Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Just O.K.

The hotel layout is great, not too big, beach is beautiful, first time we took our family, group of 10, including our grandchildren, ages 2 and 4. I have to honestly say I wish we had gone to another resort, and will not return to this one. First of all, check in was horrible, You think they would check you in on the bus ride, which is 90 minutes, would save so much time. The buffet line ups were long, up to an hour wait, I ate mostly bread and butter and some fruit, until I tried the snack bar, [... read more] the sandwiches and shrimp and fries were good. We tried the Italian and Romantico a la carte, chicken was tough, soup and bread was good, we had gone for the lobster, but were told it was not in season. We were in building 5, located close to beach, which we liked, rooms were O.K., not the cleanest. Life guards on the beach save chairs for people, so was difficult to get shade, one family accused us of stealing their,towels and taking "their" chairs, my husband had gone out and saved 7 EMPTY chairs for us, apparently they,had this whole section saved for them for 2 weeks, there was nothing on the chairs, no towels, nothing to save them, anyway, we moved over, they were still not happy, old guy called us criminals, for "stealing their towels"' all the years we've been going to resorts, we've never moved anyone's towels, let alone steal them. I guess they gave the guard a few pesos, I brought along an extra,suitcase full of nice chlothes, shoes, toiletries, to hand out, even gave out the suitcase, to one of the waiters at the snack bar, he was so happy, said hoped to come to Canada one day with his new suitcase, the staff at this resort were all hard working and lovely people. Also, the water seemed to go off almost everyday, when we came in to shower for dinner, some days, we had to go without a shower, couple times my husband had to jump,in the pool to rinse off all the body wash soap on him, we were told it was a problem all over the island? Also, not the hotels fault, I guess at this time of the year, Mosquitos, were horrible, morning and evenings, they spray every day, but they still were attacking us, we also used our sprays, so make sure to bring,some spray, and it was extremely hot, just rained a little one day, Sorry, for the long review, just trying to,say,everything, the people were lovely, but definetly would not return to this one. We've been to many resorts in Cuba, loved them all, sorry, just not this one.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Great Resort with awesome beach

The hotel is nice with great service, the mini bar in room is replenished everyday which is very good. There is also a kids playground and a kids pool that our kids enjoyed a lot. There is also a nice and sandy beach where you can do snorkelling it's bear the rocks in Ensenachos beach area.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Very nice resort!

We have been in 3 resorts in Cuba and this one is our favorite so far. Rooms were nice and clean. Territory itself very green, beautiful landscaping, we made great pictures. But territory is very big, you will have to walk depending on where you room is, didnot bother us though. Food was surprisingly good, we used to Cuban food, not always to our taste, but here it was pretty good, especially their smoked salmon, yum. Regardless of the low season, we were there in June, buffet had lobsters 2 tim [... read more]es a week. Pool was very good, no missing tiles. And anoyher pool for kids with slides was great (good for younger kids up to the age of 8 I would say). Beach is amazing and they have 2. First one more family with activities and games and small buffet if you do not want to leave for lunch, which Is very good. Second ine is very quite with just a small bar, but is has this like wall of rocks with colorful fishes and crabs living there perfect for snorkeling. Visit second beach at list one time. Kids club was very good and what is even better they have it at night too. they have one room by the pool for day and room close to buffet and night show for evening. You can leave your child there and have some time for yourself in the evening too. I think it is opened from 6 to 10 pm. Of course, it had small issues here and there, needs some renovations and upgrades, but overall I liked it very much and we are considering returning there again.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Fabulous Time

The hotel was amazing. This resort has some bad reviews but we had an awesome time. The people working there are all very friendly and couldn't do enough for us! We will definitely go back to this resort!! Being we went at low season they only had the buffet open 2 nights of our stay. But we found food at the 24 hour snack bar as we aren't too fussy about the a la carte restaurants. The only problem was the mosquitos...but because it was rainy season that is why it is so bad right now. You de [... read more]finitely need to take bug spray!!

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Not what we expected

When we got to the hotel there was only one person working at the front desk. We had to wait in line for almost 30min. There was no elevators to take our luggage to the second floor we had to carry it up ourselves. We went to the 24hour bar that on the website says they have food, the bartender said they didn't(later I saw someone eating a sandwich there) and go to the restaurant it closes at 10 and it was 930. We went to the restaurant the chef told us to sit down the servers were speaking Span [... read more]ish saying they were going to tell us they were closed and we have to leave, unaware that my boyfriend speaks Spanish. When they realized he could speak Spanish they served us food but they said they only have chicken and potatoes left. I have been to lower star hotels and have had way better serves. Plus our toilet was broken the whole time water constantly running.

