Sol Turquesa Beach: Fantastic vacation!

We just arrived home from 7 wonderful days at Memories Holguin. We were a group of 4 adults and none of us have 1 bad thing to say about this resort. The food was great, lots to choose from, the staff was amazing and the day & night entertainment was 5 star! We stayed in room 772 & 773, they were newly renovated and were very nice. The 700 block was a bit of a hike from the lobby, but the grounds are lovely to stroll through. If you're looking for a fun filled vacation with great Cuban people, a [... read more] beautiful beach and 5 pools to choose from - this is definitely the place to go! We're already planning our next trip to Memories Holguin!

Sol Turquesa Beach: Don't waste your money

The beach is so,so,.the food is cold ,resort is too big with too many steps for families, elderly tourists. Ran out of pizzas ,and fries , which was good for the younger group. Also no wake calls , especially pissed off after we requested this service twice.our friend even missed her paid excursion when she had no call , then having a hassle with refund.... Sorry but will never return there . Resorts in Cayo coco, and the resorts in Veradoro are 100% better.

Playa Pesquero: great resort

had a great time at playa pesquero - great beach, very beautiful clean pool - not deep enough to swim much but otherwise gorgeous, superior plus room very nice, spacious and clean, buffet food - the fresh stuff that is cooked or prepared in front of you is great - the food put out ahead of time is not good at all. the reservations for the specialty restaurants all terrific - good food, well cooked. the entertainment was terrible first few nights, then excellent last four nights (we went tuesday [... read more] to tuesday, so hard to say why this is so or how to predict when the good stuff will be, but the good shows were really excellent and not to be missed), staff mostly great - friendly and responsive to any problems or requests, excursion to Holguin was interesting and informative - terrific guide. one problem was the buggies that take you around - picked this resort specifically for this as one of our party has mobility issues - it was helpful but could have been more so with a better system - often could not get buggy when needed. there is a train every twenty minutes, which is probably ok in good weather but we had unrelenting rain all week - a system to call a buggy when needed would have been good. another problem was the smoke in the lobby area - again likely not a problem in good weather but with the rain the lobby was full and although it is open the smoke became oppressive, overall great resort, great vacation. thank you playa pesquero!

Sol Turquesa Beach: Wonderful vacation

The grounds were gorgeous. There were flowering bushes and trees everywhere. Everything was very clean. Food was good, though we went for buffet opening times to avoid long lines for fresh made foods like omelette, french toast with fried banana, and fresh pasta pan with our choice of garlic oil and vegetables. Everyone was pleasant The coffee in the lobby was fabulous, especially the cappuccinos. The dance shows were fabulous. No sand fleas and only saw one mosquito the whole week, after a lo [... read more]ng rain. Pools were clean with ocean view. Buffet eating space had ocean views. We enjoyed walking, but this is not the easiest hotel to navigate in a wheelchair due to stairs and steps. There are go carts that can take people on paths around the resort.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Would not go back

This was my seventh hotel in Cuba, and the first I would not go back to, nor would I recommend to my friends or family. Why? My husband, my 6 year-old son, and I had a great time--the climate, natural beauty, and friendly Cubans were amazing as usual! But no thanks to this (Canadian) run resort. Three reasons, two of which could be fixed if the (Canadian administers) cared to: 1. the shuttles speeding around the resort at high speed pose a significant danger to young children; 2. the food was  [... read more]very poor quality, a lot of it artificial (eg. instant coffee and instant juice from powder in Cuba?! WHY?), and 3. the beach, while the sand was nice, was located on massive clay seaweed beds, so there was seaweed everywhere--in deeper water,on the beach and in the shallow water. In a nutshell: why come here when hotels just minutes down the coast (like the Sol Rio de Luna, Brisas Guadalavaca, Club Amigo) have amazing beaches and crystal clear water, boast no shuttles, and couldn't possibly have worse food? To elaborate: 1. our room was very nicely finished, spacious & pools were beautiful--in particular, there's a very large shallow pool that would be perfect for toddlers.The grounds around the pools were breath-taking, a work of art. But why have a child friendly resort when its pathways are dominated by electric shuttles buzzing around at high speeds (35-50 kms/hr)? Worse, they don't slow down for pedestrians, even when they're kids. In school zones there are parking bumps for a reason. But here, the drivers expect you to jump out of the way onto the grass when they come blasting along. We didn't hear one of them (they're electric) and my son who had lagged behind, made the mistake of running straight ahead instead of jumping on to the grass and came way too close (for my comfort!) to being run down. The drivers should be given lessons in road safety, especially driving around children, or instructed to drive more slowly and ALWAYS yield to pedestrians.. 2. The food was very poor, and I'm someone who has always liked Cuban food and found the food in Cuba resorts pretty good--lots of fresh, local fruit, vegetables, breads, black beans and rice. But this place was BAD--except for the great french fries, just dreadful version of the worst North American food. Instant coffee (in Cuba!) served at the buffet, undrinkable tea tasting and smelling of chlorine, artificial "juice" from powder, starchy peas and green beans (frozen?), artificial milkshakes, piles of stale bread, cold boiled potatoes every morning for breakfast. Almost no meat out and what there was was lukewarm--never realized that mounds of cold bacon and lumps of fatty, skin-covered chicken with huge dollops of congealed fat could look so disgusting. There were three grills and one station with two frying pans cooking meat, but in a hotel of 500+ that just isn't a viable option--there were always long lineups. All in all this resort was a significant disappointment, given the reviews, and the Canadian management should get its act together re the speeding shuttles and the ghastly food..

