Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful beach and location

The room and hotel were very clean. We loved the beach, absolutely amazing. The drinks were good; however, there was not much variety and options in regards to the food which is due to the situation of the country rather than the hotel. The staff were very friendly and professional! Thank you

Hotel Playa Coco: Wonderful Time and Place!

Playa Coco is a great Hotel with exceptional staff, the best beach, good food and some very good entertainment. It’s just a short trip from the airport. The reception staff could be no better. Friendly courteous and professional. The bell boys Will and Jose are quick with a smile and provide fantastic service. The managers Sahily, Idel and Adriana go above and beyond to make sure your room is suitable and your stay enjoyable.The rooms are clean and spacious. The grounds are well maintained an [... read more]d gardeners always hard at work. The pools are great! The beach is undeniably the best with plenty of palapas to protect you. The beach boy Ale works very hard to make sure you get your favourite spot. The bartenders are wonderful too and very good at their jobs. Hats off to George, Michelle, Michael, Raul, Jorge, Carlos just to name a few. My coffee ladies and wait staff are phenomenal! Thank you so much to Yolanys and Karrina. You make the best cappuccino’s! The entertainers do a fantastic job! Dancer Zambie and Yuner are amazing. They all are! Thank you to entertainers Alejandro and Giro for taking me fishing and thanks to the cooks who prepared the fish caught. Daniel provided twice weekly singing performances and got us all on our feet dancing the night away. Awesome job Daniel! Such a great and friendly place to make new friends! Lastly I would like to thank my maid Irma! She is the best! Can’t wait to go back!

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Very good

Well kept grounds and manicured shrubs, very helpful staff at the pools and the beach, food is good but not excellent, Stayed at the royal service section, we loved the room, but the furniture was outdated, We were there for 2 weeks, we tried all a la carte Restaurants, the menus carry about same items in all of them , except for Ja [... read more]panese, the buffet displays almost the same dishes every day ....we didn't drink alcohol during day time but enjoyed few cocktails at the Royal Service lounge especially ( 12 year old) St Tiago de Cuba Rum...

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Relax, Fun in the Sun

I stayed at Iberostar Laguna Azul for April 6-13. The weather was amazing. The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating to any request. The country is doing their best recovering, so keep this in mind when it comes to food choices. I had fish, chicken and pork available. There was a variety of cheese, cold meats, vegetable, local fruit with dessert/ice cream. Canadians are their number one tourists. I am so glad that we are now able to enjoy their beautiful shores again.

Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful beach

Small resort. Staff shortages noted pool bar was not staffed and only one a la carte in operation. Each night was a different cuisine Italian, French, or Cuban set in the same restaurant. The ladies working there were hard working and very friendly. We got there around 3 and the only place to get something to eat was at rhe snack bar which had a limited selection. We ordered a chicken sandwich and got two pieces of bread with a tablespoon of minced chicken. They also had a cheese sandwich. So w [... read more]e were hungry by the time the buffet opened at 7. The piano bar was very entertaining. They had a couple of different people play piano and also had a guy come in another night to play guitar. One night was karaoke which was fun to watch. Omar in the sports bar made a great pina colada. This was the only bar that made it. Drinks were limited. Seems the only drinks were made with Havana Club rum. All in all I went for the beach and beautiful weather which was great!!!

Playa Luxury Cayo Las Brujas: Absolutely Fantastic!

This was our second time there and it didn’t disappoint. The staff are 100% of the reason for returning, and the beach too. It’s amazing how they remember you after a year. The room was always clean. The grounds are immaculate. Hand sanitizer throughout. The food, yes it’s not 5 star but it’s Cuba and there are always things to eat. Quite frankly we went for the people and the beach, the food was secondary. Huge shout out to Alain in the buffet, amazing man, we love our “brother”!!

Sol Palmeras: Beyond expectations- a fantastic experience!

Everything was fantastic! Food was plentiful, good, and tons of variety, great a la carte options, top notch drinks, staff are warm and friendly, so much entertainment we couldn't do it all, but also easy to enjoy relaxation and avoid it all of you want (ie: they're not pumping a party atmosphere constantly). A incredible stretch of beach with a natural background of tropical forest, never had an issue getting loungers, free and readily available water sports, view of sunrise and sunset. Resort  [... read more]is a very nice size, easy to get around, we really had no complaints or issues.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Poorly managed resort

The resort grounds are very nice… The pools, the beach, the gardens…. The rooms show their age…. Poorly maintained… Patio doors very difficult to impossible to open! Maid service is terrible! Rooms were not cleaned daily! Pillows were moldy smelling sand they were reluctant to change them! Had to ask for bottled water pretty much everyday! They spent more time on creating their towel and bedspread swans than they did cleaning the room it seemed!

