Hotel Camino del Mar: Good week at Melia Guillermo

After reading the reviews, we expected some issues regarding rooms in need of repair and water issues but the positives were the beach, and the people. This is pretty much what we got. The beach is terrific as we remember it and there were more loungers and palapas than I have ever seen. All the workers were super. Our first night, we realized our room (2225) was over the lobby bar. Around 2:30am, we asked to change rooms. Eduardo at the front desk said that he could offer only one room  [... read more]at that point and that we could look at it. He also said that rooms would become available the next day. The new room was older but we took it. I believe we were the only guests in the block, probably because the rooms were very dated. During the week, we could see rooms being completely refurbished in other blocks. We ate at the International but we found that the service was a bit rushed and the place lacked the ambiance. The buffet offered the usual grilled foods and there was a lot of variety. The food was fine. We enjoyed eating outside on the evenings the tables were set up outside. The buffet restaurant is very warm and it’s too bad that there are no open windows. The beach grill was great and we enjoyed lunch there everyday. We also ate at the Lobster Shack next to the resort, directly on the beach. Price was CUC 25 each and a bottle of wine was CUC 10. Lobster was good and we enjoyed the meal. There are some one storey bungalows and these seem to be refurbished. We were able to see one and the room was very nicely done. Carlos is the general manager and he can be seen in all areas of the resort. He chats with guests, including us, at breakfast. We discussed our room issue and he was ready to take notes until he heard that Eduardo dealt with the problem. If we had a newer room, we would go back.

Melia Cayo Coco: Top notch

We had a great experience at the Melia cayo coco food was excellent staff us fantastic loved everything about it. the recovery from the hurricane has been impressive with how well everything runs and looks

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Great people

This is a nice resort, but the people really make a difference. We mainly ate at the buffet because reservations to specialty restaurants were difficult to get (the special restaurants were fantastic, btw, so do try). The buffet is great for breakfasts especially. We were well cared for by our server and she reserved a table for us, a group of eight, each day so we could all sit together. Attention to detail - she poured coffee and as you went to the buffet, covered it to keep it warm! The [... read more] entertainment crew were warm and friendly and had inventive games on the beach that were fun. The entertainment was really very good, a 9 piece band that sang and played really well, table to table in the lobby bar as well as the dance show at the theatre showed real talent. We even attended a foam party that made us laugh until our sides hurt. Rooms are clean, pools are nice, it feels very safe, and people here are the best. Bring lots of tip money.

Melia Jardines del Rey: Less than expected from Melia.

Previously visited Melia eight times (6x Punta Cana,2x Cayo Coco) so we know what to expect from Melia. Our recent trip to Melia Jardines del Rey was first two weeks in March. The resort is very nice in cuban way, meaning that there is better Melias in Dom.Rep. Also you can still see some damage from last hurricane. Other than that grounds are well maintained for the size of the resort. There is lack of bathrooms around pools and some restaurants and is long walk to get there in some location [... read more]s. If you like beach, is one of the most beautiful, even more than Punta Cana. Rooms are nice, we stayed at building 21 room 212 witch was first floor, had pool view, corner unit, so you have extra window in the room, and was close to pool, beach, restaurants and lobby, just the toilets take 3 to 4 times to flush. Food is like every resort in Cuba, don't expect much but you survive. The shows sucks, just some lobby musics is some days OK, but they are loud. Overall nice resort for Cuba and if you watch the price is not that bad. Also if you booking put in your request for building and floor they usually fulfil it.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Worst food ever

