Coral reef gone

Our stay at Brisa Sierra Mar caused mixed feelings. We decided to stay in this hotel, because 20 years earlier we admired the beautiful coral reef over there. We were using a paddle boat to get to them and snorkeled there. However, while on the trip by a boat to the coral reef, it turned out to be dead, dark and unpleasant. The reef area was like an old burial ground. Also the beach disappointed us. Twenty years ago there was a beautiful yellow sand there. Now the beach is covered with g [... read more]ray sand. It is probably a result of erosion once beautiful colourful coral reef. Maybe reef decays, turns into sand that is thrown on the shore. Of course, the death of the coral reef is not Cubans fault, but the higher temperature of sea water. The water in the sea was warm, but near the shore the water was not clear because of dark sand. There was an insufficient number of lounges on the beach. Many lounges were damaged although they could be repaired at small expense. Similarly with life jackets with straps and buckles broken or damaged making them impossible to use. We borrowed a two- person kayak, unfortunately one of the paddles was repaired improperly and it was difficult to use. To summarize, there was equipment for water sports but lack of maintenance did not allow us to use it with pleasure. After using a paddle boat outside the small bay at the hotel we encountered considerable plastic in the water here and there. Similarly, around the beach there were lying plastic pieces from damaged lounges. How badly the hotel needs proper maintenance was shown when the rain poured for half of the day. The corridor of the front building at the beach with ocean view windows was completely flooded with water, similarly two rooms on both ends of the corridor (they were unusable). In front of the elevators and in the hall there was deep water. We had #134 room and dirty water came out of plumbing filling the shower tray and flooding the bathroom floor. The staff was extremely nice and eager to please the holidaymakers. We went on a trip to Santiago de Cuba organized by Hola Sun. The tour guide Tania Vivar Perez was very knowledgably, could answer each of our questions and was very nice. Although we heard stories about the revolution every time we visited Cuba for last 25 years, we listened with interest to her version of it. We were very happy with the trip thanks to her. We were happy see that the hotel replaced a Cuban cutting grass with a machete in the mid day heat with free running horses which were also pleasant attraction.

OUTSTANDING SCENERY, SUPER PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE.

OUTSTANDING SCENERY, SUPER PEOPLE THAT WORK THERE. Brisas Sierra Mar is one resort with the most repeating guests in the Caribbean's, true. People come here because they like to encounter a power failure once in a while, or serviettes instead of toilet paper, (none was available for days), or water running in to their rooms when it rains, as it happens for many years now, because the roofs need fixing badly. They come here to eat anything else but noodles, they were not available anywhe [... read more]re at this time, not even spaghetti. There are no ways to dry your hands in the public toilets, use your shirt. There are plugged up sinks and showers in the room, and seldom will you get warm water to shower. Bicycles are free, but almost fall apart and are somewhat dangerous to drive. There are very slippery floor tiles everywhere when it rains, and some people did break bones when they slipped and fell on them. I know of three persons while I was there. Some guests must be coming back to listen to music around the pool area that is louder then a jet taking off and just goes boom, boom, boom, boom, on and on and basically is preventing anyone from simply relaxing after lunch. Some guests are actually coming back year after year and stay for a few month. They are the tough ones and probably have hearing problems already from years gone by. The people working at the resort are outstanding and know most guests by name because of the many gifts they bring for them year after year. It is also my reason for going back there. Do not expect gourmet meals at Brisas. Food is very basic, but good. If one likes to go back in time to a more simple way of life, this is the place to go too. One can sit on the main highway for 30 minutes without having to move for a vehicle, but may be passed by some goats, pigs, a bike or a horse. What I wrote here are not complains, but simply observations, because I have been coming back to Brisas for the last 20 years and I still like it somewhat, but lately less and less because of the stupid security searches at the Santiago Airport on arrival. One has to go down a few flights of stairs to reach the beach or take an elevator that mostly doesn't work. The old one was replaced recently, but the new one seems to have the same problems. The resort is in desperate need of a major repair, overhaul and upgrade Since it is owned by Cuba this will probably never happen as this also goes for the rest of the country. The most annoying thing are the security searches at the Santiago Airport, just coming from Toronto. Everyone is going through the same procedures again as we just did on the Toronto departure. Do the Cubans think that we stop in midair to pick things up? It would be the only reason not to go back to Cuba for me, it feels degrading and absolute stupid to have to go through this procedure twice. The Cuban people are warm and open to visitors. The Cuban Government is trying everything to make life as miserable as possible to the tourists visiting their country, and that is very sad.

