Third Time Was A Charm!

This was my 15th time to Cayo Santa Maria and third time staying at Ocean Casa Del Mar. My room was perfect. The grounds were kept very clean. Coffee and drinks from both Mike’s Coffee and all the bars were delicious. There was always a great variety of food at the buffet. The best part of this resort is some of the amazing staff who I feel blessed to call friends. Daniel, Leo, Iran, Raider & Dania in the Buffet always provided the best service. Gali, Yunior and Edel at the Pool Bar made [... read more] the best drinks. The Animation Team when under the lead of Big Daniels was most enjoyable. I cannot wait to return!!

Amazing resort

Beautiful grounds ,clean rooms,food was fantastic with a lot of variety, service was great , will definitely return to this beautiful resort. The shows were great and views were amazing. The rooms were so clean and loved the huge showers with the rainfall shower heads. Beds were extremely comfortable , overall I give it a full 5 star hotel!

I do not recommend this hotel

I ate pastas all week because the buffet was always cold. The staff is friendly but make sure you lock everything in your room's safe unless you want it to disappear. Got my phone charger stolen on the 2nd day of my stay and hotel said I lost it and couldn't help me, even though it never left my room. The beach is alright. The pools and bars are great. I chose that hotel because it had good reviews, but I can't say I would go back there. All in all, I think this hotel was overrated. Up to the [... read more] 10th day, the minibar still wasn't refilled everyday and they never changed our sheets. Just made the bed with the old sheets. For 10 days. I definitely wouldn't recommend this hotel.

Amazing resort!

We were treated like royalty as soon as we arrived. Our room was ready for us. Shower = amazing tons of hot water. Close to everything pool, ocean,restaurants, snack bar and ice cream bar. Staff was so friendly.

Need to communicate better

The food was much better than we expected, based on everything you hear about Cuba. The cooking stations do an excellent job of preparing food fresh, it is worth the wait in line. The biggest issue we encountered was the lack of communication. They temporarily 'moved' the a-la-carte restaurants, meaning they served them out of different locations, but did not communicate this to the guests, and none of the staff we asked could tell us where to find it; we ending up finding them (this happened [... read more] twice), but we were late for the reservation. Even staff at the customer service desk in the lobby did not know where the restaurants were located. One evening, they had a pig roast, which was not advertised, we only knew because we happened to be in the vicinity when they were setting up the roaster. No one could tell us, however, what was going on, and when it would be served.

Great resort

Large resort but clean. Food was good, especially the BBQ by the beach. The beaches were amazing. Only thing was it seemed like there was only nightly entertainment, none by the pool or beach (that I saw anyway).

Excellent hotel

The service is great and the beach wonderful, food is regular but we know the situation , shows are great too and we love that theyhad shows for kids, the negative point is that the hotel is far from the airport.

Amazing Resort-from first impression to farewell time

The resort was beautiful, close to beach, clean and thoroughly enjoyable. The only complaint would be the spotty internet but we managed. We are already looking forward to returning! Great service, food and amenities and white clean beach!

Great resort, usual Cuba annoyances

I've been to this hotel many times, so I get privelege with them. I still ask for normal building as privelege rooms have baths instead of shower. But the hotel is pretty new, grounds are clean, beach is fantastic. They have a super imtertainment stuff, i like to participate in all of that. On Saturdays they have Cuba night where people can dance with professional dancers. There's a disco right outside hotel, it's not included though, have to pay extra. Usual annoyances: some things don't work, [... read more] and it takes a while to have them fixed but i know there's only 1 guy for the whole resort. Also I called for the cart to leave with suitcases about 5 times and other workers called for me and still I was waiting 40 minutes, almost missed checkout and my bus. Normal Cuba annoyances. Still I like the hotel, most workers will bend down backwards to make ur stay amazing, so I will probably keep booking with them.

Amazing room, great staff!

The room accommodations were very nice, bathroom shower was a real treat. Staff was very friendly and always had a smile. The beachfront was great and a short walk from the marketplace! Would highly suggest this hotel to anyone.

