Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great Holiday

My family and I visited the Playa during March 1-8th.. Our two sons , two daughter-in laws and four granddaughters two aged three and one 5 months and one 6 months....we spent a fun week enjoying all the resort had to offer. The pools were wonderful, the beach was a little difficult to get down...it has a rocky ledge in some parts that makes it a little harder for little ones to reach but the beach, but within a day they managed to figure it out..and spent hours playing in the waves and buildin [... read more]g sand castles. We didn't have any problem finding a shady area to sit with the girls. Marta at customer service was very helpful in making reservations for dinners for us before we arrived ...and called to make sure our rooms were fine. We did upgrade one of our rooms to an ocean view room because the views were amazing and we wanted the girls closer to us. The staff at the front desk were very accommodating and friendly. The Buffett restaurant had lots of food to offer and there wasn't a night we couldn't find something good to eat....from the pasta bar, to the pizza stations, the pancake and omelet stations, to all the fresh breads we enjoyed the food. My son did get sick shortly after arriving but the staff assisted us in finding the clinic which was just down the road, and the Doctor was quick at diagnosing the problem and with meds and a shot my son was feeling better that afternoon and within a day back to his old self. The cost to see the Dr. Including the shot and meds was 55.00 CUC. Which was well worth it. The drinks at all the bars were great, the specialty coffees in the front lobby were fun to watch them being made, and the wine was very nice too. We loved the beer garden where you could get bottled beer and enjoy great conversations. We did spend several meals at the snack bar enjoying their pizzas, try the four seasons pizza! We did watch a few shows and found them very entertaining! The only negative is the long bus ride from the airport as we soon discovered we have one granddaughter that has motion sickness ...but all in all it was a great holiday with my family!!

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Great food and service, beach was adisappointment.

Great food rooms and service Beach was a disappointment as weak swimmers would have trouble with the sharp drop off and undertow at the beach. Pool area was very good. Air Canada rep was no where to be found.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Beautiful beaches

I went with three friends,we had a great week. The resort itself was beautiful. The grounds are very clean and well kept. The staff are amazing and friendly. They go out of their way to accommodate every guest. There were a few issues in the rooms and the main lobbies. Bathrooms - plumbing mainly. Some days the lobby bathrooms were closed due to the staff trying to correct and fix the plumbing issues. Laundry sometimes is an issue. The comforters should definitely be changed between new guests  [... read more]arriving and leaving. I did call down and they sent someone up and she changed the bed sheets. People need to remember though that when you travel to other destinations, they don't have the same quality of services that we take for granted. Laundry services are contracted out off all of the hotel grounds so if there is a lack of laundry at your hotel, it is across the whole island that is affected. The food at the grills and staff are great. We enjoyed the international a large carte. Food and atmosphere were great. Beaches are absolutely beautiful. The nicest and cleanest on the stretch of hotels. The staff on the resort work very hard and have amazing attitudes and work ethics. The are so outgoing and try to accommodate you . Overall the few issues we had, did not change the amazing time and memories we have. We lucked out and also had amazing weather. Sun, sun and more sun. Thanks for a memorable vacation once again Cuba ☺

Melia Las Dunas: Should have trusted the bad reviews this time.

For the money, this was a total disappointment. Same prices as DR or Jamaica etc....but a total dump compared to what you pay the same money for there.I am not a picky eater. I eat everything.....but even I found it hard to find anything to stomach at this resort. 6 of us all got sick from eating the sandwiches by the beach.The rooms are run down and the beach is so so. It was cloudy and very windy every day and apparently this location is always windy. The house keeper never changes the sheets, [... read more] doesn't even wipe of the counters (ever) when it has sticky ring marks and sand on it from placing glasses etc. Dirty dishes are left in the room for the entirety of the stay. Two glasses on the bathroom sink will be rinsed out all week and put back dirty ....but upside down to make it look clean lol. We left our maid a bag of brand new clothes, toiletries, chocolate bars, and $5 - $10 every single day with gifts. STILL had a filthy room. No cute towel animals....ever....not one. And trust me....I am the type of person that will clean and straighten up the whole room before the maid even comes....but yet....all she ever did was re make a dirty bed. AWFUL resort. Want a beach towel or a chair by the pool? good luck. better be up at 5 am to reserve a chair as every day every single spot has a towel or personal item on it by 7am! We met people in line waiting for beach towels, it was the guys 4th day there unable to get a towel. Am I happy we went? Wish I would have stayed home with the snow this year. Thats the truth.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great value for the money

