Great vacation

Beautiful beach, lovely friendly staff, great service, nice pools and plenty of activities during the day and evening. Food and music was good. Japanese restaurant was the best but French also good. Excellent day trip to Santa Clara. Nice atmosphere with no one hassling you at any time to buy things. A very relaxing holiday.

Nice quiet resort with great beach

The resort was well kept with friendly staff, and what we liked was it was small and quiet. Just what we were looking for. There were some small issues with shower pressure and lack of hot water at times. Food was typical Cuban and, as expressed by many reviewers, not the best, but there was always something to eat. The beach and water was the best part of this area of Cuba and was the reason we picked this location and we were not disappointed. The Air Transat reps were extremely helpful.

Great Resort

The elegance rep, Mary, was an enormous asset and the extra fee for elegance was well worth it. The food was very good - lots of selection - and the Japanese restaurant was wonderful. The service, especially at the pool, was very quick and extremely polite. The rooms were kept immaculate and the bar fridge was filled every day. Overall, an awesome trip!

Beautiful beaches

This was our fourth time visiting this resort. The staff are fabulous, and the beaches are wonderful. The food is good with lots of variety. The grounds and buildings are in decent repair. We have stayed in building number 7 and 8 and our only complaint is the lack of water pressure (hot) in our building. We'll definitely go back again.

Beyond just another resort

When we arrived we were not impressed or blown away as the resort is dated and simple but once we settled in and started interacting with staff it took our resort experience to a whole other level! The pool barman, Osbien was exceptional as well as the beach bartenders Ernesto and his sidekick :) All staff were gracious, attentive, and thoroughly delightful. As well as our transfer guide on our return date and our excursion guide Duvia. The food was excellent. A simple selection of grilled or sa [... read more]uced meats and simple selection of vegetables fresh and cooked that were all delicious. We really enjoyed all of our a l'ecartes., Japanese, French and mediterranean. The pools were nice. The beach was out of this world! The sand was like powder and stretched for miles. The water bright blue! Cleanliness of all facilities was good and the amenities met our needs. We've been to many islands and resorts over the years, all 4 stars or higher and I would recommend this resort. A breathtaking location, lovely resort, with fantastic staff and excellent entertainment shows! I would go back there in a minute : )

Not what I expected

I though for a melia I would expect more but . The room was nice the water sucks I went and ask about it and said they would fix it more then once, no hot water all week went to a friends room down stairs to shower ( bad) and very little water pressure. Pool area very well look after , nice pool guy and hard working. Dinning alacarte was good buffet ok . We made the best of it but 4 1/2 ? Water was bad , I heard others talking about too. Not what we were looking forward to .

All in All a Good Week

Since it is a solid 1 1/2 hours from Santa Clara Airport there is little option to experience the culture and history of Cuba unless you really pay attention while on the ride to the Resort and the return to the Airport. The grounds around the Resort are well cared for even though the Bungalos are spread out over a large area and considering the Resort is older. The landscaping with flowered shrubs and mature trees around the Lobby and Pools area (mainly the central part) is beautiful and relaxi [... read more]ng. Our room (a junior suite) was spacious but needed updating as it was showing it's age. The beach and Pools are wonderful with the Ocean the most beautiful turquoise colour. Sadly, many people "reserve" loungers around the pools even though it is against posted policy but nothing is done about it. Very discouraging for those of us that do follow the rules! Another major issue is the lack of beach towels for exchange. Only once during the week and only by chance were we able to exchange our beach towels. Not good ! Now for dining !! The Grill (El Almirante) near the beach was great for lunch with barbecue, fresh vegetables, salad makings, black beans and rice, etc. Grilled fish, etc. you order as you also do for the Calamari which I found to be very good - not rubbery like most places. The Casa da Vinci (I think that's the name!) near the one Pool was also good for lunch such as pizza and sandwiches. We ate at the Mediterranean, Italian and French a la Cartes. All had great service and ambiance with the French, in our opinion, the best. Unfortunately again the rules were not followed by some and nothing was done about it. Although it says "Smart Dress" there were some who came in shorts, t-shirts and sandals which I wouldn't say is Smart Dress. It was sad to be told soon after our arrival "not to worry about dressing up as nothing is done about it anyway". We DO dress up and thankfully the majority do also !! The Buffet leaves much to be desired. We normally ate eggs, toast, muffins, juice(which seemed a mixture of orange and grapefruit) and yogurt drinks. Everything else looked very unappetizing especially the globs of bacon which appeared to be boiled. The dinner buffet was no different. Very little variety and mostly unappealing with little vegetable. The seating are was very institutional in appearance with no ambiance and was also very noisy even when 1/3 full ! There are many cats around the Resort and although they look clean I feel should not be there ! Many people were petting and feeding them. I feel that a vacation spot such as this should NOT have cats or dogs roaming around ! Not good health conditions. Could it be that some people who thought they were bit by "no-seeums" could in reality have flea bites? Possibly. Would we return to this Resort ? Yes we would but now that we've "been there - done that" would know to do a few things differently next time. In closing I just want to echo what many have said about the Staff. Yes, they are all friendly. We made many good friends in our short week's stay. If you, as a guest, treat people well they will treat you well in return. Remember - Respect earns Respect !

