Grand Memories Varadero: Family Christmas vacation

We knew that we would have some issues with something there so we were prepared. Power outage once for only 4 hours, internet was spotty, air conditioning broke the second last day so they switched our room. Other than those issues the trip was great. The weather was perfect, the ocean was beautiful, pool was great and even the food was decent. All in all a great affordable family vacation

Grand Memories Holguin: Grand Memories Resort

Generally, I do not review resorts. I have been to Cuba over a dozen times throughout the years. We travelled to this resort the week leading up to Christmas. We got a good rate and I can honestly say it was one of the best value trips I have ever had. The grounds were well kept and all the staff incredibly friendly. They constantly were cleaning the hotel. Additionally, lobby bar staff continually asked customers for orders while sitting in the lobby area. This was greatly appreciated. T [... read more]he food was good by Cuban standards and they had the odd shortages of items from time to time but nothing significant. All in all, it was a fantastic experience. Some of the cons were the two hour bus trip to the resort.(if they are expanding in the Antilla Rodan peninsula, they might want to consider building a new airport nearby). The resort should improve their communication strategy. Hand out a map upon check in so people know where to go. Set up a board in the lobby to indicate events going on throughout the week. The Sunwing nexus posting in the lobby did not indicate departure times for various flights going out. This small detail would be an easy fix.

Grand Memories Varadero: Three star

A good 3 star resort value. The food was good the first two days, but it was the same menu for 14 days. Staff was good. Pools and bars were good. Some guests/cultures are not familiar with buffet conduct... and parenting isn't what it used to be. A good value for a 7 day experience... maybe not 14 days of the same menu.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Very Good Vacation

This was a great vacation going to Cuba is always a question but this resort exceeded our expectations the grounds, staff and food were well above our expectations……………,…………………………..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Would not recommend for families

I'll begin by saying the beach was fabulous. Needs to be cleaned of sharp objects but water was great. Staff was rude even after tipping $5+ each time. No water, two days in a row intermittently which is not fun when you're with children. Rooms have black mold and their solution for this health hazard were to paint over it after many complaints. Food is GOD AWFUL and surprisingly (not really surprised) "improved" on travel day back home. Spoke with several other and they had the same issues.  [... read more] *Avoid at all costs*

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Wish the management worked harder

We have been to this resort in the past and had a great experience however, this time it was really bad. We had no water for a few days and most importantly the rooms were not clean at all. There was black mold everywhere and once we addressed it, they just painted over it. I have been travelling to Cuba for 15 years and the staff at every hotel were always lovely but this time the staff were careless and if the didn’t get paid a tip, weather it was a restaurant server or at the bar or cleanin [... read more]g ladies they would not serve us. It’s sad to see such a lovely resort be in this shape. Almost every person in the hotel was complaining. Hope this feedback is helpful to improve the hotel services.

Memories Jibacoa: Good for us!!

A bit tired yup, pretty quiet yup, secluded in nature yup, these things don’t bother us and we actually enjoy them . If your looking for a nice clean small resort surrounded by mountains with pretty good food then you will like this place. A big perk for us is the great snorkelling and decent beach walks. The staff is great, layout is great, sunwing was the only weak link in our Holliday.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Do not go to Sanctuary Grand Memories Bad experience

