Melia Las Dunas: Fantastic Holiday !!

Just returned from a wonderful week at Las Dunas. Mar 17 - 24th. This was our 3rd visit to this hotel and it did not disappoint. As stated in previous reviews, the hotel is running at half capacity - the adult side is closed at this time as well as some of the services like the spa and gym. We stayed in building 26 which was right along the pathway to the beach which was wonderful. This is a big resort with lots of walking so if you are not able to walk very far then this is maybe not the resort [... read more] for you. There is the bell boy service and if you call they will come and pick you up in the shuttle buggy. Our building was also very close to the pool which was great. Easily accessible to both. Because only one side of the resort is open chairs seem to be at a premium......my husband was up early in the morning to go down to the beach to save chairs under a shade structure. It was noticed that the shade structures down in front of the adult side are all gone now. There were 2 beach bars open which was handy. The board walks have been replaced by stone paver walkways which is a much better option. The beach of course did not disappoint - beautiful as always. This has got to be the best beach I have ever been to. We found the water in the ocean to be warmer than the pool. The waves were a blast to play in. Food - we only ate at the buffets & the sports bar because we are not keen on the a la cartes. The food was plentiful, tasty and the service was always top notch. At this time visitors are supposed to be wearing masks inside the restaurants and especially when they are getting food at the buffet. Of course not everyone is following the rules. We had no complaints about the food at all. Would like to see soup as an option once in a while. Fruit is very limited with mostly papaya & guava being served. The pineapple when served is not ripe. Once in a while there were imported pears. You have to try the smoothie's....they are the best. We generally ate at the main buffet for breakfast and dinner and open air buffet for lunch. Food a bit repetitive at both places but always plentiful and could always fill up. Don't stand back and be polite....because there are lots of visitors that just butt right in. The staff was amazing and provided very good service. It was very nice to see old friends and meet new ones. Always appreciative of gifts or monetary tips. Everyone is working very hard to make your trip the best it could be. While there we did 2 excursions - deep sea fishing & the speed boats - both half day trips booked through our Air Canada rep. The deep sea fishing was a fantastic trip. There were 5 of us on the trip. The cost to book the boat was $399 US for 4 ppl and $30 for the extra person. We very much appreciated the crew we had who worked very hard to make our day successful. Our captain was Roley and Julio was the hand on board. We caught 9 fish total - 6 barracuda, 2 mackerel & a 29lb grouper. The bar was help yourself with beer, soda, water and a variety of hard liquor on board. If you decide beforehand that this is a trip you would like to take the crew would be very much appreciative of sunglasses that are polarized. The boat is owned by Gaviota and you can book the "Atun" boat and our crew. Roley & Julio are very knowledgeable and good at what they do. They will make your day a great experience. The other trip we did also ran out of the same marina by Gaviota. This was the speed boat/snorkeling trip. Your time is split between these 2 activities and both very good. The speed boats are very easy to operate and the guides are great. This trip is an exceptional value at $44 US and we have done it twice. The snorkeling was very good. We saw lot of fish of many varieties. If you look real close you can even see urchins in the reef. Snorkel, mask and fins are supplied. A hint.....wear the fins even if to protect your feet. I decided to go without and while treading water in the waves I scraped a couple of toes on the fire coral and it was very painful for a couple of days. The water is very clear and fish are very plentiful. Overall, another amazing trip to Cuba. So glad to be travelling again. We will return to this resort over and over again I'm sure !!

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: March 17-24 2022

Overall clean resort,, staff wore masks all the time. Resort was very quiet due to low occupancy rate. Little entertainment each night, restaurants were limited in opening each night. Buffet limited selection as well. This resort is still feeling the effects of low fill rates and have had to make many cost cutting measures. Wifi hit and miss. Had no hot water for 2.days. Mini bar only stocked with water each day in room. A lot of flies nightly in the lobby. Easy access to antigen test on site, 5 [... read more]0 dollars American for 2 people. Overall I have been to Cuba many times with reasonable expectations but I would not return to this location but would return to Cuba.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: great resort

hotel was great grounds well maintained and room accommodations excellent, as were the pools. dining was typical cuban cuisine ...amazing staff. would recommend this property for total rest and relaxation.

Melia Las Americas: Best Resort Ever!

