This was a poorly run resort. Exterior lighting was turned off at night leaving you to walk in complete darkness in the guest room halls and stair wells and grounds. Often without notice the water was turned off to the building I was in. Practically no one spoke English at the front desk so information was hard to come by. Often I was left standing, being ignored by staff.
I think the cook did his best with what he had but the food wasn't that good. The nicest worker was the lady that handed [... read more]out the towels. She was always smiling and pleasant.
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Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Nice!
The resort was good, a bit old and not very well mantained. But the beach and the ocean was perfect and for me was the most important! The food was ok, not too much of the variety but fresh and no one got sick.
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Playa Costa Verde: Another great stay at Costa Verde
This was our third trip to Playa Costa Verde.and we still love the place. We have been to several resorts and still like this the best. It is mid sized so you still get the services without the huge crowds or long walks between each. Also, it is barrier free with no need to use stairs if you have a ground floor room. There are renovations going on but the interruption is minimal and nothing was truly closed but just relocated. The main bar opened the day before we left for home so the lobby [... read more]is back to normal. As with most of Cuba you go for the beach, the people and the great service. We hear complaints about the food in Cuba but there is always something good to eat. Playa Costa Verde has three or four grills open in the buffet at every meal so there is no need to eat from the steam tables if you don't want to. Our favorite is the variety of fresh fish that is cooked to order right in front of you and there is always fresh cooked pasta and pizza. Playa Pesquero is great swimming and snorkeling. Take a banana to feed the fish and you will see at least a dozen species in water that is not even neck deep even at high tide as the first reef is only 30 M off the beach. There is no need to go early to hold a sun bed as there is a huge pile and the staff are happy to bring them to any location you like. There are three pools in the main pool area. One large with the bar, one smaller with the volleyball net and one small and shallow for the kids. There is also a children's program morning and afternoon in their own activity centre with a pool. They are replacing the pool deck but working small areas at a time so very little inconvenience. Give Costa Verde a try for your next trip. I think you will be pleased overall.
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Tony 48 -
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Brisas Guardalavaca: brias
thx everything was amazing.the grounds were so clean.the rooms were perfect and the staff so nice.we loved it thx.cant beat the value.well worth the amount.would go back .in a heartbeat.thx again .........................................
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Always Nice to Go Back!
First time at Royal Service! Is worth it! Service at the Restaurant is impeccable!Food selection will make it difficult to decide what to eat! Nice experience ! Excellent Weather! Room Service was okay the first few days but we were not impressed with the last two days when they did not change the towels or clean the room or refill the coffee and water.That was quite an unpleasant surprise !!!
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Linda1141 -
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: One of the nicest resorts in Cuba
The layout is excellent, the grounds are beautiful, the food is excellent and the people that work there are amazing. We have been there at least 5 times and will continue to go there.
The staff are very friendly.
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Playa Pesquero: Very good to amazing
It was our the first trip to Cuba.
Stayed there for a week starting Dec 2, 2016
1. Food in buffets was really good (except cheese).
2. The best a la carte restaurant in resort - La Gondola, was amazing. Sea food restaurant was excellent as well.
3. Room was good and large but floors in bathroom was squeeze, I saw a cocaroach in the room.
4. The beach is good for swimming but is average for snorkeling. Snorkeling was better in Cancun on Hel-Xa or in Xcaret. However free catamaran ride provi[... read more]ded by hotel was amazing.
5. Jacuzzi heater was out of service so water was just room temperature
6. Service is amazing and staff was VERY friendly
7. Evening shows was good but many artists were dressed poorly especially compared to costumes of Cirque du Soleil performers.
8. Coffee lovers will be happy with this place.
9. If you change your money in foreign currency exchange Kiosk double check your money. Next time I will not bring cash with me, credit card works. However be sure your card is not associated with american banks and it is not an American express. Visa will be good. You can pay all your local trips in Hotel with Visa as well.
10. If you fisherman bring your fishing road with you, it is good place for fishing from the shore.
11. Keep in mind it is not always possible pay your food or water with Visa cards at Holguin airport. Communications are in bad shape and if you do not have cash in ANY currency you do not have a water. Presume you will stay thirsty for few hours, especially if your low coaster air company will sell you souvenirs, food, services and at the very end somewhere near Canada they will offer you 3 dollars bottle of water.
12. I did not see any water rescue guards or equipment on the beach. No one watch after you and your kids. Be safe.
13. Cuba is not rich country. Do not be cheap.
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Playa Pesquero: family of eight enjoyed a great week together
Been there 11 times now and noticing improvements every time we go. We did a tour of the premium suites and they were very impressive. This hotel is our favorite of all the places we go. It is nice to go back and be recognized by a lot of the staff and feel that you get a little better service.
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Playa Pesquero: Best food, staff, service, beach, pools, ....
