Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels

Just returned from another trip to Crystal Cove and another fantastic trip. The pros as always are the staff - we love everyone but shout out to Stefon Sofia Delores Patra Raheem Kevin Alison Kathy Richard Lisa Dawna Hazel Daran/cassandra Rayna Dana Food fantastic, water sports varied and fun, rooms are tired but spotless. Great cocktails The resort is due for a refurb which is needed but the character of the hotel makes it worth a visit before then. We will be back when the refurbishment is done @ Marriott - do not lose the staff you have here they are a credit to Crystal Cove Read less

We had a fabulous 10 days at the crystel cove which was our third visit. As ever the hotel was lovely, yes it does need upgrading and will be interesting to see the new crystal cove. The room was very comfortable, with a walk in shower, food was amazing plenty of choice and beautifully cooked and prepared. The staff were incredible nothing too much trouble, Stefon and Mikayla went beyond the normal to help with a few queries we had , they were amazing and so kind and helpful, also must mention, Kathy, Kevin and Richard also fabulous people., also our cleaner Marlene. The grounds were kept immaculate, also the pools were checked every day, the water was lovely and warm. Cant wait to go back in 2026. Read less

Thank you Barbados, Thankyou to all the wonderful staff who worked tirelessly to ensure we had a fabulous time, we had an amazing Honeymoon. The hotel was really lovely, the staff were fantastic, in particular, Cathy, Hazel, Stefon, Dawna and Richard. The food was delicious, fresh and alot of choice! The hotel was lovely and we were lucky enough to have been visited by Monkeys twice daily and birds. We got engaged here a year and a half ago. We made the most fantastic memories... here are some of our highlights.... feeding the birds off our hands. The pigeons jumped on my finger and ate out of the palm of my hand. Rob did the same with his little bird that he sang to, alot, the chatted alot together and she jumped on his hand, it was so lovely. I managed to get a cuddle off one of the 5 cats at the hotel. We swam in a cave where Billy Ocean sang and did a music video. We went on a brilliant rum tour. I held a baby Turtle having just hatched after a storrm and before he was put on the sand to make his first journey into the sea. We had dinner on a beautiful luxury sunset catamaran. We snorkeled and saw sting rays swim underneath us. Watching amazing sunsets and beautiful sights, dancing for belly laughs, tasting cocktails and rum, eating lovely food and being looked after by lovely hotel staff. Having been to Barbados 4 times, this hotel is by far the best and we will be back! Thank you Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Read less

We stayed here for 2 weeks and it was incredible!! Yes, Barbados is stunning but the hotel and staff made our stay even better. The staff were so attentive and caring, massive shout out to Stefano, Kathy, Richard and Mikayla. Rooms were clean and tidy, grounds were well kept, beach was clean and the food was amazing, plenty of options and so tasty. Parts of the hotel are tired and dated but it adds to the Caribbean charm. They are closing Feb 2025 for renovations, if they weren't closing, we would of already booked but we are going to have to wait until 2026! Thanks to everyone at Crystal Cove, we won't forget you. Read less

We stayed for 2 weeks from 21st September. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit and the overwhelming sense that all members of staff make you feel so at home and part of their hotel family. Our feeling of being welcomed was evident from the moment we arrived by the on-duty staff. There wasn't that feeling of "oh its another tourist checking in!". It's a fairly small hotel in the scheme of things which makes staying here more special. Yes, the hotel is in need of some refurbishment in places and this is planned from February 2025 when the hotel will close, BUT don't let this put you off staying here in the meantime because you will miss out. It was quiet during our stay and this may have been because its low season, so there were always plenty of sunbeds both around the pool and on the beach, and generally we didn't have to wait if ordering food and drinks. Crystal Cove is on the quieter West coast of the island but ideally placed for a variety of things to do. Besides the hotel providing free water sports for guests, there is light entertainment most nights. There are two restaurants and during our visit, lunchtime was buffet and evenings were A la cart and the food was excellent. All the staff work so hard, with a smile on their face, even in 32c heat with 90% humidity. The hotel provides a free water taxi which runs at set times during the day from Crystal Cove to their sister hotel, Waves which is around a mile to the south. You can also book to have lunch or dinner here too. There is the "Vista" bar which is air conditioned and a go to place when things get hot outside. It's open from 6am to 11pm for coffee, soft drinks and wines. Cave bar opens from 10am until late for all the drinks and cocktails you want. Drifters bar (part of Drifters restaurant) alongside the beach is also open during the day. Members of staff also patrol the beach and poolside with trays of drinks and ice lollipops for guests. Gym open from early hours until late. Some rooms which are closest to the main road can suffer a little bit with road noise but this is not noticeable during the day. Only occasionally at night you might hear a racing engine but you get used to this. The bonus though is that these rooms are on higher ground by the road and have stunning sea views, so very worth the compromise. Rooms have a digital safe - free to use, although at no time did we ever feel that our possessions were at risk. The hotel is accessed via a manned front gate where you may be challenged if the staff here haven't met you before. Each room has a fridge with a free minibar of soft drinks which are topped up every morning by a lovely gentleman who comes around asking what you want. The great thing about the hotel however is that because it's not too large, you quickly get to know the members of staff, and they get to know you too. Richard, the Guest Relations Manager is something else. He is so passionate about his role and his professionalism is second to none. He makes guests feel so at home and part of the hotel. We had a problem with our air conditioning unit in our room on our first night and Richard dealt with this swiftly and efficiently. Stefon, a restaurant manager is also someone to be admired for his attention to detail and perfect approach to hospitality. I have never met someone so sincere and welcoming (apart from Richard!). We could name every member of staff there from the porters, reception, dining, housekeeping and groundsman and the fabulous service they give, but we'd be here all day. We will however say that two particular people struck us both with their personality who we met most days in the restaurant - Kathy and Hazel. Look out for them when you are there. Anyway, onto the other stuff. If staying here then make sure you visit Holetown, Speightstown and Bridgetown. All these places are easily accessible via bus, if you don't want the expense of a taxi. (although Holetown is only a brisk 30 minute walk). There are three types of bus. The larger blue buses, the yellow minibuses and the white ZR minibuses (these are a bit like a fairground ride - fast and dangerous!). All cost $3.50bbd for no matter how short of long you take the journey for. The blue buses do not give change though. The bus stop is outside the hotel but you can more or less flag a yellow or ZR bus down anywhere. You'll find one coming along every 10 minutes. You pay the conductor, not the driver, and generally not when you board. He'll ask for your money at some point, or even when you get off. If you want the local culture, then definitely take one of these and be prepared for the ride of your life - with Caribbean music blaring out the speakers. It's great. Taxi's can however be ordered through reception for those with a heart condition. Reception can also point you in the direction of a hire car company. We chose "SIXT" whose depot is directly opposite the hotel. We were able to park our car in the hotel car park overnight. A hire car gave us direct access to all parts of the island, especially the remote north and all it's attractions. Reception also have an activities desk where you can book excursions (boat rides and Friday/Saturday night at Oistins market etc). Wi-fi - it was EVERYWHERE around the hotel. Rooms, restaurants, bars, terraces and beach. There is a "Jordans" supermarket just a 10 minute walk down the road (south) from the hotel if you needed anything. Holetown has a larger supermarket and duty free shop. There was also "Wendys Sports Bar" off Risk Road, just 5 minutes walk away which if you wanted to watch live european football matches, they had TV's and big screens everywhere, and opened from 8am to cater for the time difference. Overall, we are so glad to have booked Crystal Cove and would recommend it to friends and family - both now before the refurb, and after. Read less