Paradisus Rio De Oro: Cozy and friendly Paradisus D'Oro

Resort was smaller than I thought but it made it a little more intimate than a sprawling mega resort teaming with tourists. My room was spacious, clean and comfortable, although the decor was getting a bit dated. They use carts to taxi you around the grounds but I found everything close by - restaurants, bars, the pool, the beach and the lobby all walkable. Now moving onto the food, in the context of Cuba, it was okay but after my 5th day I found everything quite repetitive and unappealing.  [... read more]I was disappointed by the lack of eggs several days (4 out of 7 days no eggs). Everything is organic I think so it taste slight different than North American food but probably better for you. I can say that I've ate better at other resorts in Varadero but the service in the restaurants was good. Moving onto the beach, Playa Esmeralda was awesome, one of the nicest beaches in Cuba. Although the stretch in front of this resort was a bit rocky, it was good for snorkelling. Once you get beyond them or walk a little bit down the beach, it was beautiful and great swimming. Just be careful at that far end of the beach at the other resort near the seawall, my wife got stung by sea urchin on her foot and had to be treated by the resort medic. Finally, I want to give a shoutout to the very friendly, humble and helpful Cuban staff. They work hard and hesitate to smile or say Hola to you.

Playa Pesquero: Pleasant surprise

I had been to Cuba prior to COVID and then returned in Nov 2022 In November I was shocked by the lack of Everything. I booked this because we hd a credit and I had few options- I went with minimal expectations— to my surprise—- the staff was sooo great, friendly and accommodating The A La Carte restaurants were actually really good! I am a bit of a foodie and was shocked. The wine was fantastic!! There was no tonic so my love of gin and tonic had to be replaced but overall- for the cost— y [... read more]ou can’t go wrong—

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Let me explain why....

New Resort 9/10 Front Desk Staff - 5/10 - not very helpful - even the hotel manager wasn't very helpful Housekeeping 10/10 - friendly staff Rooms - 10/10 even for a standard room, exceeded expectations - super modern facility Cleanliness - 10/10 Grounds 10/10 - young grounds...very pretty needs a few more years to mature Elite Service 10/10 Trainees 10/10 Pools 8/10 they're a bit small but nice Beach 6/10 - small but very pretty, nice clear, shallow water, cool s [... read more]and, nice breeze but the local people litter the beach (its a public beach) with beer cans and they defecate in the water...feces floating on the surface on weekends...beer cans and broken glass...almost cut my feet in water several times...get HEP C shot before visiting this resort Beach Staff - 2/10 - paddle boats and canoes used by local tourists pedal straight into the international tourist and have no remorse when they hurt you...they look back at you after slamming into you or wacking you in the head with a paddle with a glazed over glare in their eyes that can only be described at spite Food 7.5/10 - quite good for Cuba - no shortages Cooking staff at the grills at the buffet and La Roca - 1/10 - terrible - they almost make you beg for food if you're not Cuban. They keep the food for themselves and their people and told us to eat spaghetti - didn't matter how much you tipped them, they don't care Bartenders at La Roca - 2/10 terrible - although the service is pretty quick, with the exception of a few nice staff members, they are unkind...unless you're Cuban. T Tourist ratio Cubans 70% to 30% International - They make you feel uncomfortable, they take most of the food (fill up plastic containers hidden in their beach bags). The locals want to keep this resort for themselves and they let you know it. They either ignore or intimate. I understand their hardships and they deserve to enjoy the beauty of their own country and live well but its not a good idea to mix international with local. It simply doesn't work. I would say its almost borderline dangerous for Canadians to travel to this resort. Keep it for the locals and don't expect International tourists to keep it afloat by helping their economy. I have already advised everyone I know not to travel to this resort...they have booked elsewhere. After 21 visits to this country (first time Holguin) and after this experience, I'm not sure I will return to Cuba. The new generation is different. This is not the Cuba that I thought I knew....at least not at this resort.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Our 2nd home

We have been coming here twice a year for many years and have made many friends with the staff and even some fellow guests. Each time we arrive we see familiar faces so it feels like home. The resort is very clean and of anything that is needed it is quickly rectified with a smile. The food is delicious and plentiful and we have never gone hungry.

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Love Sol Rio de Luna Y Mares

This was our second trip to SRLM and we were concerned about the negative reviews regarding the food in Cuba. There was no concern there. The Cuban soup was delicious. The omelets were very good. The buffet was good, a little repetitive but very good food. We never went hungry, believe me. We had eggs every day and bacon almost every day. Besides, I don't eat bacon and eggs everyday at home. lol. I would advise you bring condiments like ketchup and mustard, no big deal for me. The staff were won [... read more]derful, always smiling. It was wonderful to see Dora again. Most staff speak good English, The maids were always smiling and friendly. I looked forward to hearing "HOLA" every morning. The pool was clean and the swim-up bar was great. The beach is amazing, just like I remembered it. You can snorkel right off the beach, plenty of fish too. I can't wait to go back. My only disappointment was that the Luna side was closed for renovations but that really didn't but a damper on our vacation. If you are considering booking SRLM, go for it. You won't be disappointed. Thank You to the management of SRLM for keeping this resort as wonderful as I remembered. Thank You to Carol Mack from Tripcentral, who made our booking very easy.