This resort states that it is five star on there website, tripcentral had it a four star. We say it is more a three star resort. The actual resort is still being fixed up and renovated. When you walk into the resort is is beautiful with a lovely breeze coming off the ocean. We were greeted the minute we arrived. Our room however was not ready at 12:00 pm when we got there. They told us that they will try to have the room ready by 2pm. We had been up since 1 am for an early flight with crabby kid [... read more]s. We decided to go find somewhere to eat lunch. We walked out of lobby and wen to snack shack by the pool. The waitress could not get the drink order right and had to return 3 times to get order. We ordered burgers and fries which took an hour to get, by the this time we ate at the buffet that was being put out. The food at the buffet was disgusting. Some food was unrecognizable. After lunch we decided to see if our room was ready to which it was not. So went to the kids pool where our kids could run off some much needed energy. The kids pool was clean but the water works on the playground was not working until day three. There really needs to be some shade at the kids pool area. When our room was finally ready we walked in and the beds were small. The pull out couch was not made up and there was no extra bedding for it. We went to the conceriage and they said someone would be there soon to provide bedding. 2 hours later no bedding. By this time it was 8:30 at night and we tired. I called what was thought to be the conceriage desk but was met with a rude man who told me to listen to him right now that there was no housekeeping on to get bedding. I quickly went to conceriage and the lady at the desk had someone up to our room in 15 minutes. The three pools were in good shape and beautiful. The entertainment staff were good but really loud when they were on by the pools. The beach was not far to get to which was great. We could not get towels all week but we brought our own. You could not get a chair by the poolside because people would put towels on the chairs and walk away for hours. There were not very much areas for shade which was much needed during hot periods of the sun. There were chairs by the beachside. The food at the main buffet was disgusting. Breakfast had sandwich meat, left over vegetables from night before, unrecognizable hash that looked like dog food. Three stations of cooked pumpkin. The stations for ordering fresh food was always busy and lined up in way of rest of buffet items. The smell of the buffet would turn our stomachs the minute we walked by. We tired all three al a Carte restaurants. The seafood one was delicious and lots of choices to choose from. The Indian one you did not a get a choice of the meal. It was just okay for taste. The Italian restaurant was okay, the pizza was naan bread with sauce, sausage and cheese. My kids did not like the sausage. The service in the Italian one was horrible, we had to keep asking for more wine or water, we felt ignored. The people there were friendly and would always say ola. But we felt they would help you if you tipped them. They were constantly asking for tips. My husband and I will not be back just because of the food. We could not stomach the food. And when my kids would not eat anything it became a problem.

Muthu Colonial Hotel: Just what we were looking for

We stayed at Iberostar Colonial for the first 2 weeks of March, 2019. The Colonial delivered exactly what we look for, cleanliness, beautiful beach great staff, and good food. There is still a bit of storm damage evident from the hurricane that nearly wiped Cayo Coco off the map, and some of the buildings havent been reopened yet, but the grounds were tidy, always someone working in the gardens or mowing the lawns. The cleaning ladies were always bustling about, keeping the main areas spotless,  [... read more]as was our room. Their new buffet set up was great, they have several cook stations where you can get just about anything you want, pasta, fried rice, fresh fish, fried bananas.....I can't say enough good things about the staff, the bartenders, front desk guys, wait staff, cleaners.....all went out of their way for us, and went a long way to making this the best vacation we have had in the Carribean, and we’ve been going to various islands for about 15 years.

Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar: Excellent value for money!

We thought the resort was a really beautiful property with access to clear water/beach area and pools. Despite most people warning us about food in Cuba not being so great, we thought there was a decent selection and the food was good. There was a good variety of activities for guests to enjoy whether it be tennis, pool table, kayaks or even group activities like water games or zumba. Rooms were clean and housekeeping staff very pleasant. Overall was a really relaxed atmosphere and excellent va [... read more]lue for money.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Fantastic Resort

After leaving the airport, we stopped at several resorts to drop guests off. Several resorts looked quite tired snd weathered. We were thrilled when we pulled into the Grand Muthu to find the building and grounds to be well maintained and esthetically pleasing. We were greeted with a cocktail and dancers immediately upon arrival. The view from the lobby out to the pools and ocean was stunning. Check-in was efficient and we were settled into our room within minutes. The room was clean and ad [... read more]orned with contemporary artwork. The bathroom was modern, clean and in great condition. The pools were beautiful, especially the infinity pool on the lower level. We found the pools to be a little chilly, although refreshing on the hotter days. This was a common complaint on review sites. The beach area was gorgeous. Not a little walk, but well worth it. One of the nicest beaches we have ever been to. Many reviewers complained about the seaweed. We did not find this to be a problem. The main buffet was chaotic. A common complaint. Poor layout and very disorganized. However, we learned very quickly to stagger our meals. By going towards the end of each meal sitting, we were able to take advantage of the grilling stations. Otherwise the wait time was not insignificant. The staff was amazing. Great people, very friendly and attentive. Overall, we enjoyed this resort and would definitely return. My kids are already asking about next year.