When we arrived at Varadero airport Dec 2nd, and got on our bus going to the hotel, we had lined up at Grand Memories reception for 30 mins or more, the front desk guy told us we were at the wrong reception and the Sanctuary reception is actually 5 min walk , the tour guide on the bus did not tell us that Sanctuary is another reception area ? we were a party of 8 and some were new to Cuba, whereas we came to Cuba 16 times. There was no hot water for our showers , so I complained to our reception [... read more], butler , anyone that will listen! They insisted it will be looked at and fixed ! 4 days later , still the same , hot water only in the afternoon, as they claimed it’s on solar heating !
My friends were denied the next morning at buffet to put 2 tables of 4 together, male server said it had to be separate? Gave my friends altitude ! Are you kidding? 
Wednesday Dec 3rd- Power outage affected the whole island, pre- hired a taxi driver and went to Havana that day and able to have lobster at a restaurant the taxi driver recommended , great service ! Went to the Italian a la carte restaurant at Grand Memories , my husband ordered Hawaiian tasted “doughy” and white (raw) , appetizers were “meh” nothing to rave about, spaghetti tasted like it was from a jar, and we finished off at the buffet again ! The service was mediocre! 
Thursday Dec 4th- was told there was a lobster dinner at the Marina, wait for the bus in lobby and will pick up at 6pm, 4 buses and everyone scrambling to get on, chaos! Got there at 7pm , only sliced pork and appetizers were served, several hundred people from different hotels , live band, terrible loud music, not enough table and chairs , took taxi back to hotel, all 8 of us ! Ate at buffet again ! 
Friday Dec 5th- do not go to Gourmet restaurant, we were seated 8 of us in a round table, ignored for 15 mins, finally, water was poured , asked for red and white wine, was told NO white wine, then the buns were placed on our butter plate, my husband asked where’s the butter? NO butter, with attitude ! My husband went to buffet and got butter for our buns! He also saw the server grabbed 3 buns from the bun basket with her bare hands, unsanitary ! No food safe! Didn’t refill red wine till we flagged servers down, was told I ordered fish soup , but I told her I ordered 1 fish soup and 1 chicken soup, she argued “no, you didn’t “ !! She forgot to give me a soup spoon, so I borrowed my husbands after he finished ! We all WALKED OUT ! Went to buffet , finally got real good service! 

Housekeeping forgot to clean my bathroom, but cleaned my room , took my gifts and tips I left ! Never any clean beach towels at towel huts , always CLOSED?! Internet is spotty and sucks ! 

Shutout to Anet (lounge bar at Sanctuary) Cappucino lady at snack bar , Daniela (reservation for a la carte) 
They were great ! Adrian was my butler, he was ok still needs to be trained better

Grand Memories Holguin: Great Resort

Generally clean and well kept. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was exactly as you would normally expect in Cuba aside from a slightly reduced variety due to supply shortages. There are ample choices when you're looking for a spot by one of the many pools, or on the beach.

Memories Jibacoa: A place to relax!

Helpful and friendly staff. Rooms are clean and spacious. Grounds are well manicured. Perfect weather. Lots of activities to choose from: snorkeling, swimming, volleyball, chess, walking tours, hiking trails and much more...

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Just OK

You still get value for what you paid for, but recent general Cuban issues are definitely visible. Based on previous reviews I expected it to be a bit better. Fortunately weather cooperated, so it made all other issues less important. Food was fine like for Cuban standards. Saw it much better, but it was before covid era. Shower in our room worked, but water pressure was so weak (during all stay) that it was really challenging to take a shower, regardless of the time, morning, afternoon and/or e [... read more]vening. Lack of toilet paper in public washrooms, so be prepared to carry some with you in case you need it. Mosquitos also want to eat you up, especially after 5:00 PM or early in the morning. Repellent is a must to have. It definitely saved us. Rooms clean and spacy, however "open concept" of bathroom-shower-sink area was in my opinion a bit too much of extravagance. No privacy whatsoever. Evening shows so, so. Now a few good things for a change. Very nice beach and obviously gorgeous ocean. No issues with finding shade under palapas. Tons of them available any time of the day. During low tide you can walk hours alongside the ocean as far as adjacent hotels. Very, very nice walk if you like walking of course :-). Hotel's grounds very nice looking and kept clean by Cuban folks working hard every day. Pool and area around it also nice and clean. Seems like pool itself has been renewed recently as it looks really, really appealing. Best Spanish coffee definitely in the lobby bar. As always, very friendly Cuban people make you feel being welcomed and try their best to serve your needs. All and all, we had a very good time in this hotel.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Feel like family

This was my third time staying with Sanctuary and it’s so warm and welcoming. Cuba has food shortages so don’t go for the food but we always found something to like. But the staff are the best. They become friends! They are always smiling and will do anything for you! This is the kind of place you just keep going back. Yamaysis took us under her wings and checked in with us and made sure that everything was great! I am thankful for everyone that made our trip so special until we meet again….

