Brisas Los Galeones: Nice relaxing place

We enjoyed our stay at Los Galeones. This 30i(sh) room hotel is old but clean, located on top of a hill overlooking the ocean or a Bay on 3 of the 4 sides. It appeared to me that all rooms had a view of the ocean. I was in room 104, it is located over the driveway coming up to the resort, it was a very quiet spot with a very nice view. (see my pictures from the balcony). Staff members were great; service was excellent. Food Breakfast is good. a selection of fruit, cheese, cold cuts, bacon/ [... read more]sausage, eggs, toast etc, with a cook for omelets made from your selection of ingredients. Lunch is great! A-la-carte at the restaurant or around the pool area. good selection, everything I tried was tasty. Lunch is also served at the beach bar (check my 'beach' section) Supper is served a-la-carte either in the dining room or our in the pool area, similar to lunch. Everything I ordered was delicious! Beach going down the 290 steps to the beach is worth the walk. beautiful spot, very quiet and never busy at all. there is a beach bar here that serves drinks (including bottled beer) and also serves lunch. Lunch here is delicious, Meat (chicken, porc, ribs) cooked over a wood fire grill. Delicious BBQ is served at 1pm. The Bad -bathroom was very dated with broken tiles and various damaged items, shower head was barely able to shoot water due to calcium build up. I don't consider myself picky by any means, but this bathroom was a let down. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture. I was in room 104 -The water supply comes from the small town near the hotel. there was a problem at the pumping station, we went 2/7 days with absolutely no running water at all. If it wasn't for the washroom and the lack of water for 2 days I would have definitely given this place a 5/5. We paid 688$ all in and it was definitely worth it

Brisas Sierra Mar: 25th visit

The grounds and structure of this Hotel are amazing. The Staff and returnees are the reason we go back every year. The hotel is going downhill every year. This year we were 2 days without hot water and our air conditioning was out for 3 days.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Beautiful area of Cuba

The hotel is old and run down, but clean. The staff are fantastic. Everything worked fine. Very average Cuban resort experience. The area this resort is in is just gorgeous. Had hot water all but one day, which is good for Cuba. The pool and beach were both relaxing and swimmable.

Carisol los Corales: Great people, great vacation.

We just come back from our vacation in Carisol Los Corales. It was 6 times in this hotel. We love all the great people who work in the hotel. Rooms are clean, food is cuban(simple, but good), beach is nice, I really like beautiful view on the mountain and Caribbean See. Bartenders are very nice and will make great drinks, including cappuccino. Weather in this area is always beautiful. We enjoyed are walk to the village, and talking to locals. We are definitely coming back next Christmas. Thank y [... read more]ou Carisol Los Corales for having us!!!

Carisol los Corales: Disspointed. Very.

