Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Great people

This is a nice resort, but the people really make a difference. We mainly ate at the buffet because reservations to specialty restaurants were difficult to get (the special restaurants were fantastic, btw, so do try). The buffet is great for breakfasts especially. We were well cared for by our server and she reserved a table for us, a group of eight, each day so we could all sit together. Attention to detail - she poured coffee and as you went to the buffet, covered it to keep it warm! The [... read more] entertainment crew were warm and friendly and had inventive games on the beach that were fun. The entertainment was really very good, a 9 piece band that sang and played really well, table to table in the lobby bar as well as the dance show at the theatre showed real talent. We even attended a foam party that made us laugh until our sides hurt. Rooms are clean, pools are nice, it feels very safe, and people here are the best. Bring lots of tip money.

Muthu Colonial Hotel: Just what we were looking for

We stayed at Iberostar Colonial for the first 2 weeks of March, 2019. The Colonial delivered exactly what we look for, cleanliness, beautiful beach great staff, and good food. There is still a bit of storm damage evident from the hurricane that nearly wiped Cayo Coco off the map, and some of the buildings havent been reopened yet, but the grounds were tidy, always someone working in the gardens or mowing the lawns. The cleaning ladies were always bustling about, keeping the main areas spotless,  [... read more]as was our room. Their new buffet set up was great, they have several cook stations where you can get just about anything you want, pasta, fried rice, fresh fish, fried bananas.....I can't say enough good things about the staff, the bartenders, front desk guys, wait staff, cleaners.....all went out of their way for us, and went a long way to making this the best vacation we have had in the Carribean, and we’ve been going to various islands for about 15 years.

Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar: Excellent value for money!

We thought the resort was a really beautiful property with access to clear water/beach area and pools. Despite most people warning us about food in Cuba not being so great, we thought there was a decent selection and the food was good. There was a good variety of activities for guests to enjoy whether it be tennis, pool table, kayaks or even group activities like water games or zumba. Rooms were clean and housekeeping staff very pleasant. Overall was a really relaxed atmosphere and excellent va [... read more]lue for money.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: costa dorado

Everything was fine. Food was excellent. Room was clean. Service was great. Staff was friendly. Would definitely return. Location was very good. Only problem, some days lots of seaweed on beach.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: This resort had it all beautiful top-notch

The grounds were well-kept and beautiful the meals were fantastic best resort I’ve ever stayed at and I’ve been travelling the Caribbean numerous times. Only about 15 minutes from the airport which was also good. The staff was excellent everyone that was involved in the hotel.

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: FUN Resort!!

Traveled with a group of 8 girls and had a fabulous time!! The hotel might be older but everything is nice and clean and the service was excellent. Beach and pool staff are friendly and fun. Food staff provide excellent service. Bar staff are friendly too. No grumpy staff, all happy and friendly!! Entertainment was also good, something almost always going on. Re the food, there are a few things we didn't like, but we could always find something tasty and always left very full - lol.  [... read more] Food and service at the specialty restaurants was also very good. Only complaint - regularly running out of toilet paper in the public washrooms.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Lots to do

The hotel was great, there were things missing from our room but with some perseverance it was received. Food was actually ok, entertainment was good and the entertainment staff were good. Our maid kept our room nice and clean. Bartenders were hit and miss

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Disappointing Resort........

