Paradisus Varadero: Lots of unforced errors and shortages made trip not that enjoyable

Had problems with some staff not getting some problems fixed with our room. We spoke to our porter multiple times about no working TV and it never did get fixed. We also had a leaking toilet that caused issues most of the week. Lots of food and drink shortages were also a massive problem and spoiled the trip. For breakfast there was no bacon at all all week. There was also no maple syrup for pancakes and half the week there was no butter either. For Omelettes, early in the week th [... read more]ere was green peppers, onions, cheese, ham etc as ingredients. For the last few days there was nothing but eggs. There was no orange juice all week either. Bring your own Ketchup and Mustard, as their version of it is awful. I ordered a steak one night and it was supposed to be beef, but came out as pork. There was no beef except one specialty restaurant had it one night and we thought it was poor tasting. There was also no french fries all week, no potatoes of any kind actually, no regular hamburgers, although they did make a pork burger that they passed off as a hamburger and my wife liked it. There was also no Cristal Beer, which is the Cuban beer people usually drink and like. We like Strawberry and Banana Dacquiri's. They did not have them, with no supply on the mix for them. In your room fridge, at other resorts you would almost certainly get beer, pop and water in your fridge to drink. We had two kids drinking boxes and were told they didn't have enough beer or pop to supply the rooms. To me that is the most very basic things that you should be supplied with. At one point, pop on the resort was only down to Fanta orange and no cola or anything else. They do have some excellent staff, from the bartenders at the bars, to the restaurant staff and the golf cart drivers are all helpful and very attentive to your needs. We just felt at the end of the day, we did not get anywhere close to the value that we should have had for the price we paid. We feel for the staff having to deal with these issues constantly. If you are thinking of this resort, make sure others are saying these issues have been dealt with before booking. We cannot recommend.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Good resort but no longer a 5 star

Check in was a joke, At least 20 people came in on same plane and arrived at 1, all told at Front desk that check in was at 4 and collected all passports. When everyone came back at 4 pm only one person checking in everyone and was obvious no pre work done. Took 10 minutes a couple to check in. First day no towels in room, took 2 trips to get towels. Requested distilled water and while front desk said it would be in room never brought the whole week. Some bar staffs English is lacking so order [... read more]ing of drinks was a spin of the wheel. Bartenders in Piano bar, cigar bar and down at beach were excellent. Cleaning and maintenance of washroom nearest beach was non existent all week. Rarely was there toilet paper in the public wash rooms. You did not want to know what you were stepping into every time you went in. 2 out of 4 people in group had signs of food poisoning. Bar fridge left empty all week. Doors missing off the closet. This was my 4th time at this resort. My rating have gone from original Paradisus delivers on first visit to now this is a 3.5 star at best. As a side note it was very annoying to find out that other guests who came in after 1 pm were given rooms well before 4 pm. First impressions count and how Melia manages this resort has negatively impacted how I view this brand. I recognize Cuba has issues with supplies but most of the issues in this resort appear to be around personnel management, maintenance and food prep.

Sol Palmeras: A home away from home

We absolutely loved SOL Palmeras! The entire staff were beyond our expectations, from the check in to the waiters and waitresses at the Buffett to the bartenders and above all the animation/entertainment crew. Dailo, Alexis and the crew made our week so memorable! We had such an awesome time with them, singing, dancing, playing fun games through the day, basketball, volleyball, beach parties and all the night shows. We cannot thank you all enough for the amazing experience we had while in Cuba.  [... read more]The food was great, never a lack of anything when it came to food or beverages. So many places to eat all the time and such a huge selection. We will definitely be heading back next winter. Cannot wait to see you all ??

Tryp Cayo Coco: Tryp Cayo Coco

I have been to this resort 8 times now. I find even though this place is a little old the staff work hard at keeping it clean and tidy . they have in the recent past installed new lighting around the pool , which look amazing !. The recently installed roof over the patio was a much needed, well liked improvement . THe new teak walkways to beach (3) are a welcome addition and make the trip to the beach easier. The staff are very friendly and work hard to solve any issues that arise . There was a [... read more]lways a wide selection of food choices to pick from . I was always eating the fresh fruit and delicious smoothies served . Rooms are cleaned and made up daily , the maids are very personable and friendly . thanks Juaquin and Sergio for help and good conversations ! I like this place and will return many more tomes .

Melia Jardines del Rey: Wonderful vacation

Danaries Customer Service excellent helpful person. Grounds lovely, food plentiful. Beach amazing, restaurant great service lovely kind people. Lots of food beverages for everyone Yes we ran out but next day or in a few hours there it was so whatever you need Melia had it

Tryp Cayo Coco: Home away from home

Such an amazing place. Everything close to hand. Clean and well maintained. So much food, never left feeling hungry! Amazing view, incredible people. I would recommend this resort to everyone. Always feel so welcomed.

