Breathtakingly Beautiful

My family and I had a fabulous time at Santa Clara-Grand Memories resort. The staff were outstanding. Alessandro from the Diamond Club was very attentive. Lisandra, our house keeper, was especially kind and helpful. Although, this was our first time in Cuba and we were for warned by many people that the food would be okay. We unfortunately, still had issues with finding adequate meals. But all told this is an amazing resort and we will return.

Most beautiful beach

My daughter and I had an awesome week at Grand Memories. The staff are so gracious and helpful. The room was kept spotless. We were part of the Diamond Club which afforded us a la cart dinners for Mexican, Mediterranean, Cuban and Italian. The regular buffet had lots of food all the time. You have to realize the food choices are basic given what they can import in. We brought peanut butter, jam and syrup. Their bread is to die for. The biggest attraction was the beach, it is so beautiful [... read more], clear water and white sand. This was our second time going to the same resort and we will go again. Tammie and Cassielle

Great vacation

just returned from Grand Memories Santa Maria cuba. The resort is huge if walking is not your thing this will not be your place. carts were available if you waited. The pools are very nice and big. music and descent entertainment was provided at night time in the lounge and in the stadium. rooms were nice however our first night my wife stripped the sheets as they were dirty.food was descent but there was no fish which was a dissapointment. The beach and water are by far the main attr [... read more]action blue water and white sands. covid precautions are not really enforced there. social distancing, disinfection hand sanitizer dispensers were not seen. all in all was a good trip too big of a place for us

Changed resorts!

We arrived at Grand Memories on March 6, 2023. After spending two nights we decided to switch to Memories Sanctuary. Our room and another person who traveled with us and had a separate room decided to leave because the rooms were not clean. Blood on the sheets in our room and the other room. Drawers were full of dirt and shelves in closet dirty. Once changing to Sanctuary we were very satisfied. Nice rooms, beautiful landscaping, excellent buffet. We stayed in Bungalow #60. Our Butler w [... read more]as Mercedes. Wonderful person who was always cheerful and made sure our stay was wonderful.

Nice beaches but it is Ok hotel.

We love the benches but hotel rooms rhar one of room' s mini fridge didn't work for 6 days, one of rooms air condition was making noises when it is running. We did notify customers service but no luck. Our second Ala carte restaurant' s reservations was canceled in last minute due to shortage of staff but didn't give us to book another reservation.The food was Ok and staff were Good.

Never disappoints

Simply love the 3 hotels that make up Memories Cayo Santa Maria. Best staff ever. Armando, Pablo, Delvis, Jorje, Yordanis, Wandy, Jenny, Ena, Laine, Ulysses, Leche & Rosa to name a few. They are the true reason these hotels people keep coming back (like myself) time and again!

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.

Diamond Club worth it? Oh yes :)

We had a very nice time at the Grand Memories hotel. Everyone was working so hard to make the stay enjoyable for everyone. We learned that the hotel was operational this year after 2 years of closing during covid but all in all it was a nice experience and definitely worth the Diamond Club. Andy and the Diamond Club team took care of our needs which were few but being able to book the A La Carte every night was worth it alone. We really really lucked out with an Ocean view as well. The view and  [... read more]location of the building (55) was just amazing. The water was calm on several days and anyone who has been to several Carribean islands knows Cuba boasts some of the best beaches and the Grand did not disappoint with the white sand and crystal clear waters. You can see 40 feet down easily. Watersports were free and taking the Hobie 15 with the beach was free as well..just tips :) The snack buildings on the beach were great (burgers and great pizza) and the coffee and drinks were fantastic. As we were leaving, new dining locations were opening up as well. Most surprising is that the food was not what I was expecting. It was pretty darn good and has come a long long way from what it was before. Cuba has a rustic beauty which I always loved and I return to Canada with a great sense of appreciation for what I have. I recommend the resort, booking through Trip Central and Sunwing as well. Communications were great and the air travel was enjoyable as well.

Resort review

Impeccable landscape , for the most part friendly staff , we all know the food tradition , large welcoming rooms , issues with sink and toilet , unable to exchange beach towel for 4 days … hand sanitation and soap dispensers in public washrooms for the most part empty … makes you wander about the staff cleanliness … also met people that had paid a lot less for their vacation .

