Turtle Beach, a Tribute Portfolio™ All Inclusive Hotel

We just got back from nine amazing days at The Turtle Beach Hotel & Spa. The location is spectacular, right on the beach, and as I understand it, every room has amazing views. The three pools were very welcome in the heat, with comfortable loungers around them. We could always find a sunbed, and fresh towels were available every day.

The staff were wonderful and friendly, and I danced with my breakfast lady every morning. I couldn't leave feedback through the Marriott site because the review window had passed, but here's my take: I wasn't a fan of the resort overall. It's small, with not much to do. The rooms were okay, though the beds were hard and yellow wall paint made them feel old. Neither of our two rooms had a working fridge, and after two calls to the front desk, nobody came to fix them. Our kids had a great time, but the place didn't meet the adults' standards. The food was good, nothing to write home about. On arrival day, our four-year-old ordered pizza and ate a slice before the waitress came back to say she'd taken it to the wrong table. She took it away, brought it back from the kitchen, and said the chef thought it was okay. We didn't want it after that. Pool service was limited to maybe one drink round and another time with fruit. The small outdoor bar has no swim-up option. We go to Barbados every year, but won't stay here again. We'd rather spend the money to give the family a great time somewhere else.

A great spot to hang out. The water right here is calm and relaxing, while you can body board or surf if you go about 100 feet in either direction. I love this stretch of beach.

On our five-night stay at Tuttle Bay, the staff, stunning beach, and very good food were the highlights. The New Year's Eve buffet was especially well arranged, with lovely decorations, and the chef made lobster perfectly on our last night. It cost extra, but was well worth it. I know updates to the grounds are planned this year, so I won't dwell on that. As a couple at a mainly family-oriented hotel, we may have a somewhat different perspective. Noise was our biggest problem. There were few quiet places during the day, with 80s songs, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley playing repeatedly, plus loud karaoke and drumming. The sound system was poor, and evening live music was often too loud, with the same songs and not much enjoyment for us. We wore earplugs at dinner at times. A New Year's Day beach DJ playing newer Caribbean music was a refreshing change. I hope the refurbishment improves the sound systems and entertainment. Although we'd booked an ocean-view room, we were first put overlooking the restaurant entertainment area, where the loud music was unbearable. After we complained, we moved the next night to a much quieter room on the other side, closer to the beach. There also aren't enough loungers or parasols. The pool has only around 20 shaded parasols for over 140 rooms, no adults-only pool, and children were splashing, running, and screaming all over. We chose the beach, but its hooded loungers offer little sun protection or privacy, sit close together, and are too few. People start reserving them before 6 am, which is frustrating, though the beach itself is absolutely beautiful.