Club Amigo still great place after six times

Club Amigo is still a good place you go to meet people, nice beach, food is better than before, the maids are more help than the rest of the staff ????. The bungalow were closed again, it seems only a couple years ago they renovated them ??? but overall the place is friendly and I still enjoy going there....

Great time!

You get what you pay for, as one of the cheapest options in the Caribbean (at least when we traveled) there were some 'problems', but those problems are nothing compared to the positive experience you will have with your vacation. I say 'problems' because really, they're not, but as many north Americans have higher expectations, some will be bothered by them. So if you suffer from first world problems disorder, you may be bothered by these 'problems'. 'Problems': 1. Only 1 buffet open fo [... read more]r breakfast and lunch, this can cause line ups during breakfast, though lunch wasn't too bad. A second dinner buffet wasn't open when we first got there, but opened before we left and the staff said it would be open for just dinner until February or so. The staff didn't inform guests that the second buffet was open... so it was usually much quieter, my wife and I spread the word as much as we could, but I even had one guest call me a liar and didn't believe me - some people, jeeze. 2. Our room was not in the best shape, with a number of things worn out and the AC likely won't last much longer, but everything worked. Since we only ever used our room to get ready or sleep, it really doesn't matter. Why travel to sit in your room the whole time - we never even turn the TV on. 3. The 24 hour snack bar actually closes during breakfast and dinner, so maybe it should be called the 18 hour snack bar with 24 hour drinking. If you can get past those 'problems', you will realize you're in Cuba, the weather is amazing, the beach is incredible, that you're on vacation and going to have a good time. There are tons of activities included, paddle boats, a catamaran ride, there is also the games room, tennis and basketball courts, 24 hour drink service, daily activities and shows, plenty of nearby shops with everything you need, and the local vendors market for souvenirs is right there beside the hotel as well. The kids club which was just great, though our son was too young to be left alone with the staff, (minimum age 4) we absolutely would have left him in their capable hands, and a number of other parents did. The best part about the hotel was definitely the staff. In every section of the hotel, no matter where we went, in all departments, every Cuban we met working there was just awesome. And while I didn't put this as a 'problem', I realize maybe some people will be bothered by it... but I don't like to think there is anyone ignorant enough to consider it a 'problem'... especially a Canadian. But, here it goes... in Cuba, all beaches are public, and a popular spot for the locals to go to the beach to relax just like you is right beside the hotel. This means you get to vacation with a few locals, make new Cuban friends and maybe bring a few free beers, hamburgers or shots down to your new friends. If you're shy, they stick to themselves and don't bother anyone, they're there to relax after all. Even those who have things to sell are polite and not aggressive. Overall we spent 2 full weeks, minus 1 day on a tour at the hotel and never got bored, sick or hungry. We had a really good time, made many friends and are already planning on going back to the Holguin area, we would definitely stay at this hotel again, but there are so many to see and we like to try and see them all... but we will take a visit to Atlantico and visit some of our friends if they are still there. This hotel is good for singles, couples, families, those looking to party, those just wanting a quiet time, anyone can come here and enjoy themselves. This hotel is not good for anyone expecting 4 or 5 star quality on a 3 star budget.

Lesson learned - never book last minute over the phone

I have been to Club Amigo before and it is a delightful 3 star resort where you get full value for your travel dollar, so my star ratings are based on that experience. Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding concerning my departure date when I recently booked a last minute trip there with TripCentral.ca over the phone and I ended up missing my flight, not having a vacation and am pretty sure I have lost all my money ! So beware .. do not book on the phone ... always use the online syste [... read more]m ! I am left hung out to dry all on my own trying to get my money back or a credit from SunWing. So go ... just don't book last minute over the phone with TripCentral.ca Paul

It truly is a resort for old and new friends "Amigo"

