Sol Turquesa Beach: Great resort

Very clean well kept resort. Friendly staff. Beautiful pools. Excellent entertainment. Food was decent. Crazy Canadian drinks and cappuccinos were amazing. There are a few mosquitoes and lots of walking. Shuttle is available around the resort but they are limited. Be sure to bring mosquito spray for the evenings

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Fantastic vacation

The staff were amazing and really friendly!!! The grounds were maintained to a high standard and our room was clean and well maintained. The activities were well planned and enjoyable which appeal to a variety of ages. Check in to the hotel was done quickly and professionally, which allowed us to make the most of our stay. The restaurants offered a wide variety of food choices, which we took full advantage of. My personal favourite was the Cuban, as it offered a taste of the culture. The [... read more] beach was always clean and tidy, with an attendant ready to provide Loungers when and where you want them. The snorkelling was paramount with access directly off the main beach. We saw lots of fish and coral. We greatly enjoyed our vacation to Paridisus Rio Del Oro and are looking forward to returning next year. They make it feel like your home away from home.

Playa Pesquero: Another great trip!!

This is our 8th visit to Playa Pesquero and it was fantastic as usual!! Will be returning again!! Saw some new items at the buffet, food seemed to be better than i remebered, bed more comfy, so they are always improving an already great place!!

Sol Turquesa Beach: Memories Holguin

Service was outstanding. Very kind people. Food was nicely presented and was diverse and good. But: We were not told that the beach is not suitable for swimming. We were not told that we have to climb/ descend over 60 stairs six times or more a day to reach the dining room and other services. Our agent knew we were seniors. The trolley service was inadequate, long waiting times with often one trolley for over 500 rooms to serve. And: The noise level was n [... read more]ot consistent with a **** Hotel. Everywhere loudspeakers, sometimes you could hear three different ones at some location. Even very loud music at the beach. The worst was the noise level at night with drunken patrons yelling and keeping us awake for several nights.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Good value, lots of fun

Food was best we've had in Cuba, a bit repetitive but good. The buffet and beach/cuban restaurants being not closed in had birds and cats wandering around. Wasnt too serious , a few bird droppings and the odd cat rubbed your leg looking for food. Restaurant staff were excellent, always right there for drinks and clean up etc. Very friendly people in general. Rooms did the job but we're needing some updating. They had some unrepaired water damage. Doors were tight against the floor. Plum [... read more]bing was down for 2 hours one day but otherwise as good as home. Grounds are beautiful with lots of mature trees and plants. Built on a hill side overlooking the ocean. That makes it beautiful but creates lots of stairs and beach is at the bottom but lobby, buffet and theatre are at the top. We had rooms in the 100 block so close to the main areas which worked well, just spent the day at the beach so did the trek only once a day. Water sports were great, we'll organized easy to get equipment and guides when needed. Beach never felt crowded but is not very big. You can still explore beyond the hotel beach but is rough and rocky against water. A few locals fish and camp right beside hotel we made friends with some and was good. Was told a number of times by locals that this was the worst beach at Holguin area but it was fine. We had young kids with us and they had a good time, lots of friendly staff that took an interest in them always stopping to give them high 5s and chat. Never used the kids club but looked good. Lots of bars spread out over the resort. Entertainment was pretty good overall. They try really hard. Pools really pretty and good. Always felt really safe and looked after. Compared to home there are lots of hazards around like no hand railing, path lighting not working, uneven ground etc but that's kind of standard in Cuba. As usual most of the problems were other tourists, always rude and selfish people from all countries. There were lots of French speaking Canadians and lots of Europeans mostly Polish. I'd say only a third of guests were English. Most staff are pretty good with English and French. Sunwing was good, transfer is long but very interesting countryside so didn't mind the ride.

Don Lino Hotel: Looking better, at last!

The Don Lino is our favourite hotel in Cuba, and we have been going most years since maybe 2009. We prefer the oldest section of the hotel which, by last year, had pushed "scruffy charm" to the tipping point. This year, however, the place has been re-wired: all the plugs work, even an outside one! New paint, inside and out. New bathroom appliances and fixtures. The air conditioner worked. The safe box worked. Please repair the water pipe leak in the wall of room 1024 that floods the dress [... read more]ing room daily, although a beach towel will soak it up. They've turned on the air conditioning in the new dining room. The staff is as charming and friendly as always, the beach beautiful and uncrowded--although if you want to really swim, walk 20 min. down the road to Playa Blanca, a beautiful, protected, deep beach with lots of sea grape trees where, on weekends, Cuban families enjoy themselves. The food remains good--better than at some more expensive hotels. You'll still find the odd farm animal wandering through, although not as many as in the past. The Don Lino is, however, changing from a small, intimate, close to the ground place to something with more grandiose ambitions--to its detriment. Even more two-storey "bungalows" have been added, and there are plans for a new section across the entrance road--more "bungalows" with another swimming pool. It is starting to feel crowded. The new dining hall is an acoustic disaster zone that makes conversation difficult. Its size discourages meeting people and a sense of community. The local musicians are what make the Don Lino shine, and the new dining hall is an impossible place for music. So, as the place expands, it is losing some of its best qualities. It would be nice if, instead of expanding, the same money was put into upgrading and better maintenance of what they have. For all its rough edges, this is a unique place. You can really have fun here.

