Brisas Guardalavaca: Wonderful Trip

Brisas was by and far the nicest resort on the strip. The people were amazing. Very friendly and super accommodating. The rooms are clean and well kept, spacious and cool. The hotel was busy with entertainment around every corner. The beach was beautiful, water is clean and warm. The food was ok, not a lot of spices but we were never hungry either. I will definitely be going back to Brisas.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Paradise in Cuba and Family Resort Lovely

We love it here we stayed 5 times.Also we up grade to the villas right on the beach and by the lacart rest,The weather was great and the beach fabulous.We will be going back soon,The staff was excellent and food was ok for Cuba since we stayed other parts of Cuba and did not like, the only down fall no mojoit at all and potatoe and tomatoe was very hard to get,The resort has been upgraded a little because they are trying for a 5 star,They have welcome lunch for repeat guests and a tree planting  [... read more]ceremony this year it was excellent the food was the best all week and the drinks were fab fresh in coconuts and pineapples,Also all repeat guests get a bottle of rum when they leave,The shows are the best that I have seen in Cuba since I have traveled to other parts and the shows were no good if they had any,I would recommend this resort for a 1 time visit and it is a family resort,

Sol Turquesa Beach: title is not accurate

I would give it a 3 out of 10, rooms are clean and air conditioner works great. Too many stairs, swim up bar is missing pieces by where the tourist sit and it closed before 6pm each day. They played the same music everyday, the poolside games were the same games each day....bingo...1 session only...no dancing lessons as advertised, no other games as advertised. The disco was empty. Had a huge group of Canadian-Europeans who took over the half empty resort and threw other guests who not known to  [... read more]them in the pool. They had the beach bartender playing their European music on the speakers for everyone at the beach to hear. Shows were odd, more like school plays. I was there in Nov 2013...the difference in 1 year was massive. Wont be going back!!! Was boring

Playa Costa Verde: The resort was very nice and good

The grounds at Playa Costa Verde are very lush. The trees are mature. It rained while we were there so the grass was green and lush. Since we went in July there were not very many people there. It was really hot which we wanted since the weather in Ontario was rainy and some what cool. The room was very clean. We had a very nice maid which took good care of us. She introduced herself and we were good to go. I left her a few small gifts which she really appreciate it. We were located close to th [... read more]e pool so we did not have to walk very far. The ocean was nice but we could have used some beach shoes, which we have but left them at home, since the ocean is rocky. We made our way through and we were ok. The water very warm and clear. The food was good. We did not go hungry and we a lot to choose from. The chef greeted us and asked us about the food and what we thought. He even asked for suggestions, that has never happened to us before. Since we were there off season some of the all carts were open every other day. But we ate at the buffet since there was a variety of food. There were food stations which we could go to for food. The deserts were great. They always are good in Cuba. They have the best bread and buns. We did a small trip to the flee market. That was very nice and the people were very friendly and helpful. We bought some rum and cigars to take home with us. Overall the trip was super nice. I think we really needed to get away and this did the trick.

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Love Sol Rio de Luna y Mares in Holguin Cuba !

I love the scenery, the beautiful beach with lush green trees all along the white sand beach . The valleys and hills behind the resort are breathtaking. Very country setting with goats, pigs, horses and cattle roaming. Nature all around. The staff are so nice and work extremely hard. There was 3 others in our group that never have been on a all inclusive and were very happy with the entire resort. They told me that they have recommended this resort to friends that were reluctant to travel to Cub [... read more]a. This was my 2 nd visit to this resort and can't wait to go again.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Best vacation ever!

On October 14th 2014 I went to the Riu with my husband and 75 guests for our wedding. We got married on the beach and it was the most magical experience of our lives. The staff treated us all like gold

Paradisus Rio De Oro: They Got It Right

This hotel is known for its excellent service. We were surprised to meet so many guests who have come back to this same hotel more than three times. We've been in the Caribbean many times and may have repeated the city more than once, but never the same resort. I can see why this place has such a loyal following. We got a junior suite and upgraded to a junior deluxe before arriving. This was the first time I was able to have a conversation with a hotel about my upgrade options before arriving.  [... read more]This was also the first time i was able to reserve a specialty restaurant before arrival. (We heard that the Japanese was quite popular and difficult to get a reservation). I'm a big fan of Air bnb when I travel because you can ask questions of your host. This was the first hotel that I was able to ask a few questions online and get prompt responses. The grounds were impeccably kept up, the food was great and the nearby activities were awesome. We just might break our rule and come back to the same hotel a second time.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Very nice resort

Traveled in mid October 2014 for one week. Other travelers positive reviews are correct and I would definitely consider it for my next vacation. I would have liked to have tried the Royal Service section, however the upgrade prices at the hotel were outrageous even with the $400.00 credit that Melia offered. .