Just returned from 11 days December 2016. Highly recommend everything. Just beautiful, relaxing, pampered. Smiling, helpful staff, with excellent English and super attitude. Had 2 poolside massages - awesome masseuse! Best waitstaff - Unelis, Rene, Carla, ... Everyone was superb, warm, smiling, helpful, attentive. Highly recommend and we will be returning!
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Villa Mirador de Mayabe: Didn't honour their word
The resort is in the mountains and the view is amazing. The workers on the resort are friendly and helpful. The only problem we had was with Hola Sun or maybe trip central I'm not sure. We were promised an excursion as part of the deal and we confirmed before we booked. After arriving we learned they weren't honouring the deal reason given we were too far away. The distance hasn't changed the resort is in the same location so there is no excuse for reneging on the deal. Shame on you.
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Playa Pesquero: Great resort for all ages
Having been at this resort five times already, my friends and I found it very comfortable, the best beaches, food is definitely improving (I like things hot...very warm.) The people who visit this resort come from many parts of the world. Staff and visitors were very friendly and accommodating. Anything we ask for, was supplied. We definitely will be going back.
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Gayle -
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Brisas Guardalavaca: This Resort has it all!
My Husband and I have been to Cuba 23 times in the past 13 years. We have stayed in different Resorts from one end of Cuba to the other ie Varadero,, Cayo Coco,and Camaguey to name a few,but, Holguin won us over.
We tried a few other Hotels in Holguin until a Friend suggested we try Brisas Guardalavaca. Best advice ever!
We just returned this week from our 8th visit there and will return again on March 3 rd. We have taken several Friends and Family members with us over the years and no neg.[... read more] comments from any.
What is the drawing feature you ask? Well, there are many. The Hotel is admitedly tired, but, clean. You have to look beyond that as most Hotels need updating frequently due to the many Tourists and the impact the sun and weather has on the Buildings. We always stay in the Villa section of the Brisas ,as it is quieter, has it's own Pool and Restaurant and is away from the maddening Crowd at the Hotel.
There are 5 A La Carte Restaurants which are all exc. Our Favorite. is the Seafood Restaurant where the Lobster is to die for and you are entertained by the Musicians that serve you. Several Waiters are professional Singers and sing while you eat as well as serve you.
There is a Buffet in the Hotel lobby that serves exc. food and there is entertainment from 6:30- 8:30 p.m.in that Lobby each night, which could give Toronto Competition!. The Talent we have seen there each night is top of the line!
There is also nightly Entertainment on a Stage outside which is decent.
There are horse and buggys parked in front of the Hotel which will take you to a Fishing Village, Market, Local Farm or the Village of Guardalavaca for a few Pesos. You can walk along the Shore to a Flea Market 15 min away. The Beach is as good as it gets and no sand fleas to bite you! I can't say enough about this Resort and wonder why it isn't rated higher.
We have stayed in a couple of 5* Hotels and this has them beat. The friendly Staff has no qualms about relocating you to another Room if you are not happy with your accomodation. I hesitate to brag about this place as I want to keep it a secret, but, the more the merrier.
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Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Beyond my expectations!!
The staff were all very friendly and provided good service.
The food was good!! Plenty of choices at the buffet.
The grounds were well kept, clean and very nice.
The lobby entertainment was enjoyable before the 9pm show and the service was very good.
I would recommend this resort to anyone and l am looking forward to going back soon.
Oh and of course the beach was awesome!
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Playa Pesquero: Great resort with a few flaws
Overall a great resort keeping in mind this is not the most luxurious or the most modern place. Food is great. People are mostly great. The beach is amazing! White sand with crystal clear water and yet great snorkelling only some 100 meters away. Fairly calm waters because of the location. Perfect for kids. Checkout experience was simply terrible though. The buggy driver who was supposed to pick up my luggage never showed up so had to drag the suitcases across the resort by myself so I wouldn't [... read more]miss the bus.
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Lovely resort, great staff
The hotel and amenities were fabulous but what made the resort by far are the staff at Pardisus who were always friendly and attentive. Beautiful beach and pool area which were what I wanted for my trip although if you're looking to party a little bit, the average age tilts toward senior. However, a great choice for rest and relaxation
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CFGBONCA -
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Amazing Vacation
We will be going back! What most people don't really understand, is that they don't have access to everything the world has to offer, the hotel is a little tired, but still very clean, I didn't see a single bug in my room the entire week. The beds and pillows are very comfortable, sheets and towels are changed daily, they were all clean and white! Our chambermaid went out of her way to ensure we had everything we needed calling up the refreshment cart to ensure we had bottles of water that w[... read more]ere not restocked the day before, we had 3 that night! The spa is newer, in a very beautiful relaxing setting, the staff are always there to ensure you have a relaxing visit before and after your treatment of choice.
