Nice resort but better options available

We spent 8 days at VPB (July 8-16th). Beautiful beach and ocean! We had very hot & sunny weather and it was quite humid, although no complaints. The resort is quite large and certainly not for the mobility challenged. The pool areas are lovely with plenty of loungers. The rooms are new and clean and quite nice. We had an issue with virtually no hot water in the shower for 3 days. We complained each day to the front desk - they said they would send a technician out to fix it, but we never [... read more] saw anyone at our room, although we spent most of the day at the beach. Front desk never called to follow up at any point. After the 3rd day, we asked for the manager, a young woman, who immediately moved us to a new room. No issues with lack of hot water after that. We essentially had 2 complaints about the resort. When we arrived, people at the front desk were not very friendly or inviting. There were only 2 other parties checking in at the time. They told us our rooms wouldn't be ready for another 2 hours. We said we would go to the pool for that time, then left to find it. They didn't offer any instructions or details - they just gave us a map. The resort is essentially an area to the right or left of the main resort complex. We followed the map and decided to go to the right - well, it was closed off. With this being low season, they close it off and have all guests stay on the left part of the resort. The front desk didn't make any mention of this to us - we were left to figure this out for ourselves. It was also hit and miss with other workers at the resort - some were pleasant and friendly and happy to serve (Jose T at the beach bar), while others not so much... The other complaint was the food. Let's face it, you don't come to Cuba for the food. The a la carte's were OK but the buffet was virtually the same each day for lunch or dinner. There was absolutely NO green leaf lettuce for the entire time we were there. They only had shredded cabbage and variations of coleslaw. We didn't go hungry - there was always something to fill up on but it was a disappointment for us. I will say that the Pool Bar restaurant (open 24 hrs) served excellent burgers, deep fried calamari and other offerings - we had our lunch there a few times. The resort was a bit more of a party atmosphere than we thought. Plenty of mid 20's who came in groups and were clearly in party mode which was fine. We enjoyed the week at this resort but would not return. A better option I think would be either Melia Buenavista (where we stayed a few years ago) or the Royalton.

Amazing off-season experience!

The Valentin was a last minute booking with absolutely no regrets. The hotel itself is fairly new, so the design and concept is open and spacious with a touch of elegance. The chairs and seating looks to have been very recently replaced and added to the crisp new look and feel. This was our 7th trip to Cuba, 1st to Santa Maria. My Wife and I were blown away by the length of beach the Valentin had stretching from one end to the other! Beautiful white sands and crystal clear Waters as expexted, w [... read more]ater warm and inviting. Great service, drinks, fresh fruits and fresh grilled fish on the beach had us spending most of our time there. The entertainment/animation team were always engaging yet not intrusive if you just wanted to soak up some sun. Half the resort was closed with it being the off-season, though on walking around the closed side it was pretty much the same as our side, so there wasn't much to miss. If anything just less walking. This is a big well landscaped resort, so do expect to get a little walking in daily. If requesting close to the beach, ask for building 33, the short cut path to the best stretch of beach is right behind it. You are also still close to the pool and area bar/snack bar. If looking for a little less walking, ask for building 30, it is closest to the buffet and lobby. Food wise the fresh mangos and grilled meats were our daily staples, most evenings we did the alternating a la carts (french & seafood combined into one as were the Spanish and Italian). My wife particularly enjoyed the sparkling rose wine during those meals. Live music at the piano or around the lobby early evenings was nice and enjoyable, later on at the theatre (which was very nice as well) the entertainment picked up and provided good times. Being and all adult resort, they weren't kiddie shows, either. Rooms were nice and comfortable, we did the upgrade to silver, and had a bottle of rum and wine awaiting our arrival and nice bathrobes hanging outside showers built for two. King-size bed, flat screen TV, mini fridge and safe rounded out the room, with umbrellas in the closet if needed. Overall we were quite pleased with our stay at the Valentin for our 14th anniversary, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice place to get away and relax in modern amenities.

Relax, they've got it !

Amazing service and beautiful attitudes is always a plus. Truly such great service from the bell man to the wait staff to the coconut man. The food could use some improvementing, but it's ok. I was disappointed that online the check in was 2pm but the resorts check in is 4pm. But this resort is surrounded by a beautiful beach and the pool is well maintained. There wasn't any ventaltion in the washroom ,but overall a beautiful place with amazing service

Great Resort!