Playa Pesquero: Great Vacation!

We really enjoyed our vacation! The food was fantastic! We went to five a la cart restaurants and really enjoyed everyone! The red wine was pretty good too, some from Spain and some Chilean.The Beer Garden was a favorite for a late afternoon shrimp skewer or octopus ceviche. Its open 24hrs so we went there at 6am for breakfast the day we left as our bus left at 8am. This is one of the few resorts we have visited that you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to get pool loungers with some [... read more] shade. We needed 4 loungers and yet we never had a problem all week. We usually were at the pool all morning and the beach in the afternoon. They could use more small tables as they were hard to come by. The rooms were a good size and our maid did a fantastic job and was always so happy! They could use some updating but the beds were comfortable and you had everything you needed. Be sure and take your electrical converter as it is not the same as Canada. The evening entertainment was very well done. One night there was a water show in the pool which was really good. While we were there they celebrated the resorts 14th anniversary and they had a party with a band and served pork from a pig roasted on a spit, cuban soup, candy floss and punch on the street between the pool and the beach. I was also really impressed that they had a party for the staff as well in the theater with entertainment and served them the pork on a bun and cake. It showed that they valued their staff. There is a paved walkway near the beach that goes quite a distance between a few resorts for a good walk or run in the morning or evening. If you take a turn away from the beach between the other hotels you can go up to a little plaza and craft market where you can get souvenirs for a good price from some very nice people. There were a couple of minor complaints: 1. The wifi system was terrible! We received 1 card each, good for one hour of wifi in which you have to sign on and off when you are finished. It was very difficult to get signed off. There was always several people in the internet room asking the staff to sign them off. It was easier signing in and out on there computers. 2. There is a money exchange at the hotel but we had a real problem getting 1CUC coins or bills for tipping. Usually the smallest we could get was a 3 CUC bill that is around $4 Canadian. Sometimes you could get change from the bartenders or wait staff. 3. The grounds were not very well maintained. They didn't have the manicured gardens that most resorts do. 4. The Transat brochure stated that their Distinction Properties (Playa Pesquero Montecristo Club being one) would have slippers and robes in the room but there aren't. It's not a big deal but I would have taken my own had I known as there always seems to be sand tracked in. All in all this is a very good resort with a lot of very nice people!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Nice Resort

The resort was nice, like I was told nothing fancy. When we first got there the grass was really long, but by the time we left they had it all cut. The pool in our Bungalow area was closed due to them fixing it, as was the Restaurant. We asked for an upgrade to another area due to this fact but were told there was nothing available. We asked for some compensation for not having the pool and we were given nothing. Our room was clean but not very big and there was no mini fridge, so nothing to  [... read more]put water or anything in to keep cold. If I did go again I would pick a Villa room. The food was good, better than where we stayed last year. We had trouble with the water in our room, actually our area, would not have hot water in the morning and one morning we had no water. I found the staff not as friendly at this resort as the last one we stayed. There was no beach bar neither, unless you wanted to pay as there were bars but independent ones. Would I stay here again, not sure.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: wonderful in every way

We loved the grounds with accommodation in houses not too close to each other. Also enjoyed the spacious lobby area and especially the quick and cheery bar service at night. A couple of the evenings for entertainment in the lobby area were just too loud for us but loved dance shows and especially the pool zombie show. The landscape is the best and the service all around as well. So nice with the quiet electric cars. 2 favourites for speciality restaurants: El Patio and The Japanese one - b [... read more]oth have very good red wines, i.e. Italian & Chilean. We plan to return.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Great People!

Some rooms dated but all very spacious. Clean and accommodating resort. Beautiful beach and pool area. Good dining just late if you are not 'Royal'. Fun times! The employees made it so much better! Service was great.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Beautiful Beach!

Just got home on Wednesday and already missing Holguin's "winter"! Perfect weather (29°-30°) days & breezy evenings. Whether dining in the buffet or one of the several a la cart restaurants the atmosphere was tasteful and classy. Even as a Celiac there were plenty of choices and thankfully no mishaps. Pool & ocean a little chilly but still tolerable. Entertainment ended earlier than we'd like but the young dancers/synchronized swimmers were amazing. Royal Service too quiet for us but views fr [... read more]om the rooms up their were breathtaking!