This was our third time back to Playa Cayo, and each time we return the level of service gets better and better. Grounds,pools,rooms etc kept very clean and well maintained. We have been to several resorts in Cuba, and this resort has, by far the best food. Special thanks to Marta in customer service who helped us greatly, and to Jaima for her exceptional service in the buffet.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing customer service

I had contacted customer service before hand and was not disappointed. She had filled my requests and more and we were also invited to a VIP lunch while we were there. The food was typical for Cuba. The buffet was repetitive and the a la cartes were very good with excellent service. The service throughout the resort was amazing. We had booked a suite and it was beyond my expectations. We even had 2 bathrooms and a extremely large balcony that extended the length of our rooms. The beach was a lit [... read more]tle rough while we were there, but absolutely beautiful with once again exceptional service by the chair handlers to the beach butlers!

Memories Paraiso: Loved the resort and beach.

Lots of grounds to walk and never felt crowded. Pools were nicest I have seen. The market was a great added bonus to get the Cuban expierience Will recommend to my friends. Thank you memories azul will be back

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: A Good Resort

Playa Cayo Santa Maria – Cuba Very friendly welcoming in the Lobby upon arrival, laid out drinks were refreshing after a long journey. Clowns were a nice touch for the children. Check-in was smooth, rooms not available upon arrival, but, that is to be expected as any hotel has a 3:00 o’clock check-in. Good thing the Buffet was open where we could unravel, relax and have a meal. Grounds looked well taken care of, the caretakers did a great job. Layout of grounds was quite central and easy ac [... read more]cess to everything. Pools were very clean and every morning someone was vacuuming and cleaning the pools. I would only suggest that Visitors not take bottled beer to the pool as someone can cut their feet when a bottle breaks. Perhaps staff should only allow cans to the pool area. Cloth loungers could be replaced they’ve had their day. Towels, because of the high influx of guests towel exchanges were not possible 1 day. Perhaps this can be addressed. Beach, I did not like the Rocks you had to climb up and down to get to the water. But, on a positive note the beach and water were exceptionally beautiful. Fun for everyone around. Nice touch also that there were staff to position your lounge chairs in your chosen location and brush the chairs off from the sand. Bar and hot dog, sandwich stand were great by the beach. I didn’t experience A La Carte but, I heard they were very good. The buffet was our choice. Food was alright you couldn’t go hungry, but, long wait lines at the Pizza, Stirfry and Pancake sections. Maybe could use more staff. Waiters and waitresses were more than happy to serve you. Dining room was always swept clean and tables were clean. Rooms, hmmmm, bungalows hallways and rooms could use some paint. Maid service was super! Room towels have also seen their days. Fresh towel still needed washing. In our 1 week stay they never changed the sheets. Only straightened them out. Entertainment, Excellent. The performers work so very hard and long hours. Hope this helps. Overall one very Satisfied Customer. Playa Cayo Santa Maria – Cuba Very friendly welcoming in the Lobby upon arrival, laid out drinks were refreshing after a long journey. Clowns were a nice touch for the children. Check-in was smooth, rooms not available upon arrival, but, that is to be expected as any hotel has a 3:00 o’clock check-in. Good thing the Buffet was open where we could unravel, relax and have a meal. Grounds looked well taken care of, the caretakers did a great job. Layout of grounds was quite central and easy access to everything. Pools were very clean and every morning someone was vacuuming and cleaning the pools. I would only suggest that Visitors not take bottled beer to the pool as someone can cut their feet when a bottle breaks. Perhaps staff should only allow cans to the pool area. Cloth loungers could be replaced they’ve had their day. Towels, because of the high influx of guests towel exchanges were not possible 1 day. Perhaps this can be addressed. Beach, I did not like the Rocks you had to climb up and down to get to the water. But, on a positive note the beach and water were exceptionally beautiful. Fun for everyone around. Nice touch also that there were staff to position your lounge chairs in your chosen location and brush the chairs off from the sand. Bar and hot dog, sandwich stand were great by the beach. I didn’t experience A La Carte but, I heard they were very good. The buffet was our choice. Food was alright you couldn’t go hungry, but, long wait lines at the Pizza, Stirfry and Pancake sections. Maybe could use more staff. Waiters and waitresses were more than happy to serve you. Dining room was always swept clean and tables were clean. Rooms, hmmmm, bungalows hallways and rooms could use some paint. Maid service was super! Room towels have also seen their days. Fresh towel still needed washing. In our 1 week stay they never changed the sheets. Only straightened them out. Entertainment, Excellent. The performers work so very hard and long hours. Evenings were spent in the Lobby. Very busy, fun, great drinks and great coffee was served. Overall one very Satisfied Customer

