Melia Las Dunas: Tasteless food but paradise

The lobby and grounds are beautiful. The rooms are average but your never in them and beds are hard. The pools are nice but beach is out of this world. Shallow ocean with crystal clear water that the kids loved. The sand is like flour and brown sugar mixed super soft. We brought condiments and sauces that helped with the tasteless food. If you can get a good deal on this resort I would recommend. Try booking within the last week for best prices.

Melia Las Dunas: 3 star at best

The bus ride from the airport was a bit long but we arrived in daylight and had a lovely tour guide and beer to make the 90 minutes go by quickly, check-in was easy and we were escorted to our room just as easily. Although the grounds were maintained well, (groundskeepers would cut open a coconut and provide a straw if asked, offered your flowers for your hair...) the resort is in need of some attention. We were on the adult side which was.. very quiet. Our room was clean, but the toilet seat wa [... read more]s broke, we had no hot water (or water pressure after one shower) for 4 of the 5 days there. That said, the manager provided us each with a 30 minute complimentary massage at the spa and a free late check out. Almost every public bathroom had a few broken (closed) toilets and never had toilet paper or paper towels so we travelled everywhere with a roll in our bag. Your towels do not get changed each day so be sure to hang them up to dry on your balcony as the rooms are somewhat damp. We received a bottle of water in our fridge everyday as you are not to consume the tap water but when we asked for 3 as there were 3 of us, we were turned down. Save the empty bottles and take them with you every morning-- our bartender "jorge" would fill them up for us to take with us throughout the day. Bring a travel mug for your bevies as well.The food was not wonderful as we had anticipated --but the "beer-garitas" were great and the pool service consistent! There were a few go-tos for food though: the sports bar, the panini place on the beach and the one grill at 1-3pm near the sports bar. The morning omlettes were excellent at the buffet. We only did the oriental a la carte- it was okay.There a fantastic main bar in the lobby where we generally started our evening and that main building is really a perfect gathering place. On overcast days, we played cards in the main lobby and people watched as there is nothing to go see as the resort is in a desolate area, (remember the bus ride and the long causeway!) no residences etc although there is an aquarium nearby but we did not go on any of the excursions. There is a convenience store and a market, but there was not really anything that really felt enticed to buy-remember you will not find any north american products in Cuba..yet. There were some lovely artisan artworks that you could purchase.We did enjoy the aqua gym and the salsa lessons pool side and the other provided entertainment and would have liked to take advantage of the catamarans on the beach but it was too windy while we were there. Be forewarned of the jellyfish on the beach-they are everywhere! Few servers spoke English but they did their best to smile and gesture!! There were many weddings down there (fun to observe) as well as French Canadians so it was fun to practice our French! Despite the conditions of the resort, we met many kind people, had many laughs and did not regret taking our short vacation here. We were grateful to get away from the -26 temperatures and made the best of the experience--but would most likely not return.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: beautiful, quiet and secluded

We were 3 women (late 30's) who left our 3year olds and dad;s behind and stayed for 4 days. We wanted peace and quiet and this resort delivered. We stayed in the adults only spa section. The resort is spread out and is great for people who like to walk. There is always somewhere to go if you want to be alone. the beaches are beautiful although not wide if that's what you're looking for. Mohitos are fantastic as well as the cappachinos. The food is ok. I have gut issues so I mostly subsided on fi [... read more]gs, dates, prunes, raisins, yogurt, smoothies, fresh fish, bread and butter and beets. My friend's ate a little bit more, but we were pretty sick of the food by the 4th day.. but that's not specific to this resort, that's just Cuba. Also there are times when they run out of supplies, you have to be patient and roll with it - maybe there's no new towels for 2 days - chill out and don't get in anyone's face about it. The pillows are quite big, so if you like a thin pillow, bring your own. ( I brought my memory foam camping pillow- it packed up nice and small) The beds are nice and firm. The rooms are great, really big and the bathrooms are pretty swanky. We brought lots of ziploc bags to put dried fruit and pineapple (so good) in for our beach snacks. We saw a woman with a tupperware container, with fruit in it, which was a great idea. the beach snack bar is limited with lots of fried food. Tennis was fun, but they only open at 9am and close at 5pm - it would be better to be open early and late as it is a much cooler time to play. They don't have decaf coffee on the resort, but we brought our own and made it in the coffee maker in the room… you might want to bring a travel mug so you can take it to breakfast. a good resort with beautiful grounds and definately not for partying - the only bar is on the bottom level and in a swamp and has a really strong musty smell. The boardwalk to Megano beachfront he spa section is closed for repairs, but looked like it would be completed soon(ish). I recommend going for no more than 5 days, but spoke to a few people who are repeat visitors and happily stay for 7 days. Also, they have great hot sauce (orange bottle) douse all your food if you're worried about blandness.

