Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Very good resort

Grounds could use more trees & foliage which they are starting to plant. Eating areas, pool areas & beaches where clean & very good. Lots of shady areas at beach. Snorkelling was excellent. Paid excursions were excellent. Staff & excursion guides were excellent.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Excellent value

Beach and staff wonderful. Would go again without hesitation.. Food not great but never starved..ala cartes really good.. Beautiful sunshine everyday 34 degrees. Cuban people very nice and thankful for any small gifts they were given

Playa Costa Verde: Great staff, Great time!

My girlfriend and I just got back. The weather was excellent. The servers were excellent. Food was decent. The only complaint was lineups.. Seemed to be a bit understaffed, long waits at the pool bar, and beach bar... Only one bartender with 20 people waiting.. I'd still go back anytime.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Enjoyed our week but improvements needed to be a 5

This was our second trip to Cuba, the previous year having been at a 5-star in Varadero. The grounds and layout are very nice and the food was good - no complaints there. The room we had however was dated (which is not that bad) but more importantly there were little annoyances like the bed was not comfortable, the shower was tremendously small and shower head did not work, and the blind for the window on the side of the bed did not cover the whole window - we actually had to hang a towel to in  [... read more]order to prevent sunlight from entering and to ensure privacy. We thought about complaining but we were so frustrated with the level of understanding (everyone just smiles and says 'yes') that we decided not to bother and just make due. There is evidence of lack of maintenance here and there around the property (hot tub out of service, broken external shower by beach, lack of paper in some common washrooms, many lights out, missing pillows on chairs at auditorium, etc.) Again not a big deal, just not things we expected to see at a 5-star. Our biggest disappointment was the entertainment; the daily activities were never announced and evening shows were low quality. There was definately some talent on some nights, but the shows were poorly produced in terms of sound, lighting, and choreography. It was also frustrating because you never knew where to sit in advance to get a good view. They did not use their stage facility consistently; some nights the shows took place in the lobby next to the stage, some times to the right of the stage, some times in front of the stage, then on the stage. Finally, if you are looking for a nice sandy beach with warm water, this is not really the place. There is lots rock at the edge of the water. For snorkelers this is properly advantageous. The buffet food was OK and the better food was of course at the 'a la carte' restaurants. It was easy to get the reservations we wanted but then again we booked on-line from website (highly recommended). The only other food comment we have is that the drinks were very inconsitent from bar to bar. We proably had a simple Pina Colada 6 differents ways, with only the pool restaurant making them good. To end on a positive, weather was great and people were always very friendly.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Perfect yet again!

Just returned from our 7th trip to our little slice of paradise. When you have found perfection why keep looking?The staff, the grounds, the management, the food, perfection! The pool had work done last year but, is once again peeling so it is slated to be closed and tiled this summer. They are on top of everything. We had a beautiful, renovated room, close to everything which was just amazing in the 11th block, corner room upstairs. Had a massage at the spa so very relaxing and absolutely stunn [... read more]ing surroundings. As stated we will return next year without hesitation. For us this resort is truly a cut above and the Cuban people so kind, loving and sincere. If you are considering Cuba consider the extra dollars it is well worth it.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Amazing staff

We stayed at this resort for the second time and were not disappointed. I had e-mailed to ask if they did anything for anniversaries and they booked us a romantic Cuban dinner complete with an anniversary cake for dessert, thank you Aisel! The welcome back dinner for returning guests was a wonderful lobster affair and the seating was in the kiddy pool, unique idea and well received by all. The beach was wonderful and kept beautifully clean as were all the grounds. Make sure to check out the Ci [... read more]gar Bar for a wonderful air conditioned area to relax in. Staff are all friendly and very helpful. Vendors all have a beautiful selection of items for you to choose from. The only negative I can comment on is that the pool exchange should be open till the pool closes at 6 and not close at 4:30.

Sol Turquesa Beach: OK for the money

Room was not very clean. food needs major improvement and would be nice if Beach was cleaned once in awhile.people were not very friendly as other parts of Cuba.washroom kept breaking .we put up with it because we paid $650 per person only for 8 days

Playa Costa Verde: Awesome vacation

The people were amazing, felt very welcome, as though they were letting us into their homes. Only thing that could be improved would be the cleanliness of the rooms, we had some dirty glasses. But other than that the ressort was paradise!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Huge resort!