Paradisus Rio De Oro: First but not our Last Visit

The highlight of the Resort was the Staff, whether Reception, Bar, Food or Maintenance, all Staff seemed happy and could not do enough to ensure every bit of our stay was enjoyable We enjoyed the Beach, Pool and Spa facilities each almost daily. Food was always excellently prepared and plentiful. There are a few areas of maintenance concern where it seems like management has chosen to not keep infrastructure in base condition (our Patio door handle was broke, some Tiki Huts with rotten  [... read more]floors, Patio Tiles broke and not replaced) but I truly believe their doing their best in a financially constrained business environment, and ensuring the important items are in good repair. We spoken with many visitors who are repeat visitors, many for over 10 years, and most after having bad experiences at other resorts. This was a first visit to Cuba for us, and we were not disappointed. If we return to Cuba, we will choose Paradisus Rio de Oro again, without hesitation

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Amazing Family Resort

Rooms were clean, food was the best we’ve had in Cuba (was my 7th time) and there was plenty of food. We had to call for toilet paper once but was delivered no problem! The water park was great for my 5 and 2 yr olds and so was the beach nice and shallow and not super wavy! The staff was pleasant but not outgoing we’ve enjoyed other staff more but we love talking to them, if you prefer to not be bothered and just keep to yourself you will love it! Over all super happy and we would definitely [... read more] go back! The rise from the airport was about one hour but it was beautiful, got to see some city, small towns and country side including their mountains.

Blau Varadero: Really bad experience

If something happens to you on this resort - you are on your own. I got my kneecap displaced while swimming in the ocean. Paramedics on the beach are pathetic and didn't know what to do. Since they didn't have medical stretchers, they have used sunbed instead to get me to the hotel. No painkillers or medical equipment for the first aid on the resort. Ambulance had no gas to come to the resort and I was forced to go by the regular car with a lot of pain to the closest medical center where ambulan [... read more]ce had a gas...Resort management were more worried about the extra towels that they have provided rather than me and my injury. They just wanted to move me out as quickly as possible to hide from other tourists. Unfortunately, didn't get manager name (Tall lady in the glasses). When I have arrived to Matanzas hospital it was just a nightmare experience as there is no painkillers or crutches either (i got a piece of lumber from before with nails in it instead, I am not joking). After all this nightmare I got back and on the following day management called me to see if I am ok and to follow up if I have returned the towel...is it a joke? I was "lucky" enough and got a proper crutch rented and on the final day security guard came to take it away from me as soon as he has seen the bus arriving, didn't even let me get in. And the last drop - Westjet representatives who should of done special reservation for me because of my injury for the airplane and who have confirmed that everything is fine and has been taken care of, didn't actually do anything and I got regular seats and has been suffering all the way back to Toronto. Go there on your own risk. I do not recommend Blau Varadero and do not recommend WestJet as your tour provider. Really bad experience. #BlauVaradero #WestJet #WestJet Vacations #StayAwayBlauVaradero

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Nice resort

Grounds were well maintained. People were friendly and always willing to help. Food was typical of Cuba in terms of taste. There were a few issues with his much food was available. The grill stations always had long lines.

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Awesome Ocean view Room

April 5 - 12 we had a great week! Room # 0356 was perfect with king size comfy bed and the best ocean view from top floor. Very quiet and well stocked and cleaned everyday! Thanks to our maid Carlos. Enjoyed the paddle-boats and catamaran. Ocean is crystal clear for snorkelling, saw many starfish and different fish not far off from shore. Never any issue getting beach huts or chairs at the pool. We spent most of our time at the beach near the nautical centre. Beach was the nicest in front [... read more] of our resort imo. There was no cheese, fries, pizza or burgers. But still plenty of other options. Breakfast was mostly egg omelette and fruit. Some days there were papaya, guava and bananas but mostly pineapple. Lunch at the beach grill. Fish was very delicious but not available on our last day. Adonis at the Ranchon bar makes the best margaritas! We ate at the a la Cartes every night with mostly good service. Champagne was available every night! Just ask for it. Rose was good too, but didn’t like the white or red wine. Our server Ali at Ciao Pescao restaurant was exceptional! Thanks for taking such good care of us. Even had lobster and shrimps one evening. Very delicious! Just keep in mind supplies change from week to week, even day to day. Don’t sweat the small things you will enjoy your vacation better. Vladimir at the quiet pool was very friendly and remembered what drinks you liked. He made the best mojito! Laydis at the active pool was great too! If you have any concerns see Pedro at customer relations in the lobby, he is eager to help. See him also for your free bottle of rum. (Sunwing customers) Very good cappuccinos and Spanish coffee in Lobby bar. Thanks again to everyone for a great week!

