Melia Las Americas: Best combination of resort and golf - 4th time back
We had a great time, from the food to the golf. Staff was always cheery, helpful in any way they could be. The beach and ocean is great, the grounds are well kept. Evening music in the lobby was a nice touch, from the piano & sax to the opera voices. The ease of being able to have breakfast and then walk over to the golf course and play was great. The staff at the golf course were easy to deal with, always very attentive. Second rounds for the day are easy to arrange for after lunch. I wo[... read more]uld always suggest a swim in the ocean/shower and change of clothes before second round. Pre-book your first round of the day using the app, that way everything is paid (cart fee only) and you just have to walk in and show the confirmative. Very simple and non time consuming.
Food was always available, sometimes too much (will have to shed a couple of pounds). Fresh fish of all types, chicken, beef and various other specialties. Did not visit the al la carte this time.
Understand that the internet sucks, so don't have high expectations, it was actually nice to unplug for the week.
We were 3 golfers staying in one room, they had 3 separate beds for us, without asking.
All I can say, what's not to like, enjoy it's a great place.
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Melia Cayo Santa Maria: beautiful
We were very lucky - wonderful weather throughout our whole stay.
the layout, the natures .. all beautiful for the eyes
loved the convenience - everything was close by (within the resort) ie beach, pool, bars, restos,
ice cream bar - super friendly chef and service ~ little delight of the day
in restos, food variety sometimes seems to be a bit limited but can always find something to enjoy :))
entertainment - always can have something to do (ie streching/taichi fusion facing the sea, or ju[... read more]st chill & enjoy the sun & the breeze, dance, nightly shows/concerts etc... even watching great movies in the room (try to limit that..^^")
we were happy to have brought our thermo/cup (especially going to the beach & pools) ---- or the plastic cups would have mounted up incredibly
a bit turn down at the end of the trip - & new to us (helpful to you)
we were changing more money to CUC the day before our departure to do some purchase,
it would have been much appreciated if the information staff could have informed us that we will have to change the CUC back in airport prior check in. We would have adjusted the amount that we changed. Because at the airport, we had to exchange the CUC back. (Sunwing staff did not inform us about it ahead either ---- we only obtained this info on the bus on the way to the airport..hmm) not lot of money but felt cheated... & that's not how we wanted to feel after a relaxing week.
So let's give the benefit of the doubt that they really did not know... and we should have known.
Hopefully this info can be helpful to you ---- so able to finish a beautiful trip on a beautiful note
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Arking -
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Melia Peninsula Varadero: Amazing
Before we took our trip we heard a lot of horror stories about Cuba. Best experience is self experience! Beautiful and well maintained resort with amazing and friendly staff. Always helpful. Great room service. Family friendly environment. Food wasn't the best but also not the worst. Always something for everyone. We will definitely come back one day. Thank you Melia Peninsula and thank you Julia from the travel agency who recommended this beautiful resort...
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Melia Cayo Coco: Melia Cayo Coco - Si!
another beauty stay at the MCC (our 4th visit). the staff was very welcoming - several remembering us even though it had been 4 years since our last visit. luckily we had consistent great weather and enjoyed our walks on the beach and the grounds. Food was fine, especially the International. the Repetitive visitors dinner was a nice recognition event (lobster!) The birding was a little leaner and other birders noticed the lack of some favourites like the Emerald Hummingbird but apparently t[... read more]he hurricane not only wiped out much vegetation but also some birds. hopefully they will come back. Appreciated our time there and certainly miss the sun, warmth and green.
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Paradisus Varadero: Our Hotel was changed to Royalton Hicacos
Thank you Monica for changing our hotel.
Royalton was just amazing from food, to beach, to entertainment.
The only downside was we were without hot water to shower on 2 days.
When we walked on the beach to Paradisus, we were glad that we changed to Royalton! the amount of noise in Paradisus (due to construction) was not good.
Thank you Monica so much for the recommendation and taking care of us
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Princess Del Mar, Veradero
Overall a good trip, I would rate it a 3+ though, not a 5*. The rooms were older, shower was inconsistent, food was often cold. Great beach, grounds, entertainment
I would recommend an updated heating system at buffet that keeps the food hot
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Melia Jardines del Rey: Good resort
The boulevard needs to be repaired because the grout lines make it hard to walk on.
Beach is nice. Has lots of shells.
Rooms are good. Lots space.
Most employees are friendly and accommodating
Food types should be identified so people would know what is being served.
Food and beverage supplies made some of our vacation days disappointing
Checking in was easy.
