In this nice hotel the room was good. The AC did not work well but, we opened the windows and it worked very well.
The restaurant was nice. I really appreciated the hospitality and the great atmosphere that there was. Staff working there did our stay really good and lovely. Cuba does not have a lot of food and stuff due to the evil US blockade but, it was very kind and considered from Cuban people to provide us with enough food every single day.
The beach is just gorgeous. The sea is beautif[... read more]ul and calm most of the time and the pools are very clean and nice.
Bars were great, full of Cuban cocktails and a lot.of beer!
The evening shows were spectacular. Very professional artists sharing with us their incredible talent and kindness.
We will come back for sure!!!
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Brit Brit -
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Grand Memories Varadero: Loved it!
Grand Memories exceeded my expectations. The food was decent. We always had fresh eggs in the morning and grilled chicken at night. The staff were so kind and even permitted me a late checkout due to my evening flight. The quiet pool is gorgeous. It’s decorated with faux rock, very beautiful. The activity pool wasn’t for me although many people seemed to enjoy it. The beach was great. I always managed to get a spot in the shade. Varadero beaches do not disappoint. The drinks were a little small.[... read more] You definitely need to bring your own cup which I did. Otherwise you’d be back at the bar 4-5 times to get the equivalent of 2 beer in the tiny cups they provide. Room was as expected, very basic and the tv was broken which I also saw on one video review so I think that’s common. The room phone didn’t work but the air conditioning was great and we had a fridge, overall after the short adjustment and lowering my expectations on the room I was very pleased. The magic show in the theatre was great and so were the Michael Jackson dancers. Norge (Nor-Hay) the bartender was extremely kind to both myself and my son. Alfredo at the front desk too. There was a young server in the dining hall who told me she had a 5 year old son, she was so sweet and I regret not getting her name. I would absolutely return to this resort for the gorgeous beach, serene quiet pool and wonderful staff. Many other tourists on the resort had been to it multiple times so that says a lot! See you again soon Grand Memories!
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Vlad -
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Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: Worst hotel in my life!
We flew in from Calgary to Cayo Coco, but upon arrival at our room, we were dismayed to find no towels, water, toothbrush, and a broken locker. Despite multiple requests to reception, no assistance was provided.
The following days, towels were delivered but remained unchanged for the entirety of our seven-day stay.
Additionally, we only received two bottles of drinking water for the entire vacation, making access to water incredibly challenging.
The lack of tap water for two days compou[... read more]nded the issue, leaving us without essential facilities.
We kindly request that tripcentral administration refrain from cooperating with such a poor hotel.
Our vacation was ruined, resulting in a significant waste of money.
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Private -
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Grand Memories Santa Maria: Not 5 ?
Holes in bedsheets, stains on all towels and bedsheets... When asked to replace, I was given fresh ones with the same problem. Definitely a mood killer. Grounds kept clean. Food is below mediocre. Main reason to go is the beach and ocean.stilk had a good time unwinding..
First time in Cuba, people are amazing, beaches safe unbelievable. I understand Cuba is struggling. Have I had a better bed and pillow yes. Have I seen a cleaner pool yes. We didn't starve and we drank what they had. I feel with what supply they had could have been better distributed throughout the different bars and eating spots. Quite a bit of more walking than expected so depending on your mobility that could be an issue. Will I go back definitely if the supply Improves. Bring snacks for sure[... read more]. 24 hr Snack bar was terrible to say the least. Rice and chicken or rice and fish. Nothing else all week. 1 beach grill had some lunch time grilled chicken limited times. Like they told me don't go for the food and there right.
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Keith and Sassan -
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Tryp Cayo Coco: A lot of improvements!!!
Tryp has always been a favourite Cuban destination of ours. We've been there about 10 times and it never disappoints. Granted over the years, hurricanes and covid knocked the wind out of the sails...but the staff has always been welcoming. The resort is coming back to the way it was years ago....no little task given the times.
This visit we see a new beach restaurant underway, the stage is being rebuilt, plans for poolside upgrades. Lobby upgrades underway. New sails replace the beautiful roo[... read more]f that was blown away years ago.
Entertainment staff was spot on, high energy and fun.
Erlin at the swim up bar was amazing, friendly, and a hard worker.