We stayed at Iberostar Playa Alameda, Varadero, Cuba, March 1 thru March 8, 2019, booking through Transat. We have been fortunate to travel to many resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic. We have actually stayed at this same resort several years back. Lets just say that it has gone downhill since then. Even for Cuba its not a 5 star, rundown and tired would be a better description. Started with the bus ride from the airport. On the bus ride in we were told that we are rich and Cub [... read more]ans are so poor, so that to us $5 is nothing and we should give them $5 CUC when we tip and that tipping was expected. “You don’t have to tip, but it is expected” Uhm… you do the math. And typically, you have to do something to earn a tip. What prompted me to write a review was meeting an elderly couple (83 & 87). They had been to this resort 16 times already. They had called ahead and asked for a room on the main floor as their knees are not very good. On arrival, they were put into the second floor. The next day they came back to reception and had to wait the entire day until they were finally moved to a first floor room. This is completely unacceptable as they had called ahead and the resort was nowhere close to being full. All kinds of rooms on the main floor were empty. Reception staff was simply too lazy to help them out. The room: Mould in the room and even on my pillow. Air conditioning did not work properly, it lowered the temp but everything was always damp. So now we had a cooler and very damp room. The musty smell everywhere you went including our room was disgusting. I’m interested in the positive reviews those few people must have lucked out with their room because the consensus the week we were there everyone had room issues that made for a along week. The safe didn’t even work at first, then they had someone come and change batteries and it worked. However, it is not even bolted down so not sure how much of a deterrent that would be. The maids did not clean much – instead they twisted towels into swans and were satisfied. They never cleaned our balcony. The bathroom sink is plugged and smells of sewage. The towels and thread bare sheets smell like a sweaty locker room. Talking to other guests, they reported similar problems. Bottled water was missing, we told the maid and even called front desk. They finally showed up the next day to replace the water. Beach area was never cleaned properly. Chairs were not cleaned up, cups and straws, cigarette butts everywhere. I understand that the guest should clean up their mess, but if that doesn’t happen, the resort could do a cleaning. It was rather disgusting to walk on cigarette butts everywhere. The gardening staff were very pleasant. We remembered some from our last time there. Raul was very pleasant and helpful. The public washrooms often have no toilet paper – or toilet seats. It was disgusting to watch employees in the bathroom do not wash her hands and then serve a clients in the bar or in restaurant. The food: it was interesting to see an eggs served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the food under the heat lamps was always cold, guess they were just lamps, not heat lamps. The pork and beef were a bit chewy, but that’s pretty standard for Cuba. Most of the food was not bad, bread was fantastic. Seafood was actually pretty good, just have to watch that they cooked it enough, often had to bring it back to get cooked a bit more. The Paella was very good. The fruits are not quite ripe or going bad. Ice cream was excellent. Overall, remember is Cuba, we always found something to eat. Serving staff – big Disappointment. They don’t work too hard. I had to ask two different servers for coffee before I got one. Lazy, unmotivated, indifferent for the most part. Looking more for the tips rather than customer service. It was very unpleasant experience to watch as servants in the restaurant watching for the some clients who gave them tips previously and run toward them with smile hugs and coffee… And you are waiting for this show to end and hope that they will come and help you with a simple cup of coffee. Embarrassing and extremely unpleasant to watch. There were some exceptions, Zulie on the outside tables was great. The tall elderly gentleman serving inside was also most pleasant. Some of the people at the piano bar were great. Remembered your drinks and were helpful. The actual bartender (Yudi)needs some lessons in customer service. Not only unpleasant but actually a very nasty person. Nasty to clients and to the other staff. When we described to her how to make a particular drink, she refused and said that’s not how we make it here in Cuba. Interesting as the other bartenders all made it the way it should be made without us having to even describe it to them. She was simply too lazy to take the effort to make it properly. Front desk, completely unhelpful (as mentioned above). Bought 2 wifi cards, neither of which worked. First it was, “no more money on the cards” but I had just bought them. Then, the cards are good it was my phone, asked them to use their phone with my cards, still didn’t work. A Wifi issue, however the person next to us was logging on as we spoke. Then they just chased me away and said to try again in 5 minutes. Tried again for half an hour, still nothing. Didn’t bother anymore as I simply didn’t need more aggravation. If your not a smoker, might not be a good place to go. There are no non-smoking areas. Lots of smokers here. I don’t particularly care if people want to smoke as long as there are areas for non-smokers. There is a nice covered area by the lobby and bar but it’s filled with cigar and cigarette smoke. The beach area full of smoke buds everywhere. Our Transat rep was promised to e-mail to the manager of the hotel to ask for an extension on our room for medical reasons, when we later asked her she told us that she did not email the manager as she had promised us she would. When we later went to go talk to the manager, the manager didn’t even come out to talk to us, instead sent out a young kid to tell us that they had not received a request and that we would need to pay 10 CUC an hour for any extension. The place was no where near full but they could not help you out. What an experience of the customer service even for Cuba. I was very disappointed. Been to Cuba a number of times so I knew what to expect in general. I simply don’t accept when people are too lazy to do their job. This was unpleasant experience, I will forward this to Iberostar and I do expect compensation for misrepresentation. Stayed at a few Iberostar & this Resort Iberostar should be ashamed!

