Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Enjoyable vacation

Overall it was very much enjoyable vacation. The beaches are the best, but the ocean was too shallow and the water sometimes had like a swamp smell. There was nice snorkeling opportunities close to the beach: a lot of fish in corals, starfish and crabs. Good variety of watersports. Free shuttle available across the resort. Buffet style food was low quality however the barbequed food was extremely good: meat, fish, lobsters for dinner, king shrimps... Rooms were well designed, clean and relativel [... read more]y new. All rooms in spa and in family sections had the same interior. Out of three rooms my family used only one had some problems with noisy air conditioner. Two other were very fresh. Spa services were low quality but environment was enjoyable. I would recommend this resort as one of the best in Cuba.

Melia Las Dunas: Unfortunately the Food does matter!

Melia was a nice enough resort. Large with lots of activity but and its a big but the food was ordinary at best. I really didn't think it would matter especially at the great price but it did to all of us (Family of 4). They need more kid foods for sure. If they had Chicken Nuggets my daughter was solved. A pizza bar using real pizza sauce not stewed tomatoes would be awesome. I can't say anything was terrible but I can tell you that because of the food we won't go back. Bottom line the resort h [... read more]as potential but fell short. I hope they figure it out. My thoughts are less variety and just up the quality. Apparently the beach is not as spectacular as it used to be. Likely ideal for 20 somethings where the goal is drinking

Melia Las Dunas: amazing resort for family

Everything was great. Except it was a bit big place. It took us 3 days to really orient ourselves between the lobby to the room beach or dining area. Excellent food with various choice. Beach was the best so far I have seen.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Our Cuban Paradise!

Travel Dates: April 2-9/14 We just recently returned from our 6th stay at Iberostar Ensenachos. This trip was the best to date and each year it seems to get better. Upon arrival we knew the resort was full so we, group of 12, paid the upgrade for the Villa area. After staying in the Villas last April we knew what value we were getting and it was an easy decision to do so. We were in Villa 6501 a two bedroom Villa and it was amazing. Spotlessly clean and very quiet. We shared the Villa with frie [... read more]nds and it was so quiet inside you couldn't hear a thing. There was one bedroom upstairs and one down and both had King beds, fully equipped just like any other room in the resort with the bonus of the large living/dinning room area as well as a mini kitchen with large fridge and microwave. The was a lovely sunken jacuzzi on the huge patio as well. The view was of lovely shrubs and we could see the water from the upstairs bedroom. Only had one issue with the shower nozzle leaking and once reported it was fixed right away. The Villa area is so very quiet and the beach area was never busy, you could always have shade anytime of the day. The pool area was quiet and with the addition of the new Bali style beds a great place for relaxation. Nightly entertainment in the Villa lobby was great with two amazing musicians. You could hear them while you dined at the El Colonial or while sipping a drink in the newly added Lobby bar. As with last year, the butlers and all the staff at the Villas, you were treated very well. Yandry and Marichal were always there to lend a hand and do a great job. I found the transportation better this year with more "new golf carts" added along with the Van during peak times made for less of a wait to get around. You would still have to plan on at least 15 minutes before hand to get anywhere just in case there was a wait. No big deal for us. Misleidi was with us each day for breakfast and lunch. Very pregnant but as always a wonderful person to chat with. She loves her job and it shows. Janet is the Villa entertainment and she loves her job, never pushy but loves to engage with people, she was very fun to chat with. Food was just as great as it was last April. We had an authentic Cuban meal one evening that left us all wanting more, it was so delicious. A big thank you goes out to Elexi and the chef for that experience. I had a lunch time meal at the Megano snack bar one afternoon and the food was hot and very good. I arrived at 12:00 and everything was ready. The chicken was so juicy and the salad ingredients were wonderful. I also got to see Yuri, an amazing waiter and person. It was a lovely lunch there and the view and breeze while eating made me wish I had made the trek over more often. The beach there was super busy. Met up with DG Brenda, she is a very hard working woman always on the move trying to make each guest vacation one to remember. When I met up with her she and Cesar(another gift to Ensenachos) had just opened up the Villa beach snack bar offering light snacks for Villa guests that don't want to leave the beach. You can order yourself there or place an order with the wait staff that roam the beach to be delivered by the staff to your chair. Brenda has add new assistants to help her out as well in other areas of the hotel. There is a new front desk crew to help make things better. Lisbet & Yoanka are still there working as hard as ever to help make peoples vacations as great a possible. It was so nice to be great with a warm bear hug again by the wonderful bellman when I arrived. Alexi, Roberto, Angel as well as all the rest work very hard to get people where they need to be. Yes sometimes there can be a wait, just use that as an opportunity to chat with them, you will be happy you did. Brenda & Iberostar are constantly making improvements to this hotel. They are stalled while waiting on government approval and fund releases to get things moving. The staff at this hotel are some of the very best that I have ever come across. Very hard working and always trying hard to please everyone. Iberostar should be very proud to have staff as great as them. Thank you to Brenda, Lisbet, Yoanka, and all the other staff that make up Iberostar Ensenachos, you are all amazing and we all appreciate everything you do each year to make our vacation one to remember. See you again soon.

