Grand Memories Cayo Largo: Great resort for the money

I am a travel consultant and this hotel in my opinion (for what it's worth) is a solid 3.5 star. Good service and friendly staff. The beach of just fabulous when you can actually get in the water. The waves are quite high. The water is Chrystal clear and the sand is like powder. Go to the other 2 beaches on the island you will love them as well. Rent a scooter and bomb around the island. It's very different than the mainland Cuba cuz no one actually lives on the island. It's very hot so make sur [... read more]e you take some time in your hotel to cool down. Mosquitos are absolutely brutal so bring lots of bug repellent. Sunscreen a must as well. Hotel grounds are beautiful. Drinks are ok....food is ok....always something to eat. They are building cabins to add on to the resort and the new part is flipping amazing!! It's not complete yet but I can't wait to see the end result. I just love this stunning island and the sunrises are gorgeous. Make sure you take some time and get up to watch. You won't be disappointed!! The rooms are basic and a little weathered but there is plenty of room and nice balconies in the bungalow sections. All in all I would recommend Ole Playa Blanca to anyone who isn't looking for all the bells and whistles cuz this isn't the place. If you want to relax on the beach (clothing optional so don't be surprised if you see nude people), have a few drinks and meet new people this is the place. Entertainment is good too. Exchange your money at the airport as the exchange rate is better at the airport. Don't be surprised cuz our money doesn't go far there. Thank goodness for all inclusive vacay's. I hope this review helps you make your decision on holiday places! Good luck to all and happy holidays!!!

Memories Cayo Largo: Pleasantly Surprised

Despite reading detrimental reviews on line in regard to the Sol Cayo resort in Cayo Largo, my wife and the writer made arrangement to visit the resort during the period September 24th to October 8th 2015. Prior to our departure, we assumed that this would be a probable mistake and that this experience would be one that we had not had before at any other resorts. Well, the flight with Cubana Air was just great with a good snack at no cost to us. It was more than we expected and better food that  [... read more]we had in the past with the other airlines. Upon arrival at Cayo Largo, after having made a stop at San Diago Cuba for around 1 hour or so, a bus drove us to the resort which is only 10 minutes from the airport. We arrived at the resort in the evening and without much delay we did get to our room on the second floor as requested. The next morning we did visit the resort and found that it was beautiful. The numerous repairs that were made were very noticeable. The wooden bridges to the beach have been replaced with new ones and prior to our departure, the walkway to the beach restaurant was being replaced. This is not a five star resort and we found the food very acceptable. The snack bar which was supposed to be open 24 hours a day was opened only during the hours of 10.30 am to 6 pm. This did not bother us and we found the food at the snack bar very good. The pasta, pizzas, hamburger etc. were very good and we did have our lunch at the snack bar every day. The service provided by Yoismar at the snack bar was always done quickly and with a smile. The beaches had numerous pallapas (or whatever they are called) but some, however, needed repairs. This did not interfere with our daily visit to the beach. However, the ocean upon our arrivals was very rough for several days. This may have been to the fact that there was a large storm in the Atlantic Ocean. The full moon as well did, in fact, interfere with the tides. There is only one bar on the beach and could be quite a distance to travel depending as to where you chose to be on the beach. We found it very crowded around the bar area so we chose to be in a less crowded spot. During the weeks that we spent at the resort, we also found that the mosquitoes did present a big problem. The resort did, on occasions spray at the resort for mosquitoes but did not see any such activity on the beach. Despite having brought mosquito spray with us we did get numerous bites and welts which are still present as the report is being written. Our room was very clean and the repairs required while we were there were quickly looked after. The workers on site are very pleasant (with the exception of one which was brought to the attention of the General Manager and the problem quickly resolved. We had read on line to bring your own toilet paper, which we did, and this was not a mistake. We also brought our own tissues. The resort does provide you with mouthwash and shampoo. All in all we did have a great time at Sol Cayo and will be returning again in the future but in the latter part of the year versus the time that we went. We understand that the mosquitoes are not as pronounced in November. The resort had guests from Canada and several countries while we were there with quite a few from the Province of Quebec. It seems to be a popular spot for "les Quebecois". We made friends with several individuals with no exception from country or nationality. Yes, there is still some work to be done, especially to some back roads but did this not interfere with the great time that we had at the resort. We did get to see some show and were not disappointed with the performances. We have taken numerous photos of the resort and will be forwarding them to Bev Johnston the travel agent who does all our bookings during our travels. If you do visit the resort, do bring quite a lot of sunscreen and mosquito spray. One has to realize that the Cuban workers do not earn the same pay as others in more richer countries. So, do bring quite a few dollars for tipping. We chose to tip in US funds, others in Euro dollars. If you do choose to tip in the Cuban peso, please have it exchanged before leaving your Country. The exchange may then be more advantageous to you.