Melia Marina Varadero: Not as presented

Hotel is struggling! Shortage of food and what was there was limited. Same food everyday. Asked for butter for toast, advised none left. It was 9 a.m. no syrup for pancakes. No salad fixings. No toilet paper. Needed to ask for clean towels. Dark hallways where the hotel is not being used. Definitely not a five star! Not many guests either.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Beautiful place

The hotel was beautiful, kept very clean, suggest carrying tissue with you for bathrooms would be the 1 thing, staff was so hard working and the most kind and helpful. Rooms were a great size, and clean. There was things for all age groups to do whether at the resort or down by the ocean

Paradisus Rio De Oro: nice but...

We had the pleasure of staying at this resort from February 22nd to 29th, and we must commend Sunwing for their excellent service. Additionally, Tripcentral and Sandra provided invaluable assistance. Addressing some concerns raised in previous reviews about shortages, we found that while there was an abundance of beer, wine, and rum (although not of the highest quality), some of the more premium beverages were only sporadically available. We did notice a bottle of Black Label whisky vanish wi [... read more]thin minutes. To ensure a consistent supply of your preferred drinks, we recommend bringing your own. Regarding dining options, while the food quality was commendable, the variety in the main dining room was somewhat limited. For instance, we encountered the same cheese presented in different forms to create diversity. Eggs were available for only two days, after which they appeared in liquid form, the contents of which were uncertain. Like many others, we found it advantageous to bring our own spices, including salt, pepper, and vinegar. On a brighter note, the theme restaurants exceeded our expectations. We particularly enjoyed the charming beachside restaurant and bar, Santa Maria, which offered breathtaking views despite a somewhat restricted menu. The resort grounds were aesthetically pleasing, with a pristine beach and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts like ourselves. However, while the natural surroundings were impressive, we found that the maintenance of the hotel grounds could be improved. Public areas were pleasant, albeit with a limited selection of shops offering merchandise at premium prices. The main bar near the reception served excellent coffee, a delightful perk for caffeine enthusiasts. Our accommodations were clean, spacious, and equipped with efficient and whisper-quiet air conditioning. While the television quality was subpar, it met our expectations. We experienced a brief power outage upon returning from the beach before dinner, presumably due to an unforeseen incident. Additionally, there was a day with no hot water, which we attribute to a temporary issue. Overall, our stay at the resort was enjoyable, with highlights including the friendly service, picturesque beach, and satisfying dining experiences, despite some minor inconveniences.

Melia Internacional: Amazing Resort

We have visited Cuba before but nothing compares to the wonders of the Melia International Recommend you stay in an oceanfront room. View is beautiful Food is very good. Alcoholic drink selection was the only weak point. Good beer but cheap rum and no fruity drinks.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Royal service misses the mark

My husband and I have been looking forward to our trip to the Paradisus Princess del Mar in Varadero Cuba for many years. 4 years to be exact. We have travelled to Cuba many times and have stayed in the Melia hotels. We selected the Paradisus hotel so that we could finally get a swim up room and live the royal service experience. First let me say the hotel, the swim up royal service rooms and the grounds are beautiful. The food and the drinks were good given the challenges facing the Cuban p [... read more]eople. The maids did a lovely job cleaning the room. Where things come short is on the royal service. This was very disappointing as I said we were so excited and we paid the extra for the royal service and the swim up room for this trip. The assigned butlers did not always attend to requests and when they did it was not timely. We spent days by the pool outside of our room and no one came by to ask if we need drinks- we went to get our own. These are small things I know, however they are part of the royal service promise. As I looked around there was not a lot of staff around to serve the guests. We often waited for drinks at dinner and at the bars. While food and drink and room repair quality are not always in the control of Cuban resorts due to shortages, how people are served is. And I don’t believe the staff levels were adequate to provide the royal service we were so looking forward to. This resort is missing the mark. Also for the first time we have ever seen the beautiful Varadero beach was not cleaned of the overnight seaweed and garbage that comes on shore, for the whole week!! The beach is the best feature in Cuba and the pride that goes into maintaining them was gone.

Melia Trinidad Peninsula: We are already planning our come back to the resort

Everything about this resort is amazing; employees, rooms, cleanliness, food, bars, restaurants, patios, beaches, pristine sea with corals (didn't have any problem with 'rocks'...it is called nature), local musicians playing in the bars and the beach, excursions, proximity to beautiful Trinidad, meeting its beautiful people. We cannot stop talking about the hotel (few of our friends put the place in their next-to-do list…this is how much we are talking about it)

