Memories Paraiso: Beautiful beach location

Overall we totally enjoyed our stay. The beach and pool were lovely with lots of chairs available. We ate at 2 a la carte restaurants and found the food good (not excellent) and enjoyed the buffet for variety. The resort was not too busy at the time so there were fairly quiet times in the buffet to relax and enjoy your meal. Our room was large and had everything we needed but found the accommodations a bit dated and in need of some repair. This was not an issue for us but might be for some trave [... read more]llers.

Melia Las Dunas: I cant wait to go back 😁

The hotel was nice very clean ..we been there before and cant wait to go back...staff were so nice...we had the garden room looking over the beautiful palm trees and flowers...i loved our balcony...we were so happy.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Little piece of paradise!

We stayed at this resort for one week and are certain the return visit we will stay for at least ten days. The rooms were clean, spacious and the bathroom was very modern with plenty of hot water. The food was good; from some of the reviews we thought it was going to be terrible. We could always find something to eat that was tasty. Since this is not Canada, we didn’t expect to see any fast food but hamburgers and frenchfries were always offered. The staff is what makes this place outstanding [... read more]! Tipping was not required to get good service but since we received good service we wanted to tip! The staff were cheerful, interested and extremely well trained in their various work positions. The hotel seems to take great pride in taking good care of its staff and it shows. The entertainment each night in the lobby was enjoyable and the night shows, particularly the Hollywood show was outstanding. The beachs are the best in the world! This is Cuba and all it has to offer.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Our second visit, will come again...

Me and my wife just came back from Playa CSM and really enjoyed our stay. We we lucky with weather. What we liked: Beach, people, grounds, room, cleaning service (tips - we left some used clothes as a tip), drinks, coffee (all kinds) even food in most cases Not so much: Show intros are in all languages and quite long, make it short - won't hurt anyone VB court is not safe (last year it was not at the beach - it was much better) Food in some rare cases Internet is much better now but  [... read more]still not very reliable Long 2hrs ride from airport - this is not a complain - just mentioning to people that are planning their visit. Overall a very pleasant visit, we will definitely come again

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing staff at this resort!

The staff were amazing! always asking about our comfort and if we need anything! First room had a clogged sink and un-secured safe but staff was quick to re-assign another room which was perfect. Beach was beautiful and entertainment awesome!

Memories Paraiso: Bad rooms

Rooms have more concerns we found Roaches Mosquitos, Mold and bed bugs in our room 3519 Disappointed that the hotel was listed as 4.5 stars. It should have been listed as 3 the most. The beach was good. Most of the staff were friendly and helpful. Food supposed to be available at The Grill 24 hours but that was not working. Food at the regular buffet restaurant was Okay and the staff were very accommodating but almost same food everyday lunch and dinner. The hotel is very old both  [... read more]in appearance and other amenities. First day we found 2 beach towels in room but after that it was very hard to replace beach towels The rooms if the air conditioning was not turned on, smelled very musty and so were the blankets. The telephone in the room did not work could not call friend in another room or front desk if you needed help. Hotel is Not recommended.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Calm and relaxing: perfect if you want to just be at the resort and chill over there.

The resort is beautiful and calm, the pools and beaches are clean and nice, but the information on where to go is not so clear (missing some signs). Overall really good quality. The resort in itself seems new and the rooms are pretty. It's far from a lot of places, so if you want to go on expeditions, be prepared to be in a bus for 1h30 and more, depending on where you go. Just so you are prepared; if you do an all girls trip, know that the employees will look at you all the time and are even [... read more] a little harassing sometimes (whistle at you, ask if you want a boyfriend...).

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Nice Place

The Hotel and staff were great except the Room. We had to upgrade our room, even with the upgrade the room was not as clean. Had to ask for towels more than once. The bellhops were very helpful, the Chefs and waitresses were welcoming.

Playa Luxury Cayo Las Brujas: Paradise at it's best!

I have been to Cuba 20 times, and to Santa Maria 10 times. This place is amazing. I can't say enough about the staff, we were treaty like royalty! The beach is amazing, the drinks were fantastic and the food was incredible. A huge thanks to all the staff from the General Manager to the Maid!

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing Beach!

