Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados

The beach here is amazing, clean and sandy, and it’s a fantastic spot close to Bridgetown. Shane was always around to help with loungers, umbrellas, food and drinks. The other guys did a good job too when he was off. Sophie in the restaurant was consistently pleasant and caring, making sure we were looked after. Victor at the front desk was always fun to give a hard time, and we had lots of laughs. The hotel could use some care and a facelift, but the staff do a good job with what they have. They’re always cleaning and picking things up, and still make time to chat. All the staff were great, and Barbados is beautiful, friendly and safe.

Judy at reception was a darling, kind, attentive and accommodating. The staff were lovely, and I’m sure the neglected refurbishments are beyond their control. The price and the fact that it has what you need make it recommendable, as long as you manage expectations and are prepared to go out for meals or other activities. Its location is ideal, and the Radisson has charm and warmth. I stayed here after the Hilton further up the gap during a two-week stay in Bim. The hotel is very dated and no-frills, not what I’d expect from a Radisson. It doesn’t have to be modern if the basics are handled, but there are clear signs of neglect, including cracking concrete walls and floors. The sitting area by the lobby sometimes smelled like sewage and was unpleasant. The gym smelled of mold. There are no umbrellas for the pool loungers, and only about half the beach loungers had umbrellas. The restaurant is expensive for what it offers, and service there is the one area that falls short. You may also see people walking under the restaurant jetty to cross to the other side of the beach.

For peak season, this was one of the few hotels in our budget. The view and location are its saving grace, and the overall room cleanliness was okay. We had a decent stay, but maintenance is needed in nearly every area of this old hotel, and it’s a pity management hasn’t dealt with it. The downstairs restaurant is average, so local options are a better bet. Bar drinks were fine, though service wasn’t the friendliest. Only the beach on the left, between Radisson and Hilton, is directly accessible. To reach Carlisle Beach, you have to swim under the jetty or take the long route along the road. The Radisson isn’t too bad, but other options are worth considering. Nearby Coconut Court hotel seemed much better maintained.

All the staff were very nice, respectful, accommodating and welcoming. That’s the one positive. The beach is beautiful too. But believe the negative reviews about the hotel’s condition. It’s very outdated, with mold all over the bathroom, and the cabinet door over the fridge was barely hanging on its hinge. Each person gets only one bath towel. The shower made a grinding noise whenever it was on, stopping only when the water was turned off. Flushing the toilet was a task: you had to press a button for suction, and it took several flushes just to get the toilet paper down. There weren’t enough loungers or umbrellas by the pool or beach for all the guests. Whenever we went to get a pool or beach towel, they were out. If you’re lucky enough to get one, keep it from the day before. They use a laundering service rather than washing towels on the premises, which was annoying. The onsite restaurant was terrible and expensive, $35 USD per person for a buffet with very limited choice. I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you’re used to a four-star hotel or better. Google rates it four stars, but in reality it’s a two-star hotel, and even that’s a stretch. Those two stars would be for the pleasant staff and lovely beach. I’d strongly recommend eating off the resort. Cab rides are a bit pricey, but better than paying $$$ onsite for a meal you don’t enjoy. Barbados is beautiful and my friend and I will be back, but not to this hotel.