Beautiful nature

Very clean, tasty food, good service, furniture needs some repairs. Friendly people very interesting and catchy entertainment well organized excursions. Like the chances of using the bicycles , paddle boats, kayaks and interesting snorkeling. Certainly would like to come back , for a longer stay.

Loved the whole experience

Explicably clean in all areas of resort including public washrooms. The grounds were beautiful. Lovely vegetation everywhere. The restaurant buffet was huge and we loved the buns from the homemade bun and bread area. The food was average and we didn't try everything because we were not sure what the ingredients were. I wanted to try out the al la carte restaurants but it didn't happen. The pool was a lot of fun. We played volleyball with friends and enjoyed their swim up bar. Lots of lounge chai [... read more]rs around the pool and plenty of room. You didn't feel that you were right up against the next person. I was disappointed in our room. The closet doors kept getting stuck and were difficult to open and close easily. It was immaculate clean and the chamber maids did a great job of making sure we had everything we needed. Wonderful view of the ocean from the second floor balcony. Who spends much time in their bedroom anyway! Every night we listened to entertainment in the overly large lobby that was open to the fresh night air. We had spanish coffees at the lobby bar and sat in comfortable couches and chairs. They have to repair those elevators though. They broke down the day we checked out with all our luggage, but had staff right there available to carry our luggage up three flights of stairs to the lobby. One week went by quickly. We will definitely return here for two weeks.

Awesome surroundings!!

Loved the service, the people and the views which were amazing!! Drinks were great if they didn’t run out of what U wanted which happens. What I ate had great taste but not a lot of variety. The Auquatic show was amazing and a couple of the evening shows were very good. The weather was amazing for January no days under 30 degrees. Would definitely recommend if U are Ok with 3 and half stars as the resort itself was fun and the views were worth the stay!!

Stunning setting

I had a lovely time and I cant wait to go back. It's so laid back and relaxing. This resort is situated in the most beautiful setting overlooking mountains and ocean. The staff are all very friendly and always helpful. They are all great, from front to dining to cleaning and gardening to poolside and maintenance. Very personable. The entertainment team are fun too. We were there for New Years and the resort was filled to the brim. They managed to pull off a Great feast , a buffet in the c [... read more]ourtyard for 400 people. Well done! Entertainment for the night was varied with a beautiful acapella band , a great Cuban band and a fun colorful show at the end. The hotel itself is tired but it is clean. The quaint atmosphere and stunning setting makes up for that. If you are looking for fancy, this is not the place for you, I have been to a quite a few fancy resorts in other countries and I fell in love with this place. The food can be bland but it is good. There is plenty of food and I enjoyed it all. Dont compare it to Toronto restaurants, because if that's what you want, stay in Toronto. Again everyone was so friendly all around. The one and only thing that bothered me was the obvious presence of Cuban "call girls". I know it exists in every country, but here it is too much. It should not be allowed in the resort and the guys (and the odd lady) using it , are an embarrassment in my view, do that in private if you must. Taking day trips is fun , safe and easy. My absolute favorite is this little seaside restaurant called Vista Del Sol in Chivirico. Authentic, delicious, and just stunning. I cant wait to go back!!!!

Great atmosphere but terrible rooms

Theirs was my second time at Brisas. I must say that the hotel rooms have not been updated at all since my first trip. It has been six years. The courtains are still the same, the bed sheets old, stained and with holes. Furniture old and falling apart. I tried to spend the least amount of time in my room. The food was not that great. You had to be there early as they would always run out of food. However, what the hotel lacks in infrastructure it totally makes up with atmosphere and ente [... read more]rtainment. They are absolutely great! The beach bartender is super friendly, the animation team are funny, talented and very pleasant. They make you have a great time...Cuban style! The grounds, and I mean the gardens and the mountain views are stunning!!!! Make sure you go on the horse mountain tour with Alfredo.... it is worth every penny. I really want to keep on coming back to this resort but this would be contingent on the hotel doing some serious renovations to their rooms.

