Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Not what it use to be 😢

Let me start by saying this was our third time at the Iberostar Daiquiri. We chose this resort because the first two times were amazing !!! Only half the resort is open , due to covid I am sure , in a way that was nice because it was rather full at half capacity! It was extremely difficult to get a spot on the beach or near the pool as there were not enough chairs. My husband would carry our patio chairs so we had something to sit on . The grounds on the resort were very clean and coming along n [... read more]icely since the hurricane in 2018. The pools needed to be vacuumed as there were plastic cups and cigarette butts on the bottoms of both pools. The small kids pool could not be used by the kids for a couple of days as it was very green :-( . The rooms were cleaned daily by the lovely ladies, they left very nice towel art daily and were very thankful for the small gifts left daily. The main washrooms in the lobby could have used a little more tlc and there was rarely toilet paper in them. The food was the same thing everyday breakfast , lunch and supper:-( No fresh fish , very little fruit and basically just lettuce and cucumber in the fresh veggie selection. We arrived on a Friday and tried to get a couple of the al la carts and the earliest we could get one was for the Thursday before we left and the Friday that we left. The staff just didn’t seem to be wanting to be there , it never use to be like that. The entertainment was little to none !! Not much going on at all during the day , in the past they always had a game of something going on. They ran out out Beer, sugar, coffee, vodka, pineapple, no tequila or limes just to make a few. I understand that covid is a big factor , however in speaking with others at the airport that we’re just down the road , not one of them spoke of shortages or lack of. The final straw for us was we didn’t leave until 6:15 Friday evening, I tried to extend our room as they explained to us they no longer offer a shower due to covid, they said we could have it only for two hours as they had a booking for our room, BUT they advertise that they leave each room empty for 24 hrs due to cleaning and covid , check in is 4 pm ???? In the beginning I said we would comeback again next year as we love the beach area, but I will really have to think about it :-(

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Small Resort.

Love this hotel because it is a small hotel,easy to get around. The staff is absolutely amazing!! That’s why we have been going there for years. The food right now is not very good, because of Covid. Things have been very hard for the Cuban people to get. The rooms are very spacious, and clean. But unfortunately they only leave water in the rooms now. There is no beer, or pop.No coffee makers either at the moment. Food in general is not the best in Cuba,but the restaurants Italian,and Romanti [... read more]co are okay. The beach is fabulous and easy to get lounge chairs . The hotel has been quieter than we have ever seen it, not much entertainment at night.But hopefully things will pick up soon. Beer is hard to get in Cuba, it’s a hit and a miss! Rum is always available, but other drinks a little harder. The Hop on Hop off Bus stops right outside the hotel and it comes every 30 minutes, and it’s $5.00 Canadian.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: We have been here for our 4th time and just love everything.

Everything in this hotel for me was a 10. The grounds are beautiful. Rooms kept very clean. Beach is to die for. Didnt go to pool but it is also very stunning. Service and people are great. I keep going back so got to be good.

Melia Buenavista: Best We've Been At!

This was our 22nd trip to Cuba since 2006. Everything here was superior to any resort we had previously stayed at, except for the beach, which doesn't quite measure up to Cayo Largo imho. But hey, that's Mother Nature's doing!

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Highly Recommend The Royalton, Cayo Santa Maria

The Royalton is a beautiful and clean resort. We loved all the staff and the food was great. The beach is the best EVER!! Clear, turquoise water with sandy bottom and you can walk for miles. The bar staff on the beach did a lot of running for everyone and they had the drinks all organized with your own cups. Loved it. The little snack bar on the beach was so yummy - quesadillas, grilled sandwiches and hot dogs. The staff there were also amazing and worked so hard. The staff at the restau [... read more]rants were all so nice and efficient. Our room was spotless every day and the cleaning staff were great.. The entertainment staff were lots of fun and the shows in the evening were great. Loved the aqua show!! I would highly recommend this resort. The staff are so happy to be back to work - bring your tip money in Canadian or US. Make sure your bills are crisp with no tears or they cannot use them. The Cubans are beautiful people. Lets help them get back on their feet.

