The beach is absolutely beautiful !

Very impressed with Melia Las Dunas. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Love the El Rancho (BBQ). Lots of variety with food and willing to accommodate special requests. Lots of entertainment for the children. The 1.5 hr drive from the airport was worth it to see the beach.

Two Fantastic Weeks at Melia Las Dunas

Located on a pristine island, ideal for total relaxation. Beautiful natural surroundings, with a variety of plants and flowers from tropical to desert like. The dunes and the flora remind you of an earlier time. For example, the white wooden pathways leading to the beach were very East Coast and quite romantic. The food, service and accommodation was all very good. The staff was excellent, especially the groundskeeper (Frank) who took great pride in his work. As well, our housekeeper (Yanexy) wa [... read more]s very attentive to our every need. The beech staff and the Lifeguards were all very nice and service oriented. The kilometers long beach and clear blue water were a highlight of our trip. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to go to Cuba.

A Perfect first Time Destination.

Such friendly staff in every department.The food was wonderful and plentiful. The room was well laid out and kept clean, despite being a bit outdated. The grounds were so well kept it made the walking enjoyable. Plenty of activities for everyone.

Average

Beach and pool area amazing! Friendly staff. Lacking in other items expected in 4-5 star resort like clean towels daily, Kleenex, clean crisp bedding and cleanliness of rooms. Would have liked less smoking!!!

Nice and clean

The grounds were well maintained. The public areas were clean. Good selection of food. The rooms were poor. Ours had a bad smell. The pool and the surrounding area was very clean. There were lots of cots to lie on. The beach was inviting.

Good not Great

I think my review title says it all. The resort was huge. To get anywhere you need to be prepared to walk for 5 or ten minutes. We were on the adult side and thought it was fine. A couple nights we heard drunk people in the hall way but that didn't bother us. The pool was huge but freezing. The whole week we were there the pool barely ever had anyone swimming in it. The grounds were very well kept. Very neat and tidy and clean. Our room was ok. Nothing spectacular but fine for us. Our maid was a [... read more]wesome. She brought new towels every day. Made little creatures on our bed. The beds were springy and hard but again, not a huge deal for us. Also, there was no where to plug in an ipad or a tablet to charge it except for on the hairdryer. We asked about getting some kind of adaptor but they didn't have any. The buffet was ok. Lots to choose from but very repetitive. The servers were hit and miss. Most of them were very nice and pleasant and some were a little bit crusty. The one thing that really turned me off was that they don't wipe the tables clean with a wash cloth. They sweep the crumbs off with a brush and dust pan then put new cutlery on the table. Make sure to check the cutlery before you use it. I found that often mine still had food of them. The Mexican and Italian a la cartes were horrible. Very small portions. Had to eat at the buffet afterwards. Our waitress at the Italian restaurant admitted to us that she had the flu but couldn't afford not to work. We thought well isn't that great, it's ok for her to spread her flu to the guests? The lobby bar was near impossible to get a drink. Unless you gave good tips every time you are going to be waiting a while for a drink. Especially between 5-7 in the evening when everyone goes up there before supper. The beach was beautiful and the ocean was beautiful. There was a little market at the resort during the week. Right by the spa and the gym. The vendors were pricey but willing to barter. The nightly entertainment was great. Always had these dancer men come and got the guests involved. Then they moved to the stage and put on a show afterwards. The internet was hit and miss. Very expensive to use the telephones. The exchange rate on the Canadian dollar to a peso was very expensive as well. All in all we had a nice time. Would we go back? Yes. But, with so many other resorts to choose from why go to the same place twice?

February 13-20 2015 - Melia Las Dunas review

The hotel is amazing. The grounds were beautifully kept, our room was lovely and very clean. The The pools were very nice, and the beach was amazing. The best was the staff. The waiters/bartenders/beach staff were so friendly and helpful and a lot of fun. There were a lot of choices of places to eat and so much to do. We took an excursion called Cuban Flavour and it was the best time ever. We learned to make Cuban cigars, Cuban beverages and how to dance the Salsa. The meal that night was excell [... read more]ent. The SPA is incredible and worth the money for a massage. There was always great entertainment, music dancing going on making it a very fun place to stay. There was only a couple of minor areas of improvement. The front desk staff was not very informative and did not seem to speak much English. The food was a bit below average from a Canadian standard. We had a small issue with figuring out how to get hot water, but once we figured it out, it was not too bad. All in all, it is a beautiful place and you are treated very well by the employees.

