Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: A little bit of paridise on a budget!

Had a great stay with wonderful weather and great oceanview room. Although this is a 3 star resort the beauty of the location is 5 star. Staff are friendly and helpful. Our pool in the villa's was sparkling and clean. Most of the time we had the pool to ourself and a few friends. Highly recommend it.

Carisol los Corales: Good resort

Good price, very nice beach , warm clear water and always beautiful weather. The food was OK - there is always something to eat. We were very disappointed by the beach restaurant - many people got sick after having a 'pig' lunch there. The resort is definitely for older people.

Club Amigo Mayanabo: LOVE THIS PLACE SOOOOO MUCH

I have been to this hotel more than 35 times in the past 11 years. Always feels like going to my second home. The food is very basic Cuban . The hotel is always kept clean . The pool is very large and there is always a place to sit either at the pool or at the beach. There is almost always a breeze in Santa Lucia. The slippery tiles around the pool are getting replaced a section at a time. The course stones around the pool have been smoothed down which makes it much safer now. The day I a [... read more]rrived on this trip was within 24 hours of Fidel Castro having passed away. There was no music and no dancing or entertainment for the whole time I was there. There was a limited amount of alcohol at the hotel. Sale of alcohol was prohibited the whole trip but it is the Cuban custom so I just accepted it as such. The staff at Mayanabo are friendly and helpful, they treat guests like family. Overall a quiet trip and very relaxing.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: comfortable and economical

On our visit 4-11 November 2016 we found that the food had improved a little, more variety. There was good entertainment for children, my daughter and grand daughter were there at the same time. Nightly shows were always about 30 minutes late in starting and some guests got up and walked out in frustration. We had good villa rooms with balcony overlooking the sea. Rooms were well cleaned each day ( we left a tip on the pillow each day as is our custom) Lobby staff was efficient, helped us call h [... read more]ome, or to friends in Cuba as required. Public restrooms in lobby area are in need of more attention, often no toilet paper or soap, hand drier in men's restroom not functioning. Extensive renovations are in progress at this hotel and I doubt that they will be finished in time for high season to come. The most disappointing thing about this trip was not the hotel but the terrible conditions in Frank País airport in Holguín. Men's restrooms were closed and men had to use women's restrooms.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Great beach

Beach was amazing! Local market next to resort was fun to visit. Disco was closed temporary disco was offered which was ok. Bed was super uncomfortable and most restaurants and bars were under renovation. Lots of walking to entertainment and so-called disco. But I would go back!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: "Was" a great resort!!!

We have been here many times and will definitely return again... however, during this recent trip the entire guardalavaca area, the bungalow section as well as most all the barracks section was closed for renovations..... this put pressure on the only buffet located in the hotel as well as the other couple a la carte restaurants..... recognizing this is an older complex and the required improvements are quite necessary and the fact that we really love the area and have made many local friends,,, [... read more], there should have been more information available to all the travel agencies related to all the current renovations and shut downs... notwithstanding this, we were treated very well and had a great time of it anyway!!!

Carisol los Corales: Poor buffet in November

The bungalow was good, very clean, new AC units, upgraded bathroom. The entertainment was good for 6 of 7 nights, The grounds were very clean and bright. The public bathrooms had toilet paper. The snorkeling right off the beach at the reef if great! As always the egg grill was great. Now the bad points. The shower handle would turn on the water and regulate warm/cold but fell off when you try to turn the water off. It took 2 days to get hot water. You could not pay for excursions with  [... read more]any credit or debit cards. There was no bank to withdraw any money from, only in Santiago an hour away. The office would only exchange money. They often did not have any. The small gift shop would take MasterCard when it worked. The beach was quite rocky/sandy outside of the small cleared area. The food selection was very limited. I suspect it is because of the time where little is available locally. Much cabbage and carrots, no potatoes or tomatoes but you will not go hungry. If you are coming here make sure the price is right. There was no wifi, OK. They had 2 computers you could rent time on for 1Peso/30 min. You need a card like a pay as you go phone. They were out of them for 2 days. The keyboards look the same but to get the @ symbol you had to hold both the control and shift keys. That does not work for the brackets though (9 and 0).