Sanctuary

Hi Heather, We need to bring a disconcerting experience to your attention. We were encouraged by Sunwing to book by a given date in order to be upgraded to Memories Sanctuary at no additional cost. However, upon arrival in Cuba, we discovered that of the three Memories Resorts, the Sanctuary was the only one opened. We were grossly misled into booking early and manipulated into thinking that we were getting a deal. Furthermore, we missed out on subsequent promotions by Sunwing’s competitor [... read more]s. It was brought to our attention numerous times in Cuba that we EACH paid approximately $350.00 more for the same all-inclusive vacation! We think it pertinent that you bring this matter to the attention of those in charge. Sincerely, On Oct 30, 2022, at 7:00 PM, Email sent on behalf of Heather Felice wrote:

Amazing, amazing, amazing

This may definitely sound like a fake review, but it really isn't. We traveled with zero expectations of what we will find there. We wanted a clean room, not to starve, and a good swimming spot! the experience blew us out of the water! Grand Memories hotel was closed for renos and we got upgraded to Sanctuary, adults-only side. The room was clean and the shower had great pressure and scolding hot water if you needed it. The cleaning ladies were super nice! You get assigned a butler to help with  [... read more]the a la carte restaurants, questions about the resort, or room service. The staff is super friendly and always willing to help and make your stay memorable! The food was great too -- you do have to realize it is Cuba and if you're a picky eater, maybe that is not for you. They had a vast variety of items to satisfy everyone, both hot and cold, and made to order. They had lots of fruits, salads and cold drinks. There were also 2 spots on the beach to get lunch "off the grill" if you wanted to (burgers, hot dogs, seafood and rice dish). I've been told Cuba has good coffee and I totally agree!! they even had ice coffee from the slushy machine. The lattes, ice caps and guava juice were our go-to drinks... The bartenders could spin some very delicious alcoholic drinks as well! You feel appreciated and taken care of on a personal level, even though they cater to so many other guests as well.

Incredible Resort!!!

Amazing place to relax! I enjoyed my days with my family. Especially with my 93 years old mom. The facilities are great, the staff were very kind and helpful. I appreciate very much their good essence in delivering their services to all of us. The Animation Team is spectacular...great work!!

Gran memories Santa Maria

Muy buena atención, excelente su gente. Nos sentimos muy acogida sobre todo con mi madre de 93 años la atención para ella fue muy agradable y acogedora. Muy agradecidas de Claudia Mena y de todo el personal que estuvo cerca nuestro Y un reconocimiento muy especial para el equipo de animación que nos hizo pasar unas noches muy agradables con sus entretenidos y animados show. Saludos y cariños especiales a Emilio.

Worth returning to Cuba

I stayed in building 60 at the grand memories sanctuary area. Well worth going back to Cuba. It’s been a long two years of going nowhere. I was very hesitant to go to Cuba quite frankly because of the COVID situation, but I couldn’t pass up the deal. The Wi-Fi was a bit spotty better in the room and by the pool but quite frankly I loved the break. Also something that’s very new most things were paid by credit card. They excepted Canadian American or Cuban money. The resort could probably b [... read more]e updated but everything was kept clean by the staff who was very friendly. It should be noted that this resort offers a three-story walk up buildings for the rooms. They also offer trollies or golf carts around the resort. The food is Cuban. You were offered pork chicken beef or fish, soup, salad and dessert for supper. The food was delicious regardless. My philosophy when eating in Cuba has always been eat what they make in front of you. There was a hut on the beach that severed alcohol hot dogs or hamburgers. For breakfast and lunch there is a buffets. As well as a chef, late at night that would make something. They also made cappuccinos. I did tip throughout the vacation. The staff was very appreciate of of the tips. But if you didn’t tip they still treated you the same there was no difference that I noticed. I stayed at the beach in the morning until two. The loungers in the palapas were well taken care of. There was always somebody to set it up for you clean it and place your towel. I felt very safe leaving my stuff on my seat. If you walk down to the end of where the hotels were there was a place where you could snorkel. Also, the hotel offered a complementary catamaran ride into the ocean and back. There is a place on entering the beach where you can tell what the water was like because there was always a flag red or yellow. In the pool area there was a swim up bar there was a lot of music and entertainment at the pool. Shade or sun areas on the pool deck. The rooms were kept immaculately clean, staff is always around to help you. The entertainment staff with exceedingly busy it made everybody felt welcomed. Thank you very much Mercedes, Joel, George, Rafeal, Eduardo, Elena, Dayanes and anyone I forgot. I did get a really nice massage. There was a safe in the room I did have a converter but I don’t think I really needed it for the electricity. There was a mini fridge that was always stocked with water. There was always fresh towels and you had 2 beach towels. There was entertainment there with dance troupe. After the show at night time the staff was always around to have fun with. There is a doctor on this resort who was very professional and understanding. Also, I would like to mention the Sunwing representative was very clear very precise and friendly and helpful. Which I can’t always say about other the travel reps I’ve dealt with. As well as the bus drivers and tour guide from and to the resort. This resort was very safe for ladies travelling on there own

