Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos

wrote a longer review earlier, trying to balance the positive with the negative. Got timed out and have to start over .
Abbreviated version: good service, nice grounds, small property, revolting Asian restaurant, the "lighthouse" is decrepit and rusting, its 360 bar is depressing... Room bathroom fixtures slowly leak.
Highlight: poolside lunch: sauteed or grilled items.
Can't believe we spent so much for such an underwhelming experience. The service was good but that's it. When I see "Barcelo" now, I will skip and stay away. [Details]

This was my first time at an all-inclusive. Really nice hotel and quite clean. Staff are very friendly and available to help. Grounds are nicely kept and gardens are very pretty. Definitely more of a relaxing environment as opposed to activity driven. Buffets were good and finer dining was excellent. Pool side lounging chairs were swooped up quickly every day. Hard time finding shade at times. Overall very good experience. [Details]

The Barcelo was clean and beautifully looked after. Everyone was very friendly. [Details]

We paid for the premium level. The amenities were great. Glad we paid for this upgrade. The room was amazing and the exclusive bar and lounge was very nice. [Details]

We had a very good experience at this resort hotel. The food was outstanding, the staff was friendly and courteous. The room was clean and tidy. Very secure and safe. [Details]

Very nice resort, Enjoyed our stay [Details]

My husband and I had a great time there.
The hotel and beaches are beautiful, and food was great.
Buffet does not have a many varieties: however, I like the food better than any other places', for example, Cuba, Cancun, Dominican republics.
They make good portion of each food tasty.
We had the premium level service; I highly recommend having this service even if we do not drink much alcohol. The premium lounge is very nice to take a rest there. We easily booked and had a dinner at the A La carte restaurants, such as Mexican, Italian, sushi restaurants. We love Mexican and Sushi restaurant. The staff were friendly. All the services we received were very good. I checked out other resorts nearby when I walked on the beach. I think our hotel has a good landscape (good facility size, not too big, not too small) and nice pools, and delicious food.
I really enjoyed the stay there; I would definitely want to go there again. [Details]

We really enjoyed the hotel. Very very clean and tidy. Wonderful friendly staff, Beautifully landscaped, no bugs!! Great food, and lots to do and see! [Details]

Clean but having issues with staff that cannot speak English in primary contact roles eg. towel staff not being able to understand your room number. All the staff were friendly however . Our room was not stocked properly when we arrived. No towels facecloths bath mat. No do not disturb/tidy room sign and no coffee/tea. Even after asking was not given. Wifi spotty. Ok value for the price. Not even close to having enough umbrellas [Details]

From check-in to check-out everything was top notch. Lovely location, beautiful kept grounds, spotless room with a spectacular view. Food was good. Management and all staff were always helpful and friendly. See everyone in November! [Details]

The hotel is clean and well kept. The landscaping looks great. We enjoyed the pools and the hotel restaurants. The sushi bar from the Barcelo tower was our favorite spot. They have great sushi and and awesome views. We had a premium ocean view room on the 5th floor that provided a decent view of the Sea of Cortez. The staff are taking precautions for Covid and took our temperature at least a couple times a day. They clean the restaurants often and masks are necessary to go through the buffet and into the restaurant and while moving around the resort. We felt safe and comfortable there. It was very quiet - not many tourists. The food is great with lots of options and restaurants to choose from. We also used the gym which was adequate but nothing special. I would not hesitate to recommend the Barcelo Gran Faro. [Details]

The resort is located in an area that allows you to explore San Jose as well catch transportation should you wish to head to Los Cabos. You were really able to learn about the culture in that part of the world and the hospitality of the citizens. We walked on average 4 to 5 miles every day and really enjoyed that privilege. [Details]

barcelo gran faro [Details]

This resort was beautiful. The grounds were immaculate, friendly staff and delicious food! Loved everything about this place besides the rooms. Unfortunately they are tiled hallways and housekeeping starts at 7am clicking down the hallway. Other guests liked to stand outside our room and talk at midnight or later. Don't even think an afternoon nap is possible because you'll be awoken by guests yelling to each other/housekeeping or maintenance knocking at the door. If you're not premium WiFI is $12 a day, but we just went without. [Details]

