Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Reliable basic quality

My stay at Melia Cayo Santa Maria was the 4th or 5th time I have been there. Once again, I chose this resort for its long, perfect beach, pristine sea, and of course wonderful weather; for its modest size, comfortable accommodation and especially its people. I was not disappointed. The grounds and buildings remain very beautiful and well kept. The attractive rooms have been upgraded since my last visit in 2019. As warned, food quality is a problem, not as much for the quality of the ingredien [... read more]ts as their preparation. Nonetheless I found that by carefully choosing- for example the salads, food prepared on site, fresh fish, the smaller cafés- one can eat well. On the whole, the resort and its people provided another excellent escape.

Melia Las Dunas: Returned after 12 years

The hotel still has the best beach in Cuba. The weather was great. The staff do a valiant job working under a terrible government which is causing the economy to one day collapse. the shortages are no doubt caused by distribution problems in the system. Had real eggs 14 out of the 21 days we were there. The rooms have great beds and are clean and spacious. the water pressure is on the lowish side and the hot water is luke warm which was okay for me. The beach can't be beat and the pools are hug [... read more]e. The food is not for everyone. I eat eggs and fruit in the morning so I got by. The grill is great for chicken and pork for lunch and the pizza is okay. The suppers are interesting. I always found something to eat every night. I like fish so I had fish everynight for 21 days. Had salmon 1 day , tuna 3 days and sea bass and another local fish the rest of the time. Great grill man there at buffet. a la carts are spotty. All in all you won't starve. I'm not a big drinker so the lack of mix for certain drinks didn't bother me. Would I go back . Good question? But I had a great time as did my wife. One thing did bother me and that's when Melia customer service shakes you down for later checkout time. 15$ per hour. Leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Melia Las Dunas: Excellent beach, but 2-3 stars otherwise

The beach is excellent, however be aware that the same food is served every day, 3 stars would be a maximum. Rooms and common grounds are not well maintained. It was still worth the half price I paid in early January, and Air Transat is good. .

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Wouldn't go back

So, I'm a methodical person and I'm going to give an in depth review from someone who has travelled extensively and a lot of the time, as a solo traveler. When traveling on my own I tend to pay more attention to everything going on around me. Food - I know everyone warns you about the food, which it totally valid, this is not 5 star dining. I have some food allergies so I'm limited to seafood and poultry. I almost always patronized the buffet and stood in line for the chefs cooking up fres [... read more]h fish and calamari for lunch and dinner...this was delicious as was the fresh grilled chicken. The breads were baked fresh and they were tasty. I ate little else from the buffet other than some spring rolls occasionally and I always took items from the salad bar. The few times I strayed from the fresh food in the interest of saving time lining up, I was not impressed. Breakfast was a difficult meal for me as I don't eat pork and that was the majority of the offering. There were real eggs available half the time and powdered eggs available the rest of the time. There are no jams, jelly's or peanut butter to put on your morning toast, so bring that with you as many of the tourists do. I did go to two of the a la carte restaurants and they were both disappointing. Selections, the a la carte located at Sanctuary, can be skipped in my opinion. A lot of the food was the same as what was available on the buffet, just plated nicer. I had the Mahi Mahi and it was overcooked, I couldn't be bothered to stay for dessert. The Italian restaurant at Grand Memories was also disappointing. It was a four course meal with two different apps both made with cheese & tomatoes, the soup tasted like I was eating a bowl of Alfredo Sauce and the actual pasta course was bland. The coffee dessert wasn't worth the calories. Beverage - They ran out of coffee every other day. As someone who needs a coffee in the morning this was a bad start to my day. They advertise that there is coffee in your room but there is only the coffee pod machine as they can't get the pods in. The juice for the drinks are like orange and pineapple TANG, super sweet but still watered down. The house alcohol barely tasted like it was in my drink and you need to ask for a better quality liquor each time. The better brands are hard to come by at the bar as the staff sell them to tourists under the table, which is why I think they are constantly out. Service - Staff were nice but they constantly expected to be tipped every single time you interacted with them. You come across 15-20 staff per day and they all have their hands out. I was actually asked on two different occasions for a tip - once from the bartender at the beach bar and the other time from a staff that served me water for lunch. Now, I tipped staff throughout my stay for good service, which is what tipping is was meant to be, a thank you for good service.....not just a given because someone exists in the hospitality industry. I'm not oblivious to the economic circumstances that the locals live with so I brought some medical items that are hard to get, to give away, while still tipping cash. I can tell you that after the beach bartender blatantly asked me for change/a tip, that I did not feel comfortable going back to that bar. Not that I need to explain but I happened not to have any change on me when heading to the beach. Sanitation - This was sorely lacking. There is no toilet paper in any of the public bathrooms, you need to bring your own. The sheets on one of the beds in my room had blood spots on them, luckily I had two beds in the room and the other one was much better. I found 2 cockroaches in the bathroom, which I killed. There were splatters of something on the headboards and some of the walls, almost like dirty water splashed there when mopping. I had my room serviced once while I was there and all they do is re-make the beds with the same sheets and sweep the floor. Beach - This is why you go to Cuba, it's pristine. There's a long stretch that you can go on a nice walk on and there are NO vendors trying to peddle their wares. The red flag was up most of the time I was there but I was still able to enjoy the water. There are tons of sand fleas so make sure to bring repellent. As with many all inclusive beach destinations, make sure to get up early to save your beach chair both at the pool and on the beach! This is not a destination I would go back to, both the resort and Cuba.