Great Resort

Grand Memories was a very enjoyable resort to stay at. The proximity to all areas was the best feature for me since walking long distances was an issue. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The meals were decent. Lots of variety at the buffet area. My room was large and kept very clean each day by Rosa our housekeeper for the week.The balcony faced the pool area which was steps away. I enjoyed the layout of the pool area suitable for kids and adults. Although I did not swim in the ocean [... read more] I walked on the sand and was amazed at the beautiful colour of the water. It was nice to be able to use the facilities at the resort next to Grand Memories also. The nightly entertainment was so amazing at the theatre. Always went early to get a good seat. This was my best trip of the three times going to Cuba and would go back again to Grand Memories. Before leaving I had the opportunity to speak with the manager Ricardo who was very interested in hearing about our stay. 9/10 !!!!!

Sadly worn resort

This resort is well past the point of needing some tlc. the pool is sub standard and does not have a swim up bar. The paint in general looks like the painters were blindfolded, the walkways are in bad shape and mostly unlit. The rooms are antiquated and the beds are thin, hard and full of springs that ruin any chance of a good nights sleep. In our building there were no lights working in the hallways. No coffee maker and all the drawers were inoperative. Every room that we saw including ours h [... read more]ad a ceiling fan that had hanging blades that resembled a flower and never did work. In general it was the worst hotel we have ever stayed at. The only redeeming quality was the staff.

Very good resort.

This resort is very nice. Grounds are clean and well kept. Staff is awesome. Rooms were clean and well kept. Our tv did not work, however this did not bother us. I was given a different room to accommodate my mobility issues without hesitation. Food was good for Cuba.

Resort has beautiful beaches and amazing staff.

The resort needs some TLC in some of the rooms but the beaches and views are beautiful. Food is not the greatest but you won’t starve that’s for sure. The entertainment is good and their is lots to do. Pools are great! The staff was amazing and I made great memories.

Wouldn’t return but made the best of it

The hotel was a little run down. But they were renovating the floor I stayed on. Which hopefully will improve the hotel. It took me half of my vacation to get a blanket. And there were roaches in my room and my friends room. The same utensils were used on raw hamburger that was sitting out in the heat with no ice etc, as the utensils used to serve the hamburgers. The cheese on the pizza was rancid and gave me the worst food poisoning. I was violently ill for a day. I will say the beach is go [... read more]rgeous and the staff is delightful. The a la Carte restaurants are a saving grace.

One thing after another

We arrived at the resort Jan 31/20. Check in was quick and bell boy promptly brought us to our room. We were starving and didn't have much time to get dinner.. We left our luggage on the beds and headed to the buffet. We might have been gone for 1.5 hrs. When we returned and started to unpack we noticed 350 dollars was missing from our suit case where wallet was kept.. The bell boy was the only person that seen the wallet in the suitcase while he waited for his tip.. This was a girls trip that I [... read more] highly recommended as I've been to this resort 3 times already,with no issues whatsoe ver. The following morning I spoke to Andy from customer relations and also sunwing rep onsite.. Told them about the missing money from our room and I was asked if I wanted them to call the police which could take days if not weeks for them to investigate or let the hotel do their own investigation... We were fine with the hotel checking things out as they seems quite concerned. The resort requested a report on our door to see how many times a card was swiped as we had just went to eat and right back.. A card was swiped 3 times but only twice from us... :( Every morning I would talk to Andy and ask him if there were any updates... Never was. Then on Thursday (day before we were vimjnv back home) he told us there was nothing to update us with as we didn't want the police called.. WOW!!! He more or less made us feel like it would be a waste of time, that's why we didn't. He asked us if the bell boy showed us the safe and explained his it worked, he didn't.. On the Saturday my friend took 100 dollars out of the bank in the resort on her debit card.. On Monday the bank took it out again!! Confronted the teller and Sunwing rep and was told it happens and you should get a refund in a few weeks... Excuse me but this is theft.. Sunwing should be telling travelers this happens often in Cuba, as we were told. We had a dinner booked at the Italian restaurant and just after we ordered we saw a cockroach on the wall... Our meal was brought quite quickly and just when we began to eat another cockroach scurried across the table. That was enough to turn off all of our appetites. Another evening in the buffet we saw more cock roaches near the hot plates... I actually let a gentleman in a suit working at the buffet know... He was aware of bugs and said they have been having a problem lately with cock roaches and haven't been able to spray inside the buffet.. I really felt bad planning this girls trip to a resort in Cuba I personally recommended... From the time we got there till we left it was an incident after an incident. 2 of the girls swear they will never go back to Cuba... I go there twice a year and Mexico twice a year... I enjoy Cuba as usually I feel safe and the people are wonderful.. I'm seriously reconsidering my travel choices.