For those who have travelled to Cuba before will understand what I'm about to say...Once you are settled into your 1st, or 2nd or 3rd assigned room, paid for your security box, removed or re-arranged your furniture to suit your stay you will be well on your way to a fantastic vacation. For a stress free vacation at this resort or any, lock your money, passport, air line tickets, and anything else valuable in your security lock. This way you don't have to worry...the less you have on ,and wit [... read more]h you, the more you have the freedom to just be and enjoy this lovely resort in Cuba. The sandy beach and healing ocean is AMAZING...yes, it's public, and yes it's safe enough but always be wise. I must say that when you see the fat old ugly men with very young local gals please don't let it affect you too long. don't give it much energy it could dampen your trip...There are many wonderful people from all over...instead make new friends and ALWAYS REMAIN POSITIVE. The Cuban employees at the hotel are happy people...smile and they will love you. for the gals out there...the young lady who does the manicures/pedicures/and hair is truly a big heart of a person. manicure is only 5 pesos :) The market next door to the hotel is fun...I would recommend purchasing your souvenirs at the market...great deals for silver and more. The excursions...horse back riding OMG FUN :) the Indian resort with dinner INTERESTING and an EXCELLENT MEAL :) They have two banks on the resort...or for easy access you can get your money exchanged at the front desk...same exchange rate. Now, for the food...There is plenty to choose from and Cuban food is clean and healthy for our bodies...so enjoy, but be careful not to eat too much especially when you first get there lest you have issues going to the bathroom :) slow down and chew your food. LOL There wasn't much for entertainment, but for Christmas the entertainment and dance was a lot of fun...I decided to dance and receive some of that beautiful exciting Cuban energy...it worked! I was energized, and even now, being back in Ontario I feel energized and new :) THANKS CUBA AND ALL MI AMORE All in All...this resort is a good one...It's up to you to make your vacation a happy, safe, and healthy one! SMILE ALWAYS...KEEP POSITIVE...AND LOVE EVERYONE...except the old fat ugly guy (feel sorry for those) instead :) bye for now...looking forward to trying a new place next time :)

Super belle semaine

super séjour personnel chaleureux....chambre un peu mieux et la nourriture était vraiment meilleure un bel effort....température parfaite, super plage...Nous étions 8 personnes et je parle au nom des huit..tout le monde a bien aimé son séjour.....

It was okay

The room and food really sucked. The beach was nice as well as the drinks. Good service, but the grounds need some work. There were a lot of peddlers on the beach which was annoying. Outside of our room there was an open wire that was sparking during some rain, I'm not sure if they checked it out or not...

What a dump

This was a poorly run resort. Exterior lighting was turned off at night leaving you to walk in complete darkness in the guest room halls and stair wells and grounds. Often without notice the water was turned off to the building I was in. Practically no one spoke English at the front desk so information was hard to come by. Often I was left standing, being ignored by staff. I think the cook did his best with what he had but the food wasn't that good. The nicest worker was the lady that handed  [... read more]out the towels. She was always smiling and pleasant.

Great resort

This resort is fantastic, the staff the beach pools and even the food was great for Cuba. IT was our 10 th time to Cuba and we shall return. The activities were good and the snorkeling was very nice with the peddle boats. We had the catamaran ride with no problem the driver René was really freindly. Situated 55 minutes from the airport.

A little bit of paridise on a budget!

Had a great stay with wonderful weather and great oceanview room. Although this is a 3 star resort the beauty of the location is 5 star. Staff are friendly and helpful. Our pool in the villa's was sparkling and clean. Most of the time we had the pool to ourself and a few friends. Highly recommend it.

Comfortable and economical

On our visit 4-11 November 2016 we found that the food had improved a little, more variety. There was good entertainment for children, my daughter and grand daughter were there at the same time. Nightly shows were always about 30 minutes late in starting and some guests got up and walked out in frustration. We had good villa rooms with balcony overlooking the sea. Rooms were well cleaned each day ( we left a tip on the pillow each day as is our custom) Lobby staff was efficient, helped us call h [... read more]ome, or to friends in Cuba as required. Public restrooms in lobby area are in need of more attention, often no toilet paper or soap, hand drier in men's restroom not functioning. Extensive renovations are in progress at this hotel and I doubt that they will be finished in time for high season to come. The most disappointing thing about this trip was not the hotel but the terrible conditions in Frank País airport in Holguín. Men's restrooms were closed and men had to use women's restrooms.