Melia Las Dunas: Amazing time at this resort

We went for a week from June 7 to 14. We had a fantastic time. We loved the resort amenities and restaurants, and most of all, the personnel at the resort was fantastic. Everybody was very nice. My husband is in a wheelchair, and although is a big resort, all the areas are wheelchair accessible and there is a ramp to go to the beach. We only had some trouble at the airport, Air Canada wasn't the greatest service. Both ways my family had to sit in separate chairs, and my husband needed help that  [... read more]I couldn't provide because I was seated far from him and my kids on the window so I couldn't even get out of my chair at some times. I couldn't find anybody to switch places with me. When we came to Toronto, they took almost an hour to find the plane wheelchair needed to get my husband out of the plane since he can't walk at all. We also didn't know that they don't give any food on this flight, you have to purchase it, and it's very expensive for not the greatest food. If we had known this before we'd have brought some food with us. We had a very early flight to go to Cuba so we didn't have time to eat breakfast. We were starving by the time we got to Cuba and we were loaded on the bus really fast so we didn't have time to eat anything until really late in the afternoon.... be advised - bring lots of food, specially if you are travelling with little ones!!!

Sol Cayo Santa Maria: Friendly clean resort

Staffs are helpful and friendly. Overall the Resort and room are kept clean and have a beautiful beach. The buffet food could be better. My main reason for Santa Maria is for fishing.....it was amazing, worth the trip!

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great resort

Grounds are very well kept and rooms were very clean. Public common areas were always staffed well and many entertaining areas! Many pools to choose from. The swim up bar was mainly younger late teens, early adulthood. If you don't mind a long drive from the airport to this resort, be prepared to be on the bus for 2 hours. That, I didn't like. The other downfall was the FLYS ! I'm allergic and got eaten by them even with fly spray on! Even the kids complained about them. They go around in the ea [... read more]rly evening with carts spraying to prevent them, but it didn't work. Many flys.

Melia Las Dunas: Amazing Resort

Great hotel, we really enjoyed every moment at this resort. This was our 4th time and I will go back very soon. will recommend to all my friends and family. The service is excellent and all the staff. I do think the bus ride is too far from the hotel.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Can't wait to go back

I am a picky traveller. This was my first time in Cuba and I can't wait to go back. Rooms were modern and clean, staff was so friendly. Entertainers were my absolute favorite..don't forget to tip them - they are some of the hardest working on the beaching and are rarely tipped. The beach was beautiful, nightly entertainment was 10/10 and the drinks and food were great!! I am planning a trip back to this resort before September. For such a poor country the quality of service and people were amazi [... read more]ng and always went above and beyond. Really puts things into perspective and makes you enjoy the smaller things in life. Can't wait to go back definitely a 10/10 resort.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Valentin Perla Blanca

My boyfriend and I enjoyed our stay at the Valentin Perla Blanca. We were there for a week and found the beach to be incredible. We had heard about bad reviews prior regarding the food but found the food to be quite decent. One of our favorite things was the catamaran. That was such a wonderful full day experience. Also we enjoyed being able to see a different show every night. Every one is very talented, especially the Michael Jackson impersonator. We did have a complaint regarding our room cle [... read more]aning. The first night we got there, we received a lovely note and two swan figures made from our towels. Each morning before we left our room we left money and gifts for the cleaning staff yet we received nothing special in our room other than that first day. One day we were even left with a dirty glass in the bathroom. Every other resort we have ever been to, the cleaning staff left different towel designs or animals figures to make it special. We spoke to other guests who didn't leave anything for the staff members, yet received all sorts different designs and set ups in their room. We were pretty disappointed in that respect. I also found that you were constantly being approached by staff members to participate even when we said no and just wanted to relax and enjoy the sunshine but they were persistent which often times caused us to leave to go to another area. The bar staff in the lobby was incredible and always went over the top for us which was awesome. All in all a good trip!

Melia Las Dunas: Had such a great time I went back 3 weeks later

My husband and I spent a week at the Melia Las Dunas in May. I enjoyed myself so much that I went back for a 4 day girls trip 3 weeks later. I have traveled all over the Caribbean. The beach in Cayo Santa Maria is by far the best I have ever been to. I love that I can see my toes in the crystal clear water. There was never any issue with seaweed on this beach. As it is widely known, Cuba does not rank high for food at the resorts, but the Melia Las Dunas was great. There was an abundance of fr [... read more]esh fruit, and the other typical buffet dishes. We really enjoyed the restaurants as well. The rooms are dated but we found them comfortable. There was always hot water and the AC kept the room cool. The staff were so warm and friendly from the gardeners to the bartenders. I felt like I was going home on my second trip. One of my favorite things about the resort was the house band in the evening. They were always amazing. Bug spray and after bite is a must to pack if you vacation from May to September. The mosquitos are out for blood at this time of year. I would highly recommend this resort for its great value for the price. It was a very affordable vacation.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Best resort ever

Nothing negative to say about this resort. Clean, friendly personnel, beautiful room. Excellent food in buffet and restaurants. Best resort we have been to. We would definitely recommend to all our friends and family.

Melia Las Dunas: Great time

Overall this was a great resort. I have been to Cuba 7 times and this is the second best! check in was really slow and we had to wait until 4pm for our room. During our trip we constantly had a lizard in our room. However the food was decent for Cuban standards and Kiki at the buffet was an amazing server!