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: A nice Vacation away from home and work

You get what you pay for they say, but I have had better for 1000.00 pp. Staff not overly friendly, the rooms not the cleanest, they need to wash headboards and doors etc. when they prepare each room for next guest. The beach water was beautiful however they need to remove what they raked twice daily, not a lot of areas to sit on beach as piles of seaweed took up the space. Lots of broken chairs around the pool. Poor nighttime entertainment except last night which was Michael Jackson tribute. No [... read more] white wine anywhere unless you wanted to buy it. Always offered white or red anywhere else I have been including Cuba. If you don't like your room, good luck changing. My gf had to put up with a smoking room to even get a decent one.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Good value for your money

To start I was surprised about the resort. I had visions of something less. The resort itself needs a face lift. It is showing its age. Rooms were very clean and not missing much. The grounds are very well maintained and beautiful. The food well it's typical Cuban. The beach is one of the nicest beach I have been on. The bartender on the beach is great. So all in all its ok

Melia Las Dunas: Relaxing and beautiful holiday

This was our first all inclusive and first trip to Cuba. These are my notes - tripcentral was helpful and responsive before we left - Hola sun was a small travel agent in Cuba so we got a lot of personal attention - hotel was showing some age but was still beautiful with great food options (we missed the buffet but could still get great omelets at the poolside snack bar) - room was very comfortable and we would watch ctv news on tv each day

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Superb Vacation

What a perfect vacation! I have to say this resort exceeded my expectations. The beach is gorgeous! We were able to try all 4 a la cartes and they were all excellent. The grounds were beautiful and well taken care of. I would visit this resort again and again!!

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Iberostar Ensenachos experience

This was our 5th trip to Cuba, this ,by far was the best.Grand Village Room was Great. Service was exceptional. We will highly recommend this resort, specially the GRAND VILLAGE Rooms. We are definitely going back.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great trip spent here

The resort was absolutely beautiful and very clean. Service was good and everyone working on the resort was extremely friendly . I would definitely recommend this resort ! As many people know , the food in Cuba isn't quite what we Canadians are used to , but it was quite good here . This was the first time I flew with air transat and wouldn't hesitate to book another flight them ! Had a great vacation !

Memories Paraiso: not a 4.5 star resort

The weather was beautiful and the beach was spectacular. Our travel agent requested a balcony and we were given a main floor unit with no view. Our coffee was broken and after numerous times mentioning that fact, it was never replaced. Our toilet in our room needed to be held down close tova minute to flush and then ran on for a following 5 minutes. Many things around the resort needed fixing or replaced ie broken boards on beach walkway, cracked and broken patio tables. Choice of food was poor  [... read more]with no labels describing items. We all got sick and were looking forward to our return home

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing staff and service

Location is good with big beautiful beach. Rooms are large, well appointed and kept clean. Food is good but somewhat inconsistent. It is the staff that puts this place over the top. Kind, friendly and so helpful. Everyone asking if there is anything you need or anything they can do for you. This includes maids, wait staff, butlers and management, who are readily available and approachable. There was nothing that we asked for that we didn't receive - promptly and with a smile.

