I'm from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Whenever I go to Salinas, whether it's for the day or to stay, I choose BCM. There's no tricks: simple but great. I easily visit at least 4 times a year to stay as a guest, and to just lunch, at least 5 times a year.
The staff's always nice, especially Maria in the cafe colón area. I was very pleased to see she had been promoted and wasn't a waitress anymore.
If you want your problems to be solved, there's no one better than Nathalie. She might be a little bit scary at the beginning, since she's got a very tough look, but she's adorable when it comes to service.
BCM might be overpriced, but that's what you pay for staying at the best hotel in the best beach resort in Ecuador. Yes, the beach in front of it, doesn't help much, but hey! they have TWO pools, lots of entertainment, and you have tours that take you to beaches where you can enjoy. plus, chipipe beach, which i'm not that fond of, but's a good, close alternative, is just a cab ride away.
the all-inclusive package is awesome. breakfast and dinner are the best. lunch, could be better. nevertheless, I have to say that since juan carlos (no offense raul, former director and an amazing person) is in command of the hotel, lunch has gotten better.
props for BCM!
the rooms are really spacious, bathrooms could use some upgrades, yes! but, they're amazing. ocean view rooms are to die for!
never accept a room on the 3rd floor (pool area), you'll be annoyed by the amount of kids and people, since early in the morning, and its screaming.
need a meeting? do it in barceló! i've done events on it, and it's amazing!
best place, no doubt, in staying in Salinas! trust a local, with an international perspective and standards!!!

I have stayed at this hotel more than once, with family or because of a conference. The rooms are nice, clean and very comfortable. Service to the rooms and in the cafeteria/restaurant is very good. We have also tried their "all included" packages for the weekend, and they are very good offers indeed. You get to use all the amenities included, poolside drinks are free. This hotel is the best choice for a nice and calm weekend retreat, highly recommended for couples and also very good in you travel with children. The best months for visiting are from december to may, since the weather is warmer.

We had a nice ocean view bedroom. The bedroom was very big and clean as well. The food was average. We liked the free cocktails. Pina Colada's as much as you want. Most of the staff only speaks Spanish. Nice swimmingpool with a lot of sunbeds.

It is an all inclusive hotel. The food is nothing to write home about. The bathroom sink and tub had mold. There was no hot water on Monday, the day after all the weekenders had gone home. So if you are staying during the week BEWARE. It is close to the beach .
The service is great though. THe people are very nice, but the price is not worth it.
If you intend to visit for extended periods, rent a condo. Your dollars are better spent. We stayed 3 nights and it cost us almost six hundred. You can rent a condo on the beach for a month for that amount.