Real value for the money spent. Friendly staff and good service. The food was bit too salty for my taste. I would advice those who like it hot to take some hot sauce with you. Rooms are clean and well attended too. A really nice place to unwind and enjoy. Just had one day of rain, still worth.
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Midge76 -
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Gran Club Santa Lucia: Great Resort
This was my second time staying at Gran Club and there is a reason I went back. The staff are amazing, friendly and courteous. When I go back to Santa Lucia, I will either be staying with friends and family or at this resort again. Love the people!
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Rocking rodney -
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Brisas Santa Lucia: Good resort
Rooms good size pool great beach could be amazing if cleaned everyday lots of chairs and lounges to lye on. Hotel very dated but clean. Lots of places to hang out at. Biggest issue is food but this is a problem with most of cuba. No bacon no potatoes for breakfast prepared proteins not done well would be nice if lobster was offered at extra price at hotel instead of having to go off resort to get. But over all great resort for the price!
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Thumbelina -
Verified Purchaser
Gran Club Santa Lucia: Average
This was our third trip to Cuba. The first two times we went to Varadero and thought we would like to try somewhere different. It was a great price when we booked so we didn't have anything to loose. I'll break down the stay.
Room: we had booked a junior suite but weren't given one (which we weren't aware of until other patrons we met told us) but we had complained about our room for other reasons and were given a bungalow. The first row of units are bungalows and have no adjoining rooms which [... read more]make it private. They are spacious and have a balcony. However, many of the rooms need a little TLC. Air conditioner wasn't working well near the end of the stay, the shower pressure was poor as water continued to come out the tub tap even when you pulled it up for the shower. There are no bath tubs even though the website said there were. Paint was bubbling on the walls and peeling a little, and not all rooms had working safes. With the little issues I wouldn't want to be there during busy season as there would be no rooms to switch to. The furniture is out dated but the rooms were clean and we only noticed a few bugs.
Grounds: they were well kept. Once again there could have been a little TLC as they had pottery fish with the room numbers and a number of them were broken. Also a number of lights were broken. There are a bunch of cats outside the buffet that were super friendly.
Staff: The animation staff were friendly and a number of the wait staff were as well. However, their English was not as strong among the cleaning staff, the wait staff and at reception. If you have any concerns we learned it is best to go to your Sunwing Rep.
Food: Half of the buffet was closed. There was not much variety day to day. The pasta, pizza and grill were good. There was always a few types of fruit, cheese and meat but not much variety. The bread was fresh and really good. It got a little boring. The snack bar by the beach had it's own menu but did not always have what it said it had. As for drinks, they didn't have the slushy machines going. The only place to get slushy drinks was the lobby bar. Great ice caps.
They wait staff just needed to pay a little more attention to detail. We were often assisted to get a drink but no refills. Also, there was rarely a spoon. I lost count of how many times I had to eat ice cream with a fork. There were a few high chairs but we discovered they weren't always cleaned. They had containers you could take food to your room but you weren't allowed to take cutlery.
Beach: The beach was really nice but there was a lot of seaweed in the water. They tried their best to clean up the seaweed daily that washed up but there wasn't anywhere to really swim with out it. As it was low season there was always a chair available.
Pool: nice and clean, always able to get a chair as there weren't many people at the resort. We were told there were 90 of us. The weekend was a little busy with locals coming in for a short stay.
Al la Cartes: We were told we were suppose to get 3 but the lady that did the booking told us we were only getting one. By the time we found out we were suppose to have 3 it was to late. We went to the seafood one. It was ok but the portions were small. There was no lobster on the menu. The shrimp still had it's head, tail, feet and scales on it. It was too difficult to de shell.
Other notes:
They do not supply face clothes
Water is cheaper at the little plaza next door
They do not stock your fridge in your room with water, pop and beer.
It is cheaper to get Corona at the store on the resort then the plaza next to the resort.
Website says there are two pools, but there is only one
Website says there are bath tubs, there are none
There is a nice little restaurant in the plaza next to the resort
The games room was a little drab as was the disco, maybe due to the lack of patrons.
All in all this was an average stay. The people we met staying there helped make the trip more enjoyable.
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Forgivensinner -
Verified Purchaser
Hotel Caracol: Great resort for low cost
This was NOT a party resort - it was quiet, clean, nice. Staff was good. I slipped on the pool deck - very slippery when your feet are wet - might want to wear some type of footwear.
Minimal activities, but enough if you are willing to participate.