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Cuba has better hotels

We spent one week at the Bella Vista and found that a lot of staff didn't speak much English, most of the time the toilet paper was empty in the bathrooms, the food was the worst we've had in Cuba, (this was our 8th trip down) but of course, you won't starve, there is always something to eat. We were not sure if this was due to covid or transport issues. As far as covid protocol, the staff all wore their masks and asked that guests did too in the building areas. You were given a squirt of hand [... read more] sanitizer before entering the buffet or any restaurants so that was well done. The beds were the most uncomfortable that I have had in Cuba, we had to change rooms since our first room had a shower that didn't work, water leaking across the bathroom floor and a door that didn't lock, beach towels were charged to your credit card (Deposit) instead of in your room, and 2 or 3 resort restaurants were closed during our time perhaps since they were not at full capacity, I don't know. As always, the beach and water are amazing, blue, beautiful, relaxing and since that was what we were there for, the trip was still great. I would not book this hotel again. Prefer the BLAU, ROYALTON, or even LOS CACTOS

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Not up to expectations

I travelled to Memories Caribe from Mar 30-Apr 6. After reading many relatively positive reviews I was looking forward to a week here. I had previously travelled to nearby Memories Flamenco and had an awesome time but was looking forward to Caribe's adults only experience. I chose to again spend the extra $130 on Diamond Club for the additional amenities, however in hindsight I cannot say it was worth it here at Caribe. The exclusive Diamond Club (DC) check-in and welcoming cocktail was ju [... read more]st a temporary sign propped on the check-in desk which disappeared afterwards to never reappear. And all people arriving regardless of status received a cocktail (DC actually got theirs last) The room 2107 was OK, but I did suffer from 2 floods in the room and a cockroach problem. More about that later. Let me start by listing the Pro's and Cons: Pro's: - The Beach is amazing. It is very busy but that is what a trip to Cayo Coco is all about. You will have to get there early to find a chair, but often staff have them hidden in the trees and a tip will have one miraculously appear for you. Sand Fleas are a problem, but the advice is to put on plenty of deep woods off when you go down to reserve your spot and then not go to the beach before 9:30 when it gets hot enough for the sand fleas to hide away. -The waiters on the DC beach are amazing. There were two who constantly made the run from the beach bar to thirsty travelers weighed down with a dozen bubba mugs and they never got an order wrong. Now they earned their tips. -Snack bar at the DC beach was well above par. Burgers and Fries were some of the best meals of the week. -Food at the Buffet was pretty good by Cuba standards, but you did have to wait. Masks were mandatory and you had to wait for staff to serve you with tonges. There really were not enough staff and you had to wait. Con's: -Staff not overly friendly. Even leaving a tip didn't seem to elicit much in the way of a smile from most. -Waiting for a waiter in the main lobby bar was torturous. Could take 20 minutes or more to get your order if it wasn't forgotten. -No real DC bar. There was just a tiny shelf at the end of the lobby bar with a sign that read Diamond Club bar. It offered one level up in Rum, and a bottle of Jamieson's Irish Whiskey, Ballentine's Scotch, & Chivas. Now I do drink Jamieson's regularly, but this was definately NOT Jamieson's. It tasted more like a cheap ligueur, like a watered down drambuie. I asked for an unopened bottle, but they didn't have one. The Balentine's wasn't much to write home about either. (If you drink your whiskey neat, skip diamond club and bring your own.) -The Sports bar remained closed throughout the week, so no pool table or TV's or games. -The entertainment was a little lacking. Afternoon activities at the pool were seldomly joined by guests. (who wants to do aquafit in the pool at 4pm after drinking all day) Animation host yells at full volume in rapid spanish and english that is barely understandable. Most folks around the pool just winced since the volume was so loud. -Nightly entertainment was so-so. The saxaphonist was amazing, he played all over the resort on multiple days. The folk