Memories Paraiso: Grand Memories Cayo Santa Maria Trip Experience

As written to Jessica this morning: Good afternoon Jessica; happy Friday. With cordial salutations from Vancouver, we’d like to wish you first-off a very prosperous 2019 and beyond! Having just returned from our Cuba vacation, we thought it’d be prudent to share some comments about our vacation experience. ~ Rather than commenting on Trip Advisor, we prefer sharing our experience with you, but by all means please feel free to share this information with Sunwing and Memories Resorts [... read more]. Since nothing, other than the Spanish cheeses and cold-cuts was truly exceptional, we’re dividing our comments on what was good, not so good and bad… The good things: 1. The hotel property, consisting of Memories Paraiso, Grand Memories and Sanctuary is very beautiful, and we really enjoyed walking back and forth the entire resort. 2. The white sand beach is also very beautiful, though somewhat spoiled by fallen palapas and piled-up beach furniture. 3. The hotel staff was very courteous and helpful, though not as friendly as the staff at Memories Jibacoa (our previous Cuban vacation). 4. Sunwing representatives were present at the lobby most of the day, which gave us a comfort feeling. 5. The food, amazingly enough, was pretty good, particularly the cheese and cold-cuts selection from Spain. 6. The ambiance at the Grand Memories lobby was quite relaxed (beautiful live music all evening), and the cappuccino coffee was simply delicious!! 7. The entertainment at the Parranda Theatre was quite enjoyable, notwithstanding the terrible sound system. The not-so-good: • Our “4-star” bedroom looked more like a “2-star”, though we were not surprised about this (same at Jibacoa’s resort). ~ The closet was missing one door, the mini-fridge was rusted and old, there was a strong mildew smell from humidity, and the toilet seat was quite wobbly (reported twice to room maintenance). • The pools were very cold (even for Canadian standards), and the pool entertainment was “way too loud and repetitive” for our taste. • Our room faced the Sanctuary Pool, so needless to say we had to listen to loud and overly repetitive music every night. The music by itself was OK (party-time after all), but the DJ’s interaction was quite annoying at times. • The electric shuttle-carts were a bit of a nuisance, though we appreciate that for such a large property they’re a welcomed addition to some folks. The bad:  - The one and only 110v receptacle (on the hair dryer) was out of order, even though we reported this problem the third day of our stay (and two more times during the week) when our electric tooth brush ran out of battery. ~ We were expecting to have a 110v converter (same as in Jibacoa), and even the Sunwing’s room description stated there was one on each room.  - The balcony door was very hard to open and close, and it even fell of its track in one occasion. ~ Putting it back on its track was the only problem that was fixed (after reporting it) the very same day.  - We found this vacation overprized overall, definitely not what we expected for the price …and one more good thing (quite exceptional actually), was dealing with Trip Central  There you have it Jessica, we trust you’ll find our review honest and helpful. Cheers, Maripi & Victor Fe

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Good experience, service not so great

The hotel overall was beautiful, well-kept and offered much tranquility and relaxation. The spa was offsite as was the gym but relatively close by. The service, however, was lacking and was not up to the Royalton standards. I felt that I was ignored most of the time. The food was also limited in selection as well as lacking in flavour. I have been to other resorts in Cuba and the food was not very good. Overall, I don't think I would return to this hotel.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Great resort

The grounds are very well kept. The staff are all very genuine and a pleasure to be around. pools are clean with plenty of chairs. the beach was excellent lots of great sand and service was always great.

Memories Paraiso: Good hotel for families

I like this hotel. I traveled with 3 kids.It’s a bery clean place Food is basic, I think they need to change the chef. However, we were never hungry. Amazing beautiful clean white beach! Just amazing!

Valentin Perla Blanca: Our third year in a row staying there

The hotel staff are amazing. Friendly, helpful and really make the vacation pleasant. One does not go to Cuba for the food. It is largely chicken, pork and fish, rice, veggies and pasta. We are fine with it but others found it bland. The beach is beautiful. Our hotel room was clean. The room maid did an excellent job every day. There were some problems however. The pool towel that was in our room when we arrived had to last for the entire week as new towels were not available. The pool had mould [... read more] growing on the tile grout so either they were not using chlorine in the water or not using the correct amount. The one restaurant had a serious black mould problem on the ceiling caused by a leaking roof. Painting it does not solve the problem. This hotel while only about 5 years old (?) is starting to look a little worn. Overall great value for the money but if the management does not start to re-invest in the property this location it will lose it's appeal quickly.

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Ocean Casa del Mar

This was a "resort", large grounds with ample space by both the pools and the buildings, with chairs and space by the ocean. We went at Christmas and did not free crowded or jammed packed by other tourist, as the whole resort was open/full. The only place where it did seem busy was the buffet, depending what time you went, as there seemed to be a line up starting around 7:00 pm for dinner (show is at 9:00 pm). To avoid alot of the line ups in the buffet building, ask to sit in the room on the  [... read more]right side went you go in, not many people go there, quieter, and similiar food, less people, you can go to the other room too, if you want and back. Try the other restuarants (6) where you line up a 9:00am to book, again less noisy, with a slightly different menu, to switch it up. Staff where friendly, lots of variety of entertainment by the west pool (noisy side of the resort). We where on the east side nice and relaxing, both sides have 24 hr snack bar and a pool bar. The performaces at night where good, lots of song and dancing. We stayed a Valentine Resort, two resorts east of this one along the beach, very similar in layout. Valentine is adults only, and is much qiueter during the day and at night, if you want to chill in a quiet relaxfull resort. Ocean, is family and seem to have more happening in terms of people doing stuff, still very relaxing, but if you want to do more you can. Rooms where clean, food was good, the beach was amazing and the interent is $1 CUC. and hour. Enjoy this place !

