Big enough so that if you want fun, you can have it...if you want peace and quiet, you can have that too. Room was clean, most things worked well, housekeeping was wonderful. Food, you don't go to Cuba for the food. It was good enough. The specialty restaurants were a bit of a let down, especially for a vegetarian. The pasta bar in the main buffet was a huge letdown...half cooked pasta. Al dente and undercooked pasta are not the same thing.
The tour of Mazantas and the caves was excell[... read more]ent, try to get Jose as your tour guide.
Did get ripped off at the money exchange desk at the front desk. Learned to ask questions about exchange rates then was treated fairly after that. I like to tip well but hate being cheated.
Nothing to do with the resort but the Custom's Agent at the airport was over the top mean....seething with anger actually, made me want to leave Cuba asap. Not sure why they think harassing travelers like that is good for their tourist industry.
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Rose -
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Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Amazing resort!!
I loved everything about this place!! 24 of us went and we all loved it!!! The staff everywhere on the resort were amazing!! We will definitely be going back next year, we already started looking for packages!!!
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Blueblazer -
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Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Had A Great Time at the Iberostar Laguna Azul
This hotel is in a great location,close to town of varadero to explore or get something good to eat.There is a lot of shops for all your souvenir needs.We traveled from Jan 28 through Feb 5 and the weather was fantastic.I went shore fishing every morning and caught fish everyday.If you go to the buffet and ask head chef for bait he will gladly give you some.A tip goes along way.The resort is laid out very well with all the a la carte restaurants in one location.The food was average in buffet,I h[... read more]ighly recommend the Japanese restaurant,they cook it right in front of you very cool.The rooms are big a well appointed you have everything you need(a little dated)but beds are comfy and pillows were great.The pools were kept very clean,workers cleaning every morning.All the wait staff where friendly and always smiling.We did not go on excursion as I have been to Cuba more then 25 times,I rent a scooter for the week and go exploring myself.As for the currency exchange it was horrible at the resort (100 Canadian for 69 cuc ).If you goto the American Mall down the road the exchange was much better (100 canadian for 73 cuc).They have a double decker bus that tours varadero and resorts,it costs 5 cuc for all day pass well worth the money.The grounds were well appointed and kept very clean.There was no bugs the whole week.Overall experience I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone.If you have any questions please contact my email.Thanks for ready Scott
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Private -
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Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Amazing Resort.. We Loved it
The food was excellent and the entertainment.
The grounds and pool areas were very clean
There were a large assortment of shade areas
This was our first time at this resort and will definitely visit again
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NewTraveler -
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Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Outstanding Service and Staff!!!!!!!!!
The Iberostar Costa Dorada was an amazing experience. The resort was beautiful with very well groomed tress and plants. They had ground level lighting so you could clearly see where you were walking in the dark. The food was excellent and always available. The staff were very polite and very proficient. The pool and swim up bar was amazing and so was the bartender. There was always room around the pools and eating areas. There was no shortage of water anywhere on the resort. The only complaints [... read more]we had on this vacation would be the pressure to attend the Iberostar club briefing and the outdated room.The room was dated and needs to be modernized. They pretty much chased us to attend the 90 min presentation about the club. It was only at the very end of the brief that they gave you actual information and pricing about the club. Unless you are avid travelers (3 or more times a year) the club is not worth the cost. Overall this resort was a 9/10 and easily 4 1/2 Stars. We totally look forward to staying here again in the future.
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Private -
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Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Great hotel
The flight was excellent the people at the resort were very friendly the towels were nice and big the beach was spectacular. I had a great time. My room was clean and it had a chaise in it which was great. The buffet was small but you always had food to eat.
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Hoppy -
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Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Amazing Resort
The resort was fantastic. We stayed in the Spa Section. The accommodations were first class.
The staff were so kind and helpful.
Swimming pool was amazing. Beaches great.
Absolutely no complaints with the food.
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Private -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Nice resort
We have been to Cuba many times and we can say that we had a good experience. The grounds were neat and tidy and beach was beautiful. Drinks really flowed with excellent waiter service, both during the shows and the lobby areas. The shows were really well done and the bands were good also. The food had lots of choice but usually not served warm. Our biggest complaint would be the beach BBQ as the burgers were not cooked enough, tho you could always get fries and pizza at the pool bar. All s[... read more]taff were friendly and appreciate tips as well as small gifts, especially clothing items. It's a great resort for walking as there is a new marina across the road with resturants and a bowling alley. For the price that we paid for an adult only resort I would recommend it as a place to go, but always with an open mind. They work with what they have and try staying in Canada for the same price, to put it in perspective.
