This hotel was very good. The food was very good. The people that worked there were exceptionally helpful and very friendly. We had the most fabulous time there and I will definitely go back there again.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
DancingDuo -
Verified Purchaser
Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Fabulous Fun, Fabulous People, Beatutiful Resort
My Fiance and I traveled to Cuba the first week of April 2015. The food, for Cuba standards, was very good and a lot of choices. The staff were very friendly and lots of fun. We danced from morning until night enjoying all areas of the resort. The resort was fairly quiet, enjoyable, relaxing. Our room was average, needed some upgrading, but clean. We wished that the room fridge was stocked with alcoholic beverages (wine, rum, beer) for evening hours. But they were quick to increase the bottled w[... read more]ater being left, so thank you for quick response to service requests. Our one complaint was that there was no snorkeling equipment for quests to use and with the coral reef within swimming distance it was a disappointment. We also weren't allowed to sign out life jackets to use in the water which we didn't understand as they had numerous life jackets hanging up unused. The Catamaran run was so much fun. Our reef fishing excursion was amazing with the finale being our catch fresh cooked and served for lunch. The entertainment at night was wonderful and enjoyable for all ages. The gym was lacking in quality equipment and opened a little late for the heat of the area. We had the time of our lives, danced danced danced, swam, swam, swam, drank, drank, drank, laughed, laughed, and laughed some more.
Thank you for a wonderful escape from the Canadian winter.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Correia65 -
Verified Purchaser
Melia Las Dunas: disappointed
The resort its not bad! The service sucks! The room had a leak the walls full of molds,the curtains falling off the hocks I had to fix it myself,asq for change no chance was the answer the hotel is full. The floor was clean once all week ,blue tootpaste on the sink all week ,no new room towels on last two days,cortesy room to take shower on last day with no towes or shampoo or soap. Beach towels only between 10 am and 3 pm had to leave the beach around 2.30 to change it if you're lucky. The serv[... read more]ice at the restaurantes,terrible even with tip. The food quality ,OK nothing special, quantity, OK too. Alacarte Italian,bad ,French,OK gourmet :-( . The entreteiment was OK .The beach ,amazing ,,I knew it my fourth time in cayo Santa maria ,fist time and last in this hotel. Attitude :-( :-(
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
PS12 -
Verified Purchaser
Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Great Resort!
The gardens at this hotel were well maintained by the gardeners. The junior suites premium rooms were spacious and newer (block 6). The beach and the ocean were great! The pool was clean and well maintained. The service was good in all the restaurants and bars. The buffet was lacking seemed to be the same everyday. One of the things that I didn't like to so much was the large amount of flies at the buffet which I think could have been taken care of. Sakura the Japanese restaurant and Cuban resta[... read more]urant were great! The nightly shows were ok except for the water show which was excellent. The people working at the resort were very friendly and hard working. The piano bar was a nice place to unwind and relax. I especially liked the cuban buffet outside by the beach and the little band and dancing while enjoying a meal. The little bands and piano playing in some of the restaurants we attended were exceptional!! A daily compass(itinerary) would have been great to have on a daily basis as seen in other resorts. I believe a little more organization would make this hotel that much better. I was extremely disappointed that the only bar to go dancing at night was closed all WEEK!! One thing that I want to do while I'm on vacation and book at a couples only resort is dance like I'm sure many couples want to do. Overall I liked Cuba and would stay here again if we decide to go to a couples only resort in Varadero.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Alfy -
Verified Purchaser
Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: great relaxing atmosphere
Overall I would say that we enjoyed the vacation. We didn't realize that it was so remote. For a relaxing vacation, it was great. We prefer to be closer to the culture of the area, to be able to experience the native aspects of the area.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Leekfarmer1 -
Verified Purchaser
Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: One of the best in Cuba
This is a very nice resort with great pool area and beach. Buffet has ample choices for anyone. A good choice of A La Carte Restaurants that also have great food. Rooms are large and clean. Beach bar is lacking choices of drinks. Washrooms for beach area is a little walk to get to. Washrooms on resort needed to be cleaner and stocked with tissue, soap and towels - this would be the only important issue that I would downgrade it to a 4 star. Being one of the last resorts on the Varadero peninsula[... read more], your bus will stop and pick up others at the resorts along the way - making your ride quite a bit longer. Friendly staff are what makes others return to this resort.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Brian1919 -
Verified Purchaser
Starfish Cayo Largo: Very satisfied with overall trip
Hotel staff and hotel excellent from beginning to end had a complete satisfied trip trip central and Jessie did a complete service overall would book again with them my only complain is the airport in Montreal complete disaster
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Cor97 -
Verified Purchaser
Starfish Cayo Largo: a pleasant surprise!