I traveled to Golden Tulip at the end of November and it was definitely not a busy time at the hotel. They said it was at 50% capacity during the time but I honestly think it was more like 20%. Which was ok for me because there were no long lines and it was very quiet. Because it as low season - the entertainment was downplayed quite a bit as well. Night time shows were all the same singers / dancers and routines - just in different costumes while labeling them as different shows and themes [... read more]. The resort itself was alright - nicely laid out, easy access to the beach, and the rooms were ok as well. The pools and pool areas were beautiful but nothing compared to the beach. The best beach spot in Cuba I've seen thus far. Beautiful white sand, no rocks, lots of chairs, shade and calm waters that you could walk out really far and still only be waist deep. Lots of fish to see because the waters were soo clear. The food was hit and miss - some days it was pretty decent and there a few days it was completely off (and as always, a lot of repeat and reused dishes). The last night before I left they had a party down on the beach. About 30 mins after it started there was a full blackout. I mean - picture being down on the beach and suddenly it's PITCH BLACK. It wasn't a full moon out so we literally couldn't even see our own hands in front of us. There were NO EMERGENCY LIGHTS to dimly guide us. But luckily most ppl had their cell phones with them and used the flashlights which was the only saving grace that we were able to see our way back to the lobby where most ppl congregated. At least there were emergency lights there and the staff kept the bar going. Nothing else to do because no one really wanted to go back to their rooms with NO AC, light or tv. All of it didn't bother me too much because I feel overall safe in Cuba but I was surprised there were no emergency lights anywhere except the lobby - to others it was a huge safety / security concern. Overall it was a great trip except for the fact that it was a little too quiet and dead. I imagine during hi-reason it's a much more fun place to be.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Exceptional resort!!

Hardly know where to begin as everything was just absolutely over the top fabulous!! This was my 19th time to Cuba (always at a different resort) and can say without a doubt, that the Iberostar Ensenachos will be seeing me again!! I have never stayed more than once in ANY resort...but absolutely, positively will come back to this one!! First off, the beach is absolutely breathtaking!! Yes, we did have a few murkyish water days, but understandable as we did have a big rain one night, and then th [... read more]e cold front from the north another, which will bring big waves and upset in the waters…But other than those few days, the water was so crystal clear you could see your toes on the sand and even in areas where one could not stand, you could still see the ocean floor..and all the fish!! Favourite ‘mascot’ red snapper very friendly social fish “Pablo” was a daily visitor waiting for tidbits of food from the tourists (apparently his favourite is hamburgers!! Bananas are a no go with this Pablo!) and also was very welcoming for a little pat!! He usually had his entourage of three other littler versions of himself along…plus many needle nosed fish and many others of which I have no clue what they were lol! The beach bar was on par without ever having to wait for a refreshing drink…with great beach/bar service by Eduardo, R. Carlos, J. Carlos, Yansel and Camilo!! They remembered our choice of drink each and every time from the first!! Then there was the fabulous animation team on the beach..!!!!! From stretching with Elisabet, to dancing and aqua fitness with honorable mentions to Johnny!!!!! Michael Jansell was always around to entertain as well…and cannot forget about Joel…always up to a little salsa any time we ran into him!! Plus so many other numerous animators that were all fantastic ...just can’t remember all their names! Oh…and obtaining a palapa was a breeze with the great assistance of beach attendants Yury and Salvadore!! Never went without one!!...Then the lifeguards…Joel, Pablo and Leonardo…Only thing, that I found very disturbing and disappointing, (and quite frankly unacceptable) was they are not supplied with binoculars, nor a first aid kit???? This should be the basic minimum for a lifeguard to have on hand…thus I lent them my own binoculars which I had brought along, plus purchased a 100 Band-Aid box from the gift shop for them. Not being supplied with them is no fault of theirs, but management should absolutely supply them with the basic necessities every lifeguard should have on hand. Food wise, we never went hungry…there was always fresh fish ready to grill…as well as meats and fresh pasta. Lots of options of salads, vegetables, cold cuts, cheeses, and desserts….Special mentions to Javier, Armando, Yudany, Annia, Daidenys, Frank and the ever adorable Yaima who presented us with a beautiful flower display of our names on our last evening eating at the buffet!! Must not forget to mention Louardes who made the best breakfast omelets ever!! There were so many mixed opinions about the a la carte restaurants…but from our own personal opinion...it was disappointing to wait 30 minutes before even a glass of water was brought to our table at the Azzia restaurant...and it was downhill from there…at minute 45 we finally had some over to cook….whilst the appetizers were being served (sushi that tasted it was made 2 days before..super salty soup), and then came the undercooked rice and over cooked beef, chicken and shrimp. The surf and turf at the Pirata restaurant at the Ensenachos beach was WAY over cooked…although the rest of the course was on par and special mention to our fabulous waiter Joey!! The Cuban restaurant was delicious…with succulent juicy Mahi Mahi and other courses equally delicious! The Italian restaurant was not what I would call and ‘authentic’ Italian restaurant…but everything was pretty good...except would have appreciated a hotter fried calamari with more sauce as it was sent lukewarm bordering cold with a smidgeon of sauce only. Best part was the hilarious menu…which clearly was not translated properly...but gave us such a laugh reading it lol! Giselle in the lobby bar was fantastic, friendly and just a wonderful person who never failed to bring us our drinks in record time!! All the others were also superb, unfortunately cannot remember all their names. The ONE and ONLY greatly disappointing and in the end infuriating incident was the coffee maker issue. From day one we never had a properly functioning coffee maker (water would never filter through the coffee to land in the pot!) and even after complaining two times a day for a replacement coffee maker, this was only done on afternoon of day 3!!!! This was totally unacceptable, as being a hotel manager myself…this should have been rectified within the first five minutes (not difficult to take a functioning one out of an unoccupied room to replace ours and fix the broken one). A great kudos to all the gardeners, landscapers, clean-up crew on the beach and throughout the grounds, as it was very well kept and groomed …the grounds were luscious with many varieties of plants and trees and very well maintained. Only I think adding more lighting along the walkways would be a big help as there certain sections along the pathways that are either too dimly lit or not at all. Evening entertainment in the theater was always top notch, and could not stop dancing to the great music.!! Staff have my 5* kudos…and to boot met sooooooooooo many wonderful people who were also visiting and gained many valuable friendships!! What a hoot! Cannot wait to get back!!

