Bad resort..

Don’t book this hotel no internet in the room you have to come to lobby no food around only at snack bar but it’s very bad food. Entertainment Is same each night. overall don’t go to this resort it waste of money.

Loved it

We took a break from Cuba because we were tired of the resorts running out of food, and drinks, I was very impressed by this resort, it was clean, the rooms are big with plenty of drawers, the food was fantastic, they never ran out of anything, the selection was pretty decent as well. I hope the resort keeps up with good management I would like to go back

An Amazing Place

This spa & resort was more than my expectations. The amenities were so great and welcoming. The beach is amazing with all the water sports that you could ever want. The rooms were clean and up to date. The food was amazing as well. Had everything we needed every day. Most of all the staff were extremely helpful, friendly and supportive

Nice resort

Well this was our first holiday like this and it was nice and everything but you need to bring some stuff from home the bugs were bad needed bug spray the resort should stock some should also stock some different pills from Canada for us Canadians if you don’t plan it can ruin your trip so we got sick when there and there was no where to get meds to get better the resort was nice most people were great some were not so great so really it would depend on what you are looking for in a resort to sa [... read more]y if I would recommend this resort or not if you want to just stay on a resort and not explore Cuba at all and do the few excursions they have then yes go there if you are looking for a place that you can explore Cuba a bit then find a different resort near a town this one is 48kms away from a town so if you just want to stay on the resort and go to the pool or beach then this could be the place for you if you like snacks bring your own if you like salad dressing bring your own.

Not as expected - not worth the money

Lots of issues with check ins throughout many bus loads, rooms not ready, ours included. Very disappointed, most staff barely spoke English even in customer facing roles. The hotel was run down, it might have been nice when it was new, but doesn't seem like much up keep is happening. Advertised WIFI throughout the resort but it wasn't great at all. We had no toilet in one room for a few days and the other one kept running at a slow dribble. We had no sheets in one room for two nights and ha [... read more]d to use towels; the bed sheets were stained. One pillow for two people sharing a bed. The beds were too soft and for someone that has never had back issues, I was in so much pain that I barely got any sleep. We couldn't get dry beach towels our entire stay. Sometimes we had no cleaning service, not that we are dirty, just that with sand it is nice to have the floors swept. The cabanas are all run down and falling apart. The beach area is not very swimmer friendly due to the rocks. Almost all lounge chairs were broken. There was not enough of them around the pool areas. The food was cold most times because the heating part wasn't working, so it was hit and miss. Many times it was over or under cooked. Two of our five had issues with the food. They ran out of butter and put out mayo/salad dressing instead. The activities were not like what I have experienced at other resorts, very little effort put into them and not great at all; certainly never on time. Couldn't get a soccer ball or basketball to keep the kids busy. I think they had a great name to start but have let everything go now that they are established.

Above Average Cuban Resort.

We had a relaxing and enjoyable time at Grand Aston June 6 to 13, 2024. The resort is fairly new and the design of the rooms and the public spaces is modern and colorful. We had no problems with the shortages we heard of at other resorts, Full range of liquor available, cocktails, wine, beer was steady, had omelets for breakfast every morning, pools were clear and in good shape. This resort catches nice ocean breezes in several areas. Of course the staff make the place, we had friendly ser [... read more]vice in the Lobby bar, the pool bar, from our room stewards, and particularly in the "Snack bar" which is really a full service bar with restaurant service that changes throughout the 24 hours it is open. We had one meal at the Cuban A La Carte, we all enjoyed it, we had some great meals at the Buffet, grilled chicken, fresh fried rice, Pasta of the day, some days we weren't into it. We ate often at the "Snack Bar" Our 'cons' are few: The beach is beautiful, and better for small children and sailing, but we missed the waves of the "main" beach on C. Santa Maria, - that's a preference. Some of the entertainment was louder than we like, with shouting to raise energy and v. high overdrive. We liked the guitar player and the sax player in the lobby and the more traditional Cuban/Latin music rather than the EDM/Techno versions. Lots of other people including the Cuban guests seemed to like it just fine. We would have liked to be in the Adults-only section since we were all adults, how to get there wasn't clear to us when we booked or when we got there, but when they told us we couldn't have a drink at the adult pool because we had the wrong wrist band, though we were clearly adults, that put us off a bit. In closing we had superb service, but best of all from Enrique and the team at the Snack Bar: friendly, professional, excellent food and drink - make that your main stop and enjoy. We all want to go back.