overall a pleasant surprise, more than what we expected.
Friendly people, good food, nice beach, beautiful gardens, not very crowded, free transportation to remote beaches, really good massage service, weather was nice too, good entertainment.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
TravellingDuo -
Verified Purchaser
Paradisus Rio De Oro: Enjoyed our week but improvements needed to be a 5
This was our second trip to Cuba, the previous year having been at a 5-star in Varadero. The grounds and layout are very nice and the food was good - no complaints there. The room we had however was dated (which is not that bad) but more importantly there were little annoyances like the bed was not comfortable, the shower was tremendously small and shower head did not work, and the blind for the window on the side of the bed did not cover the whole window - we actually had to hang a towel to in [... read more]order to prevent sunlight from entering and to ensure privacy. We thought about complaining but we were so frustrated with the level of understanding (everyone just smiles and says 'yes') that we decided not to bother and just make due. There is evidence of lack of maintenance here and there around the property (hot tub out of service, broken external shower by beach, lack of paper in some common washrooms, many lights out, missing pillows on chairs at auditorium, etc.) Again not a big deal, just not things we expected to see at a 5-star.
Our biggest disappointment was the entertainment; the daily activities were never announced and evening shows were low quality. There was definately some talent on some nights, but the shows were poorly produced in terms of sound, lighting, and choreography. It was also frustrating because you never knew where to sit in advance to get a good view. They did not use their stage facility consistently; some nights the shows took place in the lobby next to the stage, some times to the right of the stage, some times in front of the stage, then on the stage.
Finally, if you are looking for a nice sandy beach with warm water, this is not really the place. There is lots rock at the edge of the water. For snorkelers this is properly advantageous.
The buffet food was OK and the better food was of course at the 'a la carte' restaurants. It was easy to get the reservations we wanted but then again we booked on-line from website (highly recommended). The only other food comment we have is that the drinks were very inconsitent from bar to bar. We proably had a simple Pina Colada 6 differents ways, with only the pool restaurant making them good.
To end on a positive, weather was great and people were always very friendly.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Morgan and Lynn -
Verified Purchaser
Paradisus Rio De Oro: Perfect yet again!
Just returned from our 7th trip to our little slice of paradise. When you have found perfection why keep looking?The staff, the grounds, the management, the food, perfection! The pool had work done last year but, is once again peeling so it is slated to be closed and tiled this summer. They are on top of everything. We had a beautiful, renovated room, close to everything which was just amazing in the 11th block, corner room upstairs. Had a massage at the spa so very relaxing and absolutely stunn[... read more]ing surroundings. As stated we will return next year without hesitation. For us this resort is truly a cut above and the Cuban people so kind, loving and sincere. If you are considering Cuba consider the extra dollars it is well worth it.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Kim62 -
Verified Purchaser
Melia Jardines del Rey: Still Needs Work - but getting there
The Hotel was new so clean & nice. However there was not enough staff in some areas. Our room did not get cleaned for 2 days. The beach was full of coral so did not enough it as much. I would go back in a few years once the construction is completed.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Nubie Jude -
Verified Purchaser
Melia Jardines del Rey: Avoid At All Costs!