Melia Las Dunas: great resort and service

Have been to santa maria 7 times and this resort is the 2nd best resort I've been to. Great service and amazing beach. The beaches was amazing as usual.Kiki at the buffet was very attentive and made the buffet more enjoy able

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: A nice spot with some good and some bad

I've been to Cuba several times in addition to other Caribbean places so I feel that I can provide an accurate review. We travelled with two adults and a 12 year old. This place is a nice hotel on two beautiful, quiet beaches. Sunwing provided a smooth, well run flight. The good: Beautiful beaches, Nice gardens, decent entertainment, super large rooms which were extremely clean, the buffet staff were super nice, no one was ever "tip trolling," a good mix of people. This place is very spread ou [... read more]t, so expect lots of walking (this is a good thing). Bars were generally easy to get a drink. Wait staff in the lobby were quick to offer you a drink or a coffee. The animation staff were friendly and encouraged our son to play with them. Pools are clean. The bad: All public area bathrooms were broken in some manner (yes all), the general maintenance in the public areas was worse than other hotels in Cuba, the staff in golf carts are just plain rude and usually ignore the clients, they ran out of pool towels for 4 days in a row (ours got pretty stinky). The food was average (the buffet was basically the same daily, the Italian restaurant didn't have multiple dishes listed on the menu, the seafood restaurant was good, the Japanese ok but not a lot of food). The map of the hotel was terrible - it took us a while to orient where everything was. The check-in staff were not that friendly. Pools were very shallow (1m or less) so it was difficult to play around or swim. Two other important items to note are things that cannot be helped, but customers should know. The distance to the airport is long (1.5-2 hours) and there are a ton of mosquitos due to the mangroves around the quay. Overall this was not one of my favourite experiences, but my son enjoyed it, and the beaches and gardens are awesome. I would recommend it only at the right price with caveats of everything I listed above.

Melia Las Dunas: Big and beautiful...

We are easy going people, so pretty much everything pleased us there. I particularly liked the check in - they took our group to a separate room and handed out envelopes with all info and our room numbers in there. We still had to go to check in counter - to get our keys, but it was done efficiently. The resort is big - lots of walking if you don't want to wait around for those "golf cart" buggies to get you where you want to go. Beach is gorgeous, lots of chairs around when we were there /May 2 [... read more]3-30/. It was windy all days we were there, more or less, so lots of waves if you like that in an ocean. A day or two they were able to get the small catamarans out there - it was fun too. Pools were gorgeous as well - sun warmed water, tiles, well maintained, swim up bars. We frequented the adult side pools. Again - lots of chairs around - no "towel game" needed. Food - there was always something to our liking. We liked omellettes for breakfast, grilled chicken and fish for lunch and dinner. The carved mangoes they sometimes had at breakfast were so sweet... as well as bananas in "flaming syrup" at dinner. The desserts were not too fancy and not too many of them, but between pies, cakes and fruit - there was a lot of choice. Cadeca right across the hall from the reception. No problem with getting receipts and right amount every time /after Varadero experiences we were counting our pesos, lol/. Grounds well maintained and pleasing. Entertainment was provided throughout the day and at night. Dancing, disco in the "main square", various activities, shows. Overall - very positive experience and we will be coming back with more people.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Awesome beach...

Beach was gorgeous and plenty of space for everyone. No problem getting a beach chair anytime of day. Staff was nice , rooms were clean. And water was always hot. Not that you want it hot after spending the day outside. Line up for the grilling and omelet stations were a bit long . About the same amount of time if you ordered at a restaurant. But taste was much better than what was under the heating lamps. If your a foodie don't go there. Same with the a la carte restaurants. We went to 4 and th [... read more]ey were pretty much tasteless. Either they dropped in too much salt and you could not finish the meal, or there was no seasoning at all. Although at the Italian restaurant the shrimp risotto was good. The one excursion we took into Santa Clara, was a waste oftime and money. The only highlight being the Che Guevara museum and moselium. That being said it is great for families with kids under 10. They entertainment staff are very talented. And they all make an effort with the kids. We liked that it had 2 quite pools plus 2 party pools. It looked to be the best hotel on the strip of 4 hotels that are located on thr island. Also if your french canadian you will feel right at home there. As 80% of the guests were from Quebec.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Good and Bad

Grounds were absolutely incredible. Pools and beach felt like paradise! Food tasted OK, extremley salty... it's Cuba. Both of us ended up with stomach issues. Had a cockroach in our room the first night, then a mouse 4 days later. Again.... it's Cuba. Staff wasn't as friendly as other Cuban resorts we've been to.

Melia Buenavista: Quiet resort

People are very friendly. Food was hit and miss, every morning for breakfast the bread was hard. I ordered the same chicken tenders three days in a row and I got something different each day. Weather wasn't great it rained most of the week, and the tv and Internet cut out. So there was nothing really to do....