Buffet staff attentive, friendly and fun, our regular Belkis even went out of her way to bake a cake for my husband. Midiala warm and friendly. Buffet was clean and fully stocked. No shortages here.
Bars were fully stocked, again NO SHORTAGES of anything.
Beaches clean, pool clean, grounds clean.
Our room was clean and updated. Anything that was wrong (mini fridge didn't work) was fixed immediately.
Alexander and Juan at the ala carts were very attentive and friendly.
Highly recommend Tryp.
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Private -
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Gran Muthu Rainbow Cayo Guillermo: Alla
Amazing resort, beautiful beach, no food,no water in a room,no hot water In the shower,no toilet paper in the washroom.but in general it's a great resort ,very friendly envairment, beautifully designed rooms.i will definitely recommend to go visit this resort
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Breejuly78 -
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Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Horrible
This hotel was absolutely disgusting. The first day upon my arrival nothing in my room worked including the safe TV phone and lights. I never had my phone working the entire week and the Wi-Fi was not working the entire week at all. In addition I came back home with bugs so if you want a vacation where you're not going to be bitten and carry bugs back home don't go to this Resort! I definitely give it zero Stars
We were told that there could be supply issues and I believe it should be stated on the Memories Caribe website exactly what the issues are so that guests can make an informed decision on whether they would stay there or somewhere else.
Firstly, it was hard to get towels changed and when they did, well we have better scrub rags (tattered and frayed edges and not very white. The fridge in the room was empty from day one to day seven. When we inquired about water, soda or even beer, we were told[... read more] it was due to supply issues. In particular, gas for the trucks to make deliveries.
Second, the food. We had bread on 3 days only. Never had any bacon or ham. I believe the omelettes were made from powered eggs and were served with tomatoes, green peppers and cheese. A couple of mornings we were offered hotdog wieners or hamburger patties (meat only- no buns). Don't get me wrong, I did not starve, but the meals they served, were the same every damn day. Chicken or pork with chicken or pork stir fry cooked fresh on the grill. They also had tallapia fish grilled fresh and freshly cooked pasta. I just wish they could have changed it up a few days. A few French fries would have been nice.
Third, wine. Wine was only offered at the buffet and the al-a-carte restaurants during lunch and dinner. There was no wine available at the bars around the resort.
On a good note, It's a great place to go if you want to lose a few pounds.
Lastly, at the end of our vacation and went to the Cuban airport and got to chat with others who were on vacations at different resorts, some experienced shortages also but not to the extreme we did, and some travelers experienced no shortage at all.
Majority of the staff were great and tried to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. The problem I think is the management lacks innovation or motivation to improve the situation.
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Dawn -
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Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Excellent Resort
Grounds are lush and beautiful, people are wonderful, ocean and beach are Amazing! Pools are Amazing! It was pretty windy everyday, maybe related to the time of year though?
Foods served were good but no variety of cheeses or no bacon at all. Plentiful eggs during our stay. Family of five and we would recommend and return !
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Vladtch -
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Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: We had a good vacation, but with some caveats.
We spend a week at Iberostar Daiquiri at the end of March 2024. Small group of 5 people. First impression was 'What a rathole we got ourselves into!' - reasons being flight came late, check-in took very long, and no restaurant was working, hotel does not have ANY food provisions for arrivals after 22:00. So hungry/angry guests go to sleep in Cuban style - hungry! Don't have any REAL 24-h snack bar. Also rooms are looking old and musty, some lights not working, some furniture missing. Rooms were [... read more]clean, but still first impression was not favorable. Next morning we were rested, ate and had a nice swim, things look better. Overall, we had not a bad vacation!
So here is the list of pros and cons:
Food was good, probably the best we had in Cuba recently. Both fresh fruits and meats/fish present and well prepared. To the chief chef - thank you sir/madam!!! No shortages (at least no considerable ones).
Beach is nice, sand is clean and white, seaweed cleaned out daily, enough lounges/shades, beach bar - good, Pier is maintained and nice. Coconuts - cut for you for a small fee daily.
When wind is mild, swimming is very pleasant, but no reef close to the beach. you see lots of fish hiding under pier from birds. you can also see the lion-fish under the adjacent hotel's pier. We spotted starfish and sting rays once.