Amazing resort

Entertainment team are the best, especially Emilio, Markus Food is alright, they can work on it to make it little bit better with more choices. Restaurants food were not that good.The Beach is so amazing Overall it is perfect

Nice resort, shame they don't bother to tell you anything

The resort was nice, the food adequate to Cuban standards. It's just a shame that the rep didn't explain much at the welcome meeting... such as there are 2 areas to the resort... east side is quiet, west side is where the activities take place. You have to queue up for at least an hour in the morning to make your reservation for the a-la-carte. There is a limited menu at the snack bar (no pizza) although the food is always hot and freshly cooked from it. Also, it is supposed to be open 24hr  [... read more]but if you walk by around 10pm (ie after the evening show is finished) it is all in darkness and it was only after about 3 nights that we realized the staff are in the back with the lights off and it's only when a handful of guests enter the building and knock for service that they come out and put the lights on/resume service. Don't be surprised if you dont get allocated to rooms/blocks that you request upon booking... I'd requested block 11 ground floor and we got block 14 2nd floor. Also, small things that were annoying.. we had 2 rooms and after multiple ignored complaints we gave up with the safe in the rms... 1 was locked open and 1 was locked closed :-( also, lucky we had connecting rms as the room our daughter was using... the door didnt work for the 10day duration - she had to come and go via our room and the connecting door.

Ocean Casa del Mar

This was a "resort", large grounds with ample space by both the pools and the buildings, with chairs and space by the ocean. We went at Christmas and did not free crowded or jammed packed by other tourist, as the whole resort was open/full. The only place where it did seem busy was the buffet, depending what time you went, as there seemed to be a line up starting around 7:00 pm for dinner (show is at 9:00 pm). To avoid alot of the line ups in the buffet building, ask to sit in the room on the  [... read more]right side went you go in, not many people go there, quieter, and similiar food, less people, you can go to the other room too, if you want and back. Try the other restuarants (6) where you line up a 9:00am to book, again less noisy, with a slightly different menu, to switch it up. Staff where friendly, lots of variety of entertainment by the west pool (noisy side of the resort). We where on the east side nice and relaxing, both sides have 24 hr snack bar and a pool bar. The performaces at night where good, lots of song and dancing. We stayed a Valentine Resort, two resorts east of this one along the beach, very similar in layout. Valentine is adults only, and is much qiueter during the day and at night, if you want to chill in a quiet relaxfull resort. Ocean, is family and seem to have more happening in terms of people doing stuff, still very relaxing, but if you want to do more you can. Rooms where clean, food was good, the beach was amazing and the interent is $1 CUC. and hour. Enjoy this place !

Modern for Cuba

The hotel was nice and well maintained. The shower actually had hot water and it was beautiful! The food was ok and there was a good variety of restaurants to choose from. The only annoyance is the system for booking reservations which can be extremely time consuming.

Food need improvement

Hotel is very clean , staff are wonderful and always willing to help when needed. Check in and out very good and fast. Food at Buffett needs much improvement, cold except for items freshly cooked, breakfast omelette and Pasta were best. Do not cater to children where food is concerned .Ala-cart restaurants are booked daily, but never know which one you can go to, only 2 available every day, we ended up at the same one twice. Ran out of white wine on 2nd day of our trip, Bars are good, pina [... read more] colada are best at the main bar, Entertainment in evening was ok, enjoyed the Cuban night the best Better entertainment was pre-show. All pools are good, no trouble at any pool in getting a lounge chair, plenty. Though sometimes it’s hard to get a clean towel. Don’t miss taking the double decker bus to the market, or just stay on for the round trip which takes you to all the hotels. Also Mike’s coffee was wonderful especially the cappuccino royal, where u can also enjoy a pastry with coffee. Our room was extremely clean, but the patio door did not lock, but was fixed very fast. Beach is wonderful and so was the opportunity to go on catamaran, food at lunch time grill on beach was very good.

A great resort and setup

This was a great resort lots of room and dining areas and lots of room at beach and pools. Food was good and varied. Staff was always great and helpful. Lots of loungers, and bars everywhere. The coffee bar in main area was great , every night for a Great experience. Al la carts were good and great service. Washrooms has someone always there cleaning. Floor areas always being cleaned. Snack bars lots of choices in food and drinks. Pool bars always good and their entertainment group during the da [... read more]y at the pool was very good.