Dream destination

The room that we had was spacious, bright, imclean and cozy. The oversized decor pillows were fantastic to lean on when watching TV or reading a book. Two great pools, non-stop activities, which we benefited from. Two great size pools and just an overall great atmosphere. Live shows every night and the nicest hotel staff you will ever meet. Yasvany in the buffet, Julia to look after our room, George in bell service everyone outdooing themselves to make our stay as comfortable as you can imagine. [... read more] This was the first vacation my husband and I took without kids. "Kids" are now 17 & 20 but we've always been inseparable. Being without them to share this wonderful experience was difficult at first but masses of pictures, perfected weather and terrific company rectified that. Miss all the new friends we meet and look forward to many more vacations to come.

A wondeful place to have vacation.

The grounds were well kept. Service was amazing. Loved the 7/24 Bar/food area. Pools were very clean. Loved the fact the resort is small.It felt like we had our very own special resourt. Enterainment during the day/evening was well thought out by the managemnt staff. Loved the fact the entertainment staff got us all involved, from dancing to playing water polo. We were impressed with the Pig Roast around the pool. One negative: The restrooms by the beach need the washroom doors updated. As well  [... read more]the washroom by the pool requires new locks on the doors and update he lower steel plates below. They are a little rusty. All in all, it was wonderful experience. My first time in Cuba!

Melia Cayo Santa Maria

I loved this place. It was very clean which impressed me the most The grounds keeper were busy everyday trimming pruning and cutting away dead brush. Sandy was kind enough to get us a fresh coconut to enjoy which was a treat. The beach was lovely although waters usually too rough to swim in and pool cold but when in the hot sun that is overlooked. Most people say the Cuban food is bland but I enjoyed what was there. Anything that didn't look appetizing you just stay away from. Only down side the [... read more]re were ants in the room which was annoying and we only got one beach towel so you had to keep the one you have clean. On the up side the bar fridge was ALWAYS stocked with water and cervasa/pop water is rare commodity but no problem here. Staff mostly were friendly and the tour guide Danielle was hilarious enjoyed the welcome meeting.....This was my first trip to Cuba and definitely will go back. One fellow I spoke to has gone back 30+ times sometimes twice a year so he has earned VIP status no doubt. rooms are quaint and bright Luv this place

Excellent Resort

Very good Hotel with all facilities like Tennis courts, gym in good shape. Nice beeches ocean access with helpful staff to accommodate us every morning. Lots of activities provided by very dedicated staff. Food was prepared by Mexican Chef with lots of varieties to choose from. Rooms nicely decorated with Hispanic accent, cleaned on time. Fridge stacked every day for drinks.

Not a Five star !!!

Overall the people were really nice. However if you expect this place to be a five star it is not. Very old looking hotel. The buffet was very repetitive, the best food places were the Japanese and the French al carte. The beach was very dirty and the weather was windy. Overall we had an ok experience, the people are worth the trip here. Don't expect your room to be super clean either. We would have to call constantly for towels, and our fridge.

Just a Great Time

All featues of the hotel were definitely to our liking. The staff were very friendly. More that enough food. We enjoyed the entertainment. Accomodations were very pleasant and very clean. A great retreat for me and my wife. I would definitely reccomend this hotel

One of Cuba's finest!

Fifty one of us attended a wedding here. They set us up in our own hall for the reception which was above and beyond the package paid for. The staff became part of our family during our stay. Excellent!

Another superb week!

