Memories Cayo Largo: Nightmare resort

Hi Nicolle, Sorry to complain about but several disappointments. Sunday night on arrival one hour late was no food available for us. None. Yesterday we have to ask for help to open the balcony door because was stacked. Also we had no water at all in the afternoon until 6 PM. Same water problem today. After 2 days of complaining about the TV functionally (remote) only today was fixed. No towels in the room today until we called for it. I will contact the Hola Sun and the management tomorrow. [... read more] Any suggestion? Regards, Peter. Hi Nicolle, Just had a meeting with Hola Sun rep and explained all what was described in the e-mail to you. She contacted the hotel management and she came back at the desk with her. The hotel want to 'compensate' me by letting us stay in the room in the departure day until 5 PM instead 12:00. The Hola Sun rep she suggested to complain to you for compensation. By the way it is the third day without water. Is 6:08 PM and is no water available. Please consider actions to satisfy your unhappy customers like us. Hope in a favorable solution. Best Regards, Peter. Hi Nicolle, Sorry to complain about but several disappointments. Sunday night on arrival one hour late was no food available for us. None. Yesterday we have to ask for help to open the balcony door because was stacked. Also we had no water at all in the afternoon until 6 PM. Same water problem today. After 2 days of complaining about the TV functionally (remote) only today was fixed. No towels in the room today until we called for it. I will contact the Hola Sun and the management tomorrow. Any suggestion? Regards, Peter. Hi Nicole, Sorry, nothing changed. Just 'promises' This is the fourth day that is no water available PM. Is 5:40 and is no water. Hola Sun girl is trying again to talk with the hotel, Said that is a general problem and can't be solved. Hope after 6PM. Also no coffee available ath the lunch restaurant. Hope you have a solution for this problem. Wish I knew about that and I will travel somwhere else. Tripcentral said nothing about. Regards, Peter. To customerservice@tripcentral.ca Today at 3:53 PM Dear Sir, Madam, Please find here a chain of e-mails between I and Nicolle about the problems encountered at the Sol Cayo Largo this month , March12-19,2017. In the last 2 days we avoided to go in the room before 6PM because lack of water.The Hola Sun girl told me that they deliberately switch the water supply between hotels. ‎For instance this week Sol Pelicano has permanent water. I had wish to know that then I would book to the Pelicano. I Feel like somebody taken advantage of me. Should I write about in Trip Advisor or CBC. I booked vacation with Tripcentral in tha past and the last one in January,2017 we had to cancel it because my wife father died. I hope in a favorable solution for us. Sincerely. Peter Simedrea

Memories Cayo Largo: Beautiful resort

First impression very good, lovely reception area and grounds, spacious rooms, and beautiful gardens. Beaches are so white and fine, probably the nicest we've ever seen but the ocean waves were rough which was fun but a couple of red flag days made swimming difficult. We prefer the ocean but due to high winds could not enjoy it every day. The pools were beautiful too. The food was good but sometimes variety limited probably due to a small island and not getting regular delivery of product.  [... read more] Overall a nice place to visit. Although most staff were very nice and helpful, we found some were a little unhappy and disgruntled. We heard they work 20 to 30 long days straight which would make anyone moody. Best part is proximity to the airport - 5 minutes!

Memories Cayo Largo: Great Beaches!!

If you are looking for great beaches where you can walk for miles, this is the place for you!! Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. Hotel and rooms a bit dated but kept very clean. Had a standard room on the second floor. Room was spacious and clean. King size bed was comfortable, vaulted ceilings made the room seem bigger than it was. Food was okay in the buffet, could always find something to eat. Staff were very good and friendly, always had a smile and greeted you warmly. Treat them [... read more] with respect and they return the sentiment.Only issue we had was with a 6 hour delay on the way home, not sure would use Cubana airlines again.