The resort was beautiful! Beach beautiful! Staff amazing . Food was good considering the shortage issues they are having . No complaints! Elsy the recreation lady was an amazing beautiful person -Raoul at lobby bar was a treat - great guy - all staff were wonderful- beds could be more comfortable- that would be my only suggestion. We had a great vacation and would go back in a heart beat !

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Beautiful Resort❤️

Our first trip to Cuba in 2 years ,what a beautiful way to kick Covid out! We can’t say enough about this resort. We arrived to tropical surroundings with well manicured grounds and flowers ,clean resort, efficient check in and friendly staff. Our room was fantastic! Clean , spacious and updated washroom. We met our housekeeper soon after we arrived. She introduced herself and was very welcoming and friendly. She was great at her job. Paradisus is gorgeous! Beautiful pools, and beach. Ple [... read more]nty of chairs on the beach and around the pools. The resort was about 50% occupancy when we arrived but by the end of the week things had ramped up to considerably. The food in all restaurants was great. We had no issues with anything. Service was efficient, well served, and friendly. The set up for Covid safety is well organized and sanitary. A change I would like to see continue . Most guests were more respectful to one another in the buffet than I have seen in the past. Overall this was the nicest resort I have been to in Cuba! For my 15th trip there I was very pleased. Everyone at the resort was great. If your looking for a vacation to relax in a beautiful tropical setting this is it!

Grand Memories Varadero: Run down

Food was not great, the snack bar had one item late night. Drinks were watered down. Was dehydrated most of the trip because they wouldn’t put water in the room unless I tipped. Not coming back, it will be the last time.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: A Royal vacation!

We received a royal welcome when we arrived at the Royalton with a glass of champagne and plenty of smiles. The service, atmosphere and friendly atmosphere at this cozy resort made it a pleasure to get up every morning! From the gardener, the room maid, the butler, the waiters and even the resort manager Alejandro and assistant manager Mikaela! The beaches are the most beautiful we have seen at any resort! We would return in a heartbeat!

Brisas Guardalavaca: Brisas for the breezes of a Caribbean beach

I liked the hot showers in the morning that I wasn't used to in similar Cuban hotels. I wasn't fond of COVID adaptations at the buffets, lineups for usual Cuban food that really isn't worth standing in line to have scooped on your plate. I liked the reservation system for specialty restaurants that actually worked. I didn't like the tv and the magnetic keycard that didn't work. I really liked the beach and the palm trees, and the tennis courts were newly surfaced. I didn't like tourists compla [... read more]ining of Cuban families having fun at the resort. I really liked the capuccinos but they were not very milky, they had lots of Cristall, but no Bucanero, no mint, no mojitos. Staff were friendly, the front desk was not overworked and effective ( except they couldn't get the TV to work, nor their magnetic keycards). Add it all up and it equals a good Cuban beach resort in March.

Club Tropical: Great resort by the beach!

The staff is very friendly and always willing to help. The rooms are clean. The food is fine but there are annoying flies in the dining room. I have been there 3X and would go again. Great vacation. I can't wait to return!

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Perfect beach

Staff are friendly. Food has been the same all week. One day they ran out of flour, so there was no bread and no pastry for a day. Beach and weather (28C in March break) was perfect. There were a LOT of mosquitos and black flies.

Starfish Cuatro Palmas: "The Hidden Jewel Of Resorts!!!"

This a wonderful resort located in the heart of Varadero. All your amenities such as the lobby bar, pool area and the buffet restaurant with in walking steps. Beautiful rooms, especially ocean view or even the ones overlooking the pool. The staff make you feel like you are part of their family. A very very clean and well kept resort. This has been our 4th stay here, and have no desire to look for any other resort. And the beach area is just breath taking. Strongly recommend staying there if your [... read more] visiting Varadero, Cuba.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: lovely stay

Covid makes everything a bit tougher, but the hotel accommodated us well regardless. The food, once we got onto what we liked (ie. rice!), was fine. The rum continues to be excellant, and the weather was gorgeous. I had problems with bug bites, but the other 2 I travelled with experienced no such thing. It has one of the best beaches we've ever been on.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Finally!

A fair experience,inexpensive resort,good getaway after 2 years of pandemic.Things are still slow,just 1 restaurant open per night,scarce reservations,at 9:30 all seats were gone.As expected for someone who travels for the sun and the beach.