Our 4th visit here and just keeps getting better. Being welcomed with sincere pleasure by the staff here makes one feel so warm and comfortable. I was happy to see the pool and lobby washrooms are being maintained at a higher level than last year, and buildings and rooms are getting a facelift. I still wish the tree in the lobby hadn't been painted. Our 4th visit here and just keeps getting better. Being welcomed with sincere pleasure by the staff here makes one feel so warm and comfortable. I w [... read more]as happy to see the pool and lobby washrooms are being maintained at a higher level than last year, and buildings and rooms are getting a facelift. I still wish the tree in the lobby hadn't been painted. Before flying with Transat again, I will be more attentive of the size of aircraft and the amenities offered. The seats are now even smaller than before, there is only food available for purchase. I felt like a sardine, and I am a smaller person, Couldn't even cross my legs, or assume the 'emergency landing position'- my head would hit the seat in front before I could bend forward. I rang for a flight attendant to clarify a question on the visitor card. They came by in 10 minutes, turned the light off and walked away without acknowledging us at all. This happened twice more. When we finally got someone to ask the question to, not only did they not know the answer, did not even check if anyone else did. It was not in the least a pleasant experience. The nightly shows were very entertaining, and some terrific musicians in the lobby bar during the dinner hours. It was unfortunate that a 'cold' front moved in the 2nd & 3rd day we were there,(It must have followed us from Canada) and the winds were strong during our stay, which caused red flagged beach days until the day of our departure. This did not deter our enjoyment of other activities available. We just used the cooler days to travel to le Estrella down the road for a wander through the venders. Our usual room and building were undergoing renovations, so we were placed next door in building 17. The room was kept spotless by the attentive room attendants with towel art on the bed each day. We always look forward to what will be on the bed when we return from the pool. It's like getting a present each day! The food at the beach grill was terrific. The BBQ was filled with choices of sausages, chicken, pork chops, paella, grilled pineapple and fish. You can also order from the lunch menu where each day they would have a special feature and a daily soup. There is also a buffet section with salads, pastas, fresh fruit in season and rices. 'Yummy mummy' (Yamilsky) and Rosabel at the pool grill are two outstanding servers. They are always smiling and welcoming with great senses of humour. Alain and the rest of the staff there make you feel right at home. Cappuccinos, coffee, drinks, hotdogs, hamburgs, fries, sandwiches and breakfast. It is open 24 hours for food and drink. Osbiel is the best pool bartender EVER!!!! Smart, conscientious, friendly and attentive. He will make the drinks for the patrons at the bar, walk around both pools to take orders and deliver the drinks out with precision and speed. If you are not sure what you want, he will make you something to try out. He is very adept at reading people and their tastes. Juan Carlos at the lobby bar is outstanding!! He literally floats around the lobby taking and fulfilling orders with such panache!! Always on alert for refills! The buffet meals were very good this year as well. Breakfast is a delight with Leiani (sp?) always gracious and smiling each morning to take care of you. You can choose from the buffet of sausages, bacon, beans, breads, pastries, ham and pancakes - or have your eggs made to order. Each morning, Danny will greet you with joy to create your perfect omelette or eggs; make fresh crepes or french toast; fry up some fresh ham or bacon. Danny loves to interact with you, and makes you feel awesome! The returning guests dinner was outstanding this year, held in the French restaurant. We were honoured to have Arel from the Animacion team join us at our table. It was a pleasure to get to know him better. Being in a smaller group, we were able to speak with some guest services management team members and are able to address concerns, listen to recommendations, or take note of the praise for staff members. Gracias Yoset, who is always attentive and at your service. We appreciate that you do your best to make our room location and all other requests come true. The Animacion Team: Where to begin? This group work hard and long to create activities and entertainment for us all. They greet you when you get off the bus, each day will chat with you, and are at the lobby to say goodbye and send you off. Tai Chi or archery with Ernesto (Namaste), beach volleyball, dancing lessons, aqua excercise, spanish lessons, salsa lessons, poolside games, water polo just to name a few of the day activities you can choose to participate in. In the evening, they are on hand at the shows, mingling with guests, and getting the party going! A tireless group that management should be proud to recognize! Our loves, Denis (genuine beauty inside and out), Lazaro, (hope mom is doing better and kisses for Maria Carla xxoo) Arel, Ernesto, Yunio (sp?) and Orlando (thank you for NOT drowning 'Cerrano' during water polo!) You rarely pass a staff member where a greeting is not given. From the maintenance staff, gardeners, staff, management and everyone in between. Who have I forgotten?? Yosef from the pool bar and pool grill; Yosef our terrific bellman/taxi driver, the ala carte reservation lady, Juan Carlos the Transat rep, all the students who were working what to us would be a co-op placement, the other guests who made our trip wonderful, (Sarah, Wayne, Hailey, 'fun Amanda', the guys from Hamilton; Roxanne and Gary.... etc...etc..) Until next time, our love and gratitude for everything!!

Delightful return stay

This was our second time at the Melio Cayo Santa Maria, imagine how delighted we were when we were remembered from our first stay. simply put we were so happy with the place that we came back. The beach is where we end up most of the time and they have one of the better ones in this area. The ocean is incredibly warm and clear. If you tire of the beach the large pool with a swim up bar and games with entertainment should amuse. The resort is well kept and clean, the staff are all pleasant and wi [... read more]lling to help you with any problem or need. We may very well go back a third time in the near future as we liked it so much.

Wonderful resort love it

This is our 4th time at the Melia Santa Maria. The employee's of the resort go well beyond what is required of them. I love that they keep things Cubin. It not commericalized at all . When I go away I want to feel I'm in a tropical location not see a McDonalds or Starbuckets. The rooms are clean and plenty food options. The Beach is amazing clear clean water... white white sand plenty of chairs on the beach and poolside. I will visit again again !! must try..

Good times at MCSM

Travelled with my brother and 3 friends to MCSM,having been there before,i highly recommended it.My friends have travelled all over but just loved this place.Girls loved the beach grill.Service overall was terrific.All of us will return next April.Can,t wait!

Cozy resort, great time!

The resort needs some maintenance, but we still had a great time. Not too big Which made it more attractive. Very far from the city, that make us feel isolated, but the activities and the personnel were fantastic. No free wi-fi.

Stunning beach - Excellent location

I found the Melia Cayo Santa Maria to be quite good in some area such a the beach loacation which by far is the best beach I have been to in Cuba. This is our 4th trip & the beach was superb! The food & air conditining of the hotel are the only drawbacks. The air conditioning compared to other hotels is poor & it was at a minimal level & the food quality is fair compared to other previous hotels even the Melia Cayo Guilerma at Cayo Coco has better quality.