Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Not fully ready yet in the wake of the pandemic

At this time, this resort, and I suspect most other resorts in Cuba are trying very hard to come back post pandemic, but are not quite there yet. I knew this prior to booking, but was not aware to what extent it would play. The grounds are beautiful for the most part. A little dry looking generally, and the wildlife pond opposite the pool looks like it needed about another foot of water pumped into it. Kind of green/brown and scummy looking, although it did not smell which was a bonus. The w [... read more]ait staff and the Cuban people who work there are amazing. So friendly and helpful with a "Hola, com esta?" Certain areas and venues were not operational. There is an 'Ice Cream' hut near the pool. Always empty, no one around, although there was ice cream at the buffet. But just vanilla and strawberry. A restaurant closer to the beach, deserted. A couple of bars that it didn't seem you were supposed to step up to. They kept the doors closed, and had wait staff come to your table and take your drink order. I didn't have a problem with that. They were always so nice. The food? Well, you know what they say, you don't go to Cuba for the food, and they're not fooling around. Although the food always seemed fresh, it was the exact same fare everyday. Now I know how the dog feels. They occasionally moved the dishes around from area to area, possibly to give the illusion that there was some variety, but they weren't fooling anybody. Covid protocols dictate the staff must put the food on the plate for you. Usually too much, and I hate wasting food, especially in a country were some might not eat every day. You just point to what you desire. Don't you dare touch the serving spoon or tongs. I forgot once and received a stern but still friendly look. I had to laugh, the al a carte's are no different. It's the same food as in the buffet, but it was presented a bit prettier on the plate, but again, it's the exact same food. They must have just taken some from the buffet over to the al a carte restaurants. Only went to two. Not worth dressing up in long pants and a collared shirt to eat the same food as the buffet. Most of the dishes had no spice, no flavour. I was made aware of this prior, so I brought a bottle of hot sauce from home to liven things up a little, and I'm glad I did. Take ketchup with you too, if that's what want, because there simply isn't any. I brought a few ketchup packets along, and one day another hotel patron saw me opening one over my omelet at breakfast, and asked where I got it from on the buffet. I said, "Didn't. Brought it from home, sorry". Good luck getting any salt or pepper out of the shakers. It's a solid block in there from the humidity. Pull the plug out of the bottom, and you might get some, but be careful. It tends to all come out at once as I found out the hard way. Four stray dogs and a couple of cats frequent the buffet at meal times and sit by your chair looking for a handout if you choose to eat at the outside tables. They don't dare venture inside. A couple of the dogs will take the food from your hand, and they are so gentle. Not like our ungrateful K9 at home who gets feed every day. Nearly takes my finger with it, every time. The other dogs and the cats are a little timid and standoffish, and you must throw the food to them, and it shows. They are skinnier than the ones that take it from you. Wine and beer are a hit or miss on certain days and in certain restaurants. On our first day, we got there and checked in just in time for lunch. When I came back to our table with my food, my wife informed me she was told by wait staff that there was no cerveza (beer). Ever. In the whole resort. All week. I said "you've got to be (bleep) kidding me". I think I used an expletive as well. Well, we found this not to be entirely true, they did have it, but not always. Wine wasn't always available either, and they ran out of red wine mid week. I think they save it to sell at the al a cartes. My wife drinks red wine exclusively. She was not impressed. They were not able to make a wide variety of cocktails at the bars either due to availability. I never want to have another Pina Colada again. The beach was gorgeous, and the water was always beautiful shades of turquoise and azul. We were always able to find a couple of loungers and a palapa, although sometimes at the far end from the entrance. The water was too wavy and the undertow was too strong for a non-swimmer like myself. Sand is deep and difficult to walk in. Reminded be of walking in deep snow in Canada. A number of jellyfish washed up on shore. Had to step around those carefully. Our room was OK. Just OK. Safe worked flawlessly. Bed was firm. Not impossible to sleep on, although my back was sure glad when we got home to our own bed. Our room was on the ground floor, and although the main door locked fine, the adjacent sliding glass patio door did not lock. It had a catch only that could be jiggled loose if someone was determined enough. We kept the curtains closed when we weren't there, and hoped no potential thieves were the wiser. Hot water wasn't always available for a shower, but if you ran it long enough, it got lukewarm. Sometimes. Sort of. Toilet tank didn't always refill after a flush, but I was able to jiggle the supply valve and get water to seep in slowly as long as you didn't need to flush it again right away. I guess we could have requested another room, but if I can make something work, albeit not the way it ultimately should, I'll go with that instead of making waves with the front desk. The mini-bar was always empty. I guess you're just supposed to use it for your own items. No beer or pop like we've had at other resorts. Toilet paper seemed to be a hot commodity, and after the toilet paper hoarding fiasco early pandemic in Canada, I was not in the mood. If there was even a few sheets left on the roll when the maid came in to service your room, you wouldn't get another. We got to hiding what we had in a drawer and leaving her an extra couple of bucks so we'd get a fresh roll. Can't imagine what non-tippers did to wipe themselves. Shudder. The nightly entertainment didn't happen every night, and it was fairly lame as usual at most all-inclusives. Other nights there was an impromptu mariachi band that went from table to table playing songs at half tempo. Imagine 'Yesterday' by the Beatles at half tempo. Haha. We had the unfortunate luck of having to return on March 31st, the day before the requirement for an antigen test was removed. We waited almost two hours in the morning to get the test done at $25USD each, and then were told to come back at 3:30-4 o'clock for the paperwork. Waited another 2 hours just to get the form when we returned that afternoon, and had a rude woman from a neighbouring resort jump the line and get hers completely done, form and all, while the rest of us waited even longer. So, our seven day vacation was really only four. The first day is mostly wasted getting there, and you're so exhausted from the 3:30am arrival at the airport and the grueling, hurry up and wait plane and bus ride, that you pretty much just want to sleep the rest of that first day. The next day, it rained, all day, although that's no fault of the resort or the Cuban people. Then we had 4 beautiful nearly cloudless warm days and cooler evenings, although the last two were so windy the beach was not an option unless you enjoy picking sand out of your teeth, and the last day was wasted on the antigen test. Do I recommend this resort? Sorry, I don't, but maybe things will improve once we get further out of the restrictions of the past two years.

