Paradisus Rio De Oro: Beautiful Resort

We have been to Paradisus at least 6 times, and this last visit was a little disappointing. Our expectations are high as we have returned many times. This vacation was a bit of a let down. The Hotel has changed quite a bit. They are moving staff around so much and seem to have less staff than in the past. For example: We were there for 7 days and we only had our room cleaned 3 times. By the time we were coming in to clean up after the day for dinner we would have a knock on the door afte [... read more]r 5:00 o'clock for the maid to clean the room. Which was at that point too late to have done. As well, the menu's have changed in some of restaurants which was quite disappointing and not for the better. The staff that have worked at this resort for many years are still Very friendly and courteous, however, some of the newer and younger staff not so much. Each year we go to Paradisus we ask for the same room or at least in the same area, this year we did not get the same area and got something somewhat farther away. When I asked to be moved to our area they were not willing to do so. This is a lovely resort, the grounds, the landscaping, the beach and the pool. However, after this last visit we may have to consider visiting a different resort.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: The resort does not live up to a 5 star rating

Excellent food, service but the resort is aging and needs and update and maintenance overhaul to rate equally with other 5 star resorts we have stayed at in Cuba. However the pool, and beach were excellent as well as the meals in the buffet and 4 a la cartes.Although the entertainment was good, there could have been more variety.

Playa Pesquero: Mixed Review

Great staff, clean resort (but dirty loungers!) no air conditioned buffet restaurants and terrible food. We have been to 3 star Cuban resorts with better food. The biggest issues were that everything is fried including hamburgers and 'steaks' and the food safety is non-existent. The lovely lady cooking my son's steak was organizing the raw chicken with the same tongs she then used to hand me the steak. Maybe I'm paranoid but I find that disgusting. There were multiple sets of tongs there but [... read more] she only used the one on everything. The beach was nice and the ocean amazing to swim in but if you enjoy long walks on the beach this isn't the place for you as you can only walk about 10 minutes or so. And be prepared to head down to the beach in darkness if you want a front row palapa! I would head down at 6:15 and there were already people walking back. Had a nice enough time but wouldn't go back to this resort because of the food or Holguin in general because of the airport - it was a unorganized mess. Its too bad as the property itself is lovely and the staff were great (with the exception of some of the front desk staff, speak to Ronaldo if you need anything, he was great) Will probably stick with Varadero or Cayo Coco in future.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Mixed feelings

My room is in the main building with the Reception, it is too close to some commercial outfit. There were two nights with deafening music and in one night it started at 1:30 A.m.! Needless to say, sleep was much affected. The beach is nice, however.

Playa Pesquero: Was a great resort .

The resort was very clean pool was awsome food you couldnt ask for any better rooms very clean and cleaned everyday day with beer pop and water restored everyday if need .Service was excellent there are some poeple that still have no respect but never bother me.Go enjoy you will love this resort .

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Great resort.

While the rooms are a little dated, they were clean and everything (AC, fridge, shower) all worked. The staff at this resort are amazing and extremely friendly. Can not say enough about the beautiful beach. The scenery around the hotel, and during the bus trip from the airport is spectacular.

Playa Pesquero: excellent resort

would definitely return there. food was awesome. pool and beach were . no shortage of things to see and do. or just to relax. whether with friends or by yourselves. villas were exceptional and very well kept.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Excellent Resort!

All areas were very clean. Large beach area. Typical early mornings in order to get a palapa. Food was very good, great service. Would definitely go back. Not a large resort and on the quite side which I was looking for......I`ll be back!!!

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Nice Resort

The Resort is a little tired and could use a little face lift in the rooms exp: paint is all it needs The Ladies did a great job in keeping our rooms neat and clean Thank You The food I really cannot tell you as I only ate 1 night then got really sick Do not know from what Again the resort is nice but laid out as to almost do a mini marathon to get any were Would I go again? Yes Because of the price and the people and give it a fair trial

Playa Pesquero: Beautiful Beach

Beach is beautiful, hotel rooms were mediocre had a musty and damp smell. The sheets felt always damp. Certainly shouldn’t be rated a 4 star hotel. Food at buffet was awful. Some alla Cartes were ok but nothing special unless you paid for Alla Carte meals. The resort lacked atmosphere by pool and beach during the day.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Going, going, gone!