Starfish Cayo Largo: Liked it very much

Simply great resort, family friendly, clean. Simple but delicious foods. The beach was excellent, although we would prefer that the red flag wasn't seen that frequently. Personnel was very welcoming and cooperative. We were not looking for 5-star luxury, and our expectations were matched perfectly. Comparing to the neighboring Sol, it's less fancy (less vegetation, unpretentious pool, older looking buildings) but more lively (the band that was playing and dancing every night was worth that alone [... read more]). And it's also less crowded, which is a big advantage from our perspective!

Memories Cayo Largo: Had a lovely time

This resort has beautiful grounds, a great pool, nice bars, the staff are wonderful. Best beach ever: wonderful turquoise water and white sand! Nearby Sirena and Paraiso beaches are fantastic "virgin" beaches to visit. The suites are not luxury, but everything is clean and there is hot water and good water pressure. The food is plentiful and varied - though not gourmet, but one doesn't go to Cuba for gourmet food! Would highly recommend lunches at the beach restaurant, overlooking the ocean.  [... read more] There was lively entertainment nightly provided by an enthusiastic troupe of talented dancers - plus one gets serenaded by a wonderful Cuban band of equally talented young musicians playing a variety of Cuban standards, both new and old. Great time all around!

Memories Cayo Largo: Sol Cayo Largo- Wonderful Vacation destination

The rooms and public areas were all clean and well maintained The pool looks to have been recently refurbished The staff were all exceptionally friendly and polite Of course the beach was spectacular and you could walk for miles on white sand looking at the aqua green water I was onderful

Memories Cayo Largo: Repeat Customer

This was my second time at Sol Cayo Largo Cuba. Friendly and inviting staff. Amazing beach. I recommend a beach front massage with Luis. Great deep massage therapist. Say hi for me. (Cristina in Canada :) Fresh food. Rooms are good. I'll definitely be going back

Grand Memories Cayo Largo: Great getaway

Very nice resort. Gardens very well kept. Rooms were average. Great water pressure in showers good air conditioning. Beautiful views. The food was better than expected. Bars were fast and attentive. Very nice beaches. Great transfers throughout the island.

Memories Cayo Largo: GEM of a trip!

Having been in Cuba numerous times, our expectations continued positive. Our choice, Cayo Largo, proved superb as this is an island that holds natural beauty: dunes, pristine white powder sand, azur ocean on the south west side of Cuba. This island has no inhabitants--- hotel service personell live in a specifically built village where they reside during their work term. Sol Cayo Largo Hotel is one of the earliest hotels built where we enjoyed large, spotless clean room on the upper [... read more] floor in one of 38 2-3 story buildings on coral dunes. Facing the ocean, sunrises were spectacular. The staff are very helpful, caring and most friendly...one is never pressured anywhere, yet everything is available within. Food is ample, varied and wholesome even though everything is brought in from the mainland. Grounds are very well maintained with crystal-clear salt water pools and beyond the dunes lies a long white powdered beach where ne can walk for hours or swim at leisure. It is the pride staff has in giving their best to guests was evident---and THAT makes a great holiday! One can take part in many activities provided on location or the island without the tumult of tourists---it is easy going, based on one's choice in time and place! Sol Cayo Largo Hotel is a place to relax, re-energize and respond to nature's beauty in a setting one will remember as AWESOME!

Memories Cayo Largo: Best hotel on the island

Sol Cayo Largo is a quiet hotel. Best beach since the storms washed many other beaches away. Grounds are kept up and has a wonderful tropical feel. Huge pool with plenty of chairs and locations to choose. Love the beach. Food is limited and repetitive. One can always make a meal out of what is offered. The week I was there most guests were in bed by 11 but a number of true Canadians would make use of the 24 hr bar. Lovely staff.

Villa Natura: A Real Gem!

This resort was everything and more than we expected! Our rooms, even though they were ground floor, had exceptional views of the ocean. The pool sparkled invitingly, the pool bar never disappointed. The food quality and selection was excellent in the buffet, snack bar and a la carte. And last but not least, the staff went out of their way to make sure our stay was as trouble free as possible.

Memories Cayo Largo: fire in my room!