Carisol los Corales: AMAZING TRIP

This is our third trip to Cuba and must confess that we are in Love with Santiago. The hotel in in a very lovely location away from all the hustle and bustle. There is not a lot of traffic . The hotel is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The area is great for walk and driving. Getting to the Town of Santigo is accessible by Taxi. The layout of the hotel is Fantastic, staff very friendly and helpful. The entertainment was always interesting. The food was good and fresh . We watched the Hot [... read more]el staff roast a whole pig which took about 4 hours. It is a very interesting process. We were able to visit the locals who live in the same area of the hotel . We had the opportunity to ride horses which was a first for us. The entire area is Clean, safe and quiet. There is a Lagoon about 3 km from the hotels for those who like to walk. At the Lagoon you can go fishing or just go around the Lagoon by boat. Highlight of the trip was our visit to Grand Piedra which is the 2nd highest Peak in Cuba. The ride and walk up the peak was scary but when we got to the top it took our breath away. The view is breathtaking . The beach is not white Sands but it was still very enjoyable. Overall this was good value for the money and -one of most enjoyable trip

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Time wih family and friends

We went to Club Amigo Alantico Guardalavaca with family and friends from Oct.30 to Nov. 6 ,2016.The staff was friendly and helpful but the grounds needed some TLC--- the grass was long and needed mowing. However at the end of the week they started to mow. They were also making improvements to the standard rooms and the bungalows which made it noisy for nearby rooms. Our room was always cleaned but only had a few towels provided each day. Since it was low season some a la cartes and pools were [... read more] closed including the 24 bar which was relocated to the wine bar ---- a much smaller area. While overlooking the shortcomings we still enjoyed our vacation --- pool, beach, at the nearby market or visiting Cuban friends.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: club amigo atlantico guardalavaca

the public areas are very nice a good boardwalk to walk along to other parts of the resort we stayed in the hotel section of the resort the room was very comfortable nice bathroom they were doing renovations so some mornings we were woken up with construction noise the people were very friendly and helpful market right next door very handy if you like flea markets bar at the market very nice cheap and good entertainment we were there in the off season so 2 of the poo [... read more]ls were not open but the 2 that were open fun times if you like 5 star this resort is not for you but for the price the sun the beach the atmosphere this is a deal i would recommend this resort to people who want a cheap holiday only do not complain that it is not 4 to 5 star

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Lots of Renos going on at Club Amigo

This was my 20th time to this hotel. We go a couple times a year to meet up with people from all over Canada and the UK. Things have really gone downhill and some of the regular staff are no longer there. I understand it is low season and they are doing renos but the part that is open should look fresh and clean but it all looks very run down. The Pros * most of the staff that are there are wonderful - we did have a few issues * they have brought the beach party back - was suppose to be ev [... read more]ery tues but now once a month * some thought the food was better than other times - only 2 ala carts open in low season - check out Bennys for lunch for pizza, pasta, ribs, chicken or fish and of course fries * 24 hr bar is moved to infront of wine bar - still serves food and drinks 24 hrs * the Villa pool is still in good shape and Villa rooms are not bad - some are under renos * Halloween party was fun - we did not go to any of the other shows - but heard they were good - water show, black light show, etc Cons * so many renos and areas shut down - all of bungalows are under renos, the old hotel is all closed and looks like it should be all shut down for good * The grass needs to be cut - it was over a foot long - they were starting to cut it as the week went on but it just looks so run down * they seem to be running on the bare necessities at the bars - ran out of white wine and vodka every day * entertainment staff are basically none existent - what do they do all day??? seems like they are hiding - lots of work to do here to get up to par with other resorts * there are a lot of students - some are good and some need coaching - they should not be left alone trying to serve hoards of people at the swim up bar * Pirate bar was closed - not sure if it will ever be open * 24 hr bar was closed due to renos - not sure it will be open for high season * Wine bar is open but not the same since the main bartender left * Buffet food is not the same since one of the main cooks left - it really was the same every night - except for the pasta which was OK * the price - the price should reflect the services available which it does not - we usually go at Xmas but this yr we are not going - we can go to Mexico for cheaper!! In summary Club Amigo needs to make a number of changes if it wants to keep the regulars that keep coming back or lower the price to align with the services available. We go to see other friends and to visit with locals which we can do at another resort in the area for a better value.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: The best and worst place

Incredible views! Great beach, although it is a public beach and you will be accosted by people trying to sell you things. The food is the worst I have ever encountered in Cuba, and I am very accustomed to Cuban resort food. Rooms are very dated, but bed was very comfortable and A/C worked great. Always lots of hot water any time of day, which is a first for me in Cuba. Staff were very friendly, and always were smiling. Had sangria available at every bar, which is unusual for Cuba [... read more]. Would not stay here again, though. The food was that bad, although in fairness, it was safe to eat. Did not hear of anyone getting sick. Just very little choice, and what there was, was overcooked and flavourless, or actually tasted awful, such as the "Lasagna Bolognese" which had rice, peas and carrots with a brown sauce, and was served every night. For such a large resort, seating is very limited in the buffet and lobby. Can't imagine what I'd would be like during high season.

