Hotel Villa Cuba: Great resort

This was my very first time ever booking an all inclusive trip. Let alone it was my first time to Cuba. I can say for sure I will definitely do it all again. The staff was great and the service was as well. On our second day at the resort my girlfriend and I asked to switch from the Villa house we were in to a hotel room itself. Not only did the staff do this free of charge but they met all our requests and gave us a third floor room overlooking the pool and ocean. I would definitely recommend t [... read more]his resort and location to any and all who are interested. For my first ever all inclusive trip, I can guarantee I will be booking with you guys again. The best part about this trip was the price. For the price we paid everything is worth it from the food at the resort to the restaurants as well as the service and cleanliness of the entire resort.

Club Kawama: Recent vacation

Probably wouldn't go back the beach was amazing but as for the resort not clean, things falling apart and did not feel like the staff were happy. Our first room had dirty walls and the windows were painted shut. WiFi only worked maybe 10% of the time.

Club Karey: Fair

Room we had was nice clean and huge balcony. Clean and staff treated us welll Water supply in room not aways there somtimes at night or day Food was okay for Cuba if you got there at end of serving they sometimes ran out of items For what we paid it was great , good location in walking distance of Varadero

Roc Barlovento: Great resort

Hotel, Grounds, Beach, Rooms are well maintained, The location of the hotel could not be any better.. Shops, restaurants and markets all within walking distance from the resort. Service was excellent and staff very friendly. Food could be a bit improved as there was lots of repetition. Entertainment was just right for adults. certainly will stay at the hotel again.

Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Sercotel Club Cayo Guillermo

We had the pleasure of visiting this resort from Feb. 7 - 17. This was strictly an R&R vacation for us and truly, we didn't do a whole lot but spent most of our time at the hotel soaking in all it had to offer. Our arrival and check in was very quick and we decided to upgrade to the Adults Only section at that time. We were driven to our little cabin in a golf cart and within a very short time, we were settled in and began our vacation. For anyone with mobility issues, walking to the main  [... read more]lobby could be a stretch but for us, we needed to keep walking daily so it was fine for us. (see comments about the food). We were right on the beach and the view from our patio was spectacular. We were steps to the amazing beach and there were plenty of chairs and no chair saving which was very nice to see. The beach ! Wow it is amazing. You can walk a great distance - to the marina or to the other resorts in the area. Unfortunately, the palapalas didn't provide much shade so we spent most of our time at the pool area. The sun was in full force everyday and we couldn't have wished for or asked for better weather. There was a beach bar in the area which was a very nice touch for those who spent the day here. The pool area was a great spot to sit & read and enjoy the coolness of the water. Since it was adults only, there were no children which we really enjoyed. Of course, people did try to use the Jacuzzi and pool but were redirected quickly. It is a problem in that security does not patrol the area for people who are not part of the upgrade so it was up to guests to report them. The signage is not clear and they need to put out signs with the different coloured bands to make it clearer. Signs should be posted in visible areas - less writing and more colourful to catch the eye. A few people just didn't get it and argued with security - you don't pay you don't play - simple as that. The food. Oh my! We always have lower expectations for meals in Cuba but we have never had better. The meals were extremely delicious and there wasn't anything that was bland or awful. They served up turkey, beef, pork and fish dishes. No mystery meats here. The chef really needs to be commended in his cuisine. Everything was well prepared and well cooked. We definitely put on a few pounds at this resort. Of course, we had a few little hiccups along the way but staff took care of our issues and were resolved quickly. The staff from the bartenders to the front desk were wonderful, kind & always a ready smile. The one slight that we noticed at the adult section was the manager. I think the managers name was Ramon (not entirely sure) and he was there with his wife - from Spain I believe. We only saw them during mealtime and noticed he was never around in-between. He didn't seem to be interested in the guests - not a smile, not a hello...nothing. He was actually quite intimidating and people wondered who they were. We found that very strange as most managers take the time to chat with guests and take an interest in them. Not this one. We (and others) were very disturbed that they had fresh meals specially prepared for them. This lead many of us to wonder why the regular food from the buffet wasn't good enough for them but served to the guests. Very strange. The complete opposite from staff at the main lobby area - Eddwin (? manager at the main lobby) always stopped us & asked if everything was ok...what a difference between the two. All in all, we cannot find fault in this resort. Our vacation was wonderful and we couldn't have been happier with all it had to offer. We would return and will definitely recommend it to our friends. The staff at the main lobby front desk as well as the adults only desk area were extremely helpful and made us feel so welcome - if there was anything we needed they were on it without hesitation. That also applies to the wait staff - our glasses never were empty and dirty plates didn't sit for long on our table. The hotel should be extremely proud of all staff at every level - they really took care of their guests & made our holiday what it was - fantastic. Pat & Diane North Bay, Ont Canada

Roc Barlovento: I'd go back

Food was above average for Cuba, same food, limited variety, but tasted better. That's Cuba. Grounds well kept, people very nice. Resort has keeps cats, all spayed by a Canadian veterinarian....I thought that was amazing, being an animal lover. Bring cat treats if you go. Beach is stunning. Downside: the room. AC got fixed the day I left....toilet needed fixing the night I arrived at midnight but they got it done within the hour. Shower quality....terrible. Evening shows were varied, actually th [... read more]e best I've seen. Dancers were actually very good. Bar drinks and coffee above par for Cuba.

