Gran Muthu Imperial: Nice hotel but COVID is the problem!!

There is what you need to know. This isn't the first time at this resort. Our previous visit was one of the best experiences I ever had in Cuba and this has been the worse experience I ever had anywhere. Resort ground well kept and maintained. Pool clean and beautiful. Rooms are nice and our maid (7102) did a good job. Only issue is we never received beer or pop after the first day. We did receive water daily. Food and very scarce and limited. Last time we were here there were [... read more] pasta stations, pizza stations, fish and meat etc.. This time three was only fish and meat(pork and sometimes beef only) stations. The hot buffet had 3 or 4 different rice dishes, a bean dish maybe and potato dish. Also something they repurposed with hotdogs and a pork dish you could dump over your rice. Breakfast was the best meal of the day. You're not allowed to serve yourself so you are always waiting for a staff member to put your requested food on your plate if they could understand you. During our stay there was no butter for the first 3 days, no vodka at any of the bars, no chicken and the list can go on and on. We were lucky and we were able to eat at the alacarts most nights(thanks to a staff member getting us in Yoan). We arrived on Wednesday Jan 19th and we were able to enjoy our selves beside the food issues until the Monday night when our COVID test results can back (this is when the nightmare begins). I will try to keep it short and to the point, but I could write a novel. I SUGGEST NOT TO TRAVEL TO CUBA ANYTIME SOON. THEY HAVE A MAJOR COVID OUTBREAK. They tested us Sunday morning and you get result back late Monday night for Wednesday travel back to Ontario. I went to the desk at 2200 to find out our results and told that my girl friend tested positive for COVID and I was negative. At this point we had to pack up her things and she was taken away to another room in the same hotel(I choose to go with her so she wasn't alone) . She did 2 rapid tests and both were negative and she had zero symptoms. There were also 9 other people from the same plane that we were at our resort (not counting other resorts) that tested positive. Once you were put in the COVID rooms you were treated like you didn't exist anymore. The Air Canada Rep at the hotel through this whole experience was no help at all. They didn't even check on there customers to see what they could do or if you approach them they just talked in circles and said to deal with the hotel. Air Canada was the ones promoting this place and should be held responsible too. Customer service would call your room to see what you wanted to eat 3 times a day. If the food even showed up it was normally cold, you might get a fork or knife, a nice salad but no dressing. Lunch one day came at 1600 and another day dinner at 2200. How is this acceptable? After you're finished with your dishes you put them on a table out in the hallway. Most days the dishes would sit there for the majority of the 24 hours before someone would pick them up. This was attracting very large cockroaches and animals. There was no maid service. If you wanted your room clean you had to beg and tip to get cleaning products from the maid. Then she would stand there and watch you clean your own room. My girlfriend's sister and myself had to keep calling the resort to help get her the basics like food and water. The resort refused to give you any beers or alcohol and when you ask why they said because you have COVID. I asked for her to be retested because she had no symptom and was wondering if it was a false positive and they said not for 5 days. I said I'm paying for the tests and should be able to be retested. They out right said no. The only time you saw the Doctor and nurse was once a day when they would show up to listen to your breathing. Most days they didn't even know my girl friends was. No paperwork with her name on or chart. Other peoples names, but not hers. Now came Wednesday when our flight was to return. I had to leave her there after a heavy heart, as if I stayed and tested positive later in the week, I would be forced to stay another 10 days after the results come back. Now she was all by herself in isolation. It just got worse from here. Thankfully we had bug spray as she was getting eaten by bugs in the room. She sprayed the balcony daily as there were ants everywhere as well. The front desk at certain points were purposely not answering the phone we she would call to request water. I know this as when I called from home they answered immediately. Her sister had to keep emailing as well as calling. Even then most the time they said they would look after our request and nothing happened. Friday came along and they retested her. Again we had to wait to the following night(Saturday) to get the result but they never did arrive until Sunday morning. At 0830 Sunday morning we received the news she was negative. Now the race was on to get her on the only flight Sunday(no others till Tuesday)to get back home. The only flight was a Sunwing flight because Air Canada reduced flights to only to 2 days a week. The Air Canada rep just pushed her over the Sunwing rep. They Sunwing rep said there were lots of seats on the flight so she jump in a cab to the airport. After the cab driver ripped her off for $70 to driver her one way(could have got a ride from the airport when we arrived for $35 CDN) she now had to wait out side the Airport until most people checked in and for Sunwing to process payment. During this time the Sunwing rep was playing around with his friends outside the terminal watching videos, screwing around and burping loudly (very unprofessional).After a bunch more hops she made the plane ride home at a cost of $495.00. Lucky we purchased COVID insurance. Side note the Sunwing flight she was able to get on, 47 people missed there flight home because they tested positive in Cuba. There is a lot more to this nightmare, but I have given more than enough information to paint the picture. The resort could have done such a better job to help you through this experience and they just refused. I will be a very long time before we travel to Cuba again.

Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Great stay

The grounds were beautiful and gardens work all day keeping it so. Attendants are at all bathrooms and they are kept clean. All staff wear PPE and spray your hands as you walk into a restaurant.it’s clean, inexpensive and the beach is beautiful. It’s probably a 3.5 star but the beach and staff make it worth it.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Wonderful Resort

This resort in Holguin was great. The food was amazing. I know a lot of people complain about the food in Cuba but this resort was great. The staff are wonderful and friendly. I cannot say enough. The rooms were wonderful and very clean The resort itself was amazing. I will definitely go back

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Beautiful Resort

Enjoyed staying at this hotel. Easy check in and stayed in the privilege area. Was nice to have a restaurant and bar nearby and really good serving personnel. All the hotel workers wear masks inside and outside. The room was spacious and had a balcony. The one issue I had was little to no hot water. However the rest was great. Privilege has it's own pool and its a short walk to the ocean. The beach is not as nice as the long main beach of Varadero but it's adequate. Internet is free and works th [... read more]rough out the resort.

Melia Cayo Coco: Sweetest, mist attentive staff ever!!!

We absolutely adored Melia Cayo Coco! Lovely pool! Nice restaurants! Good morning yoga/stretch! And very nice, clean rooms! The beach was great! The service was awesome! Quiet, peaceful relaxation at an adult's only resort was exactly what we were looking for. We also net a lot of really fun, friendly other tourists!

Brisas Santa Lucia: as good as always

the grounds and room was will kept food was not fantastic but filling and tasty the staff was all friendly and accommodating the bars where will stocked and open at all times. the medical staff attended to the 72 hour covid test in record time

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Paradisus rio de Oro

This hotel is amazing please. It is true paradise. It’s quite and full off beautiful gardens. Service is definitely 5 stars. I don’t understand when people say in Cuba there is no good food . I guess you are going to cheep wrong hotels because this one has fantastic food and world chef. We stay in Royal section but the also the regular part is amazing.

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Clean and beautiful resort!

This resort is pretty new. They just opened about 2 and half months. I just love the smell of new places, new towels, new beddings etc…There is only one main buffet and 3 a la cart restaurants, one snack bar opens 24 hours by the beach. The food are not too bad. Not too much options but enough to eat. I actually like it like this so I don’t have to over eat. Bring some hot sauce. The food is a bit blend. The staff are super friendly and nice. Cuban are nice people. There’s a tennis cou [... read more]rt and basketball ball court at the front of the hotel and a volleyball net on the beach. Not too much shows to watch but they do have nightly entertainment such as a band and a singer at the lobby. There’s a big night club in the lobby area. Also a bar on the 7th floor which is not included in the all inclusive package. You have to pay for the drinks there and a pool table. If you pay by peso it’s cheaper than USD. There is an exclusive adult only side of the hotel which is probably premium paid. Over all it’s a nice resort, the beach is beautiful with clear water and white sand. Pools are nice. Hot tub is not hot or not even warm. Weather is not too hot in January around 25-28 degree celsius during the day but windy and rainy and could get cooler in the evening so a light sweater is recommended.

Playa Costa Verde: Good amenities, but apparently COVID is causing problems

The room is good, the maid service is excellent. The beach is a dream for small children, since it is on the lee side and the sea is very calm. The pools are nice, almost all the amenities one would need are there. The entertainment is also good, corresponding to a 4-star resort. There is not always hot water. The bad news - apparently the resort was suffering severe supply problems, since the food was pretty poor. Until the 5th day (the 1st of January) meat, fish and seafood were nowhere to be [... read more] seen, except chicken wings and once canned seafood. And everything was tasteless. Due to COVID the guests have to wait for teh personnel to put the food in their plates and this is a huge inconvenience. Hopefully this will be gone soon. The Italian restaurant was excellent, the others were pretty good too. On the 1st of January the things changed radically and everything went back to normal with the food, as I knew it. Meat, fish and seafood, reappeared in the buffet restaurant, the taste in the food too. Must say that the personnel is trying their best in the difficult situation. Example - there is "only one computer" at the reception and when a big group arrives, one should forget about getting help there. What were we missing and what could be better: - no tea - a big minus for me personally - no kettle available to have in the room - for a family with a toddler this is a must - no flexibility for a late check-out - we had to wait until 10 a.m on the day of our departure to find out whether we can keep the room for a few more hours - not enough street lighting around the resort

