Memories Caribe Beach Resort: ENJOYABLE TIME

We enjoyed our stay here. The staff was amazing!! There were still some things not done due to Hurricane Irma but all in all they are well on their way. We had a few issues with our room at first but everything was looked after.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Pretty darn good resort

I am very happy with our stay at Memories. This resort compound is very large and required a lot of walking but we were all up to the fun. I travelled with my girlfriend and two children ages 10 & 12. They loved the place and want to go back next year. The flights were on time and our transfers all connected as expected. Check in took about 20-minutes to get through and we were all greeted with a non-alcoholic drink while we waited. I thought this was a nice touch because the flight w [... read more]as long and the kids were reaching their limit. The drinks perked all of us up. We stayed in building 33 (33208) and were immediately pleased. The room was right next to the beach. This meant we had to walk the furthest to get to the lobby and the buffet but this was no problem for us. Being beachside was awesome! The rooms are basic but was provided as they promised. It's a 3-star room (3-star in Mexico) so please go with those expectations. The food was plentiful and always available. Seafood, beef, and chicken served daily. We were never hungry. The beach was clean and awesome; everyone really enjoyed the waves crashing over our heads. Honestly, that was the trip's highlight for me. The pools are fun, the slide is okay but a little slow. The drinks were average. We brought our own mugs and it appeared everyone else was envious that we did. We were asked many times, "Hey, where did you get those mugs?" The main residents at this resort are Russian, I'd say about 75% Russian. So you might want to expect unexpected language barriers and different behaviors than what you're use to. I would rate this hotel as a 3.5 star, perfect for my budget and the needs of the children.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Good for the price