Where do I start? First night we got there, it was a long line to sign in. Only 2 guys at the reception, but only one was working. His name was Felipe, and he was very nice to us, I can't complain. But man, we waited more than 1 hour to be signed in. In this time, our child's stroller was stolen from right there, in the lobby. Of course, by the time we realized, it was too late. They said maybe it was left in the bus, but we knew we had it when in the lobby, and it was confirmed the next day by  [... read more]the bus driver and the tour guide, that nothing was left in the bus. I followed up at reception (even with the manager Alejandro) on a daily basis, but they didn't seem impressed, or offered us anything as reimbursement...a better room or a voucher for next trip...not that they would ever see me there again. Now I feel like I should have asked to open a police investigation, perhaps then they would have cared a bit...fe days after my son's lifesaver was stolen right by the pool. Again, nobody gives a damn. They raise their shoulders and carry on. Anyways, the rooms. That night, we were assigned two rooms in Carisol, but guess what? Carisol side was closed. No service. So how, I ask, did they assign us the rooms, and didn't tell the Trip Central agent that they were in the side of the hotel which is closed? We walked with two kids so far away, from Los Corales to Carisol, until we got to a part which didn't even have lights, we were like in one of those horror movies, where you can expect anything. And then, when we opened the rooms, aside from the fact they looked awful and worn down, they were occupied! I mean, men's booths and tshirts on the chair, beds unmade...of course, we walked all the way back, and then spent close to 2 hours in the lobby, while the guy at the reception made calls after calls to see in which rooms we could be placed, because they had no available rooms, were booked to full capacity at Los Corales. Unbelievable. But after a long trip with 2 small kids, we were finally in our rooms at 11PM. We were placed in one of the junior suites, which was the only thing they had, and in their opinion was the best. While it certainly looked better then the first set of rooms, it was still bad. Broken windows, toilet worked, showed didn't. It did next morning, with cold water. And it was still far away from Los Corales. Far away from everything. We asked to be moved as soon as the next available rooms in Los Corales were vacated. And so we moved the next day. The room was also bad, but something we would live with. Fridge not working, A/C working on and off, big cockroach coming out of a hole in the bathroom night #1 and night #2 (we solved this problem by placing a heavy towel on top of it after first few nights)...but what can I say? At least we were back in civilization...next to the pool, close to the restaurant. So we tried to make the best of it. The people are nice, but they don't go crazy to serve you. They are overworked, because of the Carisol side being closed, the Corales side is booked to full capacity, and they don't have enough staff. I can tell you that I've been to Cuba many times before, and I know not to expect luxury, but this was the worst Cuba experience I had. And the prostitution that goes on, right there in plain view, it's absolutely disgusting. What explanations you think I could find for my kids who were wondering what 20-year olds were doing with 70-80-year olds? Never again will I go to this resort, and I would not recommend. I am not sure they should even be allowed to be open, because it is full of hazards. Open cable laying around, holes in the ground, they would never pass an inspection back here. The people are nice, what can I say? The lady who cleaned my room, Milo, was lovely. Same with the staff in the kitchen, at the bars, the night entertainment, I'll give them that, they are all beautiful truly nice cuban people. But it doesn't make up for the terrible experience we've had. We couldn't wait to get out of there and go home. And for me, a Cuba lover, to say that, believe me, it must have been bad!

Brisas Sierra Mar: Place to go back to

My husband and I went back to Brisas several times and likely will go back again. This year there were renovations on the grounds, and nevertheless we did not feel we lacked anything. The food was tasty and healthy; the lobby provided enough place for people to sit and enjoy, particularly the evening musical entertainments. The wether was splendid all the time. All personnel at the resort is professional and helpful: we always have a feeling to coming back to friends and family.

Brisas Los Galeones: location, loation, location

Brisas Los Gallons (spell check won't recognise the proper spelling) is a very beautiful place, with gorgeous views all around. That being said, it is not for everyone's liking. If you get bored easily you have to make your own entertainment, be it the beach, or side trips or the nearby town. It is an excellent place to get away from the crowds and peddlers that typically are found at resorts. Instead you are adopted into a community. Allow me to explain. First the resort; there are so few room [... read more]s you get to know the local knowledge quickly and get to know the staff and guests in short order. When the staff are busy it is typical that the guest clear their own tables and sometimes are behind the bar serving themselves. Like I said you are adopted and with that are some responsibilities and privileges. Next the town; not a typical tourist town. We mentioned we were looking for guava and people would stop us on the street and give us fruit. Twice we came back with more than we left with as a gift! Locals are more than happy to show you places you are looking for without any expectation of reward. At the local market we ordered a drink from the vendor trying to support the local economy and it was explained that it may not be safe for visitors as we are not use to the water it was made from. They would rather lose a sale than jeopardize your vacation. The town is not based on the tourists so you will see true Cuban culture. The Cuban people are the reason we keep coming back not the resort lifestyle. The beach: before you go anywhere you have to realize you have to climb back up, either by stairs (almost 300) or the road, which is just as high. At the beach there is a bar and serves you lunch. If you stay at the resort up top , you get an a la carte of soup and sandwiches. At the beach it is BBQ chicken pork and fish. Orlando and the guys do a great job. The snorkelling is good lots of fish but if it is rough not for the beginner. If you are a good swimmer you can go past the reef where the depths are much deeper.(I went but the water was churned up and couldn't see much) To conclude, there is something at this resort that keeps you coming back. It isn't the facilities but more the atmosphere. If you has children or want to party this is not the place for you, but if you want to experience Cuban lifestyle and relax by all means try this resort.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Renewal of Friendships