Nice to see they are improving the landscaping.
Pools were clean but water was cold.
It was nice not to be hassled by [... read more]vendors on the beach.
The beach should be cleaned to get cigarette butts and garbage out of the sand.
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Missyoung -
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Beautiful resort, awful food!
When you first arrive to this resort it is breathtaking,the view,beach,pool everything is really nice! People and staff are super welcoming and you can find help on every corner to assist with any of your needs. But as days passed it got worse food wise. They honestly dont have some basics in the buffet. Food is not consistent,one day you may have chicken other may not. Any form of patato dish is rare. Even tho it says they have hamburgers,chicken fingers,pizza..they dont! They have an amazing f[... read more]ish,but one can only eat so much of it. Buffet is missing edible meat and veggies. A la carte restaurant tend to have the same things as buffet just with litlle upgrades. Such a shame of this beautiful place to be this bad food wise!
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Chica -
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Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Beautiful Beach
The grounds were beautiful and well kept. The hotel/rooms are somewhat dated but clean. The view from our room was fantastic. There was a good variety of food at the buffet and it was surprisingly tasty (for Cuba!) On the other hand, the food at the a la carte restaurants was not good at all.The MC for the afternoon activities in the lobby and around the pool was always TOO LOUD.In the evening, the entertainment didn't start until 9:30, and again it was TOO LOUD. We couldn't stay in our room but[... read more] went to the other quieter section of the resort further away.Why didn't they use the theatre?
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Annie -
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Amazing resort
The resort :
The hotel itself was amazing. I had an amazing ocean view room that was very clean and large enough for 2 persons. The resort is big and it has multiple restaurants, swimming pools and resting areas. They have entertainments during the day and every night. The night shows were amazing. The service was good enough and the staff were very polite and caring. 5 minutes’ walk to a beautiful Atlantic coast where you could find a bar and enough chairs. I never had a problem finding a c[... read more]hair or a place to rest and enjoy the sun. the buffet has the variety of choices. I can say that the breakfast was the best one. Different kind of eggs, potatoes, cheese, pastries, juice and fruits. The lunch and the dinner were less impressing but still I could find something to eat and enjoy. They have different cooking style that might not be appealing for everyone and every culture but do not forget that you are in a different country and don’t expect the same food quality that you have at home. The resort was really clean. The room service was great. I 100% recommend this resort.
The airline :
I booked my vacation with sunwing. It is unfortunate that they are very irresponsible towards their customers. The initial flight that I bought was 3h30 min from Montreal to Varadero. They changed the flight duration and added a stop so it became a 7h flight. I was going to Varadero for 5 nights so you understand how annoying it could be when you miss a whole day and you have to spend 12h in total in flight for a 5days trip. This change was done when the full invoice was paid and the only answer that I could get was, “cancel your trip if you don’t want this flight because we have no other flight available†!! I will never book any vacation with sunwing anymore. There are many other companies that are offering the same vacation packages and treat their customers with respect.
The tripcentral :
Terrible experience. Definitely not an agency that I recommend to anyone. After the flight change, I had to contact them to get some help. Their agents were very aggressive and almost yelling at me that I was told about the terms and conditions of the airline. Which is not the truth. I asked for the transcriptions of my conversation with my travel agent and they said they will send it to me. Never received it. The second surprise, When I booked my trip, I was offered an insurance that was supposed to allow me to cancel my trip without penalty or change it. Also, I was told that the insurance allows me to get refund for only one person in case the prices drop. That was my main reason to buy the insurance and I was checking the prices to make sure that I will use this option. When the price has dropped almost 400$, I contacted them to get the refund and they told me this option does not exist. That means the agent lied to me sell the product. Initially, I wasn’t expecting this option, I didn’t know even that it exists so I cannot make this up! I was told that I have this option and that’s why I started to check the prices. Again, when I complained to my agent, she couldn’t care less. Her name is Nepheline Arce and I do not recommend this agent. If you have to book your trip with her, make sure that you ask for written proofs of all her offers.
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AnnP -
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Ok by Cuban standards
The resort has nicely kept grounds, and rooms were clean and comfortable. I wasn't aware that Cuba is experiencing a food shortage, so many items on the menu at the a la carte restaurants were unavailable and the buffets had limited selection (lots of cabbage, artichokes, other veggies were hard to come by). Until the food issue is solved, I wouldn't recommend Cuba at all.
As a non-smoker, smoking is permitted in most areas which was unwelcome.
