Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Very pretty resort but it needs some refreshing ....

This was my first time to Cuba and I while I would return to Cuba I will not be returning to this resort. The rooms are 'tired' and in need of some repairs, just too many small deficiencies for me. Everyone seems to say ' Well thats Cuba ' and accept everything but it seems that if you are paying a certain amount of money, certain things should be there or working. Maybe its just me :) You asked about Covid adaptations, none were obvious to me. The main buffet was as usual pre Covid. T [... read more]he utensils were messy and noone was there that we could see cleaning or replacing them, and it was only at the grilling station that things were put on our plate (as usual) Everything is just in short supply it seems (and I can't say if its worse than pre Covid or just the norm) I couldn't find any disinfectant dispensers on the walls that were stocked if I wanted to put some disinfectant on my hands. The ones I saw were empty. Having said that, I had brought my own and we didn't get sick. While at a previous resort in Punta Cana, they had a staff member opening doors and cleaning handles, and asking us to put hand disinfectant on (which they put on our hands while entering) I had expected this but didn't see it so I don't know if its a staffing issue or whether Covid just isn't there and so they don't worry about it. The first day I showered ( and each day after ) I flooded the room and out into the hallway. Same thing with our friends in the room next door. When we mentioned it to someone, they said " they all do that " Unfortunately this is the wrong answer. Its a safety issue. We had 2 towels and one tiny bath mat which we had to use to put on the floor to walk so we didn't slip and fall. While we were sitting in the Sanctuary reception area one day an older couple came in and were quite upset because their room was flooded and they were trying to get things fixed. They were afraid of falling and there were no other rooms available to move to that day. Its the shower doors, they are glass and warped and the rubber seal doesn't seal so that water just runs out the door. This is common apparently when speaking with others. Also, until the afternoon, there was no hot water. While we were there I had heard of hot water issues in a few buildings. Maybe they heat the water by solar heat, I don't know but its frustrating. It would have been nice to have a 3rd towel or smaller hand towel to put my hair in after the shower also. We took facecloths because I knew they might not be available but I didn't think I needed to bring towels. The food was what I expected, not alot of variety and bland but I knew that going in. The soups are quite good, the fruit was plentiful and tons of the staples of rice and beans. You won't go hungry. The red and white wine served at the Sanctuary a la carte is good and from Spain. Great Sangria too! We ate most lunches at the buffet near the beach and one day had a hot dog at the BBQ on the beach path. The drinks are plentiful but not consistent. It would be helpful to have a drink menu but I understand that supply is low and what they have one day they may not have the next day. But if you like going to resorts for the drinks, you might be disappointed. We had reservations for each of the a la cartes, but after going to the French restaurant and the Oriental restaurant and being served neither French or Oriental food (its the same food, chicken and pork everywhere ) we asked for our reservations to be cancelled at the others and to be moved back to the Sanctuary restaurant which was really the best restaurant anyhow. The staff is wonderful. They try very hard and do their best. Overall everyone is very pleasant and happy. The entertainment crew was alot of fun and do their very best. They are very appreciative of anything you give them whether its a money tip or items you bring for them. They need things like shoes, clothing and medical supplies. We tipped bartenders, servers, maids, entertainment crew, etc in US dollar bills and Canadian 5.00 bills. Dont forget your golf cart drivers, gardeners, guys at the grills The beach was beautiful, the water clear and mostly calm as you would expect. We could always find loungers for our party of 6 and Alex was on duty bringing drinks or moving loungers around to accomodate. He was fantastic. The pool is a different story. Its a small pool in the Sanctuary compared to the other 2 pools. So there isn't alot of room for loungers or chairs and people claim them by 4 am and you never get a place to put your things even if you want to go in the pool. We spent very little time enjoying the pool because of this. So if you're a pool person, good luck finding a place unless you want to be one of those people going out and saving a lounger at the crack of crazy in the morning. All in all we had a fun time because, after all, a vacation is what you make it. Just consider the small things about a resort before you book so that you aren't disappointed.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Give it some time before you go!

Beach is 5 star. There are many shortages. One bottle of water per room every 2 days. Toilet paper shortage. Food shortage. Could be amazing but Cuba needs time to recover from hurricanes and pandemic

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Great resort

As this was our very first trip to Cuba we had a wonderful time at this resort. The people were very friendly and the property is beautiful. Our concierge Jenny was so helpful. As there are supply chain issue to all of Cuba I believe they were able to do a great job with food. There was no great variety but they really took the time to make it look good and there was plenty of it.

Grand Aston Cayo Paredon Beach Resort: Amazing hotel great beach.