Playa Costa Verde: Home away from home

This was our 5th visit to this resort, great company, great food great price, Will return again next year for two weeks next time . Keep an open mind and you will have a great time only complaint is our stay was too short

Sol Turquesa Beach: Excellent service and beautiful grounds

The resort is very large and grounds and pools are very beautiful. The staff work hard to keep everything clean especially the public washrooms which are very well used so need to be maintained often. The food was pretty good for cuba ... but they need more slush machines or blenders to make proper Pina coldas and other slushy drinks. We were there at a very busy time but everything was open and we'll staffed so there were no lineups which was amazing. Beautiful lobby bar with great musical e [... read more]ntertainment. Pick your room carefully as your location is important due to the size of this resort.

Playa Pesquero: Well Run Resort

Clean,staff always very friendly and attentive.Well laid out,very clean pool,lots of lounges &shade.Always lots to eat and drink.Alacarte restaurants great for a memorable dining experience.This was our second visit and we enjoyed the resort as much as the first visit,although there seemed to be more wind.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Worst Vacation ever

The food was terrible. There is to much walking they need benches along the way. Very dark going back to your room at night. No hot water for 3 days some people had no running water for 3 days. Most of the staff where not friendly at all. I just know I will never go back .

Brisas Covarrubias: Good food, great beach, friendly staff, Cuban rum & salsa beats!