Roc Barlovento: Great Vacation

I notice a great change in meals offered at the buffet. The service at all the bars was excellent. I requested they change my room on arrival (Wednesday) because of no water pressure and the smell of fuel and they changed us on Friday noon. From then on was excellent and our made a sweetheart. This was the 3rd time for me.

Hotel Villa Cuba: Nice last minute vacation at Be Live Experience Varadero

We booked a last minute vacation to Be Live Experience Varadero (formerly Villa Cuba) through Trip Central. I often book on-line but ended up calling and talking to agent Anne Bovingdon. She was great and the service through Trip Central was impressive. They were in frequent contact via e-mail prior to our visit and called the day after we returned to make sure everything was good with the flight and hotel. We arrived at the hotel early, around 11 am, so I knew we wouldn't be checking in to o [... read more]ur room right away. We stored our luggage and got a coffee then lunch. The fellow who helps with luggage was great and suggested we check back around 1:30. We did and he checked on the room and we were able to get in early, it was much appreciated. The beach is beautiful in Varadero. We usually were able to find a spot under a palapa or in the shade. It was usually more difficult in the mornings as people tended to reserve places by getting up early and placing their towels on chairs under palapas. We could usually find a place someone had reserved but was not using that was close enough to the palapa to offer shade. In the afternoon it was easier to find an empty palapa. We sat around the pool when the wind at the beach was so strong it was blowing the sand like waves. There was generally places available around the pool. We were in room 2627 and had a view of the water on the other side of the beach area. The room was newly decorated. Air conditioner worked fine. The maid Nery kept it clean and was a sweetie. We always had hot water, perhaps this had something to do with the time of day when we showered or that we generally had sunny weather. The only problems with the room was the water pressure wasn't the best and we ran out of soap and shampoo early on in the week. Buffet was fine, better than some and not as good as others. We always found something to eat and gained weight on the trip. The staff was great Roly was outstanding and we always sat in his section when he was working. We went to both a la carte restaurants. Book them on the second (I think) floor around 1:30. We had no problem booking them. Arletis, at Public Relations is who you book the a la carte restaurants through. She was great and seemed to be everywhere at the resort. We liked the Mariposa the best of the a la cartes. We ate most lunches at the Beach restaurant, La Sita. Juan Carlos Valdez was a great waiter there. It was relaxing to order off a menu, good food and if you were there at the right time, a good band. We also treated ourselves to a massage from Niurka. It was 20 CUC for 30 minutes and well worth it. Her co-worker Carlos runs the gym. Together they keep the area clean and inviting. This is also where the sauna is. We made two visits to the sauna. One was on our last day and offered a great place for a shower before our flight home. The staff at this hotel are special. We tipped but not excessive amounts. I found all the staff friendly and helpful at this resort, even the front desk, who are not always credited with being helpful or friendly. Tips: Bring your own soap and shampoo, it was a good thing I had my Lush shampoo bar to use as both. Also, if you like to read English books, bring two. I finished my book after a few days and assumed I would be able to exchange it for another book at the library by the Club House/Towel exchange. There was lots of books there, but none of them were English. I did manage to get one after a day or two. We will be back. Thank you for a great week. Room Tip: We liked the hotel rooms on the side away from the pool and beach. See more room tips

Club Kawama: Transferred to Mercure D'Oro

Firstly, Club Kawama was overbooked, but Nicolle was great in letting us know in advance that Playa D'Oro would accomodate us. What a relief to have been met by the representative upon our arrival at the airport and handed our transfer package. We read a lot of reviews before leaving since we knew exactly where we were going....most of them were negative. However, we were aware that it is Cuba, and not fair to compare it to hotels in the USA or Canada. The Hotels like most hotels in Cuba are [... read more] in need of major repairs, but the staff and food alike - 5 star! The beach - Superb. The people on the beach selling their wares - yes, annoying a tad bit, but one has to understand that for them, that is their daily earnings. And for some people who never left the resort, it's their ONLY contact with locals. The tour guides? I find them to be hagglers - we already pay a lot for the tour, why make us feel like we need to tip? We do it anyway in a restaurant, bar - but when we are paying $200-00 for a day outing & we know that the locals earn peanuts a day, where does all the money go? And yeah - we saw the tour day on one of our excursions being handed "something" but the owner of each bar/restaurant/stop we made. Overall, D' Oro was a good place to stay at, the mattress were waaaay better than the resort we stayed at 2 years ago that is just 2 bus stops away. But that resort also had great food,. staff and entertainment - its' really all just a matter of the mind. If you are picky, you won't enjoy the place - if you are well travelled and can enjoy the variances and quality every country has to offer, and if you understand the politics and social economics of Cuba, you will understand why it is what it is. Unique, beautiful, courages people.

