Playa Cayo Santa Maria: A great trip, overall!

The rooms, grounds, pools, beach and ocean are all wonderful. The a la carte restaurants are also very good. The one thing that desperately needs to be changed is the way the buffet is run and set up. Everything is one long line and the cooking stations are included in that long line. So that means the people who are lining up are blocking all of the food and it felt like a fight to move between the people and get something from the buffet. Also, it took forever to get something from the cooking [... read more] stations. My husband and I didn't eat breakfast together once the whole time because he was standing in like forever for an omelette.

Melia Las Dunas: Simply Awesome!

Visited March 13 to 20 with my two children (4 yrs and 7 mths). Best beach I have ever seen, kids pool was wonderful, and no problem finding a variety of food for all tastes. Staff even supplied us with a crib and cot for the kiddies. I would recommend and return to this resort.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Ok resort

The ground of this resort were nice and the beach and view was fantastic, however the service was lacking, the rooms weren't too clean or safe. The sheets on our bed had stains and the blanket smelled. When we complained about the sheets they brought us new ones and left them for us to make the bed! The patio door did not lock and we were on the main floor. However our main complaint was the food, I've been to cuba before and the food was ok, here the food was generally bad and contrary too any  [... read more]other resort I've been to the buffet is the place to eat.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful fun resort

Eurostars Cayo Santa Maria is a gorgeous resort, by far one of the nicest we've been to. Beach is perfection and the entertainment crew amazing! There were acapella groups singing outside breakfast, parades going through at supper time, male staff dressed up as female dancers, beach was packed everyday as they had so many people engaged in activities. Only downside is that the food wasn't great, even by Cuban standards.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: A nice vacation spot.

The weather and beach was fantastic. The rooms were spacious and clean but lacking sound proofing we could hear the neighbors' every sound. Mosquito screen was missing from the balcony door. I understand the huge logistic problems the resort has to deal with for the enormous distance from the main land. I was kind of expecting shortages of supplies and I was right even napkins at lunch were in short supply on some drays. The food was so so but never got sick. I think this resort has great potent [... read more]ial to become a fantastic vacation place but management faces a huge challenge. I had the pleasure to speak with Jose Schmidt the Director General he seems a very talented caring individual. I think he will succeed in transforming Star Fish into a high quality resort. All in all out of four trips to Cuba Cayo Santa Maria has the best beach. Not a bad resort for Cuban standards.

Melia Las Dunas: Beautiful Beach

Large resort with beautiful beach. Unfortunately we discovered that you need to rise early each morning to reserve a beach lounge chairs, many have seen better days and the good ones go quick. The resort itself is ok, needs some updating and the rooms definitely need some work. Basic nothing fancy. The food was hit and miss but you definitely won't starve. The staff is wonderful, very friendly and do their best to make you feel welcome. The beach is definately something to see.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Fantastic place!

Just came back on March 27th from one week at this resort and had a wonderful experience! The beach is stunning! The rooms are clean, staff is friendly, food is fine. Once the bartenders learn some specialty drinks it will be excellent!

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Scared for no reason

To start I'd like to thank Nancy, Carlos, Raymundo & Mariella for their excellent service which truly enhanced our stay at the Starfish! My 16 yr. old daughter & I just returned from March Break at this resort. Having traveled to Sol Cayo Largo in 2013 I knew what I should expect from Cuba. To my surprise not only was this resort and Santa Maria beyond what I could've imagined, we would surely return to rekindle our love for this place. Like many will recommend, be aware that Cuba doesn't ever c [... read more]laim to be 5 star and the worst part of our vacation was only attributable to some rude Canadians that live outside of the province of Ontario . . .no, I don't mean Winnipeg, Edmonton or the east coast. Tips from those that arrived before us helped for example book your a la cartes early and to eliminate some flooding from the bathtub, we found it best to sit while showering. Food was plentiful, hot, varied and reliable. We had grilled fish daily, lots of vegetables and a hearty assortment of any carb you desire. There are two pools, one for party time & one for relaxation & rest. Same with the beach loud with music & quiet with shade available. If you love to take in a lovely sunrise, sunset, turquoise water for miles, white powdery sand, fantastic meals and a variety of beverages I recommend you visit this paradise. Tip generously as staff work hard and want to please, try to learn the language it makes for a more enjoyable experience and remember that you are in a different country so be respectful. We will return and have already recommended this resort & the area to friends. Oh also, take in a show at night . . . they take a little while to get started typically around 9:20 but well worth it & there's some very talented performers!