Memories Paraiso: Memories Paraiso cuba

This is the first time I ever left a bad review and I’m sad to to it as this is our favourite place to go 7 times here sunwing and memories should be ashamed of them selves .we wore so excited to get back to here we even brought family bragging how great the service was when we arrived we were givin a room that joined onto another room no lock so complete strangers could just walk in our room we asked to be moved were told wasn’t going to happen we waited a hour went back said we’re not staying  [... read more]in that room so they moved us to a building that had just staff staying in there we had no towels or toilet paper for 2 days I go to desk they send me to grand I go to grand demanded towels and toilet paper they then said do you want tonight well holy blank blank . Safe dosnt work in room ok gees. One of the staff staying there pees on steps and wall and lays out a big goober on steps we go to desk ask if can clean didn’t come till next day this all happens on first few days. The customer service desk people in memories were ignorant and not caring with the exception of the people who take the luggage very friendly and tried to be helpful . The food is Cuba it’s hit and miss no one starved the bread was great as always the dining staff awesome as always they are so kind and yes funny they make the best of all the shortages and make everything so nice they go out of there way to ensure great service Alejandro was such a sweet guy great service and Magdalena is the best her ongoing dedication to her job is something we all could learn from took her time to ensure everything was great and always had a big smile . Other than the 2 at customer service all the staff and the people are awesome . There was shortages yes we all know like no coffee for few days that’s expected. The beach is the best in the world just love that beach grounds kept beautiful as always they keep it so nice I gave service a fair only because of the desk staff rest of staff was a 5 star

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Great Resort

This resort is great. A little dated and could use some paint but rooms very clean, Staff absolutely amazing. Good good. A few shortages like eggs but they made due. Advice to bring your own coffee pods(nespresso) Beach is so stunning, no rocks. Smooth white sand and turquoise water. We had so much fun, ate well drank lots and made new friends with people and staff.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Nice resort

The resort was beautiful,the beach water was clean, the pool was nice, the Ladies who were cleaning the room were very friendly and nice, but the food was not good at all especially if you go with your kids, most of the waiters don't speak English,the dining area is full of flies, the dishes are not clean.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Amazing resort!

Amazing resort! The location is wonderful! Love the beaches!! Service was good! Food may be need to improve a bit. Overall we had good time there! Thank you for everything! We would like to come back soon

Valentin Perla Blanca: Paradise

The hotel staff is amazing and go above and beyond. The management needs to work on safety for its staff. Staff are often working in unsafe conditions. Dancers forced to dance on floor in bare feet where a glass was broken instead of dancing on the stage. Several dancers got glass in their foot! The food this time was below par but the a la carts were delicious as always. Taking care that buffet food isn’t left out too long would be important. A few times the juice was served rotten/ spoiled. Li [... read more]kely saved from another meal. Toilet paper is a necessity in public washrooms and in the room. It was unacceptable to run out. Thankfully we brought some from home. For thousands of dollars spent on a trip I expected toilet paper to be included.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: A Slice of Paradise

The grounds are a slice of paradise. They provide a beautiful background to the exceptional service provide by the staff. The staff provide a welcoming but laid back vibe. This was our second visit and we will definitely return for visit three.

Melia Las Dunas: Absolutely Amazing Resort

All the staff are awesome and very friendly. They’re amazing as returned guest they always remember you . The grounds and very kept as gardeners working everyday. The Food is plentiful and you can always find something to eat. It’s not amazing but you’ll never go hungry. There was fish,chicken, pork,veal and beef every night with mashed potatoes and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Can’t wait to return in November ??????

Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Our first 2 week vacation

We were very pleased with our room (garden view). It was large, clean with a comfortable king bed, great rainfall showerhead, water pressure and water temp great. The pools and beach were very nice along with staff, water toys - pedalboats which we used often and the hobi cat rides. All the staff every where wanted to please and did so! Early in our stay, I had to use the medical post. They had to administer a muscle relaxant injectable for 3 days due back muscle spasms. I was so grateful for  [... read more]their care and so was hubby. Thank you Dhawa medical team. We travel to Cuba so we know about Cuba's economy, shortages and food situation so we keep our expectations in check. We found the food and desserts to be fine - hubby loved their rice pudding. The lobby bar served great spanish coffees, cappuccinos and cold beer, the staff were attentive and available making sure you had been served. The grounds are just beautiful, many guests commented on the immaculate grounds. We found a great deal and thought let's try 2 weeks and had an enjoyable stay. Dhawa did not disappoint.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful grounds, beach & pools but rooms are starting to show there age

