Old 3 stars maximum

Beautiful beach Facilities need upgrade immediately specifically rooms Grounds not bad swimming pool nice There was a lot of flyes Annoying Mainly restaurants Definitely not 4 stars I wouldn't recommend to anybody In this condition

Beautiful resort

This is my third time to this resort and still haven’t been disappointed! Rooms are always clean , staff is friendly and amazing. The beach is stunning! No shortage of food at this resort, if you can’t find something to eat at one buffet go to the next one!!!! I highly recommend Santuary Grande Memories!!!!!!

Great Value

This resort had everything we needed. Our Oceanfront room was 5 minutes to nice pool great beach and buffet. The buffet food was cold. The Worst thing about this resort was the Volume of music at the pool ! That ruined our stay. Long travelling days

Love this resort

From the airport you go on a bus to the hotel but it is guided by a local and never seems long. Once arrived at the hotel you are greeted by staff that take your luggage over to the lobby where you can get a drink and a snack (pizza) if you come in late like we did. The staff are so friendly. We are then taken to our rooms when we are ready to go. The rooms are spacious, clean and the views are great. The maids are truly safe to have in your rooms. They definitely do a great job keeping th [... read more]e rooms clean and leave you a kind decor gesture on the bed daily. I always bring gifts for the staff as they don’t have all that we do. So they truly appreciate it. The white sand beach is long to walk or run or swim in the clear water. There is staff to assist with getting lounge chairs at the beach and they had a waiter serving drinks as well this year. The food is delicious and there is always something to eat. I am dairy and gluten free and I eat well when here. The chefs are truly amazing. The night life shows are always a pleasure to go see. Don’t miss the Michael Jackson’s event. There is a shopping village within walking distance to go to as well. Here there is a fitness gym for workouts and a spa as well as much more. The entertainment group also works during the day with yoga, games, dance lessons. The pools are clean and the set up is great here. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone going to Cuba. This was my second visit here and have made some friends that I stay in touch with when I return home. Grateful for sure a great place to enjoy.

Sanctuary?

- There is no 24 hour snack bar as stated - No turn down service - No robes in our room - Our bedding, towels and furniture were all stained despite changing rooms and having our room made up daily - The toilet seat was hanging off the bowl and you would have to flush over and over - Our patio door on ground level did not lock, then when we changed rooms our deadbolt did not work - Despite having a ‘do not disturb’ sign on our door, the cleaners tried coming in two different times - There [... read more] are NO amenities in the room - They didn’t want to provide us with wifi, until I showed them it was included with the resort package - There was no airport shuttle to the resort despite it being included in the package; we nearly got left at the airport when we landed at midnight - There was no VIP drink dispenser in our room (butler later told us they don’t do this anymore) Our mini bar was also never restocked with water. - The shower/tub was all rusted and falling apart - on our 5th day, no one in our bungalow had running water. When I went in the lounge/main area on our first night after a 30 hour delay, we were told the snack bar would be open - there was absolutely no food just a pizza area that staff had to work. There was a staff member asleep at one of the tables in the lobby. When woken, he did not want to make us anything to eat. There was also a surprising amount of cats literally everywhere including in the buffet area. Also, none of the should be hot food is covered, which then allowed the flies into everything. I didn’t want to touch anything. I didn’t want to lay in the soiled bed. I didn’t want to eat anything. It was very disgusting and it feels like it was all a lie.

Great People but Many Management Failures !

