Beautiful Resort (better entertainment needed)

Beautiful, well kept resort. Breathtaking white sandy beach. Descent pools and delicious food. No disco on-site and little daytime entertainment. Quiet, secluded resort that's family/couple oriented. Poor option if you also want to party, explore, or properly experience Cuban culture.

Friendly place

The hotel staff is very friendly. food was OK, really enjoyed the 24 hours snack bar.. Beach not good at all rocks everywhere, how do they expect us to get in without hurting your feet ? would definitely go back again.

Very nice resort

Very good service, pool and beach. Food was fair. Rooms were nice. The kids shows were enjoyed by the little ones. Very quick trip from the airport. We enjoyed the excursions and had excellent weather.

Great place to be

I wish I was there right now. Beautiful surroundings, pleasant and helpful staff, great service on the beach front, lots of planned activities and wonderful shows each night by very skillful dancers. Like I said, I wish I was there now.

Great vacation, great resort!!!!

We travelled with 4 adults and 4 kids ages 13, 9, 6 and 4. Memories Flamenco is a great resort not very large, very clean, polite staff, awesome food for Cuba (shrimp calamari poutine salmon) 2 large pools plus a kids pool. Amazing cappucinos and iced cappuccino in the lobby. Rooms always cleaned and stocked with towels, pop, beer and water. Beach has a gorgeous view but is a little rocky water shoes highly recommended but there are sandy areas to walk in and out of the ocean. Lots of mosquitos  [... read more]at night so bring bug replant. Market with local vendors is a short 5-10 minute walk out of the resort. Great interaction with the kids by the entertainers especially Yuni and Diane. All and all great resort I would highly recommend it.

Disappointing Resort

We travel often and have been to Cuba several times. We were 6 people on this trip in April 2016. Moldy bread, food re processed day after day, each day some of the food on the menu not available or partially available, dining closed at 10 pm but food limited at 8:30 pm and not being replenished. 1 beach towel exchange in 10 days, telephone in 2 out of 3 rooms not working, broken bed frame not usable for 2 days, barely any lights at night to see where we were going, pool not cleaned regularly wi [... read more]th slimy bottom, maid service and rooms great and clean rooms. We paid for a 4.5 star and got a much lower quality overall. I would say this hotel is cutting costs to the bone and the customer can really feel it. Beware of up charge for pool view, you might get the kiddy pool. I recommend sunwing re re-valuate this hotel's rating.

Resort great - Beach not so great

Resort was great - clean rooms, great food. No complaints in that area. The only negative things we found were the beach was full of coral. We only swam once. It was a big disappointment and there were never any chairs at the beach or pool. The other annoyance was the line ups at the bars. I often went to the store and bought a can of Crystal to avoid the lines and they don't wait on you as first come first serve.

A titch unhappy

Was so glad to go back to our happy spot. Our room was to have a king sized bed..didn't happen. Our room, 6002 was very tired and all the dressers and head boards had way too much "stuff" on them and looked very grungy. Option to move was not there as it was sold out. My bed spread had stains on it and was very wrinkled, not a good look. We asked for extra pillows and got them within hours. Our consierege was the most wonderful man ever, Yousel. What a caring person. I called him way too many ti [... read more]mes or "chirped" at him but he was so kind. I was sweating so much one night that I took the pillow case off so I could get a clean one and found my pillow to have black mould on it. Three out of 4 pillows had this. Our sink backed up, no way to get the plug out but my husband figured it out. Bathtub was the same, we called and got it fixed. Patio door would not lock, again Yousel got that fixed. I felt defeated and stopped complaints as I did not want to be one of those "people". Yousel, Giselle and her team plus the amazing Janet at the diamond club bar were what made my trip. I am so sad as last year, it rocked. Sunwing...pull up your socks. The wonderful staff can only do so much with what you are giving them to work with. I blame you.

