Starfish Jibacoa: Sad days at Jibacoa

I feel nothing but sorrow regarding Villa Jibacoa. This will be our last visit there. The beach and reef were spectacular as always and the workers are dear and overwhelmed with the difficulty of the situation. What is the situation? Not enough food and no credible explanation for its lack. I’m not talking about grand feasts. We don’t expect that and don’t go to Cuba for the food. But a bit of butter would be nice. Some milk. Less turkey necks and shrimp heads. We know there are shortages  [... read more]but believe that is not the real issue. Hot coffee served in thin plastic cups , no dinner dishes causing huge waits. A lack of civility with the lineups by nationals that one could argue is cultural but we’ve all been to other resorts and not experienced it. No managerial presence whatsoever. The staff pleasant but unable to do anything. Understaffed. A feeling that we were not wanted, which is not a feeling I’d be willing to pay for. Many bewildered guests - most who’d been coming for years. Stories whispered. Very unpleasant. So…not a happy place.

Hotel Bella Costa: Great resort

All employees were required to wear a mask. Although we ate at the buffet, they would put the food in our plate instead of self serve. Our room was always kept clean. The beach was amazing as usual one thing to remember is to bring bug spray as the mosquitoes were very bad. Future tourist should bring more Canadian or us cash as the Cuban peso is almost worthless.

Starfish Jibacoa: Very disappointed

I'm more tolerant than some and generally don't like to complain in writing, particularly about a resort in a country that has suffered as much as Cuba, but since you asked.... The reviews on Trip Advisor of Villa Jibacoa pretty much sum up our experience. It was our third time at this resort and it was great to be back on the fabulous beach and reunite with the marvellous staff, but there seems to be a remarkable lack of leadership. I heard reports of so many people making official complaints t [... read more]o the manager that I didn't bother. My complaints are legion, but the most important is lack of any kind of intelligent design in feeding the hoards. If there are 20 people in a queue (I use the term loosely) who want 5-7 servings of ice cream, why not add another server to speed things up? Would be great if Canadian tourists and Cuban tourists could meet half-way to bridge the culture gap. Many people of both nationalities behaved poorly, showing either aggression, or lack of consideration or patience. I feel so sorry for the staff who do their absolute best. Also would be great to clean the pool more often and designate a couple of daily "quiet music" hours at the pool for those who can't adapt to the Cuban beat. Please read the Trip Advisor reports. None of our party of 9 (one of whom has been to this resort 25 times) is planning to return, oh so sadly. Brought down tons of medical supplies and other goodies which I fear will be missed by the locals if enough Canadians stay away. Delighted we made an overnight trip to Havana for great food and some quiet away time. Love the people and the country. This resorts needs some serious leadership/management training and cultural sensitivity training should be required for ALL guests before arrival.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Small Resort.

Love this hotel because it is a small hotel,easy to get around. The staff is absolutely amazing!! That’s why we have been going there for years. The food right now is not very good, because of Covid. Things have been very hard for the Cuban people to get. The rooms are very spacious, and clean. But unfortunately they only leave water in the rooms now. There is no beer, or pop.No coffee makers either at the moment. Food in general is not the best in Cuba,but the restaurants Italian,and Romanti [... read more]co are okay. The beach is fabulous and easy to get lounge chairs . The hotel has been quieter than we have ever seen it, not much entertainment at night.But hopefully things will pick up soon. Beer is hard to get in Cuba, it’s a hit and a miss! Rum is always available, but other drinks a little harder. The Hop on Hop off Bus stops right outside the hotel and it comes every 30 minutes, and it’s $5.00 Canadian.

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Cuba has better hotels

We spent one week at the Bella Vista and found that a lot of staff didn't speak much English, most of the time the toilet paper was empty in the bathrooms, the food was the worst we've had in Cuba, (this was our 8th trip down) but of course, you won't starve, there is always something to eat. We were not sure if this was due to covid or transport issues. As far as covid protocol, the staff all wore their masks and asked that guests did too in the building areas. You were given a squirt of hand [... read more] sanitizer before entering the buffet or any restaurants so that was well done. The beds were the most uncomfortable that I have had in Cuba, we had to change rooms since our first room had a shower that didn't work, water leaking across the bathroom floor and a door that didn't lock, beach towels were charged to your credit card (Deposit) instead of in your room, and 2 or 3 resort restaurants were closed during our time perhaps since they were not at full capacity, I don't know. As always, the beach and water are amazing, blue, beautiful, relaxing and since that was what we were there for, the trip was still great. I would not book this hotel again. Prefer the BLAU, ROYALTON, or even LOS CACTOS

Blau Varadero: One of the Best

Great resort, very well kept, and clean. We have been to Cuba about 8 times to 6 different resorts and this is better than most. Food is always an issue but it's passable. Beach is amazing and I highly recommend taking a taxi from the airport to avoid the bus transfer, much nicer. We paid $40 CDN. Don't change money at the Casa de Cambio, look for a lifeguard or someone with a fanny pack near the beach. We changed at 60-1 April, 2022.

Memories Jibacoa: Awesome Resort

I went there with a group of my teammates in cycling and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Furthermore the roads in that area were great for cycling compared to other locations we have been to in Cuba. Highly recommend this place to anyone.

Barcelo Solymar: Too much change.

Beautiful beach and great view. 80% locals in resort hogging the food and leaving messes everywhere. I will Not return to Cuba. Was my 6th time. Food shortages and way too much change for me. Mexico next time.

