Nice Resort but lacking in some major areas

Very clean, nice grounds well kept, servce in restaurants could be improved, staff could be more attentive from providing beverages to picking up plates. Lacking napkins on tables at buffet, overall food quality low. Could improve on pillows. Entertainment quality lacking in evenings or non existent.Different bands at buffet and restaurants were appreciated. Internet service was disruptive as one walks the grounds or stays inactive promoting guest to keep re entering login info which was annoyin [... read more]g. Close to airport which made things convenient...upon arrival greeted with mosquito invasion ensure you have your mosquito spray handy before leaving the plane!!!

Facts

1. Beach is incredible, but obviously weather dependant. 2. Bungalow building nine (9) is right on the beach, incredible views. 3. Staff and Cubans in general are beautiful welcoming and generous people. 4. Food is food, seriously people stop complaining. 5. There is not on-site store but golf cart will take you to next door hotel for store and currency exchange where you also can withdraw pesos cash using your credit card. 6. No manoir shows, small shows in lobby, 7. No dancing or disco. 8. Gr [... read more]ounds are well kept, 9. Rooms are nice, clean, good toiletries. 10. Scarce wine but lots of hard liquor and beer.

The Hotel was great and the beach was gorgeous and beautiful !

I stayed at Grand Aston Cayo Paredon between 18-25 June 2023. I rated the Hotel 5 Stars. I enjoyed my entire vacation (with all sunny days) and had a wonderful time there. The Hotel was new, beautiful and with a good layout. I stayed at the Deluxe Oceanview room for CAD$745 each. The room was spacious, clean, tidy, neat and everything was working in good condition. The view of the room was gorgeous, overlooking the swimming pools, the garden, the hotel, the beach and the ocean. In the mor [... read more]ning, I watched from the balcony the sun rising slowly from the ocean and the horizon, giving light and hope to us all. All restaurants are indoor with air conditioning. I enjoyed all the food at the buffet. There was no lacking of food supplies. I enjoyed the cappuccino, fried eggs, omelet, ham, bacon, yogurt cups, juice, fruit and toast (with butter) in the morning. I enjoyed the beer, the different combinations of pork, beef, chicken, fish-fillet, shrimps, pasta, pizza, vegetables, cakes, desserts, ice-cream and fruits during lunches and dinners at the Avila Buffet. The juicy mangos and papaya were super sweet and delicious; the fried fish-fillet, shrimps and pork were very tasty. Wine, liquor and champagne were served in the 4 reservation restaurants. I enjoyed the pina-colada at the Lobby bar. The entire Hotel was clean and very pleasant. The garden was well maintained. The flowers, the plants, the banana trees were beautiful. Hotel workers were working very hard all day to keep the Hotel nice, clean and beautiful for us. The 3 main swimming pools were amazing. The Bali-beds by the 40 metres pool was very romantic. Few people were swimming. At one time, I was the only one swimming at the 40M pool. Lots of empty loungers were available. The beach was wide, absolutely gorgeous, beautiful and clean. The water was clear. They cleaned up the sea weed every early morning. Lots of empty palapas and loungers stretching in front and back rows along the entire width of the beach. I did not have problem with the supply of beach towel, toilet paper, bottled water or other service. The Hotel turned on only 1 elevator when occupancy was low and turned on additional elevators pending occupancy was understandable. Mosquito was a problem to the entire Cayo Coco area. Bring and spray your mosquito repellent. All hotel staffs were friendly. Special thanks to the good and friendly service of Arturo, Osmar and Jimmy serving us at the Avila Buffet. They did not work for your tips, they worked hard to make the Hotel Good and our vacation enjoyable ! I am Keith from Toronto. Good-bye ! July 2023.

Was ok for the price

Pros- beautiful location, close to airport, lots of pools, beautiful beaches, staff is amazing, wifi was good, tons of places to relax, kids area was great, crib was provided Cons- food was not great(expected this), getting coffee was difficult, never had water brought to room always had to go and ask and sometimes they had none, dinning room was crowded and difficult if you have kids, wifi password and username is long and confusing and wifi is timed so if you run out you have to go ask for mo [... read more]re, quite a few blackouts, tv didn’t work in either room, asked for a ground floor room and they put us on the top floor, mosquitoes will eat you alive! Bring as much bug spray as humanly possible!!!

