Friendly staff

This is a new resort so the grounds aren't completed yet. But they are working on them everyday and they will be beautiful once they grow in. The resort was very modern. None of the down south smells that seem to be common on older resorts. Air conditioning worked great. Beds were comfortable. And for a bit extra the butler service adds a lot to your stay.

Staff,Hotel,Beach & Entertainment all excellent

Wonderful I would certainly return if I could.My Daughter and Granddaughter who have been to many resorts in Cuba loved this resort but were very disappointed with the food particularly when the reviews they read stated that the food was very good.(WHO WROTE THOSE THESE REVIEWS ABOUT THE EXCELLENT FOOD?).

Brand New Resort! AMAZING VACATION

Absolutely loved this resort. The beach and pools are amazing! The service is fantastic. The rooms are perfect (giant rain shower LOVE). Food was decent for Cuba standards, but could use more variety.

Just what the doctor ordered!

Room 4.5 star. Better effort on wash rooms would have yielded 5 star. Grounds will be 5 star when done. Tours 4 star but wash rooms were a bit lacking. Food 4 star - needed better effort to keep food hot. People 6 star. Will go back for sure! I and my adult kids really enjoyed it.

Great place to be

The hotel was clean and the area excelent. Most I'd the staff work very hard to make us feel great. Except that the most unhealthy presentation of the meals was having to go petty with the flys that are around the food. Surely the owners have enought money to buy proper serving trays. Again this has nothing to go with personnel but with the owners who are Spanish not Cuban. The food was cold consequences of the non proper serving trays. The front desk people were amazing and were whiling to acco [... read more]mmodated us whereever was better for our family of 4 adults and a baby. The cleaning staffs supper. Anothe great and another reason why I will not return to this resort is that the music from the entertainment people was extremely loudand we cound not have por child even if we sat far at the entrance. This even ruined our hopes to relax watching the show at night tine. Please you don't need to blow out our ears to entertain us I least your are already not good. Other than than only my last day I went to the Rancho restaurant alone because my family eat at the buffet, it took them 10 minutes to offers me a glass of water and anorher to bring the menu. This was disappointing but not the reason for not retuning. The hotel hace great potential I love the beach and the people who work do hard ! I will recomend it but with reservation

Ocean Casa Del Mar Cayo Santa Maria Cuba

Arrived at Ocean Resort on April 9/16. First impressiions, beautiful resort. Staff were exceptional, from the waiters at Mikes Coffee , to the workers at the Buffet. New resort that only opened in Feb of this year. A few issues. Cards for room had to have replaced at least 4 times No beach towels for 2 days. Couldnt open safe twice. Only minor problems that wouldnt ruin our trip. Weather for all 7 days were sunny, (What else could we ask for). Would go back just for the people who work there.

Overwhelmed by the Cuban hospitality and food.

