Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Great resort

They have done an amazing job with the beach and you can now walk for miles. Beach chairs can be hard to come by in the shade but they are building new palapas. Snorkeling is good and the Catamaran guys will take you out to the reef if you wish for 10 CUC PP for even better snorkeling. Room was good stayed in building 7, great housekeeping staff, all staff at this resort are wonderful and helpful. The food at this resort is excellent especially for Cuba standards, and the 24 hr snack bar does  [... read more]amazing pizza's! But get there early as they are gone fast!. Wonderful cappuccinos as well! This is the 2nd time we have stayed at this resort and it just keeps getting better!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Great service but the hotel needs some renovations.

We stayed in the Sanctuary section of the Gran Memories. I would NEVER stay at the main Gran Memories hotel but the Sanctuary part was ok. Our room was shabby (peeling, shabby furniture, leaking shower, leaking sink, leaking air conditioner, wood falling out of the bottom of the bed) but the grounds are well-kept, the staff is very nice and friendly and the beach is fantastic. The restaurants in the Sanctuary section are pretty good but I would STAY AWAY from the Gran Memories big buffet. (We're [... read more] not picky eaters but even we were turned off by that sloppy buffet.) The Sanctuary is very quiet and peaceful.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Memories Flamenco, Cayo Coco

Our first day there we were Mesmerized by the beautiful beach. Great improvement from previous years. The staff and entertainment was great. Food was good, but better in previous years. The rooms need many improvements. My brother and his wife travelled with us and unfortunately they got bitten by bedbugs. The doctor said mosquitoes, however, from the five couples traveling together, they were the only ones. Not one bite on the rest us. We didn't even see mosquitoes around us. Our light burnt ou [... read more]t in our bathroom. I reported it at 9am that morning, was not fixed until 7pm that night, and only because I reminded them at 5pm and at 6:30is I marched down and demanded attention , now. Apologies all,over the place, but it really put a damper on our holiday. The manager personally met up with me and apologized, said they have been booked solid for months and have not had a chance to work on repairs. Come May, their slow period, his plan is bring things up to par. I certainly hope so. This was our third visit, and we would love to go back, but only when and if things improve. The idea of bedbugs creeps me out. Hope they deal with it, quick.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Great resort, Beautiful beach, excellent entertainment

This resort was very well run, with near constant availability of entertainment and a beautiful beach. The food was also good for Cuba. Worthwhile to get Diamond Club, and a second floor balcony room. The resort was busy, and ran out of a few things several times (beach towels, beer, tennis rackets, beach chairs) and so I would suggest that the best experience would be in off-peak times. The only downside was the other vacationers (raucous thunder mug carrying spring breakers), however the resor [... read more]t was very accommodating and the amenities beautiful, if you have diamond club. The a la carte restaurants were generally only OK, the only one worthwhile being the Cuban restaurant. However, the made-to-order stations at the buffet were excellent.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Wonderful resort

The resort was clean, the buffet restaurant had a variety of food and the shows that were put on every night were great. The staff, especially waitress, waiter and the bartender at the pool bar were amazing, they took care of us all the time. I have to say Orlando(pool bartender) was absolutely the best!! I would recommend this resort and would also go back there.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Disappointing resort

Memories Holguin in Yuraguanal Beach: the resort is ok but quiet old not a 4*. Went there mid-January We changed room since I asked for a top level room and did not get it, but it was unpleasant and we had to insist so we spent our first day waiting around :-( Customer service is pretty bad. Room was not so great and cleaning ladies did minimum to accomodate us.The sheet were not large enough for the bed!!! Asked few times for them to fix the problem. At the end I gave up, not pleasant to ha [... read more]ve to sleep directly onto these tired mattress. If you want to have some bottle of water in your room : you have to go to customer service. Shower :no hot water for the whole week This hotel is on the forest so expect some ugly bugs in your room (no cucarachas, no bed bugs) even though we asked for fumigacion in the bathroom. In general employee in this hotel do the minimum.We use to tip but not here. Exception: people from buffet/restaurant close by the beach are fun. We had a lovely lobster supper. Beach is fine One group of music was really good sorry I can't named them. We use to go to Sol Luna Rio y Mares a 3* and we really preferred it : much nicer people, atmosphere, food, and grounds.