Club Amigo Mayanabo: One Big Happy Family

After 55 times at the Mayanabo what more is there to say. The rooms are clean, the food is amazing and the staff are our family. The entertainers are wonderful. It is a quite hotel so if you need to relax you can do so, if you want to party you can do that as well. Just some tips, make sure you take beach shoes as there is a lot of small coral washed on shore and a bit of sea grass, lots of bug spray, depending of the season. The pillows are small so if you like big fluffy pillows take your o [... read more]wn. Make sure that you talk with everyone and make friendships, we have met wonderful people over the years and keep in contact with everyone. Playa Santa Lucia is just a wonderful place to be, and the staff at Mayanabo make you feel like you are in your own back yard with family and friends. If you are looking for the Hilton it is not there but the service is above and beyond. Some people love it and some don't , give it a try, I bet you will return many times.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Great Time

Although the hotel was under large renovations we had a Great time stayed din tropical room in main building it was vey clean and every thing worked well had no issues..drinks and service were excellent grounds were kept very tidy ..staff was great ..food is food its Cuba but never short and always something to eat ..hamburgers r awful though ..all and all defintaley great place for the money it cost

Hotel Caracol: Bravo Caracol

Bravo to the staff of the resort. The most wonderful place to be. Small quiet and calm. Very friendly. The beach/pools are very nice. The food is the best we had in Cuba. Can't wait to go back.

Hotel Caracol: Wonderful quiet place

We just loved the resort. The staff, entertainers and guests are all great ! We made many friends. The resort is beautiful, clean and friendly. The beach is nice , there is some sea weeds in the water but it is soft to walk on. The food is the best we have ever had in Cuba, very good italian style food. Would go back in a heartbeat.

Starfish Varadero: Beautiful resort - don't let the little things bug ya

This resort is absolutely beautiful. They have built the resort into the landscape adding to the beauty. We had plenty of 'little' things that we had that were less than perfect, but nothing that we allowed to ruin our vacation. So lets start with the good stuff... the beach is magnificent, clean of seaweed, no garbage, easy to walk on for a good distance either direction, and sales people who took 'no' for an answer. our room, we had bungalow 2307, was worth the extra little bit i [... read more]n cost, central to everything yet you didn't feel like you were on top of everything. It was ALWAYS cleaned and stocked perfectly. We were never bothered by the noises from the pool yet only a two minute walk away. The buffet and disco were also every close but no sound bothered us. the resort itself, again the use of the landscape is hard to describe but the main building and lobby is built on an outcropping of old hard coral and you can see its use in the lobby walls and the outdoor patio. The 'lazy river' (that's what we called it but it's not a ride) meanders through the resort with sculptures and fountains. The greenery makes the place look like a little bit of paradise... The lasagna at the Italian a la cart was tasty. Rocky at the front desk, I guess he would be a bellhop, was very helpful with our luggage and anything we needed help with he would do his best to take care of it. now, the not so good... I won't say bad because nothing was bad, just not as good as we would have liked: beach towels... an adventure we gave up on, went back to the lobby, got out deposit back and went to town and bought our own... so we ended up with a souvenir towel each.. no big deal hot water in our room... this wasn't so much a problem but there wasn't any... we did get warm one day, but then we never complained about it so they couldn't fix what they didn't know was problem... it was hot outside so cool showers were refreshing and we had fun with it... food... true to the 'cuban food' reputation it was boringly repetitive but we never starved. Some foods were 'interesting' and their idea of a salad bar was a little (ok a lot) different from what we expected. I don't thing we had any vegetables all week. But the pasta was good. bathrooms... our room was never a problem, but let me just say I took to carrying my own little baggy of toilet paper EVERYWHERE... into town, down to the beach, to breakfast, lunch and dinner.. unfortunately many of the resort washrooms lacked toilet paper more than once so I packed my own and was prepared... also the beach washrooms were never open so it was a bit of a walk to find one. service... again I can't say bad because you could tell they are trying so hard to please and be first class. I really thing that if this resort wants to become a 5 star, what they need to do is have someone come in and teach the staff the small social graces that the outside world wants to see and they don't know about... but I would't hold it against the resort. beach, yes, there are some guys selling stuff... but they can't stay and don't stay and accept a 'no thanks' and walk away, there were some sort of sand fleas or mosquitoes that liked me but not my husband, (maybe using the bug spray I took would have helped with that) the 7am flyby... every morning we had a 7am flyby over our resort. This is a very old looking biplane that flies over four to six times. We asked about it and apparently they spray for mosquitoes etc... every morning... this did seem to keep the bugs at a minimum but it left us wondering what else it is keeping to a minimum and how healthy it was for us sitting out on our balcony watching it... But when all is said and done...This is definitely a resort I WILL go back to... hopefully sooner than later I can't think of anything else but if I do, I will edit