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Wonderful vacation

Our room was very clean bright and spacious, no musty dusty smell at all like you Our room was very clean, bright and spacious, no musty dusty smell at all like you can sometimes get in the Caribbean. I found the entire resort to be very clean, lots of staff. The beach was beautiful, could use a few more shade huts The entertainment was constant - from foam party at the pool, volleyball on the beach, to the evening concerts before the evening show, there was always something going on and there  [... read more]was always a bar nearby. The food was good, for Cuban hotel standards. The only and very small complaint would be the long wait at the grills at the buffets. 15 +/- minutes for a fresh omelet - seemed like the cooks would only make 2/3 things at a time even thought they had lots more room left on the grill, but hey it's Cuba, you're on vacation - why rush... I would definitely recommend the Starfish to anyone going.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Nice Beaches but the Hotel has Issues

Just returned after a week at this hotel. 2 adults and 2 children. We usually go on all inclusive vacations 2-3 times per year. We have stayed at some 3 stars in the past and I've never felt the need to write a negative review. We are not hard to please and don't complain. This hotel was a new experience for us. Towels were extremely hard to come by for the pool/beach area. It took us 3 days to change our towels. This could have been timing and just not being there when there were clean towels  [... read more]but we were warned by another person as soon as we got there about it. In our room, we noticed that our towels were not actually being changed. We are all about conserving energy/water but our shower had no seal at the bottom and had water flowing out of the shower onto the tile. We had no option but to use the towels to mop up the water so our kids didn't slip and fall. These towels were soaked and on the floor in a pile. They were just hung up to dry. There was no washcloths so I used towels to wash off makeup before bed and these towels stayed in our room. One morning our youngest had a bit of an accident on the bed sheet, it was poop(sorry to be gross) we took this fitted sheet right off the bed so that the bedding would be changed. That night we went to get into bed and saw that they had made the bed with this same dirty sheet but just turned it over. I called front desk and asked for another sheet and was told that someone from housekeeping would bring one. Half an hour later, there was still no sheet so I called again and was told the same thing. No one came with a sheet. It was late at this point and with little kids we had to get them to bed. In case anyone was wondering, yes, we were tipping every day. We also had 2 pairs of mens swim shorts stolen from the balcony. Nothing else was missing. The staff at the hotel were very nice. The beaches are beautiful but a bit of a walk. Stayed March 2015

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Perfect getaway!

We had an amazing week at the Melia Cayo Santa Maria! The resort was very well kept and clean, the staff was amazing and the beach was magnificent! There were many excursions offered and lots of events around the resort. The food was great, especially the a la carts offered for dinner! I would recommend this location to friends and family!

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: amazing resort!

The hotel is great, the space is huge and the beach amazing, we spent 3 nights and 4 fabulous days, for sure we are coming back!!! We recommend the hotel for couples and families, it is quite and a lot of activities, the Michael Jackson show was amazing!!! Congrats to the entertainment team

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Just OK

The resort was beautiful, the beds are rock hard, Not alot of English speaking people. Gorgeous pools breathe taking beaches.We were placed in bungalow 12 and we were facing a drive shed so that was very disappointing as I requested a pool view room so I could watch my children, they did have better views I just didntt get one and don't know how you can

Melia Las Dunas: First time to Cuba and my last.