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Excellent Value

This is my 5th stay Club Amigo in as many years. The property is dependable... food isn't the greatest, but it's not awful either. Staff are courteous and helpful. Villa beach view rooms are very nice - well worth a few extra dollars. All said, it feels like a tropical version of home :)

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Our Third time and We'd Go Again

As mentioned, this was our third time back to the Paradisus and as before we found the staff exceptional and the grounds immaculate and beautiful. We arrived late which is no fault of the resort itself but when told that there was no room in Royal Service which is where we'd stayed the time before it was a big disappointment. Couple that with not feeling well I hope I didn't come off as rude to reception as that wasn't my intention at all so I'll take this opportunity to apologize if I did. We w [... read more]ere taken to our room which by morning we realized wasn't suitable for my mother who is 85 and has mobility issues. The tub was deep and the grab bar was on the wall across the tub so she'd have to bend over and reach across the tub to hold on to the bar and pull herself over which was going to be a dangerous situation for her. I understood that there were other upgrades at the resort that weren't Royal Service but perhaps might be better for her and went to the front desk to ask. They did a great job at finding us one of the renovated rooms that was just across from the building we were in and right next to the lobby. It was really very nice and had a walk in shower which was perfect for Mom. Housekeeping was great, the room was spotless and the little fridge was kept well stocked. The only drawback was the coffee maker. The pot had broken or something and in its place was a large mug. Try pouring coffee from a large mug into two smaller cups. A bit messy. After that we didn't bother. I didn't bring that to anyone's attention though and realized after the fact that if I had, the issue probably would have been resolved quickly. The coffee at the buffet was better anyway so we just left it at that. Speaking of the buffet, lots to choose from but sometimes cold and that was the same for all meals. I think the later we went in the higher the chances of things cooling down. But for breakfast you could have an egg made specifically the way you want and of course that would be hot as were the omelets. The french toast and pancakes were hit and miss. Just depended on how fast you got to them when they were put out. But as I said, always lots to choose from and again the staff was great. The guys at the lobby bar were terrific and the drinks have improved! At least the pina colada has. I had one in Royal Service a few years back and it was pretty bad so nice to see that improvement. If you like cocktails on the sweeter side there always seemed to be something different although I can't tell you how good it was as that's not so much my taste but all in all I'd say the bar has improved with what they're offering. We only went to one a la carte this time and had the lobster which I thought was very good. Talking to others there was no complaints about any of the a la cartes which is what I'd expect having been to all of them before. One bad experience was the restaurant by the pool. We went for lunch one day and it was great. I had a hamburger and Mom had a grilled meat plate which she said was very good. The next day she wanted the same but bit into one of the meats and couldn't eat it. I tried it and it was bad. Tasted to me like it literally was going bad and that simply should not happen. Mom thought they'd put the meat in vinegar or something but it was not good at all. The vegetables on the plate too were ice cold as were mine. So one day good, the next day beyond bad. I can't speak to the entertainment but saw they offered some nice activities. One night was a beach party but the beach is a number of steps down and a bit tricky for Mom so we didn't go but it was nice to see that they were doing it. The resort offers Spanish lessons, dance lessons as well as other things that I just can't remember right now. The beach itself isn't the white sand kind that goes on for miles. It's rocky as well but apparently good for snorkelling. Wading..not so much. All in all, a great resort and wonderful people. We'll go again without hesitation. I can tell you that Royal Service is really exceptional, especially for Cuba where quality can be hit and miss. Royal Service is all about quality and a lovely place to relax and enjoy. This stay, not being in Royal Service was still very nice. We love the area, the people and this resort. For us, it's a special place.

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: A Great Place to Return To