Grand Memories Varadero: The Weekend Invasion

Just got back from here last night. Honestly, very mixed feelings.A long review for people considering coming here, make your own choice if this is the resort for you! Would we return? To Cuba? YES, 100%. To this resort, no. (Been to Cuba 8 or 9 times, well aware of the issues the country and its people face. We're not picky people and can go with the flow on almost anything) Yes, 99% of the the staff and beach are amazing and the pool is pretty good except when it's filled with garbage [... read more] from guests. Grounds are beautiful until the guests litter them with garbage and cigarette butts (despite their being ashtrays about every 10 feet). The staff should be commended for all of their hard work attempting to keep up with the pace of destruction from the guests. This was only an issue on the weekend Beach: Beautiful. Clean in the morning and during the week. Water entry is gradual and mostly sandy, but there are a few bigger rocks. The sand is HOT during the afternoon so if you've got tender tootsies, bring beach shoes. The pathway to the beach gets SUPER hot so don't let your kids go on it barefoot. The vendors along the water are persistent but okay with a "no thank you". The "beach security" at this resort doesn't really move them along and without any exaggeration at all... The braid lady and the crochet lady stood in one spot for at least an hour on Friday right in front of the never updated "beach flag". The chants of "Hey lady you want braids" and "Crochet Crochet" are now etched in my brain. Sure, do your thing and earn some money... but an hour at a time with no bites is a bit much. Rooms: We upgraded to "Superior Rooms" (started in building 22, moved to 20 to be closer to our kids that they foolishly placed two buildings away... more to come on that). Definitely dated, and yes, there are open vents in the patio door frames that let mosquitos and midges into your room. Our patio door didn't close all the way anyways and it didn't lock so it really made no difference. Just slept with bug spray on... shouldn't have to, but we did. Mattresses were like rocks, not enough bathroom towels (1 for 3 people), one safe didn't work and it was never addressed even though we asked, no place for the shower head to hang so it was handheld only... but the staff kept it clean! Beach towels in room on arrival, but never changed out. Small issues never seem to get addressed whether you report them to reception or go see the maintenance guys in the room to the left of reception unless you make yourself a pain in the butt repeatedly. You have to keep asking and keep asking. Our maid was AWESOME. Every time we passed her in the hallways, she handed us a bottle of water and reminded us it was hot so stay hydrated, She did a great job on our rooms and was very sweet. Room assignments: Despite it being noted on our reservation from the agent we used and me emailing ahead of time, they still placed our room and our kids room in separate buildings. Two groups in front of us (unknown to each other) got rooms side by side in building 22, so this just affirms they're not thinking or planning for groups to arrive. When we asked to change it, it was "come back tomorrow morning" and when we came back, it was "come back at 4". At 4:00, I had to be quite assertive to get it fixed. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be a lot of organization or planning... which shouldn't be hard during low season. Had to hang around and make the walk to the lobby far more times than we should have to get this addressed and it could have been prevented entirely. Buffet: Doors are always open and the flys and birds are annoying. Yes, there are bugs and birds in Cuba... but when the doors are propped open for 12 hours a day, turns out the food attracts bugs and birds. Who knew? I feel like the person standing at the door greeting patrons could have opened and closed the doors as guests