Overall, an excellent resort. Very new, well kept, and a great layout. The pools and the beach are both fantastic. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Lots of variety for food options. Also, the evening entertainment is excellent!

Amazing Resort !!!!

We liked everything about our vacation. The hotel is very spacies, impressive lobby, bars, sitting are, clean room, great food. We are beach people but I have to admit I was impressed by the pool area. The beach is very long and wide - a lot of space for walking. Staff very, very helpful and friendly. I would recommend the hotel to all.

Incredible Resort, Spectacular Beach!!

We traveled with my family for the first time to Cuba, and we had amazing vacations. The service in Valentin Perla Blanca was exceptional!!! From reception to restaurants, entertainment, and housekeeping were always friendly, attentive, and ready to provide a great and warm service. The Beaches were spectacular the best beach I have ever been, water crystal clear and sand super soft, very natural and clean beach. We had the opportunity to walk almost half kilometer and the water just get more be [... read more]autiful! We also tried all the water sport provided and had a great time always at the beach. The only suggestion I will have for this great resort is to have a better disco, since there were no disco they only had a room full of chairs and all lights on, not very appealing for a dance night. Overall great Resort and would love to come back in the future!!. Thank you TripCentral for recommending this great resort and making our vacations memorable.

Hotel and service is going down!

Hotel is having problems maintaining the infrastructure. No hot water or poor mixing valve in the shower. Telephone doesn't work. We had great problem with food; great diahrea problem that lasted for 5 days!

Amazing first trip to Cuba Best resort ever

The resort was well kept in every way - very clean - great gardens Best waiters and staff ever - lots of different entertainment for every one Lots of handshakes - hugs - laughter Friendly people and staff around at all times Food was better than expected Ocean was the cleanest ever seen Will return to Cuba for sure and to this resort for sure Spoke to several people who were at the resort for the 3rd or 4th time that says it all

Superb Resort

This was a fantastic place to vacation. Rooms were nice and clean. Staff were incredibly courteous and friendly. The a la carte food was great. Entertainment was incredible....lounged by the pool and watched a beautiful synchronized swimming show. Lots to do whether its quiet relaxing or activities. The resorts entertainment team is always going. A little bit of a ways from the airport....but well worth it!!

Pretty good overall. Definitely watered down drinks.

Overall resort is good and staff as well. New lobby and rooms clean and all works well. Gym is small but ok. They had half resort closed so only one pool and it was party time at 4 - so a bit annoying. Also way TOO few cabanas on the beach. Could not get any shade at anytime so makes beach unusable. Food was good for cuba. Lots of choice. Overall 7 out of 10

Beautiful Beach

I went with my boyfriend at the end of May. The resort itself is nice- rooms are fairly new and clean. The pools were beautiful and the beach was out of this world. Be careful though as we fuond some jelly fish (lots of starfish too)- some people ended up getting stung. It was a slower time, so half of the resort was closed, but we didn't mind. The bugs can get bad around this time so be sure to bring lots of after bite or spray. The food was ok- I would suggest sticking to the beach grill or th [... read more]e snack bar. The French restaurant was our favourite. We did two excursions- Land & Sea and the Sunset Catamaran. I would highly recommend both. A lot of great people and the staff are very friendly. Do not bother buying internet cards as you can barely get on and it really doesn't work. The night entertainment was awesome- do not miss the Michael Jackson show! Easy pick up and drop off from the airport- overall, great trip.

Good for Cuba, best not the best

Hotel grounds nice, however not the cleanest. Service was slow and you had to get up to get your drinks. Food was okay, nothing special but good for Cuba. Best to go to the Buffet right when it opens to get it when its hot. Alla Carts were good. Italian was the best.

Perfect vacation!

Everything about this vacation was perfect! Air transat is a fantastic group to deal with. Bus ride to the hotel was longer but very entertaining with lots of beer to be had. Resort was beautiful, clean, and large. All staff and service were beyond expectations. Would return here in a heartbeat!