The only issue we had was the noise from the constant music playing all day. Way to loud as we had a room above the snack bar/pool area. I should have asked to be moved but we already had a room change as they booked us into a room with one bed when my only reguest was for a room with two beds. Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The weather was not the greatest but that was not a big deal. [Details]

Came down for a week as a couple with an almost 2 year old. The resort was nice and low key, not a lot of party people or too many kids. Just right in terms of size, mix of people and it wasnt too crowded. The babysitting service was wonderful and our sitter was lovely. Although it is 15USD per hour (!). Our child also really enjoyed the shows and being able to play at the kids club amenity. Overall it was a great experience and the barcelo delivered. Our only real criticism is that the food at the specialty restaurants was really mediocre. After using 3 of our 4 vouchers, we decided the buffet was way better and skipped our last specialty restaurant opportunity all together. The buffet was actually consistantly really good tho! As was the snack bar. So skip paying extra for the specialty restaurants and you're good to go! Great setting in Los Cabos too. Nice beach. Also note that they getcha with the WiFi. 45USD for 3 devices for the week. [Details]

Nice resort close to San Jose Del Cabo. 15 min walk to La Comer Super market. You can take the bus from here to Cabo San Lucas for 50 pesos.. about 20 mins. Apparently the taxis are quite expensive. (50 USD)
Barcelo has 4 a la carte restaurant options but we mainly chose the buffets as the variety and selection of food was pretty good. 3 pools and located right on the beach if you prefer hanging out in the sand. The beaches have big surf and undertows so not really swimmable but nice for a walk. The music at the pool was very good and tip the pool waiters a few bucks a day makes for amazing service and better drinks. Evening entertainment at the lobby bar was interesting but it is outdoors so bring a sweater as weather cools down in the evenings here in winter. Reception has lots of tour options but we just arranged a private driver referred by Barcelo (Miguel) for a day trip to explore the Baja.
Overall Great time and value to escape one week of winter [Details]

We went as a family of two Dec 22-29, 2019.
Here are the pros and cons and others in between.
There was no construction at the time we went.

I will try not to duplicate what other people wrote.

STAFF:
The staff were friendly and helpful even if there was nothing to gain from it; they did not expect tips at all but were happy to get them.
Someone wrote that they did not like Black people and I did not find that at all in my experience.
Sylvia, the lady that cleaned my room was so attentive and helpful and accommodating. She did an excellent job and when she was off one day and someone else took over, it was evident; I knew right away she wasn't there that day.
Jorge, the guy at the pool bar that walks around like he has fire under his legs did a great job and all with a smile as he remembered each and every drink for each person. I must say that everyone had smiles on their faces despite working 12 hour shifts- I read in a newspaper that the minimum wage is going up to USD $9.65 a day.
I brought things for the cleaning staff and made sure I asked if it was okay to give gifts-- simple things like T-shirts, chocolate (Toblerone is in all the duty free stores everywhere). It was appreciated. Maybe if you bring something it can be from your city or country that you might feel someone will appreciate.
Some staff really try with their English- I feel that they could benefit from half hour English classes daily prior to their shift- now, I made sure I told them my Spanish was really bad and they corrected me and appreciated me trying. I know this is a Spanish speaking country but the staff are eager to learn English.
Also, there are English speaking channels on the t.v.=

GROUNDS: well maintained as others have mentioned.
this resort is almost 18 years old and is showing it-- there are cracks in things they are trying to repair but overall, it's still in good condition.

FOOD: we only tried the sushi restaurant and it was pretty good-
Buffet was pretty good as we always had a selection and left very full.
Reminder, parents, watch your children that you let go to the stations alone. They can make a mess; take too much food; touch it with their hands and then leave it. One little girl left the ice cream station open and ice cream poured out and fell and continued until we shut it off- twice!

I am always appalled at the waste people feel is okay in a buffet restaurant. Take a little bit, taste it then go back for more-- but people feel it is okay to take heaping plate fulls and then take two bites and leave it for the people who don't have a lot to clean up after you, while they get paid so little.