Relaxing,Comfortable Resort but Inconsistent

Travelled to Cayo Coco and the Memories Flamenco in April 2016. Our 9th down south trip, and all have been to “4-star Budget” type of resorts (Cuba-Mexico-Dominican), so my comparisons are in line with realistic expectations. Just so you know the preamble. Getting There: Travelled via SUNWING. Quick flight of 3.5 hours from Halifax. Arrived ahead of schedule. Airport was small and easy to maneuver. Took about 40 minutes to go through the whole process of customs/finding bus/loading, etc bef [... read more]ore we departed. The bus was filled with Flamenco customers, so was direct trip to resort. Took about 15 minutes to get there door to door. The Memories Flamenco Resort Layout:The resort is well laid out for the most part, with your lobby at the entrance, pools and restaurant in the middle, and 3-story buildings surrounding the outer areas. We had Building 6, which we felt was ideal, being in the middle of everything. It’s a mid-sized resort, with 600+ rooms. There were nice walkways going to all parts of the resort. It was a bit dark in some areas, and could use better lighting. The resort grounds were very nice, clean, and well kept. The garden staff must work hard, because the plants were plenty, and it was a picturesque environment all around. Restaurants (Large Buffet and A la Cartes) were all in one area, between the lobby and your room. Closest to buildings 6 or 4. There is also a 24 hour snack bar right next to building 2. In behind the snack bar is another smaller buffet, open at specific hours. I enjoyed the Lobby Bar and Theatre setup. It’s all adjoined, and set up in a way that you can meet others easily. While it was bustling (the resort was full when we were there), I never felt it was too busy service wise. The drinks were ok, but not great. I stuck with beer and rum for the most part, because I felt their tropical drinks weren’t very creative. Looking at the Room: The rooms were an ample size, and our 2nd floor balcony had a nice view of the gardens. Because of the vegetation between buildings and the beach, there are VERY FEW oceanview rooms. It might say oceanview, but from what I could see, I don’t think many actually had the view worth paying for. I found the maids to be very accommodating where they could. Most spoke some English, and were very pleasant. We tipped 2 or 3 CUC each day. The beds were hard, and the pillows were terrible. However, our maid found us extra pillows which helped. Towels were had most days, however Beach Towels were not. We were not able to trade them all week. Not a big deal, but fresh towels would have been nice at least once. The in-room safe was free, which was a bonus. One issue we had was the patio door. It did not lock. Didn’t do anything about it as we were on the 2nd floor, but someone could have come into our room I guess There was water issues one day. It went from a slow trickle overnight to no water for about 8 hours one day. Once they fixed it though, it was good for the rest of our stay. Electrical is 220 volt in the rooms. Lots of plugs in the room, and they all accept our standard plug or round type (it’s a combined outlet that accepts either kind, so you don’t need the adaptor.) Check your electrical device though, because if it does not run on dual voltage, you’ll fry it. NOTE: DID NOT SEE ONE BUG IN OUR ROOM, OR EVEN IN OUR BUILDING THE ENTIRE WEEK. NOT ONE! BEACH AREAS: Much has been said about the beach area, and the lava rock/Coral that plagues it. Yes, it is a nuisance in some spots, but it won’t ruin your vacation. Hopefully I can explain it clearly. The beach is divided into two areas, sectioned off by a boardwalk/small pier that has been built over the worst part of where the coral/lava rock resides. Looking at the water, you turn left to the quieter but rockier part of the beach. This is where we spent most of our week. This is where the “Diamond Club” part of the beach is located, (which doesn’t really give you anything more-but that’s another issue) and that is the rockiest part of the beach. By rocky, I mean there is a stretch of rock that divides the beach and water. Lots of beautiful sand to lounge on, and lots of beautiful sand to walk on/or swim in the water. Its getting from beach to water in some areas that is a nuisance. If you turn right off of the boardwalk, you’ll get to the sandier part of the beach. There is some rock still there, but much less, and it’s easier to enter the water. This beach was much busier of course, and MUCH louder, as this is where the animation team does their thing during the day. Various activities, beach volleyball, contests, loud music, aerobics, etc. If that’s your thing, than this is the spot to be. If you have kids, this would be the spot to be. Especially with the sandier entrance to water. Once in the water on the entire stretch of beach (and its quite long), it is absolutely