The people are great, the pool bartenders awesome. There are significant issues though, and they all come down to a failure for management oversight. The Sanctuary buffet is covered in flies, and the occasional cockroach. The buffet at the main Sanctuaries area is indoors and is 3 times the size, with much better food. I recommend taking the 5 minute walk over there for the major meals. The late-night pizza station has ingredients uncovered, and the pizza guy is often in the back at late nig [... read more]ht, and you kind of have to call for him. In the meantime the flies have settled into the food for the night, and a cockroach once sat on the cutting board. I was saw a fly swimming in the pizza sauce ! TripAdvisor censored the pictures I posted of it all. I guess they found them too extreme. The cocktails are all haphazard at best and served in plastic dixie cups for the most part. The Spanish coffee was served in tiny wine glasses. You will absolutely not get a decent cocktail or margarita anywhere in the resort. Margarita: there's no blenders and no triple sec, it's tequila (when they have it, rum when they don't) served without salt, in a dixie cup, with juice from a machine. If you take advantage of the "sign-in" program over at the Resonance you can get free drinks there and they are made properly in their sports bar. The Resonance Sports bar had the best blender margaritas I've ever had in Cuba ! There's golf carts that leave from the main Grand Memories lobby after the nightly show. You have to sign in at the their lobby, and then the drinks are free. They bill Grand Memories monthly, simple based on headcount for the month. There are bedbugs and sandflies, so be prepared for it. I had to demand a new room after I discovered blood dripping in my bathtub, fixtures falling off the walls, and garbage on the ground outside my balcony. It was like they were testing to see how bad a room they could give someone to see what happens. It was disgusting. The upgraded room was better, but they are all way past their best before dates. The Cuban solution though is always to keep slapping on more paint and ignore the root of it. The public bathrooms are terrible, the pool bathroom is soaked in urine every day. The men's at the Theatre was the most disgusting thing I had ever seen in my world travels. After I posted picture of it on TripAdvisor they condemned it and nailed the door shut....easier than just renovating it (i.e. management fails). Management needs a dedicated daily resource on all bathrooms, and they need to be hosed down 3 times a day. That is correct - they need to hosed top to bottom and with disinfectant. Walking in a floor of urine is the daily pool bathroom experience. So, management problems are over the place but the people are always nice and smiling, so I give them credit for that. Would I go back ?...only if there was a major deal to be found, because the negatives sadly outweigh the positives.

Perfect Week in Paradise

This was our first ever time visiting Cuba, and our experience at Sanctuary at Grand Memories made it perfect. The resort is beautiful and clearly well maintained. Rooms were spacious and clean and the housekeeping staff was wonderful, leaving beautiful surprises for us in the room. The beach is absolutely breathtaking! What stands out most about the resort though, is the amazing staff. They are the kindest and most accommodating people I’ve met. From the kitchen staff, to the amazingly talented [... read more] entertainment staff, everyone was awesome. Especially the Butlers. We had the pleasure of having Diego and Rudy as our butlers and they went above and beyond every day to make sure everything about our stay was perfect. Rudy helped my fiancé plan a birthday surprise for me on our last night, and made it a night to remember including my very own fresh made cake!! Rudy is just an awesome guy and made our visit wonderful!

Amazing staff!

Rudy was the BEST staff member we encountered on our trip. He was super helpful, kind and made it the absolute best. 100% recommend this resort for all the staff, but especially Rudy. Thank you to all!

Better Than Anticipated

We did not experience any shortages. They had eggs each morning, lots of bread, pizza by Carlos was very good. A la carte was good when opened (every other night). Service was very good. Beds and pillows were unusually comfortable for Cuba. AC was terrific ?Hot water was excellent. No shortages of wine, sparkling wine, beer, gin, vodka, whiskey or rum. The beach is the absolute best! Beautiful pool (music was usually very loud though). Grill at the pool and beach for lunch was great. Our only  [... read more]negative comments would be that the resort is very tired and is in need of a lot of maintenance. I believe Sunwing is a part owner and the should be ashamed that they don't do more to improve the property. We realize that it is challenging to acquire certain things in Cuba, however, if you go a couple of resorts down the beach to The Royalton, you find that it's still possible to maintain a hotel in Cuba. We understand that they are a more expensive property, but if the don't start looking after the Grand Memories they will pass the point of no return. Overall a good place to go if you are looking for a low cost vacation. You'll enjoy yourself if your expectations are aligned with the price you pay . We'd definitely spend the extra next time to go to a better maintained property such as The Royalton. You get what you pay for. Don't forget your bug spray, depending on the time of the year you will need it.

Great resort!

The water and beach was amazing. The food at the adults only side was actually quite decent! The rooms could use some updating and renovations but, we barely spent any time there so it was fine. The service was great! They tried to make the stay as comfortable as possible.

My happy place

So happy to be back. Can't say enough good things about this resort. Yes there were shortages but I go to be with the lasting friendships I have made with the staff and for the beach/ocean. Sunwing VIP'S stole the show with special food, drinks and entertainment only for them while paying guests went without. I get that they are trying to increase occupancy by selling the resort to the Sunwing reps in the hopes that they will send their clients here but it did put a sour taste in the mouths of t [... read more]he other "regular" guests.

Worst trip ever!

Bathrooms were disgusting…never any toilet paper …always over flowing Food was the worst in over 20 visits One couple got locked in their room…over 3 hours One of our guests got a cockroach in her mouth No cushions on the seats at the buffet at sanctuary .. but there were at Grand memories… we just had staples to sit on No wine the whole 2 weeks ..except the last day Last day had no choice but to eat at the buffet at Grand Memories….we paid more to eat and drink at Sanctuary …should not ha [... read more]ve been forced to go elsewhere Bartenders at the pool were downright rude I can go on but I voiced my opinion… I am done with Cuba Sunwing reps say it’s management, management says it’s Sunwing Someone should get their act together they are destroying what used to be a great vacation

Nice resort in 1999!

