Barcelo Maya Colonial: Amazing!

Everything about this resort was amazing! From the moment we got off the bus, we were treated like we were the only ones there. We were catered to for every request! The pools and beach were clean. The rooms were in really great shape. The food was excellent.

Barcelo Solymar: Horrible! No electricity, bad service, bad food, hospitalized for over a month when returned to Canada

First night checked in room had no electricity or lights, they sent workers for hours trying to fix it before giving us a new room. The new room had electricity but no bedding at all. We requested bedding multipul times, eventual received it 4 hours later. A day later house keeping gave us the rest of the bedding (sheets ect). Food was horrible and became sick the entire vacation. Head, stomach hurting and diarrhea for days.My companion was hospitalized once we returned to Canada for almost an e [... read more]ntire month. Since he was quarinteend and not allowed to leave the hospital he missed work for that entire month taking a significant financial blow.Once released from hospital he had an IV attached to his arm which he had to go to a clinic daily to fill. resort is close to the main strip of varadero you can walk to shops and bars. Would have liked to enjoy this more but the stomach pain and diarrhea hindered that. All inclusive alcohol and food great idea but again could not indulge due to stomach and head pain as well as diarrhea. Access to the adjacent resort was nice as the had a snack shack open long hours. Beach always nice. Over all this is my second trip to Cuba. First trip back around 2012 at a different resort and it was great. The experience made me want to return back to Cuba. This trip at Barcelo solymar was horrible on so many levels I would never recommend this resort . No electricity in the room upon admission and instead of giving us a new room they waisted our time sending workers to try and fix it while we sat and watched. Also half way threw the vacation our room keys stopped working locking us out of the room. Companion became so sick he was hospitalized for almost an entire month taking a substantial financial blow. We particularly picked this resort at the advise of the travelle agent knowing it was more expensive then other ones we could have chosen but promised a better experience. We got a horrible experience all around.

Occidental Caribe: We loved our visit!

The value for this hotel is amazing! The grounds are beautiful, and the pools and kids club made our stay with a 4 year old and 2 teens so much more enjoyable. The staff at the kids club were great and made our daughter feel right at home. By far the best thing about this location is the stunning beach!! It was pristine with bright aqua water and white sand. You can walk on it forever and the stretch of beach in front of this resort was the nicest. The pools were heavenly as it was crazy hot in  [... read more]the afternoon. I thought my little one would love the water slides but she preferred the pools. This water park is for younger kids only. They would not let my older kids go down the slides with her so that made it less appealing and in the end she only went once. Notables: 1) Our room (good beds and clean...a bit dated but we did not care!) was overlooking the pool and the beach which was stunning and the balcony was so nice in the morning but it was also where the entertainment was at night and it was SO loud in our room. Fortunately our 4 year old slept through it all but by 11pm us adults had enough of the loud music and partying. Usually it was done by 11 latest. We often heard drunk people yelling etc until 6am as well. The resort staff acted on it quickly if you called though. Every other night was quiet so that came as a relief. 2) The food was average to good. Pretty much what I expected for the most part but I do wish it has been a bit better. We still enjoyed all of the à la carte restaurants and the buffet was good with lots of options. My favourite food was the Italian but my kids loved the Japanese restaurant and experience. Staff were great there! 3) Four out of five of us got a tummy bug on day 3/4. Nothing too bad but we were all nauseated etc. and lasted 1-2 days. It did not keep any of us in bed, but it was a challenge to eat. Hard to say what caused it so no advice on what to avoid:(

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Wonderful vacation

This was our second all-inclusive vacation to the Caribbean and we were not disappointed. The resort was lovely and very clean. The food was good, although the breakfast buffet did not change and became quite repetitive after the 4th day. (But definitely try the hot chocolate available during breakfast -- very yummy!) The room decor felt dated but the ocean view from our balcony more than made up for the interior decor. Husband is 6'5" and felt very enclosed while showering however. The sp [... read more]orts bar on the Palace side would benefit significantly from an upgrade to their air conditioning system -- as the only place to watch the NHL playoff games while on vacation, the bar became ridiculously hot and stuffy with so many people inside. Overall it was a very relaxing and enjoyable vacation

Occidental Caribe: Beautiful resort!

Although this resort is large, its very well designed and you can easily walk to where you wish to go. The food was very good.. premises was very clean. Service was super and the beach was simply amazing!

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Huge Resort

This is a great resort with lots of things to do and lots of pools to sit at. The beach had a lot of seaweed but if you walked down towards the Caribe/beach hotels you could walk in the Ocean much easier. The food was delicious except for the Italian a la carte restaurant. The rooms were clean and the bathrooms were nicely updated. Mini bar was restocked everyday and the rooms were cleaned in a timely manner. Be aware that it is a very long drive from the airport so keep that in mind when consid [... read more]ering flight times but check-in was quick and smooth. It is also worth noting that there are TONS of kids. The resort is big enough that you can find places to sit that have fewer or no kids but if you are looking for a resort with adults only this is not the one.

Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Best trip ever!!!

We arrived on the 14th of April. Check in was easy. They took care of our luggage. We were in building 22. We were greeted by Alma St Clair. Who was very professional and catered to all our needs. She was amazing!!! The resort was like a dream come true for me. I loved all the wild life and the jungle feel to this resort. It took a few days to figure out our way around,but we found all the staff to be very helpful. Oh yes, the staff. Nothing short of amazing! And that is what is so importan [... read more]t to me. Is to feel that I am part of a family. I would like to mention a few people that stand out... Our housekeeper,Antonio, our waiters in the buffet,Julio Valez,Joseph Perez,and Sergio Trujillo. Also the medic who looked after my toe that I had cut, Emmanual Delos Santos. He has a special place in my heart. He was so good! I want to say that our room was great. Loved the pools and the entertainment. The different restaurents were all good. The wine could be a bit better, my only complaint... I will return and will recommend this hotel to all. A very special holiday!!!