This is our 3rd. and probably last time staying at this hotel. We got a great deal $609 pp. for a Villa Room. They are renovating the barracks and bungalow rooms. Unfortunately there are problems with many of the clients now using this resort on a more regular basis. I understand that this is Cuba and it is their country. They do jump lines and frequently are given attention before non Cuban clients. There are families and large groups that now use the beach on a regular basis. They display no r [... read more]espect for the appearance of the beach as they are responsible for majority of the garbage that is left on the beach. Liquor bottles, beer bottles and cans, serving dishes and left over food are simply left under the palapas to be cleaned up in the morning by the gentlemen raking the grass and seaweed from the beach. A couple who saved their spot on the beach with their own towels, had their towels and loungers taken by a group of Cubans. When they came back after breakfast their things had been taken. The police who were on the beach daily were not able to help the couple retrieve their belongings. The police were visible every day checking identification of some of the Cuban ladies that accompany some of the older gentlemen. It is very difficult to avoid the smokers. They are constantly present in all of the bars and outdoor eating facilities. They group together on the beaches and tend to be mostly from the other province. As Canadians we were certainly in the minority as a couple. The resort itself is well kept and has many outstanding qualities that are appealing. We noticed many individuals taking pictures on the beaches and near the paths and walkways throughout the property. The market is now at the eastern end of the barracks. The food was typical of a 3 star resort as it didn't vary much from day to day. The 2 a la cartes were enjoyable and the food was good. The front line workers are all pleasant and appear to enjoy what they do and it is easy to engage them in conversations. The front desk personal are another matter as they are often abrupt and almost rude, but that is probably a result of the constant pressure they are under. Whenever a bus load comes in they are understaffed and the situation lacks organization. As a 3 star hotel they do run out of things. When things are broken it takes quite some time to get them fixed. While we were there the fresh water system near the lobby broke down and wasn't repaired the entire time we were there. They only had beer at certain locations. If you were on the beach you had to go all the way through the lobby to the new bar in order to get beer. Many people were coming through with only bathing suits. The villas still are the best location. They are closest to Benni's and the 24 hour restaurant/bar. You are also closer to both of the cove beaches which we preferred on the last 2 days. There were other problems (the airport) but were not the fault of the resort. I would only recommend this resort if you were able to book a villa room for 6-7 hundred pp.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: amazing resort

The whole resort and service was truly a five star. The resort was clean ,the rooms was beautiful ,the food was good and loved the shows. We would go there again . Loved the beach. Met lots of friend who said they have come back many of times .The al la carte restaurants was very good .The rooms had everything you needed.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Great time!

My family and I (4 adults and 2 children under 5) had a great 7 day stay. The staff was great from the moment we arrived. A special thanks to Dayrelis, Elisabet Silva, Yurisbel, Lourdes, Darlenis, Anisley, Yoandry and Maday Fabre. The food was amazing. There were many meat and vegetable dishes (although many vegetable dishes had ham unnecessarily added to them). For those who wanted more seasoning, there was an abundant supply of sauces. We loved the dessert options they had with every meal! W [... read more]e ate at a couple of the other restaurants which were good too. The pools were nice, although the kids' pool needed to be cleaned. We left the kids at the Memories Fun Club and they had lots of fun. The beach was nice but unfortunately there was a lot of algae. The sand was nice, with areas of shade too. Free catamaran and free pedal boat rides (same-day appointment needed)! Free horserides on the beach too. Obviously tips were much appreciated. The hotel itself was quite dated. We had two rooms amongst us and both washrooms need some work. One of the sinks was always on the brink of being clogged. Also, there was an open or broken sewer pipe outside our rooms (260 and 261). We could see the water bubbling out of the ground and worse, smell it. Having said this, we had a great time and would go again.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Adios to Club Amigo

Where to begin, first off, let me say that this was our second visit to Club Amigo, went in 2013 and fell in LOVE with this gem of a resort and could not wait to return...BUT since then, there have been some vast changes...firstly we will begin with the beaches, they are different since the hurricanes and tropical storms, a cute little beach now directly off Benny More Restaurant, small, get there early if you want a chair. Pirate bar, has a fantastic bar, Luis does an amazing job. The statue [... read more] of Christopher Columbus was destroyed, not by weather but drunken tourists. Shame on you!! Where you once needed water shoes for that particular beach is now, a beautiful swimming area, for cooling off. We did not go to the main beach where the paddle boats are such are located, as there are many locals there, and last time, my snorkel gear, grew some legs and walked away, that left me with some hard feelings, so we steered clear of that beach, this time around. We booked the Tropical Section here in Canada, (FYI travel agent told me terrace or balcony was included with this booking as I asked her twice!! Shame on you Shauna at Trip Central, for lying to me, I will not book with you in the future.) The Transat rep Raul, stated that the Rep in Canada would have know better, and the it's only rated as a 2 Star at best. Upon arrival was told there was NO balcony or terrace option and had to pay $70 CUC to upgrade to the Villa section. The ladies at the front desk are cranky, mean, b!tch#s to say the least, they do not care if it is your first time or 8th or 28th. We spoke to many people who have been to this property many, many times, and have the same feeling as we did, ADIOS Amigo. The room looked like a crime was committed by the last round of guests, blood splatters on the lamp shade, ( not kidding) I have pictures, burn holes so big on the linens your toe would get stuck and broken off. Moldy curtains, and shower was a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, the list goes on and on. Would only book this property again if I could get it for 450 per person or LESS, has gone down hill A LOT and is not worth more than that, it is rated a 2* in Canada, which my agent failed to inform me of. Transat shows it as a 3.5* All the pools are GREEN, and not in the environmentally friendly way either, filters do not work, people puke in them daily, and they do not close them off when this happens to clean them, by the time they rally the security, the people have either had a another drink or drowned, HA-HA, or gotten out of the pool and left. Loved the Halloween theme in the main buffet at the hotel every night, bat(s) and a rat, well maybe it was unintentional but still gave us something to discuss at dinner. Drinks were OK when not running out of them daily. No mojitos, lack of mint, no coffee liquor for the brown cows, which are Delish! Recommend having one or several if they have the items to make them. The typical, Peso for my baby gauntlet, is only on the weekends now, which is nice, peddlers still on the beach, but less aggressive than other resorts that we have been too. Twice during vacation room was not made up, AT ALL! We had to find the maid to get fresh towels. Bungalow section was shut down, (no swim up bar, and green pool) No grill a la carte any longer, that was our favorite. Best breakfast was at the villa section 24 hour snack bar. 2nd best Benny More. Returning guest dinner was OK. All in all, if you go with LOW or NO expectations, get it for a CHEAP price, your set! We would however go again, but only if it was FREE or a steal of a deal (as in if you can get this for 800$ taxes in for two people) go for it, that would be perfect, and about all it is worth now.