Resort is very big and different in quality: standard room, we booked , was very old and bad - leaking plumbing, no door at wardrobe, cripple dresser, no balcony. After we complained to reception and paid more $8.00/day, we moved to bungalow second floor unit with good condition and balcony. Restaurant near central lobby always overcrowded, but there are another 2 restaurants and café. All of them are with poor choice of food and slow services and bad coffee, but a lot of good coffee and drinks [... read more] at bars. Sea and beach are very good, but it is public area and a lot of local peaple with drink and food around you. Our flight was late at evening and we got at room near midnight, so one day is gone and last day we have to hang around without room and towels after 12:00 check out time - it spoiled last day too.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Great resort & Great people

Food is good for Cuba. Not a lot of selection but good. Great location, beach, pool, service, activities, disco, entertainment. Fun for families and couples. We are a couple and had a great time. All the families had fun as well. We met some great people that we will remain friends with back home. The resort is great value. I would suggest upper floors as they are in better condition both in villas and main building. The oceanview is wonderful. Had lots of problems with arrangements and many p [... read more]eople paid less than us for the same rooms and time. That was disappointing. Our room was not ready when we got there. We paid for oceanview and ended in the basement. No-one was there to pick us up at the airport. Overall was a struggle and not happy with tripcentral or sunquest.

Playa Costa Verde: Good Resort

It was a nice resort, the staff was great, loved the pool it was amazing great size, lots of chairs to choose from. Lots of bars/snack places love to be able to eat at anytime I want good to switch it up, great liquor selections.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Excellent place to go if you just want to get away

I loved the people, as I always do, this was my 9th trip to Holguin, Cuba but first time to Club Amigo. The food, even for Cuba wasn't the best I have had but it's just a three star so you don't expect the Ritz. The beaches were amazing, pools were great and sunshine was spectacular

Brisas Covarrubias: Only if you got a good deal!!!

We had a very relaxing vacation on the week of April 2- April 9. The resort is 2 hours away from the airport, but the ride was fine. Actually the ride back was much more fun since we made couple of pit stops in the town. CHECK IN: Check in was fine, with no issues at all. They provided refreshing drinks.There is a bar in the lobby so you can also get a drink while you're waiting. When we booked our vacation, we requested a higher floor and a king size bed. got exactly what we asked for. ROOMS: [... read more] Our room was fine. It was big, with a nice big balcony (corner unit). Since the resort is small, we were close to everything. Don't expect anything fancy. The only complaint I had were the pillows....probably the worst pillows I've ever seen in my life...nevertheless we had good sleep. I know some people had issues with their rooms. our key didn't work on day 3, they fixed it. If you have an issues go to the lobby and ask them to change your room, they will try their best to accommodate you. You pay $2 a day for the safe. HOTEL: The hotel itself is small. They have a very nice salt water pool. Near Pool bar (24 hours), Lobby bar, snack bar, disco (pretty far walk! secluded). Towel exchange place also provides books and games which is pretty great! FOOD: Food was meh....I always found something to eat, but wasn't impressed, particularly with dessert and complete lack of fruit. But honestly it was fine, it was not gross, like some other reviews say. My suggestion: bring stuff with you like: spices and sweets. Snack bar provides great ham and cheese sandwiches, burgers, pizza and even lunch (rice, salad, pork/chicken/fish). Since we spent almost the whole day at the beach, we ate our lunch at the snack bar. Also they provide Lobster dinner for 15CUC each. We didn't try, but heard it was delicious. You can book it y talking to a guy at the buffet during breakfast. BEACH: THE BEST BEACH YOU CAN POSSIBLY ASK FOR!!! AREAS TO IMPROVE: 1. Those pillows have to go! 2. They run out of bathing towels and just give small towels, which is manageable, but still can be improved. 3. Food can be improved if it's kept warm. 4. They definitely need better shows. We had a nice, relaxing time at Brisas Covarrubias. We would return only if we find a cheap deal and the goal would be just relaxing.

Playa Pesquero: Another great visit!

This was the third time we went to Playa Pesquero. While the beds are getting old and worn-down, this is still a great place to go. The food is getting better, the people are great, the service is great, the beach is wonderful. The staff is also great when you have little children. They are very welcoming

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: poor maintenance of the hotel - SLIP AND FELL

I slipped and fell on the last night at the hallway of the one of the villa complexes on my way back from the 10pm show from the bungalow side back to my own gardenview room, it was quiet as it was almost 11pm and it was so dark there. The water pipes from the ceiling at the complex were leaking had made the floor flooded and the tiled floors became very slippery plus the lights were very minimal there. I was just few steps before my husband before I fell and luckily his precautiousness helped h [... read more]im not from falling too. I was in pain and was unable to walk and my husband settled me sitting on the couch nearby and waiting for the villa personnel to come. I discovered my right ankle got swollen right away. My husband had noticed that there was a wet floor sign which was situated at the right hand side about six feet from the water spots. There was an old gentleman carrying his walker coming and my husband had warned him not to come forward and my husband took the wet floor sign and put it right on the watery spot immediately in order to prevent the other people from falling down. There was a villa personnel came and he had reported mt accident to the duty manager immediately and I was then sent by ambulance to the clinic and doctor there gave me a needle for inflammation. They said it was probably a ligament problem. I had reported the incident to the representative of Nolitours next morning before my departure back home. The duty manager there had asked me to send in a formal written complaint to Nolitours and to the hotel upon return. It is an ankle fracture case and I had the plaster done at the Rouge Valley Hospital and I need to be out of work and social life for at least six weeks. WHAT A NIGHTMARE JOURNEY!!!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Good for the price

The resort is really big,4 pools, lots of bars. But no consistency with the drinks at all. Food is eatable but always the same. Staff was just OK. Rooms were just ok but in need of TLC. People on the excursions were more appreciative. Weather was great.