Roc Barlovento: Very Nice resort

We really enjoyed our stay at the Roc Barlovento. Had a few issues on the first day such as no hot water, but we reported it and it was fixed. Trying to get pesos for tipping at the front desk was a challenge. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Would not hesitate to return to this resort. Very happy with our vacation.

Hotel Villa Cuba: A very clean and friendly resort

Although you can see some deterioration in the villas, they are kept reasonably clean. I missed having a hair dryer but survived for a week. The food was good with quite a variety. The staff in all areas were friendly and helpful. If there was ever an issue, the staff tried to resolve it as soon as possible.

Club Kawama: Just Plain relaxed fun

Loved our last stay at Kawama. Booked a superior room and got what I think was one of the best in the house. We had a terrace with a roof and spent our only rainy day happily enjoying friends and laughs. Our housekeeper was great and had a sense of humor. Found our hats incorporated in her towel sculptures and swans hiding in the bathroom. The food in the ala cart restaurant was good. Loved the old feel of the place and the mature gardens. We had no real noticeable inconviences. Any we found bec [... read more]ame secondary as the majority of the people were great.

Club Kawama: HOME AWAY FROM HOME

This was our 4th time to Club Kawama, we were very pleased with some improvements from last year. The food was better, the Italian A la Carte was open this year and the food was amazing. We enjoyed the privilege of attending the Repeaters Supper, it was great to meet up with old friends and meet new ones. Leida was happy to see us and and did all she could to make our week the best it could be, she is an extremely hard worker and should be recognized as one of Kawarma's most valued employees.  [... read more]We plan to go back again in April and look forward to booking our trip with Trip Central as always, thank you once again.....

Starfish Cayo Largo: Amazing resort

My husband and i enjoyed the stay At the Sol Pelicano resort,, Beautiful resort, Loving people. Awesome food, Place is well kept,We stayed for one week, we went to the Serena beach. Most beautiful beach. Can't wait to go back.

Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Amazing relaxing

I have been here 6 times I love this place it is a family friendly place friendly staff and a quiet resort which I like the food is good and the rooms are comfortable the beach is great there was improvement made it is huge

Club Kawama: Good choice if you have upgraded room.

Better than average food, facilities and service. Great area and beach. The small room we had, was below average with no sliding door or balcony and in need of serious redecorating - stained bedding/curtains, peeling paint and some plumbing issues (drains). Quite a few got sick with colds/flu but medical service here is good and resort can't be faulted. TIP: Buy the room upgrade before you leave - probably not available after - roughest room I've had in 20 trips to Cuba.

Roc Barlovento: Nice resort

This resort is clean and friendly , good location. The choice of food good but cold. The homemade bread very good and icecream. Water pressure in room very low and cold. Service in buffet is good. Chambermaid is also good

Starfish Cayo Largo: Love this resort!

This is our 3rd visit to Cayo Largo and this was the best resort of the two. We have visited many provinces of Cuba and by far this resort offers the best beach, beautiful white sand to squish your toes in. The resort offers umbrellas for the guests to use at no charge for the beach or to take to the Serina beach on the bus/boat trip. My advice to you if you want to visit Serina beach, just take a cab, you will get there so much faster for a mere 2 pesos per person. The resort grounds are l [... read more]ovely, lots of little hidden treasures for those that love to take pictures. The food was excellent, so much to choose from, from salads, breads, soups, meat (all meat groups) rice, potatoes, pastas, which I might add their version of mac and cheese at the Rachon restaurant was amazing!! We had blue sky and sunshine the entire week, temps ranged from 24 to 27 C. We highly recommend this resort to all. There is a great kids club too, we don't have small children but they do offer a great pool and park area for the little ones.

Roc Barlovento: Roc Barlovento

Hi. The three of us had a great time at Barlovento and would go back there again. The staff could not have been any more friendly or accommodating. The first night when we got there we had asked for a second floor room but were on the first floor in the morning we went to the front desk and asked to be moved to the second floor no problem within a hour we had our new room. The second room the water was cold so we asked to have some hot water for our shower and that was corrected right away.  [... read more]No problems after that. Every one talks about the bland food we had no problems with the food only they should keep boiling water in the buffet tables where they place the hot food to keep it warmer. There was always the pasta bar which was very good. We had on different occasions roasted turkey, roasted chickens, half a pig roasted and the portion were great. we had roast beef (we are used to Alberta beef and there was n o comparison). The lunch hour there was bar-b-que bar close to the ocean that was really great. We went there every day. There is entertainment every day at lunch time, music every night in the lobby and a nighty show every night ranging from dancing , singing, water ballet, something different every night. Talked to couples that have been there 11 times and love it the best of all hotels on the Varedaro beaches. It is the most central to all things, only 2 city blocks from the markets. There was all age groups there from older teens to middle age all having a wonderful time.

Club Kawama: the resort was good

The resort was good. Do not book a standard room it was a sh.... hole . We then upgraded to a Superior room much better . Food well it was typical Cuban buffet food so so the ala carta were good .Other wise we had a great time .