Being an almost brand new hotel, this hotel has a lot to work out. Our bed linens were already ripped and had blood stains on them. There were no beach towels for the first few days because the laundry machines were broken. The shower hose burst three separate times and we had water flying everywhere in the room. There were flies on all of the food in the buffet, even on the food in the heated areas. One worker went to replace a platter of food in the hot section, and the food slipped off the tr[... read more]ay and right into the hot water and he just scooped it back up and put it back on the tray for people to eat. The beach is terrible, so rocky and full of coral. There are not enough lounge chairs, neither at the pool or on the beach, however if you give a worker a few pesos he will "miraculously" find you one, but never any cushions, just the hard plastic. We were told about a bus that would take you to a nice beach for 5 pesos, an hour away, so we went. The beach was beautiful however the bus was so old and unsafe. It had a hole in the floor that you could actually see the road go by as you rode in it. On the return trip home the bus was so crowded my husband and I had to stand right next to this hole, and as the old bus went bumpity bump over the old roads I was afraid our feet would fall through the hole. We were allowed 3 dinner reservations in the specialty restaurants but the guy making the reservations said the earliest times available were at 9:30 p.m., way to late for us, so after a little sweet talk he was able to get us in between 5:30 -6 p.m. Once in these specialty restaurants, we were surprised to see only a handful of tables were occupied, other tourists said the same thing. The shows started way too late for us. We never made it to one. This was our 7th time to Cuba and definitely our last one. In the 43 years that my dear husband and I have been travelling I have never wished to be home from a holiday, our return home couldn't have come any faster.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
JoeKW -
Verified Purchaser
Starfish Cayo Largo: Fantastic Cuba Resort
The Good:
Beach is Fantastic
Food was better than most Cuban resorts
Staff was friendly
Rooms were clean, we didn't have any water problems but some others at the resort did.
Pool was clean with lots of seating
Could be Better:
Animation Staff really didn't do much
Beer Garden kept running out of Beer (Ran out of Crystal almost every day) and would run out of fish and chips as well.
We had a great time and met some really nice people, The resort is under renovations but not too much of an inco[... read more]nvenience. Overall this is a great resort, well run with only a few problems. We are deferentially planing on a return visit to Hotel Playa Coco.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Alisaburton876 -
Verified Purchaser
Memories Cayo Largo: 5th Trip To Cayo Largo
It was 10 years ago we found Cayo Largo and were hooked! We love the beach, the people and the relaxing atmosphere. The staff at the Sol are amazing! they go out of their way to make sure you are happy and are attentive. Many speak multiple languages fluently.
The hotel itself is showing its age. Our room had been remodeled - fresh paint, new bed - but the bathroom is in need of a refresh. That said our maid was wonderful and the room was always kept immaculately clean - fresh sheets, fresh towe[... read more]ls and additional pillows. The grounds are beautifully kept.
We enjoyed the food - especially all of the fresh seafood available at buffet and the a la carte restaurants.
Cayo Largo is not a "resort vacation destination" - Don't go expecting Sandals or Club Med. It is NOT that experience. But you will find no where in the world with a beach as breathtakingly beautiful as on Cayo Largo or with waitstaff and chamber maids as helpful, kind and sweet.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Titianna -
Verified Purchaser
Melia Cayo Santa Maria: not a good resort
while the hotel as you call it was clean the aminities were not good. My first room, the toilet didn't work. After a long flight and bus ride to the resort there was no water or anything to drink in the room. I requested a new room. I was told it would be ready in a Hour this was @ noon and i didn't get the new room till 7pm that night. we went two days without running water. I had to pull the sheets off of my bed 5 days after being there to get fresh ones. durning the Lunch and Dinner buffets t[... read more]hey ran out of plates almost everyday with the exception of the first two days. i will not go back to that resort again. It was not a good experience for my mom as this was her first time ever travelling out side Canada.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Susie spice -
Verified Purchaser
Hotel Vigia: Lovely stay at the Sol
Great beach, particularly if you are a kite boarder.