Sorry but I have to start with the bad. In fairness, because I didn't care for the food, others found it quite good. The buffet had plenty of dishes I've never heard of but scarce on much North American fair. The a la cartes were good (my husband liked them) but don't expect white meat which I prefer. Chicken dishes are legs and thighs. Pork, not sure. As we both had some tummy issues throughout the week, I was very careful our last day and only ate what I thought was safe. However, I became ve [... read more]ry ill my last night there, had to go to a clinic in the middle of the night, and went immediately to emerg when I arrived home. Four others on our flight home were also ill. My husband and I are still ill after being home 4 days now. The rooms, tired, old. Some mold in the bathroom. And one small cockroach visited just once. Liveable for sure but, they did not change the bath towels!!!! After five days I put the towels on the bed with a note (2nd request), left a larger tip and an arrow pointing to the towels. We got 1 new towel. The beds were, lets say adequate. It is Cuba after all. My husband had (has) small red bumps on both his elbows, some on his arms and legs. They formed a circle and no, we have no idea what they are. Beach towels at the pool. Not to be had. We had brought our own....best advice I can give! Last day it rained and I went to get a couple of towels (ours were soaked) and finally! A large stack of beach towels! May I have 2 please? No, apparently I didn't bring my map. That's right. My map??????? The one day excursion we went on was a very reasonable price. (Although don't be fooled thinking it a bonus you can take Canadian and change it right into pesos. Make sure you understand CUC vs CUP before you go. Exchange rate higher than Cdn to U.S.) I had never been on a catamaran and it was quite fun. Our lobster lunch was very good, and the rest of the day quite nice. But....sorry to have a negative here, the 8 hour day is too long!!!! It was very hot and while moving it was fine but they spent time just coasting to use up time. No breeze, you can't jump in the water, and for some, no shade. Luckily we had shade but I still came back with mild heat stroke. And now the good! The lobby bar. Fun, lively and served name brand alcohol. A lovely way to end an evening with a glass of wine or Kalua on ice. And the coffee was excellent. The pools themselves, perfect! Two adult only pools, one with activities and swim up bar and the other, my fav, huge, quiet, clean warm water. And number 1...The beach! Glorious, gorgeous, breathtaking. Clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming and a long sand beach for walking. I don't know if Melia Las Dunas was the problem or I'm just someone who should not visit Cuba, but suffice to say, I won't be back.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great Resort!!!! fabulous trip!!!

Had an amazing TIME! Only advice is to take your own towels. Lots of food variety! Amazing beach, staff very friendly, great entertainment team! I would go back again, I wouldn't get an ocean view room coz the ocean is far and there is a joint door with the room next to us we could here everything they say.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Great Resort!

The food and beach were both great at this resort. The beach is a nice walking beach. Lots of pools and bars. The Japanese restaurant was our favorite. The resort is not huge so everything is close at hand.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Could be better.

Returned Mar 18 with family. Hotel is fairly new and the grounds are clean and tidy. The rooms were large and the maids kept them tidy and were friendly. Usual stuff with broken fixtures in the bathroom. The a la cartes near the buffet were very good, but the buffet was not. The place is big and the service at the bars is generally slow. Tipping the bar staff did not seem to matter as you would still have long waits even with nobody else asking for drinks; they didn't seem to care. Our teenage c [... read more]hildren had a good time and there was lots for them to do. The beach is beautiful, but rocky and not very wide....it is much wider just two resorts east. Overall, we had a good time, but would we go back? No.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing resort and a beautiful beach

The staff was very attentive, service was great and staff always friendly and helpful. The resort was always kept clean, food and drinks were always good, the beach and water was beautiful. I would definitely return to Cayo Santa Maria!

Memories Paraiso: The resort was everything we'd hoped for and more!

We loved our suite in Building 51, our conceirge "O'neil" and the staff at every place we went, especially Jimmy and Denny at the lobby bar. We particularily loved the beach, especially the Dimaond Club section, and the end of the beach where you could feed the fish. We loved the pools with swim up bars and we felt the food was much better than our trip to Veradero last year.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Great resort!

Overall our experience was better than expected. After reading reviews and being spoiled on the Mayan Riviera we were afraid of what we were getting. The resort setting is beautiful, with never ending clean beaches and sun to go with them. We could always find something to tempt our palette, not outstanding, but good. Very accommodating on room changes when we felt our ocean view wasn't quite there! They could use more staff in all areas, as they were friendly but too busy!