Private and chill

The hotel was very quiet. It almost felt like we were staying at a private resort. The staff was amazing and accommodating for all of our requests. The rooms were very clean and quite large with a beautiful view. We were a very large group and they went over and beyond for us. The beach was not the nicest i have seen but it was still good. There was a couple days when there was not alot to eat but otherwise it was great! We go there for the sun and service! Also, the Michael Jackson show was gre [... read more]at!

My second home!

Love this resort so much. The entertainment staff are amazing and are now considered my family?? the resort is beautiful, beach is amazing, food can be repetitive but they make the best of it! I enjoy the fried rice station and they always have ice cream for dessert! Such a beautiful spot, lobby is beautiful and the snack bar open 24hrs is great. Been multiple times and can't wait to go back!

Beautiful Resort

The hotel was excellent. Very clean and our rooms were cleaned daily. The resort appears new. Everything is like new. The pool was very well maintained and the kids enjoyed it. In the hotel everyone hung around the huge lobby, because it had comfortable chairs and sofas. The servers brought you a drink or espresso coffee. We enjoyed the gentleman that played guitar there nightly. So talented.

Nice Resort

Stayed in the fiesta side. The room was very clean. Always had hot water. Staff is amazing. Food was really good. Didn’t see any shortages. It’s kind of a quiet resort. Not the best nightlife. More for an older crowd, or the kind of people who are in bed very early. Beach was just ok but boring. Not much music and zero Entertainment. Next door was much nicer.

Great Family friendly resort!

Rooms were immaculate, no bugs and always clean with toilet paper, bottled water and towels replenished daily. The pool was massive and my daughter enjoyed a whole day of handstands and swimming like a mermaid!! The beach was about a 10 minute walk (closer to adult only side) but there was a shuttle that would help guests go the distance if they didn’t want to walk. Pool bar staff were hilarious and made the whole day enjoyable! Staff preferred US money or Canadian bills… toonies and loon [... read more]ies are useless to them they will be grateful to exchange them for bills as they cannot use them in Cuba. The swim with dolphins excursion was AMAZING! Only about 15 min bus ride from the resort, about 40 mins in the water swimming with them, a dolphin show and then lobster lunch! For $40 Canadian I got 140 pictures emailed me that I could print when I got home! The only negatives were the food was repetitive in the buffet. Bring syrup, hot sauces or any condiments you enjoy. We had eggs, no bacon. Sausages were hot dogs lol. We had bread with all meals and there were a pasta and fried rice station. The al a cartes were awesome! There is a pizza place by the adult only but it costs to go (about $8-$10 Canadian) but well worth it! There was also an Asian restaurant that was fee-for food but we didn’t try there! We would definitely go back just a bit more prepared next time!

Awesome Hotel

Very friendly staff, if giving tips, don't give coins, only paper whether in Canadian or US Dollars. Check-in arrivals or departures should have more people behind counter. We waited almost 3 hours before getting our room and were provided WIFI details the morning after. WIFI access was pretty good, although intermittent was able to access on the beach. Food was adequate, a la carte restaurants were limited in choice selections but was adequate as well. Would definitely recommend and go back

Horrible Experience

Unpleasant experience overall. The staff exhibited rudeness, the food left much to be desired, and to add to the dismay. There was a discernible overflow from the septic system in the pathway adjacent to our room. Due to our delayed arrival, we were unable to secure a room in the designated adult section. Unfortunately, seeking assistance or posing questions often resulted in encountering some, though not all, staff members who displayed discourteous behaviour.