Memories Cayo Largo: Really nice resort

Hotel was one of the nicest hotels I've stayed in. The staff as usual were extremely nice. The grounds were very well kept, very neat and tidy. We were pleased with all the restaurants & food. Unfortunately there were too many flies. I don't think they spray for them or even if they can. They were very annoying while eating our dinner. Awesome beach. I hope to be able to go back.

Grand Memories Cayo Largo: Beautiful people, bungalow and oceanview

After several trips to Cuba, we have, found a resort that was clean, well-kept, very friendly people, nice big room with balcony, and for the first time we were very content with the choice of food, the variety was excellent, the entertainment was very well done. I can't think of anything negative to say about this Resort.

Memories Cayo Largo: Resort was acceptable.

The resort was clean and well maintained. The service was excellent. The beds were very UNcomfortable. The food was fine and the restaurants were excellent as well as the service at the restaurants. I would never fly Cubana Air again. There was very little room in the seats, thank goodness the flight was less than 4 hours. Service on the plane was good.

Memories Cayo Largo: Not impress at all :(

Sol Cayo Largo was not a good place to vacation :( we had to change 3 times our room ! 1 st room we had a big water damage coming down from the shower upstairs all a big water fall all over the room :( room 2 patio door didnt close was broken so all the mosquitoes could come in and the 3 rd room after trying to fix the air conditioner no luck it was barely working imagine in this july heat with the humidity how we felt ... Horrible !! the resort have GIANT crabs walking all over the resort EVERY [... read more]WERE !! the buffet is infested with millions of flies ! on 7 days the little train that takes you to the beach was broken 3 times ...at the a la carte that says air condioner its not working its broken ... all week it was :( we have to wait 1 day and 1/2 for our room towels each day calling reception to have bathroom towels for the shower .... the staff was nice trying its best but this resort needs to renovate and get rid of the crabs :s they have 2 private beaches further that we enjoyed very much with the taxi back and forth but beware one of them has noone to call you a taxi to come back we waited 1h and 10 mins in the heat on the side of the road !! so no will never go back and we will not tell others to go to this resort or island : s ive been to Cuba before in varadero mexico bahamas dominican republic Aruba and this has been my worst trip !!

Memories Cayo Largo: Amazing People!!!!!

I enjoyed every minute of my 14 days stay. The hotel is great, food is good and more than we can eat, pool area is amazing day & night, in-hotel-club is a great place to dance, play pool, drink or chill with new friends you make, rooms are very clean, public ares also kept clean & neat, shows at night were all amazing, one new one every night. The nights at the Marina to go dancing were unbelievably great. But overall the MOST AMAZING THING IS PEOPLE.......All the workers at the hotel, from the  [... read more]receptionist to electricians, every one of them are very nice and ready to help you, even if you have no concern they ask you if you need something. You can, as I did, to become friends to meet new friends there. Again and again I will say AMAZING PEOPLE you can call friends......I got gifts from them.....but they stole my heart. I will, as many Canadians do, go back to My new loved place on earth....Sol Cayo Largo stole my heart......I forgot to say, I when there alone, but they didn't let me feel alone, I felt between friends......I WILL GO BACK....I FELT AT HOME!!!!!

Memories Cayo Largo: Best hotel in Cayo Largo

We visited 3 other hotels and the Sol Cayo Largo is definitely the best. Our only issue was the quantity of flies in the buffet. I wish there would be either screens around the buffet area that would stop the flies from coming into the buffet and the food or a system of lids or plastic wraps on the food containers. We were in Cayo Largo from July 3rd to 10th, 2015. Very nice weather; thanks to Maité (buffet), the nicest person at the hotel.

Memories Cayo Largo: Excellent Resort

As a returning guest, this is one excellent resort, filled with all mighty natural beauty including one beautiful beach with strong waves, one long salt water swimming pool area, a nice gym for the daily workout, one Tennis court, games by the swimming pool etc. The food is tasty and the service is great at any time. The Caribbean beauty is all around us from the beautiful aqua blue sea ocean to the wild kitties which are an attraction on their own. Two outside beaches are a must, Playa Paraiso  [... read more]& Playa Sirena. It’s such a beautiful place I will definitely return yet again…

Memories Cayo Largo: Resort on beautiful island

Rooms are clean but look old. Grounds are good Restaurants are O.K., however food this time was not as good as previous times. Service at restaurants is very good BIG PROBLEM IS FLYS AT MAIN BUFFET. IT'S DISGUSTING! Coffee at bars A+. So are bartenders. Beach- no words to describe. Fantastic Don't waste your money for "ocean view" room.

Memories Cayo Largo: Gorgeus place !

this was my 5tth stay on the island. 4th is Soy Cayo Largo. Amazing time away as always. This palce attracts specific type of clientele. If you in for a lot of atmosphere, beautiful beaches, dont like the crowds this place is for you. If your expectations are 5 star hotel for the price of 3 star - dont come - you will be dispapointed. Hotel is well run, grounds are beautiful and well maintained, rooms clean and service is fantastic. I am sure it was not my last time - cant actually wait to go ba [... read more]ck. 5 minutes from the airport - i recommend to take a taxi.