Melia Las Dunas: Nice resort; Overcrowded

I've been to Cuba 3 times before and unfortunately this time was the worst of my trips. I'm usually well prepared for the step down in food quality but the food at this resort was some of the worst I've ever had in Cuba. I think the main reason for this is the resort was at capacity and were quickly running out of popular items such as fries and chicken. Many times we were left to only a few choices on the menu, and the buffet did not have as many staples as we had grown accustomed to on our pre [... read more]vious vacations. We had our wedding which was the highlight of our trip. We were well taken care of by the resort and most likely had a much better time because of this. If you plan on getting married in Cuba then this resort is wonderful. Beautiful scenery and the extra attention masks any potential negatives the resort might have. The hotel staff did their utmost to make our stay special, and they succeeded. A few tips: Do not go for the private dinner as it cost us 650 CUC for 19 guests and not a single one of our guests could stomach the food (shoe leather steaks). Other than that, the entire wedding day went smoothly due to the diligent work of Maria Elena the hotel wedding coordinator. Oh, and the photographer is a MUST, he was amazing and took some wonderful pictures to capture the day. TLDR: Very nice resort, but very busy which resulted in limited food choices. Amazing resort/staff for weddings.

Melia Las Dunas: Will not return

We stayed at Melia Las Dunas Feb.5-Mar.3rd. This is our second trip to Cuba, 4 times to Dominican and Mexico a few times so we have basis to compare. We would rate this resort 3 star at best! Pros: - Beautiful Beach - but narrow - Pools are clean - Lobby is beautiful and offer great entertainment - Drinks were decent - Grounds were nice - Ice Cream Parlour was a favourite place - Buffet was clean and great service-food was decent for Cuba (but a couple of us had major tummy trouble) - No bug bi [... read more]tes Cons: - Rooms were dated and musty and not very clean. - We didn't have hot water for the whole week! It's ok if you're an adult you can deal with it but try bathing two kids in cold water all week! - Mini Bar was never stocked so we had to call guest services everyday to get it stocked. -We didn't have pool towels they ran out everyday. They open at 10am so we finally got 4 on day 3 and could go and enjoy the beach and pool. - Phone and door in room was broken but were fixed by day 2. - They didn't change sheets unless you left a note with the cleaners, otherwise the beds were just made with the same sheets. - Store doesn't open until 10am and closes whenever they feel like it. - Couldn't get a pool chair unless you go out early around 6-7am and put towels on them. - Could never get a trolley they were always too busy with luggage so a ton of walking which is ok at times but not with two sick kids. Most resorts that are 5 star have a passenger trolley. -Resort is very big and it seems the workers are overworked so Customer Service was hit and miss. I brought gift bags for the ladies or worked in the buffet and they were very grateful. Tips: -Bring Tylenol, children's cold medicine because you can't buy at the store. Every resort we have been too has offered medications but this resort doesn't. My daughter got a fever over 104 and they told us to take a cab to the pharmacy. 70 pesos each way plus the cost of medication!! -Bring facecloths and ketchup We will not return to this resort

Memories Paraiso: Very Nice Place to Get away from Winter

We have not done a whole lot of travelling, so it's hard to compare this resort with many others. However, we were very pleased with almost every aspect of our accommodations, meals, friendliness of staff on the resort. Everything was well organized, right from the bus pick up at the airport, check-in, bus pick up and delivery back to airport. It was a very enjoyable vacation which could only have been better if we had chosen to stay for two weeks instead of just one :) The beach was very nice f [... read more]or long, long walks. We only had one day where the water was calm enough to get out on it in kayaks, however that is out of anybody's control.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful location, lovely resort

This was a very nice resort - very clean, the service was very good, the staff were friendly, the landscaping was beautiful and well cared for - the food was for the most part buffet style - it is never really good when this many people are being fed, it was bland, often overcooked, we picked a couple of the snack bars and found that they were a better bet. The service at the front desk was very helpful when we needed it which always makes you feel better about where you are staying - the only d [... read more]ownside for this resort from my point of view was the distance from the airport - two hours in a bus at the beginning and the end of your week is not wonderful - it was a swaying trip during which myself, my daughter and my granddaughter were motion sick - I cannot believe that during the past years 'no one' has ever had a problem - no washroom on the bus so the best that could be done was a plastic grocery bag that was provided by another passenger - this is really the only reason that I would not recommend this resort to a friend - if the transportation to and from the airport was a little better equipped I would feel differently.