over 80% of guests from Sierra Mar are repeaters and go there year after year. We have tried resorts all over Cuba. We always return to Sierra Mar. It's not the best food but other factors more than compensate for this. You will never starve either. One good factor is you don't put on weight after a two week holiday. We have never gotten ill on the food nor has there been a meal where we could not find something I liked to eat. There are always lounge chairs available, both around the p [... read more]ool and at the beach area. I do suggest using OFF or another bug spray as, after all, it is the tropics, but the problem is not annoying; it's just being careful. There is even a library with books in 4 different languages that guests stock up after they have finished with a book! And it's free. In twenty years of going to Sierra Mar I have NEVER had anything stolen. Management takes the safety and security of its guests uppermost. If there is a complaint, it is acted on immediately. This is one reason why 80% of guests return year after year. There are people of all economic levels at the resort. If you want to show off, this is not the place for you. If you want to meet a lovely staff who treat you like family and you want to have a relaxing vacation with excellent warm weather and friendly people , come join the Sierra Mar family.

Carisol los Corales: Great place to stay

No rain only sunshine for two weeks. If you like it hot this is the warmest area in Cuba. Room and food adequate. Staff wonderful!!!. Relaxing place to stay. Free bus to city for the day a great bonus. Great bartenders. Lots of activities around the pool every day.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Great view and great people

The view from the resort is spectacular. The dive team are great, so helpful and friendly. Enjoyed my relaxing stay. The food is average Cuban fare. Some recent upgrades were visible. Lots of repeat guests.

Brisas Los Galeones: Real Cuba

Friendly staff make this resort truly special. Guests feel very comfortable and secure in this environment! The views make for spectacular photographs. Admittedly, the almost 300 steps down to the beach seemed daunting at first but take them...it's well worth it!. Walking into the near by village, you do feel that you get a rare glimpse into the heart of real Cuba.

Carisol los Corales: Good resort

Good price, very nice beach , warm clear water and always beautiful weather. The food was OK - there is always something to eat. We were very disappointed by the beach restaurant - many people got sick after having a 'pig' lunch there. The resort is definitely for older people.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Home away from Home

We have been going to this hotel since 2000 .The hotel can certainly use some upgrades such as replacing closet doors that constantly bind and make a terrible noise.A bank outlet would be so appreciated instead of burdening the front desk staff with yet another responsibility and would offer the guests more privacy..The restaurant menu could use improving---the meals were repetitive and very little imagination shown. The staff are superb--5 star!!!!!!!! Always friendly and helpful The last tri [... read more]p (Nov 10-24) proved what an asset they are to the hotel especially the doctor -Dr Ricardo Sosa and a security guard named Leonel who went above the call of duty when my husband had a problem and my brother got very ill and had to return home with a medical emergency..I must also mention the Hola Sun representative-Elberto-who was such a help arranging for wheelchair and assistance on the homebound trip. I do hope I can make another trip in the spring and will certainly call upon Oneil Graham for his capable booking skills

Brisas Sierra Mar: Amazing people

The hotel seemed a little less than last year, in regards to food. But the bread was good. Rooms were good, Service was good, transportation really lacking. Mercedes at front desk was awesome. The flight was delayed going and coming making a very long trip. It is nice that it is quiet at night. For a 3 star would recommend, but would advise to go for a 4.5

Brisas Los Galeones: Everything was good but 300 steps up from the beach.