Memories Jibacoa: Great Resort

The resort is very nice for Cuba! Because of our unplanned late arrival due to Sunwing screw up with luggage that started in Toronto. By the way, Sunwing is terrible on so many levels. Because we had to sit at Veradero airport waiting to see who was getting their luggage from plane, which Sunwing rep could have taken care of this for the travellers at airport and all four buses could have been on their way to their hotels rather than everyone sitting waiting for the people with missed luggage it [... read more] file themselves with lost luggage office at airport. So, when we finally get to hotel and check in, we were told there is a snack bar. Finally after walking around a dark resort, we locate the tiny snack bar. The snack consisted of a ham and cheese panini. That was all there was offered. Got to say, it was good. The food is good at all three meals at buffet. The wine could be improved at dinner. Staff are great! Rooms were nice and clean. We didn’t like the two levels of customer service for the Diamond Club and regular customers. This was very dominant in everything that has to do with customer service and drinks. This resort is not inexpensive to stay there and I expected better alcoholic beverages. The internet was a hit and miss in lobby only. Hard to log in to internet do ArriveCan which is important to leave Cuba. Not a five star resort but a good 3.5 star resort.

Playa Vista Azul: Playa Vista Azul

If planning to stay at this resort, it is well worth the money to stay in the Privilege section! Quiet pool area, great bar service, rooms close to the ocean, excellent service. There are two beaches to choose from, both adjacent to the resort. Beautiful ocean views in the main building, with an infinity pool between the lobby and the ocean. Great service at the bars from: Yamilet, Angel, Yasmelis and Onay. Superb service from Danny, Miquel and David. Butler in the Privilege section wa [... read more]s Diana - thanks so much for your awesome attitude and service.

Memories Jibacoa: Amazing and Friendly Resort

This is our 10th time to this resort. It is like going home. Amazing snorkeling from the beach. The pool is pristine, as are the rooms. The staff cannot do enough to make sure that everything is a 10. Covid protocols were in place. All staff were and guests were masked in public areas. Buffet is served by masked and gloved attendants. Will definitely return again.

Melia Internacional: Nice Vacation

The hotel was nice. The rooms were spacious. The restaurants need some improvement for example: food. The Cuban restaurant the food was tasty and the service was great. The beverages at the hotel, could be more variety. The beach staff were amazing always willing to help you find umbrellas and lounge chairs.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Iberostar Laguna Azul

Enjoyable vacation even with covid restrictions, the Cubans are happy to see Canadians back.The hotel is running at fifty percentage capacity. Well kept resort we were in building 18,for people with mobility issues all elevators should have been operational but were not. Dining room experience was different than normal they now serve you the food,because of language barrier you point at what you want. All staff must wear mask all the time. Be aware of the new currency useful for tipping. They no [... read more]w prefer us monies,do not exchange money at the bank the locals or people on the bus to hotel offer better exchange rate.Beautiful beach weather was 32 for the week we were there. I would definitely return to this hotel.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Beautiful Resort

I have been to Varadero 4 times and this one has probably the best design for the outdoor and indoor areas. Misinformation about the room having an ocean view was troublesome at the beginning because in actuality you could only see the ocean from the balcony if you looked in a very sharp angle. So I think it would have been better if we would have known in advance. Overall the hotel is clean but our room was ok and always after cleaning we found lots of long hair on the floor( my hair is short [... read more]) then, I saw the mop that they were using, which was really dirty. Also the staff did not check the shampoo or soap and we have to ask twice to fill the empty bottles. I have to mention that this hotel has very good mannered service people. I want to name Tony who served at the dinner buffet, Joanna and Gavier who served at the breakfast and lunch buffet; and very pleasant Daysolet, who was helping with drinks in the bar close to reception. Overall, I recommend this resort.

Playa Vista Azul: Amazing resort and beaches!!

This resort was fantastic! The beaches were pristine and immaculate. The staff was friendly, and the rooms and grounds were clean and well-kept. The highlight fixture is the infinity pool in the lobby, just simply spectacular especially during sunsets. Every night in the lobby there were various entertainment, and then followed by nightly shows at the theatre. There are two beaches which makes the stay feel expansive with different options to relax at the pristine beaches. Would recommend this p [... read more]lace!

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Worst experience ever! DO NOT stay here

Looks can be deceiving! What looks like a beautiful newer resort on the outside, was an absolute nightmare to stay in. From the resort running out of food daily to feed guests, to having to wait up to 45 minutes to receive food. Fire alarms going off almost nightly. Air conditioners in rooms no working, cockroaches' in room! 6 a la cart restaurants closed. Miserable staff and no communication between staff & customer service. This was my 6th trip to Cuba and because of this experience I will NEV [... read more]ER return.

Memories Jibacoa: Very nice place to go

As a returning customer I can say that this is a great place to stay in Cuba.............................................................................................................................. ..

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Heavenly Cuba -royalton

Great people , great beaches Great pool. ALL Staff was amazing . Only poor part was lobby bar was a bit slow serving drinks. Atmosphere was great except no music playing alot :( not use to that in a Cuba resort.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Great facility

Facilities were great, room was as expected for Royal side of resort. Food was extremely disappointing. We paid for Royal service which supposedly included import drink but all there had was rhum. No burgers, we don’t have this, we don’t have that was the commun response. No entertainment around pools, overall I will never go back

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Great holiday

Grounds lovely and well kept. People are warm and friendly.loved the beach and swimming. Food good but bland. Fish always nicely cooked. A couple of mornings they had no eggs. There was a great Cuban band that played on the outdoor square— loved their music!!