Same as usual

Hotel was the same Brisas Sierra Mar. Laid back and very relaxing An enjoyable stay for the money Staff always went out of there way for us during our stay. Resort is clean and pool is repainted. Weather is always great in this area of Cuba and nice and hot

Brisas Sierra Mar is a very relaxing and friendly resort. This is the place to go, if you need to recharge your energy.

the entire resort is kept clean and tidy, all staff is super friendly. Buffet has lots of variety. The landscape is absolutely stunning. Go for a bike ride and enjoy the scenery. Locals are super friendly, lots of animals like goats, pigs and sheep on the side of the road. A great place to visit and I will certainly go back next year :)

Brisas siera mar

Good 3 star hotel on the south side of Cuba . Scenery is fantastic many returning guests food is average Cuba dark sand beach 2 a la carte restaurants scooter and car rental on site several bars and nightly entertainement panio bar hotel shows signs of aging employees are fantastic

Fantastic resort

beautiful place to go can,t wait to return the staff was out of this world waiting on you at every turn they were like family the food was fantastic the view is beautiful over looking the ocean and mountains it was a dream vacation thank you to the staff for making our holiday the best

Fab four

Great hotel for the price. The pool is in need of repair. Hotel staff are exceptional. The food is good. The soup each night is the best ever. It is very convenient to leave the hotel grounds with horse cart rides available.

I love the place friendly employee

This resort is beautiful nice panoramic view. I will be going back again. This is my favorite place tranquil and nice people. This is my 2nd time in this resort.Always good experience. The location is fine i like mountains especially the views.

Beautiful views

The views at this resort are beautiful. It's easy to look past a few broken tiles, boardwalk and missing paint. We enjoyed our stay here very much. We were told before we went that there wasn't a dive shop on site but there is. We swim in the ocean, so not a big deal but the pool was terrible. Food was good at restaurants and snack bars. People were fabulous of course, it's Cuba. Didn't dive on this trip.

Amazing view from the hotel

This hotel is on need of repairs. The roof leaks and the hall floors get wet when it rains. One of the two elevators works but the buttons on the 4th floor doesn't work.The staff are amazing and the shows at night are entertaining. The food is typical Cuban 3 star food you won't go hungry. The beach is dark sand and there is a bar and lounge chairs. I've been twice and think it's a great place to relax and recharge. I however will avoid traveling with Cubana as I was stranded in Cuba for 4 days  [... read more]as their aging fleet was grounded after the Havana plane crash. Stick to the airlines that have a proven safety record its worth the extra money. Overall it's a great location and worth a visit.

Great family getaway

Great family vacation. Lots to do outside the resort. Horse cart rides to a bee farm and waterfall by horseback were exceptional. Pool needs to be redone to accommodate more people. Staff exceptional and food very good.

Super

Another great experience!! There were Co op students working with the entertainment staff. They made our kids so happy. Playing with them and entertaining in the restaurant made for a lot of laughter. In particular was Leonardo. Great young guy who was very attentive to our young kids. Food was great.

Fast booking

Brisas Sierra Mar is a fantastic resort ; do not expect a noisy boisterous vacation. Expect a relaxed family situation; Food is good; accommodations good, beach is good, Staff is excellent. People return here multiple times ; a great place.

4th time for us and still home away from home

well... this is not a hotel for people that love to take pics of bugs, cracks etc. - if you are looking for perfect, don't go there - if you are looking to become one of the family, do go there. this is a very safe place for anyone with little (or older) kids. it is not a place for anyone looking to party as there are more older folks than younger. if you snorkel or dive, it's a great place, if you like to hike and adventure it's a great place, if you want to just relax, also a great place. if y [... read more]ou like stairs and work out, great place! elevators are hit and miss, surroundings are at least for me - wow. food is ok compared to many resorts it's better but it's still not a rui - or another country. take the good with the bad, just enjoy. pool, animation is so so, had better and worse. again, surroundings are super. lots of return guests if that says anything. we have our friends (feels like family by now) there. lots of cracks/bad paint and so on there so again, they are doing their best, but if you like to take pics of that, don't go there.

Best Cuban resort for the Money

Have been many, many times. Many of the same smiling, helpful staff as well as great new ones. Weather always perfect. It may be old and a bit run down, but that is Cuba. Food is very good and the view is spectacular.