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Aims17 -
Verified Purchaser
Gran Club Santa Lucia: Amazing vacation time after time!
Let me start off by saying that I have travelled to this resort multiple times... The last trip was my 8th visit. The staff at this resort make this place your home. They are hands down some of the nicest and most genuine people you will meet. Please take some time to get to know them!
The food is good... You can always find something to eat! They have fresh fruit and veggies at every meal and at the snack bar. The selection is determined by what is in season at the time you travel. There is al[... read more]ways something at the grill station... Pork, fish, chicken etc. If you want a change there is a restaurant at the commercial center next door that has amazing food... The pizza is killer (mmm... Lobster pizza) along with other good choices!
The drinks are good and plentiful! Have to have a nice coffee from the lobby bar... Mmm great way to start your day with or without liquor :)
The rooms are clean but dated... It's an old resort that they are working hard at upgrading it. They are doing constant maintenance to keep it going! The pool is cleaned daily as is the beach. The beach has seaweed but you just need to go past the first two feet and your clear.
Book the jr suite... Keeps you closer to the action. Not so far to walk to everything!
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Krista59 -
Verified Purchaser
Brisas Santa Lucia: Sixth time to this resort.
This resort is like going home, in Cuba. My family and friends like this resort as well. There is so much to do, ride bikes into town, take a scooter to Coco Beach, snorkeling right at the resort, have a wonderful lobster dinner at a local restaurant. The people at the resort are the best ever.
When we were at the resort in September, one of the buffet staff asked if we were friends with one of the staff currently not there. We advsied that yes we are. Another buffet employee is neighbours with [... read more]this staff member. The next night while in the buffet, the employee had contacted our friend on her cell phone and allowed us to talk to him. How thoughtful was that.
The rooms are clean and comfortable. Nothing special.
The food is decent. The pizza at lunch and dinner in the buffet is exceptional. The snack bar is always a good option. Best burgers.
Give this report a try. You won't be disappointed.
I can't wait to go back again in April 2015
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Mae24 -
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Brisas Santa Lucia: beautiful water
This resort is getting tired. The staff were all very pleasant, friendly and very accommodating. The water is very clean and clear for snorkeling right off the beach. The air conditioning in the a la cart restaurants was not working very well during our one week stay.
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Cuba G -
Verified Purchaser
Hotel Caracol: More than I expected
This was my 5th visit to Santa Lucia but 1st stay at Amigo Caracol. I have a Cuban friend who worked at this hotel and recommend to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised, the check in went smooth and well organized. First impression was that the resort appeared more inimate than next door at Gran Club. Most staff I met were friendly and helpful as I was on my own and not framiliar with where everything was. The lobby bar was well stocked, but I am more of a straight rum and beer guy and did [... read more]not look for anything fancy. My room was close to the to the gym facilities and was well appointed with a nice balcony view from 2nd floor. Housekeeping was excellent and I appreciated the attention to detail, as I am not the most tidy guy while on holiday.
Dining room facility was well prepared and food selection was as expected. I am not the most adventrous when it comes to resort food but found my choices well prepared and plentiful. Coffee cup was always kept full and much appreciated in the morning because I always needed a wake up.
Entertainment I cannot comment on to much as I was rarely in resort in the evenings but, the nights I stuck around it was lively and energetic even though the crowd was thin. Next visit will be at Brisas with some friends but would not hesitate to recommend and return.
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Karen Loves Los Coralas -
Verified Purchaser
Hotel Caracol: Warmth and Welcoming
A magical little spot with the best most welcoming people. Weather is warm, beach has lots to see. Pool bar is amazing with great fun staff. Always feel very safe. Hotel is clean and comfortable. Food is just fine, if people stop saying the food is awful they will realize it is actually good with lots of healthy choices. Bread is amazing, fish is wonderful. Haven't had a bad meal yet.
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Ian27 -
Verified Purchaser
Hotel Caracol: Great Resort!
I have been going to this resort for the last four years, and I enjoy my stay there every time:) It is the best resort in the area. The staff are so friendly, and kind to everyone. keep up the great work!
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Brett -
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Hotel Caracol: Great time, greater people!
Throughout our week vacation at Caracol we were continuously entertained and had the time of our lives. Caracol is a great place to to do just about anything! Already planning to go back! Cannot wait!
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Lizzy -
Verified Purchaser
Gran Club Santa Lucia: Basic and relaxing
Everyone is SUPER friendly. He resort is very basic. No frills or thrills. Beach. Rooms. Bars. Food-very simple(platain, porc everything, rice) if your a vegetarian bring your own provisions (peanut butter/protein bars). If you want a cheap beach getaway ... This is it. If you want to feel like royalty for a week. This is not it!!