A Nice Vacation

We have been to Santa Maria Cuba several times in recent years but this was our first visit to Grand Aston. We visited as a family, including kids and grandparents. We were there February 14-21, 2024. The people there were wonderful. The rooms were very clean and everything in the rooms worked well. The food in Cuba is inconsistent across the board, so some days the buffet was well stocked and there were tons of options. Other days there were no eggs, bread, butter and/or limited meat  [... read more]but we don't go to Cuba for the food (they were never out of all of those things a the same time). We go for the beautiful beaches, the wonderful people and the feeling of safety that we have there. We always found food to eat here and never went hungry. If you want to get the best food, go early. It will be busier but the food options are better. On the days that the buffet was't great, we walked down to a pizza place and a small market that is just past the adult side of the resort. The pizza was really good and averaged about $6 Canadian per person. Some of our party went to the Italian a-la-cate and said it was awful. We have never had good Italian Food in Cuba though. We went to the French a-la-carte and is was very well done. The food and the service was great. We didn't get to try the Cuban a-la-carte but I suspect that one would have been pretty good. There was also a bowling alley here that I believe was about $5 Canadian per person. The kids enjoyed that very much. The snorkelling at this resort was outstanding. There is a short path to the ocean right beside building 6. We went snorkelling in this area. If you swim to the right side there are some beautiful coral reefs with a ton of fish. We even saw sting rays. This is of the best off-beach snorkelling that we have ever done. If you like to dive or snorkel, this is a good resort for you. The larger market in Sant Maria closed down this last year which is unfortunate because it was a nice place to visit. We didn't get the chance to do it this year, but we were told that you can pay a taxi driver with a classic car $160 Canadian to drive you to the town of Remedios and back for a private tour. It's on our to do list for next year because I am told that Remedios is really beautiful. There were a few things that we did not like at this resort. There are two pool areas at this resort. The adults only side has a smaller pool that is quiet but obviously, is only for adults. If you didn't pay for this side, you can still get in but you can't get food or drinks. We were not on this side but if we had been, I would have been annoyed with the fact that I paid extra for this privacy and anyone could still get in here. Everyone going to the beach or the market needs to pass through the adults only side. My in-laws did pay to be on the adults only side. They paid significantly more than us so that they could have that privacy. They also paid extra for a full water-view room. The hotel overbooked, so they did not get a water-view room. When they inquired about it, the hotel told them that they were given a room upgrade instead of a water-view room. Their room was massive but they were only two people. They were upset because they didn't need or want a giant room. They wanted, and paid for a view that the did not get and they were never asked for their preference. The main pool area is nice but from 2pm-6pm its like going back to a dance club in the 1990's. They blast 90's techno music and rap super loud. We stayed in building 6, which is right beside the pool and could not get away from the music. It was so loud that we could hear it underwater when we were swimming in the ocean. My father-in-law has hearing aid and was miserable because he had to turn it off because of the volume of the music. Poor guy couldn't hear us speaking but still said that the music was too loud. The beach also had loud music so there was no escaping the party vibe. In my opinion, this is a great resort for a girls trip or for going with friends. Especially if you grew up in the 1990's. I would not return here with a family. Around 9am in the morning, there is an airplane the flys over the resort, multiple times, spraying some chemical to control the bugs. The good news is that bugs were not at all a problem. The bad news is that if you don't run, you will get sprayed with whatever that chemical is. Watching people scatter was quite the sight. Don't leave your clothing or towels out on the balcony to dry in the morning or they will get sprayed. This issue probably isn't resort specific but it would have liked to know about t in advance. There are shows listed in the lobby that are supposed to happen at 9:30pm in the auditorium. There were only two nights where that actually happened. The Michael Jackson show on Saturday nights was awesome. Otherwise, they do a fashion show with girls in thongs and beach cover-ups walking around the lobby and trying to sell you beach clothing. They did have a DJ or guitar player in the lobby most nights if you are into live music. The guitar player was very good and the type of music switched up from night to night. The lobby at night is very busy and again, has a party vibe that wasn't ideal for our family vacation. This is a small thing, but every time you ask for a coffee at this resort it will be made a different way and most of the time it tasted like brown water or just hot milk. We have traveled in Cuba a lot and typically their coffee is excellent. They have their own coffee brand called Cubita and they usually make killer Cafe Con Leche. There is a coffee shortage right now. On this vacation, the coffee was terrible so maybe bring your own instant coffee. One of our family members did and she just got hot water from the 24 hour cafe every morning and and had no issues. Next time, we will bring our own and leave it behind for the staff. I would suggest packing toilet paper and white wine with you. Our room always had toilet paper. Other parts of the resort did not always have it. If you go off resort, you will need it. White wine is hard to get there right now. Make sure you bring enough money to spend and tip. The bank at the resort had Canadian and US money but will only give you Cuban Pesos which are essentially useless. Nobody down there wants to get the local currency because their own stores require them to buy things in foreign currency. DO NOT bother bringing Cuban Pesos with you. The people are happy to take Canadian or US money. They can only cash paper money that is not damaged at their banks. You can tip with loonies or toonies but you will find staff asking you to trade their coins for bills if you have them. There were a lot of really great moments on this vacation. Expect to experience the friendly hospitality that you would expect in Cuba. I do think that in the future we will be looking to go to a more quite resort. Parts of are group are already planning to return in November for a girls trip to take part in some of those party vibes. We would not return as a family though.