Melia Varadero: Wow, just 😲

We stay at the Melia Varadaro all inclusive resort from March 12-19, 2022. Wow. The staff were very welcoming, helpful and very accommodating. The resorts grounds were clean, floors shiney, and the food was superb all around. The pork was so tender you could cut it with a butter knife and the steak was thin yet tender. Oh did I say how good the sweet potato soup was and the chicken soup, reminded me of my mom's homemade chicken soup. Did I say how awesome the staff were? The staff that should  [... read more]receive a raise or at least the employees of the month award are The resort was perfectly located, not to far away from the airport, a short 2 minute walk to a shopping center with an open market out back. We did two excursions, the Jeep tour and the all day Havana trip. Wow! An amazing time was had. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone who is visiting and wants to experience Cuba. If I had to give this amazing resort some constructive criticism it would be the meat in the La'cart restaurant was a little bit salty but very tender and the buffets pasta was a bit strachy, all The other food was amazing.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: What a change....

This was our 7th time to Cuba and by far the most disappointing. Where to even start. The Cuban people are usually lovely and friendly people. This was not so this time.My observation is that they appear to be short staffed or not staffing the busy areas of the resort. "Bites" is suppose to be the 24 hour snack bar. Upon arriving , our travelling companions went to try to get some food. They were met with a woman behind the counter who would not take their order. She just stared at them. T [... read more]his happened a few times during our week. It also appeared that food was being rationed. The buffet food was cold. The only choice all week at the cook station was stir fry. The al la carte's were ok. Again, short staffed. The man I booked our al la carte's with in the front lobby was rude. I asked if I could buy a bottle of wine as the room you sit in has many on display. He said that they were unable to sell any at this time. The rooms were dated and smelled of mould. Our bed had a sheet and one blanket.Our towels were not changed the whole week. There is no place to exchange your beach towel so we had damp dirty towels for the week. Our bathroom appeared to have been renovated recently and unlike many other rooms, the toilet room actually had a door! The water pressure was good and was always hot. There was not beer or soft drinks in the mini fridge all week. The pool only has a few chairs with shade. The beach is beautiful but there is definitely sand fleas. During a quick rain shower they came out and swarmed us leaving us covered for the week in bites. When it came to drinks at the bars everyday something was not available ie) no vodka, coke or tonic water. The snack bar at the beach had pizza the first 2 days which were pretty decent. The rest of the week they served soup. I feel that the pandemic and probably the crisis in Ukraine have contributed to the complaints I have made in this review. That being said, it was disappointing to spend the money and not be satisfied.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Great staff for the most part, beautiful beach