arrived... especially when it wasn't overly busy. Food: Two scenarios... breakfast and Lunch/Dinner. Lunch and Dinner were virtually identical every single day with the exception of sometimes the pork would be cubed, sometimes it would be sliced. Sides were almost identical every meal. No shortages that we noticed though other than bacon (2 days only). You definitely won't starve. Ala Cartes/ Snack bar: We only did the Italian and it was decent. They had Pizza ( the buffet didn't) but the pasta was exactly the same as the buffet, just very nicely plated. Snackbar was good, variety of sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, fries a couple times... Sometimes it was order at the table, sometimes order at the bar...depended who was working. Lobby: quite nice, could definitely use more seating... can't imagine how congested it would be in high season. It's completely open so hot and full of mosquitoes in the evening. Even though you're dressed up, remember your bug spray. Bars: No problem getting what we wanted although the mix and formulation varied widely from bar to bar. No shortages we noticed, and "top shelf brand name" booze was Diamond club only. Not worth it for us, but so you're aware. Service was good, but be prepared to kick the "budgers in line" to the back, especially on weekend. Biggest Issue: Yes, I saw someone already posted this... and yes I see the post got taken down (either by the poster or group, who knows) and the poster got inappropriately roasted... But they were right and the weekend was a bit much. From Friday to Sunday, the resort was jumping! Lots of people and many locals, which was cool to see. So great to see them actually enjoying a vacation and cutting loose a bit on their time off. The issues come when the locals do things like empty entire steamer trays of chicken legs or hotdogs onto their plates, then into a plastic bag and then into their purse and then go get their food for the actual meal... it causes issues for everyone. When they push their way into the line ahead of people who are afraid to call them out on it and then all of the sudden there's no chicken, thats an issue. When they toss their plastic or paper drink cups into the pool when their done, that's an issue (that the staff have to clean up). At one point on Saturday, I bet there were 100 paper cups in the pool, soaked and deteriorating into little pieces. When the "Cheese General" as we named her is there to distribute cold cuts and cheese to prevent people taking it all at once, and the locals push their way between the people waiting, use their bare hand to clean ALL of the ham and salami off the plate and plop it on their plate... that's an issue. When the staff SEE IT and don't say or do anything because they're Cuban... That's a BIG issue. I've seen other resorts actually deal with these kind of issues, but even after speaking with the buffet manager about it, he just shook his head apologetically. How do we know they were locals you ask? Well, other than Friday afternoon-Sunday evening... there were maybe 6 cars in the parking lot. On the weekend it was jam packed with cars double parked... pretty sure the Canadians, Russians or Europeans didn't drive there... Again, yes... they have every right to be there the same as anyone else. Yes, they're paying guests and deserve to have a good time. Yes, they may not have much in their day to day lives (which is hard to rationalize when the lady putting 30 hotdogs into her purse was wearing designer clothes, 300 dollar sunglasses and more jewellery than most New York socialites). BUT... their behaviour was awful. Tourists also pay to be there and without tourists, what happens then? Either the resort needs to start enforcing some sense of order, or the locals need to learn how to vacation respectfully. Yes, some tourists are like this too... but none of the "bad guets" we saw were speaking english, french, russian, german, italian, dutch or anything other than spanish.