The hotel is modern and beautiful. The hotel staff is pleasant and kind. The beach is great for both swimming and walking. The architecture of the resort is simple and modern. The weather was beautiful, although it rained in the evening. Our room was very well kept and beautiful. The food was getting better every day. The bartenders (Israel, Nelson and Jose M) were excellent and help full. We will be happy to return to this hotel next time.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Good Resort

Good resort. Had a great time. short on and few things, don't expect perfection. Worst part was the fly bites. Bring bug spray and make sure to use it at night around the resort. Right name on the flies. No See-Ums FFS

Hotel Bella Costa: Wonderful people

We go to the Iberostar Bella Costa for the people who work there. Also it's easy access to Varadero. The ocean is wonderful. The rooms are fine and food is ok.The economy is very bad in Cuba. Less food and supplies for the hotels. For the first time the airport check in was awful it took over 2 hours. Overall we had a great time and would go back.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Awesome resort

The resort was beautiful and the staff was very friendly. The beach was awesome however there are no bathrooms or food near the beach but there is a beach bar. Our room was clean and spacious although we did not get clean towels all week. If you have mobility issues beware there is a lot of walking especially to the beach. All in all this is a very nice resort just a lot of walking.

Tryp Cayo Coco: AMAZING BEACH AND STAFF!

The staff are great, welcoming, respectful, treat you like a family. The beach is the best for sure. Food is great, I can't complain. There is a buffet and a la carte. The show every night is fantastic! The dancers are really skillful. Young coconut is not in the menu but the staff are nice staff to get some for me- happy dance for me!

Barcelo Solymar: Not too bad, could be better

Stuff were lovely and very pleasant. We had no running conditioning for one day but it was fixed the next day. We had no water for one day but no issues for the rest of the stay. Toilet would not flush for almost a day and we had a reoccurring problem the next day. Towels were very difficult to obtain. We had four beach towels for the five of us for the entire seven day stay. Mattress was comfortable. Showers had some mild in it. There was a laundry facility emergency and so we also had to conti [... read more]nue to ask for clean bath towels. We were always short on those but the cleaning lady did her best to provide them as soon as they became available. Big swimming pool turned green one day and it took it two days to be able to use again. We had other swimming pools to our disposal. Food was ok but could be better. Repetitive. Had to ask for spoons for ice cream. I did see some roaches on the floor and on the deli meet in the restaurant (on one occasion). The buffet had very few options to drink available for the kids and would often run out of alcohol for grown ups. The bars had alcohol no problem. There was one snack bar available which only had sandwiches but they were very tasty. No body got sick. Again, the stuff were always pleasant. The beach was spectacular. Swimming pools were great. Entertainment was fun but a bit too late for small kids to stay and enjoy (it would start at 9:30).

Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: Not great beach

The reason I chose Cuba was for the beach. I have been to cayo coco and loved the beach so much. Not this beach sadly. The shore is short, It's not a wide long beach and not suitable for long walks. Just a bit away from the hotel, the shore was full of garbage. Beach chairs were not enough. People were fighting over chairs. Beach chairs were not comfortable one-piece chairs but rather old types with 2 separations. No fish, no sea shells. Just not the great beach I expected. Foods were bad as exp [... read more]ected. I was aware of that. I didn't gobcuba to enjoy meals. Every meal was more or less the same at the buffet. No butter, no cheese, no yogurt, no beef, no chicken, only cured pork like winners and ham they call it beef patties but it was clearly not. Not the one you expect to see in burgers we know of. Being your own foods! Don’t choose this hotel if the beach is your priority. Also 1.5H drive from the airport. Not worth it.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Beach is not assessable for mobility challenged

The beach itself is amazing and the water is beautiful and clear, however the beach area is almost 2 tiered and you have to go down a steep slope over rocks to get to bottom level. It is not walker, cane or wheelchair assessable. If the resort built a short wooden walkway down like neighbouring resorts have it would be. The remainder of the resort is easily assessable with ramps, grounds easily assessable. The hotel itself could use a good pressure wash to brighten it up. That being said worke [... read more]rs were always painting and repairing around the resort. The grounds are beautiful with gardeners working hard to maintain its beauty. There are a number of pools to choose from, from the lively main pool to a few quiet ones. The room was dated but clean and firm but comfortable bed. The food was edible but very little change from day to day, interesting enough resorts nearby had a greater selection of food and less shortages.The staff are very friendly and helpful.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Excellent time at the Coral level

Everything was great, the beach is awesome, the resort is small and you get to know some of the other guests and the food was excellent (based on Cuban expectations - some of the best pork and fish that I’ve had in years.) What makes this place special, are the staff. Within a couple of days they knew our preferences and did everything to ensure we were well cared for.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Melia peninsula

Onsite rep for Hola sun rep was nothing but rude and had poor attitude towards any sort of complaint. Hotel customer service Roy is just as horrible! Roy likes to yell when you challenge anything he says and will call hotel security to weasel his way out of confrontation.

Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Oh NO!!!!

Great beach, food was good, resort has a ton of potential, but needs a lot of work... we had a water leak in our 1st room, and ended up in a wooden bungalow (ocean view)... but there was a rain storm through the week, and it rained in our room at least a dozen leaks, and we weren't the only ones, so we could not change rooms again. They need to do some serious on the building maintenance!!!! Also not enough cleaning staff, pool area/ snack bar was pretty cool, but not enough staff to keep it cl [... read more]ean so plates/food left at tables, and so the birds swoop in and pooh EVERY WHERE!!!! Sorry but never again

Hotel Tuxpan: First time all inclusive

My group of 7 booked the Tuxpan April 9-16, the first all-inclusive AND first Cuba for all. I do not recommend Cuba for a first time all-inclusive. The plus side of this vacation: weather was awesome, beach/ water gorgeous, restaurants (those you have to book for) were awesome, our room attendant lady was great. Downside: Location is desolate if you are looking to explore the area on foot, the open top bus only dropped us off at a "high end" mall place which most of shops were closed and the [... read more] supermarket were charging us a fortune for items, not to the Varadero area that we heard have restaurants and markets/ shopping. The food situation was bleak. The buffet that is daily is pretty much the same limited items through the day. It consisted of rice, beans, cucumber, watermelon others fruits (no banana or apple which was different), pork, fish, some desserts and ice cream. There was a "24 hr snack bar" poolside. Sad and disappointed that the only snack options I saw in my time there was a dinner bun with sliced ham OR a dinner bun with a scrambled egg. It did annoy me that the food service and bar staff expected tips. Selfishly my thought is that I've paid for an all-inclusive and I shouldn't have to carry cash at all. Also the fact that they make their guests get up and stand in line by 9:30 every morning to try to book for 1 of the 2 restaurants. We found that US cash was widely preferred, CDN cash was second choice when going in Havana or if you can find a market. It was an experience but I will be cruising next time.

Playa Vista Azul: Absolutely Amazing

This was my first trip to Cuba and from start to finish it was absolutely amazing. I was in the premium area and Yuri always made sure to check in and help us with anything we needed. He even got us a spare bed for our room so my cousin and I didn't have to share one bed. Yusi was also so unbelievably sweet. She always made our room look so bright and fun! Carlos was awesome too! He was very friendly and made the best drinks!

Playa Vista Azul: Needs improvements

Great beaches, except no service on them. Beach towels were an issue. Booked Premium and feel it helped make our stay (extra restaurants and the ability to make reservations at all the others too). Outstanding service from Jose at the Premium concierge. Others to make mention: Ernesto, Yuri and the lady at the infinity pool bar. Otherwise, the service was hit-and-miss. Most staff work one day on and then one day off, making it difficult to have consistency. Beach bar was staffed with rud [... read more]e people, so much so that we did not eat there once.

Melia Las Dunas: Not what I expected at all

I stayed 10 days alone & struggled with hot water and water pressure the whole trip. (My last 2 days, I did not have any running water, couldnt even flush the toilets. I brought this up to them and I only had water near the end of my trip. I even paid extra for the room (3 hours) due to my late flight, I wanted extra rest and wasn't feeling well and STILL had no water in my room. Waste of money & plus the extra money I paid for extra time in my room!!!) I requested with my travel agent a top flo [... read more]or and the front desk refused to grant me the top floor. Every day for 3 days, I came in the morning to the front desk to ask for the top floor. Finally after the 3rd day they gave in but only to a top floor room which was far away from the necessities. They lacked necessities like toilet paper, working appliances in the room, towels, etc. Beach wasn't very clean, a lot of seaweed. There was a lot of food options but when buffet was open, it was always cold. I never had any staff greet me when I was seated for any drink or if I needed anything. They would only honour those in groups of 2+. Staff wasn't very pleasant regardless of being polite and tipped. Also, a very outdated resort. I was told if I didn't leave anything for the cleaning lady, I was going to be left a letter to warn me that I needed to tip her. Overall, DO NOT recommend!!!

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Grand Muthu

The hotel was quite good for Cuba. The grounds were well keep and the hotel rooms were clean. The only thing that wasn’t good was that you couldn’t get clean towels. The food was pretty good since they have a lot of supply issues. There was a lot of drinks that they couldn’t make. But all in all it was good. The beach is amazing.

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: It was just OK.

It was just OK. I understand to food situation but there is sure something wrong. Yiu can just go to another resort down the beach and they have much better food and different varieties i.e. plenty of cheese, pizza etc. They were slow and sometimes didn’t even respond to problems. It is a beautiful resort, but they just have to address things. A big plus is the beach, very beautiful.