OK, just got back from a week (March Break Week so one of their busiest weeks) at this resort; flying from Montreal with Cubana on a Hola Sun package: Cubana Air – fast check-in at Doravl airport, as opposed to the huge lineup at the Air Transat counter; the 737 was pretty new and had more leg room than other economy charters. The return fligt was an A320, and again spaciously configured. Small sandwiches were served on both flights and they were fairly good by airline standards. Arrival  [... read more]at Holguin and processing through passport control was quick, less than 30 minutes; unlike busier airports such as Veradero. Bus ride to the resort was 2 hrs 10 minutes in a modern, air conditioned coach. Along the way, you get interesting views of different towns with small concrete houses to small wooden houses and the concrete apartment blocks from the Soviet era. There were glimpses of many farms from home gardens to large sugar cane plantations, beef feed lots to banana plantaions. On the roads, modern buses, trucks, motorcycles, American cars from the 50s with adapted engines and chasis were mixed-in with tractors, ox carts, horse-drawn carriages, horses, bicycles, peddle carts; all helping people and farm produce to get around. There were also roadside stalls selling farm produce, pizzas, juices, and snack bars where people socialized on their way home. Overall, the countryside from Holguin to the resort is quite flat, although you can see the mountains in the distance part of the way. After passing thru Puerto Padre, a city of 35K population, you pass a police checkpoint controlling access on the road to the resort, then it is just 25 minutes and the resort emerges out of the mangrove lowlands. The resort – just some highlights: the food was good, not merely OK but truly good for both quality and variety on par with any good family restaurant in Canada or the USA, with some dishes bordering on very good. The menu during the week included fresh shrimps, roast lamb, roast turkey, beef pot roast, roast pork with amazing crackling, and fried, fresh red snapper. They even had conch in their seafood stew! I am sad that we missed the spit roasted pig which smelled heavenly as we boarded the bus home. That said, it's a buffet so you have to choose wisely, not everything is cooked to ones taste 100% of the time ! Now the house wine, it is horrid (like most all inclusives), so either bring your own or buy the bottles on offer; or drink the beer which is very good. The capaccinos – what a great way to start the morning, and top off a dinner. The Ranchon bar/restaurant, the 2nd and 3rd floors are very pleasant when it is really windy and it was windy during our week. The staff were accommodating and helpful as noted in many other reviews. William, the porter, looked sporty in the pair of New Balance runners he received from a guest. Without exception, all the other staff were appreciative of tips and gifts received from guests. It is amazing to think that what we spend for coffee and a muffin at Starbucks or Tim Hortons everyday is a substantial amount which can make a meaningful difference to their everyday living. Evening entertainment – local bands played every night showcasing contempary as well as traditional Cuban music; some good talent on show. Excursion - Puerto Padre, interesting to see how the locals live, and the mix of housing for the people. Our tour guide was very informative and openly discussed the way people lived and the changes happening in Cuba as it transitions to allow more private enterprise, home ownership, and lessen state control. Also, visited an organic farm which showcased research to develop higher yield coffee & other plants and organic farming methods. The small, family farm grew fruits, vegetables, sugar cane, bananas as well as having chickens and pigs. The peppers, papayas, pinos, and other fruits which we tasted were very flavorful, unlike the staff we get in Canada which are picked green so that they transport better. It was a very interesting 1/2 day; too bad we didn't have more time to see more of the town, talk to the guide about life in Cuba, and have lunch/dinner at the farm. The guests – many are return visitors which speaks well for the resort. Watersports – very good snorkelling especially on the outer reef where you can see lobsters and a wide variety of fish (groupers, snappers, moray eel, colorful reef fishes, etc.) but it was a 3-4 our swim so you should be a very strong swimmer, or you can take a dive trip from the watersport center - one of the lifeguards is a very good diver & spearfisherman. Both hobie cats and paddle boats are in good shape; they also have 2 tempermental motor boats and a sit-on-top paddleboard but no kayaks. In good weather, you can go fishing in the paddleboats or take a fishing trip with the watersports folks; and if you catch some fish the chefs will gladly cook it for you for a small tip. As well, there are at least 4 bicycles available for use. Overall, an excellent, economical vacation at a resort with friendly staff, good food, Cuban rum & beer accompanied with a salsa beat. Yes, the weather could have been better, and if the plane for our return flight could have staying broken down for a few more days leaving us at the resort, it would have been perfect !

Playa Pesquero: Amazing Resort!!

This was our second time visiting Playa Pesquero and is was just as fabulous as the first time there. We brought other family members with us and they were in awe over the spectacular view of the lobby, lodgings and grounds. The magnificent pool spans the centre of the resort, having a large and small bridge to walk across to get to a few stores to shop. Also in this area, you will find the beer garden, ice cream place and a restaurant. Throughout the resort there are many places to have a wonde [... read more]rful meal. There is always an abundance of food. There is also a wide variety of drinks from alcohol to several kinds of coffee, tea and pitchers of water with fruit available all day and night. The entertainment staff do a wonderful job with water aerobics, beach volley ball, dance lessons, shows at night, as well as presenting the children at the resort with their own little show. With this being such a large resort, the cleaning staff do a wonderful job at keeping it as clean as possible. The beach is wonderful with a couple of places to get a drink, along with a pizza place where you order your own personal pizza and a restaurant to have a tasty hamburger... The staff are all very friendly and do a wonderful job! Thanks once again to everyone for another memorable vacation!!!

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Lucky to not be with the S Trippers!

Excellent food and very friendly staff. Most activities seemed fun, although we only attended a few due to some rainy weather. Tiles are very slippery when wet and I noticed a few injuries. Students claimed a section of the beach but were only obnoxious on a few occasions. I heard they trashed one of the buildings far away from us. I hope not because the resort was very well maintained on our end. Nice beach and the pool for Blau plus was reat!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Returning Guest

As a returning guest at Club Amigo it was mostly a relaxing week. We stayed in the tropical section on the first floor over looking the pool. We found it very noisy especially on the nights they had the beach parties. Lots of renovations going on, still lots of areas that need work such as walkways and the bathrooms at the pool and bar areas. Staff was friendly but we did miss Rigo and his tasty drinks at the pirate bar. Food was ok, always something to eat. Was not inpressed with the way they g [... read more]ot the fire started using plastic cups when roasting the pig by the pool. Toxic! We did mention this to the gentleman who lit it but it didn't seem to matter. The grounds were well taken care of, lots of pretty flowers all Junior's hard work.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Memories Holguin