This resort just opened in January or February. Some of the finishing touches were still being done, while we were there. The adult side isn't even finished yet. But we had a grand time. The food was/is the best we ever had in our 4 trips to Cuba. Ocean Del Mar is a 4.5 star resort that was giving us 5 star services, while still being finished. While we were there. we saw safety signs being put up. the coffee shops were getting signage installed, as well as the drink menu sign. Yainelys and I wa [... read more]tched the drink menu sign going up. she scratched her head and asked me if I knew how to make most of them. I laughed and said no. but she could start experimenting and I would taste them for her. 3-5 drinks later and I was ready for a swim. we laughed as they staff tried making some of the new offerings. it was one of my favorite memories. it wasn't the liquor, it was the staff and their way of making me feel like I at "Cheers" in Boston. Mr. Juan Pierre and his Food and Beverage team are the best. He didn't know me from Adam (as my nanny would say) but sat with me and had a coffee. he wanted to know what I thought of the resort so far, and if there was anything they could do to make our stay even better. more than once I saw him around the resort, and he couldn't walk by without a warm good morning, or an Ola. as busy as he was, he made sure we had a good time and we enjoyed the food. I can say that for all the staff at OCean Casa Del Mar. they all greeted you as they walked by. One amazing thing to my GF and I, was the staff were allowed to eat in the buffet. many times we saw staff eating in the buffet and we were quite impressed by that. The lobby bar/coffee shop is staffed with some of the warmest Cuban people I have had the pleasure of meeting. Yainelys is a wonderful barista/bartender. She always greeted us with a warm and genuine smile. It only took her a few drinks to figure out how I liked my drinks, and those of my girlfriend. I nick named her "Whiskey Girl", from the Toby Keith video. It's my drink of choice and every time she saw me, she would callout "whiskey senor Steve", and it didn't matter what time of the day it was. I regret not writing down her coworkers names. they were a great bunch of guys. They made us feel at home and laughed with us, while we enjoyed a beverage. We were taken back by the lobby coffee shop staff. Yainelys actually gave us a few trinkettes to take home. she gave me a nice cuban bracelet and my GF a decorative fan. The Buffet was very good. we never went hungry. the food is fresh and hot. The food stations in the buffet are staffed with people who do their best to make your food the way you like it. Victor always met us at the door and escorted us to a table and had our water with lemon , on our table before we got back from the buffet. Every Time, not just every now and then. All of the buffet staff seemed glad to be working there and took pleasure in assisting you. The 24 hour snack bar is a great hangout. the food is good and the staff are a riot. even if they don't know a lot of English. they try to understand. Arturo and his staff are fun. They sit you and make sure you are wanting for nothing. They open up at night for the Ala Cart dining. this is a fun place to eat. the chef walks around making sure you got want you asked for. the way you asked for it. he actually took one of my dinners back, because he didn't think it was hot enough. There is a Privilege dining room at the back of the 24 snack bar. Of course this is a upgraded offering by Ocean Casa Del Mar. it is $50 pacos extra, everyday of your stay. It was one of our Ala carts. Loida and the staff there are great too. She was at our table making sure everything was just right. I was so taken by them, I had our pictures take with them. they thought it was the best tip they could get. The Chef was a skilled at his profession. He came out from time to time, asking if we were happy with our food. The beef was so tender, you could cut it with a fork. I love seafood and they did themselves proud. The Garlic Shrimp was great. The Calamari was divine. One evening, on our way to the Beach Party, I stopped in there to top up my drink. I was there 30 minutes laughing and having a great time talking to them. They would actually talk to you and ask you about your work and family back home. Our chambermaid was a very pleasant women, who was very grateful for any little gift or gratuity that we left her. one day my GF left a pair of earrings for her. 2 days later, we saw her wearing them. I left the staff that filled our frig every morning, a pair of cheap sunglasses. the guy was genuinely grateful for them. I took those things for granted. I left some of the staff pens. they told me, some of those things that they use everyday, are the hard things to find. I assume a large resort would be providing them pens. again, the things we take for granted in Canada. The gardeners work long hot days in the 25 + weather. I would give them the pop out of the room frig. I gave another gardener a pair of dollar store sunglasses. he thanked me profusely. The labourers working on the beach shelters, were working long hot days in the sun. I took water to them a few times and they couldn't stop shaking my hand for it. Not once was I asked for a tip or gratuity from the resort staff. but, every time I left one at the bar(s), they would throw it in the tip bucket, and the staff would yell out Ola or thank you, no matter what they were doing. All staff at the resort would say something to you, as you walked by, sat down, or even looked at them. We found this the most endearing of the whole trip. The pool area (Family side, only one open at the time) was great. there are two pools on this side. There is a snack bar in the area. it serves great chicken fingers, fries and burgers. In the evening, it opens up as an ala cart dining room. IT is clean, the food is good and the servers are glad to see you. There are lots of sun shades and loungers. ther is a great kids section there. also, there are great message team there.For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the man who gave me my message. either way, it was great. I asked him for deep tissue and that's what I got. excellently trained and experienced. There are two bars on this side. one in the snack bar and the other is a swim up bar. this one can be reached by the water side, and a walk up side. We spend many an hour relaxing in the sun and enjoying the Cuban experience. The beach is awesome. there is very little garbage(there are two new resorts under construction too), there is lots of sun shades and loungers. the weather was perfect for us. Sunny every day and not a spot of rain. The grounds are so new, that they plants and vegetation is looking almost sparse. we can't wait to go back in a year or two and see what it has filled in like.The natural vestigation has been incorporated into the resort. If I had the extra vacation time and money, I would go back next week. Now for the cons; The pillows are thin (bring yours from home, if you like a thicker pillow). Not all rooms have bath tubs. so, make sure to ask for one if it is a requirement. The variety shows were good, but VERY VERY loud. we had to sit almost outside the theatre to listen to them. The wifi is sketchy at best. it's only 2 pesos per hour. but you get kicked out a lot and it's only available in the main building and a few of the buildings. I didn't need to get online, but when I did, it was frustrating. None of these were stopping us from having the best Cuban vacation yet. This was our fourth trip to Cuba and our most enjoyed yet. Memories Varadero was huge and provided pretty good food. We have been to Club Amigo twice in Guardalavaca, which is in Holguin province, and to THe Dominican Republic once as well. Ocean Casa Del Mar was the best of all of these trips. The beaches are great anywhere in Cuba. The food is hit and miss. I can say I or my traveling companions, never got ill from the food at any of these places. but, the food at Ocean Casa Del Mar was great. it compared to some canadian eateries. I am not a professional reviewer, or a person working in the travel industry. So, this review is from my own personal experience. I was not paid or given anything for writing this review. We loved this resort and will be back. I will gladly answer any questions about the resort and our experience. Thanks to Ocean's Casa Del Mar, for a great week. We will be back soon, Steve and Claire from PEI

Pretty good!

Hotel is brand new. Rooms are awaome. Beach is nice. Food is mediocre needs improvement The beach had rocks on some spots otherwise was Alright. Entertainment was amazing. Perfect for families with kids.

Great Staff, beautiful pools

Loved the pools, the staff all throughout the hotel was amazing. The nightly entertainment was good, but a little too loud to really enjoy. The beds are hard.. but thats only because we love our soft bed at home. Next time I will bring my own pillow.