Memories Cayo Largo: Enjoyed our stay

We traveled as a couple and spent a week from 19 to 26 of April at Sol Cayo Largo. It was our first time at this resort, but not a first time on this island. We took a taxi to hotel from airport to avoid line up at check in, so I really can’t comment on how efficient that process was. We were greeted warmly by front desk staff and with the smiles got the keys from our room in less than 5 minutes. The hotel is old and the room shows some wear, but in my opinion, it gives some sort of charm to i [... read more]t. Our room was in the block 14 and we had absolutely no issues the whole stay: air conditioner was working, toilet never got clogged, hot and cold water was available 24/7. Our room was spotlessly cleaned every day and on time, so for the whole stay we even didn’t get to meet our maid. The hotel staff was amazing and worked really hard to make sure all guest are having a relaxing and fun vacation, very friendly atmosphere no matter where we went. Grounds are very clean, toilets cabins in public washrooms always had toilet paper and was cleaned few times a day. The only thing I can complain about was the variety of food in buffet restaurants -no shrimps or calamari rings on a grill, which I personally enjoyed every time we went to Cuba. Food at 2 a la carte restaurants was delicious and we liked both locations. If you want something different for lunch, just go to the pool bar, they will have chicken and fish on a grill with salads and French fries, which were very good. On a different note, the beaches on this island are absolutely unreal, something from the article like”….places you have to visit before you die…” . All that made our trip almost perfect, we definitely will be coming back to that resort and can recommend it to other travelers with no kids, as this resort is more adult oriented and where is not much to do for kids.

Starfish Cayo Largo: Very good hotel in a great destination :-)

Only 5 minutes from the airport, this hotel is in a good location with a great beach. The staff was great and very friendly, we felt really welcomed :-) The food was good and the restaurant on the beach was great (especially the lobster - it was huge)

Starfish Cayo Largo: Our little paradise! Amazing relaxing resort!

This is our second time at the Sol Pelicano and everything was wonderful...the only thing that we would have wanted to change is to have the gym area moved back but overall, wonderful grounds, people, food and atmosphere!

Starfish Cayo Largo: Very satisfied with overall trip

Hotel staff and hotel excellent from beginning to end had a complete satisfied trip trip central and Jessie did a complete service overall would book again with them my only complain is the airport in Montreal complete disaster

Starfish Cayo Largo: a pleasant surprise!

overall a pleasant surprise, more than what we expected. Friendly people, good food, nice beach, beautiful gardens, not very crowded, free transportation to remote beaches, really good massage service, weather was nice too, good entertainment.

Starfish Cayo Largo: Fantastic Cuba Resort

The Good: Beach is Fantastic Food was better than most Cuban resorts Staff was friendly Rooms were clean, we didn't have any water problems but some others at the resort did. Pool was clean with lots of seating Could be Better: Animation Staff really didn't do much Beer Garden kept running out of Beer (Ran out of Crystal almost every day) and would run out of fish and chips as well. We had a great time and met some really nice people, The resort is under renovations but not too much of an inco [... read more]nvenience. Overall this is a great resort, well run with only a few problems. We are deferentially planing on a return visit to Hotel Playa Coco.

Memories Cayo Largo: 5th Trip To Cayo Largo

It was 10 years ago we found Cayo Largo and were hooked! We love the beach, the people and the relaxing atmosphere. The staff at the Sol are amazing! they go out of their way to make sure you are happy and are attentive. Many speak multiple languages fluently. The hotel itself is showing its age. Our room had been remodeled - fresh paint, new bed - but the bathroom is in need of a refresh. That said our maid was wonderful and the room was always kept immaculately clean - fresh sheets, fresh towe [... read more]ls and additional pillows. The grounds are beautifully kept. We enjoyed the food - especially all of the fresh seafood available at buffet and the a la carte restaurants. Cayo Largo is not a "resort vacation destination" - Don't go expecting Sandals or Club Med. It is NOT that experience. But you will find no where in the world with a beach as breathtakingly beautiful as on Cayo Largo or with waitstaff and chamber maids as helpful, kind and sweet.

Starfish Cayo Largo: cayo largo beauty

This resort is of older vintage but was well maintained . The beach was wide and very long for those who appreciate long walks . The surf was very strong ( red flag most days ) at the resort but the other beaches very close to the resort were much calmer . Food was good by Cuban standards my wife ate turkey on two occasions and the thin crust pizzas were also good . If you like fish they have a wide variety at the lunches and dinners . They barbeque at lunch at Zun Zun - usually pork and chicken [... read more] but I found although very tasty it was work to eat ( not the best cuts at times ) . Only real complaint was the bed - there was two of them we asked for Queen size but got two small beds side by side . . The people working the resort and those we met made up for any small inconvenience .

Starfish Cayo Largo: Nice beach !!!

The Beach was really nice ! Just in front of the hotel, there was no rocks, just very nice sand ...food was good for Cuba. It wa clean everywhere , staff friendly and dadicated, very calm and relaxing !