Great beach

Beach was amazing! Local market next to resort was fun to visit. Disco was closed temporary disco was offered which was ok. Bed was super uncomfortable and most restaurants and bars were under renovation. Lots of walking to entertainment and so-called disco. But I would go back!

"Was" a great resort!!!

We have been here many times and will definitely return again... however, during this recent trip the entire guardalavaca area, the bungalow section as well as most all the barracks section was closed for renovations..... this put pressure on the only buffet located in the hotel as well as the other couple a la carte restaurants..... recognizing this is an older complex and the required improvements are quite necessary and the fact that we really love the area and have made many local friends,,, [... read more], there should have been more information available to all the travel agencies related to all the current renovations and shut downs... notwithstanding this, we were treated very well and had a great time of it anyway!!!

Time wih family and friends

We went to Club Amigo Alantico Guardalavaca with family and friends from Oct.30 to Nov. 6 ,2016.The staff was friendly and helpful but the grounds needed some TLC--- the grass was long and needed mowing. However at the end of the week they started to mow. They were also making improvements to the standard rooms and the bungalows which made it noisy for nearby rooms. Our room was always cleaned but only had a few towels provided each day. Since it was low season some a la cartes and pools were [... read more] closed including the 24 bar which was relocated to the wine bar ---- a much smaller area. While overlooking the shortcomings we still enjoyed our vacation --- pool, beach, at the nearby market or visiting Cuban friends.

Club amigo atlantico guardalavaca

the public areas are very nice a good boardwalk to walk along to other parts of the resort we stayed in the hotel section of the resort the room was very comfortable nice bathroom they were doing renovations so some mornings we were woken up with construction noise the people were very friendly and helpful market right next door very handy if you like flea markets bar at the market very nice cheap and good entertainment we were there in the off season so 2 of the poo [... read more]ls were not open but the 2 that were open fun times if you like 5 star this resort is not for you but for the price the sun the beach the atmosphere this is a deal i would recommend this resort to people who want a cheap holiday only do not complain that it is not 4 to 5 star

Lots of Renos going on at Club Amigo

This was my 20th time to this hotel. We go a couple times a year to meet up with people from all over Canada and the UK. Things have really gone downhill and some of the regular staff are no longer there. I understand it is low season and they are doing renos but the part that is open should look fresh and clean but it all looks very run down. The Pros * most of the staff that are there are wonderful - we did have a few issues * they have brought the beach party back - was suppose to be ev [... read more]ery tues but now once a month * some thought the food was better than other times - only 2 ala carts open in low season - check out Bennys for lunch for pizza, pasta, ribs, chicken or fish and of course fries * 24 hr bar is moved to infront of wine bar - still serves food and drinks 24 hrs * the Villa pool is still in good shape and Villa rooms are not bad - some are under renos * Halloween party was fun - we did not go to any of the other shows - but heard they were good - water show, black light show, etc Cons * so many renos and areas shut down - all of bungalows are under renos, the old hotel is all closed and looks like it should be all shut down for good * The grass needs to be cut - it was over a foot long - they were starting to cut it as the week went on but it just looks so run down * they seem to be running on the bare necessities at the bars - ran out of white wine and vodka every day * entertainment staff are basically none existent - what do they do all day??? seems like they are hiding - lots of work to do here to get up to par with other resorts * there are a lot of students - some are good and some need coaching - they should not be left alone trying to serve hoards of people at the swim up bar * Pirate bar was closed - not sure if it will ever be open * 24 hr bar was closed due to renos - not sure it will be open for high season * Wine bar is open but not the same since the main bartender left * Buffet food is not the same since one of the main cooks left - it really was the same every night - except for the pasta which was OK * the price - the price should reflect the services available which it does not - we usually go at Xmas but this yr we are not going - we can go to Mexico for cheaper!! In summary Club Amigo needs to make a number of changes if it wants to keep the regulars that keep coming back or lower the price to align with the services available. We go to see other friends and to visit with locals which we can do at another resort in the area for a better value.