dance shows were underwhelming. There was a singer one night and she was good (in spanish). There was a Michael Jackson Show one night and it was pretty good, but afterwards the introduction of the participants took longer than the show as they each had to show off their break-dancing abilities. -As usual in Cuba you have to get up early if you want a decent spot by the pool or beach. People usually put their towels on pool deck chairs to reserve the prime spots by 7:30am and they never show up until around 4pm as they spend the day at the beach. It is frustrating but that is the game I guess. -Had a flood in the room (2107) twice!!! First time the maid said they would send by a repair team. When I got back tot he room it seemed all dried up so I thought nothing of it, but the next day it was back and I could hear heavy dripping. Turned out the repair was a towel behind the suitcase tressel to soak it up. The towel was soaked through and water was everywhere again. I called for service and they showed up within 30 minutes and tore open the ceiling to find a burst pipe. There was mold and crap etc everywhere. He managed to repair the pipe and the maid came back to mop up the suite. They did not offer to move me though. -The pond you see in the pictures apparently had a problem. they had to drain it and the smell was horrific. Imagine 35 degree heat and a sewage lagoon. Staff were squeegee'ing up black sludge and other foul smelling goop for days right outside my room. smell was very rough but thankfully did not permeate the room. -Cockroaches: I killed one on arriving at my room. No big deal. there were 3 other dead ones feet up in the room over the next couple days. The maids swept them up. But my last night as I was trying to sleep I felt an itch on my head and ran my fingers through my hair to find a cockroach crawling across my head. Yikes. had the body itches and heebee-jeebee's for much of the night. Then I finally fell asleep around 3am after a full room search and repacking all my clothes and shaking them out several times. Sprayed by suitcase with deep woods off and left it outside for 3 days after I got home before washing my clothes in hot water twice. I told them when checking out and they marked the room for fumigation. -And finally the WiFi. Worst experience of all. Took 2 days to get on to the system. I have an iPhone 7 and was told by front desk staff after repeated tries that the internet will not work with iphones. I know that is BS as its the highest selling phone in the world. Also others with iphones or ipads were working. After 2 days of repeated tries, I finally found a desk clerk that knew how it worked. You need to sign on to the Caribe wifi, you will see that there is "no internet service" listed, then you must go out and back in through Safari to log in again. This will work eventually. It can take 7 or 8 attempts before it works. but usually works best if you turn your phone off and on again to reset it before each attempt. Even then however, many of your functions will not work. I could only text with one person, the rest of my contacts had to go through messenger. No email and no facebook. This is the Caribe system that has the problem. At the airport you are given a card with a user number and code and it works just fine. In summary, The weather was amazing, as was the beach. I would not recommend the Diamond Club at this resort as it is just not worth the money. I really loved Flamenco three years ago, but would not likely return to Caribe. I love Cuba and the Cuban people, but I notice that there has been a definate change in the past 2 years. Perhaps its COVID or there is another reason, but smiles are at a premium.

Blau Varadero: One of the Best

Great resort, very well kept, and clean. We have been to Cuba about 8 times to 6 different resorts and this is better than most. Food is always an issue but it's passable. Beach is amazing and I highly recommend taking a taxi from the airport to avoid the bus transfer, much nicer. We paid $40 CDN. Don't change money at the Casa de Cambio, look for a lifeguard or someone with a fanny pack near the beach. We changed at 60-1 April, 2022.

Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Cuba is awesome!

We are very happy with our trip, the service was excellent and the workers were very friendly. The food was very good. The beach was excellent, beautiful water and sand. Be prepared to use a credit card for excursions and pay American exchange rate.

Gran Muthu Rainbow Cayo Guillermo: BEST CUBAN RESORT I'VE BEEN TO!!

