Great Resort, but food not so much :(

Amazing beach, great entertainment, friendly staff, A La Cartes were very good.....but buffets left a lot to be desired. No variety and every meal was the same..... not even good by Cuban standards. Beds and pillows were hard, and bathroom towels were not changed regularly and not easy to replace beach towels.

Amazing Vacation

I have just returned from a 10 day vacation at this wonderful resort. I travelled with my brother. The grounds were well kept but grass was dry since they have not had any rain. I am sure in another year all of the plants will be growing to full potential since this hotel is just into its third year. I did not make it down to the beach since I need a cane to get around and found some areas were rocky and the dunes were deep. What I did see was quite beautiful. My brother enjoyed it and walke [... read more]d daily along the beach. The buffet was very good and had a wide assortment of food for everyone's taste. Breakfast and lunch were also available at 2 restaurants one by the quiet pool and one by the 24 hour snack bar by bungalow 24 and fhe activities pool. The al carte restaurants that I went to were the Spanish, French and the Italian twice sincs it was so good I recommend the lasagna. Since I had the premium package it also included a lobster dinner so I did not go to the seafood restaurant. My room was large with a king size bed and a sitting area. The showers were huge. My room was cleaned and the fridge was restocked each day. I found the staff all friendly and willing to assist you and even go that extra mile if needed. A special shout out to the concierge Jordan and all the staff in the Premium lounge for their assistance with my special needs. The entertainment was the same as most. However I enjoyed the shows that were in the main lobby the most. Some evenings there was a piano player, and there was a jazz band, a quartet and Cuban bands. These shows however started earlier and if you had dinner reservations for 7 pm you would miss the show. This was the first time I have been to an adult only resort and must say that I enjoyed the quiet but dont get me wrong I dont mind having children around either but it was a change. I will definitely go back to this resort next year you get great service and value for your money.

The best resort that I've ever stayed in!!

Honestly, this resort was absolutely amazing and beautiful. It really exceeded my expectations. The only thing negative was the lack of wifi but a very well run hotel that I would highly recommend and return too!!

Enjoyable stay

ust a little feedback from our trip to Valentin in Cuba. Overall the trip was good. Flights were on time, which has never happened before. The resort was nice. The rooms were clean and housekeeping did a good job. The beach was nice but water was shallow. You could walk a hundred feet off shore and the water was only waist deep, at least in the part we were at. It was kind of a blessing though as it was very windy the first 5 days and the red flag was up for most of the time. If the water was d [... read more]eeper we would probably not have gone in. Bar staff as a whole was good and wait staff in buffet was excellent. All staff including front desk were great. If you do not like lineups and waiting this is not the resort for you. When arriving at around 2 PM we were hungry and went to the pool snack restaurant for something to eat. It took about an hour to get our food but that was the only time there was an issue there. They had chicken strips and fries that were excellent. Food was good and we had no issues which has only happened one or two times before. The first morning I waited in line for about 15 minutes for fried eggs and didn’t even bother to try to get toast as bread had to be run through three times in order to be toasted. There were 2 buffets but for the first 5 days only one was open and the lineups were long no matter what time you went. On the 6th day they opened the second buffet which was right next door and it made a great difference. The resort was at capacity, so we were told and I can’t understand why both weren’t opened right away. Also the way the buffet was set up was what contributed to the mob that was in that area. With a little better planning it could be laid out better. Lineups to covert money as well. Hard to get small pesos which was frustrating if you wanted money for tips. There were a lot of things going on that we were not aware of- a beach party, cuban sandwiches at the pool, sandwiches at the beach in an area far from where we were. Should have been made better aware of what was going on. Waiters on beach was a good thing. Went on one excursion, rum, sugar and cigar- good excursion and each got a bottle of rum and a cigar. Long drive to resort but was made better by the guide we had on bus, Ernesto. He was very informative and funny. Nice entertainment in lobby in evening. Overall a great vacation. Alan and Carolyn LeBlanc

Great resort

Food was great. Beach was beautiful. Staff was great. Pools are beautiful. Rooms were modern and clean. The main lobby was awsome with great nightly entertainment and lots of places to sit and have great variety of drinks

Beautiful Resort

We enjoyed our stay!! The food was amazing, the beach sand was so soft and the water was so clear!! However, 2 hours from the airport is too far! The entertainment was top notch!! All that was lacking for a 24hr drink and all adult resort was adult entertainment!! Nothing much happening after 10:30pm and no disco on the property. Also, the desk and concierge do not answer the phones and we feel that we bought privilege for nothing because the added service was simply not there! If you like a nic [... read more]e relaxing place to go and you like to go to bed early, then this place is for you!