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Outstanding

Wonderful staff in every area. Clean, well laid out. Show on Monday night best I've ever seen in a resort. Good variety of food. Pool clean, lots of chairs all day. Beach is beautiful. Downside is lounge saver at beach. Have to be out by 700 a.m. to guarantee a spot. Waiters in patio bar are great entertainers, very funny and fast with drinks.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: A wonderful resort

The check-in was fast, our room was what we asked for. Never had to wait in line for anything. Beach is beautiful. The pool was great. Water in room was always hot, toilet flushed, room was clean...we had overlooking pool was great. Now the food....it's Cuba....same on the buffet everyday. Same at the snack bar, same good everyday. All in all it wasn't crowded and we had a great time. Staff were wonderful.

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Wonderful resort and staff

This resort for us was perfect. We have been to Cuba numerous times and this being the first time we did not want to come home yet. The grounds were beautiful and well kept, the food was exceptional for Cuba always a vast selection. The dining room for the buffet was set up so nice at every meal. The service in the dining room was exceptional always someone checking if you needed anything. The main bar was always served quickly and with a smile. Capichino coffee was available at all three bars w [... read more]hich was wonderful. Entertainment during the day was always fun and a good laugh and night entertainment at the main bar was fantastic. Oh my goodness I can’t say enough about this resort we definitely will be returning here for two weeks next time. 😁👍

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Great trip

The property is well maintained and well laid out. Beach is beautiful with sandy water and little seaweed. Food was better than most areas we have been in Cuba. Have been going to Cuba for 16 years at least once or twice a year. Probably one of the best rooms we have had. Not all rooms are renovated yet so make sure to ask for a renovated room. Better to be up 2 Nd floor as bottom rooms seem to be damp and musty in some buildings. Staff were friendly but customer service was not great as ma [... read more]ny didn’t speak much English and they gave you the feeling that you were bothering them. Our experiences have always been that the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful in other places so this was not expected. Cleanliness is our number one issue and it was clean!

Iberostar Waves Paraiso Beach: Beautiful resort

Considering we never wanted to visit Mexico with all the bad things you hear it was very beautiful and the resorts are very protected they really do care about the tourists , the resort was hudge and there is trollies to take you around if need be put the grounds are outstanding even driving in to the resort , some wild life roaming around Peacocks, swans , all kinds of birds , cotis , beach was great some days see weed put not smelly or over run and they clean it up all the time, only t [... read more]hing is it's not a long walking beach as there is 4 other sister resorts and thats about the size of the beach , the food was really good lots of choices and they change it up often, the room we had was close to the beach a walkout it was a little dark and need some repairs , put it was close to the pool and the breakfast buffet which was a great walk in the morning going though the palms and pathways was soo gorgeous. The entertainment was fantastic best I have seen at a resort, Overall it was a lot of fun and the have no mayor complaints, people are wonderful and very accomadating, , I would return to Mexico forsure and try another resort just because we don't go to the same one ever,

Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites: Good experience and Great service!