ROOMS;- I had a superior Junior room and did not have to upgrade and wanted for nothing. The fridge is stocked and I left a note for my cleaning lady to stock more water and less soda and it was fine--
One time they forgot towels (the day my lady was not at work) and I called down to the front desk and in 1/2 hour towels were at our door. They do ask that you do not discard your sheets or towels daily and I agree. I don't use a new towel every single day at home and don't change my sheets daily so why would we do it here? Unless visibly dirty.
I had the first floor where I was able to walk to the pool from my balcony. They have two chairs and a little table for you to sit on, on your balcony.
The best part is the key- no key card but the bracelet attached to your wrist has your key, so you won't lose it or misplace it etc.

POOL: there are three main pools and they can be chilly--
but they are well maintained- the gentleman checks the water daily.
The weather wasn't very hot and in the AM and night time, was windy and chilly. Bring a sweater- some music in afternoon but one can hardly hear when they announce-- dancing and some games-

Reserving Chaise Lounges: Please see my attached picture where it is posted all around the resort- I saw a family of three reserve 12 lounges, leave and they returned around a 1/2 hour later but the other 9 did not come to the lounges until 3 hours later- my room was across from the pool. The security guard did take towels and in some cases bags from the lounges and put them in the room but this was done only once or twice during my stay.

SMOKING: this is a non smoking resort and I saw no one smoking until my last day=- two different couples smoking right by the pool area and I am sure they knew as front desk made sure they mentioned it and there is also a $150.00 USD fine- they have designated smoking areas on the beach and balcony of the lobby- I read an answer where someone wrote that you can smoke from your balcony and that is not allowed.

BEACH; clean and well maintained- saw turtles trying to enter the water and are protected by a gentleman from the resort next door who wears gloves to assist them in the water. One time thing.
They have horse (walks) rides.
The people sell hats, swim suit cover ups, sunglasses, cigars, blankets, T-shirts. The women can braid hair.
They don't harass you, just say no gracias and smile and move on.
The red and black flags are up all day every day. We enjoyed the ocean and did not get taken by the undertow. The waves were hard but we usually like it that way when we swim. Bring goggles and keep watch over kids but nothing happened to the few that were in the water-- many people swam in the ocean--
There's gold flakes in the dark sand- really cool.

We walked to the local Mega (Comex) super market-- they have T-shirts as souvenirs and also a Walmart just further up the street-- they sell a lot of the same things. Comex was 10 mins and Wally 20 or so-
We also walked to a local flea market type area where everyone sells the same souvenirs but they are really nice people. The local (school) bus is $7.50 pesos per person.
At the time our CAD money was $1.00 for $13.94 pesos.

We didn't take tours.

There were nightly shows- didn't see them-- went to bed so early-- the lights on the resort, on your balcony usually goes off by 11 or 11:15- not a lot of noise on the resort-
Yes the staff can and do start moving about early- but if you want your breakfast as soon as you get to the buffet, well you can understand.

Very nice resort; family friendly- saw a wedding on the beach- people were respectful and did not crowd them and applauded when it was over-
They had a huge Christmas tree in the lobby- a Christmas dinner on 24th as is their tradition.
If you are on a budget like me, and have small children then bring your Tupperware container so that you can make sandwiches for your airport and plane ride-- they do have Subway, Starbucks, Carl's Jr and Sbarro (pizza) and also a restaurant in the airport but they are quite expensive.
Got any questions, go ahead. Please read the reviews and Q and A with a grain of salt as these reviews are people's personal opinions and is not necessarily how it is for everyone.
Make the most of it and enjoy your stay. [Details]

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this resort.
Room excellent, food superb, service excellent
Entertainment Great cleanliness excellent Staff friendly Pools lovely and clean
One of the nicest resorts we've been too
We highly recommend it! [Details]

We returned to the Barcelo Gran Faro for a number of reasons. We love the staff!! They are second to none.
The location is great and is a good walking distance into SAN José for shopping and hanging out.
It's the perfect size. [Details]

This resort is easy to get around. Staff friendly and attentive. The resort was taken very good care of, groundskeepers always cleaning and doing maintenance. Food at the buffet was always good, something for everyone to eat. The fruit was always so fresh. I wish there had been more evenings when merchants would bring their Mexican things to sell. The gift shop was way overpriced. I bought a few things from the beach but there is not much variety for souvenirs. Beach very clean, but unable to go in very far due to waves and undertow. [Details]

