Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Nice resort with amazing beach

Food, accommodations, entertainment, and services can definitely be improved. Also, there is no non-smoking section in the lobby area. Big negative is 2 hour bus ride from airport. Overall, good value for money.

Sol Cayo Santa Maria: Great people, fun times

Everything was clean and tidy, staff very friendly and always trying to improve your day. Lots of restaurants and bars. There is also a pizza place. The nude and standard beaches are clean. If you get a chance it's a nice place to visit.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Relaxing!

We visited the end of November to avoid the crowds and iffy weather, and got exactly what we wanted. The staff was fantastic, from check in to check out, the food although limited was very good(which was a huge surprise considering all the reviews on Cuba cusine). I highly recommend the club - adult only section, well worth the little bit of extra money. The staff there will treat you like you are the only ones there. Bring your snorkeling geer, you will wish you did when you find out you can [... read more] snorkel right off the beach. **make sure you split your room tips, leave a CUC or 2, inside the mini bar along with a note to let them know you want extra water or beer (request Crystal) or you will get heinikin. Special thanks to Lizbetty and Adonis for great customer service.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Good choice for Cuba

We stayed here for a week in November. Beach is beautiful, pool is perfect. We room was also fine, roomy with a nice balcony and a king size bed. No regrets, except we found the food really left something to be desired. We were aware of the food issues in Cuba (have been 3 other times) but was hoping at a 4.5 star it would be better. Unfortunately, that's not the case. They run out of everything, and have little choice for drink mixes, and most of the mixes (juices,etc.) are powdered. How [... read more]ever, if that's not your focal point, and for the price at this off-season time of year, I think the Melia CSM is a good bet, and we would return (of course we had fantastic weather, which made our trip).

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Good experience

We are a couple in our late 40s, speak somewhat the Spanish language, we've been to Cuba many times, different resorts (just for background). We traveled first time to Golden Tulip, for one week, at the beginning of November. The facts: - Staff being friendly and doing their job is overall what made our trip a good experience. - AC unit in the room equipped with a digital thermostat that works well. Safe in the room but no phone nor is there a box with Kleenex. I had to fiddle with the TV [... read more] cable to ensure the connector makes good contact with the actual cable, so I can see channels clearly. Bed on the firm side in case you don't like this. The couch is rather stained and not looking clean. Water pressure (cold or hot) is good so that is impressive since the water is coming through the pipes from the main island from what we were told. - There is an assigned person that distributes once a day a bottle (2L or so) of water to the rooms, but he seems to not enter the room instead just knocks at the door and if nobody answers he takes off, no bottle. I saw a few times a bottle of water in front of other rooms, but not in front of the door of my room, not sure why. I ran into the guy once and told him to leave me a bottle at the door as well. That worked for one day I believe, other days I was simply in the room when he came around. - lots of chlorine in the swimming pools, I mean LOTS, guy comes one afternoon with a bucket full of chlorine pellets and pretty much empties that bucket in the kids pool, going around, on the steps of it, underwater. The smell was strong even sitting by the side of the pool and 3 days later still signs of that chlorine pellets visible. Too much for my skin so I avoid the pools. - nice beach with lots of shade and beds. The lifeguards were walking around with a brush and offering help to place a bed where you wanted and swipe the sand of it. Towels for the beach were handed out without any particular concern for tracking them, that was good to not increase the stress level, being worried about holding on to your beach towel or else pay 25-50 USD for it. - restaurants: we never tried the a-la-carte restaurant. The food variety is good, I find the variety and creativity with pastries impressive, the resort is a French-Cuban investment I understand. The bread variety is quite poor. At times large plates or bowls for cereal were missing, I had to ask for them. At times the washed plates stacked up next to food seemed to be too hot to touch them. Good service at breakfast time to get a coffee fast without having to chase waiters. We are not too picky about food so in general we do not complain about food services, just for reference. The restaurant close to the beach is very convenient and is great to eat lunch out on the terrace with a full view of the beach and the water. At times there was a barbecue grill working, for meat, sausages or even a pig on the grill event one day, hosted by the gardeners. - gym: there is a person managing the gym when open and handing over towels, few machines and some weights, the machines (treadmill and a stepper and some spin bikes) worked just about all of them and looked alright (I've seen in other resorts some really beat-up equipment). There is a tennis court which is OK to hit the ball but the fence on the side away from the resort has holes and is not that high and balls can get lost behind, in the mangrove/tropical bushes. - entertainment: shows every evening in the large theater but we did not pay much attention to it, I personally thought it was rather dull, lots of dancing themes without much difference. The lobby has a piano with live music in the afternoon-evening, that is nice, relaxing. Some evenings there was a fashion show as well, with local fashion sold in the resort store. In summary, we enjoyed the time in this resort and we had no issues that would have spoiled our vacation otherwise. The weather was nice, the first 3 days a bit windy and waves rather too big to swim in the sea but later the winds died and it was great to soak in the very warm water. The resort was only 50 % full we were told (low season ?) before ramping up towards the end of the year, this could account for getting more attention from staff. We would be open to returning to this resort. Have a great vacation.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Awful stay, will never go back