Valentin Perla Blanca: Basic

We had a terrible room. Three beds although we asked for a king. Although I am fully aware that is never guaranteed I was disappointed to have very little room in the room because there were 3 queen beds taking up the space. The hotel was not even close to being full. Also we never received our privileged package in the room even though everyday they promised to send it. Cleaning staff was great though. Room was clean.

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Very impressed

Since it was such a good price, I was really skeptical but I was pleasantly surprised with what we got. The beach is a little far from the rooms but it is absolutely beautiful. The food was decent and the staff was excellent. The pool areas were really nice and clean with more than enough chairs for everyone.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Amazing Resort

We stayed in the Grand Village and it was the best vacation we have ever had! Our villa was like an apartment stocked with everything you could ever need. We were treated like royalty with Butlers at our beck and call they even prepared romantic surprises for us like champagne by the hot tub and a bubble bath ready when we got home from the beach! All of our meals were a la carte and the staff in all areas of the village were very helpful! The beach is awesome, very beautiful! I would highly rec [... read more]ommend this resort to anyone and everyone!!

Valentin Perla Blanca: Nice Resort!

Very beautiful lush gardens, modern resort! Took a while to find path to the one beach that was beautiful, other paths led to rocky endings. Beautiful sandy beach though with turquoise waters, lots of chairs that were brought to you and brushed off. Beach bar and grill excellent! Pool was large and active, only stayed to one side of resort, the mirror image of resort on other side (which had the rocky non existent beach) not very lively. Only downfall, the buffet was TERRIBLE!! I’ve be [... read more]en to Varadero 10+ times, other places many times....I always enjoyed the food. Not here!! Brussel sprouts and pumpkin....breakfast, lunch & dinner! Even at the salad bar?! No salad dressings other than oils? For a 5*, very disappointing!!! Another downfall, review said 1.5 hrs from airport....if you drive straight there!! Expect 2+ hrs which is not enjoyable.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Extraordinary grounds

Just back from a ten day at this hotel that we have not been to for a number of years. People as always great. Spacious comfortable rooms that are starting to show some age. Food was very good with large variety. Exception to the good food was the Italian restaurant which was fine for the fish choice but not good for Italian. The grounds are lush and colourful and so large. If you want quiet , stay at the adults (spa ) section as we did . Kids will enjoy the family section with it's pool and wat [... read more]erpark section. Sometimes difficult to get things fixed quickly , case in point was one of the walkways to get to the beach which showed no signs of needed repairs started in the time we were there requiring a longer walk to the other beach access.

Melia Las Dunas: Amazing resort!

Beautiful resort! Very clean. Staff was very friendly. Beaches were amazing. White sand , couldn’t ask for anything more. I was happy to see that the buffet had more of a selection in vegetables.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Matching expectations

Good service, friendly people, variety of food and drinks, beautiful beach. Long drive to the airport allows to see real Cuba. Store selling some cloths but not all the sizes are available which is not different than in many stores back home ( larger sizes ).

Valentin Perla Blanca: Five star vacation

Clean rooms, good air conditioning. Lovely lobby entertainment area. Good food, only the beef meet receipes where mainly weak. Beautiful pool area, amazing access to ocean water, beautiful, well maintained gardens.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Belle hôtel

Le complexe hôtelier est magnifique, la végétation est vaste, les chambres sont propre par contre, les draps ne sont pas changer. Vous devez enlever vos draps si vous desirez les faire changer. Le buffet est moyen, le choix n'est pas vaste et ont se tanne rapidement. La plage est superbe et les employés très amusant. Si le forfait n'est pas cher, je le recommande.