Fairmont Royal Pavilion

We have stayed in this hotel previously and enjoyed the stay very much We revisited recently It is clear that the hotel has either changed management or ownership Although the staff were still very attentive and friendly there have been changes which have detracted from the stay The afternoon tea was always something to look forward to it is now an extra relative expensive and top heavy We also felt the move of breakfast to the rather cathedral like dining room detracted from the ambiance There has clear been a problem with the fridges in the rooms and we obtrusive fridge stuck in the middle of our room Not what I would expect given the price of the room. The tennis courts are a great asset to the hotel but are in dire need of repair We would like to return for a stay after Xmas next year but would review what changes the hotel had made before deciding

We are on day 2 of our week long holiday and this is our first visit to Barbados and therefore our first time in the Fairmont. By way of reference, we have travelled all over the world with our three kids under 10 and usually stay in 5 star hotels (Four Seasons etc). This is my first time ever writing a tripadvisor review. There is something quite magical about the Fairmont - when you arrive, the colonial style architecture is a little Four Seasons like in that it seems to surround you without overpowering you (reminded us of the Seychelles four seasons). The delightful pink exterior is such a glorious change... and it just makes you feel happy. What the Fairmont lacks when comparing to Four Seasons and Sandy Lane type 5* hotels, it MORE than makes up for in friendliness and incredible food. The prices are not super cheap and I can???t compare to previous reviewers comparing prices of services and room offerings at the Fairmont over the last 5/6 years but I can compare to other beautiful resorts in other exotic parts of the world. You get what you pay for. The rooms have contemporary chic furniture, are modern, spacious, and clean, and yes bathrooms are perhaps needing a little updating, but are all marble and spacious and very funtional. Love the Le Labo toiletaries everywhere - super touch. Also love the very quiet but efficient fan on the balconies and the bedrooms as an alternative to the air con which we always find a bit too much at night. Loved the nespresso machine in the bedroom - the coffee at breakfast (espresso, Americano and filter are all a bit weak and not to our taste but the lovely lady at breakfast did a fresh brew for us which was much stronger and appreciated). The breakfast selection was perfect and love the breakfast room which doubles as an Italian restaurant at evening. We also tried this and it was perfect - Catering for and even adapting to our needs. Lunch today at the pool restaurant again was efficient and incredible food - we had the fish tacos and sashimi tuna and avocado salad which was divine. The on-site water sports - some complimentary are great fun and again organised by a really friendly fun chap. We are a family of 5 and he really took part and contributed to a competition with us! Looking forward to the Catamaran trip this week and a few other adventures. The kids are going to try the kids club starting Monday and keen to try water skiing and deep sea fishing. We are only on day 2 of our week long holiday but so far we are loving the Caribbean way! The manager seems to always be present and brings such a positive energy to each of the three times we have met him so far. So to resume, definitely want to see more of this hotel, the kids LOVE it and we find it mega relaxing wth incredible food.