Durant mon séjour, il y a eu un feu dans la boîte électrique de ma chambre d’hôtel. L’incident s’est déroulé vers 7h, alors que j’étais encore endormie. Il n’y a eu aucune alarme d’incendie qui a été déclenchée. Ce sont les voisins des chambres d’en face qui ont vu les flammes et qui ont alerté les voisins de ma chambre. Un vacancier a éteint les flammes à l’aide d’un extincteur. J’ai été réveillée par la fumée, l’odeur de brûlé et le bruit des vacancie [... read more]rs. Par conséquent, je suis restée plusieurs minutes dans ma chambre remplie de fumé noire. Lorsque je me suis réveillée, la fumée était très dense et je pouvais à peine voir où j’allais. J’ai eu de la difficulté à sortir de ma chambre. J’ai eu très peur pour ma vie. Lorsque, je suis sortie, j’ai éprouvé des difficultés respiratoires, ainsi qu’une sensation de brûlure dans ma gorge. Mes narines étaient complètement noircies par la fumée que j’ai respirée. Je suis de retour à Montréal et j’éprouve encore des symptômes respiratoires pour lesquels je suis sous investigations médicales. L’absence d’alarme d’incendie aurait pu me coûter la vie, si les voisins n’avaient pas réagit. En raison de mes difficultés respiratoires, je n’ai pas pu faire de plongée sous-marine alors que cela était le but de mon voyage. La réponse du manager de l’hôtel a été plus qu’insatisfaisante; suggérant au début la possibilité que je ne puisse même pas changer de chambre. Après plusieurs plaintes de ma part, j’ai obtenu un changement de chambre (qui n’avait plus d’eau et d’électricité), j’ai dû insister pour consulter le médecin de l’hôtel. J’ai perdu pratiquement une journée de vacance à négocier avec l’hôtel, à consulter un médecin et à changer de chambre. En guise de compensation, on m’a offert un «late check out», ainsi qu’un massage de 30 minutes. Compensation que je trouve nettement insuffisante, compte tenu que ma vie a été mise en danger et de tous les inconvénients qui ont suivis.

Grand Memories Cayo Largo: Very nice resort

Dining rooms were very elegantly designed and serviced, with excellent food.Nice entertainment, some not family oriented, beach was nice, watch out for nudists though, we were surprised as no notice given about that. Service and staff were very friendly, all in all a relaxing experience.

Memories Cayo Largo: Wonderful Holiday!

Returned a couple of days ago from the Sol Cayo Largo after a fabulous week's holiday! I am missing the sun, sand and surf already!! We chose the Sol based on the many great reviews it received and took into account that there were some not so great reviews as well - all with a grain of salt. We couldn't have chosen a lovelier resort for our time away. The Sol Cayo Largo is not huge so there is not a lot of walking great distances to get to anything. The grounds are beautiful and kept up so t [... read more]hat they remain natural and tidy at the same time. The resort itself is the nicest I have been to in Cuba. It is clean and has charm - a great combination. Cayo Largo has its own airport so you are five minutes away from your hotel after you get on the bus. Check-In was great - efficient and quick and then off to your room. The rooms are large, I was really surprised how large! We had rooms in building 18 right by the walkway down to the beach. We couldn't have picked a better spot - lovely and peaceful and the sunrise each morning was glorious from the balcony. Hearing the surf all the time was an added bonus. The rooms are kept very clean and they may be a bit outdated for some but I really couldn't find anything to complain about. Nothing fancy but the beds were comfy and the shower worked all the time. The TV worked but I only had it on to check the weather, which was perfect every day! The food in the buffet restaurant was really good - there was something for everyone so you won't starve if you go there. The pasta station was always very popular but the main buffet had some nice choices. There was fresh fruit and veggies all week so we were very happy. The snack bar (outdoor restaurant by the pool) was terrific and you could get a burger or a pizza or pasta. The beer was cold and the service was great so again, no complaints. We didn't try the a la carte restaurants as we were happy with the choices at the buffet. Service in general was really wonderful - these people work very hard and always have a smile to share with you. Customer service is never an easy job but everyone was more than happy to help out and get you what you wanted. Beach - simply perfect! The nicest beach on that stretch by far. There were always plenty of lounge chairs and you had lots of choice for sun or shade. The water was a bit rough but we managed to get in and play around in the surf regardless.There are people who go topless - if you don't like it, don't look! Pool - we were in it once for about an hour and it was nice. We are more beach people but those around the pool were having a good time and there were no shortage of chairs there. Other beaches - the two other beaches on the other side of the island (under 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus) are spectacular and the water is very calm. We spent three days at Playa Sirenis and it was just heavenly. Again, lots of room so you weren't feeling over-crowded. So, the taxi is 2 CUC each way per person and the lounge chairs are 2 CUC for the day. Drinks are cheap and there is a restaurant there as well. The Sol will make you a lunch to take with you if you tell the front desk the day before you go. Pretty basic lunch - meat on a bun and some rolls and a pop. Exchange rate - the exchange rate at the hotel isn't great but if you fly in after the airport exchange closes you are stuck - no banks on the island. Not a huge deal but a bit annoying. We didn't watch the shows in the evening so I can't comment but we saw some rehearsals and it all looked good to me. Other We took bug spray but didn't need it at all. Still, a good idea to take it with you Wifi is about $2 for an hour's worth and you need to be in the lobby to use it - I didn't get my full hour (or even close to it but no big deal) So, if you are looking for peace and quiet, sun, sand, surf and friendly people - this is the place for you! We're already planning our return trip!