Sol Turquesa Beach: NEEDS UPDATING

Downside: We found this resort is in need of a lot of upgrading, it seems tired. We were in room 126 near the lobby. The bathroom water pressure was sometimes absent as well as hot water. The beds were horribly hard. There was a lot of sewer smell in different areas of resort. Food was mediocre. A lot of the same foods at Buffet. Broken items are not fixed. Cat's present throughout resort especially at restaurants. We would not consider this a 4+ star resort more like a 3.5 Upside:  [... read more]The weather was fantastic, Staff were extremely friendly and we felt completely safe here(the patio door did not lock and i left the safe open for two days...no problem). Pools were very clean as well as the bathrooms all over(except the smell). The nightly entertainment was very good. Great coffee. Good selection of off resort tours.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Another great visit to Memories

Our second trip to Memories with the kids - another great vacation. Staff is wonderful, especially the kids staff. The beach has been improved greatly. Explored other resorts. Very safe environment. A la carte restaurants were really good

Memories Paraiso: Memories Resort - Great Vacation

Who: Wedding Coordinator – fantastic. Was able to provide us with what was included in the honeymoon upgrade. There was a problem in communication in getting these things done as initially planned, she was quick to resolve the problem by rescheduling events that were miscommunicated and added an extra a la carte as an apology. Lobby Staff – generally uninterested, not overly friendly Telephone Room – almost felt as though we were a burden Bar staff (lobby and pool) – very a [... read more]ccommodating, friendly – even helped with Spanish lesson Buffet staff/A la Carte staff – wait staff was very attentive Maid – our room was kept clean and we hardly saw our maid. Her hours varied – sometimes our room wasn’t cleaned until the afternoon and one day she was trying to get in around 8am. One one occasion, we came back, the pillows weren’t on the bed and the pillow cases were on the bench – it seems she may have been called away but never came back to finish making the bed. Fridge replenishment for the room – there were two days that we didn’t get water delivered to the room What: Bathrooms – in public areas very dark - At the pool; mens was locked and ladies was filthy Lobby – needed a clock Cash exchange – hours were posted but lunch wasn’t posted – they closed for 30 minutes in the afternoon and you couldn’t plan not to be there because the lunch time wasn’t posted Schedule of events – this was on the customer service desk in an acrylic holder – one side said “Customer Service”, the other had the schedule and was facing the Customer Service Rep. We didn’t realize there were so any events until our fourth day there. It would have been helpful if they handed this out with room key and map Nightly Entertainment – the schedule indicated this started at 21:30 but seemed to start around 21:00. Entertainment was enjoyable. Food – good variety, fresh. Beach Services hut (kayaks, paddle boats, etc.) – the sign indicated it opened at 9:30 but didn’t seem to open until after 10am. We took out a kayak and we were told all the life jackets were broken – the clips were gone and we had to tie the front together – if I were taking a child with me, I wouldn’t have bothered.

Memories Paraiso: Memories Paraiso is not for everyone

I will preface this review by stating that I am a big fan of cruising, but hubby thought maybe we should try something different. However, I was open to the idea of a resort, and knew full well that resort food would not be comparable to cruising food. So from my POV, here is the good, the bad and the ugly of Memories Paraiso. No one can deny the beauty of the beach in Cayo Santa Maria (CSM), and the grounds of Memories Paraiso are well taken care of with gardeners hard at work every day. A pe [... read more]rsonal favourite spot to relax in was a patio off of the lobby bar that is surrounded in flora, and provides some much needed shade. Our maid, Yaimaria, did an excellent job, and was attentive to our needs. The bellhops are a great bunch of guys who are always happy to serve, as are the lobby/patio wait staff. The physical structures at Memories Paraiso are in need of someone handy before they fall into full disrepair. This is especially true of one of the boardwalks to the beach which is about a year away from becoming rickety. The boardwalk closest to Grand Memories, which also goes past the wedding pergola, is in much, much better shape. For your own safety, I would recommend folks use that one. The check in staff and guest services were frankly incompetent, as were some bar staff and buffet wait staff. It appeared to me that for some of these folks the language skills were not what they should be for dealing with a mostly English speaking clientele. However, instead of saying that they did not understand (although I could see it on their faces) they just said no, even if it did not fit the question. (Eg. is "x" to the left or the right?) When we arrived and got off the bus, we ended up at the end of the line to check in. When we were finally checked in, it was 3:50 pm, but told that we could not have our room cards, come back at 4:00pm. That does not make sense at all. It is neither respectful to us (i.e. we cannot be trusted with the card for an extra 10 minutes), and it is not proficient for the check in staff who then had the whole bus line up again 10 minutes later. When we did get to our room it was nice enough, although we were visited by cockroaches a couple of times. Three times we called guest services for assistance, each time they said that they would send someone, but no one ever arrived. First time was for more toilet paper at 4:00 am (many people that we spoke to had diarrhea), second time because we needed new batteries for our tv remote, and third time for a bellhop to help with our luggage. The toilet paper we had to get from the maid when she arrived later that morning, we went without the remote, and eventually made our own way with the luggage (my hubby has MD and we were travelling with our grandchild, so a bit more complicated than it sounds). The worst part of our time there was indeed the buffet, which our grandchild started pleading with us not to go to on the fifth day. Bland is okay, I can do bland. But to see survival instincts come to the surface in the guests because there was never enough of the food that folks really wanted, well that's just ugly. From where we sat one morning, I watched as the bread for the toaster was depleted and not refilled. When it was gone people tried to cut loaves to fit the toaster, when that was gone, they tried to cut buns to fit the toaster, until that was gone too. Finally a guest asked a guy with a tie (maybe a supervisor?) who was standing beside the toaster the whole time where the bread was. He then had the bread refilled and it was like a feeding frenzy! And this is bread...at a 4 star hotel! Similar scenes with fries and pancakes. Cheap food, no excuse for not providing enough. Finally, we had items stolen off of our balcony (pool shoes, a hat and lighter) and our room was not ground level but first floor. When my hubby spoke to a guest services clerk he was rudely told that he should be so stupid to leave items on the balcony. Guess there is crime on resorts. Keeping in mind that a 4 star usually means something along the line of a Westin or Marriott property, I did not see the same calibre here. If I could give it 2.5 stars that would be about right, which in Canada is often a motel. All in all, if you want to go CSM and play on the beach all day, every day, then this is a great spot. If you would like to do something in the shade or inside and/or being pampered a wee bit is what you are looking for, then keep looking. Think we will go back to cruising in the future!

