Melia Peninsula Varadero: Keep looking

I was really disappointed in my trip here. The outside of the resort is nice. The rooms are not. Originally they would have been but they haven’t been well maintained. The grout was dirty, the taps corroded, the bathroom counters were never cleaned. I found the bed to be very uncomfortable as well. I switched rooms the first day as my first room was really bad. The second room was better but not by much. The safe didn’t work and even though I told them it was a battery issue (a light said so [... read more]), I had to spend 2 mornings in my room waiting for people who never came. The pool was lovely but people put towels on their chairs and then go to the beach for most of the day. They don’t serve drinks, you go to the bar to get them, if that matters to you. The chairs are old as well, so weren’t super comfy. You can’t see the beach until you’re on it. It is beautiful and I always got a chair (which were older than the pool chairs) but I saw a lot of people who got there and there were no chairs left. And then there was the food. They obviously tried to make nice food but it was the same food every day and at every restaurant. I know they have trouble getting supplies but there are different ways to make chicken. Also, I got food poisoning while there and spent a day and a half in my room. They don’t have their food on ice or on heat. So it’s just sitting at room temperature. The staff was friendly but I didn’t find that they were overly personable. The resort was missing that special feeling when the staff get to know you. Like I said, they were friendly and helpful to me, but just didn’t connect. I definitely wouldn’t come back to this resort. I love cuba and this holiday dampened that a bit. Also, I’m not a traveller who expects perfection. I’ve backpacked and stayed in hostels, which were sometimes nicer than my room here. Just to give you some perspective on my review.

Hotel Playa Coco: Decent - Bring a flytrap

The staff was helpful and friendly. The entertainment group was phenomenally talented. The beach was picturesque. It’s Cuba after covid, storms, and economic struggles so go with that in mind. They take US and CDN at the same rate ($20 is $20), so bring Canadian. You can often find someone there willing to trade their loonies and toonies for bills, but make sure you use Canadian and they give you Canadian. Do not accept Cuban currency!!! The wifi is only in the lobby, and you have  [... read more]to ask them for a login slip. You get 6 hours worth and can get a new slip when you’ve run out. We were there a week and ran out the very last day. There are a few websites that you can’t use (Disney+) and it won’t let you open the App Store, so prepare for that. The food was what you would expect. The breakfast meals were by far the best (eggs and smoothies), but I struggled to find anything at lunch and dinner. We brought our own ketchup and salt, I’d suggest you do the same. Peanut butter for toast would have been nice. We had to stop ordering drinks with liquor in them — they’re very heavy handed with the rum. Also, they tried to serve a fairly strong drink to a 12 year old so watch that if you’re travelling with kids. We even said “no, she’s a child” and they tried to tell us it was fine.. it wasn’t. The flies. My good god the flies. I know there’s really nothing they can do about them, but I was losing my mind. BRING A FLY TRAP!! The beach was very pretty, but (again not their fault) there are burrs from palms throughout the beach and the water was rocky. If I went again I’d bring water shoes. The pool was nice, but it wasn’t very clean (the sides were green, water clear). The staff at the swim up bar was terrible… She spent the majority of her time chatting with other staff. We timed it once out of curiosity and it took her almost 30 minutes to actually serve us. We brought snorkels and it was cool. There were so many different fish, giant snails, neat flora and fauna. I enjoy seeing new plants and species so that was a highlight for me. The rooms were what you would expect (adequate), water was cold in the morning (if you wait until around lunch it’s good). They were clean though, and the woman who cleaned our room 6 out of 7 days was a delight. I would visit this resort again but there are certainly things I would do different and that they could improve on. I can’t state enough how talented the performers were. Definitely check out the nightly shows (they start anywhere from 9:30 to 10, lol. Island time I guess). I’d also like to reiterate how lovely the staff was.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Overall good resort

The resort was a little dated, a few areas need to be updated ie rooms, pool area is small and the theatre is not 4 star. The biggest disappointment were the drinks. All were served in small juice glasses even cocktails like pina coladas. Wine was served in a tiny champagne glass and both white and red wine were not available at dinner. Even the Italian restaurant had no red wine. The drinks were watery with very little alcohol. We had a difficult time finding even one that was good. The  [... read more]beach bar and pool bar did a better job. The food was surprisingly good. Great bbq chicken at the beach restaurant. The staff was for the most part friendly and accommodating.

Grand Memories Holguin: Grand Memories Holguin

This resort opened about 18 months ago. It is truly first class accommodation. There are 7 pools and the rooms are European modern, spacious, fully air conditioned, bright with balconies. The food is Cuban, but there is ample. The people, as usual are pleasant and helpful. This being a new resort with local staff, their English language is wanting with some, but they are working on it and are trying hard to improve. The resort is located on Ramon Peninsula an undeveloped area as yet, but a new  [... read more]resort is opening beside in September and 2 ships were witnessed delivering materiel for a third new resort. It is a two hour bus ride from the airport. A hidden gem for sure. Thanks Ash you were very helpful in this 3 year wait and delivery. No evidence or mention of Covid. Murray Peer.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Lot to be desired

Our expectations were not high but there is room for improvement. The buffet needs to be addressed in setup and flies infestation. Some maid service requires attention,(more self motivation to clean room and shower),as does the pool area cleanliness. Weather was excellent. Very hardworking staff that go above and beyond. Medical staff was excellent. Al a Carts were average to good. Beach was good but sand fleas were brutal. Take lots of bug spray.. No more Cayo Coco but would strongly consider g [... read more]oing back to Holquin.