This was our 9th trip to Cuba, 3rd to Holguin, 1st to this resort. This resort actually offers a good value for a reasonable price. It is a bit of an unusual resort, feels more like a summer vacation home in the mountains. The terrain is mountainous, there are very few palm trees (none at the beach), somehow feels more authentically Cuban to me than other resorts I’ve been to. Food was OK, very standard for Cuban resorts, same food all 7 days. The good: - Flexibility and price. We ar [... read more]e a family of 4 and because my daughter is 13, she is treated as “adult” and most hotels don’t offer settling 3 adults and 1 child in one room. Getting 2 rooms would mean paying adult rates for both children, making a trip much more expensive. Memories has larger rooms where all 4 of us could stay in the same room comfortably, many thanks! - The front desk staff actually knows how to smile! Overall, great front desk experience, quick check in (they scanned our passports, rather than asking me to write down all the names, passport # etc) – the fastest and most pleasant check in I’ve seen in Cuba. - The beach is very nice for swimming, great for kids – calm water, no stones. Great for novice snorkelers, albeit there’s nothing to see there. - Plenty of shades and chairs at the beach, no vendors bothering you. - Free digital safe in the room – many hotels charge for safe separately. - Good drinking water. In two other Holguin hotels we visited, the purified water was undrinkable, but not here: the water in the restaurant tasted much like bottled water, clean and fresh. We also had a bottle of water per day delivered to the room. - Our bedsheets in the room were actually changed daily, not just tidied up. I’m split on this one as find it a bit of a waste of water/energy, but from a service perspective this is the first Cuban hotel I’ve been to below 5 stars that does it. - Animation team was great. Unlike many other hotels, they offered morning activities on the beach, including dancing lessons. We never user pools, only beach, so it was fantastic! - Foam party at the beach – kids had a blast. - “Memories” signature song – cool song, sang everywhere, very addictive. - Take a 20-min catamaran trip to a deep sea for a $5 tip – great value and good fun. - We had a room in a quiet area far away from disco/theater, nothing disturbed the night sleep. - Once per week, the keepers of the nearby nature attraction bring an eagle, a parrot and a small alligator to the beach where anyone can take pictures with them. While I’ve seen this in other resorts, this was a first resort where you could take your own pictures for free, rather than buying them. - Twice I reported the issue with the room equipment, both times they were fixed quickly. - Air conditioner was good. Placed high above and away from the beds, it was cooling the room while not blowing directly at us at night. - Interesting wild life. At night, if you walk the remote paths, you will see many large crabs; at day – variety of birds, small lizards. Great tropical flower scent in the air. - Coffee at the lobby bar is great. Asked for a shot of rum, got Havana Club, not a no-name rum. The bad: - Checkout at noon while most flights are arriving-leaving around 9-10pm. Many families were stuck for 5 hours after the checkout, walking aimlessly on hotel grounds in a scorching sun. Yes, late check out is offered, but is twice аs expensive comparing to other Holguin hotels. Paying 50 pesos (65 CDN) just to take a shower before leaving is way too expensive. If Memories were to offer 8pm check-in and 5pm check out for all night flights, it would cost them nothing but would make them a top Holguin resort in a price/value category. - One of the mattresses in our room was rock-hard. Not firm, but literally hard as a rock with some mesh on top of it, think sleeping on a box spring. My bones rebelled after first night. - Service in restaurants was hit-and-miss. Great during some dinners (prompt, attentive), non-existent during others (plates piling up, water/drinks not offered till the end of meal in a half-empty restaurant). On two separate dinners I ordered beer that I’m still waiting for. Tips don’t make a difference. - Some (not all) local tourists are very rude. Will strike a conversation with a cook, cut in front of you in line, literally take all the meat or fish that is ready. - While the beach is great for swimming, on one occasion the hotel “promoted” kiteboarding on the beach, with staff cruising on dangerously close to swimmers/snorkelers. This is an accident waiting to happen; the two types of activities should never come close to each other. Luckily, it happened only once. - Hotel grounds are vast. We had a 10-min walk to a beach and some residences were further. Not a big problem for us, but may be for some. - I did find a live cockroach and a few dead ones – check your luggage before leaving if you don’t want to bring home some new “guests”. - Found a sea urchin once in the ocean, almost stepped on it. This is beyond resort’s control, just be mindful while in the ocean. - Rum is cheaper at Duty-free. - Pina Colada at the bar has nothing to do with a Pina Colada, it’s some sort of a soft drink, worst I’ve tried in Cuba. Hamburgers at the beach – avoid: the patty is way too salty and the bun is often has portions of raw dough. - Flies and birds in the buffet. This is unavoidable with an open buffet. - Housekeeping bloopers. While the room we moved in was cleaned up, there was garbage from the previous occupants in the balcony. Stayed there for 3 days, until a different maid checked the balcony.

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: amazing resort! definitely worth going again

The hotel was spotless, the pool areas clean, lots of activities thru the day! Activity crew engage with everyone and treat you like family from day 1. Bar staff are pleasant and fun! One bar staff Ramon stands out! The meals a la carte and buffet were amazing! Rooms very clean and services daily! Always refreshments in the mini fridge. A concierge on staff from 8-6 daily if you needed anything. A train to take you around the resort. The beach is on the Royalton side and you have full a [... read more]ccess there. They are eager to make your stay a great one! I give this resort s 10/10

Resonance Blu Varadero: Great value for money

We stayed at this hotel on three different occasions when it was Serenis la Salina. On a need to improve note, we found that there were only three A La Carte restaurants. The Italian restaurant was horrible, all they had was lasagna and it was way too salty.The public washrooms were not cleaned often enough and there was a lack of toilet paper at the public locations. The restaurant bar that used to be used by the ocean for breakfast and lunch was closed. The small money exchange was always out  [... read more]of one dollar coins. Check in was as slow as it had been on previous occasions. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and helpful. the rooms were clean and everything worked, the maid was awesome. My four requests were all met when I arrived. The grounds were being worked on and there were a lot of gardeners. The food at the main buffet restaurant was good and there was a lot of choices on what to eat. The Japanese restaurant was superb. The beach area provide ample lounge chairs. We did not take in any shows as they only started at 9:30, too late for us. We were very happy with the quality of service for the money we paid. Unfortunately not enough people tipped, these workers could really use the extra change.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Great Entertainment - Food not so much