Great Value

The hotel was only half open when we went - only one of the two pool areas were open, 3 of the 5 a la carts, one of the two buffets. This did not impact our trip in the least. The resort was not crowded, and we had everything we needed. I do wonder what the resort would be like at full capacity. Food surpassed our expectations - always something good to eat and enough variety for a week. The coffee in the lobby was sooo good. Pool and beach areas were great, we were always able to find  [... read more]some shade. As other people have said, the beds are really hard. The beds outside by the pools are much more comfortable! It didn't prevent us from sleeping well though. Tip: We were able to walk to the small market by walking along the beach to the left. Although you can't see it (there's a bend), it was a surprisingly quick walk (15 mins maybe) and well worth it. We also took the bus to the bigger market twice. Just remember the buses aren't on a schedule. So bring your book and a drink, and relax in the lobby while waiting.

Great vacation!

We stayed at this resort for May11-18 and we had one amazing time !!! Staff are so helpful, just ask and they will try anything to make it happen. When we left they started updating the main lobby with brand new furniture. The food was good ,drinks anything especially if you tip, you get even the privilege. The beach is undesirable, amazing ,warm ,big ,lots of space ,lots of chairs ,no need to wake up early to reserve your spot. We had only one issue with our room cleaning she just made sure [... read more] to take her tip and gifts but not provided a proper cleaning,,,,,not sure how Manny rooms they have to clean or why ,but after I spoke to one of the hotel managers everything was so much more,,,he made sure to make it up to us with a great lobster dinner and the best champagne!!!!!! Deffently I would go back in a heart beat !!! Thank you Valentin Perla Blanca and staff !!

Beautiful resort

Rooms were great .. staff friendly ... food was mehh ok lol we didn't get to do the a la carte, ate at the main restaurant and the 24 hour grill. However ... the pizza made at poolside was great !!! I would definitely not recommend this resort for singles .. we are two straight single women .. was boring for us. Lol I would however go back if I ever end up with a mate. Ohh ya .. the staff .. the screw must have fallen out of my prescription glasses and the arm fell off. I talked to on [... read more]e of the bell boys (mario) he went above and beyond to get them fixed for me. Honestly. The man was a sweetheart !!! We did have nice relaxing time ... met some nice people and enjoyed the beach and pools. Entertainment was very good too.

Awesome time!!

This resort is beautiful!! The rooms were clean, beach was amazing and the staff was great! I would return! Food was great! The ride to the resort was fun and informative...it did not seem like 1.5 hours at all!

Disappointing vacation

Had hoped there would be more positives than negatives but I kept wishing we had gone somewhere else. I would rate the resort as 3 star. Food was plain, bland and very limited choices. The Italian and Spanish a-la-carte restaurants were the best but nothing to rave about. I thought the buffet would be better and the snack bar only had a few a-la-carte selections. I ate the same thing multiple times. Rooms were clean. Beach narrow and rocky. Location remote. Almost 2 hrs from airport. Most of the [... read more] hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. Mosquitoes were terrible while we were there. They closed the pool, bar and restaurant closest to our building half way through the week. We were expected to walk further away to the other area. Limited times for breakfast, lunch, etc. In between, only choice was snack bar. Ate french fries many times. Replacing beach towels hit and miss as only open limited time until ran out. Music in lobby good if you caught it. Never knew what was going on and when. Shows so so. Young people liked the Michael Jackson tribute show. Resort had all ages but not ideal for older crowd as great deal of walking from one side to the other. When everything was open near us it was much better. Have stayed at other resorts in Cuba (Cayo Coco and Varadero) which were better than this one. Wanted to see the newer Cayo Santa Maria area. If come again to this area would choice another resort.

Amazing Resort!!! Will Return!

I thought that the grounds were beautiful. The pools were impeccably clean and the beachs were equally beautiful. There were always more than enough beach chairs both around the pool and on the beach so we never had a problem finding four chairs to sit in. The buffets were delicious - I would definitely recommend bringing snacks for your room though if you have a big appetite or eat frequently since there are times when they are closed or if you just want good old fashioned potato chips. The 24- [... read more]hour snack bars by both pools were amazing and we ate the DELICIOUS chicken fingers almost everyday. The rooms were always clean and the maids made the cutest towel decorations each day and even left us a note on the last wishing us a safe flight home. The a la cartes book fast (like at any resort) so be sure to book early in your trip to plan your week out. The French and Spanish are by far the best, followed by Spanish and then Italian. Overall all of the workers and servers are amazing, friendly and provided amazing service.

Beautiful resort

The food was very good and always lots of it. The staff was always friendly greeting us with a hug. The beach was priceless. The rooms were nice with a big balcony. Entertainment was superb! Rate 5/5!