Melia Jardines del Rey: Well rounded resort with great beach!!
Top notch service from all of the staff - it is such a pleasure to order something and not have to ask 5 times. I never once had an order go missing at the beach, the lobby or in the restaurants. And for Cuba, the food was actually pretty darn good. I wasn't expecting that, having visited before, but this hotel was considerably better than expected.
The beach is spectacular and the beach drink service was pretty good. There are lots of chairs, but usually all gone by 9:30 a.m. Great swim[... read more]ming for all, including small children. There are lots and lots of palapas so you can find shade if you need it. If you like the pool better, they were spectacular.
New Year's Eve was an all out affair with amazing drink stations and entertainment, including a bag delivered to my room with all the New Year's hats and noise makers.
Aside from New Year's, the evening entertainment between 6 and 8 was stellar - an amazing a cappella group, the Cuba equivalent of the 3 tenors (amazing!!) and several Cuban bands that were simply a joy to listen to!
Rooms are clean and well appointed - maid service was a little hit and miss with the coffee not being replenished and no facecloths or handtowels a couple times and nobody to be found to ask about it, but the towel animals, flowers and quick service made up for that!
And I never managed to actually get a beach towel in 3 days - there is only one towel hut for the entire HUGE complex and no towel service at the beach. People were hoarding their towels instead of turning them in for laundry and the result was the the minute there were new towels, they would be gone in less than 15 minutes.
The only other issue was check in which was very confusing - they herded us all into a very echo-y room and then read out names - couldn't hear a thing and even more difficult when your name is a bit of a challenge. There was no order to it- they could have just had a line up and as each person came up, they could point to their envelope - same thing with the passports. All in - the check in from arrival to getting to the room (i.e. waiting for the golf cart to take you to your room) took more than 1.5 hours. You could halve that just by putting some order in the process.
All in though, this was a very enjoyable, well-rounded resort and great value for the money!
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Teri -
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Melia Marina Varadero: Very good resort
We enjoyed this comfortable, clean, friendly resort. We didn’t enjoy all of the a la carte restaurants, food was often overlooked but we were pleased with everything else. The bar staff was very friendly and remembered who you were and what you liked. The rooms were clean and comfortable.
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Eddie -
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Melia Marina Varadero: Nice Hotel Not Great Resort
Rooms were nice, relatively clean. Food was the worst that we have had in Cuba. We have been to Cuba many times before and have never had this bad food at a supposed 5 Star resort. There was no variety and very few choices to eat. The Ala cartes were Ok but not great. If you like entertainment at night you will be lacking as they have no stage so they have a show at floor level so only a few can see well. There is no problem hearing the show as it is so loud that you can hardly hear yourself thi[... read more]nk. They ran out of liquor a few times for the drinks, once there was no mint for a Mohito, once they ran out of white wine. Also at dinner they ran out of milk for the coffee, no orange juice only mango and papaya juices for dinner. The service was very slow at the buffet restaurant, we were usually half done our meal by the time they came to offer drinks. Very little in the way of activities unless you want to learn Spanish or dance. When we were looking at the pictures when deciding to book, they had pics of bowling and pool tables, you should know that they ARE NOT part of the resort and you have to pay for use.
The food was better at the pool restaurant then the buffet as they served sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs and burgers although they ran out of some items and didn't always have ketchup.
If your looking for a hotel to stay at it is passable but as a resort I would not go back.
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Private -
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Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Resort was amazing 15 years ago not any more need general "face lift"
I have been so many times but, I Know for sure i will never go back to Luna&Mares
Specially will never use sun wing as a carrier, very poor service never on time,wait 3 h
for suitcases,horrible specially in the middle of the night.