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Modern for Cuba

The hotel was nice and well maintained. The shower actually had hot water and it was beautiful! The food was ok and there was a good variety of restaurants to choose from. The only annoyance is the system for booking reservations which can be extremely time consuming.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful resort!

This resort was great, quiet, friendly staff. The only complaint I would have is the temperature of the jacuzzi by the pools. It should be at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit but was only about 75-80. Even the pool water could be warmer to enjoy better. But overall, we really loved this resort and have recommended to friends.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Nice Resort

It’s a nice new hotel. Service from the staffs were great. Tennis instructor was excellent. Will come back for March break. We stayed from December 21-28. Food is to be expected from Cuba. Lots of shortage. Free wifi one hour per day per person. Wifi everywhere not only in the lobby. It was great to have wifi in the bedroom just like other islands.

Melia Buenavista: Excellent quiet luxurious resort

Excellent quiet luxurious resort would recommend to everyone the food was excellent the resort is immaculate and most important staff where is superb helpful they went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed our stay the beach is a fabulous safe I can’t say anymore about a good time we had

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful resort

The resort was beautiful. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The beach is amazing and the pools were very big and clean. A la carte restaurant were very good as well as the buffet. I would defenetly recommend this resort. They also offered a variety of activities such as badminton, tennis, soccer, dance classes and basket ball.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing resort!

What a wonderful time we had! The staff is very nice, helpful and caring. THe rooms are spacious and clean. The food is ok. I really loved the buffet at breakfast time. The cook Daniel made us good omelettes every morning. The Japanese restaurant is very good. The beach is breathtaking. I would return!!

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Enjoyed our stay here!

We stayed here for 5 days and the resort made our stay enjoyable! The beach was beautiful and the pool was very clean. Food wasn’t bad, had a lot of varieties. People at the resort were very friendly. The resort itself was very clean but the rooms need a little bit more improvement on comfort level. The resort is not close to any major cities, but they had a lot of activities to keep the people entertained. Overall it is really a 4.5 stars resort.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Pretty good resort!

Enjoyed our stayed at this resort! Price was a little high because of the holiday season, and the weather wasn’t the greatest but the resort did everything to make everyone’s stay enjoyable with lots of entertainment. The rooms weren’t luxury but it was clean. People there were amazing! From reception to the restaurant workers, bar service, cleaners and all the workers around the resort, all were super friendly and helpful. The resort is about 1.5 hours away from the airport, but the view  [... read more]on the way was beautiful and the guide on the bus was very informative. I would want to revisit this resort again in the future and recommend it!

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Great staff

Rooms could use a refreshing but are clean and comfortable. Food limited but good quality. The great staff more than make up for any shortcomings. Lengthy bus ride to resort. Good value for the money.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Sercotel Experience

The beach was awesome ... however very windy so always lots of waves, which interfered with our seashell picking. Rooms were very clean and always nice surprises with towels (decorations) Food wasn't the best but who goes to Cuba to eat??? The staff was very friendly and were able to communicate to the best of their abilities. We went on a catamaran ride with dolphin interaction and staff on catamaran were excellent!!! They sure know how to get people involved in singing and dancing [... read more]!!!

Valentin Perla Blanca: Worst resort ever

I went to this resort thinking that this resort was new and would be good. Much to my surprise it was super bad. Unfriendly staff, never gets anything done. Super bad internet which is almost never working.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Awesome resort

It was so lovely to be back at this wonderful resort. We are always very pleased with our room, food, staff and even had a surprise at the beach 3 hammerhead sharks. They were in feeding on the fish in the warm water. They did not bother with us.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Awesome resort

The resort was great. Room was nice and clean. The buffet food was very tasty and had different items each day - you simply must try the omelets :) We really liked the al la cart restaurants, especially the French restaurant. The bars were well stocked, and the endless Cappuccino's were a personal favorite of mine. The pools were warm, huge and very clean. The beach went on for miles...made for some very nice stroll's The staff was so friendly and helpful, and the entertainment was talente [... read more]d and very entertaining!

Valentin Perla Blanca: Good resort with a disappointing downfall

Staff amazing Food not bad Could’ve had a better alcohol selection My main issue with this resort was that our neighbours phones got stolen out of their rooms (Possibly because the back door was left unlocked). Luckily the gentlemen had an Apple Watch on his wrist, which made it possible to locate his and his girlfriends phones. We ended up finding them ditched in a bush in his hat which was used to hold both chargers and phones. I would return to this resort strictly because of the [... read more] staff. Just make sure you lock up everything.