Memories Paraiso: Memories Forever

We would firstly like to thank our travel agent Jennifer Collard for fulfilling our expectations for a second year in a row, great job and see you in a few months ! Our trip to Memories Paraiso Santa Maria was just amazing, from Yasmani our Diamond Club rep to Yosleidy our maid during our 11 day stay, quite wonderful people. We stayed in room 3361 and had a very nice and peaceful view of the ocean and vegetation. Our bungalow was nicely situated close to the theatre, outside grill and pool. [... read more] Few hundred meters to the market area, main lobby, Buffet, a la carte restaurants Bars, and the second pool area. We had a great time with Raquel the barmaid and other bartenders at the pool bars. One of the most spectacular events being the beaches absolutely stunningly turquoise with the most powdery sand ever, the beach staff were truly amazing they aim to please.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Awesome resort

The staff was great the beaches magnificent the buildings need some maintaince but not enough to make me not want to go back...just wish they didn't have student groups..not really the place for that with young children around.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Nice resort but toobig

Nice Resort but too big. My wife and I left for Holquin in Cuba on 14 Feb 2017. Sunwing, as compared to previous years, this year seems to have their act together and are on time. Check in at Ottawa as well as emigration in Cuba was fast and efficient. The rep from Sunwing was present and guided us to our bus. We arrived at the hotel at 12.30 HRS, We had purchased Diamond club privileges and were greeted by the rep and escorted to the Diamond club lounge, were refreshment were waiting for us.  [... read more]After a brief introduction we were driven to our room, which was ready on arrival. Our room was spacious and clean, everything in working order and the fridge was filled with water, beer and soft drinks as well as alcohol in a dispenser cabinet. Everything was done efficiently and professional. The hotel had 1000 guests with many children, way too many for our liking. Diamond club members had a spacious area assigned for club members at the beach, with comfortable chairs, a private bar and waiter service. The beach is white sand and the water was relatively warm for the time of the year. The grounds are well maintained with many flowers. We had a choice of 5 a la card restaurants. My wife has allergies so we mainly ate at the buffet restaurant. The food was very good, however no matter what you needed their were always line ups. Diamond club had an area assigned for members only in the dining hall. The area was a little less grouted. The waiters and support personal are always friendly, helpful and cheerful. This, in my opinion, is the greatest asset when travelling to Cuba besides the sunshine. Entertainment in the evening was spotty. Some evenings the entertainment was excellent other times except for the show was none existent. The shows were professional and well performed. The lady who played at the piano bar was areal crowed pleaser and we could even dance to her music. The bad things at this hotel, there are too many people, too many children and no matter were you went you had to climb stairs, and many of them. This definitely is not a resort for older people or people who have difficulties getting around. We had no hot water for 6 days, but we have traveled to Cuba many times and that happens sometimes there. In conclusion we had a nice vacation with beautiful weather, good food and nice people. To purchase the Diamond club privileges were well worth the money, if for nothing else as the extra space at the beach. As I said before we had a good time, but will never return to this resort again. Heinz and Edith Ottawa

Memories Paraiso: Amazing Resort and Courteous people

Overall the resort was good. Perfect for families. This resort is suitable for each age group. So many activities to do. Kids enjoy a lot. Good food. Good guest services especially thankful to Mr. Andy. Beach - Awesome, crystal clear water with white sand. Pool - wonderful - Clean. All bars are good especially Lobby bar and Pool bar. Overall - worth going.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: WOW...... you must go to this place!!!!

