Friendly staff, Run-down resort

Much of the staff couldn't speak English but they were always friendly. The grounds were well maintained, beach was very nice. The room was not well maintained, smelly & the food was by far the worst.

Fantastic Experience !

We had an amazing vacation at this resort. The white sandy beaches and beautiful ocean views. Staff are super friendly, knew us by name. Took the time to say goodbye at 6am to us when we left. Loved it!

The best resort

This resort was so beautiful. The staff were absolutely amazing. The food was good. I loved it there. The beach was the best. I would absolutely go back there again!!!! I have been to a lot of places but this place by far is the best

We got spoiled!

The resort was not luxurious- but it was beautiful, clean, and quite perfect for me, my mom, two boys. The staff are so kind, and always went above and beyond anything we expected. The entertainment was awesome, and the planned activities for the kids were always a hit. I felt like my kids were safe at all times. The food wasn’t the greatest, but my kids still loved it- and we never went hungry. The beach was in a convenient location, and was the most stunning one I have ever seen.

Amazing Resort

Just came back from Sol Cayo Santa Maria our stay was from April 25 to May 04, 2018. this was our third time at this resorts. We had a wonderful relaxing week. I will say the room was dated, but the staff is super friendly. At the buffet they were very helpful especially Oscar The A La Carte Poncho supplied a very good service. The Lobby bar Sandy was exceptional The food was good. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Sorry to say disappointed..

We went back to Sol as many years ago we had the greatest experience of Cuba here in this resort - we loved everything , the people, the grounds, the vegetation, the food. Now, we must say with heavy hart that many things have changed. And it is not only Irma that affected Sol.. I think it is the way the resort is governed. People are working very hard but it is an obvious lack of personnel. The part of the resort that is open to tourists has the most affected vegetation following the hurrica [... read more]ne last September which make no sense from a client perspective. Spanish is a must as there are not many English speakers.

AVOID THIS RESORT

We were at this resort on March 21 2018 . I travelled with my 72 year old mother, a friend and her 76 year old Aunt . This resort was by far the worst I have ever been to and we travel 3 or more times per year . We book vacations that are $ to $$$$ and we are fully aware we get what we pay for . Our expectations for this vacation were not high. We wanted sun , sand , a clean resort with edible food . The first rooms they gave us had broken A/C and ants , so they moved us to rooms 2 which had  [... read more]a broken non working toilet and no A/C and ants , then to rooms 3 . It was ok but it was not clean and 1 of the rooms had a broken toilet seat which they removed so there was no toilet seat . The curtains ( or blanket ) was nailed to the wall . The patio doors could not be opened . There was cockroaches. The dining room was filthy, with flies on all of the food . My pasta on the first night was given to me with a dead fly on the top , the chef picked it off and handed me the plate . The silverware had to be checked for dried on food and the glasses for lipstick marks. The service was very poor . The beach was red flagged so we stayed at the pool . On the first day at the first pool a mother took feces out of a small childs swim suit (No diaper ) and it fell on the walk way . The child stepped in it , the mother washed his feet off in the pool and the feces remained on the walk way for 3 days . So off to Pool 2 we went . That afternoon a guest vomited on the bridge over the pool and into the pool . So there was no swimming for us as we did not see anyone clean the pool while we were there and it had cigarette butts, napkins and plastic cups in it every day . The washroom by the pool had a sink off the wall and the toilets did not flush yet there was no sign . On day 4 we went to see our travel rep - Thank goodness she was AMAZING !!! She has us and the hotel service manager walk her to the ares we were concerned about . After 4 days the feces and vomit were still there. The manager tried to say someone cleaned the pool and the surrounding areas but it was obvious it wasnt being done . The rep told us that this resort has a very low booking rate so the open it up to the cubans , it is also due to be closed and renovated . I am unsure how this resort has any positive reviews . I expect they are generate or solicited by the resort in exchange for remuneration. I feel this is information that the travel agent should have been aware of . The excuse for most of the issues was the recent hurricane , but all the damage had been repaired . The issues were all due to neglect . We were moved to the resort next door which was attached to the SOL and it was 100% better . Please dont waste your time or money by going to this resort . PS. Flabia at reception did help us as much as she possibly could and was very helpful and understanding .