Where do i even begin to explain our satisfaction with this resort... To start off, the staff made our experience what is was. An absolute dream of a vacation. The waiting staff were tentative to our needs, and encouraged us to try new things (food was the best ive had at any cuban resort. Was a smaller selection but everything tasted FANTASTIC.) The bartenders were so personable and knew our drink orders as soon as we walked up to the bars. The cleaning staff were so on top of keeping our ro [... read more]oms tidy and the resort spotless so it was always pleasing to the eye. The gardeners were always at work every day keeping the plants, soil, and walkways tidy and kept green with no dead leaves behind. The lobby/concierge staff knew of our reason for being at the resort (for a brand photoshoot trip) and helped us get the most out of every aspect of the grounds to ensure our pictures turned out the way we wanted them to. Even upgraded our room free of charge to top floor ocean view! And lastly the entertainment team, the best people I have ever met while on vacation. Not only did we meet great friends to keep us company while staying at their resort, we also made life long friends that we chat with every day back at home. They ensured everyone participated in what made them feel safe and comfortable doing while also trying to step out of their comfort zones and have a good time! There was always great music playing while also taking song requests if you wanted to listen to something new! They always had games and dance classes going for you to join in on if you felt desired to! This team went above and beyond for our time here and we got to know each other so personally and deeply that I will forever cherish our time we had until we get to return to visit them once again! The resort itself is so aesthetically pleasing, looks like something out of Tulum or Bali! Very natural and modern vibes! The water is so blue and turquoise, white sandy beaches with cliffs and rocks to take amazing photos for social media (what we utilized them for), and also a private island just a short catamaran ride away (free of charge!!) There isn't enough good words to say about this resort without me going on and on for hours, but just know we will for sure be heading back in the next few months, thats how perfect our stay was. If you're looking for a fun/authentic/nature heavy cuban resort, look no further. Gran Muthu Rainbow will be your home away from home!

Tryp Cayo Coco: Big Changes

Big Changes....are NEEDED! This resort stinks lkke a sewer because of the fetid ditch running under its lobby. This needs to addressed even the buffet reaks like a sewer. The 1st day was not bad but theb the locals moved in.....the real guests(Canadians) got garbage for food and any real liquor came off the shelves. Beer shortages everyday the locals were there. Lots of " we're sorry senor " but nothing to address the issues. Not ever returning to this resort. I am sure the Sunwing reps h [... read more]ad more than enough dealing with all the guests demanding to be placed elsewhere. This was not by any way shape or form a worthwhile vacation.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful Beach

The hotel was very nice and well kept. The service was tremendous and the staff were exceptionally friendly. All wore masks inside and out. The entertainment staff work very hard to keep you entertained.

Paradisus Los Cayos: It is a Paradise

Hotel infrastructure is good and nice; it covers all the needs for a pleasant stay. The beaches are the best we saw through our extensive travel experience in the Caribbean area. People are nice with a good service oriented training. There is field to improve the food area, for example: for 2 days we could not have our usual capuccinos due to milk run out.

Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Good vibes by the ocean

We had a very relaxing holiday at this hotel. The service is excellent. A big THANK YOU to all the people that made our vacation special. We have been to Cuba 11 times and we love this kind of place. Not too big and not too complicated. Awesome entertainment team. We really enjoyed Cuban Day Barbecue in between the pool and beach at lunch and the Barbecue dinner at the pool side with saxophone player plus 3 nights à la carte restaurant (Cuban, Italian and Spanish). The buffet was excellen [... read more]t too. Mucho Bueno! We are hoping to go back next year.

Memories Jibacoa: Awesome Resort

I went there with a group of my teammates in cycling and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Furthermore the roads in that area were great for cycling compared to other locations we have been to in Cuba. Highly recommend this place to anyone.

Barcelo Solymar: Too much change.

Beautiful beach and great view. 80% locals in resort hogging the food and leaving messes everywhere. I will Not return to Cuba. Was my 6th time. Food shortages and way too much change for me. Mexico next time.