This is one of the last resorts for the airp[... read more]ort shuttle, so be prepared for a lengthy ride to get to the hotel.
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Exceptional Resort
This is our first time visiting Cuba as our destination. Generally we stay at 4-5 Star Adult Only resorts throughout the Caribbean.
Our friends talked us into this trip and I have to say, my impressions have changed.
We chose Paradisus Rio De Oro simply because it was Adult only and it was a return destination for our friends and are glad we did.
I’ll try to simplify my review.
Food - Fantastic
The Buffet was of corse like many but the food was without a doubt perfect.
Alacarte’s - as[... read more] they would be at any 4+ Star - Remember, your in Cuba , so the tastes are a slight different, but all great and awesome presentations.
Rooms - Dated - comfortable, Beds were wonderful, clean, good Air Conditioners. well maintained by the housekeepers.
Pool - Crystal clear and very nice to swim in.
Beach - Wasn’t impressed. We are beach people, but because of 2018 hurricanes, they lost a lot of it and left the coral and lava rock behind. Very hard to enter the water. There is a small area that is still sandy, we did swim there, it was wonderful and very warm.
Grounds - need some maintenance, though understandably , they just had 3 to 4 weeks of drought, so the grasses. were green but long.
It is a big resort, lots of walking depending where your room was.
Big issue, the path and stair lighting is very poor. Watch your step. They need to put more lighting.
Nightly entertainment - It’s going to be hard for some of the entertainment to be beat, wonderful.
Liquor was limited, as they don’t have the large variety, but all in all, again, it’s Cuba.
People - so friendly, they made you feel welcome and went way out of their way , on the most part to help with your needs.
There’s so much more , you have to go there.
As a post script, My wife and I have traveled for the past 15 years at least 2 to 4 weeks a year. We said that we probably wouldn’t go to Cuba, for many reasons. Our friends convinced us to go, we chose this resort. Now, were planning another trip there, same resort for Nov. 2020, and this time it’ll be for 10 days, we didn’t get enough and are planning for more throughout the future.
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Katbell27 -
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Paradises princess del mar
Resort is run down and should not be classified as a 5 star (even for Cuba). We enjoyed the pool bar, the beach and the staff. Everyone was friendly and helpful.
The food was awful however we weren’t expecting much so it wasn’t a huge surprise. I must say though, it was probably worse than I expected. I was sick from the pasta and tomato sauce and the specialty restaurants were difficult to get into.
The room was large, clean and comfortable.The resort is fairly small which meant that ou[... read more]r room was close to everything. The lobby bar was the hub of the resort and had good coffee and cocktails round the clock.
Overall it was a decent trip for the price. I would not want to be stuck there if there was bad weather but we lucked out in that department.
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Not recommended
The service was ok, mostly nice staff. I got at the hotel around 1pm, they made me wait till 4pm to give me a room cause they said our check in time is 4 while no one told me before pick a time for the flight.The room had big brown cockroaches and not so clean. I asked them at first night to change my room, they gave me another room the day after, at 3pm, after made me wait by the reception for an hour. The second room was better. On my last day they said I have to check out at 12 pm,so I didn't[... read more] have a room for 6 more hours and they gave me a room to take a shower for 30 minutes, the room was extremely dirty. Regardless that I payed for 4 days, I only had room for 3 days and I think Tripcentral should have charge me for 3days or let me know about that. (Please let me know if you like to see the room’s pictures.)
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Melia Las Americas: Our first visit to Cuba
Even though the hotel is a little tired, it was comfortable enough for us. The bath towels were a little thin on material but they served their purpose. The beach and ocean is top notch, which is why we went. The nightly entertainment in the lobby was very good. Many talented singers, dancers and instrumentalists. The patio on the ocean side was a great place to lounge and enjoy a beverage, a light lunch and listen to the live music during the late afternoon. The Italian restaurant was disappoin[... read more]ting - thought the food in the buffet was better than what they served. The international and Japanese restaurants were good. The food was very good. Was disappointed that none of them served coffee or tea. Would have been nice with the desserts.
The servers, wait staff, chefs at the grilling stations, valets and front desk reception were all great. They were all pleasant and tried to make us feel welcomed.
The Varadero golf course next door was great. Good condition, lots of traps and bunkers and ample fairways. It’s a busy place so book Tee times asap.
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Sol Palmeras: Great resort , Good value for the money,
Lots of lounge chairs around the pool and at the beach. Many cabanas on the beach. Staff helpful and very friendly. Standard room was in need of an upgrade, but adequate.