Hotel Roc Casa del Mar: Fabulous Resort

Hotel has been well maintained. Room was clean, spacious, relaxing. Beds were comfortable. Amenities provided ie shampoo, conditioner were very nice. Food was very good. We upgraded to excelsior and had private lounge area for breakfast and dinner. We also used the other restaurants and food and service were excellent. Snack bar was great. Pool area was beautiful, beach beautiful. STAFF were absolutely Amazing. We will be back soon!

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Hotel where you need to relax

this is a hotel that is not boring, with good staff and buildings, with a good selection of food and alcoholic drinks, the beach & ocean - amazing. The territory of the hotel is very green with water canals throughout the territory. Every evening there is entertainment and music events.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Amazing resort

At first I wasn't sure about my stay at the resort but after a day looking around and getting confertable it was great. The pool and the beach was great .my room was clean and had water and beer everyday. My maid was really nice. The hotel is build more like a small village with beautiful blossomed trees. The food was so so but I didn't go there to eat all day. The Italian a la cart was excellent and the people working theere were the best ever. We had a birthday party for a friend and they mad [... read more]e it wonderful for her. Everyone on our group had a great time. I'll probably go back . Thank you to all for a great vacation.

Roc Barlovento: Very nice resort

Thoroughly enjoyed our two weeks at this resort. Short journey from the airport. Got off to a rocky start as we had to change rooms 3 times but was soon settled into a nice room, thanks to the Sunwing rep and helpful front desk staff at the resort. Beach excellent, entertainment lively and staff friendly and helpful. Food adequate due to the shortages in Cuba but never went hungry or thirsty. No milk for 5 days except in the coffee bar and no white wine for about 7 days. Liked the location ne [... read more]ar to the town and enjoyed evening walks along the main drag. Overall, really enjoyed our much needed vacation at Roc Barlovento. The resorts grows on you, the longer you’re stay. Went to the returnees special dinner and the manager told us they were making many improvements to the resort, so looking forward to seeing that when we return. Book this all adults resort- you won’t regret it.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Beautiful Resort

Grounds are well kept. Pool is amazing, Beach is well kept Lobby area is always hopping with entertainment. Enjoyed the a la carte restaurants. Variety of food choices at the buffet was a little lacking, but always found something to eat. Found the snack bar by the pool was a good option. Our room was exceptional and we had a great view of the ocean.Rooms are kept well cleaned.

Playa Costa Verde: Beautiful Resort!

All areas of the resort were beautiful and well maintained! The staff was very welcoming. We really liked that things were quiet by a reasonable hour in the evening. We had a very peaceful stay and look forward to coming again.

Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria: Decent resort / great beach / great staff

The beach is the best beach you can get. Swallow warm water, lots of fish and starfish. The sand is wide, the resort was low capacity but I was always able to find a spot. Lots of shells since there are a ton of sea creatures to discover. The sea recreation team was sooo good. The staff are amazing and really made all the difference on this trip. Big shout out to Nancy at the lobby bar. She's a gem. The food was fine. I'm not a particularly picky eater. I go for the beach not the buffet  [... read more]and could always find something to eat. Really most days I was able to find some delicious, never got sick, neither did my daughter. She is a picky eater but definitely found things to eat without issue. Churros and cotton candy for the kids which was great. Grilled shrimp, grilled chicken, fried chicken, grilled fish, fried fish. It was fine. Bring snacks, there is NOTHING to eat the airport, one little shop and its nasty AF, employees coughing and super gross hygiene. The room was just ok, no real control over the thermostat and the patio door needed to be slammed to close it, very loud, you can hear the music all night if you are in the main building, didn't bother me but some might not like. For a young couple or group of friends, this resort would be pretty dope. Romantic no, family centered no. I didn't find anywhere in the resort particularly clean was my only issue really. It was dirty per say but things like always crumbs on the buffet tables, surfaces in the rooms not wiped down. I will say the shower drain in my room let out a gawd awful smell at times. I had to literally put towels over top of the drain. Not sure if it was just my room but it was pretty bad. We had a great view and the smell went away so we didn't switch rooms. All in all, great for Cuba. If you're a picky traveler don't go to Cuba, the star grading is very skewed country wide and are more like a North American 3.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Not so amazing resort

Won’t be going back for a second time! It started with our bed having to be completely replaced because the box spring and mattress were awful to sleep on. We could feel the springs and the slats from the box spring. Limited toilet paper at first but would get replaced with used rolls from other rooms. Food was ok didn’t starve. No mix for drinks. The flies in the buffet were ridiculous. Couldn’t eat without continuously swatting at them and they were all over the food. A cockroach ran acr [... read more]oss the bread table while I was getting toast. No complaints about the beach it was absolutely beautiful!!! And the gardeners were really nice.