The grounds and pools are very well kept really great beach with lots of loungers. Or course the pool chairs are gone by early morning with towels on them. The butlers Ariel, Marisbia were very attentive to your needs. The bad was the lack of certain foods but that is problem all over. I guess we didn't have as many food problems as other resorts. The only bad thing that happened was I went to move a coffee table a bit closer to the couch and it collapsed, this was because there where no s [... read more]crews holding the 3rd leg in place. The table being very heavy and the top of the leg went down my shin, They did take me to the doctor at a The Memories resort and he cleaned it up. Salt water was the best treatment for it. This was fine for the first day but the second day the winds really picked for about 3 days, venturing into the waters would have led to a bigger problem. All in all was a nice time away, great water show the one night.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: not very impressed

hotel was clean staff was wonderful not a safe place for people with disabilities or mobility issues bathtub was very deep difficult to get into grab bar was too low and it was loose toilet seats did not fit the toilets and were not tightened therefore sliding all over no food shortages but we both became very ill....food borne illness hot food was not kept hot enough thermometers should be used to ensure food is safe it was a waste of money i lost 2 days of a vacation because i was sick [... read more]/ Coffee was not hot

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Melia Cayo Santa Maria!!

I have been to Cuba almost 30 times and this resort has to be the best I’ve ever been to all thanks to the service, the staff and the management. The only downside is the 1.5 hour bus ride from the airport but the Hola Sun guides were very informative and funny. First off, wifi all over the resort with great connection, even at the beach. Just unbelievable and great for people who are used to being connected. Food was great, didn’t go hungry at all, especially when there is a 24 hr snac [... read more]k bar with pizza, burgers and hotdogs. Only thing was no eggs at breakfast but wasn’t a problem. The beach lunch bar was amazing as well. The buffet was always full of food with something to eat. The chefs were so sweet and friendly and always offered something that wasn’t at the buffet like fried fish or chicken which was delicious. The room was phenomenal, lots of space, king sized bed, hot water and great room service from the cleaner Yanelys. Bottles of water and pop were brought daily. Building 20 room 2024 not oceanview but was perfect and quiet. The entertainment staff were just unbelievable. I want to send a shout to out Victor, Adrian, Ariel, Darbel, Antonio and Nayibi who made our two weeks the most fun and enjoyable time together. They are just so sweet and so much fun! They are the reason we would definitely come back to Melia Santa Maria. The bugs weren’t too bad on the beach or on the resort even though we used Off. Pretty sure they sprayed in the mornings and definitely worked considering how much greenery was on the resort. The shows were decent but the Michael Jackson show was the best. Every one of the entertainers try their best and was much appreciated. The bar staff were always accommodating and they were always very helpful and polite. I have to thank Lupe for his excellent management as he oversaw everything. He’s a great leader and has great staff to work with.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Doing the Best They Can.

This is the first resort my wife and I have been to in Cuba. It was about what we expected. The beach and ocean were beautiful and the staff were good. Everything else was just OK. The food is alright.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Excellent resort

We had a wonderful stay at the Royalton Santa Maria! I definitely recommend and consider staying again. The resort was very clean, the people were extremely friendly and the food was magnificent! The cleaning staff were wonderful especially Aleida who always kept our room clean and grabbed us everything we needed. Our butlers, Mairobis and Ariel were amazing as well. Always ready to make certain that we had the best time and were catered to.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Valentin oasis

This was our first trip to the Valentin perla blanca in Cayo santa Cuba. This resort has a lot if plus. But there is a few minus. Food is the minus. The beach is the best I've seen so far in Cuba. At the Valentin to the right, it become a naturist reserve. No reports that way and amazing beach untouched. The staff is amazing. I want to return soon.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Nice resort

We just came back from Cayo Santa Maria Valentin Perla Blanca. Spend a week there, unfortunately whether was not too good and windy, but beaches were still amazing and clean. We did not waste a day at the beach despite the wind. Hotel stuff is amazing friendly and helpful. Especially at the Tea corner bar. Keiny is absolutely perfect and very customer oriented, as well as Ailene and Sara Antonella. They did a wonderful job on serving clients. At the lobby bar Yari did gave us an e [... read more]xcellent service, but because every evening it was too loud we did not spend much time there. We stayed at the building #30 and our maids Ailen and Dayanis cleaned our room every day very well. Thank you, girls. Food. Considering a bad economic situation in Cuba, food was very good. Have a lot of cheese, papaya and even veggies. I was surprised be taste of tomatoes and one evening there were even cucumbers. Seafood and meat were good too. Our servant at the buffet were Mayelky and Yerandy, always helpful and with the smile. At the Snack bar Yanexy did a good job serving us. In general we are very pleased with the service and hotel.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Not satisfied at all

Rooms are not cleaned lot of flies and mosquitos . Food not good flies over food Beaches are good . Pools are ok House keeping service poor Wifi connection bad You can't get nothing more for the money you paid