gorgeous, off-white sand and beautiful aqua coloured water. There are two bars on the beach. One is situated on the boardwalk and open to all. The second is located in the Diamond Club area of the beach. This is only to be used by DC members. (Different colour of bracelet.) However, we sat just outside the diamond club area and were served to our beach chair by very accommodating beach staff. THREE POOLS OFFERED UP: The resort had a nice pool area. There is a downhill grade from lobby to the beach, so the pools are tiered. The upper tier had the largest pool and is considered the “quiet pool”. It was nice, and a bit deeper than some I’ve been in down south which is nice. Lots of huts around the pool, although every chair was gone for most of the day. The swim up bar was tier two, and directly accessible via steps from the larger pool. Here is where your action took place. It could get loud, with the animation team running activities through the day. It was a nice pool with lots of room to get in to or away from the swim up bar if you wanted. The swim up bar also had an outside the water serving area for those not wanting to get into the water. Water temperature by the way was nice. Very clean. Well taken care of. Although there were quite a few loose tiles in the pool. Careful where stepping. The pool here had a volleyball net setup, although I can’t comment much on the activities throughout the day as we are more beach people. It was fairly loud though, as we could hear it from the beach at times. We did have fun in their once a week Foam party though. A neat gimmick that got everyone in a dancing, party kind of mood. FOOD AND CUBA…NOT THE GREATEST: Although our last trip to Varadero to the Royalton Hicacos was very good in terms of food quality, the Memories Flamenco really lacked in this department. Now, don’t get me wrong, you won’t starve, and I didn’t get sick. I found some things through the week that were quite good. But it was very inconsistent. You won’t starve, and you’ll find things you like. It just won’t be the wow factor or a part of the trip that is memorable. But hey, beats having to make meals for the week or clean up, or go for groceries, etc. NIGHT LIFE: The shows were typical down south fair. The dancing, the traditional music, a Michael Jackson show. They work hard to entertain you and are very friendly when doing so. You’ll enjoy it. The after the show Karaoke they had in the theatre was fun. I found it a fun place to go out and mingle, however there was no disco opened. I could see where the disco used to be, but no longer operating. There is one at the entrance of the Melia JDR resort which is a 10 minute walk down the road. It’s a pay for your own drinks place though. Not a busy nightlife here at the Flamenco, but I liked it. OFF THE RESORT: There is a double decker tourist bus that goes back and forth across the island that is worth an outing. It costs 5 Cuc for the day and the driver gives you a ticket for your return. There is a posted schedule in the lobby, and the bus either goes left towards a market area near the airport side of the island (We didn’t go this way) or right to the gorgeous Pilar Beach on the island of Cayo Guillermo. It was a fairly long ride to get there, but it was worth it to discover Pilar Beach. WOW! Absolutely gorgeous. One of the softest sands I’ve ever felt. If you love beach life, this is a must for you. It’s the stuff that postcards are made of. You can walk for a half hour each way on the beach. It’s beautiful (off)white sand and has that tropical aqua water in all its glory. There is a restaurant located there, and they have free (clean) bathrooms. If you want to stay on the beach for a while, you can rent a beach lounger (the blue canvas type) for 2 CUC or rent a day bed for 10CUC (Which includes a couple of drinks. There is a small market area just a short walk from Memories Flamenco. If you walk out the entrance and turn left, it’s a 10 minute walk MAX. The market has a few vendors set up selling typical tourist wares. The prices are reasonable, and you don’t typically negotiate unless you buy more than one of something. This resort is really a 4-Star (not the 4.5 that certain travel agencies give it), based on its inconsistencies, its food/drink quality, and the beach being a bit of a nuisance with the rocky areas. This resort opened in 2012, which is hard to believe because it really looks like it could be 10+ years old based on its condition. Still though, it was clean, enjoyable, we experienced solid service, and we had a great week. If you’re looking for a cheap vacation, and a place to relax without having to worry about the daily stress at home, this is definitely one that will fit the bill. If you have slightly higher standards though, than this may not be the best choice for your vacation. Keep in mind what you’re paying though and balance out what is important for you.

