Mango Bay

My honest review of The Mango Bay hotel without silly comments about tree frogs (don’t go to Barbados go to Spain the tree frogs were there long before you!!) Having just spent nearly two weeks there I feel that we had really good value for money. Okay so it’s not The Sandy Lane Hotel or The Fairmont etc but nor do they charge extortionate prices. It’s a fully inclusive hotel with an exceptional location right on a beautiful beach on the platinum coast. It’s in the middle of Holetown so no car needed although we had one as it’s lovely to get out and about. The reception area is beautiful, check in is was good and welcoming. We got handed a fair amount of paperwork to fill in but there was no pressure to do it there and then. We had booked a standard room facing the carpark. We had a car and managed to find a space everyday to park. Our first night was a Sunday and the one love bar across the street have a karaoke and it’s is extremely loud!! they literally could of been at the bottom of our bed. However the next morning I was told that it’s only on a Sunday and sure enough it was peaceful the rest of the week apart from Friday but that wasn’t singing just chatting. Had the karaoke of carried on we would of asked to be moved but it didn’t so we stayed put not wanting to spend our holiday moving around etc and complaining. I do think though that the noise levels should be stated more clearly on their website over the weekends so people can make a fair choice on what they’re booking, they describe it as a lovely fun atmosphere but it’s not quite so fun at 1.AM in the morning after travelling 24 hours to get there with jet lag. The block with standard rooms has no lift so worth noting as there’s two flights of stairs. The room was perfectly fine for us as we weren’t in it much, however the bathroom was getting ready for a facelift. It was cleaned daily to a high standard and the air con was very good. The pool area is lovely and very well maintained and clean, even the toilets around the pool were spotless. We went to the Crane hotel one night , which is 5 star, for cocktails and their toilets were a disgrace!!. The bar is open all day and all drinks were included apart from fizz and special wines. The restaurant is right on the beach which is really lovely and the service is overall good. Some times drinks at the table were a little slow or totally forgotten but not often and it’s a very busy hotel so understandable. The waitresses and waiters were all very kind and helpful and they literally never stop working in the intense heat. There is a dress code for evening which is nice and a cover up code for swimwear for rest of the day which is also good. The foods is varied and of a good standard for a fully inclusive hotel and table service not buffet other than breakfast. The beach is lovely and is very clean and a beautiful mango tree sits on the beach filled with gorgeous birds - oh and tree frogs- the sound of Barbados. The sunsets over the sea facing the beach and is literally breathtaking. Didn’t go on the free Catamaran trip as we could see people were getting very burnt on it and we had already struggled with the intense heat this year. However it looked fun and well organised and free!!!! My main criticism would be the subbed situation… they give you a letter on arrival saying that sunbed reservations have been stopped but it’s not the case and they should either stop saying it has or stop it happening. Due to time adjusting I was up at 6.30 a lot during the first week and so many beds were taken already with towels on. No people, just towels. It’s very unfair and really puts the pressure on to rush downstairs to try and get a place on the beach. We saw it everyday, same people, same beds front row on the beach. Aaaaagggghhhh!! They even put the towels and the beds and then went off on the boat trip or just go and sit in the bar waiting for breakfast. It’s large family groups also so taking 6-8 beds. The management really need to stop this as they will lose repeat custom and it really does down grade the hotel as it’s what you would expect from a cheap hotel in Europe. Big shout out to Damian (we named him Sox) he’s such a sweet man and he is a huge credit to the team and there is another beach waiter but can’t remember his name(sorry) who is also very warm and lovely and likes a little dance like Damian, also a big credit. Overall we had a lovely holiday and felt we made a good choice with the Mango Bay Hotel. Read less

We had an absolutely wonderful time at Mango Bay. We were unlucky that near the end the tides were strong and the water was rough. So we weren't able to go on the Catamaran or do as many water sports as we liked. We did get to try water skiing which was so fun, thank you Gerry! The Mango Bay Staff went above and beyond for us. The staff were lovely especially thier lovely Damian who without faill worked with a smile on his face and full energy everyday! He really made our holiday special and made sure we never went thirsty! We can't go without a speacial mention of Rayden as well who worked tirelessly on that beach making sure all were taken care of. One night the Manager spoke to us and when she found out we were recently married she made sure we had a beautiful private dinner on the beach! A wonderful suprise! This place really thrives off kindness and mutual respect. The staff work hard and it's something that did not go unnoticed or was underappreciated! This is not a 5 star but you can not beat the location. If you want to visit Barbados within your budget but still on the most beautiful part of the island. This place is for you! In regards to the comments of noise on the weekends, please do listen to the word of caution. Me and my partner are used to busy atmospheres whilst sleeping so it did not bother us but please if you are light sleepers spend the extra money and make sure you are on the quieter side of the hotel. Food was great and I felt nourished after every meal. There is so much more I could say! Thank you Mango Bay for a wonderful holiday ! We will be back! Read less

We were very disappointed with this hotel. It started upon arrival as reception staff were not very welcoming and we were handed a lot of papers some of which we had to sign to absolve the hotel from responsibility if there was a problem. There was also a sheet telling us not to reserve beach beds and that the staff would remove towels if this was done! Surprise, this did not happen. Beach beds too close together and old. The room was tired, the door to the bathroom stuck on the floor and was not fixed despite reporting it the first day and the sliding wardrobe doors required two hands to slide them. The hotel is set side on to the beach so few rooms face the sea but look over the pool or bar/restaurant area. Breakfast was a self service buffet and often there was a lack of bowls and plates. The food was disappointing, small portions and not very appetising. I did not enjoy my meals. Restaurant servers were bubbly and smiling. The main bar staff were very sullen, never greeting you with a smile just taking your order. The bar area itself is long and narrow so if people were sat at the bar and some on the tables alongside you could not get through. The two beach boys who delivered drinks to the beach were very different, smiling, helpful and one always spinning his tray and wearing odd socks each day. There was entertainment some nights which varied. Some singers were good and the stiltwalker was typical Barbados, great. We will be back to Barbados but not to the Mango Bay. Read less