Melia Buenavista: Lovely small resort!

We enjoyed our week at this resort. The staff were great, very friendly, and many spoke English well. Bar service around the pool was wonderful, especially Lester! Hut by the pool offered delicious pizza and burgers 24 hours/day. Enjoyed yoga on the beach and aqua fit with entertainment staff Nayibi and Navy. Grounds were tidy and well maintained. 3 separate beaches provided a good variety for enjoyable walks. Loved the ocean view room and the outdoor shower. Quiet, relaxing small resort!

Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing beach

The most that I liked about this resort is their beach. The sand is soft and clean, the sea water is of amazing emerald color and super welcoming, waves are very tender. The least that I liked is their food. At the same time, I would like to say that no one will remain hungry, the food selection is sufficient. There are different types of cheeses for example. However fresh veggies are totally tasteless and bread is stale. Deserts are practically nonexistent, there were some kind of white sq [... read more]uirmishes with blue and pink decorations. I have not dared to try…. Ala carte restaurants have the same food as in the buffet, just individually served. However, I absolutely loved Havana Club Bar. Cocktails, service and atmosphere was always a treat. Big kudos to people who work there. In terms of Covid, everyone wore masks and surfaces were constantly disinfected. Many people were in this particular resort a few times. Overall, I enjoyed my trip. and consider returning next year.

Club Tropical: Nightmare Resort

The noise was unbearable, my room was on top of the bar and the entertainment area. Very noisy all day and evenings. The lobby is under renovations therefore the electricity would go off intermittently , lots of construction noise. The breakfast is a regular fare not much to be said. Other than the grills where the omelets were made needed a good scrub. The food was lacking, only chicken, grilled ham and fish, white rice, rice with beans. Beans, chick peas, eggplant with cabbage served eve [... read more]ryday. most of the food was recycled from the previous day No afternoon snacks were offered unless you asked. Only ham sandwiches were offered no cheese was available The last day I was offered half of a hamburger patty. The office staff very rude and unwilling to help. Lots of ants in the room , lack of water in the bathroom. The pool is about 3-4 feet . The beach is very good .Should I say more ? This is a place where most of the guests go there to drink and sit around at the bar. There is no dining other than the buffet restaurant where all the meals are served .No variety of food available. Having said all this we must understand that Cuba is going through a difficult time and food is scarce even in the restaurants. Therefore if you want good weather a lovely beach lots sunshine and are there to drink this is the place for you . Next time no two star hotels for me. Adios.

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Excellent resort

This is the first time I am in Cuba.Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort is an excellent place to stay. The hotel building is new, room is clean, and the beach is good for swimming. Especially the people who are working at the Small Club are helpful and friendly. The only problem is the poor Internet connection.

