Brisas Santa Lucia: Amazing, affordable family vacation!

This was our 2nd trip to Brisas Santa Lucia and we saw some nice improvements since the last time we were there 5 years ago. We travelled from April 16-24 with 3 adults (my husband and I, and my sister) and our 2 children (6 & 9). Flight: We flew with Air Transat and had exceptional service with our flight out of Toronto. We checked in online the night before and were able to choose our seats without any additional cost. The 5 of us were able to sit together and even had an empty seat in our ro [... read more]w which allowed for some extra room. I would highly recommend signing up your children for the Air Transat Kids Club…..we were able to utilize the ‘Club Class’ check-in, and were able to bypass the wait in the security line which was very quick and painless. Being part of the kids club, our children were able to receive a complimentary snack on the flight to Cuba and then home to Toronto. We knew that Air Transat did not serve any ‘free’ meals onboard, so we were prepared with our own sandwiches and snacks. We arrived safely in Cuba, went through customs and received our luggage without any issues. There were several buses waiting to take us to our resort which was approximately 1.5 hours from the airport. Once we arrived at the resort (around 11:30pm), check in was fairly quick considering there were several busloads of vacationers. Rooms: We finally found our way to our room (Block 7) to quickly drop off our luggage, throw on our shorts, and head to the buffet for a quick bite to eat before bed. My sisters’ room was in Block 1 (the other side of the resort), but didn’t think it was a big deal to not be in the same block, so we kept the rooms that we were given. Beach towels and a bottle of rum was waiting in our room when we first arrived which was a nice touch. There was only a slight issue with our room, we found a cockroach scurrying behind the bed when we first turned on the light when entering the room. We were fully aware that we are on an island and that there are going to be bugs, so we weren’t overly concerned with this. We quickly disposed of the cockroach and checked for others. No others were found that night. We did find a couple more throughout the week and discovered they were coming in from the pot light in the bathroom. The pot light did not have a cover on it. We didn’t report this to the front desk or maintenance because we just dealt with it by leaving the bathroom light on at all time. Once we did this, we never saw any more cockroaches. Food: We ate mostly at the buffet and the beach restaurant, but also had the Noli-tours dinner on the beach one night. The food was very good, although it did get a bit repetitive, everyone always found something tasty to eat. The ice cream is so delicious!! It was available all day at the ‘ice cream hut’ and was a favourite with my girls. The ‘deep fried dough’ by the pool was also great for a poolside snack! Beach: The beach is very beautiful, although there is quite a bit of seaweed, the employees did their best to clean up what washed to shore daily. There were still lot of clear areas where you could walk out quite a distance and enjoy the warm ocean. The only unfortunate thing is that there were a lot of disrespectful vacationers that would use the beach as a ‘large ashtray’. I don’t have an issue with smokers, but think it’s very disrespectful if you drop your cigarette butts all over the beach. Take a plastic cup, fill it with sand, and dispose of your butts that way please! We did also see quite a bit of ‘plastic’ either floating in the water or wash up to shore. I’ve heard someone mention that it’s garbage from the cruise ships, but not sure if that’s fact or not. Regardless, the beach was a great place to take in a breathtaking sunrise, or enjoy the day. (Just watch out for the sand fleas!) My daughters and I also enjoyed some horseback riding on the beach. The horses were very gentle and both my girls were able to ride each the horses by themselves. Pool: It was where we spent most of our afternoons to cool off. Tip: Bring your own blow up inner-tubes...the kids love these! Swim-up bar was usually busy, but you didn’t have to wait that long for a drink. Be sure to bring your own travel mugs as it save on waste (plastic cups), and you don’t need to refill as often! In the afternoons, we saw that they enjoyed a ‘keg riding contest’….which looked like a lot of fun! We always got chairs around the pool, but wish there may have been more under shade at times to escape the hot sun when you needed it! Tours: My husband and I enjoyed 2 tours – the Lobster dinner at Coco Beach was a lot of fun. We took a quick bus ride to Coco Beach where we stopped at a little fisherman’s village where we got off the bus and could purchase some handmade jewelry by the locals, and take a few pics by the water and see how the locals lived. We then arrived at Coco Beach where we enjoyed an open bar, a bon-fire with some coconut drinks, and a local band. We danced before and after our delicious meal. The 2nd tour we took was the Sunset Catamaran Tour. With this we enjoyed an open bar with a few appetizers before watching the beautiful sunset. Other highlights were the staff – always so friendly, smiling and most seem to enjoy their jobs. “Harry Potter” and Roli really stood out and they were always so friendly. There were many others that I should me mention, but apologize and don’t remember any names. Our maid did a great job always ensuring our room was clean and had fresh towels, and the bartenders made your drinks just the way you liked them. Another ‘bonus’ was that we were able to utilize the facilities at the resort next door (Gran Club Santa Lucia). We spent a couple of days over there and used the pool, and enjoyed their breakfast and lunch buffet on 2 occasions. It was a nice change of scenery when we wanted it! All in all, it was a great, affordable, family vacation. For those who write negative reviews about the resort, you just need to relax and enjoy the simpler things in life! I actually loved the fact that we became totally ‘disconnected’ from electronics for a week and were able to enjoy some great, quality family time together. Although, I did just hear that Brisas now has wifi, it won’t ‘deter’ me from coming back for a 3rd time! Can’t wait for our next vacation …..hopefully we’ll see you again in September!