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Mom and Daughter Surprise Secret Trip!

I am a return client at this resort but this year I made it a surprise trip for my 12yr old daughter. She has NEVER been out of the country let alone to a hot destination during the cold winter months. It was everything I wanted it to be for her and more! When arriving at the hotel we were quickly processed and in our room within 5mins. I had sent a special request a couple of weeks prior to our arrival with regards to location of our room and they were more than happy to accommodate our reques [... read more]t. Our room was clean and welcoming and, like most resorts, did a cute towel display on the beds. My daughter is 12 and can, for the most part, be a picky eater. She loved the food there and tried many different foods that she doesn't normally eat. We went to the return guest dinner, the Cuban and Mexican a la cartes and all were great. She didn't want to do the French but I have on both my other stays and it is by far the best a la carte to go to. **Special mention goes to Hector and Max at the Mexican for making it just a beautiful experience (as usual). My daughter was over the moon when she was able to go have pizza at the 24hr restaurant on the Luna side and ice cream at the ice cream parlor with Nicolas! The beach...what can you say about this beach but AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL. The beach is long, the palapas are not clustered but are spread out enough so that you are not on top of the next group beside you. They cleaned the beach every morning, picking any seaweed up and raking the beach to have it great. We even took a walk to the end where the 5 star resort is and their beach/palapa area wasn't nearly as great as ours was. The resort has different theme nights going on such as the 'White Night' on Thursdays where the guests and performers/entertainment crew wear white with all sorts of things from a fashion show, to hair braiding and massages to the water ballet performance (make sure to get your chairs well in advance as it packs up quickly). Overall, the management and staff were more than welcoming. I felt safe to allow my daughter to go off and peruse the grounds on her own or go and get ice cream from Nico. My daughter never once had issues trying to get a drink for herself at the bar (I've heard of other resorts where the children weren't treated as nice due to no tip but here that was never the case). When we had to leave it was with heavy hearts. I will , again, be going back to this resort but this time it'll definitely be with my daughter in tow as the next planned trip is with a group of our 'Cuba family' (friends we've met at this resort over the years that are from different places in Canada and the UK). I would highly recommend this resort to anyone who wants to go with friends or family. **things to know** 1) the Luna side is more geared towards older couples/young families who want to have a quieter time. Mares is for the more active nightlife as that is where the 24hr bar and 'Disco' are located. 2) French is phenomenal out of all the a la cartes but the others are pretty close.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: 6x at the same resort!

I've been travelling to Cuba 2x every year and always book with Tripcentral. I have visited almost every beach. However I am drawn back to Club Amigo! I can't wait to go back! The service is great, beautiful beach and friendly staff!

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Amazing Snorkelling

Loved this resort and would stay again. Stayed in the Plus section which was well worth the extra money. Grounds were very well kept. Rooms were clean and large. As this was our first time in Cuba I didn't really know what to expect in terms of the food - lets just say, you won't starve, but if you are picky eaters like our family, you will definitely not overeat. The staff were very friendly. The snorkeling right at the resort is absolutely amazing! No need to book a snorkeling excursion - you  [... read more]won't find anything better than right at the resort.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Not my best experience!

This is an excellent resort. Don't get me wrong. It's very clean, the staff, as usual, is fantastic and genuinely courteous. The resort however, has more occupants than it can service. I've been to many resorts, all over Cuba. I now tend to migrate to the Holguin side of the island. More specifically, Guardalavaca. Blau Costa Verde is approx. 15 kms from Guardalavaca. I always get a scooter for the week when I'm thee, as I love to visit the friends that I've made over the years. It's a 25 minute [... read more] scooter ride to Guardalavaca. The resort has the usual accommodations, buffet, a la cart dining, shops, excellent reception desk, nice pools, close beach access... But the lineups?? Wow!! Never in all my years, have I had to wait in line (average 30 minutes) for the BUFFET!!?? Ther are sooo many people at this resort. Too overcrowded!! Always a lineup to eat, get a drink, or what have you! I ended up going off the resort to local restaurants most of the time. This was my first time at this particular resort., and probably my last. It's not the resorts fault.. Just not MY cup of tea. It's a VERY popular place for French Canadians... Of which I'm not! If your reading this, and you've been to Cuba, you know what I'm saying! All in all, it was a good time,.. Beautiful room, (get the plus side) fantastic maid, the food is good, and typical, when you can get a seat that is, and the bars are well stocked,.. and knowledgeable bar staff. Muchos importantè!!