The best and worst place

Incredible views! Great beach, although it is a public beach and you will be accosted by people trying to sell you things. The food is the worst I have ever encountered in Cuba, and I am very accustomed to Cuban resort food. Rooms are very dated, but bed was very comfortable and A/C worked great. Always lots of hot water any time of day, which is a first for me in Cuba. Staff were very friendly, and always were smiling. Had sangria available at every bar, which is unusual for Cuba [... read more]. Would not stay here again, though. The food was that bad, although in fairness, it was safe to eat. Did not hear of anyone getting sick. Just very little choice, and what there was, was overcooked and flavourless, or actually tasted awful, such as the "Lasagna Bolognese" which had rice, peas and carrots with a brown sauce, and was served every night. For such a large resort, seating is very limited in the buffet and lobby. Can't imagine what I'd would be like during high season.

Great Time

Although the hotel was under large renovations we had a Great time stayed din tropical room in main building it was vey clean and every thing worked well had no issues..drinks and service were excellent grounds were kept very tidy ..staff was great ..food is food its Cuba but never short and always something to eat ..hamburgers r awful though ..all and all defintaley great place for the money it cost

Club Amigo Guardalavaca

I have been to this resort many times. It was off season and the Bungalow section was closed. We got the last plane out on Sunday before they shut the Holguin airport down for the hurricane. This resort has everything I need: Swim-up bar, restaurants, buffet, beautiful beach, clean rooms. The plus of this resort is the wonderful, kind, attentive staff. It is a scenic one hour bus ride from the airport. We have stayed in the "barracks" and the Tropical section. Both have good points. The [... read more] tropical section close to the pool and beach but no balcony. The Barracks ground floor has a walk out patio which was a bonus. The 24-hour bar had moved since they were doing work on the roof. All in all this resort is perfect for the price and the weather has always been consistently hot and sunny no matter which month we are there. Great bang for the buck!

Going downhiill

This was my 7th time of Club Amigo and I would not go back. Waiters and waitresses very nice and very hospitable but the front desk people leave a lot to be desired. I mainly went to this hotel because the price was right but it is not worth it any more. I am 73 years old and asked for Villa close to main amenities, they had me in a villa #9 which is like a 15 minute walk to front desk and at my age it is too far to go back and forth. I had to spend the first night in this Villa and they chan [... read more]ged me to room in Villa building number 3 the next day after much arguing. They know me at front desk and how often I have stayed there but it made no difference. The Sun Wing rep was hard to find, never around. Security was bad, had my expensive bath towel stolen from lounge while I was in ocean. Safe didn't work, battery problem and it took a few days to get this ironed out so had to use friends safe to keep money etc. Hotel looked seedy and in repair. I brought along a friend who had never been to Cuba before and he was very disappointed with hotel and services. He stayed in main building and they charged him $1.00 a day for fridge, $1.00 a day for safe..he might as well have stayed in Villa. He had problems getting repairs done too. Food was not up to par as previous and the hotel was quite empty but the worst was the attitude of the front desk staff. Also very dark to walk around at night...they need more lighting, had to buy flashlight to see to go to disco and other places at night. We have friends booked to stay at Club Amigo in December(they were with me previously) and I am advising them to change hotels. Hope this helps you out, price is right and know it is only 3 star but not worth the hassle. And always you are given a awful room the first night and after much arguing they move you the next morning. They definitely do not read or adhere to comments you make when you make booking. I know my wife requested a villa in Villa 6 and for it to be close to amenities and you assured me that you put this in instructions to hotel but it didn''t mean anything. It is a shame they are letting things go,previously it was okay for the costs but like I say will not be back there and I go to Cuba, Holguin , quite often on business but I wont be staying at Club Amigo.By the way your service was great and I would definitely call you for my next travel arrangements.

Returning Guest

Let me preface this by saying we are amongst the many returning guest population for this resort. Is it perfect? No. It is a 3* resort in a more remote area of Cuba (no hustle and bustle like Veradero). This time we travelled in ultra low season (approx 200 guests in a resort where the capacity is well over 1000). Not all sections were open. There were non-invasive repairs and maintenance happening. Our room was clean and everything worked. Food was good albeit somewhat repetitive. If y [... read more]ou stick to one main item instead of sampling several items at once then the repetition isnt as noticeable. Dont go there expecting 5* north american standards as you are not going to be pleased. Go with realistic expectations and dont sweat the small stuff and you will soon be a repeater like the rest of us...lol.