I did not enjoy the resort. The food was awful. Some of the Cuban staff (men) were creepy and gave weird stalker vibes to me and my friends. Our room door would sometimes not lock randomly. No form of security. Also hotel room was invested with bugs (possible sand fleas). I got mauled and came back home with my entire body covered in bug bites. When I complained to the hotel staff they refused to give me a new room. I will never be coming to Cuba again now because of this awful experience. Air T [... read more]ransat also left us hanging with no information on the 6hr delay on the way home. Not one Air Transat rep available to answer any of our concerns and basically left us stranded at the airport in Santa Clara. It was so bad that we were all running out of food and water to even purchase there. Children and elderly ppl sleeping on the ground. This was the 701 flight scheduled to depart at 1810 when really it didn’t leave until 0230am the next day.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Perfect In Paradise!

The Starfish Cayo Santa Maria is a lovely resort that appeals to everyone, couples, families, older, middle age and young adults. The beach is the highlight, 11km of white sand! Gentle shoreline. The staff are excellent and show pride in their hotel. Everyone is friendly and if there is an issue, it is dealt with quickly. The food is good and fresh. The coffee and rum are impressive. All things considered, a great place for a vacation!

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: 3 time at Playa Cayo Santa Maria

This was our third time back at this resort we have made a lot of friends, at this resort the food and people are 10 out of 10 the beach is amazing. The only complaint was our flight was delayed for 16 hours which was not a great experience. Other then that over all a great time.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Fantastic Resort - Will return

This was our 25th vacation in Cuba but the first at this resort. We stayed in the adult section and it was gorgeous. The grounds were beautiful, the adult pool was quiet at one end and the end with the swim up bar was more lively so you had the best of both worlds. The spa was very professional and peaceful. The entertainment at night in the theatre was one of the best we've seen in Cuba except for the adult themed night. It was very lame. The staff was extremely pleasant and the rooms were ver [... read more]y clean with fresh towels when you requested them and lots of hot water for the showers. I was truly embarrassed by the way some of the guests treated the staff by being rude and/or demanding; so to those people, get over yourself and stay home. For those who complain about the food, all I can say is, you don't go to Cuba for the food. If you are going to complain about lineups for food then go somewhere else. These people do the best they can and have to work 6 out of 7 days per week with travel times anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to and from work. I'd like to see a Canadian putting up with those rules and still keep smiling!

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: excellent resort only possible fault could be the 90 min trip, air port to resort.

i can not think of anything negative t say about this resort, every thing ,garden, clean ,people were unbelievablie good. some went above & beyond to make our stay enjoyable mainly louie the pool boy &the cigar bar personal. we found the people in all services as good as it can get.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Beautiful resort

The resort was absolutely gorgeous. The staff were friendly and very helpful. Rooms were clean and always well stocked with drinks. The bad was the towel exchange never open and as always with Cuba food was extremely hit and miss. All in all it was a great trip with no major complaints !!!!

Memories Paraiso: Amazing beach!

This resort was beautiful, very comfortable and pleasant overall. Things that stood out was the beach (breathtakingly beautiful), The night entertainment was off the hook, they are talented at what they do (loved the Micheal Jackson tribute and the international dance show were the top ones). the entertainment team was great but Lisandra and Adrian were top notch quality people. The person that def made all this trip well worth it was the beach bartender Armando, and the burger guys (sorry I for [... read more]got their names). They gave us a 5 start treatment, I would come back just because of them. but def the overall customer service is terrible, when we got there they could not find our reservation because their system was down. the girl at the front made us feel terrible and just said oh well give you the room for one night and see when the systems come back. They did not tell us anything else, we had to figure everything out on our own and no one had the correct information. it was 50/50 the chance that you would get the right info lol. Do not come here for the food, customer service or service but come here to meet some golden human beings who truly care and love what they do. but most of all this beach is truly a dream.

Valentin Perla Blanca: BED BUGS!!!!!!!

Second time at this resort. Will never return. NOW HAS BED BUGS and ant problem. Was eaten alive. Food was recycled. Poorly lit walkways at night. Scary dark public areas Didn’t change bedding, no clean beach towels to exchange, maid didn’t sweep floors in room. Went from a 5 star to a 1star in 2 years. Sad.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Excellent Resort

Remember this is Cuba folks. This is a great resort. Food was good, staff great, beach the best. Buildings 30,31,32,38 all close to the better beach and pool! Few things no salad dressing or mayo so bring your own!