Villa Natura: Villa Iguana Cayo Largo

I was at the Villa Iguana from Feb 2-9 2017, and overall I would rate this hotel a 7 out of 10. I travel to Cuba a few times a year and have been to many different locations; this resort is no better or worse than any other in Cuba, but it is quite small compared to others (which is actually why I chose it this trip). Some pros: staff are excellent, very professional and friendly; beautiful pool which is kept immaculate; gorgeous room, the best I've had in all of Cuba (FYI, rooms 2022-2044 are c [... read more]losest to the beach, with the most beautiful view in the whole resort; they are also central to the pool, buffet and reception areas); resort generally is very quiet, older clientele, no loud music at the pool, and for that reason is very relaxing. Some cons: the resort is on a sisterne, and they ran out of water twice during our week there (not a big deal to me, but may be for some people; it was resolved quickly both times plus there is always hot water, which is a bonus); the bar ran out of beer one day, which I have never known a resort to run out of anything that is included in an all-inclusive package; beds are uncomfortable, but I find this pretty typical all over Cuba. A word about the food; I don't mind the food anywhere in Cuba generally, and here I found it overall to be quite good. The Chef and staff work very hard to please guests and made several delicious dishes. However, the variety was lacking compared to other Cuban resorts I've been to (could just be how remote Cayo Largo is), and I found myself growing tired of eating the same foods every day. It was tasty, just routine. A word about the beach: in case you didn't read any other reviews, be prepared that the entire beach at Villa Iguana is nude, as in you can't get away from it so be careful taking pictures! That is not my taste, and although I knew this before I booked, I didn't think it would be the entire beach, and it did get to be a bit much by the end of the week. As the beach at the Playa Blanca has completely disappeared now, people come from Playa Blanca to the Iguana beach and take palapas, so if you get to the beach too late they will already be gone. Instead, we spent 35 pesos twice during the week to rent an ATV for the day at the store up the street (very highly recommended, just start lining up by 8:15 in order to get one!) and went to Playa Paradiso and Playa Sirena, which is absolutely not to be missed; just kinda sad that we didn't really get to enjoy the hotel beach. It was also extremely rough water and had red flags up every day, which at Paradiso and Sirena there were green flags every day and beautiful turquoise, calm waters. You can also go into the town there and shop for cigars at the Habanos and trinkets at the gift store, see the turtles at the turtle sanctuary and visit the Marina for very cheap beer, mojitos and great pizza! So hopefully I have listed a few things to consider before booking here, but as I said, overall I recommend the resort and would likely go back myself, mainly to see the lovely people again. Happy travels!