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: FUN Resort!!

Traveled with a group of 8 girls and had a fabulous time!! The hotel might be older but everything is nice and clean and the service was excellent. Beach and pool staff are friendly and fun. Food staff provide excellent service. Bar staff are friendly too. No grumpy staff, all happy and friendly!! Entertainment was also good, something almost always going on. Re the food, there are a few things we didn't like, but we could always find something tasty and always left very full - lol.  [... read more] Food and service at the specialty restaurants was also very good. Only complaint - regularly running out of toilet paper in the public washrooms.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Would not recommend this resort

This was my first time in Cuba, I have travelled to many other countries and not all were all inclusive. I went with an open mind given what I had heard about Cuba. First thing is our dollar....it cost us 1.34 Canadian for one Cuban paso which I thought was outrageous. Remember they have two paso’s one for tourists and one for the locals. The bartenders were great as long as you gave them a tip, I don’t mind tipping but I’m not about to tip every time I want a drink especially w [... read more]hen they only fill a small plastic cup three quarters. Pool pirates was the name I gave the guys around the pool. In the evenings they would remove at least half the chairs. When people showed up in the mornings looking for chairs these guys would ask how many chairs they needed. They would go get them from wherever they hide them they expected a tip for providing chairs. In all my travels I have never seen this behaviour before. Pool entertainment was good but they repeated the same activities everyday. Evening entertainment was OK.... Beach was great, sand was absolutely gorgeous and the water was very clear. Beach towels....you were given a towel when you checked in, most towels looked like they had seen better days. The hut where you were to go to exchange your towels was never opened if you asked someone if you could get clean towels they would direct you to the hut when you tried to explain that it’s never opened they simple said sorry can’t help you. Most people brought their own knowing this was an issue at this resort. I don’t expect a clean towel every day however every third day would have been nice, I ended up buying a beach towel for $20.00 paso which is a lot more then you would pay even in Canada. The toilets around the resort were horrendous they never seemed to have toilet paper and they stunk really bad. People once again said they have learned to bring their own toilet paper, I choose to go to go to my room. The route however took me past these three cubans that were handing out hand made grasshoppers and hats, gave a couple of paso’s the first couple of days but after that it got very annoying. On guy wanted to exchange three Canadian dollars for three paso’s I said I would give them two based on the exchange rate he gave me a nasty look and walked away. The food was decent however it was the same thing every day, the grills that grilled fresh fish, pork chops and beef were always lined up at times you could wait up to half hour. A la carts...our first one we went to was terrible we ended up going to the buffet afterwards. Second one just as bad and once again we went to the buffet. The rooms are old and could use some work we had dirty towels in our room on the first day, I complained and after that the room was cleaned. I left five paso’s and expensive candies everyday for the maid. They work from morning to late afternoon and the work is back breaking which is why I left the money. Most people tip bartenders and waiters but not the maids. I usually leave two to three paso’s for the servers at the buffet, as well I did tip the bartenders but not every drink. In all I think I spent about 160.00 Canadian over the week in tips and the purchase of the towel. My brother has been to Cuba thirteen times over the years, he thought this resort was a big disappointment. I was the one who recommended this resort based on the star rating and recommendation from trip central. You pay more based on the star rating and this resort in not a 4.5. I certainly will not go back to this resort but may look at other area’s within Cuba to visit if their paso improves.

Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Enjoyable vacation

The beach, the water, and the staff were wonderful. They need to put some more money in the lodging rooms. Too many things that are not working. We reserved a wooden bungalow which was cute but the safe did not work, the bureau drawer were broken and the refrigerator was not working. Fortunately, we could change our room which was better. This could be a 4 star with a little more investment. The landscaping and flowers were beautiful. Not enough choice for the food. Need more vegetables and [... read more] salads( lettuce) With a little more Financial investment this could be an amazing hotel. Not sure we would come back.

Melia Jardines del Rey: Would not recommend

my wife and i were at this resort in early March. We booked 2 weeks and ended up asking to be moved to a different resort after the first week. We have been to Cuba many times and have a good idea of what to expect. This was our experience from start to finish: Check-in: we arrived at the hotel around noon, every one was herded into a room where we handed in our passports and were assigned a room. However only a small portion of the people there were assigned a room. The rest had to wait. It wa [... read more]s like a lottery. We waited till 3pm to get a room. Not unusual for an early arrival, but a strange system to make guests feel welcome. Room: nice clean large room. comfy king size bed. Lots of hot water in the shower. TV worked. One 1 litre bottle of water 2 beers in the fridge. Cleaning/Maid: not great. pretty sure the floor wasn't washed all week as the same stains were on the floor all week. one day we had the" do not disturb sign" up and did not have our room cleaned. at 4 pm I noticed that we had no water and very little toilet paper. i found the maid and asked for both of these items. Twice she told me there was nothing she could do. i tried calling the front desk but both phones in the room did not work. Customer Service: after getting no where with the maid i went to customer service to ask for water and toilet paper. i saw them write the info down. At 7pm we were out of toilet paper so i returned to customer service, when i stepped out of my room i stepped into ankle deep water. water was leaking from somewhere into the hall and creating a huge pool. I reported the leak and once again they wrote it down and assured me someone would be by soon. At 10.30 pm i returned again to find out what is going on. they assured me that they knew about the leak and that i would have water and toilet paper soon. at 10.45 a bottle of water showed up. at 11 pm a lady showed up with towels. i gave her my empty roll of toilet paper and she took off once again. by 11.15 we had toilet paper. no one came to clean up the puddle in the hall. it wasnt cleaned up till the maids came in at 9am the next day. this leak happened twice and both times it was ignored until the maids came in the next day. Restaurants: Buffet was very poor. none of the food is labeled. it was hard to identify the dishes. always running out of plates, butter and bread. when you would speak to staff and ask about any thing they all claimed that they did not know. instead of saying 'let me find out' it is 'i dont know'. when they did have bread it was dry and poor quality. overall the food was very poor quality. the a la cartes are hit and miss. we had a good experience at the Bistro but poor experiences at the Ranchon and the Tex Mex. rude staff and poor service. Snack bars: always out of pizza or chicken or what ever. not sure why they have a menu as half of what they have on it is not available at any given time. Bars: every day the bars were running out of beer by 1 pm. this is not an exaggeration. out of all the bars it was hit and miss. when we had rum drinks they were watered down awful. my wife is not a drinker, at all, she drank 5 mohitos over a 3 hour period and had no effects. normally one and a half drinks would make her loopy. Staff: many were ok and even good. unfortunately too many of them are rude and very unhelpful. Towels: we got 2 towels on arrival. inspite of going to the towel hut multiple times every day to exchange them we could not get new towels. the staff had no idea how to deal with this issue. i blame this on the hotel management. towels came in once a day at random times so you never knew when to go. when they did get towels they were handed out in less then 45 minutes. apparently we were lucky to get towels at all as many people we spoke to never got towels. when i was at customer service i actually heard a manager tell a guest that they should just use there room towels at the beach! Water: you get one 1 litre bottle per room per day. we tried exchanging our empty bottle at bars and restaurants and were told no. the bars had no way of filling your bottle and there are no water stations any where. if you wanted more water you had to buy it from the store. Beach: 5 star beach. not enough palapas but plenty of chairs. Pool: nice pool. plenty of algae on the tiles but clean and cool water. Resort Bathrooms: the ladies bathrooms were awful. either no toilet paper or no door or no toilet seat or any combination of the 3. always dirty. broken taps and broken soap dispensers. As I said we are very familiar with Cuba and have low expectations, we know what to expect and not to expect, but this was awful .The frustrating part is that so much of what we experienced could have been avoided with good customer service techniques. we just felt like the Hotel Management did not care and that this allowed their staff not to care. No one wanted to take responsibility. 6 days in we went to Yanine the Airtransat rep at the hotel and asked to be moved. Turns out we were supposed to see a Hola Sun rep but she helped us anyways! Thank you Yanine! She spoke to the Manager and they managed to get us switched to the Memories Flamenco a few resorts further up the beach. we were treated like royalty compared to our experience at the Melia. Our week at the Flamenco was awesome.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Great resort