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Nothing Compares to Cuban Hospitality

We had a fantastic time at Ocean. I was concerned about some past reviews but honestly have to say I did not see issues to validate them. We traveled with family and friends, all adults and have traveled to Cayo Santa Maria 5 other times. Accommodations - we stayed in block 14 on the east side of the resort on a higher floor, as requested. The room was large, clean, and in good repair. The room has a shower with good pressure and hot water. The shower was slow to drain so you had to watch you [... read more] didn't overflow it but once you were aware it was easy to work around- but really I didn't come here for the shower. Block 14 was easy access to the pool, snack bar, beach, and shopping area. Power in your room is 220 but will accept North American standard plugs, just ensure your adapter is capable of 110 - 230 input and you'll be fine. Food - it was not a culinary experience, but I never left hungry. Breakfast always had all egg combinations, pancakes and fresh fruit. Lunch had light options, as well as a stir fry, pasta station, and rice combos. Supper was a la carte most nights and we enjoyed the fair offered. French fries and pizzas were available at the snack bar. Beach bbq usually had payaya (sp) and chicken which were both good. I certainly didn't go hungry nor did I feel I was eating the same thing for a week (however, I am not a foody so take my opinion for what its worth). Staff - the sole reason we always return to Cuba is the staff. The animation staff led by Leo were top notch and sincere. Magdiel at the buffet went out of his way to accomodate. I found all of the server staff to be fantastic. The reception staff were always pleasant to deal with. Entertainment - I did not partake of any of the theater shows, just not my thing. But I did enjoy the live music every night at the main bar. We went bowling one night at the shopping plaza which was fun. Normally we take in a "fiesta" night at the plaza but this time the entertainment at the resort was enough to keep us on site. Resort - is a bit of a drive, 1:45 from the airport, but if you can manage a daylight trip it is worth the scenery. We stayed mid-November and the resort was only half full, the weather was great, and bugs very minimal. This resort is spread out and did entail a fair bit of walking but I personally enjoy this. I found the path lighting to be adequate and the cart traffic to be minimal, however some paths were in need of repair making wheelchair access difficult for some. It's location next to the shopping plaza makes it desirable in providing enhanced options for activities. The beach is nice and large. Two beautiful and huge pools segmented into multiple parts making it easy to claim a piece. As others have mentioned - try to pull what information will help you from these reviews. Some people aren't going to be happy any where they go. If the little things tend to get you upset quickly and ruin the rest of your day - Cuba is not for you; however, if you go on vacation looking to enjoy and relax and roll with the flow with minimal expense - this is the place for you. What Cuba may lack in amenities they more than make up for in hospitality. I fully recommend booking with Trip Central as I have found the process simple, efficient and thorough.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Golden Tulip

Was our first trip ever, and I am sure glad we chose Golden Tulip. First off, you don't come to Cuba for the food so I'll get that out of the way. We were told Pringles travel rather well and by day 4 or 5 you'll wish you had packed a few tubes of them. Trust us on this one. What one does come to Cuba for is the white sand beaches and the exemplary service of which there is plenty of. 4 Pools always clean, Swim up bar is always fun then you can spend the next day in the grotto or sleeping the n [... read more]ight before off at the beach. Lobby Bar comes alive every night. Dont forget to pack your semi formal wear for the a la carte restos highly suggest Hielo Fuego. Went on two excursions, Santa Clara is a must for admirers of Che. Also went on the speedboats, definitely will get the heart racing, you've been warned...lol. Dont forget your tipping cash 20-25 CUCs for the week should do it, depends on if you want preferential treatment :)

Valentin Perla Blanca: Week in Paradise

We stayed at the Valentin Perla Blanca the week on November 17-24 and had an amazing week. The property is beautifully manicured, the beach is amazing with miles of white sand. There were plenty of lounge chairs and palapas available as well as bars and a bar-b-q on the beach. The resort staff were all fantastic and more than pleased to make our stay perfect. The rooms were always clean and the fridge stocked with water and a few beer each day. The one complaint I do have about the rooms is [... read more] that the bed was hard and the pillows were horrible. Easy enough solution, I would recommend bringing a pillow from home. The food was good and plentiful all week. Sure there were items at the buffet we didn't like but there was so much variety we were more than stuffed for our entire vacation. From fresh made omelettes for breakfast to freshly grilled pork chops and steak for dinner there was not much to complain about in the food department. Nightly entertain was the typical stuff you see at every resort, nothing to brag about but the entertainment in the lobby bar was fantastic...we were even entertained by a fashion show one evening. All in all it was a great week and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this resort. Just bring a pillow.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Great first trip

Great first trip as a couple. Beaches were beautiful, staff went out of their way to help whenever possible, pools were clean, excursions were exciting. Downside: food was barely tolerable and bed sheets smelt of mold.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: always a good time in Cuba

was looking to the Cristal cervasa but they ran out day 2. Some thing with a supply issue, even the draft was not available. Hope they resolve the issue before the busy season. The lobby and rooms were great. We were at this resort 2 years ago and the management and staff worked hard after hurricane Irma to repair damage that was done.Friendly staff.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Friendly Atmosphere

Having just returned from my fourth visit in the last year, this resort has it all. Nothing is perfect. The food is regular Cuban food and even after just 4 years this resort is starting to need some repairs. The most important thing is the staff. They are friendly and always trying to please the guests. Best service ever. Thanks Valentin Perla Blanca for the best holiday, again!