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Beautiful resort

Gran Muthu Almirante is a beautiful resort with impeccable grounds, comfortable rooms and pristine beach. Above all, the staff is SUPER. Always willing to help: Guest Service staff housekeeping ( keeping everything so clean) and security staff. Many thanks to the waiters: Ariana, Ronaldo, Andre and all the others at the buffet or at the restaurants. Thanks to Ana the artist. She transforms fruits into beautiful flowers at the buffet. Amazing shows, especially top-rate Synchro. Karaoke man,  [... read more]with beautiful voice, thank you. Very good sanitary measures re COVID. Staff wearing masks even at the beach. I would certainly be happy to go back and would recommend this hotel to my friends. Now the weak points: - VERY SLOW check-in - access to WIFI, a real challenge, especially that you have to recharge after 2hours - no tea is available at the resort! (Will bring my own next time) - only RED WINE is served at the buffet. At the restaurants, you have to pay for White WINE. Yet at the beach, you can have WHITE WINE Free of charge!

Brisas Del Caribe: Decent hotel

The staff was amazing as always ,our room was clean, beach was fanyastic. 2 issues i noticed one the staff serving the buffett were confused on who was in line first and afew times we waited 15 min to get served because of ppl jumping in line. Not big issue but for some it was, the other issue is the elevator, well it closed on me and squished me pretty good making my drink go all over, the second time i was trying to hold it open fir a older couple and it closed on my arm causing damage to i [... read more]t,pulled the skin off of my wrist,it will not open if held, iwent to the dr, would not do anything unless i gave her 25 canadian dollars for a tylenol for later cuz it will hurt on the way home, I asked for ointment gauze and bandage and again she said 25 canadisn dollars for tylenol for way home it will be sore, so i went to the bar. Got rum and cleaned it with that. Later that evening a lady bartender. Tended to my exposed skin where it was ripped off with ointment and bandaid, and did not ask for money, i will add my insurence was denied by dr. Over all other then the elivatore accidents and wait for food it's was a great visit

Muthu Playa Varadero: Great place

This was our first time to Cuba and did not know what to expect. At first, it seemed a little run down but as we entered you could tell there had been some recent renovations. Rooms were clean. Housekeeping was great. Everyone was practicing social distancing for the most part and masks were still Mandatory. Cooks, Servers, and everyone employed at this Resort were friendly. A definite recommendation.

Melia Cayo Coco: Melia in Cayo Coco

If you want a quite resort withoutlarge crowds then this is the place. Our stay was 18 to 25 March 22. Weather was excellent, beach is among the best anywhere south. Even with limited personel on site (due to covid) service was excellent and food was equaly good. Like most places they ahve had a challenging few years also coupled with supply chain issues, be patient and be happy your getting to travel!!! As this is Cuba please bring the worker anything you can think of cove has hampered supply a [... read more]nd the war has made this worst. I heard they have a very hard time getting milk, if you can manage it bring bags of powdered milk & baby formula along with just about anything else one uses daily. Bring CDN & US cash as tips, don't bother with their Pesos..

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Royalton

This hotel was absolutely beautiful. Staff members are exceptional. The grounds are well kept. The beach is stunning with many palapas available. The main pool was also quite lovely and very clean. Food was very good with many choices to suit everyone. Management was also great and remained visible and available to help out if necessary. We were very pleased with our stay here. Definitely would return.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Problems at Resort

Upon arrival the resort was very nice, clean and friendly. Our first few days were great until our keycard wouldn’t work. I went to the lobby to have it reprogrammed. Back at the room it didn’t work again. I tried to get the housekeeper to try and hers didn’t work either. She asked another gentleman who didn’t have any success either. We found this a real problem. We then went to the back balcony and climbed over the railing. You must understand we are three women over 70. It was a big p [... read more]roblem. Things didn’t change. Nothing got better. This went on for the rest of our two week stay. Our complaints were listed but nothing happened to remedy them. On the day before our departure we had our final Covid test and one gal tested positive. She was quarantined and another test was done. Again positive. Three of us were negative. We were told we were able to depart the net day without our friend. We were told by the Transat Rep that if our friend had another test before Thursday and tested negative she would be able to leave Friday April 1st. She was then instructed that she would not be able to board an airline for 10 days. This info is not acceptable. Nothing is concrete here. We is responding for the payment of costs incurred. Nothing is black and white. Please follow up on this and I wait for a response.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Good resort but bad luck

The resort was good but due to a family emergency we only stayed for 2 days and cut our vacation..it would be great if we could be reimbursed for the part of our trip or a doscount for a next one so we can repeat our experience there

Gran Muthu Imperial: Very friendly and full-served resort

The hotel was pretty nice. Change of towels and bed covers was not regular, but not a big issue! It is far from Havana to visit, but good by itself. Had one day tour to Murun city in neighborhood. It was excellent

Hotel Mojito: AMAZING RESORT AND STAFF

THIS WAS OUR 4TH TIME STAYING AT THE MOJITO- THE STAFF CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A WARM AND SAFE AND FUN VACATION. WE LOVE THE MOJITO! SPECIAL PLACE AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH! SPECIAL THANKS TO MILLY, DAYA AND DANGER OF THE ENTERTAINMENT CREW- CHICKO IN THE FRONT LOBBY- SERVES THE BEST COFFEE AND SMILE. AND AXEL AT THE POOL BAR-

