Just got back from Barcelo for the first time with my wife and kids (5 and 8) . We previously did Iberostar Lindo and Maya. Things better at Barcelo: Beach (harbor keeps waters calmer, even though sargassum was present which it would be at a lot of resorts in this area), snorkeling, Value (price was better at Barcelo in our case), Rooms (SUPER clean, up to date. Some where and tear staying at Colonial Premium, but overall A/C was excellent and room was immaculate), Room and Pool Locations (closer to the water), Mall (Iberostar didn't have that when we went, or it was closed, and it had extras like mini-golf, bowling, shopping, casino, etc), Coffee machines 24/7 that were conveniently in many places, Free small catamaran experience, access to Cenotes across the street, kids pool (free) was excellent and very convenient if staying at Colonial premium) Things better at Iberostar: Food (both buffets and ala carte), Service for Food and Drinks (service was slow, not well staffed, or not as good at Barcelo), Entertainment shows, Kids Club was WAY better, Partying at the pool was more exciting, the app and information about where to go and what to do, Wave pool + lazy river, free golf cart rides to get you around to other parts of resort faster, distance to airport (15-20 minutes vs. Barcelo 1 hour), Eating at the pool or beach. (there would be service to your beach chair if you'd like) Equal: Pools, Drinks (Barcelo Premium), chair hogs,