Barceló Gran Faro does some things really great but a few things they didn't made it just short of being amazing.
The staff and grounds were fantastic. There was a lot of nice places to enjoy the day but most of the premium spots were reserved well before 7 am and usually with just a towel. There were not a lot of shaded parts on the beach and that left very few comfortable spots if you wanted to sit somewhere for the day. The staff were amazing as they were always attentive and were good at remembering you.
The food was some of the best I have had at a resort but lacking in variation. Three al a cartes and one being sushi left for little options. The buffet was themed for an evening and some nights it was hard to find options I liked. But overall very good, it would just be hard to see what you would still want after 7 days.
Other than a few perks the only great reason to get premium is for the wifi. Didn't find much else that was better than regular as lounge was nice but we didn't use it a lot. Our view of the sea was very small and seemed like most others in the hotel had a better one. Room was nice and spacious with a very attentive cleaning staff. Sometimes they would forget to leave us a beach towel but they were quick to give one if you found someone to ask. Again staff were very nice and courteous.
Overall a great hotel for a quick stay and if you don't plan on sticking around the resort the whole time. We enjoyed our stay with a few little issues we noticed kept it from being perfect. [Details]

The staff were very friendly and could not do enough for us. There were always lounge chairs available around the pool and on the beach. [Details]

Beautiful rooms!
Food was delicious!
Staff, very nice! Always smiling and helpful.
Brian in the buffet is exceptional [Details]

We enjoyed this hotel. We had specifically researched to look for a smaller hotel that we could enjoy a relaxed and quiet vacation/anniversary. We felt like we got that. The staff was friendly and outgoing. The hotel grounds and rooms were clean and tidy. We liked the placement of the pools so you could enjoy different views, crowds and noise levels. It was a nice touch that they had an adults only hot tub and the infinity pool was also adults only. The a la carte restaurants were wonderful. All in all, a great trip and we would go back for another couples trip for sure. [Details]

We had a great holiday at the Barcelo!!!
There is a few thing that were good and then not so good!!!
The premium package is good, was quick check in and check out!! You could have unlimited alacarts and it was quick to do!!
Premium liquor was only available at the lobby bar and premium lounge, not at pool bar!! [Details]

We have taken three trips to this property and love the experience. The ocean is not available for swimming because of dangerous tides, but the beach is an amazing walk each day. We will most likely go back again. [Details]

ok this is the goods we just came back from this one and was very happy with our stay. the food here is quite good ...i mean these guys ( and girls) can cook! and with consistent cy again and again all 4 of our party were happy. so.... go to the beach restaurant for the morning and lunch if you can... awesome! do not, - i repeat do not rent a car until you get there, they have plenty of places to rent whatever you need. we had no problem right in the hotel $40 per day and included full insurance and unlimited km. drove to la paz via cortez and no problems. definitely stay on the road in daylight only and go slow or you will probably hit something and wind up being one of the very many shrines to deceased ones you see along the road. try and stay one night if you go to la paz or you will have to marathon drive. i would highly recommend an excursion or two while in la paz - awesome again and you can always deal with the locals directly rather than pre book unless you are worried about missing out, bring pesos its easier to buy things ps i am canadian and found exchange rate user friendly. fuel was about the same price as usa. grocery prices vary depending on where you buy - try la comer just three blocks walk. the hotel was clean and the people of baja made us all feel welcome. vendors are pushy but never ever aggressive - like i find in cancun. all and all i found the baja extremely friendly and welcoming - although i am careful when and where i go out - no use chancing it right? to me the world is a little rough to see right now and unfortunately peoples options are somewhat limited. that being said the mexican community never made me feel unsafe, i know i would like to go back again someday and would stay here again in a second. ps. my appreciation to oscar and the hard working staff - well done! [Details]

Beautiful and nice place to stay. [Details]

Not really geared for seniors and families with children. Not enough entertainment in the evenings besides music. No place for kids to play, no water slide, no beach activities. Not enough places to sit in the sun besides the pool area. No bank machine in the hotel. [Details]