I travelled from Toronto to Memories Varadero Beach with 3 friends in February for a week-long stay. Here’s the short of it: The pros: - WONDERFUL staff, for the most part - Beautiful beach - Fun atmosphere The cons: - Staff stealing from our room - Horrible buffet - Dirty bathrooms - Lack of night-time activities - Few choices for alcoholic beverages Overall we had a pretty nice time, mind you we are a group of 4 in our early 20s, ie. we weren’t expecting a 5-star exper [... read more]ience. The best part of our experience was by far the friends we made at the resort - we got lucky and met a group of young Canadian travellers like ourselves - and the staff. The worst part of our experience was by far the food and the fact that our maid stole from our rooms and then accused us of lying and refused to clean for the rest of our stay (details below). The staff - the good: The staff at this resort - for the most part - are amazing. Special shoutout to Laura Maria, the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet who works at the lobby bar, and Steve, the most charismatic guy on the resort who works in ‘animation’ at the main pool. Other amazing staff members were Yudy and Mairobys, two women who worked at the Italian a-la-carte who always showed us the best time, and Alex and Robert the two main bartenders at the pool bar. These people were unbelievably kind, fun, helpful and totally made our stay The staff - the bad: a few staff members at Memories were not so great. On the first full day of our stay we had multiple items stolen from BOTH of our rooms. A Ralph Loren t-shirt, a pair of earrings and two bottles of perfume. At first, we didn’t want to assume, so we did a thorough inspection of our things to make sure, and confirmed that they had been taken. Keep in mind since this was the first day we arrived, all of these items were still packed away in our bags, so whoever took them would have actually had to rummage through our things. Within 1 day of us notifying the front desk of the situation, we were approached by our maid and told that in an attempt to avoid any more “accusations” she would no longer be cleaning our room. So we spent the rest of the week with no water bottles, clean towels or clean sheets. The beach: the beach at this resort is beautiful and generally well-kept aside from a few broken beach chairs. We spent pretty much every morning here! The pool: the main pool is such a great time. They have activities there every day at 12pm and great music & vibes. They also have a slide which we frequented, haha. The pool bar was also really fun, it’s inside a little cave and the bartenders are the best (shoutout Alex and Robert) The bars: be prepared to drink rum and beer for your entire stay. The bars were lacklustre as the resort was pretty much out of EVERY type of alcohol besides rum. No vodka, gin, whisky, tequila. They also rarely had any red, white OR sparkling wine unless it was at one of the restaurants, only beer. As someone who pretty much only drinks vodka, this was a huge bummer. The rooms: the rooms were fine, bedding seemed clean when we got there, we had hot water, our A/C worked. They definitely aren’t beautiful but we weren’t expecting anything grand. One major disappointment was that the fridge was never stocked. We weren’t Diamond Club so we didn’t expect to be given anything fancy, but some water, pop and beer would have been nice. The buffet: I’ll be honest, the food at the buffet was absolutely horrible. I’ve been to Cuba 4 times and I usually expect it to be less than enjoyable, but this food was really bad. We pretty much ate beans and rice for the entirety of the trip. The selection at the buffet was really lacking so you really had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find something edible for each meal. I’m not sure if it was because of import issues due to Covid, but be prepared to come home hungry. The a-la-cartes: we went to the Italian and Japanese restaurants, each one twice. The Italian was our favourite. The Japanese one was also decent, but you mostly go to that one for the “show” since it’s hibachi-style. In short, both restaurants were good - I think partially because we were desperate, but hey, at least they had better selection than the buffet. The entertainment: other than the nightly shows (which were pretty good) the entertainment was lacking, no club, or night-time activities. Luckily Steve usually brings his speaker to the lobby and gets the party going which was a nice surprise, but other than that it’s pretty quiet at night. Overall, decent stay but we likely would not return - mostly because of the food and overall cleanliness. I’d probably be more likely to pay a little bit more for a 5 star elsewhere. But if you’re looking for something quick and dirty and to come back with a tan, Memories isn’t a bad choice. Special thanks again to Laura Maria, Steve, Mairobys, Yudy, Robert and Alex - they absolutely made our stay!!

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: A Definite Must to Visit

This was our 5th visit to this resort and the first time staying in the Coral Level Village (also known as the Grand Village) section. It's a resort within a resort with table service restaurants, private pool and beach, butler service and apartment style rooms including kitchens (not really functional) and hot tubs. The first week it was only half full so there was lots of room but by March break it was full which made for some waits at the restaurants and limited palapas on the beach. Staff w [... read more]ere very good but not at full capacity. Access to the main part of the resort is by shuttle bus (not always reliable) or a 3 km walk. This area is perfect for people looking for good service and not having to deal with buffet dining. When we return (and we will return), it will be to the Spa section of the main resort. The rooms are very spacious and you are closer to all the resort facilities. We have also developed some good friendships with staff in this section which is a very enjoyable part of our vacation experience. As for COVID matters, it was very well looked after and the resort had full service testing on site which was easily accessible. All staff adhered to the regulations and everything was well cleaned.

Memories Jibacoa: Un tout inclu epoustouflant

Un emplacement de rêve pour les adeptes du snorkling. La barriere de corail est a distance de nage. L hotel est propre la nourriture est bonne, les jardins sont de toute beauté . le personnel est tres sympathique .

Melia Costa Rey: Good resort!

Clean room, clean dining buffet and friendly staff. Everybody was having face masks and using them all the time. Clean walking passes and all around resort. They were washing every evening around pools. Good food and plenty. Lots of fresh fruits. Wifi available free, especially around the main lobby, sometimes in the room to-depending on the position. We didn't participate at everything activities and outside excursions , so not able to comment about these.

Starfish Varadero: Great resort, amazing staff!!!

We just got back from Starfish Varadero. What an amazing trip! Our room was upgraded to a bungalow and it was lovely. Close to the pool and a two minute walk to the beach. The beach itself was gorgeous. Absolutely pristine. We did three excursions, day in Havana with a personal guide (amazing), catamaran (amazing) and a keep safari (meh). The AC rep, Osvaldo, was great and helpful. My only complaint was the food. I didn’t care for anything. Super bland and zero taste. I suppose that [... read more]’s not the resorts fault and more a problem with access to food and spices in general. But the absolute highlight of our trip was the staff. From start to finish, they went above and beyond to help us and make our stay enjoyable. They’re the reason we’re going back in December.