Great resort, nice grounds well kept, staff speak French and English as well as Spanish. Nice rooms. Good service although a little slow at the buffet. Beach is very good. Had a great time on the excursions: catamaran and dolphins!! I would definitely go again!

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Great resort

The resort is nicely set up it was a soft opening. the workers make the place the are friendly always the to help we have been to several other countries this was one of our favorite trips. The food is ok but like other people have stated your not going to starve. We will definitely be going back

Sol Cayo Coco: Fantastic Resort

Stayed March 5th. to 12th. 2019 This resort should definitely be upgraded to a four star. The place was spotlessly clean, the grounds were immaculate, Food was good and varied, but the staff takes the cake. They were attentive, polite and eager to please, and seemed even reluctant to take tips. Particular kudos to Kenia, Yandry, Yasmany, Riley and Michael the singing egg man in the Buffet.

Melia Costa Rey: Great resort!

We stayed at Pullman Cayo Coco from Mar 3 to Mar 12, 2019. The hotel is great, almost new, the standard room is spacious, everything is clean, the staff is super friendly and helpful, the food was pretty good, especially Japanese a la carte restaurant, Cuban restaurant and fish grill section at buffet main restaurant. All vegies and fruits were fresh. Animation team does amazing job, every night there is a new show, lots of good singers/ musical groups. The beach was 1 min walk from our garden  [... read more]view room, the beach is amazing, a bit a weeds but it's ok. There were people with kids, pool looked good. There are even Spanish classes every day! I would definitely go back to Pullman Cayo Coco!

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Amazing time!!

It was a beautiful trip all around. The hotels were nicely cleaned everyday. The ac worked perfectly. Very cozy rooms, big balconies. The food was way better then I expected. The staff were so friendly and awesome, Especially the entertainment staff. Pools were beautiful and the beach was the best!! The sand and the water was to die for .. For my first ever trip to Cuba I enjoyed it so so much. Was very sad to leave .. will hopefully return in the future ! A big Thank u to Daniele for recomme [... read more]nding this resort along with others.

Melia Jardines del Rey: Malia hardiness de Rey

The rooms service was amazing, the grounds very clean and well maintained, but the food was so bad. They need improve on the food. Same meals for lunch and dinner. Chicken and fish not well cooked. People are great, good service from front desk.

Melia Costa Rey: Pullman Cayo Coco

I hadn’t been to Cuba for 8 years and thought I would give it another try .I have to say The Pullman has won my heart .Small resort ,super friendly staff and food was great .I would go back in a heartbeat Always a spot at the beach without getting up at 6am to put towels down.No shortage of food choices (lots of fruit and veg) Beach was lovely

Gran Muthu Imperial: Lovely and (too) new resort

Being a new resort the building/rooms are fresh and in great condition. Grounds need a few years to be referred to as lush. Everything was almost new condition. Staff were very friendly and most were learning and many trying hard to please. Management was in general very solemn and underwhelming. Beach was a disappointment. Too far away and needed work. Pools were lovely. Lots of comfortable loungers as well as umbrellas and palapas. Food was iffy and wine was just ok. Beds were comfy an [... read more]d had body pillows. Aircon worked well. We were fortunate to miss the bug bites. Not so with others.