Barcelo Solymar: Nice beach

This was definitely a party resort, if that is what you are looking for, then you won't be disappointed. It was very noisy all hours of the day and night. People walked around with stereos and it was a bit too much. I found the resort rooms to be outdated and short on supplies. There were 2 of us in one room, and we were each given 1 bath towel that was so small it couldn't wrap around our body. The food was better than I expected, and if you love seafood, there was always lots of options at [... read more] the buffet.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Unfforgetable Stay

Our friends and us spent just a wonderful time, great food and drinks, entertainment and the weather came with sunny days. The check-in process took a little more than expected, maybe need more staff at the front desk at arrival time, many flights landing between 12~4 pm. Wi-Fi was not included in the package, today's world most people want to be connected.

Occidental Caribe: Fun for everyone!

This resort has something for everyone! The beach is long, clean and beautiful. There's three pools, one is a "party" pool, another is a splash pad/wading pool for young children, and the third is family friendly. There's even rock climbing, a trapeze, and trampoline to keep the kids entertained. The nightlife is great with live music at both lobby bars, and live shows every night that will appeal to young and old alike. The Hurricane night club is great if you love Soca. The buffets are de [... read more]licious and the Japanese Restaurant is so fun! Staff kept our rooms clean and the grounds were immaculate. I would definitely come back with my family another time.

Occidental Nuevo Vallarta: Lovely Resort!

The Occidental is a very nice resort! Not too big, it would be good for anyone who may have accessibility needs. It is clean and modern and the staff were friendly and helpful. Food was good with fresh salsa and guacamole and other Mexican foods available every day...yummy! I was really impressed the hotel does not use disposable plastic cups, plates or cutlery, no straws etc. All food is served on dinnerware, cloth napkins etc! Only plastic water bottles in the rooms and it appears they recycle [... read more] them! The beach here is great, you can walk for miles and at low tide the flats make for a nice even walking surface. Nice ambient music in the main buffet and along the covered walkway. Entertainment was resort fare but changed nightly and was good. My only suggestions would be for the resort to provide free wifi if even just in the lobby. Also the full ocean view rooms are directly over the lobby bar and the sound does carry up at night, so if you want a quieter room suggest a room on the sides. Wine is just a basic Spanish white or red, but the mixed drinks were good.

Occidental Caribe: Great Beach Resort

the Occidental Carrie is all about the beach and pools. It is an older resort so the rooms could be best described as adequate but dated. Cleanliness was good and the service was excellent. The entertainment was very disappointing. There are several hotels in the are and it makes one wonder why some one doesn’t create half a dozen quality shows and rotate then from one resort to another and just repeat week after week since few people seem to stay much more than a week. We enjoyed the special [... read more]ty restaurants.

Occidental Caribe: Beautiful beach. Large resort

Super large resort. Always something to do. Great large pools. You can always find a chair around the pool or on the beautiful, powdery beach. Food and beverages available 22 hours aday. Yes 22 hours. The food/drinks are at a 3 star resort level at best. 80% of the staff seem annoyed to be there. A few great staff members like the doctor that is there 24/7 Beds are comphy. Rooms are clean and a/c works well. I would only go back to this resort if it was on sale at an amazing price.

Occidental Caribe: Great resort, beautiful beaches!!!

The hotel was great, while there are always small things that you could complain about what's the point. The weather is hot, rooms were always cleaned and fridge restocked daily. Food was plentiful and the service was bar none.

Occidental Caribe: Great resort!

This was our first time in an all inclusive resort so we have nothing to compare it with. The grounds were amazing. We loved the pools and outdoor activities. We came for a wedding and the ceremony and food were outstanding. The restaurants were great. We had reservations to the Italian and Japanese and we were pleasantly surprised. The employees were very engaging and tried to accomodate you. The buffet restaurant is huge and the food was hit and miss. Still always able to find something yummy. [... read more] My least favourite part was our room. Had a musty smell and the beds were only doubles. But we didn't spend much time in the room. The beach was the best part. Waves are huge all the time and water is clean.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: A week in Paradise

Everything about this resort went above and beyond our expectations. We never understood people who would return to a resort more than once but after an amazing couples trip we cant wait to return with the kids to experince everything Barcelo has to offer.

Occidental Punta Cana: Really nice resort

Very clean resort, rooms, grounds and pool areas. Beach nice too. Food good in general, Mexican and Oriental was our favs. Buffets were OK. Drink was disappointing as they show they have International drinks but when you ask they give you domestic crap. Staff were very friendly, apart from the drinks it was a joy-able trip and would return if the price was right.

Occidental Caribe: Nice resort

Building/rooms are dated and could use some renovation. Grounds are nice and well kept. Beautiful beach and pools, however not enough huts to provide shade. Food was surprisingly good for DR. Service was good but nothing special. Housekeeping was good, clean towels, etc. daily.

Occidental Caribe: Large and very nice resort

Very nice grounds with plenty of Palm trees and places to eat. I would avoid rooms in unit 3 they are exposed to noises from the buffet during the night. Very nice roomy wide beach. Family friendly resort.

Occidental Caribe: Amazing resort!

Although it is a 25 year old resort, it is well kept and comfortable with updated rooms. It's grand with plenty of vegetation all around. The beach is huge and beautiful. Too bad the waves were rough most of the time. Most staff were friendly and helpful.