces, which may not suit everyone's taste. Some sauces were also quite strong and spicy, and certain dishes may not agree with those who have sensitive stomachs.

Unfortunately, my wife also became unwell after eating nuts served at the bar. We could not establish the exact cause, but the nuts did not seem particularly fresh. Aside from these concerns, the food was generally acceptable. However, guests who place a high priority on food variety and quality may find the dining experience less impressive than at some other all-inclusive destinations.

3. Drinks Policy and In-Room Refreshments:

A. Restrictions on Taking Drinks to the Room

Despite being on an all-inclusive package, the bar staff refused to provide drinks in cans for us to take back to our room. Canned drinks were only available to guests who were willing to pay for them separately at the bar. Instead, we were given drinks in glasses, which we had to carry all the way back to our room.

This was particularly inconvenient, as the walk from the bar to our room took approximately 10–12 minutes through a wooded area where insects were present. This policy seems unreasonable, especially for guests who have already paid for an all-inclusive package.

B. Inadequate Drinks in the Room Fridge

The room fridge contained only small bottles of water, with no soft drinks or larger bottles of water available. Considering the hot weather and the considerable walking distance between the rooms and the bar, this was very disappointing and inconvenient.

An all-inclusive package should offer guests a reasonable level of convenience and comfort. Having to walk 10–12 minutes to the bar every time we wanted a drink, while being unable to take canned drinks back to the room, defeats the purpose of an all-inclusive experience. I believe this is an issue that needs to be reviewed and improved.

4. Staff Attitude and Customer Service

The staff were, overall, excellent. Most of the waiters were polite, friendly and helpful, and the general standard of customer service was impressive.

There were, however, a few exceptions in the bar area. On one occasion, a female member of staff, who appeared to be in her 50s, repeatedly seemed to ignore us when we wanted service. This was disappointing, particularly given the otherwise positive attitude of the staff.

5. Airport Transfers

Our transfer from the airport to the resort was smooth and well organised, making the start of our holiday stress-free.

Unfortunately, the return transfer was less satisfactory. I did not receive any messages or clear communication regarding our pick-up arrangements on the final day or beforehand. This caused some uncertainty about the return journey and could have been handled much better.

Clear and timely communication about airport pick-ups would significantly improve the overall holiday experience.

6. Local Taxis

The condition of local taxis was disappointing. Many appeared to be old or poorly maintained, which did not inspire much confidence in their overall condition. Travellers who intend to explore the surrounding area should be prepared for transport that may not meet the standards they are accustomed to at home. Taxi drivers may hold their mobile phones in one hand while driving with the other, which can be extremely dangerous and increase the risk of accidents.

7. Aircraft Seating and Customer Service

The aircraft provided as part of our all-inclusive holiday package were reasonably comfortable, and the seating quality was satisfactory. However, the attitude of some airline staff was less impressive. Their approach occasionally came across as rather rude, and the customer service could certainly have been better.

Additional staff training in customer communication, professionalism and handling passenger concerns would help create a more welcoming experience.

8. Resort Environment and Facilities

One of the resort’s strongest features was its overall environment. The grounds were spacious, peaceful and beautifully landscaped, with plenty of greenery, attractive trees, cactus plants and sand dunes suitable for walking. There were also children's play areas and sports facilities, making the resort suitable for families and guests who enjoy outdoor activities. The sheer size of the property gives it a spacious feel, with plenty of room to explore and relax. However, the atmosphere was not always peaceful. On one occasion, there was considerable noise near our room, possibly caused by guests who had been drinking. Although this appeared to be an isolated incident, it disrupted the otherwise tranquil surroundings.

Overall, the resort's natural setting and outdoor spaces were definite highlights.

9. Sunshine and Weather Conditions

One important point to consider when visiting Morocco is the intensity of the sun. In our experience, the sunshine felt considerably harsher than what we had experienced during holidays in Turkey or Spain.

Even an hour in the direct sun (experienced in the 1st week of October) could feel extremely intense, so it is important to take precautions, use high-factor sunscreen, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest parts of the day. Weather conditions can also vary. Some days were cloudy, which may disappoint travellers whose main priority is sunshine and sunbathing.

I would therefore recommend checking the seasonal weather conditions carefully before booking, particularly if you are planning a holiday primarily for guaranteed sunshine.

10. Uncomfortable Wristbands:

Having to wear the white plastic wristband at all times was inconvenient and spoiled many of our holiday photos. Also, at night the sleep is a bit affected while the wristband is on. The resort should consider more discreet or attractive alternatives that are less intrusive.

On one occasion, my wife removed her wristband, and the bar staff refused to serve her unless she paid or showed her wristband. This was an unsettling experience and left us feeling uncomfortable. A better system would help guests enjoy their stay without these unnecessary inconveniences.

11. Marrakesh Medina Souk (a famous market):

During my visit to a nearby Medina market in Morocco, I was quite disappointed with the overall experience. The sellers were overly aggressive, frequently approaching visitors and putting pressure on them to buy, while the quality of the products on offer was generally poor. What I found most disturbing, however, was seeing several stalls featuring live snakes and snake charmers. I found the scene frightening and deeply unsettling, which has unfortunately put me off visiting that particular area of Morocco again.

Please note that this feedback on ‘Marrakesh Medina Souk’ relates solely to the external market and the experience I had there. It is in no way a reflection of the resort, which has no responsibility for or connection with the activities taking place in the surrounding market.

Overall Verdict:

Overall, the resort has several positive features, particularly its beautiful natural surroundings, spacious grounds, peaceful atmosphere and generally excellent staff service. The accommodation style may appeal to those who prefer a village-like setting rather than a conventional high-rise hotel.

However, the drinks policy, considerable walking distances between rooms, restaurants and bars could be a major drawback, especially for older guests or anyone with mobility difficulties. Food variety, some aspects of customer service, airport transfer communication and local transport conditions could also be improved.

My recommendation:

This resort may be a good choice for travellers who enjoy nature, greenery and spacious surroundings. However, if convenient access to restaurants and bars, a wide variety of food, consistently attentive service and easy mobility are priorities, I would recommend carefully considering these factors before booking.

I believe that the barcelo hotel not the 5 star the rooms are very small and baisic however this he is compasated by the amazing hard working colleagues. We have found the breeze bar very hospitable especially our special friend ISMAIL he has most definitely made us feel special as has Sara she too is amazing I wish all the amazing staff well for The future x