Barceló Isla Canela

Nice rooms, all inclusive does not mean all food & drinks Staff are friendly and polite. Some drinks are weak but palatable and food was plentiful and tasty 😋 Evening entertainment was good, and varied, I also think it's a lovely location 😊

Just back from 10 days at the Barcelo where we had a good stay overall. There are some really nice aspects to the hotel but one or two things for us, that could be improved a little so understand some reviews on TA. The grounds are lovely and well maintained. The pool is OK but shallow and was very cold. It’s basically one pool, with a connecting *****. We booked a suite, which was well laid out. The bathroom was well designed with bath and a separate double shower, the bed was very comfortable and the lounge area was spacious, but a couple of pictures on the wall would make it less stark. Our patio are was rather small and we did not use it. House keeping was OK but the app was a bit hit and miss ordering stuff. Hand soap was in the bathroom and shower gel by the sink. Had to request a change of sheets as whilst I don’t expect this done every day at least once is what I would expect. Minor points really but they make a difference The suite was advertised having tea and coffee making facilities. But we had to ask 3 times to get it sorted, which it eventually was. Reception staff were ok and functional with check in and check out. We had B and B, which was a buffet style. Food choice was good. Coffee from machines was not the best and in other hotels with buffets you get served this. Possibly this hotel catering for large numbers of (predominantly elderly) customers means this is not an option. We did not see any activities in the entertainment area and it did look a little like a dark 1980s set up. There are other planned activities such as aqua size and there is a kids club but this hotel seemed really not the choice for many young couples or families. We knew there was not much in Isla Canela and that was fine for us. There are a few restaurants, but watch the opening times. Puccinis was excellent with the Bomadill and Didiers worth a visit. Bus to Ayamonte is €1 .50 and it’s OK for a day trip. Be wary when planing for the siesta times as things literally shut down for 2-3 hours. The bus goes via the Marina area and you can walk it in around 45 minutes along a good walkway . It’s OK but again not much was open. Boat trip for €14 around the harbour with some shrimps and wine was good. There is a tourist train ( reception told us it was not running!) that goes to the Marina but €4 per person each way and only runs 3/4 times a day. The beach is superb and really enjoyed walking along it literally having no one around you for miles during the week. A shame the hotel does not have a bar/ sunbeds on the beach. Overall we did enjoy our break but would not return to the hotel/area. Much is good about the Barcelo but a few aspects ( subjective I know)in our view could be improved.

A beautful resort. A good size, so well equipped with facilties, but not so big that you feel like one in a crowd. Rooms are well-appointed and beautifully clean. The resort has great swimming pools (also very clean) which are well maintained, as are the rest of the grounds. A gym, tenis court, paddel ourt, and spa centre complete the offering. If you want to have a restful stay whilst 'chilli' in Isla Calena, then I don't think you will be disappointed with a stay here. We came in 2024, then again this year (2025). I can see us returning next year as well..

We are extremely disappointed that the hotel does not allow the guests to use the indoor swimming pool until 11am. 11am is way too late as the pool is only small and can really only accommodate 2 people at a time if you want to swim. We came here last year and could use the pool a lot earlier. This was our main reason for booking this hotel. We had hoped that we would be rebooking this hotel for next year, but as swimming is a big part of our holiday unfortunately we won’t be booking this hotel again.