Grand Memories Varadero: Amazing Beach

The Hotel rooms are totally outdated and need repair. When we arrived the lights weren’t working in the washroom, one of the light bulb was missing in the lamp by the bed. It was like walking in to a cheap motel room. My wife looked at me like why this? I was so embarrassed. But, next day the lighting issue was fixed and we started getting used to the place. Thank God for the Beach which was amazing! Grand Memories would have been a great place at some point. It is quite evident when I see the a [... read more]rchitecture but totally outdated. The workers there were vey helpful and respectful. Our maid was super nice! The food of course wasn’t great but that that is to be expected. Overall it was an enjoyable vacation but the experience could have been better. It is certainly not a 4 star Resort. I would place it somewhere between 2 and 3 stars. Look for places that are renovated and more modern. That’s what I am planning to do next time.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Holguin: Incredible Resort!!

One of the best girls trips I've ever taken ! It was myself and 2 other girls. This is an incredible resort!!! Our room was very clean & well maintained, a/c worked well. The bathroom was nice, modern and had good water pressure in the shower. The staff were all super friendly, kind and attentive. At the buffet, Yani was always sooo attentive and helpful - and always smiling and making us feel welcomed. The snack bar always had something to tie us over. We had Sanctuary access so we were a [... read more]ble to get room service & we ordered a Spanish coffee every morning to the room! DEFINITELY recommend the Spanish coffee!!!! The pool bar was great! Ariana at the pool bar was sooo nice, she remembered us and remembered our drinks of choice! The entertainment staff were INCREDIBLE. The entertainment at Sanctuary was different than other resorts I've been to.... They don't have the typical performances like magic night or whatever, which I was used too.... They perform in a more party-style which we found to be a refreshing change ( & preferred to the typical shows we expected.)... as the entertainment staff have a great energy, made us feel included & can actually dance!!! My friends and I were super impressed!! Yankiel is an amazing dancer and hosts the parties with such charismatic and infectious energy. The music here is also amazing, shout out to the dj !!! The beach party was one of our faves!! Overall, it's clean, well maintained, friendly staff & theres great entertainment!! Would definitely recommend this resort !!

Grand Memories Varadero: A bit disappointing

We found the resort old and not so well maintained. Some of the Food at the buffet was distributed by restaurant personnel following long line ups - not free to serve ourselves. Food was repetitive (Day after day). The 2 “a la carte” restaurants served the same food as in the buffet but no variety. Overall quite disappointing except for the special night dinner we were given ( diamond club). It was a lobster night with champagne. Very satisfying.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Very nice place

Awesome staff, nice looking and welcoming. Loved it will be going again! The ocean was awesome and the pool was very nice. The staff had constant activities aswell as various music. Loved the experience!

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Overall Great.

Relatively small yet spacious, so everything is close, 2 minutes to the beach, 2 minutes to the restaurant, 2 minutes to everywhere. Beach is good, plenty of room to take a walk, plenty of room to rest.

Grand Memories Varadero: Outdated. Needs an upgrade

Been to Cuba many times. Extremely outdated. Needs a fresh coat of paint e where and updated bedding, curtains and mirrors. The hotel room was very musty. Clearly the AC wasn’t on in the room for quite some time and only turned on the day of. It rained the day we got there it rained and there were puddles of water all in the hallways and stairs. Dont bother calling the front lobby…. Nobody picks up. Food: you don’t go to Cuba for the food. I paid a bit extra for Diamond Club. We ended up wit [... read more]h a bottle of rum in the room. Separate beach area (better lounge chairs), separate area for food at the buffer with cushioned seating. Invited to a restaurant but didn’t go. (Kids didn’t want to go but a nice gesture). Wouldn’t go back to this resort. As for the beach, waves were pretty big but kids actually enjoyed it as did I.

Grand Memories Santa Maria: DO NOT COME HERE

The only good thing about this location is the beach. The beach is 10/10, everything else need improvements, some buildings needs to be shut down. Hotel needs an overhaul. Staff said that the resort opened 14 yrs ago, but seems like it was 60's or 70's operation. The details and descriptions on the website are all lies. This is the only vacation I've been that I was excited to come back home because of how bad it was. I have seen previous review, citing how locals are treated better than touris [... read more]t, 100% true. Locals doesn't have to wait for their turn to get food from the buffet. They take bread by basket not by piece, take food in the buffet with their hands. If you are 20 minutes late from the opening of the buffet, don't expect to get any food. NO EGGS for breakfast. One ala carte open on our 7 days stay. Served food was all Cuban, same soup for 7 dinners. Severe shortage of food. Coffee machines are available in the room but no coffee to brew, bring your own I guess. Pool is filthy. No towels and no room service. No freaking telephone in the room, all concerns you will need to go to the reception. We are a family traveller, we were given a moldy, musty, not suitable room at 2AM. The staff said we do not have any other option but to take the room and that we will be given a new one next morning. We had to stay in the lobby, to protect our asthmatic son from getting sick from the room they gave us. They said that managers are not available to solve the problem. It was an awful experience. We will never come back in this place. Restaurant outside the resort selling lobsters, it was advertise as lobster not lobster tail, for $25 USD, salty and overcooked. Liquors are stolen by staff and being sold to guest. Look elsewhere, Santa Maria is a beautiful place, but avoid this hotel. Save yourself from headaches. If you chose this hotel, prepare to starve, prepare for headaches. Bring OTC meds, clinic in the hotel is a quack.