Food in the buffet was the usual Cuba fare. Other venues around the resort were good,
Entertainment was the best I’ve experienced in my 7trips to Cuba.
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Alcee -
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Not a Five Star
This hotel is very picturesque and the grounds are well kept and clean
I am giving this hotel a 3 star rating.
The beds were comfortable and clean however when we arrived in our room the floors were by no means clean. There was sand on them and washrooms still had hair from previous owners . I asked the cleaner if she would wash them for us and the next day they were done well.
We had no hot water one night but we managed. Our bathtub faucets worked but only in certain positions and the w[... read more]ater pressure was low.
Wi Fi was non existent even in the main lobby after purchasing three cards for it.
We did not invest in the Royal Service but we spoke to guests that did and they told us it was not worth it and even tho they had free Wi Fi they still could not connect to the internet.
Food was alright and we didn’t go hungry but selection was repetitive. Long waits in line ups to get food and the food was not kept hot enough.
The a la carte restaurants were not good except for the Japanese which was very good !
Still we had a great time and the staff was very nice and attentive to our needs.
If you don’t mind minor inconveniences then I would recommend this hotel. The beach was amazing at this resort !
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Paradisus Los Cayos: A very tidy and upscale resort
This hotel complex was immaculately clean and very nice to stay at it. It was well laid out and easy to negotiate the huge layout.
The staff were very friendly and hospitable. The food was okay and a nice variety.
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Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Beautiful Beach and Lovely Staff
It was my third time at Sol Rio Luna y Mares. It was 15 years since my last visit and not much has changed. The beach was as beautiful as ever. The staff as friendly and helpful as I remember.
Unfortunately the first room I was given had a puddle of water on the bathroom floor. I changed rooms only to be given one above the speakers in the lobby bar which kept me awake. I was then given a great room on my third night that was quiet with a beautiful ocean view.
I know not to go to Cuba for th[... read more]e food. I understand they have limited supplies. I got very sick a week into my two week vacation. I can’t be sure if it was food poisoning or a flu. The doctor came and gave me a gravol and antihistamine shot which helped me feel somewhat better but I lost my appetite for the rest of my vacation.
During the last day of my stay the resort had no running water - for over twenty four hours. Apparently it was a broken water main that had nothing to do with the hotel. They tried to continue business as usual. It was frightening to me - having already been sick, that people were using and sharing tongs at the buffet with no hand sanitizer in sight. I would have hoped that health precautions would have been followed. Seeing a family of five with young childeren.. I could only imagine the germs...
As much as I love Cuba and the people I was relieved to be going home. They got the water back on just as my bus to the airport was leaving.
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Katrina -
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Melia Las Dunas: Not good as it was
I was at this resort 2 years ago Dec 2017. Was much, much better. Was recomended at that time by my parents. They were before there and liked. This year Nov, 2019 we decided to go all together to celebrate our 3 birthdays.
1. Food was bad. Was a lot'a of spoiled products. Like cheeses, yougurts, some fish, pizza made with bad cheese, even some bread and deserts. Have to be very carefull what to eat. Was no shripm at all this time. Last time I ate only seafood at my last visit.
2. Service: Ha[... read more]ve to go and ask 3 times to give me extra blanket. Even after my explanation gave wrong one. I asked for light, gave me warm one. We had 3 beds in the room for 3 people and only 2 blakets
3. Room cleaning was good. Girl who cleaned the room made some toys all the time with towels and flowers my kids loved it
4. Beach: good, almost no seaweed. But you have to come at 7-7.30am to get chairs after breakfast no chairs left
5. Show: was ok.
6. People who made coffee and drinks at the bar didn't want to give menue of drinks. Before menue was all the time available on the table and you can choose the drink.
7. I found the persons at the kitchen, bar don't care and were kind of angry at clients
I been at that resort before everything was much better even show and animation team.
My parents, my kids and I was disapointed at that time.
Before it was the best resort. Now its not 5 stars its like 3 stars.
Will I recommend it now. Probably not. Before I was recommended to all my friends and left very positive reviews. Now I have to leave bad one😞. I dont like to leve bad reviews, but have too now. Our celebration was kind of spoiled with bad service and food. Want to tell to people who go there please smell and try food before you start to eat it. Some cheese was so bed had fungus on it. We went to manager to show it. They change it. But next day put it back. Probably was thinking that we left and made pizza with it. The smell was like stinky old socks. Now my kids hate pizza just from smell pizza at the resort.