Best food in Cuba

This is one of the best resorts we've been to in Cuba. It certainly had the best food, especially at the a la cartes. The staff were friendly and had many activities for the guests. The downside was the beach - lots of coral/rock but if you can climb over it you get to nice sandy shallow waters.

Amazing resort!

First time in Cuba and everything was just amazing. Food was great, the room was nice and the people and the service was amazing, I couldn't ask for more. If you visit this resort make sure to try Oscar's Mojitos by the pool and not the pool bar. Highly recommended resort!

A Solid Three Star Resort ***

Overall this is a solid three star resort. The price for this vacation reflects a three star and that is what a traveller should expect and does receive. Diamond Club is low cost and is beneficial (Lobster Dinner, reserved spot at buffet and beach, reservations at a la carte restaurants provided, late check out, and more). Beach is fantastic, weather superb, rooms clean, food is three star for sure (no lettuce at all, long lines at food preparation stations, always pork available, and generally  [... read more]more or less cafeteria quality). Do not eat at the Diamond Club a la carte breakfast restaurant - very disappointing. Service is very good. Entertainment is okay for something to do. Building 3 is excellent. AGAIN, IF YOU ARE OKAY WITH A 3 STAR THIS WILL BE EXCELLENT VALUE !

Amazing resort!

This resort stood up to its stars. The gardens were beautiful, the people were absolutely friendly. The room was so clean, I always hear bottom floor horror stories but we didn't have any issues. The pool was great, very well kept and clean. The food was good (I'm prefer to Cuban food though) and the entertainment during the day was fun and night was great. The beach...this is where you get all the bad info. I spent most of my time here and absolutely loved it. I stayed on the beach at the far e [... read more]nd on the right. It was quieter and less coral. You only had to find your way over a couple of feet of it but it wasn't sharp just bumpy. Once you got past that it was heaven. There's an excursion called Break at Pilar, I highly recommend. Yes you are paying to go to another beach but it's one of those places you go and never want to leave. This was truly an amazing resort and I would definitely go back.

Memories Flamenco Cayo Coco

Would not recommend this hotel. The food was the same every day and also was very cold. The staff were excellent though. The beach was very nice and the al a carte were also okay. Giovanni the man at the front desk was awesome and so was Lucy the Assistant Manager.

Had a great time

Great facilities, beach, pool, lots to do. People were friendly. Sunwing messed up the paperwork, but that's not the hotel's fault. Most of us did pick up a stomach bug from somewhere, but it soon passed.

Fantastic resort and staff!

The resort was well maintained and clean. Our room was very nice and always clean. The food was good and the drinks were plenty. The staff, was by far the best and will bring me back next year. Thank you for a great vacation!

5 out of 10

The motel was very clean the stafe was nice the beach was not that bad rocky the food wasn't the best I no in cuba the food is not the best but this is not my first time in cuba and the food in this motel is not good and if you send people in this resort they wont go back to cuba and it my first time in any resort we went to there only one type of beer and had to buy the type like crystal or president so I wouldn't go back.

Disappointing

This was our second year at this resort and in year 2 we were disappointed by a few things: 1 - they never opened the spot to exchange your towel. The hours were posted, but it did not open the entire week! We had wet soggy towels all week 2 - Our maid was rude to us from day 1...which is completely different from the service we had last year 3 - Our balcony door wouldn't lock. They "fixed" it but it continued to not lock 4 - no changes to the food. It was exactly the same food as last year and  [... read more]in many cases the food quality was poor 5 - Money money money.....it seemed that you needed to tip for everything this year. I dont mind tipping but it was chronic...tip everyone every day or get bad service. 6 - The bed was very hard and uncomfortable

Large resort with clean rooms

Grounds - very pretty Beach - all coral Service for diamond club on beach - - poor Al la cart restaurants - not good- only the Cuban one was tasty Staff - friendly as always in Cuba Entertainment - very good Service in restaurants - very good

Mixed feelings

The Good.The grounds are beautiful, improvement at the beach with the grinding down of coral rock was effective. Water shoes would be helpful but coral rock is only 15 feet with some areas clear to walk in. After coral, the water is crystal clear, shallow, and sandy. Free paddleboats and sailing boats available. Bar and lunch also available at the beach was good. The pool water is crystal clear. The upper pool is built on a hill affording the wind to give it a nice breeze in the afternoon. The l [... read more]ower pool is 12 feet lower with less breeze.The foam party at 4:00pm in the lower pool on Thursday is great and most of the children there loved it. The lobby bar service was great and the Spanish coffee was over the top. All of the staff thoughout the complex were attentive to all tourists needs. The not so good. The cons were dated rooms with very hard beds. We used the blankets under the bed sheets to soften the bed. Air conditioning in the room was good. There was an issue with beach towels and we only received clean ones on our first day. The exchange towel place was always closed througout the week. The lounge chairs around the pool were confortable but were filty dirty with old sunscreen lotion in the screening material and they should be power washed on a regular basis bringing it up to the next level of quality.The food handling was an issue with several people sick. Although we liked the food I noticed the Staff relaoding emtpy or part emply trays with new food. i feel that the old trays should be removed and not reloaded. The ice cream was always melted to some degree in the coolers. and the layout of the food area is not free flowing and poorly organized for tourists and staff refilling food.