Hotel is well is well laid out and easy to get around. Many of the staircases have no railing a danger for seniors Room was fine with comfortable bed. Which was nice considering we had our bed made up 1 time in 7 days after much discussion with butler. Toilet paper and towels were in short supply and needed to be chased. Shower was a safety hazard. High step into a slippery floor tub with no hand rails. Food and restaurants were fine with good service. We ate at a la carte every night P [... read more]ool very shallow only 90cm so you can't float on a noodle Beach is also shallow long walk out. Beautiful sand Staff were attentive. Maintenance was clearly lacking every where.hotel will die a death by 1000 cuts. So sad

Amazing Staff

Well folks, can’t understand the negative reviews, yes it maybe a little dated but the room had power, running water, hot water, toilet that flushed, air conditioning (that worked great), comfy bed, extra pillows, blankets, bar fridge( that worked great), water, safe, TV,(not sure if it worked never tried it), the resort itself has great landscaping, bars had alcohol, lots of places to get food, beaches awesome, pools great, to all the complainers about the food, you are fussy, there is plenty t [... read more]o eat always pork, chicken, seafood, rice, potatoes, beef roast, all the veggies, bread, and desserts including ice cream and donuts made in front of you, and the staff was absolutely amazing, the best butlers I have ever had, Richard Diaz Peralta and Odlanier Urquiola, tip these guys and they will go out of there way and get you whatever you need, please watch out for sand flies early in the morning and evenings, you really don’t realize till you get home how bad it itches, take bug spray, other than that you will have a great time

Great Resort Overall

Overall this is a great resort and suited my friends and I wonderfully. The only real shortage was wine otherwise something at the buffet for everyone - grounds, beach, pool all excellent. A la carte restaurants not exceptional but provide a good alternative to the buffet. We stayed in the Sanctuary section and worth the additional cost. Staff courteous and friendly.

Good for the price

The beach is gorgeous, the sand is white and not hot, the activities on the beach and by the pool are great. The staff are amazing and friendly. The maids keep the rooms clean and the water boy comes and adds more water to the mini fridge daily. The entertainment was great. The items that had shortages were toilet paper, in the rooms and in public bathrooms. The public bathrooms were dirty, and the men’s washroom in the lobby was closed so the women’s was shared. The buffet was Cuba  [... read more]food, lots of chicken, pork, rice and wieners. There was powder eggs and shortage of bread at some points. I knew going in that the food wasn’t the greatest so I brought spices and peanut butter, jam, syrup, and spices. We did have to move rooms when we first arrived at the room was not clean, and the toilet seat was round but the toilet was square. Just remember in Cuba the toilet paper does not go down the toilet it goes into the trash can.

The resort is good

I find it very clean and the workers are really good and friendly. They are hurting with their supply of food and drinks since Covid and the different embargo’s. But there was always something to eat. The staff have their hours cut due to the lack of tourists. Talking to them, they feel it will take them a few years to recover.

A Wonderful Vacation!

Everything is in close proximity at Sanctuary Grand Memories, from the beach to the Pool Bar is less than 2 min walk. We were in Building 57, and our Butler Carlos was outstanding and made our stay relaxed, worry free and as comfortable as possible, he was always around and available to check in and help. The little pizzeria was ideal for a late afternoon snack and our favorite lunch was the poolside or beachside grills. Our favorite a la Carter was Italian. We looked forward to seeing Delvis at [... read more] the pool bar every day and Abrahan and Lebise from the entertainment team were amazing, we made some great friends in Cuba! It was an awesome experience!

Good but needs work

The bathroom wall had bubbled from moisture and mold, as well as shower knows. Shower headway broken and stains on the sheets. As per the people that work there, they were kind ad the pool and ocean beautiful. Foood was terrible, an smel of b.m (septic?) Hear cafeteria was rough.

Not as advertised! 2 star

Wow people are delusional…this is not a 5 star resort! 2 star at best! Your butler encourages you to give a 5 star review…joke! You get what you pay for! So many shortages to list and the food is well…awful! Stained unwashed sheets and blankets…no beach towels on the daily…etc etc! The beach is 10/10 but good luck finding shade due to the lack of beach chairs and tiki huts! Oh and the word “sanctuary” is not as advertised especially when the crop duster plane sprays you daily on the beautiful be [... read more]ach! Pathetic! Please stay away at all costs!