Terrible Resort

This resort is by far the worst resort I have ever stayed at. I've stayed at many 3 and 3 1/2 star resorts as well as 5 stars and have never experienced anything like this. The rooms are awful..In total we moved 4 times for various reasons: ants, no working air conditioners, broken toilet seat, no toilet seat, cockroaches, giant spiders, broken safe, patio door wouldn't lock, the rooms were so dirty and mouldy.. the list goes on. I had to share a bed with my 74yr old aunt. The public washrooms [... read more] never had toilet paper or soap and most of the time wouldn't flush. I booked this trip based on the reviews on the trip advisor and the trip central website and I have to say I'm sure they are being edited or put on by the resort. This is the most unsanitary place I've ever stayed... we witnessed someone vomiting on the bridge over the pool and into the pool, a man helping his grandson pee into the grate at the side of the pool..another person urinating into the bushes behind us, a child pooped his pants it fell out of his shorts and onto the walkway, he slipped in it and his mother washed his feet off in the pool. The pool was full of cigarette buts, plastic cups and straws leaves and other debris..nothing was cleaned up until after we met with our Air Transat representative a few days later. I know this is a 3 1/2 star resort and my expectations were not high but we actually felt unsafe. We Spent the first 4 days of our short 7 day trip moving rooms and making trips to the front desk to report the problems. We weren't able to go in the ocean because it was red flagged and couldn't go in the pool at all. After we had a conversation with the Air Transat representative she got the guest service manager and we took them on a walk around the resort to show them the problems. I know the rep was surprised at the conditions and had us moved to the sister property next door as soon as she could which wasn't until the following day. I never been to a resort where most of the guest were Cuban locals and I believe this contributed to the problems. I was told by the rep that they are planning to close this resort and do a major Reno and reopen as a 5 star property. This is why only half of the resort rooms are open and they haven't put any money or effort into restoring it after the hurricane. They put out offers to Cuban families at very low rates to fill the rooms available. Trip Central and Air Transat should not be recommending this resort at all.

Wonderful Family Vacation

First, I have to admit I read the reviews before I travel so to me it is worth it. This hotel was fantastic, we had a great time and I just had to write a review, also sorry if I spelled any name incorrectly. I have been to Cuba several times and even to Cayo Santa Maria but I have to admit the Sol was by far my best time. The staff were amazing. Yes, the drive is about an hour and a half from the airport but the cold beer 2 for $5 Cdn and tour guide made it enjoyable. I cannot really complain [... read more] too much. Rooms: Had lots of windows and a balcony overlooking the jungle I would say. There was a king bed and a twin. Room was always cleaned. The room had working AC and fridge, a safe but it was not bolted down and came with plenty of towels and body wash and shampoo. No hair dryer if that is a big deal. We always had hot water. The resort did lose water twice during the week, longest period was several hours but it was manageable. There was two very solid rocking chairs and a desk with a chair. TV worked and had a variety of stations in various languages, nothing amazing but enough for entertainment for sure. The room had enough plugs to charge all of our devices. Overall no complaints. Beach: Its a long beach with some areas better than others. Plenty of chairs and cover for us to lounge around. They maintain it well and there was very little garbage left around. There is a nude section but its marked so there will not be any confusion and it is located on the far end so no issue there. Beach was lovely overall. Food: Its Cuba so let’s not be overly picky. Buffet had enough variety for every diet and food was very edible. I loved the grilled chicken, breakfast smoothies were great but not available every morning, the pizza/pasta bar was very good. I can honestly say the buffet was good. You can get grilled sandwiches/burgers/hotdogs at the pool bar, sandwiches from the lobby bar at night, beach par had a fantastic BBQ lunch with fries. The pizza restaurant was amazing plain and simple, best pizza and pasta I have ever had in Cuba. They had two a la carte’s and both of them had great food. You will not go hungry at this resort and I enjoyed the food very much. Bars: No shortage here, lobby bar was 24/7, pool bar, beach bar and even the piano bar. The bar staff that was great. Plenty of cold drinks and superb coffee all with great service. No complaints Entertainment: Mini disco every night even if there were no kids, plenty of shows, they even brought in two singers and a variety of musicians. Music was constantly playing in the background and they even had a DJ. The animation team entertained us all but did not bug you so a big shout out to them. Service: I am going to say the best thing about the Sol was the people. The staff were so friendly and helpful. They made our stay that much more pleasant. It is a holiday so enjoy it and enjoy their hospitality. Overall: I know this is the oldest resort in Cayo Santa Maria, they have done many upgrades since Hurricane Irma I was told. It is not too big and in fact the numbers were low so we never had any long lineups ever. They have stray cats that are so sweet and friendly. I cannot recommend this resort enough and can understand why so many people keep going back. It was a great week and we will be back for sure.

Resort great

Rooms where comfortable. Need to offer more storage drawers for clothing. Shower needs to be updated., suggestion.,walk in shower and remove narrow bathtub. Very unsafe having to climb into a tub with shower curtain inside tub to shower. Safer to just step into a shower. Also put frosted window in shower or just remove window. Rest of resort great . Staff very friendly and loved personal servers delivering cocktails to us..

Fabulous

I'd love to describe my stay and pass on pictures but we stayed at Pelicano on Cayo Largo...................................... ............... ............................................... ...............

