When it comes to all-inclusive beachfront resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, two of the most popular options are the Barceló Maya Tropical and Barceló Maya Colonial. As sister properties located next door to each other in Puerto Aventuras, these resorts share many amenities and offer similar experiences.
However, there are some key differences between the two that can help travelers decide which one best suits their needs and preferences for an upcoming vacation.
| Hotel | Stars | Room Types | Highlights |
| Barceló Maya Tropical | 5 stars | Standard, Superior, Family Suites | Largest resort, 20 restaurants, waterpark, kids club |
| Barceló Maya Colonial | 4 stars | Standard, Superior, Junior Suites | Adults-only, smaller feel, 10 restaurants |
When comparing Barceló’s two all-inclusive Maya resorts, the Tropical tends to be the best option for families traveling with kids. With its massive size, wealth of dining options, on-site waterpark, and expansive supervised kids club, it offers endless entertainment for all ages.
Meanwhile, the smaller Colonial resort has an adults-only policy, creating a more relaxed, child-free atmosphere. Both provide plenty of recreational activities from tennis to snorkeling, multiple pools and beach areas, live music and entertainment, and more. But families or groups with children should opt for the Barceló Maya Tropical for its wealth of kid-friendly amenities.
The standard rooms at both Barceló Maya resorts come with either two double beds or one king bed, along with furnished balconies or patios. Superior rooms provide more living space, premium bath amenities, and access to the VIP lounge.
However, when it comes to room categories, the Barceló Maya Tropical offers more variety, including family suites with bunk beds, jacuzzi suites, swim-up suites, and luxurious options like the Premium Level. The Colonial’s rooms are stylish and modern but limited to standard, superior, and junior suites for adults.
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The free-form, lagoon-style main pool at the Tropical stretches over half a mile long, allowing guests to enjoy swim-up bars and lush tropical landscaping. The Colonial’s rooftop infinity pool impresses with panoramic ocean views and a lively adults-only atmosphere. Both resorts offer a second quieter pool as well.
For beaches, the Tropical has more extensive shoreline and calmer waters that are better for swimming. But the Colonial’s beach is right off the lobby with a convenient bar and waiter service. Overall, the Tropical’s massive pool and beach hold far more guests, while the Colonial offers a more intimate yet lively vibe.
With 20+ restaurants, the Barceló Maya Tropical unquestionably offers far more dining variety than the 10 restaurants at the Colonial. Options range from buffets to upscale dining at specialty restaurants like Kulinarium, Braza Grill, or Mexico Lindo.
The Tropical also has significantly more bars and lounges ranging from a sports bar to piano bar to cigar lounge. Meanwhile, the Colonial provides enough dining variety for most adults, but menus are more limited during low season when some restaurants close. Unique options include the adults-only rooftop restaurant La Habenera and French restaurant Maison d’ Michelle. Overall, families or large groups will appreciate the Tropical’s extensive dining choices.
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The outstanding amenity found only at the Barceló Maya Tropical is the on-site waterpark, featuring fun slides and splash areas perfect for kids and families. Only Tropical guests can access this park.
The Tropical also has one of the best kids clubs around, with organized activities for children ages 4-12. Nightly entertainment is world-class at both resorts, but the larger Tropical amphitheater accommodates bigger productions.
Both hotels offer bars with music, shows, and dancing nightly. For spa and fitness, each has a luxury spa, gym, and fitness classes, though Tropical’s facilities are larger. Overall, families favor the Tropical for its exceptional kids amenities, while the Colonial offers plenty of adult-oriented entertainment.
Also watch the review video of Barceló Maya Colonial!
Barceló Maya Tropical is a 5-star resort according to its official rating.
Barceló Maya Tropical is the best option for families due to its on-site waterpark, supervised kids club with organized activities for children ages 4-12, family suites, and overall wealth of dining and entertainment options suited for kids.
Yes, Barceló Maya Colonial provides free WIFI access throughout the resort including in all rooms and public areas.
Yes, Barceló Maya Tropical has elevators within its multi-story hotel buildings for convenient guest access to upper floor rooms and suites.
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When choosing between the Barceló Maya Tropical versus Colonial, think about whether you prefer a lively, energetic megaresort with endless activities or a smaller-scale, adults-only vacation. Families with children or large groups will appreciate the Tropical’s wealth of amenities, dining, pools, beach space, entertainment, and kid-friendly offerings like the waterpark and kids club.
Adult travelers seeking a sophisticated, peaceful retreat will favor the Barceló Maya Colonial for its adult-only policy, intimate vibe, and amenities tailored specifically to couples and adults. Both provide a luxurious all-inclusive Maya Riviera experience.
But your own travel priorities and needs will determine if the massive, family-friendly Tropical or the smaller, sleeker Colonial is the right resort choice for your upcoming Mexican Caribbean vacation.
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