Turtle Beach Resort

I don't normally post reviews and this is the first I've posted on here but felt compelled to so other people looking for a "luxury" holiday to Barbados can avoid Turtle Beach. This was our second stay with Turtle Beach, the first time was in 2013 which was amazing and then recently from 25th Oct - 5th Nov. This place has massively gone downhill - not sure if this is because Elegant Hotels was bought out by Marriot recently but other than the location and Captain Sam & his crew everything else was really, really poor. The waiting and bar staff were rude, lazy and really unfriendly; getting a drink at the pool bar involved a minimum 10-15 min wait and when you did get served bar staff made you feel like they were doing you a favour. Trying to get a high chair for our 16 month old at mealtimes was a nightmare, waitress would ask if we needed one and then just disappear. Food was 3 star hotel buffet style - when we stayed 8 years ago they used to have fresh fish and meat on the grill, now it's just a burger and dodgy old hotdog sausages and the buffet food was generally the morning or lunch time left overs rehashed - so much so that we dined out 5 of the 11 nights we stayed there. On that note, Cocktail Kitchen and Champers great restaurants nearby. We booked a one bedroom apartment with sea view and the view is spectacular to be fair BUT there were ants in the lounge on our sons sofa bed. Hotel manager suggested putting down ant powder but not possible with our 16 month old - they did try to do deep clean on room but we still spotted them albeit not as many as first night. Such a shame as this place was amazing when we visited in 2013. I’m actually amazed there are so many recent positive reviews - speaking to other guests at the pool, we weren’t the only ones massively disappointed with the food and the attitude of the staff (including other returning guests). We came here for a luxury holiday and for the price they charge it’s just not good enough. Maybe we were just unlucky because, as mentioned, they had just been bought by Marriott and staff thought they were going to get sacked or the staff culture had been run down for a while. Either way they were bought because it has gone down hill and Marriot realise they could spin it back again. My advice would be to hold off booking here until Marriott invest and kick out existing management and shake up the staff culture. Final comment - I can say that Captain Sam and his team were great though, always friendly and smiling and the beach is amazing – which is why it’s such a pity management have let this place go.

spent a magical week in sept-oct. Anybody who complains about this hotel must be very precious. From the time of arrival to the time of departure the staff, from reception to pool boy, cleaners to restaurant staff were the most friendly & helpful I have encountered. Even the security gatemen always had time for a laugh & a joke. whilst the accommodation may be a little tired every thing worked & the rooms were large & extremely comfortable. The evening food options were excellent & fact that they were waitress service suited us well. The buffet breakfast & lunch was of equal quality The beach was amazing with plenty of sunbeds & turquoise sea.(was in the sea by 7 every morning). A special mention must be made of Captain Sam & his staff who were there to help at all times St Lawrence Gap is a short walk along the road & it is full of bars & restaurants. A visit to Oistins on Friday night is a must. We have already booked for next year. Cant wait!!!!

Thought property was a little tired on arrival although perfectly clean. A couple of small niggles with room which were sorted on reporting. However, we were soon won round by the wonderful location, staff, food and little touches like waiter service on beach. Non motorised sports are free and easily available at time of year we visited - early October. We heard complaints about evening dinner not being buffet but we enjoyed having al a crate menu delivered by waitress service. More than enough to eat, food excellent and no temptation to load plate up with everything going. Breakfast and lunch both buffet and lots of new things to try alongside the expected fare. Easy walk into Lawrence Gap for alternative nightlife or just during day to soak up atmosphere. Car hire arranged by holiday rep and would recommend for at least a day or two to see island although buses seem to be easy to use. Must visit places for us were Oistins fish Friday (mini bus transfer can be booked via hotel for charge but tied to returning just as entertainment ramps up) and Huntes garden. We can't wait to return next year.