ON THE UP SIDE: Very good food and very good service! Friendly staff; El Tigre - Geovanni; nice to see him again Joel - lobby bar ON THE DOWN SIDE: Bellhop service very poor - no carts ever available Poor internet service

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Club Amigo Atlantico guardalavaca, Holguin Cuba

This was our 2nd yr in a row back at CA... some changes around the resort as well as renovations. Rooms an AC were always clean and AC was cold... food this year was great, no complaints at all...maintenance staff doing a great job clear cutting around the resort. Took a local taxi into Holguin, it was great and driver YURI was fantastic, knowledgeable and price was great!!!The wifi isn't very strong at all, especially using your own devices..... Extremely disappointed with all the people ignor [... read more]ing alll the NON SMOKING signs in the Hotel front Lobby....... we will continue to go to CA. It's our home away from home.... our agent at Tripcentral is great, Stephanie........ flew Westjet, they were fantastic👍

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Great family vacation

We have been here 3 times now . We had a group of 17 this time , it was Great . Food was good , service was great , the place was clean . They are doing renos so some things are not perfect , but they are working on it . Love it , will be back

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Good resort for March break

Second time at Blau, very good resort. Food was better, Paul was great, entertainment was not as good as two years ago, Rome was fine, drinks Were fine. Overall a very good stay and I would recommend this resort

Brisas Guardalavaca: Well maintained resort.

This was our second time to Brisas Guardalavaca and is very good for the money. The room was a good size with a king sized bed, small bar fridge, 1.5L bottle of water which could be refilled at any bar, two lawn chairs on the balcony to enjoy the ocean view and the nightly entertainment. Furniture was in good shape. The bottom floor rooms have been renovated with a walk-in shower, chesterfield and upgraded furniture. I expect the rest of the rooms will be up-graded too. The food was good i [... read more]n the buffet and very good in all six of the alacarte restaurants. The gardens are well kept with dead stuff removed from the shrubs and trees. The beach was always kept clean Our travel agent, Tammy Beamish had arranged for wheelchairs for us at each end of the flight which took some of the anxiety away for my wife as she isn't fond of airports. A very enjoyable holiday!

Playa Costa Verde: A wonderful experience

My daughter and granddaughter and I just returned from Playa Costa Verde, Holguin, Cuba. The resort is so well laid out and very spacious. When we arrived, our room was not ready, but we went to have lunch in the lovely dining room. Even for the pickest eater, there is always something to eat, and the staff was great. We then got our room, which for three of us was spacious, with lots of storage for our clothes etc. A little outdated, but clean and for the amount of time that we actually sp [... read more]ent there, it worked for us. The pool area is huge, with no shortage of chairs. We also spent a great deal of time at the beach, beautiful soft sand and the water was such a beautiful colour. My daughter and granddaughter went on the catamaran, which they did several times while we were there. They loved it and the staff that took them out, told them about Cuba and their lives as well. We also took the dolphin tour and I was not going to go but I am so glad I did, what an amazing experience. We did two a la carte restaurants, the Cuban and the Japanese. The Japanese was our favourite, our chef and the staff were fantastic. The lobby at this resort is wonderful, very spacious with a bar and a cafe bar - special coffees, cappacino etc. My daughter and I got up early every morning and went for our cappacino, the servers were great. I would highly recommend this resort and I will definitely go back there. That was something as well, that there were so many people that had gone there repeatly - one person I might - 9 times!! Which speaks volumes. Where there somethings that weren't perfect - yes - but they were so outweighed by those that were, it did not matter. It was a wonderful experience that I got to share with my daughter and granddaughter, so many memories!!

Sol Turquesa Beach: Good Family and friends. Mediocre resort.

Overall impression was a nice resort. Front desk staff was a little rude during check in. Not all that impressed with not having hot water for most of the week. Entertainment was fantastic. Support stuff made up for short falls. Bartenders were amazing, animation team, cleaning staff and buffet staff and ground keepers were great. Pools and beach were fantastic. The views were excellent. Lots and lots of steps so if you have mobility issues not the best resort. Had a great trip but wou [... read more]ld probably look at a different resort.