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Android -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Noce resprt
Hotel and facilities were nice and everyone was friendly.. Biggest complaint was inconsistant housekeeping and room replenishment.they place also had odd bar hours. With the exception of the lobby bar, each bar is open for a few hours at a time which is odd. the food was actually much better than i expected.all in all had a wonderfull time.
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Private -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Was good
The resort in all was great, entertainment was good, food was ok, sometimes better then others rooms were great and clean, didn’t like the idea that at the pool bar ran out of toilet paper for the last 3 days, so remember to take some
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JoAnne -
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Muthu Colonial Hotel: A Great Stay (Again)
We are repeaters to The Colonial but had missed going last year. We were pleasantly surprised given the reviews. We arrived in the evening and the check in was very friendly, quick and efficient with bell boys waiting to take us to our rooms. We stayed in Bldg 33 - 2nd floor. We had a great view of the ocean. We were a short walk to everything - salt-water pool, buffet, entertainment and most importantly - the gorgeous ocean. The beach is absolutely the best beach we've been to. The beach[... read more] staff are very friendly and eager to please. Periodically there was some seaweed - but not a lot. They were cleaning up the beach early each morning. This Resort is the oldest Resort in Cayo Cocoa but has great charm. The rooms are very clean - but like others have written - a little dated, but that did not bother us. We found the new buffet very good and very efficient - remember you are holidays and in Cuba. The staff are very friendly and happy to help you. There are 4 grill areas and 1 pasta area to personalize your pasta dish. A variety of fresh meat and fresh fish were available every day. Good selections of hot dishes, salads, desserts and of course the ice cream station. We did the Italian a la carte one night but found the menu very limited - but it was nice to be served. The Yarey Grill by the fresh water pool was a nice change for lunch offering pizza and french fries - however the new washrooms located here need to be looked at as there is something very wrong when you have 1/2 inch of water on the floor. Nasty! We used the main lobby washrooms instead. There is also the 24 Hour Grill/Bar for late arrivals. There are activities through the day and also nightly entertainment. These are run by enthusiastic staff and the entertainment is very good. Our only recommendation would be to have nightly entertainment in the Piano Bar. We miss this. This Resort was hit very hard with the hurricane in 2017. They have a done a phenomenal job to get to where they are. The Resort is not complete but very nice with what has been completed. Vacationers at this Resort comprised of approx. 50/50 Russian and Canadian (50/50 French/English). We had no issue with the Russians - most were Families. We need to remind ourselves that they come from a different culture. Showing them a smile and greeting - brought out the same. I think adding a LOT of alcohol to any culture does not bring out the best - not only the Russians. I would like them to be friendlier to the staff. This Resort has great staff working here. It is the reason we return. Remember when you come - if you can - please bring the staff presents of personal hygiene items, shoes, clothing - whatever you can spare. We actually use our large luggage size to pack presents - and use our carry-on for our clothing - then give the large luggage to a staff (Thrift Stores are a good source of used luggage). We found the exchange of 1 CC Peso = $1.50 Cdn high - and presents are better appreciated. We recommend that you pack bug spray - as mosquitoes can be an issue if you react to them. In closing, there is an excellent Dentist working from this Resort. My husband goes to her annually. In Summary - we had a great week and will return again. Kudos to Michael and ALL the staff at The Colonial. We know you are working hard to bring back this Resort following your devastating hurricane.
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Private -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar: Bah
Pros: Close to playa Pilar beach. Friendly staff and always ready to help. Kid friendly food items. Great view. Staff always willing to help.
Cons: Pools had green goo on sides. Had numerous ants in building 5’s top floor. This was also a complaint of other guests (to the point where a whole window was covered in ants) but hotel not interested in changing rooms. Towel was stolen on day 1 (2 hours after check in) while in the pool and hotel wanted $30 pesos (not to mention towels are fr[... read more]ayed and have holes). Food made me and my whole family react...
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Private -
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Iberostar Waves Quetzal: Another great Iberostar Resort
My wife and I came back from Iberostar Quetzal and it was great. Fantastic food, service, and the pool/beach was great. Nothing but a great experience.