Absolutely Beautiful

We just loved this resort from the first time entering the beautiful lobby.. The landscaping ...flowers,plant etc I have to mention the gardners who look after everything out in the heat all day with always a welcome and a smile...The staff were friendly and always remembered us ...check in was a breeze as was check out...Food was good ..we liked the specialty restaurants as a change ...There was a problem with a few of public washrooms but we always had our room to go to... Beach ,pools ser [... read more]vice wonderfull... Could have music ,dancing a little later into the evening as it is an adult resort But other than that we loved our two week stay

Beautiful, Relaxing and Modern.

Beaches: White sand, crystal clear water, lots of shady areas. The long beaches made for wonderful evening/morning walks. Pools: Well kept, unique design, clean. Relaxing pool on separate side of resort from the activities "party" pool, made it easy to enjoy whatever mood your in. Grounds: Beautiful Gardens, paved pathways, simple design (easy to navigate), multiple access points to the beach. Main lobby building is large, open and well situated. Rooms: Modern, Air conditioned, Balco [... read more]ny (paid for garden view and still had a view of the Ocean) Cleaned daily, Bar fridge was re-stocked daily. Food: We had a la carte breakfast at Rachon Tobacco most days (Privilege Package Perk) the selection was good, the food was very good. Buffet had a large selection including fresh grilling stations, pizza bar, salad bar...it was easy to make healthy eating choices. The Seafood restaurant was very good, French was okay, Spanish was good and the Lobster Dinner (Privilege Package Perk) was very good. I am a total foodie and found my meals for the most part very enjoyable. No complaints about the food which was surprising from what I had been told about the food in Cuba. Staff: Very fun (and flirty), always smiling, very accommodating. I tried my best to speak Spanish with staff (basically learning throughout the week) who were always willing to help me with my pronunciation or teach me new words. Staff were very appreciative of tips and gifts. I would recommend the Privilege Package upgrade. We had a room on the top floor which faced the ocean (Paid for Garden View) Upon arrival we didnt have to wait in line in the main lobby, our concierge escorted us to our air condition privilege lounge, provided comfortable seating and a welcome cocktail. He showed us where everything is on the map, booked our a la cartes and free massage, and escorted us and our luggage to our room.

Relaxing Vacation

Lobby is great for the evening listening to live music and meeting people. Entertainment in the theatre is ok. WIFI is extremly poor. Public washrooms throughout the resort are missing alot of toilet seats & toilet paper. Food in 24 hour snack bar and buffet are better than other resorts i've been to in Cuba, a la carte, seafood didn't have half of the menu ended up getting beef skewers, french is terrible very salted with lots of no littl ebugs on table & dishes, Italian was amazing. Beach isn' [... read more]t great, party pool chopped up both areas have alot of broken chairs and having to play the towel game no later than 6am or you'll end up sitting on cement stairs/ landing above the pool filter area. Pool entertainment staff doesn't mingle with clients. rooms are average and clean, mini bar stocked between 5 & 530pm very smart to be able to get more tips. Maid service very good. if your looking for a relaxing trip this a place for you. I wouldn't return to this resort unless it was no more than $800 taxes in. I would rate this resort a 3 1/2*.

Great resort

I spent the last two weeks of February at the Valentin. The hotel is an excellent place to visit. The check in and guest services were efficient and pleasant. The grounds and buildings are large and we'll maintained. The food services are plentiful and great. The pool have one for a more party atmosphere and one with a more relaxing atmosphere. The room was clean and modern. The beach and ocean were stunning. The people were kind and excellent at their jobs. The night atmosphere was fun and enjo [... read more]yable. I have been to Cuba near 40 times and stayed at many resorts. I would definitely recommend this resort as a quality place and recommend others to choose this destination to spend their vacation.

Met my expections !!

This hotel was quite beautiful with it's fine architectural lines and views to the ocean. White against the green of the property and blues of the water. Easy to navigate the property. Choices of boardwalks or forested walkthroughs to the beach. Gorgeous long soft sand beach with helpful and attentive beach staff. Room was comfortable, stocked fridge, big bathroom and shower. Decor was fine. Pool areas were wonderful( my only concern was the lack of availability of changing your beach to [... read more]wel). Landscaping was beautifully done. Buffet well managed for both crowd control and food refills. Staff were all pleasant and pleasing. There was always something for everyone. Entertainment was OK.

Great resort

Great resort, good food for Cuba, nice room, clean....very little hot water and water pressure but only late afternoon (was ok in the morning). Beautiful beach, great service. Never a problem getting chairs and always someone there to help. Food on the beach was good. Evening entertainment in the lobby was great.