Needs a few upgrades

My wife and I just got back from a 12 day stay at Melia las Dunas. It was our 7th trip to Cuba and our 2nd stay at this resort. I only gave this resort a 4 star rating because the accommodations were in dire need of upgrades. The resort was built around 2005, and the rooms have the same furniture, same beds, same 20" TV, same drapes that were falling apart. But, I still think it is one the best resorts in Cuba. The beach is huge, with soft sand and plenty of lounge chairs that did not make it ne [... read more]cessary to reserve a spot at 7am. The pools, one family and one adult only are beautiful with poolside bars as well as a place to have lunch. There are 6 a la carte restaurants, 2 night time buffet restaurants, a pizza parlor as well as a 24 hour beer garden for drinks and food. At lunch there are a few more places to eat. The lobby of this resort is at least the size of a football field. It has a lobbypiano bar that most evenings host hundreds of people. At 6pm the piano starts playing traditional North American classic songs. Often the piano is accompanied by drums, guitar or a saxophone. This music is followed by a traditional cuban band that plays for another hour or so. And believe me they are well worth listening to. This is followed by a DJ with assistants encouraging dancing. If you still want more entertainment, you can watch the nightly show. The food is good, but you are in Cuba so don't expect 5 star restaurant quality. You often hear that the buffet serves the same food all the time. The problem is they serve pasta, fish and all the different meats every night so it is hard to vary. We did make one trip. It was to Trinidad. It was OK, but it was 3 1/2 hours each way so I did not like that. Last time we took the trip to Santa Clara and it was a shorter trip and the same quality. That's it, a fabulous resort who, with a few room upgrades, would be 2nd to none in Cuba.

Absolute amazing resort

I went on this trip by myself and it was very relaxing chill resort. I will definitely be going back. I was looking to get away and relax and I got exactly that at this resort. I also enjoyed the night life they offered.

Nice and clean resort

great resort, a bit to large for our liking, food was good, always something to eat, burgers pizza and a la carte restaurants were delicious as well. Staff was helpful and friendly, room alittle dated but clean

Average to Good

Overall a nice resort, pretty modern and new by most Cuban standards. Clean rooms, no major issues with mine, just don’t expect a fresh towel every day. A pretty huge resort, takes a long time to get anywhere. However, being so large no spot in particular was ridiculously crowded. Although during certain times of the day, pool or beach chairs were tricky to find if you are with a group people. Service from resort staff was highly variable, from good to absolutely dismal. You quickly learn wher [... read more]e or who to go to for drinks/food. Food was probably some of the best I've had in Cuba, late night 24 hr food was by far the best and easiest to access compared to other places I've stayed. Did not enjoy the beach as much as Cayo Guillermo or Varadero. It was narrow, and water gets deep quick. Often big waves, which are fun at times but they eliminate the possibility of lounging half in the water with a cocktail. If you’re looking to kitesurf, don’t bother coming here go to Cayo Guillermo instead. It’s possible but far more hassle than its worth, especially with such a crowded, narrow beach. However, could be amazing with the large shore break and a surfboard if there wasn’t a carpet of humans on the beach. Night life is ok, the lobby bar area quickly clears out around 1. By 3am expect to be one of the few if not only one up. Highly recommend the bowling alley in the off resort "market area". We went twice late at night with friends, cant believe nobody else goes there. Drinks cost money there unless you bring your own in. Overall if you’re looking to party and have some off resort adventures go to Varadero instead. I'd say the Melia Las Dunas is a good couples resort, good it you want to enjoy Cuba but have better food and rooms than the rest of Cuba, or for people who don't care to explore off resort too much.

Resort with a past greatness.

All grounds and public areas are well maintained but everything is getting old and worn-down (maybe except the pools). Rooms are clean but bathrooms look very old and worn. Food is very good with a great choice of fish and seafood. Barbecues are great. Restaurants comparable to other resorts. Plan of the resort similar to Playa Pesquero in Holguin.

Good resort

Check in: fast and easy Grounds: beautifull and well kept. Pools were too cold. Outstanding beach and really enjoyed swimming in the ocean Food: lots of choice but not too appealing, breakfast was the best, at lunch time we really enjoyed the pizzeria a la carte restaurant, dinner we went to the buffet which was fine. We didn't try any à-la-carte restaurants. Drinks: way too diluted although the mojitos were good Weather: nice during the day, cool in the evening Rooms: cleaned but stained towel [... read more]s and sheets

Excellent vacation!

We arrived at Melia Las Dunas on January 30, 2015 and had a great vacation! The weather was wonderful the week we were there although it rained one evening. This was my second visit to this resort (was there in 2013) and this year, we went with two other couples. The beach is wonderfully and if you enjoy walking along the shore, this long white sandy beach is perfect. The buffet has a great variety and all six of us had no problems finding something to eat that we enjoyed. The rooms are a little [... read more] dated but very clean. The ride from the airport (in Santa Clara) to the resort is a little over an hour but if you travel during the day, the 48 km causeway is an experience in itself! Very beautiful. Enjoy your trip!