Disappointing.

Regarding the hotel stay, I am very disappointed.  First, the mosquitoes were constantly a problem.  It was impossible to watch the evening entertainment because of the mosquitoes. Everyone was complaining about this.  We came back covered in bites.  I was considering upgrading to the Club Privilege section but it was closed. Secondly, the food shortage in Cuba resulted in substandard food choice and quality.  Pumpkin seemed to be a substitute for fruit and vegetable ingredients through [... read more]out the menus. I lived on eggs for breakfast. For several days, they didn't have butter in the buffet for your bread and not at all in the a' la carte restaurants. They didn't even have ketchup, mustard, relish or mayonnaise as condiments.  Wine was only served in the a' la carte restaurants and coffee was not available in any the restaurants during lunch and dinner.  We had to go to the bars to get a coffee.  International alcohol was not evident. There was no room service despite this being listed in the advertising.  International alcohol was not evident. In my opinion, the hotel's description of services is misleading. Third, the economy and financial situation of the people in Cuba resulted in the staff always suggesting that guests provide tips.  Obviously they are not being paid enough by the Hotel(s) to make this an "All inclusive" destination. I would only give this a maximum 3 star rating at the best and we will never be returning to this resort.  In my opinion, you should take this hotel (and all others in this new resort area) off your vacation spots.

Everything I needed and more!

I had an amazing week at this resort in May 2023. Bus ride was 1/2 hour from the airport. Rooms are big and spacious and very comfortable. The hotel is big but well configured and clean. Beach was breathtaking! For having food shortages in the country I had no issues with food! Omelettes, eggs, toast, cheese, pizza, pasta, burgers, fries, rice, fruits. Wine is apparently an issue but are available a la carte. I tried Italian (amazing dessert) and Mexican which was my favourite! The staff are won [... read more]derful and a smile will go a long way :) only issue is the mosquitos, it’s their rain season but I didn’t have many issues with them.

Great hotel

I have been to over 20 hotels in Cuba. By far this was the best. The food was very good. Much above the standard Cuban hotel dining experience. The hotel was about 20 minutes away from the airport. The rooms were bright, clean and big. Everything was working. I would expect that since the hotel is only been open 6 months. I only had two complaints for the vacation. One was mosquitoes, of course that had nothing to do with the hotel, this is just a byproduct of Caribbean living. The second was th [... read more]at I upgraded to a ocean view room. I did get a very small portion of ocean view but mostly of of the construction of the hotel being built next door. In my honest opinion it was not ocean view. I could have brought it up but it wasn't that important at the time. In closing it's a very good resort and I will return

Lovely as it's new.

Beautiful rooms.food was OK,. Amenities, shops and everything seemed so far apart. I asked for bottled water and had a difficult time.gettimg drinking water. Beaches are gorgeous, bugs were really. Ad this time of year .

Lovely Resort

We spent an idyllic 7 days at the Grand Aston, from April 15-22.. We completed much research via FB groups and travel review sites prior, so we didn't experience any unpleasant surprises. We were fortunate not to encounter any shortages that had a negative impact on our experience. We were prepared for the worst, and actually enjoyed the food here much more than our pre-Covid trips to Cuba. Facilities are beautiful! Cleaners and gardeners work hard to maintain everything, and it shows. The g [... read more]rounds, beach and indoor areas are well designed and very modern. We loved that the main buffet is indoors, as one of the issues we've encountered at other Cuban resorts is open-air main buffet with birds flying through and landing near/on food . Beer was delicious and cold! The beach is wonderful and has lots of palapas and loungers. The blue loungers are much more comfortable than the striped ones. We spent a little time at one of the pools when a bed was open. The striped loungers are used at the pools and are really uncomfortable. We slept surprisingly well on a comfortable bed in a room that didn't have noise issues from neighbors or hallway (solid wood door, no gap at bottom). We enjoyed all of our meals, including the main buffet, the Asian, Italian and Texmex a la cartes, churros and Cuban food on the beach, stirfry at the beach bar, and burgers at the snack bar. Bring your own cups for water and you can self fill them at the lobby bar or gym, or ask any bartender to. This a pretty quiet resort, not for those that want to party in to the late night. It was perfect for some true R&R and couple time. Special appreciation for the morning lobby bar staff - great service and delicious capuccinos, lattes, coffee - and the lovely lady at the gym that kept my husband and other patrons motivated and trying new things. We were happy and healthy, and for the first time can say we have found a Cuban resort we will return to. Partially that we were lucky to be there when there wasn't a serious shipment or supply issue, and mainly because the facilities and staff are wonderful. No regrets!