Worst trip ever

Let’s start with the obvious trip central agents are based on commission so if there are problems with the trip they don’t try to help you out instead they charge you more to make it work My flight was cancelled from timmins to Toronto Missed flight to Cuba asked for a credit or change dates would not do that instead cost me another 1635 dollars to get to Cuba and my trip became a three day stay from a seven day booking I will never recommend your company or Air Transat to anyone Th [... read more]e three days in Cuba barely worth going for

Restorations Are Still Being Completed

It is a beautiful resort even though lots of work still is being completed. They have recovered fast considering it was the most affected area of Cuba that was hit by Hurricane Irma. The food is repetitive only due to the Agriculture being affected as well, but there still is a variety of food at the buffet and the A la Carte Restuarants. The Entertainment at night was in the lobby due to the stage still being repair but was still fun and interactive. All the waitresses, waiters and cooks in th [... read more]e Restuarant were very nice and customer service from them amazing had great laughs with them all. The maids can do a better job, changing the sheets and pillow cases as well as not forgetting to leave toilet paper and washing of the tub and floors. The Reception staff and Reiner we attentative to my needs, and performed great customer service. Reiner and I had some great laughs on my last day, Hop on his Party Bus to take a ride around the resort and go shopping at the market at the Resort next door. Ho see the Pirate ship and get your picture taken. The Bartenders and the service waiters around the lobby bar were very friendly and would not allow you to try and serve yourself, which I thought was relaxing. The Resort as a whole was beautiful, with a great atmosphere, relaxing and humble.

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!

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.

Great week!

Enjoyed our stay at the Sol. Great service, good food, great beach. The rooms and grounds need to be renovated and upgraded. Areas around the pools where cement is broken and makes it dangerous to walk. Lots of light fixtures broken around the complex, hard to see at night but overall a great week and good value for the price.

Good Value!

Oldest hotel in Cayo Santa Maria.The infrastructures all need some updating and some TLC. Beach is great, lots of chairs, lots of palapas for shade. Great service all around, great staff. Awesome week.

1 week is not enough

Every review you read talks about this hotel needs a little TLC and that is so true but if you look closely you will see that they are trying. For example over the last couple of years people complained about the boardwalks to the beach, well while I was there they were just about to finish the last of 4 new boardwalks and after touring the three closest resorts they are the best of all three. That being said there is still a LOT of work to do. We had no water issues but I do not think the hotel [... read more] was any where near capacity. The food is Cuba, I have been to Cuba 4 times and all at different places and only once found better. It is what it is, but you never go hungry. I have to say one thing, the management has GOT to get the birds out of the buffet hall. I am not fussy but it was just unacceptable to see a bird eating the hard boiled eggs at the buffet, can you say "cannabird" The staff are the most wonderful part of the resort, the welcome and smiles never stopped, they were super! The beach is beautiful as most of the beaches in CUBA are. Water was a little rough most of the days except for two calm days. The resort is a bit quiet but being 62 years old this was just fine for me. I won't mention all the other good things about this resort just check some of the other reviews for those details. If you are satisfied with nothing but the best do not go to this resort, but if you want a quiet relaxing low cost 3 star vacation give it a shot.

Great experience in a friendly resort

For our first time on Cayo Santa Maria island, we chose the Sol resort for its smaller size and attractive price. There we found a friendly atmosphere with pleasant staff, good service and all the amenities we needed. The front desk personnel were particularly helpful in answering our questions and accommodating us with a room of our choice (room 2807, higher floor and ocean view is perfect!). The maid service was impeccable and timely. The food was fine, with adequate eating venues and meal cho [... read more]ices; the only eating place we found disappointing was the Italian restaurant, which does not not really offer Italian dishes and just serves ordinary food. Entertainment wise, we much appreciated the dancing group’s evening shows, as well as the occasional social dancing with the participation of the pro dancers. One thing that was missing maybe is information on the different shows and activities taking place in the resort during the week; a posted schedule of those would help the vacationers to better plan their day. This however is a very minor thing! Overall, we are very satisfied of our stay at the Sol Cayo Santa Maria. Obviously, expectations of quality for a 4-star hotel in Cuba has to be different from what they would be in North America or Europe. Yes, buildings and rooms at the Sol could use a facelift… But for us, all our priorities -and more- were fulfilled in this resort. As for the beach experience, it was fantastic… spectacular stretches of fine white sand, not over-developed, not too crowded, and bordering crystal clear water. A great and very enjoyable vacation!

Great resort for the price

We enjoyed many aspects of this resort. Other than the lack of water from 12 am to 5 am, we enjoyed the resort. They have excellent service and food at the buffet morning noon and night. The staff in general were very friendly. The beach is exceptionally beautiful. They had great shows at night, especially the aquatic show. The rooms were clean, nothing too fancy but clean. Place is very laid back and you can have an enjoyable time.