Awesome food

Food was amazing at this resort other people we talked to said food was bland in Cuba but not this resort. Beach and water was really good also water was nice and blue. Resort is nice and clean the guys do great job cleaning resort. Rooms were good nice and clean very friendly staff and most speak good English we really enjoyed this resort

Just got back form Las Dunas with a few tips

Check in was okay with no major hick ups...the rooms are clean nothing special it is Cuba so to be expected . Food also was ok for Cuban standard .May change with the embargo being lifted (at one point in time).Staff was hit or miss as this resort is huge and you may not see staff more than a few times in a week except your chamber maid ( ours was great) 1.5 plus hours from airport...bring bubba mug...bring sweater for nights as cool and windy ( we travelled feb 4-11 and evening hit 17 degrees)  [... read more]Cuban peso stronger than Us/Can... bring comfortable walking shoes like I said HUGE resort so mobility can be an issue if you have em...24 hour sport bar coffee excellent also hamburger platter also great if the cook is the good one.BBQ also great...Cant comment on restaurants as never booked.Buffet is repetitive . Beach on calm days Best ive seen in a while.Best bar for drinks (front lobby) The pools are clean and water cool but manageable.Lots of kids but adult pool quiet..Sometimes to quiet should have at least soft music.Bring small flashlight as nights are dark with not much lighting.We stayed in 40 block but if you want close to everything block 10 to 20 would be great.Put towel at bottom of door at night as there is a small gap for criters.We had some favorite staff wich were just fab and a joy to have their company.Hope this somewhat helps you

Great resort for cuba

Overall pretty good for Cuba! We were not expecting much after being in Varedero approx 10 years ago and not enjoying much of that experience. After a week, Jan 30 to Feb 6 2015, we actually said there was nothing to complain about. Remarkable for Cuba! Service was excellent, towels everyday, fridge restocked everyday, buffet very good and al lacarte restaurants excellent. We ate at the Oriental, Seafood and Italian. All great. Beach was good but palapas very close together. Beach was very busy  [... read more]but we were still able to find a quiet area away from the beach entrance. the facilities were Ok, but definitely worn and not upto 4.5 star standard you would expect in Dominican or Mexico. Rooms Ok but not luxurious by any standards. Really no views to speak of due to the way the trees and shrubs are positioned. The positive side of this is that many of the units are very private on the balcony or terrace. The place is huge and can be a 7 min walk from the room to the main lobby area. Lots of entertainment in the lobby area at night. Shows mostly musical dancing and not much stage settings. Some line ups at lobby bar at peak times but overall not too bad. Tipping is not required but most definately appreciated so it is a pleasure to do so. After 5, bar service only in main lobby area which is a bit of a minor nuisance when looking for a drink if not in the lobby area. Special thanks to Jorge Luis and Milovich the servers in the main Buffet who provided stellar service.

Beautiful beaches

Larger resort than we normally go to a lot of walking, grounds well kept, staff friendly, food was good, relax pool area was excellent for quiet time. The beaches were excellent white sand, water nice and clear.

Could not have asked for anything better

The Hotel is large but easily accessible, food was amazing especially the 24 hour restaurant, staff extremely pleasant and helpful, never without a smile..would recommend for either adults or families.

Good resort in Cayo Santa Maria - Melia Las Dunas

It as our 6th trip to Cuba and 3d time in the row to Cayo Santa Maria hotels so I guess, we have apples to apples to compare. Overall, from the hotels experience it was the best hotel we had so far in Cuba. Food: Good variety of food in the buffet including choice of fish (snapper, tuna, catfish) and not “just fish” and meat (chicken, pork, beef) to grill. If you are not grilling it to eat, some stuff may be not hot enough, depends when you are picking up. Still, from the food perspective â [... read more]€“ best from all we had before in Cuba. Food in Restaurants are not really good (if you expect it to be better there) – we tried Seafood; Italian; Japanese. Japanese was better than others if you do not thing about it as Japanese  Grounds: pretty good maintained, clean, no complains. Big advantage in my view – the grounds are very well planned so we did not noticed any long walks required (as for example we had in Memories in Varadero) Rooms: They are good. The hotel is not new, meanwhile all is in a good shape. But we are not very demanding guests. We had 3 rooms for our company so we had a chance to compare. They all were pretty much same good. We had no significant issues with water (hot or cold) except one time noticed there wasn’t any one night somewhat after 1 am but who cares that time. Was back to normal in the morning. Drinks: again Good choice up to Hennessey VS in the Bars (of course you need to ask for higher stuff, will not be offered as first choice, but it is not hidden and is on display so you can choose). As usual Cocktails will depends who is making them even in the same bar. Sometime just amazing, sometimes just OK. We got not the best weather, so if it would not be the hotel itself – it could be not good vacation. The hotel made it feel better.