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Club Amigo Guardalavaca

I have been to this resort many times. It was off season and the Bungalow section was closed. We got the last plane out on Sunday before they shut the Holguin airport down for the hurricane. This resort has everything I need: Swim-up bar, restaurants, buffet, beautiful beach, clean rooms. The plus of this resort is the wonderful, kind, attentive staff. It is a scenic one hour bus ride from the airport. We have stayed in the "barracks" and the Tropical section. Both have good points. The [... read more] tropical section close to the pool and beach but no balcony. The Barracks ground floor has a walk out patio which was a bonus. The 24-hour bar had moved since they were doing work on the roof. All in all this resort is perfect for the price and the weather has always been consistently hot and sunny no matter which month we are there. Great bang for the buck!

Starfish Varadero: Beautiful resort, frendly service

I was great time! Beautiful resort, close to the beach, beach was very clean. Good location to trip, near to the airport (30-40 minutes) Comfortable rooms, so much delicious food, very nice service and fun group antertainmet, group that rather pleasant for us time interesting festivities. perfect time and places, I will back there soon ;)

Starfish Varadero: Very nice resort !!

Had a very nice week at Aguas Azules. Our first room was a bit noisy ( situated over the entertainment area, and the 24 hour bar !!) but they changed it for us, the following day, to one on the opposite side of the building, with a large balcony overlooking the pool....very nice !! The room was clean and spacious with excellent a/c. The bathrooms were very nice, lots of hot water, good water pressure and a good supply of fresh towels when needed. Our mattresses were new and very comfortable, and [... read more] the bedding was crisp and clean. There was, however a lack of drawers in which to put our clothes, and only 4 coat hangers to a room !! Also no bath plugs ( we took our own ). The food was quite good, lots of variety, and some good desserts. We had some nice fish and seafood, lovely bread, and plenty of it !! It would all have been much more enjoyable if the buffet had been air conditioned.....both guests and food suffered from the heat. Even a few more fans would have made it a little more comfortable. The beach is absolutely gorgeous, and there is easy access to the crystal clear ocean.....beautiful.!! Lots of palapas for shade, but more beach chairs are needed, there were many broken ones , (although while we were there some effort appeared to be being made to clean them up ). There are two pools, one close to the buffet and bungalows, the other ( quieter) one tucked away behind the main building. We preferred the latter. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the Manager is very approachable and ''hands on''. The women on the front desk are friendly, and our maid, Miriam, was lovely. This is a very accessible resort, as long as you stay in either the ground floor of a bungalow, or in the main building (#6) , as we did. This building has two elevators ( the only building that does ) and there are ramps everywhere. We saw a number of guests using either wheelchairs or ( as I do) walkers, and managing quite comfortably. The grounds are spacious, attractive, and well kept, for the most part, with the exception of an oddly derelict courtyard on the way to the beach ( I think it's called the Colonial Plaza), which could very easily be turned into a very attractive area, with some seating, extra plants etc. It has a sort of gazebo in the middle......could be very nice, with some attention. There is obviously a big effort being made by both management and staff to bring this resort up to a higher standard, and the potential is definitely there. It has recently been taken over by Memories, and is being marketed as a Starfish resort, so will watch with interest to see how this develops !! We had a really nice time at this hotel, and would like to thank staff and management for their hospitality!