Very impressed

Since it was such a good price, I was really skeptical but I was pleasantly surprised with what we got. The beach is a little far from the rooms but it is absolutely beautiful. The food was decent and the staff was excellent. The pool areas were really nice and clean with more than enough chairs for everyone.

Nothing Compares to Cuban Hospitality

We had a fantastic time at Ocean. I was concerned about some past reviews but honestly have to say I did not see issues to validate them. We traveled with family and friends, all adults and have traveled to Cayo Santa Maria 5 other times. Accommodations - we stayed in block 14 on the east side of the resort on a higher floor, as requested. The room was large, clean, and in good repair. The room has a shower with good pressure and hot water. The shower was slow to drain so you had to watch you [... read more] didn't overflow it but once you were aware it was easy to work around- but really I didn't come here for the shower. Block 14 was easy access to the pool, snack bar, beach, and shopping area. Power in your room is 220 but will accept North American standard plugs, just ensure your adapter is capable of 110 - 230 input and you'll be fine. Food - it was not a culinary experience, but I never left hungry. Breakfast always had all egg combinations, pancakes and fresh fruit. Lunch had light options, as well as a stir fry, pasta station, and rice combos. Supper was a la carte most nights and we enjoyed the fair offered. French fries and pizzas were available at the snack bar. Beach bbq usually had payaya (sp) and chicken which were both good. I certainly didn't go hungry nor did I feel I was eating the same thing for a week (however, I am not a foody so take my opinion for what its worth). Staff - the sole reason we always return to Cuba is the staff. The animation staff led by Leo were top notch and sincere. Magdiel at the buffet went out of his way to accomodate. I found all of the server staff to be fantastic. The reception staff were always pleasant to deal with. Entertainment - I did not partake of any of the theater shows, just not my thing. But I did enjoy the live music every night at the main bar. We went bowling one night at the shopping plaza which was fun. Normally we take in a "fiesta" night at the plaza but this time the entertainment at the resort was enough to keep us on site. Resort - is a bit of a drive, 1:45 from the airport, but if you can manage a daylight trip it is worth the scenery. We stayed mid-November and the resort was only half full, the weather was great, and bugs very minimal. This resort is spread out and did entail a fair bit of walking but I personally enjoy this. I found the path lighting to be adequate and the cart traffic to be minimal, however some paths were in need of repair making wheelchair access difficult for some. It's location next to the shopping plaza makes it desirable in providing enhanced options for activities. The beach is nice and large. Two beautiful and huge pools segmented into multiple parts making it easy to claim a piece. As others have mentioned - try to pull what information will help you from these reviews. Some people aren't going to be happy any where they go. If the little things tend to get you upset quickly and ruin the rest of your day - Cuba is not for you; however, if you go on vacation looking to enjoy and relax and roll with the flow with minimal expense - this is the place for you. What Cuba may lack in amenities they more than make up for in hospitality. I fully recommend booking with Trip Central as I have found the process simple, efficient and thorough.

Great vacation

The hotel is beautiful and the staff is friendly and helpful. Beach is narrow but long and the sand is white and the ocean is gorgeous. Would definitely return there and recommend it strongly. For the price is a great bargain

Amazing Girls Trip!!

The staff were friendly and felt like family by the end of the trip. We were greeted well, staff at the pool bar where fun and loved to joke around, the buffet staff were always ready to welcome and bring us to the table and service us!! The cooks were polite and friendly and no complaints at all. The resort has trolleys to pick you up if walking is a challenge or too far to go to where you want to go and that was very helpful, as we had someone who needed this service often in our group! Sh [... read more]opping market was small but has the trinkets we were looking for. Suggestions: change Canadian money to peso's asap or use the banks at the hotel or at the market. Cuban residents there can not exchange Canadian change (loonies and toonies), so better to go with dollar bills. $20 Canadian was approx. 14 pesos! Food was decent. We were excited to see some greens on the last few days (brussell sprouts and leaf lettuce) but we ate fairly well. lots of eggs and fish but amazed at what they can do with a hot dog!! Pool bar had good pizza, chicken and fries and tuna sandwiches. Drinks were free flowing and well received. We will miss Hector, Andro, Carlo and Leidy (buffet servers), Dany (pool restaurant server), Vania and for sure, Valentin at the pool bar!! You all, are now part of our families and were vital parts of our trip enjoyment!! Great work and hope to see you all again!!