Don Lino Hotel: Great place to relax

Don Lino was known for it's family feel. It used to be like going to my second home. Unfortunately as the resort grows the new staff aren't as welcoming as the original people. I have mobilty issues and asked for something on the ground floor. Iwas placed on the second floor of the furthest untit from the lobby. The roads around the resort look like something you'd see in a war movie take care if riding a bike or scooter. If you are looking for a place to drop out and relax this is the place.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Amazing

Have been to this resort 10 times and have never been disappointed. The hotel is being totally renovated, we were in a renovated room and it was amazing the food as always been good in this hotel always something to tempt your appetite. You can always find loungers whether on the beach or around the pool. It is a short walk to the market that is on each day. A good assortment of trips for you to take also a very nice area to take walks. All the staff are very friendly. We shall be returning [... read more] again for our 11th time

Playa Pesquero: Good for family

Beach is good for kids. However, you should be aware that there are problems with shade on the beach. Be ready to wake-up early to get chaise-lounge. We did not use the pool so cannot say it if it better there. There is good snorkeling nearby. Booklet with some hotel info they give to you contains not accurate information. When we extended our room for late check-out, they charged us more than said in the booklet. Evening shows are average, some of them are worth to attend. Do not mis [... read more]s water ballet, it is amazing. Also, some generic info not related to hotel. I found that giving tips by foreign currency coins makes more problems for domestic people because coins cannot be exchanged in bank. So USD bills are preferable if you do not have CUC (unless you want to give 5CAD bill :)

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Romantic & Relaxing Week

We enjoyed a relaxing and romantic week from 19Mar2018 to 26Mar2018 at the Rio de Oro resort...and loved it! The food was better than expected. Especially considering it was the low season for produce. All the a la carte restaurants were fantastic. Our favourite spot was the beach side restaurant for lunch because of the live music group at 1:30pm. We visited the spa several times for massages and of course the small spa beach felt very private. The grounds are incredibly clean and burstin [... read more]g with flowers. The main beach is long and wide and never felt crowded. In fact we never worried about finding a lounger or chair at any point on the resort. Our room was very clean and everything worked. Our towels and beverages were always well stocked. The best part is the staff! Everyone we met made us feel special. We will be returning!

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Great stay at a lovely resort. thank you to the staff how were always hospitable

Stayed at this resort (Mar 21-28, 2018) great resort. it started i think in 1998... but they keep it well maintained and updating is in progress.. When you go to Cuba you have to adjust your expectations... this resort was great and well worth the $$. Great service with all employees being very friendly and helpful. Before leaving Canada we were concerned with food options as we do not eat meat... no worries, great selection of fish, veg and fruits... with no after affects! Plenty of drinkin [... read more]g water in the rooms, and we used tap water to brush teeth etc... all good. plenty of hot water and no temperature changes... bathroom updated, looks great Snorkelling was great off the beach, they supply flippers. 4 specialty restaurants and were fine, but we would have also been happy just using the main buffet area as the selection was fine... Entertainment was good, they obviously focus on this piece. Plenty of pool activities each day... We used the medical services as my wife had a reaction to the sun screen. the person was very helpful and the cost was very reasonable... (thank you to the Dr) We would definitely go back to the resort. thanks to the resort for a great time

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: good bang for the buck

This was a nice place to visit and stay , the service was great , great staff, great grounds, fantastic beach. The rooms are outdated,needs some TLC, however the rooms were clean.Great place for the $