Grand Memories Cayo Largo: Love, love, love it! It was my 3rd visit and I'll go back

I stayed at the Villa Marinera for the 3rd time. At the Marina you have a lounge, pool table, ping pong table, a small pool and the included restaurant. A very short walk there is a shop, a bank, scuba & fishing centre, cigar & liquour store, a Tavern and another small bar. It's about a 15 minute bus ride to the Playa Blanca (8 kms) where you have access to all the amenities as part of your all-inclusive. The cabins at the Villa are rustic, it's kinda like going to the cottage, Cuba style.  [... read more]It's quaint but the bed is comfy and the sheets are clean. However, like camping if the someone in the adjoining cabin snores, you'll hear it (bring ear plugs). We met people from Germany, Austria, France and Belgium... there was even a filming crew there from Finland doing a show on fishing for Discovery (Cayo Largo is known worldwide as one of the best catch & release fishing locations). We enjoyed wonderful discussions over wine. The food at the Playa is more diversified than at the Villa, in all it's sustainable and... I don't have to cook :-) Main thing is, I'm health conscious and don't have to worry about not fitting into my jeans at the end of a stay in Cuba. I've gone to Cuba several times and stayed in other areas, some with a higher star rating, food is basically the same. But the beaches of Cayo Largo cannot be beat in Cuba. We rented a scooter for a few days to get around the island, we even used it to get us to the areas of the beach where there are coral reefs to do snorkeling and swam with thousands of fish. The staff are all friendly, helpful and very patient. TV is kinda spotty at the Villa but I heard it was great at the Playa. Personally, I'm in Cuba, there's beach, snorkeling, sand, sun, rum and food I don't have to cook. I'm there to enjoy being a seenager, the last thing I need is to know how much snow is falling back home or what's going on in politics!

Grand Memories Cayo Largo: Not the resort for everybody but it was great for us.

We stayed at the sister resort Villa Marinera and took advantage of the Blanca's facilities. Some of the guests at the Villa didn't like it and transferred to the Blanca but we loved it. The one big issue is shuttle service, the bus schedules aren't helpful. We got around that by renting a scooter for a few days. The food at both resorts isn't great and the options at the Blanca were even fewer than on previous visits but you don't go to Cuba for the food. Staff at both resorts were very helpful [... read more] but we did notice more people asking for tips than before. The cabins at the Villa don't have much of any sound insulation so you need to worry about neighbors or when there's entertainment. There's a street disco that could keep you up at night. The beaches of Cayo Largo are spectacular, even though a hurricane stripped away much of the beach by the Blanca that we enjoyed last year. We plan to go back for a fourth visit next year.

Starfish Cayo Largo: Amazing resort

My husband and i enjoyed the stay At the Sol Pelicano resort,, Beautiful resort, Loving people. Awesome food, Place is well kept,We stayed for one week, we went to the Serena beach. Most beautiful beach. Can't wait to go back.

Memories Cayo Largo: Beautiful grounds and beaches

The people were very friendly and helpful as needed. The food was satisfactory. The rooms were in desperate need of updating and refurbishing, although clean. It was terrific to be only a 10 minute ride to/from the airport.

Starfish Cayo Largo: Love this resort!

This is our 3rd visit to Cayo Largo and this was the best resort of the two. We have visited many provinces of Cuba and by far this resort offers the best beach, beautiful white sand to squish your toes in. The resort offers umbrellas for the guests to use at no charge for the beach or to take to the Serina beach on the bus/boat trip. My advice to you if you want to visit Serina beach, just take a cab, you will get there so much faster for a mere 2 pesos per person. The resort grounds are l [... read more]ovely, lots of little hidden treasures for those that love to take pictures. The food was excellent, so much to choose from, from salads, breads, soups, meat (all meat groups) rice, potatoes, pastas, which I might add their version of mac and cheese at the Rachon restaurant was amazing!! We had blue sky and sunshine the entire week, temps ranged from 24 to 27 C. We highly recommend this resort to all. There is a great kids club too, we don't have small children but they do offer a great pool and park area for the little ones.