Staff is friendly and tries to help - even the infamous front desk staff. Waiting staff at the restaurants are somewhat slow, but bearable.
Showers are good and working, hot water present.
Internet is limited to 7 hours per week, but is relatively fast and present in the rooms too! Very good!!!
Reef is in 1 km to 3 km from the beach - catamaran ride for $20 or excursion for $50. Reef is so-so, but at least present.
1 hour bicycle rent is included, also 30 min catamaran run is included - use it, we liked it.
Cons:
Mosquitos near rooms and beach. Was not so bad for us, but some guests were all red spots, like chickenpox.
WINDY. I mean - kite-boarding and stronger. Could be a pro if you kite, but for swimming - not good. out of 7 days 4 were too windy, and 3 were very calm and nice.
Rooms are spacious but aged, they smell faintly of age, for some could be a big con.
NO food provisions for arrivals after 22:00. if your flight arrives after 9 pm prepare some sandwich for that. IF hotel admin reading this - you are CRAZY not providing this, EVERY other hotel - even 2 star ones have something for late arrivals. it creates VERY BAD first impression.
First connection to the internet was iffy and confusing, messages are in Spanish, even if you choose English. Once you are connected - done your browsing/calling/uploading, disconnect to save hours for later, next connection is ok, though wait for it, takes few seconds waiting. You don't need to enter password again - just wait.
That is it.
Few tricks: if you ran out of internet hours - go ask front desk for more, no charge.
If you want snorkeling - instead of catamaran for $20, you can go to Diving center (600 m walk to the left) and ask to ride as a passenger - same $20, but reef is nicer and bigger. They depart around 9:30 and 11:30 (approx)
Check out a wild flamingo flock - 1.5 km total walk from the beach to the right (800m) and at the next hotel (starfish) right again - another 600m almost to the main road, flamingo laguna is on the left.
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Mel B -
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Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort: Grand Aston Varadero
Overall, the sun and warm temps were amazing. The hotel itself was pretty but dirty. Tables barely wiped at night and never between guests in the buffet. ( I blame not enough staff) More often than not, used utensils left on table. The shortages in food were evident, but the rice is delicious and there is something for everyone -even picky eaters. Fish on a few days was good. I only had fresh eggs once upon leaving -but I didn’t pass that up! Some odd combos for breakfast-chicken nuggets and cab[... read more]bage- lol but surprisingly good!!!
Snack bar had good food, great staff.
A la Carte-Italian, Japanese and Cuban all good food!
So many people smoking inside. I asked manager and he did make a few put them out.
Ladies sitting at pool ashing their cigs in the grates of the pool water and putting their butts out in them. What????? What country is that customary to???? Smh. They definitely need a section for smokers outdoors, with an etiquette list. (It’s 2024 folks!!!)
So many entitled guests who are just rude! Honestly we never saw that in Holguin -I guess more of them travel to Varadero. Just gross! Like couples taking a cabana AND 2 umbrellas when there isn’t enough umbrellas for 1/4 of the people ? Tisk Tisk. I hope you enjoyed being able to stay at the pool for 9 hours coming and going as you please.
Room 2405 -
Now, the rooms. Arrived before noon, and knew it would be a wait for a room given check in is 4, though possibly sooner if it was cleaned. Checked at 2, 3,4 and 4:30, 4:45…. Still not ready then girl at desk made some calls and all of a sudden given a room which was not the room originally on our card. I think there is likely a block of 8 rooms that are the worst there in terms of location. We booked this trip the first week they opened, so very disappointed. Our room was dirty, hair and stains of spills on floor. Hair on bed, grime finger prints up and down patio doors. I had lysol wipes with me, and cleaned all switches, tables, doorknobs and remote-very very dirty. The white door-I’m certain-has not been wiped in the 4 months the place has been open. Nonetheless-a room. The kicker was the balcony overlooking the garbage bins and staff entrance. Our first evening we had the patio open and our room filled with cat pee/spray and we were confused and grossed out-but staff was rinsing the walls and ground and bins and the smell filled our room until the next day. Our view would be staff coming in by bus/car having their bags looked through and then the same at end of shift every day. And garbage bins.