Adults only is truly a gem. Has it's own everything just for you... concierge, restaurant, bar, pool bar, pool, beach section. Amazing staff their to help 24/7. Do take an excursion into Havana (2hr taxi drive) with "I love Cuba Photo tours" search tripadvisor. You will be very happy.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Huge Resort!

We just got back from Memories Varadero: We asked for a room with balcony & central to restaurants & common areas. First room was ground floor, backing onto a jungle no lock on door, second- king size bed for 2 senior ladies. The next morning all was well & the desk clerk found us the perfect room. We have no complaints about the food (a little bland) but there is something for everyone. All common areas are clean & taken care of. The people are fantastic. Bars are fun. Beach is lovely bu [... read more]t watch out for sand fleas! If you are allergic spray on Deet. Pools are gorgeous. 1 is noisy & fun the other serene. Both great. What makes this resort is the people. They are wonderful. Thanks Memories! Finally -we booked the excursion to Havanna. It was wonderful. Manny was our guide -he's efficient & full of info. The night ended with dinner & show at the Tropicana. Wow it was fantastic. THANKS MANNY! All in all a great vaca.!

Memories Jibacoa: not real bad but very disapointing

Our first room stank of sewage terribly, also a lack of water they didn't relocate us till the second day. ( had to insist strongly) the new room was better but not great, the shower actually worked our departure time was six hours after checkout, NO COURTESY AT ALL............ ten cuc. per hr extra,or just hang around (what a rip) POOR customer service after being forced to sleep in a sewer for two nights food was ok, we really enjoyed the entertainment

Memories Paraiso: Memories Paraiso

I stayed in this hotel Feb.8 to the 15th, 2017, my second time there. Staff were great, except the front desk staff, we wanted a pool view and ended up with a jungle view even after two inquiries, so gave up... Foul smell of sewage in our room in the early evening after returning to room from pool, not very pleasant while sitting on balcony or walking past the building. The washrooms at the pool were disgusting with the men's urinals overflowing urine onto the floor and toilets plugged some [... read more] with no toilet seats. I know camping is Ruffing it, but Seriously no one seemed to care, staff were even using the washrooms as well, you would think they would call someone to clean them up. The Lack of nightly entertainment other than the theatre shows, no disco or dancing available, no entertainment in the lobby Bar past 7;00pm, Two years ago we stayed at Azul it was better than Paraiso Memories. Food was good although it was often repeated. No lobster dinners to our surprise only if you paid for it, other years it was included. Our third time to Cuba probably our last. The Staff overall were very good, Staff on the Kayaks on the Beach were great, Bartenders and serving staff great, the ocean was fabulous as was the Beach. Except for the abundance of Sand Fleas or Sand ticks that are still pestering me back home.. probably a problem with the exchange of beach towels daily that wasn't available, I could not get a new towel for 4 days and then none were available at all the rest of the trip. Not enough golf carts driving around the grounds to shuttle people this time. Seems to have slipped down quite a bit from the last few years probably has something to do with the separation of Azul Grand Memories and just Paraiso Memories, but we go there for the Beach and Ocean right. We like to go Deep Sea Fishing but the price was a bit extreme this time round. Overall a good trip, weather was great, Diamond club should be better, no premium drinks after 7;00pm good stuff seemed to disappear. not worth the extra money. our third trip to Cuba, our 2nd at Memories needs some upgrading for us to go back. Knowing the conditions in Cuba we let a lot of stuff go, but this time many things were just too irritating, vacation is suppose to be just that!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Sanctuary

Staff were extremely helpful, friendly, fun and always available. Beautiful location, resort was well kept and clean. Amazing, never ending, well maintained beach. Food was good, although disappointed in the selection of fruit available, but only because I don’t like papaya and mango. The room was clean, the bed and pillows were very comfortable. Lobby and pool washrooms were an issue only because several of the stalls were not working and those that were did not have working locks.  [... read more] Several days there were not enough of clean beach towels. Wish someone would have told me about the bugs and recommended wearing bug spray during the day as well as night. Disappointed the on-site banker did not have smaller Cuban pesos available to exchange money.

Memories Paraiso: Amazing honeymoon!!

The hotel was great, the staff were AMAZING, the food was as to be expected from Cuba (I thought it was fantastic, my husband thought it was okay). The beaches are the nicest we've ever seen. The room was clean, and made up promptly every single day. The fridge was always stocked. The only thing we had trouble getting was fresh pool towels (they ran out quickly each day).