There are many reviews at this site. And all of them seems to be true. November 2-9 2016, One more Observation The weather was fine, not too hot (around 30C) and sunny enough. Two days were windy. Breakfast buffet was somehow better than you can expect from three stars, Cuba. Lunch and dinner were à la carte only and also good. Small town of Chivirico down the hill, has no touristic value. I walked through it heading to the mountains. Views from Sierra Maestra slopes are spectacular. Cora [... read more]l reefs start directly from the beach for kilometers. But marine life is poor to none. Waves are as low as you only can expect it in the open sea. Maybe, I was lucky with this. No more than 20 guests came to the hotel, all of them were seniors. It was quiet and peaceful. No Cuban families as guests No noisy music My room was 108, and it is maybe the worst at the hotel, but yet fine.

Carisol los Corales: Poor buffet in November

The bungalow was good, very clean, new AC units, upgraded bathroom. The entertainment was good for 6 of 7 nights, The grounds were very clean and bright. The public bathrooms had toilet paper. The snorkeling right off the beach at the reef if great! As always the egg grill was great. Now the bad points. The shower handle would turn on the water and regulate warm/cold but fell off when you try to turn the water off. It took 2 days to get hot water. You could not pay for excursions with  [... read more]any credit or debit cards. There was no bank to withdraw any money from, only in Santiago an hour away. The office would only exchange money. They often did not have any. The small gift shop would take MasterCard when it worked. The beach was quite rocky/sandy outside of the small cleared area. The food selection was very limited. I suspect it is because of the time where little is available locally. Much cabbage and carrots, no potatoes or tomatoes but you will not go hungry. If you are coming here make sure the price is right. There was no wifi, OK. They had 2 computers you could rent time on for 1Peso/30 min. You need a card like a pay as you go phone. They were out of them for 2 days. The keyboards look the same but to get the @ symbol you had to hold both the control and shift keys. That does not work for the brackets though (9 and 0).

Carisol los Corales: AMAZING TRIP

This is our third trip to Cuba and must confess that we are in Love with Santiago. The hotel in in a very lovely location away from all the hustle and bustle. There is not a lot of traffic . The hotel is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The area is great for walk and driving. Getting to the Town of Santigo is accessible by Taxi. The layout of the hotel is Fantastic, staff very friendly and helpful. The entertainment was always interesting. The food was good and fresh . We watched the Hot [... read more]el staff roast a whole pig which took about 4 hours. It is a very interesting process. We were able to visit the locals who live in the same area of the hotel . We had the opportunity to ride horses which was a first for us. The entire area is Clean, safe and quiet. There is a Lagoon about 3 km from the hotels for those who like to walk. At the Lagoon you can go fishing or just go around the Lagoon by boat. Highlight of the trip was our visit to Grand Piedra which is the 2nd highest Peak in Cuba. The ride and walk up the peak was scary but when we got to the top it took our breath away. The view is breathtaking . The beach is not white Sands but it was still very enjoyable. Overall this was good value for the money and -one of most enjoyable trip

Brisas Sierra Mar: Outstanding place, great people

Brisas Sierra Mar is a perfectly located hotel on an idyllic beach, staffed by invariable friendly and helpful people. The swimming and snorkelling is great. They had a serious house fly problem in the buffet, which detracted from the otherwise good food and represents a worrisome health and sanitation issue. The plumbing and wiring is a bit dated, and required the (cheerful) assistance of the staff on a few occasions. These are minor issues more than made up for by the superb location and excel [... read more]lent staff.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Great Resort

Spent two days at resort and then taken into the city to stay at a hotel due to possible hurricane. Very pleasant hotel Melia in Santiago but no beach. Tour operator very good at keeping us informed about hurricane conditions.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Great place been there 6 times

Great view of mountains and carribean sea. Staff is e xcellent Food is good . pool was refurbished. Nice to rent scooters and travel around country side very safe outside of resort .I highly re comend brisa sierra mars