Brisas Sierra Mar: Awesome Staff

This resort is in desperate need of repairs. I was at this resort in 98' what a difference. Its sad to see that they have let it go so badly. The staff are amazing esp Miguel our bartender. They ran out of booze on the beach 2 days in a row and it took us paying $ to get them to go get more. I do adore this resort it was a absolutley fantastic time. Nightly shows and fun in the pool with the entertainment staff was a blast ! Front desk could use some training on customer service. Not to friendly [... read more] when trying to exchange for peso's. Would i go back ?? Maybe if they add some more excursions, cleaned up the beach a little more. And fixed the hallways that lead to the rooms. Seeing black running down the walls is not very inviting. Took my husband as he had never experienced Cuba and since i loved this resort last time thought it would be the perfect place. The owner of the store is not too friendly, promised us cigars that he never did get! They need to put bottles of water in each room since there is a fridge not have us go to the pool bar to ask for it. Could be done when maid is cleaning the room.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Wonderful Resort

Went to this resort on recommendation from a friend and was not disappointed. Resort was clean, friendly, helpful staff, great food and excellent entertainment.Will definitely be a repeat customer.Loved it!

Brisas Santa Lucia: fabulous beach

Brisas has the best beach in Santa Lucia! Combine that with a lovely pool,super service and some really fun staff and you can't lose. Don't go expecting 5 star food or a room looking like the Ritz but do go with an open mind and ready to laugh

Brisas Santa Lucia: Comfortable and friendly

Rooms were fine with good AC. Beds were comfortable. Good entertainment. Food was alright once you figured out what to eat. The beach was great and service very friendly and efficient. Would go there again for sure.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Beautiful mountains, ok resort

Hotel needs a little loving (pool liner was ripped), not much choice for food but what we ate was good and the two à la carte restaurants were great. The room was clean and the beds nice and firm. Beautiful mountain views, and village life close by. Not the resort for people who are looking for a prestige beach, the sand is brown ( we knew that before booking ) but there is also lots of algae in the water, it felt more like a giant lake. It's also not a resort for young people as most of the pa [... read more]trons, other than the weekend Cubans, were 70 years and up. Hotel is an hour away from Santiago which is a must do visit . Last but not least , there's a great little restaurant at the entrance if the resort, the Oceano, they serve amazing scampi for only 12 cucs

Brisas Sierra Mar: Terrible Hotel

I think that it is an awfull Hotel and will never go back there. The food was awful, the treadment of guest was also bad. Not good. The food was old and recycled. The beach was full of weeds. The Hotel did not offer anything in the mini bar and the swimming pool was broken.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Warm and Friendly Resort