Considering the hurricane I'm sure the efforts to reopen were valiant. However our room smelled of mould and we didn't want to complain but we should have. At home all our luggage still smells of mould. Despite being in the Sanctuary side we found the food in our exclusive restaurant for breakfast and lunch - sometimes dinner was really quite terrible. Some dishes were okay but others Over cooked, raw and just bad. I saw other reviews about bad food thought it would be okay we would be select [... read more]ive somehow and work around it...it's not okay. Others we met also got sick, the runs etc. Whenever we ate off resort on an excursion or in Havana or Veradero we had no trouble with food quality. It's not a supply issue it's a preparation and cleanliness issue. Someone please give the cooks a foodsafe course. I loved the skilled musicians and entertainment, the musical and fun loving nature of the staff. Cuba has wonderful people. The resort otherwise was quite nice. Drinks were fine. They can't make a proper martini though. I think we will stick to Mexico in the future. Hopefully things improve in the future. Just not interested in getting sick on vacation.

Grand Memories Varadero: Exellent resort

We very much enjoyed our stay. The food was great, the rooms were kept very clean, staff was fantastic, service was great, the grounds were kept clean and neat. I think the only thing I was a little disappointed with was the beach. Having been to Varadero several times and have always enjoyed the beach area, this beach has a lot of 'wash up' from the ocean (weeds). Other than that our holiday was fantastic.

Grand Memories Varadero: Great Resort!

We stayed at the Grand Memories Varadero Nov 2017 and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The grounds were lovely and the beach pristine. Osmary, the bartender at the pool bar near the waterfall, was outstanding!! Very attentive, we didn't have to order a drink once, they kept flowing! Only had a chance to eat at the Oriental a la carte, the food was great. The buffets were fine, nothing to write home about but we could always find something to satisfy us. I would definitely recommend this hotel  [... read more]to others and will definitely be coming back!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Good resort

The hotel was great. Room was large and comfortable. Butler service was not the greatest. Speciality restaurants were very good. Unless it was a fantastic deal we wouldn't go back. We asked for a breakfast sent to our room at 6.00 am prior to going on a tour. It never came.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Some improvement but overall, a good experience.

The resort was generally clean. The employees tried their hardest to make sure that the visitors get A+ service. The resort was very safe. Due to the layout of the resort, cascading pool, lots of stairs to go up and down to, people with mobility issues may find it inconvenient. Cascading pool was nicely laid out and I see the pool guy first thing in the morning cleaning/sanitizing the pools. You do not share the beach with any other resort so it felt like you have your own private beach fron [... read more]t. Food was repetitive but we did not starve. I have never eaten that much pizza and fries in my life as they were very good. They serve light lunch in the beach so that was fabulous as going back to the main buffet was a bit of a walk. Their 24 hour snack bar was also very convenient for those who want to remain poolside. They serve it to you with a big smile. If you are a fan of lobster, try their lobster lunch for 10 CUC. The servers were amazing. The ladies on grill section during bfast and lunch were both amazing. They try their hardest with the very little they can source out. Pls TIP. It goes a long way for the locals. Bring basic necessities like toiletries, school supplies. I left all my clothes and came back with an empty suitcase. Entertainers - they work their butts off so hats off to them. They come first thing in the morning to entertain guests at bfast ( yes, they were already there by 9 AM to put a morning show). They stay until disco night is over and does not get home until 1:30 AM, catching the last bus to take them home. They work really hard to entertain visitors so please spare them something as they oftentimes get missed. Overall, our stay was memorable other than the bug bites which is beyond their control.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Nice resort

Our experience was in general positive! It feels more like a 4 stars (Cuba) then a 4 1/2 The food was great, but we didn't try the restaurants a la carte...we liked the buffet :)!! They could improve the snack bar...the first time I wanted to try it, I asked for 2 different plates, and both were not available at that time! Don't take the veggie sandwich We also asked for 2 double beds, and we got 2 singles Pools could be a little bit more clean, the water was not 100% clear! Ants in t [... read more]he room The resort is nice, and nothing to complain about the buffet Beach is nice, long enough to take long walk We were at the Sanctuary, adult section We can recommend this hotel if the price is good!!!