Melia Varadero: Large Resort

Approx 1500 people in resort. Modern, Food and drinks good. Sunwing flight times from Kitchener Suck. Arrived at Hotel after 11pm arrived home after 3am 10 minutes from Airport. Checked website at Kitchener airport parking $60 per week plus $8 for additional 2 hours . It came in at $128. Never again. I can get a limo to and from airport for $43 each way. I am 73 years old with low patience. For the first couple of days we would go down for breakfast at 9 to 9:30. The second day I waited 45 minu [... read more]tes in a line for an omelette. Gave up.By the end of the week we were going closer to 10 am when it was not so busy. Internet was non existant. Rooms were small unless you paid roughly $800 more for the Level 5th floor. I have been to Cuba over 40 times and love our friends at the Golf course. The staff is excellent and work very hard. Our old friend one day worked 18 hours straight. We knew 3 employees at the Hotel and they were very helpful. The beach is nice but with so many people chairs are scarce. The biggest problem I found was waiting in lines. Not my type of holiday. Don't bother with the Alacarte's . You have to book them daily at 7am with a 50 yard lineup. The female Sunwing rep on our first day tues. made us wait for an hour and then she said she would be another 1/2. hour asked the male Sunwing rep on Sat the 24th and he was very cooperative. I asked the lifeguards if one could help me move a chair about 50 feet and they said get the chair man. I went and got it myself and told him I would have given him $5. He said FU. They are 300 yards back from the beach. I don't know how they would save anyone with a beer and a cigarette. I have trouble with stairs and don't like elevators. There are about 30 stairs to the beach. If you like a nice burger on the beach the beach grill is nice if you want to wait for 45 minutes. We love the Cuban people but we went to a 3 star small resort and had a much more relaxing time. Everything is close. The people at tripcentral who we book with are the best. They have the best and simplest website. I would probably do better if we went back but I don't think so now. You know how Canadians talk about the food in Cuba. Don't worry there is no problem with food in this resort A1. Lots of Beef

Melia Cayo Coco: Great Resort

Loved this resort. The size was a big plus because you were close to everything. The staff were very friendly and went out of their way to make sure you were happy. The food was great, no shortages at all. A little repetitive but that is Cuba. Beach was stunning and big. Lots of loungers so you didn't have to go early to get one. The entertainment in the lobby, live music and instruments was amazing, so talented! Added touch because theater is the same everywhere. The upgraded room was perfect,  [... read more]ocean view, close to the beach with a walk in shower with rain head, my husband could actually fit ? They also gave us a deal in which we didn't even ask for and a bottle of whiskey in the room. They really do go the extra mile and this resort is a little gem ?

Sol Palmeras: Great spot

Clean rooms, good service overall, food is okay. Beer at the outdoor bars is foamy with slow service. Good entertainment in the lobby, during the evening . The staff is very friendly, and will help whenever required.

Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Wonderful resort

We loved how the resort is laid out, very easy to get around. The groundkeepers do an amazing job! And I can't say enough about the animation team...they are all very talented and kept us entertained every day and night. Our room, while a little worn down, was clean and the beds comfortable. We had an issue with the toilet not flushing on the first day, but maintenance fixed with a couple of hours...THANK YOU! All the staff are very friendly. As for the food, we didn't go hungry (we are no [... read more]t very picky eaters). Yes, there are shortages at times, but that is not the resort's fault. We will definitely be back!

Melia Trinidad Peninsula: Amazing

This hotel is amazing state of the art amenities from the rooms to dining pools and lounge areas. The food is fantastic best I’ve had in Cuba if your a beach bum not the best beach it’s very rocky probably because it’s so close to the mountains which are also a beautiful site to see the sunsets are spectacular and the staff are very friendly and very appreciative will definitely go back

Melia Trinidad Peninsula: Beyond Expectations

This hotel was nothing short of amazing the resort was absolutely beautiful along with amazing staff When we arrived we were more then amazed with the lobby until we got to our rooms Our rooms were nothing short of jaw dropping in a good way .The rooms were way beyond our expectations and nothing short of amazing I had read reviews about the resort but will tell you the food was great and never ran out of pop or booze like in a previous trip to another resort in Cuba .The snack bar always h [... read more]ad something good to eat This is definatly a resort i would return to as well as highly recommend The one downfall is location . It is an hour and a half bus ride which to me is the only draw back .But overall i would highly recommend this resort We will definatly be back as the bus ride is well forgotten by the amazing staff and resort EXCELLENT JOB MELIA

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: BIG DISAPOINTMENT

We spent 11 days there. At breakfast, there were very long lines if you wanted eggs or an omelette, at least twenty or more minutes waiting. Need to have a better toast making station with butter, jams, peanut butter, etc. No syrup available for the pancakes. The buffet was not up to standard. The specialty restaurants, Japanese and French were quite good. The Italian Restaurant was not good. The wines were generally good as well as the bar service. Very friendly staff. Rooms and grounds need  [... read more]some tender loving care. Stayed in Varadero about 20 plus years ago at a 4 plus star and were very pleased.

Melia Trinidad Peninsula: Absolutely stunning resort!

Love love love this resort! Everything is brand new and modern, staff are typical Cuban friendly and food and drinks delicious! Entertainment staff circulate throughout day to involve guests in activities. Room keys are linked to all inclusive wrist band so no carrying around room card. Abundance of loungers, umbrellas, sun beds and outdoor seating. Loved the live music at breakfast and lunch buffet. Good snorkeling right from the resort beach - such an incredible vacation!