Amazing Resort

My first holiday in almost 20 years..first time to Cuba... people were so friendly and accommodating ..most amazing ocean view...room shared with 2 others and still felt spacious...walked the beautiful beach early in the mornings with my coffee.. server Geovel was so friendly and always entertaining the 5 kids with our family and friends.. If ever given the opportunity I would happily return there..

Really beautiful resort.

The resort is absolutely beautiful and we will most definitely be back! As usual, not knowing a resort can cause frustration, especially after traveling and not having food for awhile, so the first bit being there was not fun, but that was on us. Cuba has never been known for their food, but they are struggling more than ever now, but you will not starve. There will be at least one or two things you will enjoy - they truly make the best with what they have. The beach was amazing, pools were beau [... read more]tiful, although should be cleaned more regularly as there was always debris on the bottom. Food felt like a challenge. So for toir reference the buffet is open 7-10 for breakfast, then closed until 1230-3 for lunch, then closed again until 630-10 for dinner, there is a 24hr snack bar right below, and another snack bar is the adult only section who also serves breakfast after 10 but is only oppen until 4pm. There is another option called spices, this is for Fiesta rooms, although we were adult only and ate there not knowing this, but was refused service the second time, so was a bit confusing. Also, another disappointment, was how much I enjoyed the spa area but towards the end of our stay was kicked out for not having bought a service inside, which qas a surprised to us as for 2 weeks we were always there and using the pool which looked to be open to anyone, so the confusion just added some stress and frustration, I confirmed with the lobby and asked if this was the rules and he basically said it depends on the person working, as there had been multiple other spa workers who had never said anything to us or asked us to leave. Only 1 lady did. The rooms are very nice, but can see why some people review it as being unsanitary.. it just looks used, and no sheets or towels are changed unless you ask, which is not a big deal but being there for 2 weeks we really needed new towels and found it hard to contact the lobby, as the phones didn't seem to work and had no instructions on how to dial the lobby. But overall we really enjoyed this resort and will definitely be back.. the workers are amazing and the entertainment is one of the best! Overall a very veautiful resort. Would definitely recommend especially for the prices!

Great resort

Grounds were well kept . Public washroom were ok.i only used it twice. It's pretty decent resort. Very helpful and friendly stuff. They had great poolside and evening entertainment. We will go again

Nice resort

The resort was beautiful,the beach water was clean, the pool was nice, the Ladies who were cleaning the room were very friendly and nice, but the food was not good at all especially if you go with your kids, most of the waiters don't speak English,the dining area is full of flies, the dishes are not clean.

3rd Time Here

This is our third time at this specific resort. The beach and the snorkeling are great. Only complaint here would be the sand fleas and mosquitoes which were plentiful. Aquired many bites that kept us up at night due to the uncontrollable itching. Bug repellent did not help at all (for us anyway). After bite and aloe plants helped a bit, but not much. The pools are quite nice and clean. The grounds are well kept. There is a noticeable decline in the rooms, lobby and the buffet. Furniture, walls  [... read more]and floors were quite dirty. The buffet in particular. We’re not very picky, but it was kinda gross. Food was VERY limited and some of the meats were questionable whether or not they were safe to eat. Raw meat at the grill was left out at room temperature for unsafe amounts of time. I stayed away from all of the meats. Speaking with others at the resort, many had been ill with what could be from improperly prepared food (Diarrhea and vomiting). We really like the Cuban people, but won’t be returning.

2nd time there, better last year

Massive resort. Beautiful pools, great beach, absolutely still water. Rooms nice, most with an ocean view. The poor buffet was a sign of their failing economy. Bar staff lack customer-focussed training.