My only concern is with Sunwing and their lack of transparency with travel to and from the hotel. We ended up having to pay a lot of money to get to the airport on our way home because of the lack of communication on their behalf.
We stayed in the Grand Village section.It was quiet and relaxing. The beach was stunning: white sand, great for walking-lots of shade provided.
The staff were amazing- friendly and helpful. The food was incredibly good from -eggs made to order/smoked salmon/fresh fruit for breakfast to grilled lobster/club sandwiches/hamburgers by the beach for lunch to steak/lobster thermidor for dinner in the gourmet restaurant.
We looked forward to every meal.
A quick ride by golf cart to the main section [... read more]of the resort for more entertainment and excitement.The mixed drinks there were delicious.The large water park looked like it would have been a lot of fun for kids.
Only slight negative was the 90 minute trip from the airport-but even that was not so bad-air conditioned bus- comfortable seats-interesting countryside.
Look forward to going back.
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Terry27 -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Great time
The hotel was great for the price . Clean with great staff . Rooms need to have new beds and furniture and thats what they started to do as we stayed there end of January. Also the beach was beautiful and clean. Not a big resort so its easy to get around . Ala carts had great food and atmosphere. 12 min walk to the big marina . Which has bowling lanes and great restaurants
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Leaps -
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Iberostar Selection Varadero: Best Resort we've been to in Cuba!
We've been to several resorts in Cuba at various locations and this one is the best we have been to in all aspects: food (great selection, lots of fresh fish, veg & fruit), warm and friendly service, and a beautiful well-kept property.
We had been here a few years ago it it was fine but they did a sprucing up and now it is even better.
The staff are all excellent and attentive.
We would go back for sure - it would be great for a group gathering, there is something for everyone
One reco - De[... read more]finitely go to Havana but don't do a day trip on a big bus - hire a car, stay overnight and see it properly. Too few people take a break form the beach to see the real Cuba. It's fine to vacate you hotel room for one or more nights to do a side trip, Just let staff know and they will keep an eye on your room. Cuba is very safe!
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CarolynS4 -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: What an amazing trip!!
Words cannot explain the amazing time we had at the Iberostar Playa Alameda Resort in Veradero. The staff was amazing, the rooms and service were great and there was lots of variety of food and activities.
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Frankie -
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Iberostar Origin Tainos: Great vacation
Very nice resort, impeccable grounds,very friendly staff. And very nice rooms. Always chairs available around pool and beach. Food was good. Could use a 3rd "a la carte" restaurant. But the two existing were good. No complaints from us.
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Wander2019 -
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Muthu Colonial Hotel: Sun, Sand and Relaxation
Great resort to relax and enjoy being away at. Not the fanciest resort. But It had charm. It's 25 years old and it shows. They were hit hard by the hurricane and cubans work very slow fixing things. Rooms are dated. Don't expect hot showers, they are warm water. this is Cuba and not like our ðŸ But the workers are all 5 stars, mostly all speak English. They want to say Ola to you. All very friendly. They love the Canadian's. Alot of Russians do go to this resort. [... read more]It's 50/50. Only a few kids there. Literally everything is very close. And if you don't like your room or anything wrong with it they will do their best to accommodate you to a different room or have it fixed. Beach was right there. So close. Beautiful powder soft sand, there is alot of broken shells here. Understandably with the hurricane has affected it somewhat. Nothing that would ruin a beach for me. A couple stores on resort. This resort is small (300 ppl) and cozy. All the staff made the visit excellent!!! They go above and beyond for few peso. Cubans appreciate/need our tips. The entertainment crew do a fantastic job! Daniella is amazing! Nightly shows and a disco after. Piano bar/patio entertainment. Beach attendants are amazing! Felix will go get you a chair and a place on the beach and then you get your drinks. Lots of seafood, meat and fried rice that they cook for you. Lunch and dinner are about the same everyday. Nice and clean buffet and you get 2 alacart restaurant dinners. Italian and Carribean.
The many negative reviews are hurting an already struggling resort, so please keep an open mind and heart when visiting and you will enjoy your stay.
This is a resort for people looking to relax, by the pool or Beach and soak up the sun.
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Private -
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Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: The best in Cuba we've seen
Nothing really to complain about. Spacious and clean rooms, good service, nice beaches, cool programs for kids, alright food. A notch above other 4+ (Cuban) star hotels in the area. It's usually pretty pricey, but it's a good value when on sale