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Grand Riviera Princess, Playa del Carma, Mexico

I loved how tripcentral has informed me about cancelling and relocating our vacation. We were to go to Memories Caribe in Cayo Coco, Cuba..I am glad we were able to go to Mexico the sane time our trip was cancelled. The Resort has excellent Friendly people working at this resort I highly reccomend everyone to Grand Riviera Princess

Grand Memories Varadero: Wonderful Vacation!

Great hotel, amazing staff (especially the cleaners and buffet staff), great entertainment, wide variety of food and drinks, well maintained beach/gardens and grounds... Overall wonderful experience! we stayed for 8 days and I wish we never had to leave!!

Memories Jibacoa: Lovely resort

The room were spacious and clean and staff from the room maids, to the waitresses and bar staff to the managers were great can’t say enough good things Will definitely be going back soon met a lot of new people there

Resonance Blu Varadero: Great resort

We were in building 31, the rooms were newly renovated, new beds, beautiful bathrooms, hot water, new furniture, I just can't say enough about the newly renovated rooms. There was a group of 5 of us. My sister, her daughter and grandson booked a different resort which they weren't satisfied with and were able to transfer to Memories for a small fee. The food was better than before, there was enough selection that our group of 8 were satisfied at each meal. The pools were being cleaned daily  [... read more]and the beach was groomed daily. The staff was friendly and would go out of their way to try and find what you wanted to drink. (red wine or campaign in the lobby). They only thing that we were disappointed with was that the Michael Jackson show was on Saturday night. We landed late Sat night and left at 7:00pm the following Sat night and weren't able to see it. The aquatics night was fabulous. Where can you go that you can eat out daily, drink till your hearts continent and not have to cook or clean. Make the best of it and enjoy that you are with friends and family.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Entertainment staff is wonderful!

I loved this resort! The food wasn't too bad, the rooms were beautiful, but the highlight was the entertainment staff!! They kept you involved in all kinds of activities, and even remembered us by name! I would definitely revisit this resort! 10/10!

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: very nice

very nice place, good food/service, beautiful beach. only issue we had was pool bar, all the children hung out there........................................................................................................................................................................

Sol Turquesa Beach: very good resort

clean, good food, good service, nice people, nice swimming pools, nice beach, beer 24h, nice entertainment for all, bad experience with food in the Romantic restaurant, shallow moon-like beach with great sand

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Post IRMA Experience

AMAZING time, the resort was spared, little damage(nothing to worry about) food was fantastic, room was clean and comfortable, beach was a wicked. loved the 24 hour room service and enjoyed the Diamond Club experience.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Sanctuary at grand memories varadero

I thought the resort was very beautiful and not too big to enjoy walks. The beach was wonderful. The sanctuary lounge was a nice touch with ac and live groups in the evening which were very enjoyable. We noticed they didn’t advise of special activities which made it difficult sometimes. The people were extremely friendly with some going the extra mile. The food was okay. This is the only reason I would be hesitant to return. We are not fish eaters and found there was too much. The  [... read more]smells actually over powered us sometimes. Part of this I am sure is due to the time of year and not all restaurants were open. Some because not enough visitors and 2 because they were still doing repairs on them from hurricane irma. Over all I would rate this as a 4 because of not enough variety in salads and other foods. You can only eat so much chicken or pasta. The food we ate was delicious so no problems with the way it was cooked. I might try this resort again in high season to see about the had a great time and the entertainment was wonderful