Lovely Resort

We spent an idyllic 7 days at the Grand Aston, from April 15-22.. We completed much research via FB groups and travel review sites prior, so we didn't experience any unpleasant surprises. We were fortunate not to encounter any shortages that had a negative impact on our experience. We were prepared for the worst, and actually enjoyed the food here much more than our pre-Covid trips to Cuba. Facilities are beautiful! Cleaners and gardeners work hard to maintain everything, and it shows. The g [... read more]rounds, beach and indoor areas are well designed and very modern. We loved that the main buffet is indoors, as one of the issues we've encountered at other Cuban resorts is open-air main buffet with birds flying through and landing near/on food . Beer was delicious and cold! The beach is wonderful and has lots of palapas and loungers. The blue loungers are much more comfortable than the striped ones. We spent a little time at one of the pools when a bed was open. The striped loungers are used at the pools and are really uncomfortable. We slept surprisingly well on a comfortable bed in a room that didn't have noise issues from neighbors or hallway (solid wood door, no gap at bottom). We enjoyed all of our meals, including the main buffet, the Asian, Italian and Texmex a la cartes, churros and Cuban food on the beach, stirfry at the beach bar, and burgers at the snack bar. Bring your own cups for water and you can self fill them at the lobby bar or gym, or ask any bartender to. This a pretty quiet resort, not for those that want to party in to the late night. It was perfect for some true R&R and couple time. Special appreciation for the morning lobby bar staff - great service and delicious capuccinos, lattes, coffee - and the lovely lady at the gym that kept my husband and other patrons motivated and trying new things. We were happy and healthy, and for the first time can say we have found a Cuban resort we will return to. Partially that we were lucky to be there when there wasn't a serious shipment or supply issue, and mainly because the facilities and staff are wonderful. No regrets!

Beautiful resort!

We had an amazing time at this beautiful resort. The beach is amazing and pools are clean and relaxing. There is more than enough room to be comfortable with lots of chairs available at the beach and pool. There are also beds always available by the pool. There is entertainment each day and night for all ages. This includes yoga, Zumba and evening shows. The staff are super friendly here. They try their best with food. The omelettes in the morning are amazing. I personally preferred the buffet o [... read more]ver the A la carts. Ice cream is super delicious. Bread is delicious too. Rooms are super clean and spacious. The snack bar is open 24hrs for drinks and snacks. They also had musical entertainment that would come around and play traditional songs. If staying here advised to bring lots of snacks/condiments. Also it would be helpful to bring your own beach towel as they give you some but if you lose it you’ll have to pay a fee. This is truly a great resort for all ages. Again lots of activities on the resort and then also close to Moron/Cayo coco for solo exploration or for joining excursions. Also we had a spa day which was amazing! My friend got lashes done and I got a manicure and pedicure. We both loved our service. My nails lasted the rest of the trip and are going strong. Yadira is super friendly and talented! She is really good at hair cuts and braids as well!

Nice new hotel lacking essentials

The hotel grounds set up nicely, beach is nice, service at beech side great. The rooms are great, but cleanliness not good. We had to ask for fresh bath towels after 3 days of not being changed. Shortage of food. (Coffee, milk, napkins, spoons, no wine at buffet, a verity of liquors, no butter,soda water) . Same food served every day. One chef at station serving a huge lineup of people for omelette, or pasta. No shop on site, closest town more than 1 hour away. Mosquitoes every night. Had a grea [... read more]t dinner at the nearby lighthouse restaurant (2 big lobsters and wine. $80us). Entertainment is in-house (lame). No music or location to do any dancing.