The hotel is great to stay in, garden rooms quieter, but, I prefer the Villas, lovely and quieter and more privacy and relaxing. Does not matter which Villa Block all in good locations. I have been to this resort 7 times, and will continue to come, now for two holidays per year. November for the Anniversary, which is wonderful and then again in the Spring.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Awesome trip as usual

6th time to this resort and it feels like going home. Many repeat visitors here so they must be doing something right. Great entertainment staff, some fun afternoon games, karoake, beach party, breakdancers were fantastic, awesome beach and pool. Beautiful walk down the boardwalk along the ocean to the market and another beach area. Food is alright, I never go hungry.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Wonderful vacation

We were at Brisas Guardalavaca from Apr.3 to 17th. This was our second time there & was even better than the 1st. Weather was utopic,room very comfortable & the staff were wonderful. I am sure we will be back.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Well kept grounds with a good beach

We enjoyed our stay. We are beach people and spend most of our time there. If you snorkel from the beach there are lots of different fish - they love bananas! The buffet restaurant is adequate. We always went to one of the other restaurants at lunch time and the a la cartes are pretty good. Don't miss going to the Havana Club bar on the roof for beautiful sunsets and the Spanish coffee in the Cappucino bar is really good. The rooms are fine as we never spent much time there and it was always cle [... read more]an. We like the villas as it is quieter there and it has it's own buffet breakfast and pool. The staff were all very pleasant and helpful.

Brisas Guardalavaca: excellent resort overall

grounds are well kept and very clean, beach is cleaned every day public areas in front of main lobby need clean-up ( a lot of garbeage laying around) villa ' room are large and clean , the main complain is that they only allowed one key per room.( not good ) dining facilities are good and the food is better than the average compairing to other resorts that we have been in cuba. personel are accommodating and very plaisant.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Another great vacation

This was our second time at this resort. The staff are great the grounds are clean. Our room was well good. We brought my sister and her husband there for the first time and they are going to go back in November. Definitely a place you want to relax and have fun at)

Brisas Guardalavaca: Vacation to Brisa

This is my second time at brisa it was an awesome resort rooms were clean, grounds gorgeous staff great will defiantly go back again only problem was at the airport getting luggage it took almost big time and paid 25 for vip on way home was not worth it

Brisas Guardalavaca: Beautiful

This resort was amazing... We had the experience with two Children and it was set up great for this.. Very kid friendly!! Lots of excurtions to do!! Food wasn't the greatest but for the price you couldn't ask for much more

Brisas Guardalavaca: Another amazing vacation

This was my third time at this resort and it did not disappoint! Room was ocean view and comfortable, AC worked well and the shower temperature/pressure was good by Cuban standards. Food was good, loved my omelets in the morning and Roberto's pizza for lunch. Dinner wasn't my favourite meal but I never went hungry. Travelled with a group of 10 and we always found chairs by the pool. Usually towards the afternoon a few of us would move to the beach and we always managed to find a hut and chairs d [... read more]own there too. The beach is gorgeous and clean. The live music that played in the evening was really good- very talented singers and musicians! Transfer to and from the hotel went smoothly. One thing that was new from last year was that you could purchase a 5L jug of bottled water for 2 pesos which I bought on the second day and used to fill my smaller water bottle. I have no complaints for my week at Brisas....can't wait to go back!!

Brisas Sierra Mar: Great!

Beautiful place! Good food but a bit blan (needs spices), Nice excursions, excellent tour guide, excellent resort doctor, beach had too much stones at the bottom, pool nice but needs upkeep, needs more family oriented entertainment as it was a bit seductive at night. Overall- great!

Brisas Santa Lucia: Awesome Time!