I''ve been to the Luna y Mares 5 times now and don't have any plans to look elsewhere. The beach is beautiful as is the water and staying in for 2 to 3 hours a day snorkeling and walking through the water is a big part of my winter fitness program. The flexibility and muscle tone these activities produce simply can't be duplicated, by me at least, in our norther climate. I've never been in the L y M pool but it looks nice. kids love it. There is also some weight loss involved over the two weeks [... read more] but this is not guaranteed given the lethal ice cream served at the L y M. I don't know what flavour the type I tried on my last night was but it may as well have been frozen butter. Love it! The L y M is simply beautiful looking out the front over the grounds, beach and ocean or looking out the back at the hills and the dolphin lagoon. There are lots of things to do and short hikes to make. Go up to the 4th floor in the Mares section and walk along its entire length. The view over the hinterland is fabulous. Note the hill about 1 km directly south with the flat top and the well worn path up the side. This is the water building hill and you can walk to the top and give the guard a peso or two and then go up on top of the flat roof. Incredible 360 degree view. You actually don't have to pay the guard but why wouldn't you give him something? Running shoes are mandatory. Stroll over the 200m bridge over the swamp between L y M and the Rio d'Oro resort and you will see a good many egrets and cranes. It doesn't smell that good sometimes but suck it up. It's a swamp. You can also take the natural history trail just a few metres west of the Mares section which shows the original people and how they lived and the types of native flaura and fauna. This actually does cost 3 or 4 pesos and will take you about 45 minutes. It includes several nice overviews of Playa Esmerelda, the 700m beach the L y M sits on. The area of Guardalavaca and Holguin is lovely countryside and there are various trips you can arrange. Cubans are beautiful but tourists are definitely seen as a source of income. The area has been hit directly by hurricanes Ike and Sandy over the past 5 years and the coral has suffered but it is still pretty interesting down at the Rio d'Oro end and along the cliff face out for 400m. The good stuff starts at the white chapel but getting in the water near the Rio d'Oro end will have you surrounded by fish looking for pieces of banana. This end of the beach is pretty rocky but you can get in easily by picking the path near the new small peer they are putting in. Ugly but maybe necessary for the Rio d'Oro guests. You can go walking in the surrounding area anytime night or day (I'm speaking as a man here) and be perfectly safe. This is true of most of Cuba but I've never been to Havana so can't say how their big city is. Freedom of movement is one of the things which make Cuba stand head and shoulders above any other southern destination. I simply do not like being in a compound with wire and armed guards nor having to have an escort to venture outside the grounds. The Luna facing the beach is the quietest spot and the Mares rooms are probably the noisiest overlooking the pool as they have a lot of activities there. I stay in the Mares is possible for the views, tropical breezes and ignore any noise. The L y M is not a state-of-the-luxury hotel and always needs some finishing but the staff and the location and the beach and the Cuban people draw me back every year. I am not alone. You will find people who have been going back for 10 and 15 years for 2 and 4 weeks at a time. There are reasons for this. The L y M is not party or glitter central but it is a solidly beautiful experience on many levels. Hope you enjoy it!

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Above expextations

It's a well managed resort, with extras, that You don't know until experience it. There was no charge SCUBA available as an example. The À la carte restaurants excelled. The people who work there make all the difference.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Awesome every time!!!!

My friend and I went to CA Oct 26 to Nov 1/14. We usually go every January but decided to go in Nov too. Fantastic! Lots of great people and the staff are wonderful. If you are looking for a 5 star hotel this is not it but if you are looking for clean rooms, good food and making new and lasting friends, this is the place to go! The beach is fantastic and the local people are great too. We will be back on Jan 9/14.

Sol Turquesa Beach: We had a great time

The resort was beautiful and most of the staff were fantastic. I have no compliants about the food it was typical buffet selections. Was always able to find something to eat. The hotel was going through renovations which is great as ot shows they want to improve. The first night was disappointing as we go there late and the 24 hour grill was packed with only one bartender and food took a long time. The nightly shows need to be updated but for the most part were ok. The water ballet show was just [... read more] bizarre! As it was low season there didn't seem to be much organized activites as the last time one of ladies I travelled with was there. If you want a relaxing place to stay this is your place if you want to party not so much. I certainly could have done without the locals getting into fights at the pool bar and the loud obnoxious Russians at every turn. They even were kicked off our plane.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Great resort

We had a great time at this resort. The food was great and the beach is wonderful. All the staff were responsive to our questions and spoke well in English. All was good but many renovations on at this time. Will be fantastic when the new dining area opens!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Average rezort

Very strictly a nice hotel in a good quiet area, good locations, including a good services associated with them. Sometimes some (of services) VAM "give" - suggests a small "contribution" - donation to them.

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: The best in Cuba

I've been to this hotel five years in a row and each time it keeps getting better and better! Luna is quiet and Mares is louder if you want entertainment, so there's something for everyone. Clean, friendly, good food, incredible service, and an amazing beach. Couldn't ask for anything more.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Home awaw from home every time

Just back from Club Amigo Guardalavaca. It was my third trip down in 2014. I was there in January, April and October. This should speak volumes about the resort. I have been eight times now. I always stay in the villas. The villas are worth the small upgrade price. I won't go in October again. The amenities are slightly reduced. It is also too hot. I travelled with two children aged eleven and seven and they are saving their pennies so we can go again! The resort is spotless, the staff is second [... read more] to none and it is a very safe place families and seniors. I hear travellers complain about the food all the time in Cuba. I have no complaints. It is plain (not spicy) and plenty of it. I have never once came home from Club Amigo Guardalavaca having lost weight. Please try this resort. My cousin and I go every year in January and her and I maintain "this is a 3.5 resort with a 5 star mentality.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Awesome resort

The resort was amazing, we had a late check in and we were still greeted with a cold cloth and champagne. We had the royal service , I think is a must. You have an assigned butler who handles everything for you, from planning excursions to making all your dinning reservations. The spa was very relaxing also. with the Royal service you have a private pool and beach, the bartender on the beach was awesome can very friendly. Amazing staff , beautiful beaches and great restaraunts.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Fantastic resort

Great hotel, very friendly staff, food was awesome, excellent service, fantastic shows, the grounds are very well kept. Special thanks to Luis (pool bar), and Judy (lobby bar) for their great service.