Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar: Disappointing

Terrible experience. Food is poor, same every day, hard to get food between meals. Buffet is disorganized, not enough tongs, guests are generally rude and push you around. Not enough pool/beach chairs for the number of guests. Smoking EVERYWHERE, you can’t get a drink from the lobby bar or line up for the buffet without inhaling a bunch of smoke. Grounds keepers are creepy and will peer into rooms when nobody is there, presumably to see what they can steal, they will also try to sell you off b [... read more]rand cigars, etc. if you drink, don’t expect much selection. Coffee is either too weak, the staff don’t even tamp the grinds for espresso so it’s basically coloured water. Pools are okay but small. If you have a bad weather day, there isn’t much to do. There are no trails or anything adventurous much to do in the area unless you want to spent a fortune on an excursion, there’s one road with a bad camber, it’s safe to run on but gets boring quick. Would never go back here, and definitely would not recommend.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Great resort

Really enjoyed Gran Muthu Imperial. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Resort is well kept and clean. Pools great - only minus was no hot tub. On a great beach and minutes from nicest beach in the country. Food wasn’t the greasiest but drinks were very tasty. If you get it at a good price would recommend.

Brisas Del Caribe: Not Expected

Unfortunately, I only have past experiences with resorts or all inclusives in Mexico. Many holiday's in Bahamas, Canada, England and the USA. I'm honestly at a lost of words to express my disappointment.

Tryp Cayo Coco: third trip to Tryp

do love this place! they took a big hit to thier supply chain with Covid. unfortunate considering it has always been an issue. wonderful staff. we (6) were there dec.9-18 with 200 other guests and only one alcarte an evening was open.Tryp was definately filling up by the time we had to go home. beautiful weather. Thanks for the Bottle gift for return guests. be back in Dec.again, possibly Feb.

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Still want to hear about covid?

You ask about "covid"? It is clear you have not moved on, and it shows. Many issues here, none due to covid. I would suggest the TripCentral employees begin to re-learn about their destinations and provide their clients with relevant information. Being misinformed on basic details is an odd phenomenon considering you are our knowledge base for such trips.

Melia Marina Varadero: 2 star resort

I was not empressed with the advertising its literally not a 5 star Hotel.Not a recommended resort to anybody very disappointing.We got bed bug,toilets making wild noise every time you flush.Booked for a restaurant the same food they serve you in a buffet

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Good resort

The employees do there best with what they have . Keep it very clean. Did run out items but would be a day and ithe item would be back. Rooms are not all newly renovated like the sight claims. Don't fly out of Toronto and don't fly with Sunwing. Do your research.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Hotel is okay

Beach and surrounding grounds are good. Food is okay. Service is very slow at Snack bar. Considering all they serve is sandwiches it should not be slow. The Italian and Indian restaurants are very good. The Cuban is good for fish. The beef is not edible. The buffet is okay typical for Cuba. One thing for improvement is make the wifi last the lenght of your stay. You have to reset everyday. The toilets are constantly running which makes sleeping difficult.

Melia Internacional: Thoroughly enjoyed

We went from December 20th to the 27th and had a blast. The staff is very friendly, the beach was what you would expect from Varadero, FANTASTIC. We've been fortunate to visit many beach all over the world yet there's nothing quite like this beach. Moreover, you always here people talking about the food in Cuba, at Melia Internacional we had zero complaints about food. We would return for sure.

Melia Cayo Coco: Lovely resort great staff

Pool area is lovely lots of sunbeds and shade little cabanas around the pool. Activities yoga water aerobics painting hobbies cat to go snorkeling. Lots of loungers at beach shade or sun. Plenty of restaurants keep in mind the food is not the same as Canada but fine. Staff is appreciative of any gifts Left my husband's t shirts brought shampoo toothpaste tooth brushes deodetant feminine hygiene products. Best part are the people so friendly caring

Melia Cayo Coco: Lovely resort great staff

Pool area is lovely lots of sunbeds and shade little cabanas around the pool. Activities yoga water aerobics painting hobbies cat to go snorkeling. Lots of loungers at beach shade or sun. Plenty of restaurants keep in mind the food is not the same as Canada but fine. Staff is appreciative of any gifts Left my husband's t shirts brought shampoo toothpaste tooth brushes deodetant feminine hygiene products. Best part are the people so friendly caring

Melia Costa Rey: Sun Wing disaster!

This will be the last time I book with Sun Wing. Two trips in a row their service and reliability is a 1/10! Never again! On a positive note, the Pullman was great. Amazing staff! Go see Pablo in the dive shop, a true gentlemen!!