Hotel Playa Paraiso: I would never return, even if it was free

This was my first trip to Cuba and want to start by saying the beach was absolutely beautiful. The only good thing about this resort. The food was horrendous (and completely unavailable at times). Cockroaches in the buffet and most food was inedible. The service for the most part was non-existent. I was told "no lady" multiple times a day. At one point there was no bread at the snack bar which was the only area open for food. Stale cold fries were the only food in the resort for 3 hours. As for  [... read more]the drinks, we were welcomed our first night with warm mix and beer. Asked for tequila and was told no lady. Our room was dingy to say the least. Only a top and bottom sheet were provided. Our toilet wouldn't flush properly and it was never fixed. Housekeeping needed to be chased down for water almost daily. The shower doubles as a bath tub and the three foot step down made it difficult to get in and out. The shower was like a pressure washer. The nightly entertainment was sub par most evenings. By the end of the week I was accustomed to being told no and not at all surprised when I was. I would give this resort 1 star and that was only for the beautiful beach. Most people that I spoke to at the resort shared our opinion, that it was dirty, poorly run and unsanitary. I wouldn't return even if it was free.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: New Resort with marvelous Beach!

The hotel has very friendly and helpful staff. The beach surrounding the hotel stretches along the coastline in both directions. The rooms are very spacious, I had the junior suite and it had a large bath area, with separate tub and shower, two double beds, table/2chairs, comfy chair and ottoman, small deck facing ocean. There are 3 specialty restaurants, all good. Buffet restaurant and a 24 hr snack bar with great pizzas anytime, and good lattes. Two pool areas line the accommodations with ea [... read more]sy access and comfy pool chairs/umbrellas.

Memories Jibacoa: Great Resort

The resort is very nice for Cuba! Because of our unplanned late arrival due to Sunwing screw up with luggage that started in Toronto. By the way, Sunwing is terrible on so many levels. Because we had to sit at Veradero airport waiting to see who was getting their luggage from plane, which Sunwing rep could have taken care of this for the travellers at airport and all four buses could have been on their way to their hotels rather than everyone sitting waiting for the people with missed luggage it [... read more] file themselves with lost luggage office at airport. So, when we finally get to hotel and check in, we were told there is a snack bar. Finally after walking around a dark resort, we locate the tiny snack bar. The snack consisted of a ham and cheese panini. That was all there was offered. Got to say, it was good. The food is good at all three meals at buffet. The wine could be improved at dinner. Staff are great! Rooms were nice and clean. We didn’t like the two levels of customer service for the Diamond Club and regular customers. This was very dominant in everything that has to do with customer service and drinks. This resort is not inexpensive to stay there and I expected better alcoholic beverages. The internet was a hit and miss in lobby only. Hard to log in to internet do ArriveCan which is important to leave Cuba. Not a five star resort but a good 3.5 star resort.

Melia Cayo Coco: Nice small resort - April 2022

The resort is small, older and has nice foliage, and is well maintained. The staff is friendly, polite, and provided good service. Food was OK for Cuba. Rooms are kept clean, and the air conditioner worked well, but the room decor is a bit dated. Beach is beautiful and kept clean with a sufficient # of loungers available. Some nice touches, being greeted by the resort manager upon arrival, entertainment with a sax player playing around the pool area one day. Usual evening entertainme [... read more]nt for Cuba, lots of dancing. General all the guests seemed happy. Some experiences, the weather was a bit on the windy side for days sand blowing and choppy waves, no rain. Experienced two short power outages (30-45mins) around dinner time. A couple of times, going to the buffet later for breakfast (30 mins before close) staff wouldn't provide any service as they were too busy cleaning up. A minor issue was a shortage of Pina Coladas and draft beer at times, substituted with can beers. In early April, spots around the Lagoon rooms were starting to fill in with plant/algae growth in a few spots had a bit of an odor. April is getting into the early summer weather in Cuba, which is very hot (30+ degrees) On the whole, This being our first time back in Cuba in a couple of years I'm a bit torn on the cost and value of going to this resort (at a premium) compared to other Melia-operated resorts in other parts of Cuba.