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Louis4952 -
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Melia Cohiba: hotel so so--Air transat the worst
big pool--very bland zero colour--mats poor shape
2 days no salads--no lettuce tomato or cucumbers
room 825 either no air or freecing
bathroom good
mediteranian restaurant very good
had marriot visa--scotia bank amex--wouldn't accept either at front desk
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Private -
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Melia Jardines del Rey: Wonderful resort; great facilities, attentive staff, amazing beach
We had a wonderful time at this resort in December 2017. It has only been a few months since hurricane Irma, and the staff have hustled to get the grounds looking lovely again. I would guess this is one of the nicest resorts in Cayo Coco. It's not perfect, as nothing is in Cuba, but much of the resort is beautiful.
The staff were attentive and friendly, we tried to tip them at least a peso every time we used a service (and they depend on tips to survive in Cuba). The entertainment staff is esp[... read more]ecially talented, and there was an excellent variety of entertainment in the theatre and lobby each night. We discovered that it is best to get to the lobby early to get a good seat. One suggestion for the resort would be providing more seating in view of lobby performers.
The food was okay; they do the best they can with what is available in Cuba. As the regulars know, you dont visit Cuba for the food. We enjoyed the Cuban themed and Tex Mex restaurants. The food at the Mediterranean restaurant was disappointing. My favorite food items during this week became the rich cafe Cubano ordered from the lobby bar, the fresh made flaming bananas with rum and crepes from the main buffet, and the coconut ice cream (when available). I recommend getting a flaming hard coffee in the lobby in the evening.
The drinks and liquor at the resort were always top notch, although we had some difficulty getting a mojito (due to lack of limes and mint?)
The best part of this resort is the beach; beautiful white sand and shallow, clear turquoise waters. If you walk a ways to the far right hand side of the beach you can walk far out onto a sand spit littered with seashells and coral. It was quite amazing. We could have continued walking for quite a distance around the sandspit though we were concerned about the tide coming in. I wish I had realized it earlier but the staff on the beach takes guests out snorkelling at 10am (We paid for a seperate catamaran snorkelling trip).
I greatly enjoyed my time here and plan on returning as soon as possible.
Jennifer
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Private -
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Melia Las Antillas: great hotel/ great staff
my fifth time in the same hotel
not fan of Cuban food but love Cuba and beach and people..
if you are not high maintenance and would like sun and beach and clean place worth it 100000 times
enjoy and have fun
cheers
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Private -
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Tryp Cayo Coco: poor
food awful. went to a la carte had to leave food was that bad and went to buffet down stairs where we meet people who did the seem thing. we went back again for the italian night which resulted in same thing food was awful had to down stairs to the buffet again...the food in the buffet was fair but the same thing basically every night..
had to change rooms there was a smell
beach was dirty
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Private -
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Melia Marina Varadero: Great resort!
Food was really good for Cuba, European plan has the option of all-inclusive day passes which is nice. Staff was very nice. The promenade was very nice in the evenings. The circus show was amazing! We would certainly go back. A good choice if you don't necessarily want to just sit on the beach and drink.
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Lisa2017 -
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Sol Varadero Beach: Beautifully integrated resort, right on the beach!
This was my very first all-inclusive hotel experience! I arrived after dark in the evening, so in the morning, I was amazed to see the well-integrated palm trees and lush vegetation extending all the way to the beach.
My room itself (in the Sirenas complex) was functional and clean, but a little bit too rustic. I didn't mind because I have an adventurous spirit, but there were marker stains on the bed covers and one of the hinges fell out of my door at the end of my stay. In addition to the fa[... read more]ct that exterior hallway lighting only went on at a certain time (much after dark), there were also some lightbulbs missing in the exterior hallway leading to the rooms where mine was located.
I really liked the buffet and à la carte evening meal options on the resort. I also enjoyed the special Christmas Eve dinner and animal show for children (on Christmas Day). The dining room staff was excellent, especially Mana! ¡Muchas gracias!
In conclusion, I strongly feel that an overall upgrading of the rooms would enhance the experience on this particular resort.