Peaceful area/spacious

Very nice resort, clean, bright, lots of variety and space to roam or just relax. Great sand, good beach depth for scuba diving and the Hobie cats are cool. Nice rooms, great showers, Only downside; my toilet leaked clean water all over the floor.

Beautiful Resort!

The resort is beautiful with all the natural surroundings. This is my third time in Cuba and I have to admit this resort has the best food I've had in Cuba. All the staff were friendly and always smiling and very attentive. The lounge chairs were usually taken if you went after lunch and beach towels exchange was almost non existent.

Loved this resort

The hotel was great, we bonded with a lovely server in the 24 hour beach restaurant near the "party pool", Deandra (may have the spelling wrong). Every morning we would have our omelettes and fruit tray, coffee/tea served to us vs lining up at the buffet. We lucked out with beautiful, sunny weather with a few days being windy. Beach was fabulous, a little lack of shaded coverings at times but depending on what time of day, you could find space fairly easily. I much prefer the ocean to the pool s [... read more]o unless it was extremely windy we spent most of our time on the white sandy beach and turquoise ocean. Cuba isn't the greatest with health and safety landscaping, so if you have trouble walking or seeing, you do have to watch out for small rocks popping up in the walkways down to the beach. We found this with other resorts in Cuba. Also the design in the party pool area was not conducive to people that may need physical accommodations. However, the quiet Sunwing pool area was much more accessible. Food at the resort was very good comparing to Cuban standards of generally bland food. We found the Italian restaurant to be the best. We had an ocean view room Bungalow 25, 3rd floor which was lovely, the patio doors did not lock which seemed to be a consistent concern with others. 3rd floor I wasn't too worried. Very clean, good service, the bar was stocked everyday around 5pm with some beer, pop and water and I asked our "guy" for red wine and he promptly delivered it with a smile and then of course we gave him a tip. Overall, this was our fourth trip to Cuba and the best so far. PS the WiFi is useless so we had a tech free holiday which is probably not a bad thing except when you are in your own business and have to check in.

Amazing

We found the hotel very nice and the people were very nice we had lots of fun the beach was great the only thing was housekeeping was not great didn't make the beds everyday the bathroom was cleaned once the mini bar was never restocked the room was half ass'd clean only when we were there. The a la carte restaurants were excellent best salmon we had in 5 yrs. Things to improve having bathroom closer to the beach, and for the room better beds (like sleeping on a concrete slab) and the fans in th [... read more]e room (bedroom bathroom) didn't work.

Retreat

WE enjoyed our time there. The food at the buffet was better than at the restaurants. It makes me appreciate the skill of Canadian restaurants in presenting hot meals.The beach was wonderful, clean and peaceful.

Fun in the Sun!

We were surprised at the size, expected it to be a bigger resort but that at the end of the day was not an issue. The rooms were very nice, clean and we appreciated our ocean view. The beach was rather small meaning the distance from our chair to the water was a few feet apart in most areas but the water was amazing! We were there for 7 days and were unable to change our pool towels until the second last day because the exchange room was never open. The onsite shop was very small [... read more], only 2 people could go in at a time. We have been to Cuba before and had a great experience at the buffets and restaurants, this time not so much 😐

Great resort for a great price!

Had a fantastic week at the Valentin. Beach was amazing, pool areas were fantastic and all the grounds were clean and well maintained. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Loved the lobby bar and chocolate tequila!! Would go back for sure.

Not the best experience!!

The resort, and the beach were beautiful! The food, not so much. There is not much variety... same food served for lunch & dinner, they do not change up the menu at all!! A la carte restaurants were completely booked up! My husband and I arrived Thursday evening for 1 week, when Sunday rolled around and we went to book our 2 reservations, they were all completely booked until Friday! They were not accommodating at all even though we were there on our honeymoon. No upgrade to the room whatsoe [... read more]ver as it was "booked up" yet we met another couple who came a day after and they were upgraded to a beautiful ocean view. Our room's air conditioning was broken the first couple of days making it hard for us to sleep, they did not want to switch out our rooms. Finally someone came out when I went and complained! The staff are very tip hungry. I overhead a lot of them complaining during lunch and dinner when guests did not leave tips, and a lot of the servers were just miserable! There are a few nice servers which we made it a point to sit in their section daily!! Overall, our experience was not the greatest, will not return to this specific resort and I'm hoping to give Cuba another shot!! Do not go here if you're looking for a full experience by the resort only!! It's also a 2 hour drive from the airport!!!