This resort was a good resort. The service was amazing! The people who worked there were very friendly. The golf course was challenging. The beach was beautiful and well maintained. It was very busy but easy to find beds and chairs at the beach. The food was better at the buffet than most of the specialty restaurants however, with the exception of the Mediterrainien Restaurant which was very good! So average food in general but they tried hard and had chefs come around often enough to [... read more] ask for suggestions on how it would be better so they seemed to really care. The rooms were only average. The resort is older but well maintained. The bathrooms were tiny however. Good facilities with lots of shopping and a casino. Truly the girls are not friendly at the casino but in resorts are they ever really? So overall good but not the best and not the worst. The service and the people pushed this resort from average to good for me. Carlos at the buffet restaurant was amazing and the people on his team. Everyone who worked there was friendly and nice! Happy people working there for sure! Made the stay even better!

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Very good resort

Beautiful resort well looked after although they didn’t replace the broken iron in the room reported the first day or the TV. Food was adequate we didn’t go hungry, the cheese was excellent. The al cartel restaurants were good, maid service was god. Friendly staff.

Iberostar Waves Paraiso Beach: Fantastic Resort

Best resort I have experienced in the 10+ years we have gone to the Cancun area. Top notch service and consistant service/entertainment. Very clean resort, pool, room, restaurants. Do not like the requirement to write at least 200 characters.

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Great resort!

This resort is a great bang for your buck. The staff is so friendly as well the entertainment. The grounds are beautiful and the beach is amazing. The biggest beach I’ve seen in Cuba. The rooms themselves could be a bit updated but we spent so little time in there that it didn’t matter. The food was so-so. I don’t expect great food in Cuba so I’m not one to judge on it. The only thing I can say is that the buffet was better than the a la carts. I never left hungry. There is always a gril [... read more]l and pasta. I hated the fact that we had to book our a la carts the first day there and already at that time the only options were after 8:30. Crazy. The evening shows were pretty good and the lobby was really nice. There was always a singer at 8 till 9 and then the night shows started at 9:30 in the theatre. This was a smaller resort which we liked. So close to the pool or the beach whichever building you stayed in. As usual there were idiots that reserved the palapas and loungers by the pool by 6am. We never got a covered spot by the pool but there was tons of palapas and loungers on the beach. Will return to this resort.

JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar: Excellent Service

This is our second trip to the Iberostar Grand. We just love this resort. The beach is beautiful, the water is clear and you can see the little fish and marine life around you. One day we saw a star fish about 20 feet from the shore line. I can't say enough about the food, the buffet is just as good as the a la carte restaurants, the best of the best. The food is fresh and they have everything you could possible want. If you want to try the a la carte restaurants I strongly recommend that you co [... read more]ntact the hotel directly and book them in advance, don't wait until you get there because they are all booked up or you will end up with a 9:00 pm reservation. The rooms on the ground level are a little tired and should be updated. The bed is super comfortable. We like Red Strip beer but it was nice to have the option of Bud Light as well as other brands to choose from. The service is excellent however tipping becomes stressful at times. Many of the guests we met and chatted with seemed to be stressed out about how much to tip and when to tip. I wish they had a no tipping policy like Sandals however the service is way better than Sandals. We've been to many different hotels chains like Couples, Sandals, Barcelo and Melia and the Iberostar Grand is definitely a step up. If you decide to take advantage of the 2 complimentary rounds of golf at White Witch and Cinnamon Hill, keep in mind that a cart rental is mandatory at $40 per person and the caddy tipping fee is minimum $25 per person. The golf clubs rental is $55. If you enjoy golfing, it is well worth the cost. Transportation, drinks and snacks are also complimentary.

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Wonderful Stay

You will never find friendlier staff! The rooms definately need some work, however the grounds and common areas are lovely. Beach is incredible and there is a lot of variety of food to choose from. We would happily return.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: amazing resort but cleaning rooms must be improved

The resort is clean and nice. The service is excellent. My suggestion is for room or housekeeping , we saw the room maid emptying out the garbage plastic from our washroom/comfort room and without her washing her hands she proceeded on touching the clean bed sheets that she puts on our bed.