Excellent

I recommend everyone to go amazing pools amazing beach The rooms are so clean..... I recommend everyone to golf with family and friends the staff there so friendly ....at the buffet there is all kinds of food every day that at the buffet there is all kinds of food every day that have New things

Beautiful place!

Absolutely perfect! Grounds are still a work in progress and lighting at night is dim around walkways but everything else is splendid :) Go here, you won't regret it. Rooms very modern. Spend the extra for an ocean view and make sure you have a shower instead of a tub. The water pressure from the hand held wand makes it difficult to contain the water to the tub.

Fabulous time!

My husband and I spent a fabulous week at Ocean Casa del Mar from March 29 - April 5, 2016. This is a brand new resort and very modern. The pool area is fantastic! The service was excellent on all counts. Since this is a new resort, the grounds are not lush and that will need some time. The beach is also beautiful! There could be more areas built for shade but, other than that, the location of the beach bar was perfect and it was an added bonus that some water craft was included in the overall p [... read more]rice. The food was very good for Cuban standards. This is our 1st trip to Cuba and the nicest resort we have stayed at so far! We will definitely be returning!

Wonderful Resort

The grounds are huge and will look great in a year or so once the vegetation planted has some time to grow and spread out. Beautiful new buildings, great food and friendly, helpful staff who can`t do enough for you. Some still learning but be patient, it`s all still so new.

Good times...

First time in Cuba, if you like to eat good on a holiday it's definitely not a good place for you but by talking to other you when to Cuba before it was the better food they had, "souper à la carte" was not good, we hate at the buffet most of the time, food was cool etc... but I wasn't there for that, service was awesome, pool was great, beach was amazing. This is a big resort lots of walking specially when going to the beach, limited access to the beach, poor landscaping, half of the resort wa [... read more]sn't open yet, look like they open to soon, overall experience, 3.5 out of 5, good times, if you go to the Ranchón restaurant ask for Henry Gomez, amazing service.

Great vacation

had a great time. 7th time in Cuba and one of the best with regards to food, staff, pool, etc. I would not hesitate to go again or recommend it to anyone. We stayed at the Ocean form April 2 to 9, 2016.

Loved this resort! =)

What an amazing vacation we had at Ocean Casa del Mar resort!!! It was both mine and my boyfriend's first time visiting Cuba and this is a BRAND new resort, so neither of us really knew what to expect. Everyone told us that Cuban food isn't very good but that the beaches there were beautiful, so that's really all we had to go by. The food at this resort was amazing! We had over-stuffed bellies the whole trip. The resort itself is gorgeous! The room was beautiful and the cleaning staff kept it sp [... read more]otless the whole week. The grounds weren't completely finished but we saw some traveler photos ahead of time so we knew what to expect, but even the difference from the day we arrived to the day we left was immaculate.The beach there is paradise! There are no rocks once you get passed the shoreline, no seaweed, nothing! Just white sand and warm, clear blue water. It was truly paradise! The servers and bartenders were great. Very nice and offered great service. I was surprised and a little frustrated that some of the front desk staff spoke very little English, if any at all .. I expected some of the other staff not to, but I don't think its acceptable to have people working at the front desk not speak English when that's where mostly everyone would direct their questions or issues. We also tried to purchase a WiFi card but they were out for the first 3 days. The next 2 days people were complaining of very poor connection, but we caved and purchased one on the fifth day and it worked perfectly for us. It was only 2 pesos for one hour. All in all we had a very delightful trip! =) I am looking forward to going back again and to look at travelers pics in the upcoming months to see how the landscaping is coming along. Its going to truly be paradise!

Great staff , wonderful time !!!

This hotel by far will Be the best on the island!!! It was our 5 th trip to Cayo Santa Maria and Ocean casa was the best .William in the main buffet was outstanding !!! We were treated like royalty At every turn . Not one request we had was unmet . Magual on the beach greeted us with a warm smile every morning he truly was a highlight to our day . We had no problems with the wifi it worked well for us. The food was the best we have had in Cuba yet !!! I would highly recommend this resort to anyo [... read more]ne thinking of travelling to Cayo Santa Maria.

Amazing and fabulous resort

The resort is beautiful the grounds and pool areas are very nice and beach area was great the ocean was amazing. The rooms were very spacious and the shower in the bathroom is very roomy. Loved it. Food was excellent and the employees (staff ) there were very polite and nice with us. We really couldn't ask for anything more. Went there the week of March 26 to April 2 , 2016 and had an amazing time at the ocean casa del mar in Santa Maria. Will definitely go back.

Great Resort

We really enjoyed our stay at ocean Casa Del Mar. The rooms were great! Loved the pool area and the kids club was right in pool Area so very convenient for children. Beach was amazing clear blue water soft sand bottom. Our Children ages 3&9 had a memorable vacation. Always able to find something at the buffet to eat.

Beautiful and Relaxing

Before I left for my trip, I read many negative reviews about this resort and was feeling a bit nervous. I'm so glad I ignored them! It was beautiful, quiet, relaxing and the staff is SUPERB! I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone looking to read and relax by the pool/ocean. The wifi isn't free, but isn't it better to be unplugged anyway?