Our days would begin with motors of trucks and all the
Exhaust fumes coming even through the closed patio. It was clear they liked to keep the bins clean as they would rinse them each day, but the diesel ( or whatever the exhaust was, was nauseating)
We wrote a note to our cleaning staff, and she took great care of us and it was not her who left our room in that state. We got whatever we requested, and left her great tips and gifts daily. She cleaned everything perfectly !
We did a bus tour- swimming in the cave, valley lunch and speed boat was fun. Well worth it.
Beach- very very rough. Most days red flags ? which was disappointing-but you can’t control that. It was beautiful-but dirty with litter. The drop off in the water was significant. Not the best beach in Varadero or Cuba by far.
Staff-mostly amazing.
People-amazing
Guests- be more courteous (not all)
*****Please build a cover for the rooms over the garbage bins and staff entrance.
Still had fun, it’s Cuba- but I definitely won’t be back to this resort.
First Time booking through Tripcentral though and they are great!!!
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Beach lover -
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Beautiful resort!
We thought the rooms were spacious and clean. The bed was king size and new. No problem getting chairs at the pool or the beach. Front desk staff were helpful and spoke English better than many. Food shortages continue to be an issue. Book your al-a-carts and keep an open mind. Our sixth time to Cuba and we would go back to Paradisus Del Mar.
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Private -
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Playa Pesquero: Amazing Resort
We have been to this resort several times prior to this year and thoroughly enjoy Playa Pesquero and never had any complaints. This year we stayed on the Premium side and were totally thrilled with everything, may be our go to from now on. We have been returning to this place for several years and plan to continue.
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Private -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar: A Series of Unfortunate Events
My parents have been to Cuba 11 times, we came as a family for the 3rd time together and unfortunately it was objectively the worst experience we’ve had. We are not picky but the 2/5 rating is based on the customer service and upkeep of the facilities. Due to the nationwide food shortage Cuba is experiencing, it wouldn’t be fair to rate the food.
Pros:
- lovely gardeners, very friendly, lovely landscaping, helped us source coconuts
- beautiful water, cold though in March-April
Cons:
[... read more]- my bed broke and collapsed on one side just before I went to bed (I weigh less than 120 lbs)
- toilets flushed only once every few hours (…“if it’s yellow let it mellow”)
- for about 18 hours our entire building ran out of water
- internet was out for several days, therefore unable to use credit card for late check out payment
- glum looking staff who seemed annoyed with requests or questions
- all towels and bedsheets were stained with old makeup or what looked like blood
- multiple rounds of keycards not working
- front door handle fell off
- previous guest’s hair was on the shower wall and remained there all week
Honestly.. it was not a relaxing vacation at all, we just waited for one thing to go wrong after the other. Perhaps this is now the case for resorts across Cuba post pandemic but we certainly wouldn’t come back here.
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Private -
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Worth a second trip!
Beautiful grounds, great beach, good entertainment and friendly staff! Have never went to the same resort twice but I would consider going here again. Met lots of repeat guests who confirmed this happens alot!
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Private -
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Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Great vacation spot
We stayed one week at the resort and we enjoyed our time there. It is clean, the staff is very friendly and the rooms are spacious. The resort has a modern look to it. The grounds are well kept and the beach is very nice. There is no wine at the buffet and the bars, but at the a la carte restaurants, you could have red wine or sparking white wine. The entertainment is really nice, we loved the water show, especially. Lovely roof top bar with amazing views, but drinks are not included in the pri[... read more]ce. Worth the visit though! Enjoy!
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Joyce -
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Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: Nice resort
Hotel was very nice considering food shortages in Cuba at present time not bad service was horrible no face cloths or towels all week along with no toilet paper last day was spent with no running water for whole resort very dissappointed
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Annie -
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Melia Trinidad Peninsula: Great food and great resort!!!
The grounds are beautiful and the staff at the resort were very friendly! Once the beach is leveled and cleaned up a little it will be better but I have no complaints at all for we were informed that this side of the island beach is a little rocky, but it was still beautiful regardless.
Loved the resort ❤️. The beach and snorkeling were amazing! The gardens are beautiful and everybody that works there are wonderful ❤️
The poor people in Cuba are going through real hard times but they are all amazingly nice. Thanks so much to all those hard working people.