Hotel Barcelo Playa Montelimar All-Inclusive

My wife and I went there in March 2005. The weather was fine, the ocean was hot, the pools are great. The beach is very long and sandy. You will have some very small snails that did not disturb me but my wife did not like them. The personnel is very kind but most of them did not spoke other languages than spanish. We manage to get what we wanted anyway.

The site is large and very well kept (trees, flowers, clean). The room was hugue and clean. We had place for at least 6 king size beds in our room plus the bath room. The food is average. We would appreciated better choices like the pasta bar was only 2 choices of noodles, 2 sauces, no vegetables. We enjoyed the salad bar but we would have appreciated more diversity. The a la carte restaurant was good. The activities / sports were good. We played ping-pong, we did see kayak, played mini-putt, Quad on the beach, horse riding (4 hours), etc

We recommand this place with teenager because the site is big, the beach is 11 km long (and seems very safe), the room is hugue so you can leave them go by themself in a secure and enjoyable environnement.

My name is Evangelina Collins, I was born in Nicaragua, as a result of the political and military turmoil in that country during the conflicts of the cold war of the 1980â€(tm)s, as a child, I was brought by my parents to the United States, where I grew up and eventually became a naturalized citizen of the United States. I am presently married and reside with my husband in the beautiful State of California.



A few years ago my family moved back to Nicaragua, and this year, after almost 3 decades of my departure, I went back on vacations to visit them.



I had heard about a place known as â€oeThe Barcelo Montelimar Hotel and Resort†it is located in the Nicaraguan pacific coast. I wanted to explore the place and decided to go with my mother and my older brother. I wanted to check this place out and enjoy my vacation time to the fullest.



We arrived to the resort/ hotel at about 10am. (a day in August 2005 ) After we were all settled in our room, we decided to go for a swim in the warm waters of that beautiful beach, then we went for a few cold drinks and to eat lunch. A couple of hours later, we went to the swimming pool, where my brother decided to swim a little. In a matter of minutes, as I was helping my mother to get in the water, we saw my brother laying down on his back on the floor outside the pool, and at his side a person was administering CPR on him. I went running to find out what had happened and I was informed that he had been under water for 20 seconds and was drowning. I was horrified.



The staff tried their best to revive him, the manager and employees were very helpful, however, the problem is that the Hotel/Resort, being located in an isolated area, doesnâ€(tm)t have a medical doctor on the premises, or for that matter, any kind of emergency facilities.



The hotel manager sent us in a small SUV to the nearest emergency hospital, situated in small nearby town. This hospital was conspicuously poorly equipped. The doctor and medical staff helped and assisted my brother the best they could, but we were told that my brother needed to be taken to another, better hospital in the capital city of Managua, which is located 45 minutes away from the resort.

We were transported to Managua in a dilapidated vehicle, which the staff referred to as an â€oeambulanceâ€.

This old Van didnâ€(tm)t have any emergency medical equipment, it was just a regular Van that had the chairs removed from the back and instead had two benches, one in each side of the vehicle.

When we arrived to the hospital, my brother was feeling better, he was seen and eventually released.



After the ordeal we had to go back to the hotel,. So, we hired a taxi and because I didnâ€(tm)t have enough cash to pay the taxi driver. I inquired at the hotel reception about an ATM machine, (I was almost sure that a 5 stars hotel like this one would have an ATM in the facilities or some decent way for its clients to be able to get cash out) the receptionist was cold and with certain attitude informs me that there was no ATM in the facility. I left the lobby area clueless about what to do in order to pay the taxi driver, when a young men approached me to tell me that I could ask the hotel to charge my credit card and probably get cash that way, I approached the receptionist with the idea and he notified me that the hotel would do it but he would charge me 6% (six percent fee) Of course, I was ok with that, first because of the urgency of the moment and second because 6 percent of 200 cordovas was only 70 cents dollar.



However, I very upset about the attitude of the receptionist because I couldnâ€(tm)t believe the lack of cooperation at this hotel.

I spoke to a Spanish gentleman called Mr. Cabrillo who is the Hotel manager, at first he appeared to be understanding and even seemed agreeable, even taking my recommendations regarding the idea of having some kind of medical emergency facility in the hotel. But then he expressed to me that he felt that the hotel was not under any obligation for the safety of its guests and that he did a great service to us by sending us and my brother to the emergency clinic, (the 5 minutes drive from the resort)

I pointed out to him that he should know and let his superiors know that safety of is far more important an issue than money or any other factor, and I lot of tourists, like me expect to feel secure and safe. Safety is expected and paramount.



I think this resort is unfit and ill equipped to handle the safety and well being of the consumers who visit it. The personnel acts uninterested and even arrogant before the needs of its clients.