Grand Memories Holguin: It has potential...

We have travelled to Cuba more than 15 times and stayed at resorts all over the country. We have booked resorts that are 2.5 stars to 5+ stars. We are not "star" driven but rather we decide on our destinations based on reviews, research and (of course), price factors in as well. Our experience has been that the stars speak to the offered amenities at a resort but have nothing to do with the culture or feel of a hotel. And for our family, the culture/feel is the MOST important. This resort, i [... read more]s rated a 5 star and based on the amenities offered, we would agree. It is less than one year old and is probably one of the most esthetically pleasing resorts we have been to in Cuba. However, the culture was a 2 star at best. Many of the staff tried but there seemed to be a general lack of employee satisfaction/happiness. It wasn't that the staff were rude or unpleasant -- they just didn't seem to enjoy their jobs and sometimes we felt that asking a question or ordering a drink (the lobby bar area) was an imposition (not so much from the bartenders, but for the servers--even though we are decent tippers). Often we would just go to the bar to get a drink and bring it back to our table ourselves (it was easier and quicker). We went at a non busy time--I'd hate to see what it was like over Xmas and New Years! It felt like there was an absence of management and thus small details that would make BIG differences in guest satisfaction were just not there (ie: there was never a posting outlining evening shows nor a list of daily activities posted anywhere for beach and pool activities). As the week progressed, we realized there were shows and water aerobics, beach volleyball etc... but that was only because we happened to see them happening or because we would seek out the entertainment staff to find out details. After a couple of days, there did seem to be an increase in management presence (this may have had something to do with Memories taking over the resort), and some improvement was noted. The buffet staff tried really hard (and there was a strong management presence -- not ominous or oppressive -- but seemingly supportive and helpful). This same manager was always around to support and help in the al la carte restaurants as well (Japanese was fun!) I'm not sure of her name but we do send out kudos to her. She worked very hard and did an excellent job. Perhaps it was because of this, we found the buffet to be one of the best run, best organized, "happiest" places in the resort. The rooms...hmmmm....we think it is the luck of the draw! We stayed in 2401 -- location was great but the air conditioning worked sporadically, the shower flooded every time we used it and the room cleaners changed constantly. Not having one consistent person/person(s) cleaning our room proved difficult -- both for tipping and for requests. Some cleaners were good--our room was well cleaned, bed made (even towel art). Others, we had a hard time telling IF the room had been cleaned at all (only figured it had been because there were new towels). 3/7 days we were given NO toilet paper and no water. We asked for toilet paper and told it was coming later but it never arrived. The water, we didn't even bother --we got it from the bar or bought it at the store. Our balcony was never swept/mopped and used mugs from the coffee maker were left dirty on the bathroom counter for days. Fortunately, our adult daughters were staying a few doors down (2405) and they had different chamber people who seemed to stock them regularly with tp and water -- so we shared. The ac in their room worked perfectly and their shower drained well . So, as stated -- luck of the draw. All in all, the hotel is lovely to look at, the beach is pretty good, the pools and swim up bar staff were great, the beach bar bartenders were good and the entertainment staff were fun. We met some fantastic people and had a wonderful time. But, if asked, would we return to this hotel? We were all in agreement that our answer would be NO. Hopefully Memories can improve on this resort as it very well could be a diamond in the rough. As stated in the Title...It has potential :) Safe travels!

Tryp Cayo Coco: Repeat visit, always incredible

Location location! Beaches, night life and incredible staff always make our trips incredible! You can always find new friends, great foods and beverages are a great mixture of options! Until next time!

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Go for the people .. take lots of extras!!

