Barcelo Asia Gardens
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Expert Review: Barcelo Asia Gardens
Barceló Asia Gardens, a Royal Hideaway Hotel in Alicante, Spain, stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property offering a luxurious and tranquil Asian-themed escape on the Costa Blanca. Consistently praised for its stunning design, lush gardens, and exceptional service, it delivers a memorable experience for most guests.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Barceló Asia Gardens is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing it as a "paradise" and an "oasis." Review platforms often show ratings of "Superb" (9.0) and "Excellent" (8.9), reflecting a generally high level of satisfaction. Guests frequently express a desire to return, highlighting a truly relaxing and memorable stay.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud the hotel's commitment to creating an authentic Asian ambiance, particularly through its spectacular tropical gardens, which feature over 150,000 plants and tranquil water features. The numerous Asian-themed pools, including heated options and exclusive access for suite guests, are a significant draw. The authentic Thai Spa, with its skilled therapists and open-air treatment pavilions, is another major highlight, offering genuine Thai massage expertise. The thoughtful design, which manages to feel both expansive and intimate, prevents the hotel from feeling crowded even at full capacity.
3. Room Quality
The 309 spacious rooms are designed in a Balinese style, featuring warm tones, fine hardwood finishes, and a unique personality. Guests report comfortable king-size beds and thoughtful amenities, including Nespresso machines in superior categories, fluffy robes, and bath salts. Many rooms boast private balconies overlooking the serene tropical gardens, providing a peaceful awakening to the sounds of water and birdsong. While generally well-appointed, some older reviews mention minor issues such as varying balcony sizes and limited power sockets near beds.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel offers a diverse dining experience with a range of themed restaurants, advertised to be as many as nine, blending Mediterranean and international Asian cuisine. The breakfast buffet at the Udaipur restaurant is frequently praised as excellent, featuring a vast array of hot and cold options, local dishes like pan con tomato and tortilla, and even Cava for a touch of morning luxury. Poolside lunches are also noted for their quality, including various paella and rice dishes. For fine dining, "In Black" offers tasty food in a beautiful outdoor setting. However, some guests have noted that the full complement of restaurants might not be open during off-season periods, and private events or conferences can lead to overcrowding in the buffet area and limited dinner reservations.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Barceló Asia Gardens consistently receive high praise. Guests describe the team as attentive, welcoming, friendly, and exceptional, contributing significantly to a luxurious and relaxing stay. Staff members are often noted for going out of their way to assist guests, even in unexpected requests, and the level of English spoken is generally excellent. Many reviewers highlight feeling a sense of relaxation from the moment of arrival, attributed to the staff's hospitality.
6. Location & Accessibility
Nestled in the Sierra Cortina Mountains, the hotel offers magnificent views over the Costa Blanca, surrounded by pine woods, creating a sense of being "a world away" despite its proximity to developed areas. It is conveniently located 10-15 minutes from popular attractions like Altea and the Terra Mítica and Terra Natura theme parks. Alicante Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away, and Valencia airport is about an hour's drive. While the beach is about 1.5 miles away, the hotel's seven pools ensure guests are not reliant on it for swimming.
7. Value & Pricing
As a 5-star Michelin Key Selected property, Barceló Asia Gardens is positioned as a luxury destination, and its pricing reflects this. While generally not considered a budget-friendly option, guests often feel the experience justifies the cost, providing excellent value for a high-end stay. Prices can vary significantly based on the season, with rates observed from around $221 to over $800, depending on the room type and booking period.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include issues with outdoor cleanliness, such as dirt under sunbeds, bird droppings on loungers, and some build-up in certain pools. During periods of high occupancy, especially when conferences are held, guests have reported a less "holiday" atmosphere and crowded breakfast buffets, as well as limited availability or choice of restaurants. Some older feedback also mentions minor inconveniences like an extra charge for ice from room service or a desire for more readily available power outlets in rooms. Feedback on massage services is mixed, with some guests finding them unsatisfactory.