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Beef2198 -
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Hotel Camino del Mar: Awesome resort
Was at this resort from Dec 22 - Dec 29. I have been to this resort many times and was shocked after seeing the pictures of the devastation caused by Irma and was shocked again when I arrived to see all the hard work that the employees and tradesman did and are continuing to do, to get this resort back up and running in just a few short months. The improvements are amazing and the place looks beautiful. Lots of familiar faces which was nice to see and as usual was welcomed there with open arms. [... read more]Thank you for listening to the clients, with the addition of many new shade huts and palapas. Pier looks great and they were just putting the lighting up on the last day of my vacation. Buffet's air conditioning was working great and food was plentiful and delicious. Did not make it to the International but went the Mediterranean for dinner one night and sadly don't have a good review here. It was not good. The steak was so tough that it could not be cut so therefore went to waste. The soup was tasteless and cold. Definitely miss the Italian, they may want to rethink the Mediterranean restaurant and go back to the Italian as I know I never had a bad meal there. Other than that one flaw, my vacation was excellent and would definitely recommend this resort to friends and family.
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Sarah33 -
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Melia Jardines del Rey: Beautiful resort
The resort was great especially since they had only recently re-opened after the hurricane. Staff were amazing, very friendly. Entertainment was phenomenal. Food was terrible but that is to be expected. It was hot and didn't make anyone sick. Always had hot water from the shower and clean bottled water.
The beach was full of beautiful shells and coral for the first 10-15 feet or so in the water which was not pleasant on the feet without water shoes. Pools were nice and clean but grout was rou[... read more]gh and left our kids feet bloody when they were playing tag in the water (running around not just wading).
Drinks were delicious with lots to choose from. Cappuccino was very good. Check in procedure was flawless and our room was ready. Maids were very helpful when our kids were unwell. They were quick to clean and did a great job. My sister had a room for her and her husband and two kids and they didn't receive a cot until the 3rd night so they slept 4 to a bed. Pull out couches must be limited as we had one for our two kids.
No beach towels for a day or two but I do not think that is a resort issue. Beach staff stack all beach chairs and will bring one to you when you find your spot so you aren't wandering aimlessly.
Kids activities were amazing. They loved the kids show every night and treat children very well. Sent the two kids to the kids club in the mornings which allowed adult relaxation at the beach. Kids club is open 10-1 & 3-6. They will take them for ice cream, swimming, bowling, to the beach, etc. So they aren't stuck at the club. The kids club has a playground, splash pool, outdoor and indoor toys.
Tennis courts are beautiful, bring your own equipment. Paths can be slippery when wet but staff were quick to squeegee them off. Staff seemed to enjoy being there.
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Private -
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Melia Las Dunas: Family resort
Room was infested with bugs however hotel staff were accommodating and moved us to another room! Rooms would benefit from caulking around walls and tubs to prevent bugs. Sink drains needed to be unclogged due to poor drainage from hair in drains. Beach is well kept and beautiful. Staff are very attentive and friendly. Buffet was far better than the dining options! Good variety in buffet; food was aweful ...not very tasty but had lots of variety. Pool was beautiful and well maintained. Gardeners [... read more]did a lovely job with flowers and cut us fresh coconuts! There was daily entertainment. Good resort for a family with young children
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Bunny Marko -
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Paradisus Rio De Oro: Beautiful Resort
Great place to stay. People were wonderful, resort was very clean. Food was fine, workers' were very friendly and helpful. Beach was beautiful and pool was amazing. Service was all top notch and I would go back in a heartbeat.
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Diane -
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Melia Jardines del Rey: Amazing resort!
We had an awesome week at the Melia Jardines Del Rey in Cayo Coco, Cuba. The ocean, the beach, the people are all amazing! The food has less variety, but this is understandable because of them losing crops due to Hurricane Irma. But, I tell you, they do the best they can with what they have. They are amazing people. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are planning to go back in February, if we can get another good deal.