The fantastic people at this resort are like family, we just keep going back to visit. Cubans are simply phenomenal people who will do anything they can to make your trip enjoyable. This is our first trip since 2019, and we’ve travelled to Cuba many times. We have a few important points to share: 1) Do not exchange money into Cuban Pesos. Most places will not accept them, especially inside the hotels. It’s all credit card and billed in USD. They will accept CDN paper money, US paper m [... read more]oney and also Euros, but ironically not their own Cuban Peso. All bills must be in excellent condition, with no tears or issues with the bills or they won’t except them 2) CUC or Cuban convertible pesos are no longer accepted and won’t be exchanged. The new Cuban Peso also won’t be exchanged back into any currency once converted. 3) There is exceptionally little to buy on the resort. Their gift shops have rum, coffee beans and tonic water that is basically it. All other essentials MUST be taken with you. You can’t buy sunscreen, potato chips or cookies. There is no food for purchase anywhere on the resort. 4)The food choices post COVID are very limited. As repeat customers we know not to expect Canadian style food, however this time even we were challenged with the food. There is also no longer an in room coffee maker, and also no in room mini bar. It’s all been taken away .. a coffee machine can be “ purchased for 600 pesos a day and you get 4 coffee capsules and sugar. One glass litre bottle is refilled with purified water and replaced daily. 5) Paper goods are in very limited supply. Take Kleenex tissues and even some toilet paper, as you will get one roll. The Iberostar Selection Varadero is one of the better resorts in the Varadero strip and we struggled a bit with these changes. I can imagine that lower star resorts are even more impacted!! Luckily I’m a very prepared traveller, so our trip was comfortable as I took many extras. They’ve expanded the beach during COVID and it’s simply wonderful!! The Cubans can’t access much so please take things with you to give away like sneakers, ladies black shoes, nylons, socks, children’s clothes, health and beauty items and chocolate or cookies. Anything you can take with you is very much appreciated as they share with their entire community!

Nacional de Cuba: Disgusting room

As soon as you walked into the room, you experienced a immediate stench in the room because there's no air circulating. The bathroom was dirty and old. Very dark depressing room. I was given a single twin bed, not even a double when I requested a king bed. I wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone especially with the price I paid and for what I received. Breakfast was included but incredibly basic. Bread, fruits, pastries, cheese & omlette/fried egg grill. No bacon. The hotel is going th [... read more]rough renovation which meant the swimming pools weren't available and the back was a construction site.

Melia Marina Varadero: Beautiful port view

It’s a building close to the port with beautiful view, but I don’t think it’s a 5 star hotel. The room toilet couldn’t be flushed properly, towel holder is broken. Sometimes out of toilet paper. Food is clean, there were many nice salads. Never felt any stomach uncomfortable or diarrhea. Desert type is less than I expected. Sometimes no coffee or water in the whole hotel, which I couldn’t believe. There was no stage in the hotel. The night show wasn’t attractive.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Satisfied!

Beach was beautiful but the pool was not so deep. If your room is close to the Disco hall you will hear loud music until late night. The room was a bit old but I didn't spend too much time in there so it didn't bother me so much. Food was fine overall. Only problem I had was small rocks inside rice. I had to be really careful not to break my teeth. Their paella was amazing and they have fantasitic cakes.

Grand Memories Santa Maria: Memories of Memories

The resort is not well kept. Many things not working like lights, tv, outlets, etc. Basic room was not very good, the upgraded rooms looked nicer. Cuban people were amazing as always. Still enjoyed the weather and found a way to have a good time, even though the resort had several food and drink shortages throughout the week. Toilet paper napkins at every meal were an extra nice surprise. Cuba is always a place where you need to lower your expectations but post-covid Cuba will turn many away.

Hotel Playa Paraiso: Unorganized Hotel with very Poor Managenent and filled over capacity!!!

This was our first time going back to Cayo Coco post-COVID and our first time staying at Hotel Playa Paraiso. This Resort is unorganized, it has very poor management, it was short staffed and full over the hotel capacity. Checking in was a mess. We had to wait 4 and half hours to get the keys to our room and the teenager girl working at the front desk was very rude, unprofessional and not helpful at all, not giving us any explanation other than the room was occupied with other guests that had p [... read more]aid for late checkout so they could not make it ready for us sooner. My question is why would the Hotel assign rooms with late checkout to the guests that arrive early???? Not just us, but every guest that arrived at that time had to go through the same. The lobby was full of people just waiting for their room keys for many hours. They were short of everything specially towels and bedding. There was only 1 made cleaning all the rooms in each level so the room was not cleaned some days until the evening. The made was taking away the used towels from the room and telling us she did not have clean towels to give us, so we ended up using our own beach towels to take a shower. There were long lines to get into the Buffet, specially for breakfast and dinner, and once you were in, there were long lines to get to the food (like 40 minutes to get an omelet or a portion of grilled chicken). Also there was clearly an issue with the hot table, maybe it was not working or maybe they put it at a very low temperature because the food was always cold even when the Buffet just opened. It was also very dirty, there were flies and a small bird flying around the buffet and we even saw cockroaches in two different occasions during the dinner service. As for COVID-19 adaptations, there was nothing more that EMPTY hand sanitizer dispensers all around the lobby area of the hotel. I wish I had better things to say, but this was our experience in this Hotel. What was supposed to be a relaxing family vacation turned into a very frustrating and disappointing experience. We will definitely not be back at this hotel. .