I was very, very disappointed with Barcelo Montelimar. I would never go there again.

2nd time we've been here in 6 years. Came this time solely to show the fam from Mia what they were not missing. Nothing really had changed. they are VERY aware that they are the ONLY large resort in Nicaragua. Very expensive for a low end resort. Since we live or visit Miami, we were thinking about the type of service we would of received for the same amt of money that it cost us to stay at "Montelimar." The facilities, food, and service at the hotels in Managua are far superior. Same as first trip, the food is AWFUL. Very typical flavorless resort food with no Nicaraguan flair. If you are staying longer tha 3 days skip the buffet and go straight to Somoza's casa. There is more variety as to cuisine. They give you coupons upon checking in. Dont forget to use them. The best seafood is in the seaside restaurants outside the resort in Masachapa. Just DONT drink the h20. It took forever for service-beverages, tram, etc. The tram/trolley was slow. Beware of when you check out, the desk will advise you that it is okay to leave your towels in your room--it is not. Each towel is worth $20 USD. They will charge you if you do not present the card upon checking out. The card is given to you upon returning the towels. The only lovely things at Montelimar are the beaches , the pool, and Somoza's casa. Our only question to Barcelo Montelimar is will you change when the Marriott moves in next door?

Before I give my review of the resort you have to understand my perspective. I visited in August of 2003 after spending nearly 3 months living in the RAAN (North Atlantic) & working with a public health organization. To have hot water and more to eat than rice and beans was a complete luxury at this point.



Moving on...We stayed in one of the basic rooms with 2 double beds. The room was nice and the beds were comfortable. The shower was big and had plenty of hot water. You can have your mini fridge restocked with water, soda, and beer at no charge.

The food was good and there was plenty of it, but the lack of choices (only 1 buffet style) was a little annoying. If I had stayed for longer, I definitely would have been sick of it. The pool was huge and not too crowded. In the middle of the pool is a snack bar. This is where we usually got our drinks. No problems. The bartender even offered to add extra tequila in our Pina Coladas without us asking. The beach is beautiful. Lots of space-there were always more people at the pool than the beach. They have hammocks near the water that are perfect for napping.

However, the fitness area was really just 2 exercise bikes near the pool. The whirlpood/hottub was cold and was really like a kidde pool with bubbles. The entertainment was so-so. I actually found some of it offensive.

Overall it was a good time. We really enjoyed our time there, especially after living in such rustic conditions. However, for someone looking for wonderful food and a 5 star resort, you'll probably be disapointed.

If you are looking for perfect weather with zero risk, it's the place to go. I was there with another couple at the end of January , and we reached 100 degrees most days, with no rain!! Quite different from our other trips to DR. We stayed in the duplex in area 500, not the hotel.

GOOD

Quiet, friendly staff, huge beach, food, reps, security, cheap souvenirs, scenery,vegetation, sunsets,and peacefull.

NOT SO GOOD

Service standard (not up to par), insects, lots of walking with inclines, shower facilities too old, a la carte service.

We visited the hotel facility, and the rooms look newer, but it is noisy compared to the cottages. The staff do their best, but there is still a lot of improvement needed to make this hotel a true 4 star resort, but again there is not much to compare it with when you are the only game in town. Value for money excellent (we paid less than $1,000 each cdn), and we got our money's worth, and put up with minor glitches.

I stayed at the hotel for seven days in January of 2005. I had a wonderful time, but I am not gonna lie: this hotel still needs help. I will give the pros and cons, but you can email me for more info and pictures.

The rooms were fine: however, we had lots of friendly insects as our guests in the rooms. They didn't really bother us, but they were there. The showers are my biggest dissappointment. I love great showers on beach vacations. The pressure was awful, and we had little hot water. I made it work though. Nothing to spoil my trip.

The staff all speak french and spanish. I was the only american there I think. I speak a little spanish, but if you dont-bring a spanish dictionary. The guests there are mostly french canadian and other nicaraguans. I played water volleyball with the french every day and had a great time. We did not communicate well, but that did not ruin our fun either. That was a blast. Thanks guys.

The entertainment was by far the best I have ever seen. Every night was a show. They tried to mix it up. They were great and a lot of fun. The show mostly dancing and some skits done in spanish. But I understood everything for the most part. They motion enough to understand. The bands were every night. A mini vegas show after dinner every night. Great.