Grounds a little tired and work going on to upgrade the hotel.
Rooms were adequate, comfortable, clean with lovely views.
Hotel had a sense of being past its best days (but in process of upgrading). If a few items broke down (eg safe, door lock) the service was immediate and professional, very impressive.
Food was superb, great quality and choice. Food in a la carte was ok, not worth lining up for 30 minutes to book though!
Trips to Catamaran [... read more]were great (snorkeling was average) and the swimming with the Dolphins a real highlight.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Mozhar -
Verified Purchaser
Hotel Vigia: Very good
The resort is compact and everything is within walking distance.
The beach is beautiful, very shallow and great for kids. There is almost constant wind, but barely any waves.
Excellent food, no lines.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
MJA_77 -
Verified Purchaser
Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Mom and Daughter Surprise Secret Trip!
I am a return client at this resort but this year I made it a surprise trip for my 12yr old daughter. She has NEVER been out of the country let alone to a hot destination during the cold winter months. It was everything I wanted it to be for her and more!
When arriving at the hotel we were quickly processed and in our room within 5mins. I had sent a special request a couple of weeks prior to our arrival with regards to location of our room and they were more than happy to accommodate our reques[... read more]t.
Our room was clean and welcoming and, like most resorts, did a cute towel display on the beds.
My daughter is 12 and can, for the most part, be a picky eater. She loved the food there and tried many different foods that she doesn't normally eat. We went to the return guest dinner, the Cuban and Mexican a la cartes and all were great. She didn't want to do the French but I have on both my other stays and it is by far the best a la carte to go to. **Special mention goes to Hector and Max at the Mexican for making it just a beautiful experience (as usual). My daughter was over the moon when she was able to go have pizza at the 24hr restaurant on the Luna side and ice cream at the ice cream parlor with Nicolas!
The beach...what can you say about this beach but AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL. The beach is long, the palapas are not clustered but are spread out enough so that you are not on top of the next group beside you. They cleaned the beach every morning, picking any seaweed up and raking the beach to have it great. We even took a walk to the end where the 5 star resort is and their beach/palapa area wasn't nearly as great as ours was.
The resort has different theme nights going on such as the 'White Night' on Thursdays where the guests and performers/entertainment crew wear white with all sorts of things from a fashion show, to hair braiding and massages to the water ballet performance (make sure to get your chairs well in advance as it packs up quickly).
Overall, the management and staff were more than welcoming. I felt safe to allow my daughter to go off and peruse the grounds on her own or go and get ice cream from Nico. My daughter never once had issues trying to get a drink for herself at the bar (I've heard of other resorts where the children weren't treated as nice due to no tip but here that was never the case). When we had to leave it was with heavy hearts.
I will , again, be going back to this resort but this time it'll definitely be with my daughter in tow as the next planned trip is with a group of our 'Cuba family' (friends we've met at this resort over the years that are from different places in Canada and the UK).
I would highly recommend this resort to anyone who wants to go with friends or family.
**things to know**
1) the Luna side is more geared towards older couples/young families who want to have a quieter time. Mares is for the more active nightlife as that is where the 24hr bar and 'Disco' are located.
2) French is phenomenal out of all the a la cartes but the others are pretty close.
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Shahrokh -
Verified Purchaser
Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Super welcoming resort
You can hardly find any mistake for their hospitality. Everynight amazing show and never ever need to go out. Fantastic food, lovely taffs, never beg for tips as you love top do it yourself. Thanks Osca the general manager
Location
Value
Food
Beach
Rooms
Service
Helpful?
Report
Becks23 -
Verified Purchaser
Melia Cayo Coco: Meticulously kept resort
Beautiful beach. The food was great! Everything was very fresh and the meat was grilled in front of you. Exceptionally clean. The room could have been updated but was very nice. The grounds-keepers were very friendly and added nice touches to ensure you were having a good day; ie: would make small animals out of the palm leaves. Nice souviner to take home.