Starfish Cayo Largo: Starfish

Been here several times. Ã’verall good. Maybe need a bench by the showers when you come from the beach.you can then sit and dry off.Many workers have been there several years. Good to see after covid.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Amazing week!!!

Just got back on April 1, so miss the warm weather. Great resort stayed in building 2 close to everything lobby, snack bar, buffet in behind 5 min walk to beach buffet hit or miss. Bring peanut butter mayo, butter, face clothes and extra towels. Go early around 7am if you want spot on beach, and pool as well. If you want pizza Line up around 12 1230. There is a fish fry guy on beach beside bar very good but greasy he is sometimes in court yard by buffet if they are roasting a pig that is a must [... read more] try yummy. Take the double decker bus you can go to pilar beach or market, they drop you off at market and are back in 45 mins you get to see the different resorts take the bus that has a roof if not very windy. Overall great resort no complaints except I wish I was still there lol.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Gran Muthu Imperial

We were disappointed. People lovely but…….no beach towel exchange (ever) Fridge not ever restocked. Many trip hazards not visible. Beach misleading in description. Food adequate but disappointed with lack of fresh fruit drinks etc. adjacent GM property had lots and many more options. Would not recommend.

Hotel Los Cactus: Fantastic Beach!

We've been to Be Live Adults Only Los Cactus four times over the last 7 years. This was our first trip back since Covid and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Here are few thoughts: 1) The beach is amazing! If you enjoy walking the beach, this is the place for you. You can walk forever! If you enjoy floating in the water, this is the place for you too! The swimming area is sandy (you don't need any beach shoes) and unless there is a storm, easy to get in and out of the water. 2) Room - we [... read more] were in the Gardenview Suite that overlooked the pool. It was very nice, close to everything, and had a nice balcony. The bed was comfortable, we had an extra side room (that we did not use), the TV worked fine as did the AC and we always had hot water. There was a small fridge in the room, a safe with a key, extra pillows, and plenty of room. Because we overlooked the pool, we could hear the show from about 9 - 10 or so but after that it was very quiet. No problems at all. 3) We had heard that there were issues with supplies (i.e. for food and drink) and while there were some things missing from previous years (i.e. pasta bar and a few mixes for drinks - tonic, but I only heard that from someone else) we certainly did not go hungry. There was always fresh fish and at least one of pork, chicken or beef to choose from. Fresh salad was available every meal, the bread/buns are delicious!, tomato and rice (to replace the pasta bar) was better than I thought it would be, and each morning you had the option of omelette/egg bar and/or pancake/waffle type bar. Ice cream was available every lunch and dinner as were the usual variety of pastries etc. 4) The resort was about half full - this was during the March Break (11 - 18th) and as a result, there were no issues getting beach chairs etc. Plenty of room to get lounge chairs with shade. 5) Workers were pleasant and helpful. Always smiling and doing their best to make us happy. 6) We were a couple but this did not seem like the place to go if you are looking to meet up with other single people. Could be wrong, but it seemed like it was mostly couples and seniors.

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Amazing Resort

This resort grounds, pool area and beach were kept clean. Staff were always working to make sure of this. Our room was beautiful, spacious and kept very clean. The staff were very friendly and very nice and very willing to help. There was always food to eat. We never went hungry. The buffet and specialty dining were very good. The drinks were good but the mix was limited. Some were only available for a couple of days. The water had a taste to it but was safe to drink. Bottle water wou [... read more]ld have been better.

Club Kawama: Amazing Resort

Dear Leida and staff, It ahs been 2 months since we left your lovely resort. Our weather in Calgary has been snow, cold and a few warm spells, not nearly as warm as your place, so we find ourselves looking at all our pictures that we took and missing Cuba already. we love the beautiful grounds, buildings and ocean views. All your staff work so hard to keep up your grounds to make them look so amazing for all of us to enjoy. we made some new friends, enjoyed sitting in your new lobby bar looking  [... read more]at your beautiful pool. Our stay was January 23rd to Feb. 7th. Our room was 305, great room with nice view and balcony. There were 2 upper units right on the beach 602 and 702 that would have been great to stay in but they were in need of repairs and not available. We think if you fixed them they would be used all the time. Also the ladies bathroom by the lobby bar had 2 toilets but only 1 was working most of the time. The repeater dinner was great and we want to thank you again for this. Thanks again for making our trip back to Kawama so enjoyable, see you again next year.

Melia Marina Varadero: Not a 5 star.

Cuba has few if any 5 star resorts and this one isn't one. Melia Marina Varadeo is 3 star at best. Room was good. Beach was excellent. Staff was competent. Property is unimaginative, mostly concrete with very little shade or natural features such as flowers, coconut trees, shrubs, etc. Unless you're a sun freak don't go here. Resort is based at a huge marina with dozens of catamarans and cabin cruisers going out everyday so it's not surprising that activities for landlubbers were scarce. Go [... read more]ing at end of season is not good since the resources seem to be spent, i.e. food was lacking in variety, taste, and quantity. We will not be returning to this resort or Varadero as we prefer small more natural resorts.