Melia Las Dunas: Amazing Grounds

ARRIVAL: 1 hr.& 40 minute bus ride from airport to resort. Beer sold on bus but less expensive if you purchase it from vendor in parking lot prior to boarding the bus. Check-in could be smoother by supplying guests with an envelope which includes everything including room key. Instead we entered a room off the lobby, received an information package & wrist bands and then had to line-up at the front desk to receive room keys. Guests are anxious to get to their rooms and commence their vacation.  [... read more]FAVOURITE SERVER: Vlatamir who initially worked as a host/server in the buffet restaurant and promoted, during our stay, to a server for the lobby bar. He was an amazing employee whos was friendly, happy and extremely competent. GUESTS: Large majority of guests French Canadian. ROOM: Resort divided into 2 sections - adult and family. If you are a couple and wish a quieter vacation, request a room in adult section. Stayed in Building 49 and hand rail going to 2nd floor was loose and required tightening. Bathtubs have high sides. May prove difficult to climb into if you suffer mobility problems. Cold water 2 days - even at 4:00 a.m.(early morning check-out for flight). Water extremely hot on remaining days. Room was large and comfortable. Mini-fridge; safe & umbrella Complimentary plastic make-up bag in bathroom which contained shampoo, body wash, shower cap and bar soap. Unable to plug curling iron into the 110 outlet located on face of hair dryer. Had to use converter we brought from home. to plug into outlet to use curling iron. Firm bed. Large bottle of water, 2 cans of pop and 2 beer delivered to the room each day. POOL / BEACH: Clean and towels always available. Many lounges and lots of coverage from the sun at pool and beach. White sand beach. Take a travel mug to use at bars. This will eliminate use of small plastic glasses. RESTAURANTS: Mexican, Cuban, Seafood, Italian & Romantico Enjoyed good food in both the Italian & Romantico restaurants Piano player in Romantico - Played too loud instead of background music. VIP/RETURN GUESTS: Treated to a bottle of rum in room upon arrival and an extra dinner invitation in the Romantico - lobster & steak

Memories Paraiso: Fun resort!

We had a great time at Memories Paraiso Azul resort! There was much to do all the time and the lobby bar became notorious for their Spanish Coffee! I would recommend this resort to a friend and would love to return with a group! If you are the adventurous type, then definitely check out the available excursions! Two thumbs up for the dolphins , catamaran, speedboats and overnight to Trinidad and Topes de Collantes!

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Home away from home

Visiting 12 resorts over the years this is the favourite the Alacarte restaurants were very good the Buffet average. The lobby bar very relaxing with magicians musicians fashion shows and the drinks and service was excellent. All staff very friendly and efficient. I would definitely recommend this resort.Since our 1st visit Jan 2014 for 2 weeks and 2 weeks Jan 2015 5 couples have joined us at this resort.We will be back in 2016.

Valentin Perla Blanca: TERRIBLE. Please Read!

From the moment my friend and I arrived, everything went down hill. Our shower overflowed onto the floor. The food was terrible. The only washroom by the pool was walking through the restaurant that had ceramic floors, which she fliped on and cracked her head. Not a single staff member came to see if she was alright. Then called for room service for water, no one to bring anything to her. Our a la carte dinners they wouldn't reschedule. Someone else had hurt themselves badly by the front lobby a [... read more]nd there was a pool of blood on the ground (it was there for four days and still there when I left). Then when leaving they wanted the beach towels or I would have to pay for them. (I used one to soak up the overflowing shower and the other was in the room. No one on the resort could comprehend that I had given one to the maid and one was still in the room). And lastly we week on excursion that they said would take three hours to get to, it took four. And at the halfway point I noticed we forgot two people in our group and we had to turn the bus around. Upon returning after a 14 hour day, our building had no water. Finally, they were so understaffed that some staff had given up and just wouldn't pay attention to you, but then other staff were running around and those ones I felt bad for. If the beach wasnt so beautiful the whole trip would have been a right off. Good Luck if you decide to visit this resort.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Surpassed all my expectations!!!

The resort was beautiful!!! Always clean, amazingly friendly staff and lots to do! The rooms were clean and cleaning staff were super sweet. The food was decent for Cuba! Was surprised with the A La Carte restaurants! Delicious! The resort is large but never feels crowded! At night the lobby bar is full with but never exploding, that there is not seating. The beach is beautiful! Narrow in high tide, but during the day, plenty of room! Always found a beach chair no matter what time it was. If I w [... read more]ere to go back to Cuba I would definitely stay at this resort again! There is a bit of a ride from airport to resort. Totally worth it! Lots to see and learn, never got bored and went by fast! Amazing to see the little "cities" of Cuba

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: EXCELLENT RESORT

we stayed at the Grand Village and we had a great time! The villa were clean, the sunset was fantastic. We enjoyed the food and services at the Gourmet Restaurant. The shuttle service to the main lobby was always available and the butlers courteous.