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Lovely resort

The resort is beautiful, very clean and very well kept. The staff go out of their way to help you and make your stay as pleasant as possible. There are shuttle busses to take you down to the beach or the restaurants down the hill. Almost all rooms have an ocean view and most have balconies. The restaurants try very hard to have what you want, but from time to time, some things may be in short supply. I always found plenty of delicious food to eat. The snack bar is a great place for breakfast as  [... read more]it was central by the pools. All in all a beautiful resort but not if you can not walk very far.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Very Nice Resort

The resort was very nice for Cuba, Beach area was limited had to walk to far end of resort to access and limited area for swimming due to rocky bottom. Room was great directly on the ocean with a great view . (building #8 room 8110 located on second floor). No vodka available at bars and they would run out of wine occasionally. Also had no hamburgers at the snack bar during our stay, Arrived to resort at 1:30 Pm and our room was not available until 8:30 PM they told us the laundry was not deli [... read more]vered to resort from vendor and this was the hold up. Other than these issues our stay was good and the weather was great, always a strong breeze at the ocean which was nice to cool us off. Reserved a dinner at the lobster shack (located 5 min down the beach) through the front desk and it was very good I would recommend this if you like fresh Lobster and fish. All the staff were very friendly and accommodating. Buffett had enough choices of food to keep us fed, breakfast omelets were always good. We did not book any Al a cart restaurants so cannot comment on them.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Fun in the sun!

We just got home two days ago and can’t wait to get back. This is our second time at this resort, and there will definitely be a third! The staff is wonderful the hotel is clean and well-kept. The food is ample and the alcohol is free-flowing.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Awesome Beach

Why are you going to cuba? Well its not for the food! I didnt starve but i also didnt come out needing to size up on my pants. it is a beautiful island with many nice people. Everyone was happy and kind. The beach w the sand bar was lovely snd thats why you book this resort. The rooms were out dated but hopefully if your spending money to travel you wont ve spending ample time in the room. 3rd floor water pressure wasnt great but it got the job done. Our friends had a coffee machine in their ro [... read more]om.but we did not. But who needs it when u can go to the lobby bar and get a cappuccino or spanish coffee. During covid at the buffet each station had a server or 2 to fill our plates for us as to not have everyone touching the utensils Fine by me. Not a huge hold up. Most resorts to a lobster night but this one did not. You can take a 35$ can ride in an okd fashion car to Lennys for 25$ lobster shrimp and chickem i was told. or 219$of their money which is like 38$canadian for lobster st the resort. The a la cartes nothing to get upset about if you didnt get a chance to book. Small portions and nothing real amazing at them. My favorite was the bruschetta at the italian....2 small pieces and a soup at the Mediterranean i believe. As for steak if you like rare...good look probably wont happen. Just go into it knowing if your a foodie then cuba may not be the place for you. 2 nice pools one w a swim up bar and a baby waiting pool as the 3rd. Our outlets match theirs in Canada and US. Bring canadian or US money. Dont swap your cash for cuban cash as they dont use it anymore. take a little walk out of the hotel to your left and 2 resorts down (the one thats not open) they have a little market. OR take a 10 min bus ride for im not sure how much $ to the bigger market. disco is a bus ride you have to pay for which also pays for your alcohal 10 mins away. Spa people? Get a massage over looking thr beach or take a ride 10 mins away for the mud and seaweed type spa.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Beautiful but needs work

I plan to be very honest and fair. The grounds are beauitful. The rooms are a bit more dated than you would expect for a resort of this magnitude. Mattresses need an update. I had to sleep on the chaise. Beautiful people and fantastic food. Stunning sites. It is the most beautiful resort in Holguin.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Great resort! Great people

We are just back from our stay at the Gran Muthu Imperial and we love it, we are planning to go again. The staff is amazing, always smiling regardless where you are: reception, bar, restaurant, etc. They are very cautious about the COVID, what surprised me the most is that at the buffet they even serving your plates, so I was not worried about my security. The ground was awesome, well maintained, few people complained because there is no beach directly on the resort, however, about 10 minute [... read more]s walk, there is a beautiful beach were you have access to chairs, washroom and bar. This hotel is fairly new, so the room are great, very comfortable bed, very clean. a plus for me was that the patio door has a screen, I was able to leave my door open at night and feel the breeze from the ocean. For Cuba, food was good, for sure you don't have the same choices as you would have in Mexico or RD, but if you don't find anything you got a problem. There is always fresh vegetables so you can do your own salad, the fish and lamb are excellent, deserts are delicious! I will go back for sure!