I stayed at the Barut Lara 23rd-30th April for 7 nights, with my husband and two children, 8 and 10yrs. The big thing here, is that if you have previously stayed at or are expecting a 5 star hotel you are going to be disappointed. If however, like us you paid April, out of school holiday, early season prices and had the summer concept, you will very happy indeed! I spent a great deal of time reading trip advisor reviews before we went, so will just list the positives, tips and 'need to know's' I think are important.
Positives..
- No wrist bands! Thank goodness hotels are finally realising how dreadful these things are! Well done Barut.
- The staff will fall over themselves and go out of their way to help you with anything you need or with problems you encounter.
- Food and drinks are plentiful and of excellent quality. Every bar has table service, and the staff are quick to fill your glass and remember which drink you prefer.
- Lots of restatants/snack bars to eat & drink at every mealtime, no need for any repetition here, there's something for everyone with adult only zones too.
- Reservations for Al la carte restaurants easy to make, just ask at guest services if you can't get a table, they were able to squeeze us in when the machine said they were full, now that's service.
- Lots of activities for adults and children, the kids clubs, mini & teen were also good, but few English speaking children, and under 4's cannot be left.
- Pools are clean, safe, and the one near the main hotel heated on cooler days. Waterslides are great fun, they are not open all day, and were only open the last three days we were there.
- Beds super comfy, shower gorgeous, and mini bar restocked everyday with water, milk, juice cartons, branded soft drinks & beer. There's no ferrying water back to the rooms at the Barut.
Negatives
- If you go during the winter concept, think Oct-March, only the buffet restaurant and one other restaurant is open. The outdoor pools, waterslides etc are all closed,
and only the indoor pool which is saltwater is open and for us is unusable.
- Service in Al la cartes is variable. My daughter had nearly finished her main meal before we got ours, and you should never be asked what you would like to have for your main course whilst in the middle of eating your appetisers.
- Some of the rooms are looking a little tired. Our first had a wonky door number, a bedside light not working, significant damage to the tops of two pieces of furniture- looked like a small child had repeatedly bashed something hard onto it and white water ring marks all over the dresser. Reception swiftly changed us into a different and undamaged room, again, excellent service.
Would I go back? Yes, definitely. Good value, excellent surroundings, great staff, gorgeous food and a safe place to be.