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Private -
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Sol Cayo Santa Maria: A nice Christmas getaway
The hotel was just fine recovering from a hurricane a few months ago. The big problem for everyone was the bugs I believe sandflies. We were all suffering from bites and itching afterward even though purchasing bug spray it was extremely uncomfortable but not sure how u would control that. We had to change rooms upon arrival but once that was done all was well. Beautiful beach great weather service was good!
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Private -
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Sol Palmeras: Not a 4 star unless you upgrade.
I have only been to cuba twice and will probably go to a better island next time.
Beautiful beaches of course but felt a little sorry for the people of Cuba living in such poverty. Havana was a dump.
The hotel food was what I would expect in cuba, not great but can find something to eat. Usually cold.
The first room we were given was kind of gross, very old and run down, second one was not much better. We ended up paying $400 to upgrade to a reno'd one. Kind of annoying but made the stay muc[... read more]h better. Factor this plus the expense of paying to sit beside each other on the plane it no longer seems so cheap.
Sunwing planes a little cramped and both flights delayed.
Make sure you get a renovated room if you book this hotel, or find a 5 star.
Staff were nice particularly in the dining room.
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Matt -
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Sol Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing resort
Sol Cayo Santa Maria the hotel is amazing, i like the second floor rooms. The room services are great, our maid was really nice and cleaning the rooms on time everday. The resort is beautiful and clean. All the workers in the resort are extermely nice. The entertainer of the resort was amazing and the dancer performers were arranging wonderful shows every night. Overall, it was a great experience.
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Kimmie22 -
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Melia Peninsula Varadero: So many things, differently not a 4 star
Our first impression it was beautiful in the lobby. The bell hop’s was taking our bags to a different room. Had to yell at him from the ground to the 3rd floor of building. Finally get to our room had no bathroom door, electrical problems, plugs coming from wall, no power, tv worked some days. No lights in walkway from 1st floor to our 3rd floor had to call 3 times through the week. Went to the front desk to complain they said room under renovations never offered us another room. Waiting on [... read more]light bulb. No screen door. Paid for the extra “ elegance club†not worth it had to call every other day to fill fridge. The staff was amazing. Couldn’t speak much English. Our map of the resort only in French German and Spanish (no English) had 3 la cart French was horrible. Noticed waitress used women’s washroom didn’t wash her hands then went back to work in the Japanese restaurant next to the French. Had the Italian just ok. The Japanese was great Experience. Went to the beach beautiful, beach bar was horrible no power, no music, unsanitary. Went to the pool bar same thing rinsed cups under tap water reused cups for the people. Just using a drink blender to make drinks. Ask for drinks and their not consistent. Food was ok, some was cold. Or uncooked. Some of the washrooms had no seat to seat on the toilet. My daughter scratched the wifi to much crying I mentioned to the front desk is their a problem with these cards? Never offered me to buy another card for 1 peso for a hour found out on our last day you can buy cards. daughter crying that she ruined it for us. Also the Activity’s and bar club were not operating due to lack of demand. Which to me their was lots of people looking to dance and activities. As we were their with my 2 children first time away. we made the best of it.
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Private -
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Sol Cayo Coco: Best food, 2 amazing beaches
Beach and food are the most important factors for us. This Place was a winner for both. For someone who gets traveller's diarrhea walking to the mailbox, I was pleasantly surprised to feel fantastic after every meal which consisted of many different items as everything was so delicious. The buffet was incredible every time, the snack bars are awesome, and the resto is amazing. Bars are great.
There is one calm beach with crystal clear waters and one wavier beach on either side of a small peni[... read more]nsula. Both are fantastic.
In addition, our room in the 1200s was great by any standards, the rest of the buildings were great and the pools are nice. Good activities and shows, too, and they start on time which is a big plus.
The only thing that was a bit uncomfortable was the tipping. We are happy to reward the great service that we received from the vast majority of the staff but it seemed like more and more was expected in terms of tips and items. I would imagine this is a product of changes in Cuba and not particular to this resort, but I hadn't felt as much discomfort with respect to this at other resorts in years past.