Melia Buenavista: Amazing place.

Great place for people who are looking for nice quiet vocation. Excellent beach, rooms, service. From the moment you enter you will be pleasantly surprised. Almost everyone is there to make you vocation great experience. From gardener to the manager. I would definitely go again.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Did not live up to the Iberostar experience

I have stayed at Iberostar properties before and so expected the "Iberostar" experience. This property did not live up to expectations. The people (staff) were nice and entertainment was amazing but that was it. We always had an issue with water pressure in the shower and tub and food was an issue - no maple syrup for about 3 days, stale food at overnight snack bar, and little to variety of food - same offerings at lunch and dinner.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Greatest secret in Cuba SHHHHHHHHH!

First off let me make a special thank-you to your fantastic trip advisor in Jenn Black! Thank-you so much Jenn for having the guts to really stick your neck out there and help me book this hotel as I was not comfortable at first but after your glowing recommendation and guarantee that I would not be disappointed you were right. The hotel itself is impeccably kept and has an easy to get around layout no more than a few minute walk in any direction gets you to everywhere you need to be. The ground [... read more]s are so well maintained by such wonderful men. We met such a beautiful old fella named Cobo who stole our heart every day stopping to exchange with him was a highlight. The buildings 15 or 7 you recommended were exactly where we wanted to be. The room itself is simplistic and well designed we had a partial oceanview third floor with the sunrise every morning gorgeous!!!! The only complaints about the room is that the bed was a hard as a rock and the the bed sheets seemed to be either too small or not fitted properly not a good night sleep the whole time but I was up every morning watching the most gorgeous sunrise on the beach good saw off I guess. Exactly 30 to 45 seconds to the beach depending on how fast you walked and an immaculate pool tucked in between and the 24hr. cafe tucked in there right beside our building with incredible coffee selections for eye openers. Now the beach itself is beyond compare with limited places to compare I still feel how could a beach be any better. The sand was so white and fluffy and so soft on the feet a dream no seaweed anywhere. You could walk for miles on either side of your resort before hitting another resort. The water was a clear a blue ocean water as you could imagine and no higher than your hips for a good kilomtere out and warm but still very refreshing no jellies or anything just blue water and sand sorry snorklers. Only complaint and a small one at best is that the palappas and chairs sit up on a ledge sometimes the walk down to waters edge is a bit dicey but a careful sure foot will manage fine. Attendants walk up and down for refreshments but the bar is only a couple min. in the middle of any direction right beside the pannini sandwich guy who makes a wicked grilled cheese. There is also a beach restaurant for lunch for those who want to keep to the beach all day. The whole beach and set-up is worth every dollar best part of this resort far and away. The food well its Cuba, if you are a picky eater you might go hungry. I found enough to eat and depending on the time if you go early all of the fresh to made stations are not lined up and do a wonderful job, from grilled seafood and meat selections, to fresh stir-fry rice, to cooked to order pasta you can find something. Lunch was a bit of an adventure at first not sure about where and when on or off the beach we stumbled upon "El Crillo" grill where the lovely team of Sady and Yosavides served spectacular hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill with all of the garnishments such as bacon, cheese, and all the fixings a true godsend this place was ate there every day. Made a special friendship with both of these two beautiful and professional people thanks to both of them. Breakfast for us was the trickiest as it was difficult to find our comfort food in the morning but no fault of the resort we managed to get enough to make it to lunch either from fresh made omellettes or fresh made smoothies and fruit mainly fresh cut papaya. We sure our spoiled with canadian bacon at home. One thing I will mention don't waste your time on the a la cartes unless you want to just get away and have a more intimate dinner. They are less than spectacular and served tiny portions ended up back at the buffet afterwards. The entertainment in the evenings is top notch and extremely professional with some incredible dancers who also work on the resort a must see every night don't miss out on the Michael Jackson off the charts good. For young people there is a disco off resort about 5 min by a bus costs a dollar return from 10 to 1am. Overall the resort has more than enough to offer for anyone coming here the big difference at this resort is the service by the staff. The very best people serving with a smile and dignity. Thank-you to the people of Playa Cayo Santa Maria for making our vacation truly a memorable one.

Sol Cayo Santa Maria: Sol - Relaxing - Great beach

Sol is older, and not the fanciest, but it is a great place to relax. The beach is outstanding, uncrowded, plenty of shade palapas, snorkelling right there in wading distance. The rooms are fine, everything works (water, etc) beds aren't bad. Booze is plentiful and staff are generous with the pouring. We like the spaghetti bolognaise and the pizzas near the beach. Uncrowded, relaxed, great beach, no hassles.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Best All Inclusive in Cuba!