This hotel was really great! I will list the things that were great: -Entertainment Staff -Drinks -Excursions -Location -Pool -Fries at the snack bar Do not miss the pasta making station in the main buffet hall! It's at the far back and people usually miss it! ;-)

Brisas Guardalavaca: Nice hotel, nice location

04APR2015-11APR2015, stayed in villa room 6106. Second stay at Brisas, eleventh stay in Cuba. Trip and arrival: Flew Montreal to Holguin with Air Canada Rouge, subject of another review. Holguin Airport is quite basic and s-l-o-w. They x-ray every single case before it arrives at a snails pace on the carousel. For this reason, getting on your way in the coach can take a long time. The journey takes around 1hh15mm and we dropped off travelers at another hotel before getting to Brisas at around 1 [... read more]:30pm.Our room was ready and we made it in time for a late lunch. Room details, villa room 6106: Sea view, which was an unexpected bonus. 30 seconds to the beach from the patio door. No sun in morning or evening, so room didn't get too hot. AC unit wasn't too noisy, but preferred it off to sleep. Two queen size beds, nice sized room, 19" TV, bathroom with shower over bath, basin and toilet. We had a couple of lizards come in, they can squeeze through the tiniest gap. Hey - they resolve any fly or mosquito problem! - Bathroom has no extractor fan. As such it got very humid when the shower was in use. This humidity becomes condensation which drips from the ceiling panels in the bathroom, and the ceiling in the lobby just outside the bathroom. Don't leave precious items where they can get stained by drips. Restaurants: The buffet is fine for breakfast. Omelets, fried or scrambled eggs made to order, Bacon and other breakfast items available. Juices which seemed to be out of a carton, not out of the fruit itself. Great coffee, and fresh bread that tastes like cake. The buffet is OK for lunches and just about OK for supper too. Waiting staff always at hand to get alcoholic drinks. Food being constantly topped up. - A la carte: You are allowed three a la carte restaurants per week. However there is no track of how many you book, so come back later and book some more. When we made our first selection, the lady taking the booking actually suggested a fourth night, so we chose the Cuban Restaurant a second time. The Cuban vegetable soup is to die for, the main course not so inspiring. The International was OK, nothing special, and the seafood restaurant was not my favorite. The waiters sing and do magic at the seafood restaurant, if your waiter is singing (or in our case tuning his guitar) you can be in for a long wait for your food. My favorite meal though in not very inspired surroundings was the grill, the chicken there was very good. Beach and pools: The beach is very nice. Other TA reviews mention a shortage of sun-loungers - while we were there we saw dozens of new loungers being put in place. There are two pools and while we didn't use them, they seem clean and popular. Entertainment: Plenty of music going on. Don't miss the Thursday night guitarist in the lobby bar. Then when he closes, a band plays on the pool side stage. On other nights some bands play on the beach side stage too, and Thursday at sunset there is a Beatles tribute in the John Lennon garden. Here is my secret tip: the island in the middle of the pool in front of the pool side stage is a great place to watch any group playing, almost like being in a private box! Don't tell anyone though, as there is only seating for 8 there. Lots of things going on during the day like volleyball and fashion shows. Area: It is a 30 minute stroll down the beach path to the flea market, get all your souvenirs here, but don't forget to haggle. A couple of small bars there too, and even a public washroom, didn't try so can't vouch for it. Horse buggies and old American cars around the hotel to give you trips around the area. We went around Guardalavaca with "Daniel" and his horse and buggy, he said CUC20 for an hour and it was nearer 90 minutes and he happily took CA$25. Negatives. The big downer on this trip was the lack of currency exchange in the hotel, the front desk exchange was closed. We arrived on a Saturday with a few CUC's from previous Cuban trips, and the front desk could not say when the exchange would open. On Monday we walked to the bank at Playa Coste Verde, and joined the hour-long line up there. I am sure that many of the Brisas waiting staff went without tips for many days until the hotel front desk exchange finally opened. When it did finally open on Thursday, there was a guy handing out Bucks Fizz in order to placate the customers who presumably had gone the better part of the week with no cash. Another downer was when I locked the key in our room, getting it reopened seemed a huge inconvenience to the front desk staff. - Summary: We have been to Cuba eleven times, this was our second stay at Brisas. We'll try somewhere else next year, but would recommend this hotel for couples or families. It's a nice place.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Beautiful beach

We found the staff very friendly and helpful. The Italian Restaurant was my favourite but also enjoyed the Seafood and Bucanero Restaurants. Buffet food was very good as well. We had a villa room and it was clean and spacious. The grounds were beautiful and the entertainment was excellent.