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Dizeedee -
Verified Purchaser
Brisas Santa Lucia: Awesome Vacation
I enjoyed the hotel, the layout was wonderful, small and quaint - clean, and the entertainment in the evening was really good, the food is typical Cuban food, most of the time there was a great variety.
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Treezee -
Verified Purchaser
Brisas Santa Lucia: Feel like you are at home!
I have been to this hotel many times and they always make me feel at home. Last visit I needed the doctor and I had very prompt service and he would check on me every time he saw me. I will return again!
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Scotsarah -
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Gran Club Santa Lucia: Great staff and atmosphere
Had a great time at gran club Santa Lucia. The staff really are outstanding. Very peaceful and layed back atmosphere. The kiddy club was fantastic, friends children were busy and having a good time. Only giving 2 stars as Cuba is our destination every year, our room had no balcony or walkout and quite a few are like that and we prefer cayo coco.
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Bran -
Verified Purchaser
Hotel Caracol: Awesome Second Stay
This was my second time to Club Amigo Caracol! The weather was beautiful and the staff were fantastic! They have made some really great changes such as relocating the snack bar to make it closer to the beach entrance. Our room was perfect and very clean everything functioned well and we always had hot water. Overall a great resort with lots of bang for your buck! I hope to return again soon.
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Sandra C -
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Brisas Santa Lucia: Exactly what we were looking for!
Sometimes you just want to get away from the cold, relax, and not have to worry about anything. Brisas Santa Lucia was perfect for a week-long getaway.
My friend and I were treated with courtesy from the moment we arrived. We asked for a room change since the first room we were offered had previously been occupied by a smoker. After being showed a couple of rooms, we ended up choosing one on the second floor with a sea-view balcony - perfect! The room was clean and had a nice bathroom with a go[... read more]od shower.
The beach was great. Some areas had seaweed on them, but for the most part all the resorts along that stretch rake the sand regularly. One of my favorite activities was taking the 45 minute walk to the pier and back each morning. The color of the ocean was this amazing turquoise blue!
Now I know you want to hear about the food! My friend and I tend to be on the healthy side, and we were not disappointed with the options available at the daily buffet. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, grilled fish, cold cuts and salads kept us happy. You also have the option for a huge variety of prepared foods, and the dessert table offered lots of baked treats, ice cream and custards.
The bar offered a good selection of quality drinks and beers. My favorite was a nice Cointreau on ice to be sipped by the courtyard fountain before dinner. You can also get a shot of liqueur in your morning espresso or americano at the poolside coffee bar. Ladies are given a fresh flower for their hair by the barrista each morning.
It is the small details like these that added up to make our stay just that little bit more special. All in all, a perfect getaway from the winter cold.
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Monique1 -
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Hotel Caracol: Great Value for money
This is not a 5 star resort, but then we didn't pay for a 5 star resort. We stayed at Club Amigo Caracol the end of November 2013 and were pleasantly surprised by our room, the food, the pool and the staff. Our room was bright and clean with excellent A/C, and updated bathroom, the food was excellent, truly delicious and reasonable variety,(make sure you try the grill on the beach) and the staff were friendly and anxious to make sure we had a good week. The beach is not my favourite beach in Cub[... read more]a but if you are a wind surfer, you will love it, but the pool was clean and spacious with lots of lounges and shaded areas, so we didn't mind. The evening shows were fun and for those that like the night life, there are two local clubs right at the end of the driveway so you can just walk to it.
We travelled with Hola Sun tours and flew on Cubana Air. Our tour company agents were very helpful and the complimentary excursion was well worth taking the day from the resort giving a chance to see the nearby countryside and understand how the average Cuban lives. The only problem with the flight was the stop in Varadero ended up being twice as long as it should've been making it very late getting to the resort. Fortunately the resort kept the buffet open late for us and were very quick to get us registered and to our rooms in a timely fashion.
If you are looking for an inexpensive vacation where you can have a lot of fun and make some great new friends, then give Club Caracol a try. It is very important to remember, that any trip is what you make of it.
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SantaLuciaFun -
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Club Amigo Mayanabo: Great hotel in this area
Enjoyed my two weeks stay. Neat and clean hotel, good service and caring personal. Food is nicely cooked and presented. Have nothing to say about drinks as don't drink alcohol:) Animation team is lot of fun.