Sol Turquesa Beach: Great Hotel

This was our third time to this resort.It just keeps getting better. Spotless lobbys,grounds and rooms.The check-in was suppose to be expedited as we chose diamond club upgrade,didn't happen we were the last to get through and at 2:30 am with two small children it was upsetting.The only thing that we really seen different with diamond club was the designated area on the beach were you got softer loungers,and super bar service by Orland the keeper of the Bar.The food was great by Cuba standards , [... read more]beef still chewy but if you've been to cuba we know that.Cuban alacarte was best.Buffet ok,you line up to get your main thing and it is cooked for you at all meal times,if you don't like lineups go early.The 24 hr bar serves a breakfast from a menu and serve you,I liked it the best.The staff here are awsome and make your stay enjoyable.Lots of stairs and walking 16000 fitbit steps a day but they do have golf carts if you don't mind a small wait as they can get busy delivering people .The entertainment was great bands and shows and the biggest thing for me was my grandson got to touch meet Toupee and Binoo at the kids show.They also loved going to the kids club every day at their insistence.For 30 pesos you can rent a vintage car to take you into Guardalavaca and pick you up for the return journey ,5 passengers.The beach is great, sandy with weedy spots but you can wend your way out to were you want to be.All in all this is a great place to go in Cuba for the cost its good value.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Wonderful stay in paradise.

The resort certainly met all our expecttions. The suite was very spacious with a corner balcony and large modern bathroom. We enjoyed the early evening music througout the resort. The food was very good and especially enjoyed the seafood. All the staff were so friendly and accomodating and the room service was excellent. We shall certainly return again this year..

Playa Pesquero: Very Good all around

The Hotel (resort) was very nice. Very well kept, the staff were very friendly. The buffet's were to be expected. The food a little bland and over cooked but the restaurants a la carte were very good and the service excellent. If we were to return to Holguin, we would defenitly return to this resort. The rooms were nice and serviced daily. We had paid the small fee for the upgraded room which was well worth the extra 20.00 or so. The inclusions in the resort were very good as well. Paddle boats, [... read more] catamaran rides etc.... There are ample restaurants and buffet's. The bar staff very friendly and a good selection of booze. I would defenitly recommend this resort to a friend. Approx. 1 Hour from the airport but well worth it.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Good Times!

Rooms were nice and spacious, 24 room service was great. Restaurants were all good to great for Cuba. Night-life is non existent. Staff was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay. The beach is amazing!

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: My favourite resort

I have been here several times and I'm going back in May. This resort is a bit dated but the food is good and the staff are amazing. This resort is on the best beach in Cuba. If you like the beach and your own space this is the resort for you.

Brisas Covarrubias: jan.26,2017

Just returned from our fourth visit to this hotel and this time we brought the family. The staff was very nice and accommodating. The hotel was fine. The beach was great and the weather was perfect 6 out of the seven days we were there. The buffet quality has deteriorated somewhat since our last trip but was still acceptable.All in all we had a great time.

Don Lino Hotel: The real Cuba experience

Consistent with its rating, Don Lino offers the opportunity to venture out to savor the goodwill and sincerity of what may genuinely described as ' experiencing a day in the life of rural Cuba ' The stoicism of people enduring 3 years of local drought is to be applauded, including having to carry water to dwellings inaccessible to water trucks. Apart from the need to have better quality mattress for restful sleep, Don Lino food has improved considerably. We also look forward to the compl [... read more]etion of the dining and bar area renovations.

Sol Turquesa Beach: A huge 2.5 star

This resort was huge in size but did not have some basics you would expect like hot water. 1 Every single vacationer we met showered for the week in either very cold water or just cold water. When people called about the issue they were told, "We know nobody has hot water." 2 We have been to Cuba 12-14 times over the years so we know what to expect with quality/quantity regarding food and this resort's food was by far the worst we have ever come across. 3 The 'Lifeguards' were a joke! The most  [... read more]inattentive I've EVER seen. They literally spent 90% of their shift sitting BEHIND the beach bars visiting with bar/beach staff. 4 The place is over run with feral cats/kittens. I'm the opposite of a cat person and I felt bad for them. Many are sickly, underweight and several had multiple scars and/or parts of their tails, ears and paws missing. 5 We realize the booze is not top shelf.....tried a few times to have a drink but it literally tasted like hairspray. Not sure what the deal is with several bartenders having gym bags full of bottles of rum tucked away behind the huts?? 6 The pool areas are invested with fleas.....I could go on but what's the point. We will never go back. We expected better from a Memories resort.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Won't be back

Rooms were run down, food was horrible, only 3 restaurants with very little availability, no room service, no 24 hr food, staff would bring their family to eat making you wait for service, very busy, old rusty single beds, bars would run out of certain drinks like Pina coladas or daiquiris.washrooms were dirty and unkept, Water from buffet smelled bad and made guests sick, milk is powdered milk water, orange juice is tang, outside lights turned off every second day to conserve power making you n [... read more]ot feel safe, if you don't tip all the time servers will become rude or ignore you, burgers are made of spam and are disgusting, buffet food is gross, so is coffee, when you got to market you get harassed to buying or looking at their table. The flight from edmonton was 12-14 hrs each way including layover. The only plus side the beach and way down the beach was a nice seafood restaurant. People smoke every where and majority of guests are Rude French Canadians, Spend the extra money and go to Cancun they rate this resort a 3-3.5 I rate it a 1.5 to 2 at best.got bit by sand fleas,Will definetly not go back. Ever!