Katarína Freeman
The hotel is great. It’s very clean, and all the staff are really friendly and helpful.
We had no issues with the food at all, and there were 19 of us! There was always plenty to choose from, and the desserts were amazing-much better than at some other all-inclusive resorts where they all taste the same but are just different colours. Overall, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a typical all-inclusive.
Lunch was probably the weakest meal, but breakfast was excellent. I honestly couldn’t fault it as they had everything you could want. Dinner was great too, especially if you enjoy seafood. My husband doesn’t like seafood, and he still had no problem finding something to eat.
My biggest tip is to arrive when the restaurant opens. Queues do build up outside later on, and if you go early, there’s also no queue for the freshly cooked meat, pasta or omelettes. So there’s definitely no reason to complain about cold food! 😂 The snack bar was good too-we never had any undercooked burgers or anything like that.
The entertainment for kids was fantastic. Although we didn’t make full use of it because the grandparents were with us, we still joined in with the giant water inflatables, the water running challenge, the foam party and the evening kids’ discos.
The pools with the slides are brilliant, and unless you absolutely have to sit right next to them, you’ll always be able to find a sunbed. The quieter pools on the reception level (without slides) also had plenty of sunbeds available.
I loved not having to carry a room key around because your wristband has a chip that unlocks your room. I also really liked the token system for drinks as it meant there were no plastic cups left lying around everywhere.
As for the negatives, the lifts were a nightmare. However, we requested lower floors and all seven of our rooms were on the second and third floors, so we just used the stairs most of the time. The cocktails also weren’t great, but if you’re happy drinking beer, wine, gin & tonic, cider or sangria, you’ll be absolutely fine.
Apart from the lift queues and the cocktails, we had a fantastic holiday. All 19 of us were really happy, including the five children aged between 12 months and 11 years.
I honestly think some people get frustrated by the lifts or disappointed with the cocktails and then leave overly negative reviews. I’d happily give the hotel 8/10. Yes, we’ve stayed at better all-inclusive resorts, but for the price we paid, I really can’t complain.
We went out twice for a nice meal with my husband and kids, but the rest of the family were more than happy eating at the hotel every day.
Tim Timmy
Hotel Sol Barbados offers a clean, but overly exhaustive stay with several strong points, but also a number of operational challenges that guests should be aware of.
Rooms and cleanliness:
The rooms are a standout feature. They are clean, tidy and well‑maintained, with what feels like new beds and mattresses. There were no stains, dents or signs of wear, which made the stay comfortable and reassuring. The inclusion of a free safe in every room is an excellent touch for guests who value security.
Lifts and building capacity:
One of the biggest drawbacks is the lift situation. The hotel has only three lifts serving 15 floors, which becomes a major bottleneck during peak times such as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Waiting times can exceed 10 minutes, and for families or guests with mobility needs, this can be frustrating.
Restaurant experience:
The restaurant becomes exceptionally busy very quickly, and the atmosphere is loud and rushed. The setup — plastic tables without tablecloths — feels designed to move guests through as fast as possible rather than provide a relaxing dining experience.
Food quality is acceptable but not exceptional. Most dishes are eatable, but the fish is consistently overcooked, dry or even burnt. During rush hours, queues are long, and it can be difficult to access the items you actually want.
Bars and token system:
The bars operate on a token‑based system: one token per cup. You must return the cup to receive your token back; otherwise, you cannot get another drink. While this may help reduce waste, it can feel inconvenient and outdated.
Pools and outdoor space:
The hotel offers six pools, which is a major advantage and provides plenty of space for swimming and relaxing. However, guests need to arrive early to secure sunbeds around the pool area, as they fill up quickly.
Location and accessibility:
Sol Barbados is located at the top of a hill, which is worth considering for families with prams or anyone with mobility concerns. Walking down to the beach is easy, but the return journey uphill can be tiring, especially in the heat.
Overall impression:
Hotel Sol Barbados delivers clean rooms, good pool options and a safe environment, but struggles with crowded dining areas, long lift waits and inconsistent food quality. It’s a pleasant stay if you prioritise cleanliness and pool facilities, but guests should be prepared for the operational limitations, especially during busy periods. And it gets busy very quick…
jacinthe Hughes
Lovely clean hotel. Only trouble is you wait for ages for a lift. Great location. Lovely views from the 11th floor. Our room was perfect for 2 adults and 1 child. Staff are lovely. Food was nice and fresh. Didn't see any of the evening entertainment as we went out each night for a walk.
Taura Mauricaite
We got back from this hotel yesterday, and honestly, the food was 2/10. The fish was raw — I found it like that on two different days. Even when the meat was cooked, it was completely tasteless. The potatoes weren't fully cooked either and were still hard inside. The scrambled eggs were very runny on two mornings, had no flavor, and looked undercooked as well.
The food selection was actually quite large, but what’s the point when half of it isn't cooked properly?
The second major issue was the elevator. We were staying on the 4th floor with our 1-year-old child, and we often had to carry the stroller up and down the stairs. Especially in the mornings, when breakfast starts and the pools open, it's almost impossible to get an elevator. It definitely made everyday life more difficult.
Of course, not everyone is very considerate either. Some people stand waiting for the elevator just to go down from the second floor, or take it from reception to the first floor... even though there are stairs right beside them.
We only went to the pool area with the slides once because from 9 a.m. people are already reserving sunbeds, sitting by the gate, and waiting for it to open. But there is another pool area, and no matter what time you go there, you can usually find free sunbeds.
Bennaceur Walid
We had an amazing stay at Sol Barbados! The hotel is perfect for families with children, offering great facilities, plenty of activities, and a fantastic atmosphere.
What really makes this hotel special is its incredible staff. Everyone is welcoming, friendly, professional, and always ready to help, even during the busiest times.
A very special thank you to Embarec, who was always smiling and kind, making every meal even more enjoyable. Thanks as well to Carlos, always cheerful and welcoming, and Alvaro, whose professionalism and kindness never went unnoticed. You truly made our holiday unforgettable.
To the management: Embarec, Carlos and Alvaro definitely deserve a pay rise! 😄 Thank you to the whole Sol Barbados team 😊