This was our first trip to Cuba but we spoke with many who have visited different resorts there and said that this one was the best! Beautiful white sandy beaches, remote (tourists only), luxurious pools and great service! Cubans are friendly everywhere and although food is mediocre to good, they try really hard to please. Pina coladas were fantastic and there are 4 restaurants to choose from excluding the daily buffet option. Food was available 24/7 which was helpful with our early morning/late [... read more] night flights. We will definitely be returning with the family.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Wonderful resort love it

This is our 4th time at the Melia Santa Maria. The employee's of the resort go well beyond what is required of them. I love that they keep things Cubin. It not commericalized at all . When I go away I want to feel I'm in a tropical location not see a McDonalds or Starbuckets. The rooms are clean and plenty food options. The Beach is amazing clear clean water... white white sand plenty of chairs on the beach and poolside. I will visit again again !! must try..

Melia Las Dunas: Amazing Resort!!!

This is an amazing resort and I truly enjoyed my stay there. The beach alone is fantastic, its close enough to walk and the water is pretty calm and clear.The hotel is a little far from the airport which was a little disappointing. The service here is great, all the staff is friendly and helpful. The hotel grounds are kept in great condition and is always clean.We had building 9 which is a little farther from the beach and the lobby but we enjoyed the walk. The rooms were cleaned everyday howeve [... read more]r, some of the bed sheets and towels were quite old and had stains on them. Apart from that, there was nothing to complain about for the rooms. I would suggest a room on the second floor to avoid the geckos and bugs. The food was good at the buffet. A great variety to choose from, but it can get boring since it's pretty much the same food everyday, with the exception of a few items. Sadly, there were no lobsters during our stay. There are many activities taking place throughout the hotel and there is something for everyone to enjoy such as the kids club, night performances, pool activities and more. Overall, I had an great time at this hotel and will definitely be coming back soon!

Melia Las Dunas: verynice

needs more entertainment at the pool quiet pool needs back ground music rooms r big had a hard time getting beer in room towels were hard to get otherwise good time hadoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Good times at MCSM

Travelled with my brother and 3 friends to MCSM,having been there before,i highly recommended it.My friends have travelled all over but just loved this place.Girls loved the beach grill.Service overall was terrific.All of us will return next April.Can,t wait!

Melia Las Dunas: Amazing time, no complaints!

The hotel is quite large but everything you need is easily assessible. the beach is stunning and the whole resort is well maintained. It is good for couples as there is a quieter side as well as for families. At first we weren't sure about the service but once we found the people we liked and they got to know us we couldn't have been happier!

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Nice layout

Grounds set out very well. Little or, no stairs. To climb. Pools good size. Plastic glasses in bar after 10 pm not good. Cuban guests did not leave much food for others when they left serving areas. Also difficult to get served a bar at times. Overall we had a good time.

Melia Buenavista: Amazing quiet time.

The hotel was beautiful, clean, spacious room and very nice hotel staff. I must say the 24 butler service was key where we were able to order food to our room. I say this because the A-la-carte restaurant were aweful from appetizer to desserts. Breakfast in the hotel restaurant was always on point. Lunch at the pool grill was fantastic, as my wife and I had delicious burgers, stone oven baked pizzas and amazingly delicious grilled snapper fish. On our last night we were able to have a romantic d [... read more]ine-in lobster dinner in our room with a spread of avocado salad. Overall amazing quiet time on what seemed to be three private beaches. Everyone for bus drivers to taxi cabs said we were at the best resort and it's like paradise. I definitely agree. It was away from all the other resorts but part of two others resorts so if we wanted to take a free bus we could hang out at the other busy Melia resorts. Expect greatness from the hotel but don't expect anything good from the food at the a-la-carte resort at either hotels that's part of the Melia chain in Cayo Santa Maria.

Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria: Needs to improve

Grounds were not finished, lack of lights made it hard to get to our room at night. Very large resort and even though it was not finished so not full, it was hard to get served at the lobby bar and there were not enough seats. The food was really bad. As usual the staff were lovely, beach was beautiful. The pool was great, need mor beds though. Entertainment was very good. Maybe everything else will improve when all the buildings and grounds are finished

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Mixed

The Ocean amazing one of the best ever especially for children. The food was ok no one got sick so that is a good thing. Weather was perfect. The only BIGGY the entrance halls were dirty and the rooms we had 2 with dbles & a cot all were disappointing especially the linen they were dirty and smelled sweaty. They were quick to change them but still smelled. We ended up putting towels over them. We were there during March break so I am sure they were run off there feet and could not keep up with t [... read more]he demands. The showers were great lots of pressure & hot water. No bugs. Staff looked bored not overly friendly like you see in Mexico or Dominican. The 1hr 1/2 drive to resort was long about 8 servasas. :) Would I go back in a heart beat for the ocean alone but would hope they would purchase new bedding.

Melia Las Dunas: average

Ok, but resort requires some over due maintenance. Such as broken or missing ceramics in one of the pools,light fixtures and windows in dining area requires cleaning,and generally a good coat of paint.

Playa Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful resort

The resort was awesome, food was excellent, beach beautiful, front desk service could be better, had all our rooms screwed up then took forever to fix it, didn't care that we waited two hours to check in, were not interested in serving us. After we settled everything, the rest of the resort was fantastic.