Playa Pesquero: Amazing resort!

Everything is wonderful - food, facilities, amazing beach area with sport activities available for all ages and abilities Staff is great and helpful, wonderful entertainment program and nice spacious area, gym The only thing is mosquitoes in the open area restaurants- so take OFF repellent with you

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Great resort

The beach here is absolutely beautiful and there is great snorkeling. The staff here are very friendly. It is a small resort but it is great to have everything close. The resort is clean beds are comfy. The entertainment was great. Loved the coffee bar

Iberostar Coral Holguin: The Best in Cuba

The best for size, service, and relaxation. All amenities are easily accessible (very little walking) and well kept compared to other Cuban resorts. Also, even when the resort is basically full (60 rooms) there is plenty of space and no fighting for or need for reserving spots at the pool or the beach. Pool bar shuts down early for peaceful and relaxing nights.

Playa Pesquero: Amazing resort

We came back from Playa Pesquero 2 days ago and will definitely go back!! The resort was awesome! Very friendly and helpful staff, food was good but above all - the beautiful beach! Everything and everyone made our stay very enjoyable!

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Amazing resort

This hotel is one of 2 hotels I go to in Holguin cuba. I love it so much, it's a home away from home. I went to enjoy my birthday and for the down season and very little guest at the resort, they did a fabulous job with what they had. I will always go back

Brisas Guardalavaca: Wonderful as always

Clean, super nice, make you feel welcomed! My 7th trip to this resort...i feel so comfortable there...small issue with hot water 2 days, no water 2 days, and no air conditioning 1 day. Older facilities But all in all excellent resort

Iberostar Coral Holguin: This is now my GO-TO resort!!

I first discovered this resort in January 2023 and I have just returned from my 5th trip, so yes, I would say I like it! Amazing staff, spotless rooms, beautiful pool, good food, I just can't say enough good things! Being Cuba, if there is anything you just can't live without, such as condiments, I suggest you pack your own, otherwise relax and enjoy the beauty that is Cuba. I'm already booked for my next trip in October!

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Beautiful Resort

Pros: love the location, beautiful beach, clean hotel (outside), friendly and helpful staff (restaurant, housekeeping, garden staff), animation staff Robert. Thank you for the fun excursion (bike, hike). Con: slow check-in. Room had water damage, mold near entrance and washroom. Guest service was great, they were prompt in fixing issues.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Another Amazing Stay

I lost count of how many times I have visited Paradisus Rio de Rio, but each time I am there, I have the best of stay. Everything about the resort is PERFECT!!! People: The people at the resort are the warmest, kind and hospitable I have met. Food: The tastiest food ever! To me, the food is worthy of a Michelin Star! I’m missing the beans & rice already! Beach: it’s just perfect! I missed the daily golden sunset ! Spa: Heavenly!!! I will be back very soon!!!

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Fantastic vacation

Our visit at the Iberostar Coral was fabulous. The staff are amazing cater to your every need when possible. Rooms are spacious clean and always towels changed twice a day as needed. Pools are amazing. It is however a very quiet area for sure which we loved. Food well no one goes to Cuba for the food however we certainly didn’t go without always lots to eat and a great selection. Drink lots of stock and mix not a worry on the Coral section. Definitely for us it was a five star experience. We we’ [... read more]ll be back as soon as there are direct flights from Halifax.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Very good Resort

The grounds are very big, the beach was great. Snorkeling was good, very colorful fish. The food is very bland, don't go to Cuba for the food. We ran out of eggs for a few days. The rooms were spacious. The people were very friendly.

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Amazing resort and friendly staff ? ?

Very nice and clean room only problem the shower area no door water leak outside the stand shower. but all the resort was very nice .the staff so friendly and helpful the beach amazing the pool so clean I want to go again with my family.

Playa Pesquero: playa Pesquero premium

just back from 10 days, and again wonderful, no cristyal beer but had ciesesci, just as good, staff bent over backwards had a cake and party for me, all wished me a happy birthday, was a very touching moment, nothing you get from any other resort.We really love the cuban people and all they do to make our trip wonderful, so good my brother is going back in june, enough said"

Brisas Guardalavaca: Very Enjoyable Resort

Rooms were quite large. The security box did not work but repairs were made in one day. All the workers were very respectful and helpful. The hotel grounds are beautifully kept. Evening shows were excellent except for one rain-out. Most days there was great music outside the buffet. The specialty restaurants were very good. There was very seldom any lack of food...lots of selection and food. I would certainly return again.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: We had some issues

Club beach bar wasn’t open a single day, buffets closed and the manager screamed constantly at guests. There was a couple days where the only thing that was open was the snack bar; and they only had hot dogs at nighttime. I was extremely dissatisfied in the resort and the way they ran things while we were staying there. The manager was the WORST representation of this resort and there needs a change to be made in order for me to consider going back. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, if  [... read more]I pay for Club I want all the club perks and we barely got any. The only reason we had a good time was the people. Leo, Lixander and Taiyanis are the only reason we would go back. They provided the best service I’ve ever had and did so with a great attitude. I’d book another trip to Cuba tomorrow if they were on a different resort, which is unfortunate. But these people find a way to stay “AWESOME” and I’ll never forget the memories we made with them. These 3 individuals are the only reason we were able to make the most of this trip.