Melia Las Dunas: Nice people, terrible service

The service was absolutely horrid. Plus there is no wifi unless you want to spend lots of money to use the 2/5 computers that barely work. Phone calls to contact home are also too much money. Fix it!!

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Amazing beach and people

I will recommend this hotel if they improve the quaility of the food. we had food posining for 2 days while at the resort. The menu never changed for the entire week. Hotel room needs more work too. The mattress needs to be changed.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Wonderful Resort

Cayo Santa Maria has an amazing beach. Although it takes approx 90 minutes by bus and is a bit remote, it is definitely worth the experience. Free sight seeing experience if you travel by day! We stayed at the Starfish. It is truly a beautiful resort, the grounds are lovely, the staff are very friendly, been to Cuba many times and by far the staff are the most friendly. The food was above average. The night shows were very good, the must see is the Michael Jackson and Grease shows, but all were  [... read more]good. The room was good, no hot water one day, but still no big deal. There is a small market, only a 5 minute walk away, take the walk between buildings 2 and 3. Or you can take a free ride on a golf cart at no charge, but nice to leave a tip for the driver. The coffee in the lobby bar is pretty good, the service is good. I would recommend this resort and would return. The reason I rated the location as average is only because it is a bit remote and it takes approx 90 minutes to get there.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Don't go there!

We ask for 2 beds, second floor. We got one king bed first floor but this was not the biggest issue for us. We were in building 2 (10 minutes walk from the reception) the alley to get to our building was in complete darkness, no lights but Lucky for us we had a "flashlight. The next day we went to the Mediteraneen restaurant (à la carte) we ordered the lobster dinner. During the night we started to feel very bad (tourista very severe) and for the next 4 days, we stayed in the bungalow sick. At  [... read more]that point in time we were unable to get assistance from anyone due to the fact that no one there can speek french or English in a decent manner. We were unable to call our insurance company for help since the phone don't seem to work out there. Room cleaning was very poor hard to get towels. The Inside bank was close most of the time with the mention "Close no money"...We will never return to Eurostar complex.

Valentin Perla Blanca: Beatiful resort, bad service

Fantastic beach, great looking resort, but service needs a lot of work. Big shortage of towels, did not get new beach/ bathroom towels for the whole week. Long waiting times for everything. Waiting 1 hr to get seated at a restaurant and then waiting for another hour for your food is unacceptable. I've never been to another resort in Cuba where servers actively avoids eye contact. Will not go back there just because of that.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: very clean and nice resort!

Very well organised resort. Clean rooms. Plenty of food at the restaurants! Beautiful beach! Very nice and helpful staff. Never had to wait long for anything! Would definitely recommend it to everyone!

Sol Cayo Santa Maria: its cuba

hotel is the oldest resort on the keys,workers are fantastic they go out of their way to make you happy. Rooms are clean, resturants are nice, sometimes to many flies food was good every time I take someone new they just love it Ive been 18 times in 3 years

Sol Cayo Santa Maria: great vacation

Grounds were lush with greenery which provided privaCy in the room and balcony. Food was varied and quite good In the buffet. The restaurants were very good. Service at the resort was good. Issues with water in the rooms was an issue for our first night but solved. Beach was beautiful

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Nice Resort.

Nice place for the money. The staff are very friendly. It is an hour and a half drive from Santa Clara Airport to the Resort. If its daylight you get to see some of Cuba. If its dark when your flight arrives it would be a long hour and a half. Beach is nice as well as pools. The shows were ok. I would go back.

Resonance Blu Santa Maria: Amazing resort for 4stars

Amazing people beautiful beaches services excellent pool clean overall great I would recommend to anyone we spent 1 excellent week with friends whether was amazing 31-33 every day Cuba Santa Maria great resort

Melia Las Dunas: Simply amazing!

The hotel is very nice, people are friendly and the rooms are clean. The beach is amazing, by far the best beach in Cuba in my opinion. The food is very good. We did the Italian, Asian and Romantico a la cartes as well as the Cuban one. The Italian was my favorite and the sushi at the Asian restaurant was really good, a must try. Have been to the resort before and the food was good but this time it was really good - not sure what changed. As always the food at the buffet does get tiring and you  [... read more]crave foods from home but it was really good and there are a lot of other places to eat during the day like the pool restaurants, Mi Conucu the pizza place and the Beer Garden which is 24 hours - love the steak sandwich. And if you go you have to try the grilled Cuban sandwiches on the beach - to die for!! Love, love, love this place. Will go back over and over.