Disappointing

Trip Central was great and the WestJet flight was smooth with no issues. Unfortunately, the hotel itself fell short of expectations. Amenities were limited and not as advertised. Our first room was not a family room as per our booking, and there was a mosquito infestation that made the first night very difficult — especially with our 1.5-year-old and 4-year-old, who ended up with many bites. We also requested a crib for the baby and were told repeatedly it would arrive “the next day,” but afte [... read more]r five attempts, it was never delivered. To make matters worse, on the first night my wife’s foot was run over by a golf cart after the driver started moving before she was fully seated. Overall, transportation and booking were good, but the hotel experience was disappointing and not a recommendation by me.

Nice resort. It hadn't changed much since we were there last year.

The rooms are very nice and so is the beach. The food was ok. It's Cuba, so you know you are not going thete for that. The staff is super friendly. There was always plenty pf food. We plan on going again next year

Nice resort. It hadn't changed much since we were there last year.

The rooms are very nice and so is the beach. The food was ok. It's Cuba, so you know you are not going thete for that. The staff is super friendly. There was always plenty pf food. We plan on going again next year

Nice resort. It hadn't changed much since we were there last year.

The rooms are very nice and so is the beach. The food was ok. It's Cuba, so you know you are not going thete for that. The staff is super friendly. There was always plenty pf food. We plan on going again next year

Do not recommend

Positive: beach is beautiful , clean rooms and housekeeping staff is extremely nice. Negative: Food and Drinks:Same bland food every day, no hamburgers, no pizzas, no fries, no hot dogs, no chicken nuggets for the children. Limited juices and the only soda was sprite on occasion. For the alcohol extreme limited choices throughout the stat I was able to have some vodka once or twice. Entertainment: Hardly no activities during the day and at night. Hot [... read more]el: Could not use the hair dryer as it caused a power outage. Buffet staff were miserable and if you asked for cutlery or a glass of water it would take 15 to 20 minutes; as they were to busy talking amongst themselves.

Iberostar Selection Esmerelda

Rooms were beautiful - spacious, clean, lots of hot water and great air conditioning. However, they do need to have blankets available in rooms. Pools were clean and had lots of lounge chairs. Food was not hot at the buffets and lacking vegetables. Not all food was labelled and we were often uncertain as to what we were eating. Grilled food was good and hot. Breakfast as good and hot. Sandwiches at snack bar were good. Beach was nice with lots of lounges and shade available

Great food, but missing some key items for a 5-star resort

The beach is nice, the lovely pool and entertainment are good, and the food is very good. I liked their baked goods and cakes. Good selection of meet and fish. Very tasty. The negative side is that they could not provide blanket for us, and safe was broken and they could not fix it. Not a huge issue but for 5 star resort you should expect to get blanket if you cold during the night. I am not picky guest and I do appreciate and understand issues in Cuba, but Iberostar should pay attention for iss [... read more]ues like this. Don't advertise as 5 star hotel if you are not able to provide 5 star amenities.

Frustrating Trip

I was not at all satisfied with this hotel for the following reasons: 1- very poor customer service 2- lots of equipments are out of order 3- checking in took 5 hours 4- too far distance from the airport. 5- water bottles were unavailable for guests 6- lots of flies and mosquitoes 7- they sprayed DDT, which a very harmful insecticide 8- no one is willing to serve unless tipped.

Beautiful Resort!

Positives: Resort layout - not too big; lobby, beach, restaurants, rooms are easily accessible. Grounds - well-kept, paved, wide and well-lighted. Rooms - spacious, modern and clean. Negatives: Location - too far from airport remote) Entertainment - no beach volleyball; Daily Activities schedule not followed. Services - at the restaurants are slow.

Great resort

This resort was wonderful. I would go again. The staff was very friendly. The entertainment staff were excellent. There was always something to watch and do. If you like home cooked meals then this is the place. I really liked their buffet. The drinks were great. The bar had a lot of variety of cocktails. The pools were clean and full of entertainment. The beach water was choppy and a lot of seaweed would come up shoreline. The staff would clean it twice daily. This was due to the wea [... read more]ther. The only recommendation I would suggest is to bring mosquitoe spray. Again its the tropics and most tropical places have mosquitoes. I would go to this resort again.

Ok resort

Personally I will not recommend this resort for family with kids, people who doesn’t eat pork or vegetarian. Everything in this resort mixed with pork. Also this resort has nothing for kids to eat beside pasta there is nothing to eat. Extremely disappointing

Awesome

The hotel was great. Lots of food to choose from. And a fabulous presentation man named jimmy was the best! The beaches were gorgeous! Whole trip is definitely wonderful get away for any age. :) Would definitely recommend and return in by a later year!

I&AS

Our second time to this resort within a half a year. Needless to say, we enjoyed it just as much as on our first visit (see my June 2025 review). Hotel and beach are fantastic. Could not have asked for better surroundings and service. A special "Thank you" to Israel, who looked after us so well, and to O'Neil, our travel agent at Trip Central, for his excellent service in planning our trip. We liked it so much, that we plan to return next spring.

Nice, compact resort

Nice, compact resort that was a little far from airport. With a beer in hand, looking out over the vast turquoise blue waters from the causeway to Cayo Cruz wasn’t a hardship! The new development on the island still leaves some of the island untouched and ready for exploration. It is this, plus great food and service, that made me return (and will return again!). See you soon

Beautiful resort

The resort was beautiful, the price was extremely reasonable. Good service, nice room, grounds were so nice. I would recommend this place. The food was decent a little more produce would have made it better.

Amazing resort

The hotel was very nice, clean rooms and the surroundings very well maintained. The staff at the resort very friendly and always ready to help of you are in need of something. The food was decent but the drinks at bars need a lot off improvement. For 5 stars hotel it was very poor choice of drinks They have not a decent beer or a pop drink The room fridge empty I am a bit disappointed in that matter.

Amazing Cuba vacation

We had a wonderful week at this resort. It was sparking clean and the food was good and plentiful. The deserts were really tasty. The pools were clean and welcoming, the beach was beautiful (even with the seaweed) and the people who work there warm and helpful. We will for sure go back to this resort.

Quick birthday trip to Cayo Cruz

This resort had just what we needed for a short trip to celebrate a birthday- a good selection of food and beverage spots, and we enjoyed both pool areas. Weather was fantastic. We upgraded to an ocean view and are very happy with that decision- room was spacious and clean. Sadly, lots of seaweed during our visit cut or beach time a little short! Would recommend for a quick beach getaway out of Toronto.

Amazing resort!

Just came back Thursday from 1 week. Great little resort for the cost. Staff were excellent, hotel and rooms clean, food was what you would expect for Cuban fare. Nothing over the top but we didn’t go hungry or thirsty and got plenty of rest and relaxation. Tom of Bali beds and loungers everywhere.

Paradise

This hotel and location was absolutely gorgeous! Perfect getaway in paradise. I’ve been to Cuba many times but it was my husband’s first time and he absolutely loved it. The staff were extremely accommodating and helpful. Husband was not loving the food which was expected but the hotel manager sat us down with the chef and let us know we can go ask him to cook whatever we want if we didn’t want anything in the buffet. He also gave us A la carte dinners for the entire week we were there. Greatly  [... read more]appreciated! The rooms were clean and comfortable. Pool, lobby, bars and beach were all clean and comfortable. It was big enough that it never got too busy or crowded in one area even with big families and their little ones around. We will be returning to the same location in the future.