We tried all the food locations throughout the resort except the Japanese (closed for renovations) and Cuban a'la cart, the food was delish and I never felt that I had to rush in order to get something before they ran out. We tried the beach dinner that was an extra $30 per couple and found that was rather disappointing for the money as there was nothing special offered in the way of food, wine or service, as a mater of fact, my glass was empty as the main dish was being cleared from the table, with his back to me asked my spouse if he would like more wine, he said no, the waiter walked away not even giving me an opportunity to ask (sorry, that just ruined my dinner and the experience I was done). We did find service was not quite what we have experienced in the past at other resorts, where at breakfast you sit down and immediately have your coffee cup turned over asking if you would like coffee and if you would like a samosa, we found that we almost had completed our breakfast (I eat slow) before coffee was even served, there was no offer for samosa's. We would always walk over to the lobby bar and get our coffee there after our breakfast, and find a comfortable place to sit and enjoy! The pool restaurant was great, those ladies went from just a few tables, we walked in with almost no one around, in just a few min at 1:30 PM the place was packed and just the two ladies to take care of everyone's needs, I can't say enough of how impressed I was, they were sharing the service without missing a beat!
The beach was excellent, loved the clean washroom right at the edge of the beach, lots of areas to wash off after a swim, the snorkeling is truly wonderful there, they have equipment that was clean and in great shape! They had someone available to get you a lounge and track it to where you liked, there was lots of interesting spaces to rest and relax as you like close to the pool and beach!
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ChrisH -
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Great times at Paradisus
Another great visit to Paradisus Rio De Oro. The staff were awesome, always there when you need something and quick with a smile or a Spanish lesson! Not enough time to engage in all that the resort has to offer, but there is always next time.
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Sunshine555 -
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Playa Pesquero: Beautiful Beach!
We recently stayed for a week at the playa pesquero resort. The beach was absolutely beautiful and well maintained. The staff were very friendly and accomadating. Rooms and food were ok, nothing to write home about.
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Less than expected
We (myself and girlfriend) usually go to Mexico but this time decided to try Cuba out for the beautiful beaches. I knew that a lot of aspects would not be up to par or even close to what is offered by majority of Riviera Mayan resorts, therefore decided to stay at Paradisus as it is rated 5 stars and is one of the priciest resorts in Cuba. I am going to break down our experience into several points:
1. Beach/Pools: Did not frequent the pool but the beach was amazing. There was a weird smell d[... read more]uring afternoons but nevertheless it was beautiful and great for snorkeling too. Also recommend going to Cayo Saetia as the beach there is truly breathtaking. Rating: 5 Stars
2. Service: It was OK most of the time, but did not like that we felt pressure to tip for everything that was done for us. In some instances it seemed that the amount we tipped was not enough. Never encountered this behaviour at other resorts outside of Cuba. There were some exceptions to this but few and rare. We were also disappointed with the front desk as they were not helpful at all. Rating: 3 Stars
3. Food: As expected, food was decent enough and there were adequate choices. I enjoyed the seafood and fruits the most, while drinks and desserts were pretty bad. Rating: 3 Stars
4. Room: We stayed in a "Paradisus Junior Suite" which was much bigger than expected and neatly organized. However we were greeted to dozens of ants and dead flies in the washroom. Called the front desk and told them about the problem which they promised to clean up the following day (it was OK with us, no big deal to wait until then), however that never happened and the ants kept coming out each day. This was very disappointing especially since the resort is supposed to be a 5 Star. Additionally, the resort itself felt old and sort of rundown, I know they were renovating rooms but things like the watches at the front desk not working and other small details which we noticed really took away from feeling that we were staying at a 5 star resort. Rating: 2 Stars
5. Location: The resort is located near a scenic beach and we really liked the layout, which was one of the top reasons for deciding to stay at this resort. Rating: 5 Stars
Overall, we did not have high expectations coming in and are not very picky but the resort is not a 5 Star, maybe it is compared to other resorts in Cuba, but compared to others outside of the country it is a 3 Star. I would recommend it to others for the beach and that it is quiet and relaxing but that alone does not warrant the price. There are much better options available outside of Cuba. Unfortunately we will not be returning.
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Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Fantastic resort
We had a few people recommend this resort and now I can too! The place is very clean, the staff are very friendly. My wife and I had booked this trip for our first vacation away without the kids. We are going to return and bring the kids next time. The resort has everything you need for either a busy, exciting vacation or a relaxing one. It is a little spread out but it makes for a good way to get some extra walking in after eating the very good food! Fresh food cooked right in front of yo[... read more]u (chicken, beef, fish, pasta) at the buffet and three other al a carte to choose from. (Gourmet being the best in my opinion) They were repainting the buildings while we were there and building a new jacuzzi too. Something to look forward to when we return! Do make sure you pay for the "plus". The VIP bar is worth it alone.