Playa Vista Azul: Amazing resort

This resort was very clean, well taken care of Food was great , wide variety of different foods ( Italian, Caribbean etc) Both pools were very clean ( although there could of been more pool activities at the main pool, instead of just on the premium side) Rooms were clean Staff were very friendly, helpful and appreciative Beaches were very clean , small beach had a bbq and entertainment at lunch time ( food was amazing ) Lots of different places to get food to eat well into  [... read more]the early morning hours Infinity pool off the lobby definitely had the best view of the ocean Shows every night ( Michael Jackson, Grease, comedy etc) Lots of bars around the resort , coffee shop Overall I would definitely go back to this resort I would rate this hotel a 9.5/10

Club Tropical: Great resort

Friendly staff,great food , room great. Near ocean,plus good pool . Rooms kept clean. Any problem e.g. television broken-fixed immediately. Lots of security people ready to help. Grounds kept clean and in good condition, great food schedule for breakfast, dinner and supper,starting at 7 30 am.

Melia Internacional: Beautiful resort!

This hotel was amazing from the beautiful pools to the white sand beaches. The rooms were large and clean and with daily maid services, it was super. There was an assortment of restaurants and staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. The grounds were meticulously maintained and always free of debris. The entertainment, from the very lively pool-side hosts that got everyone moving and shaking to the solo musical artists on the top decks. It was all fantastic!! Many bars/discos throughout t [... read more]he hotel meant an abundance of choices to have fun in. We were there for a wedding, held on the beach, and even this was well organized, with lovely flowers and comfortable seating, a great feat on the sand! The wedding organizers were super. I would not hesitate to recommend the hotel to anyone looking for a 5 star getaway. In fact, whenever we are thinking of a southern vacation destination, Melia will be foremost in our mind.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Great resort

This was my 6th time at this resort. Stayed in Alegance section and got upgraded to a suite that walks out to the private pool. Great to see Roberto and Jorge tending bar. We enjoyed lobster dinner at the Alegance restaurant and ate in all 3 alacartes. Beach was fantastic. Entertainment at night in the lobby bar was phenomenal and we met lots of great people. The Cuban people are awesome and go above and beyond. Will definitely return!

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Fabulous beach, great hotel

Great location 90 mins from airport. Hotel is 5 years now, new still, excellent hard working staff. Nice clean rooms. Food was good, had 2 days french fries at snack bar with a good sandwich...then no more fries. Some days at buffet had cheese etc....by end of week no cheese. Never starved. A la carte were very good. You do not go to Cuba for the food.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: First Time to Cayo Santa Maria

My husband and I (seniors) stayed for 2 weeks March 30 - April 13,2023. We have stayed at other Starfish resorts in Cuba but this was our first time to Starfish Cayo Santa Maria. Overall the resort was good,food was good considering the shortages in Cuba but there was no shortage of lobster. We ate lobster at 3 meals here and could have had it for a 4th. Dinner plates at the buffet sometimes were gritty, not always clean, i returned some to staff. The beach guys were great, Hosea always foun [... read more]d chairs for us. Can only remember his name.all the guys were good. Didn't sit at pool as not much shade there. We stayed in building 26, room 2605, ground floor. Our maid did a great job. All the staff here are friendly, always smiling and helpful. Leonardo,and other entertainment staff greeted us each day.

Selectum Family Resort Varadero: Beautiful Resort

The food was limited but what was offered was really good. The fresh grilled fish at the buffet was a hit with my family. Our room had a hot water issue for the 1st couple days. Being a new resort you have to expect a few issues. With saying that, they were quick to resolve the issue. You will find the staff throughout the resort extremely friendly and willing to help with anything. My one concern was the lack of shade. With only one building currently open, I can’t imagine what it  [... read more]will be like to secure a shaded spot once the resort is at full capability. They would benefit from purchasing a few more umbrella for the pool area. The beach hasn’t been cleared of rocks, my understanding is this should be completed within the next few months. Overall we had a great week and will definitely stay here if and when we return to Cuba.