The beach was awesome. It stretched out forever. A walkers dream. The sand is somewhat hard too so you don't fall in when walking. I love that. I didn't hurt my calfs this way. We also rented atv's for $20 bucks an hour. You can go as far down the beach as you want without a guide. Very cool. There are plenty of chairs to find on the beach. IF you like hammocks in the shade, they have that as well. Don't plan on snorkeling here. Waves are abundant. And the sand is volcanic sand which is darker and less visibility. Boogey boarding is the activity here. I thought at first " how boring". Once I got the hang out it, I loved it. No motor sports on this beach either. Thank god. It ruins the beaches even though they are fun. I did see some kayakers as well.

The pool was the best pool I have ever been too. Deep and wide. Huge, huge, huge. Loved it. Always easy to find a chair. Even at noon. Not like in mexico where people get up at 6am to get their chairs. These people actually sleep in.

The food was okay. I always found something to eat. Lunch was the worst and breakfast was the best. Typical menu: rice, plantains, some meat dishes, fish, veggies, salad bar, lots of rolls and bread. etc. Desserts were weak and all tasted the same. Coffe was amazing however.

Drinks are hard to get at certain areas. Especially at night at the entertainment bar. Big lines form. This is because they make everything fresh in the blender. Unless you want beer. Quick and easy there. Pina coladas will have you waiting forever. Only one blender and 20 people who want margaritas.

Depending on where to stay. Stay in the villas or casitas near the ocean in blocks 100 to 200. IF they only offer 300-500 then opt for the hotel building rooms over the pool. And then make sure that it is beachfront balcony.

This place is kid friendly and family friendly. But I think it is most fun for big groups traveling together. That would be ideal. Good for couples too if you want a quiet trip together. Once you meet a group of loud french canadians though, its hard to remain quiet and romantic. They got me in that water volleyball tournaments. I loved it. and then My boyfriend loved it. We had a blast no matter the cons of the trip.Feel free to email me and I will send you pictures galexe@sbcglobal.net.

We went on a last minute deal Jan 6th, 2005. It was a great place to stay. The service was amazing and the hotel landscaping is very beautiful. I took a number of photos for nice screen savers. They employee a large number of people to keep the grounds very clean. There are security guards located in key spots that give you an added sense of safety. Although, we were never nervous in Nicaragua, it is very safe there. The buffet is very good, lots of choices and great service. The staff do not speak english, only spanish with a little bit of French, but we always managed to get what we wanted across. The majority of the guests at the hotel are from Quebec, with a few English speaking tourists. There are a group of activity directors that do a great job keeping people busy, who want to do things, water volleyball, aerobics, water aerobics, dance lessons, etc. The pool is huge and well kept. It is very hot there, we only wear shorts or bathing suit the entire time, too hot for pants. There is no dress code so that was a bonus. There was a few ants in our room but we had brough insect repellent with us, so we spray where we saw the ants in the bathroom and that was the end of them. Very, very nice hotel with great service.

We have been to Barcelo Montelimar twice, in 2000 and also in january 2004. This place is wonderful.

We lived in a bungalow (we request a queen bed room near the beach and got it).

Beach: It is a big compound, so be ready to walk. The beach and the sunset are great. It is hot.

Room are clean and big. Sometimes towels are missing (ask for them). There is a fridge, refill from time to time with water, sodas and beer.

Food: there is the buffet restaurant which is good. Lobster the last day! Choices. Sometimes to many person and you cannot find a table, but wait half and hour and you will have a table. There is 2 restaurants a la carte, good (also seafood if you want). Snack bar with hot-dog and pizza (OK) near the pool.

Bar: Plenty of them. Never miss rhum or beer. No need to tip to have a drink.

Pools: there is 3 of them. One big, one smaller and one for baby. Cold.

You can go by yourself visiting the nearby villages (there is bicycle taxis at the entrance of the hotel). There is restaurants there, shops.

You can go for a tour. They are excellent.

Shopping: Some smalls shops at the hotel or at the nearby small town.

What is bad is the waiting time at the front desk to check in/check out and the waiting time at the airport since they send back every body at the same time. But you just have to remember the sunset and you forget about it.

It is a quiet place at night. The shows are not very good. There is no disco. There is a casino, and be prepare to lost your money if you go!

We will go back to Montellimar since quality/price is so good.

Great hotel, good animation, nice place to relax and have a good time. Was there two times and want to come back.

Just loved this resort. The beach is unbelievable and the service is excellent. We are returning for 2 weeks in Januay 2004 and can hardly wait. If you decide to go, ask for a room in the hotel section, not the cabins on the beach. The trips offered by the resort are reasonably priced and the shopping is outstanding. Leather products are exceptional and so is the wicker, far superior than most items found in Canada. This resort has a small zoo for the children, mini golf, excellent pools and the best food we've every eaten in a all inclusive.

The local water is drinkable and the seafood is too die for. We travel alot to the Caribbean to all inclusive resorts but none could hold a torch to this resort. Try it , you will love it.