??

Positives: Close to the airport. Very clean. Rooms spacious and beautiful. Medico on premises. Hardly any smokers. Negative: kafkaesque numbering of levels and rooms- wait for a busboy to get there. Do not rely on elevators and your reasoning. Do not rely on info from Reception- either non existent or wrong. No wine- only in menu restaurant. No cheese and butter 8 days of ten. Food repetitive but tasty. Hardly any shade around the pools. " Occupying" beach chairs with towels already early in the [... read more] morning - no people on them.

Fantastic

The resort was fantastic. The staff is friendly and the hotel is clean. The beach is fascinating and the overall layout is great. The food needs more variety witch is the only downside for this resort. The entertainment was great .

Amazing hotel great beach.

The hotel is modern and beautiful. The hotel staff is pleasant and kind. The beach is great for both swimming and walking. The architecture of the resort is simple and modern. The weather was beautiful, although it rained in the evening. Our room was very well kept and beautiful. The food was getting better every day. The bartenders (Israel, Nelson and Jose M) were excellent and help full. We will be happy to return to this hotel next time.

Beautiful hotel

hotel was great. here are a few things we did not like no store to purchase anything always out of pop choices are coke or sprite no slushy drinks at pool bars no coffee maker in room beach had so many broken shells, hard to walk without shoes lots of elevators marked out of service its a brand new resort and they have things to iron out soon if they want people to come back we had to call every day for bottle of water in our that we had to share, hell l would have bought water if the [... read more]re was a store and a few other minor things but l know we are in a third world county, and Cuba is Cuba

The most Amazing Beach!

The resort and in particular the beach are beautiful! The staff are great, especially Alfonso at the beach, always happy and working so fast to help everyone in the heat. The wait staff at the a la carte restaurants (Italian, Tex Mex and Brazilian) went out of their way to be sure we had a great time (the Asian restaurant not so much). There was lots of food available, including real scrambled eggs at the Americana and real eggs made to order at the beach bar, french fries and sandwiches at t [... read more]he snack bar, and cheeses, pasta, pizza, etc. at the buffets. The resort is new and definitely still needs some tweaks. The night entertainment in particular is not great. I would not recommend the jeep safari excursion, and if you take the bus to the market go in the morning as most things are closed in the afternoon, probably due to the heat. All in all a great place that will only improve in time and with the additional resorts opening. Words can't even describe the beautiful beach! P.S. bring afterburn as everyone underestimates the sun

Beautiful experience!

The workers are welcoming and kind. The beach is amazing! The resort's architecture is simple. Love the unlimited services, worth the price. Schedule is on point. Stable/hot weather. Resort room was well maintain, simple and beautiful. A la carte services was good. Grateful for the food they served a had. Mosquitos was a bit of a downfall.

No complaints!

Hotel was beautiful, staff was super friendly, view was incredible, whoever told you that the food sucks in Cuba has too high standards imo, only thing I would mention is that the water for the shower wasn't super warm but other than that 5/5 for sure!

Amazing resort

This resort is beautiful. It is brand new and beautifully laid out. Everything is close by. The beach is one of the most beautiful I have seen. The rooms are lovely. Our maid Misaily made sure the room was very clean. Check in went very smoothly. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Shout out to the staff at the the Allure beach bar, Yadier, Lazaro and Raul for the great service and friendly faces. The attendants at the beach getting you chairs and cleaning them, Alfredo and Adrian. The guy [... read more]s at the Buffett, Davis and Noe. Aurtro at the Court buffet. Went to 3 ala cartes. The Mexican where we met Lester and Byron who went above and beyond with great service. Yuri at the Asian. We also went to the Italian. The service was great but I didn’t get the name of the young lady that served us but she was very friendly. Idonys at the American Snack bar. Raudel at the swim up bar. There were some negatives as the buffet is not large enough to accommodate the guests and they were not at full capacity. It would be great if they put in another buffet. There also should be an area to do the kids entertainment . It was in the lobby which made it very crowded . They do lack food and wine was only in the ala cartes but they are doing the best with what they have. The mosquitoes were Terrible at night so bring repellent. Overall it was a wonderful vacation.