Playa Costa Verde: Second time at this hotel

All workers wore masks at all times. Everything keep clean and workers went out of there way to make the trip a happy vacation. There was plenty of food so there was no way you would go hungry. Music a bit louder than I would like around the pool, but again I am an older person and the younger generation enjoy it. Was nice hearing Spanish music most of the time instead of English after all we were in Cuba. Beach was clean, water clear just be careful the rocks. This is a natural beach. I would  [... read more]not think twice about going back again. Had a great time and looking forward to someday returning Was there Dec.07-21, 2021

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Absolutely Beautiful Resort!!!

This resort was a definite a 5/5! The Staff, beach and food were amazing! Unfortunately getting there and returning was stressful! Sunwing was absolutely horrible! We will definitely be going back to this resort only with a different airline! Ana our chamberlady was so sweet and hard working. Noelvis and Diana, our butlers, went above and beyond the call of duty. Dialys and the kitchen staff were excellent! Bravo Felix for running a top notch resort!

Roc Barlovento: Okay…. 2 star

Our particular hotel room was clean. The service people were nice, however the manager was not good with helping. I guess he felt self entitlement. Wasn’t overly impressed. A lot of Cuban visitors were staying on the resort and hoarding food to give to their relatives outside the resort. Taking all the food, not leaving any for people in the line. ((Ie: who needs 25 pieces of chicken piled on their individual plate?). And then the next person told they have to wait 20 mins for food.  [... read more]This was common. Cubans were cutting into the lines, not adhering to COVID rules. Leaving cigarettes and garbage all over the resort. I know it’s been difficult with COVID, just wasn’t expecting the mess and rudeness. Wasn’t impressed. The weather was great though. Wifi only given out 2 hours at a time, inconvenient but could work with it.

Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing Service and food!

We recently stayed (6 Jan to 13 Jan) and it was the best trip we have been on. The grounds were clean and the beach was very nice. This was our second trip to Cuba. Randy and mariesly that work at the snack bar are simply the most amazing people we have met. Not only the service they provided but the attention to detail was outstanding. They went over and beyond for our group of four and provided us with true gourmet Cuban meals at the snack bar! The cook that was working there was also one of t [... read more]he best! He would create different items and bring them out to us for testing. We could not have asked for better service or food. We will definitely be going back to visit our new friends soon!

Melia Internacional: Amazing resort

Very nice hotel, good service, good food and beautiful beach! We are happy with everything! Close to the Airport and Varadero.we would recommend this Amelia International resort to our family and friends

Hotel Los Cactus: Be Live Adults Only Los Cactus

This is a very nice resort. The rooms were clean and spacious, the grounds were well maintained. There were plenty of paths through the grounds to enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers and the beach was beautiful. The food was good with a lot of choices and all of the servers and wait staff were very friendly and helpful in fact all of the staff at the hotel were friendly and welcoming. I would have no problem recommending this to my friends and family, in fact I am already coming for an [... read more]other 2 weeks this March. Can't wait.

Melia Las Dunas: Amazing beach

The beach is the best in Cuba but entertainment is horrible and the first time that we haven't felt welcome in a Cuban resort. Hopefully other resorts will reopen we love the beach but won't return to mld

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Great Resort.

We found rooms and generally all areas clean and maintained. Ala Cart restaurants were very good. Staff were friendly and attentive. Drinks and bars were also good 👍. Pools areas lots of seating. The beach area is also quite nice. If we have any complaints it would only be the pool side entertainment as well as the nightly entertainment was very poor. Otherwise we'll pleased with Muthu

Club Kawama: resort club kawama

Kawama is as always a fun place to meet people that enjoy a good time. Yes the food is not like back home but surprise , your not in Canada pal. As for the tropical location here,s another surprise THEY HAVE BUGS so deal with it (ie bring bug spray duh). All being said this is the Cuba that we love , not a five star by any means but one hell of a fun place to enjoy. Last but not least the staff at Kawama are the BEST.Kudos to them now and in the future.

Club Kawama: Loved It!!

Loved the beautiful beach, pools, buffet, drinks, music — great time! This was my second visit to this resort and nice to see some great staff and friendly regular visitors again I felt safe from the worries of Covid - staff made sure all precautions were taken

Playa Costa Verde: Mixed feelings

Return Visit  Dec5 8 to Dec 29 - 3 weeks    Unfortunately this visit was very disappointing unlike our previous one. Our first week was good but as we got closer to Christmas there was a notable change in food quantity, quality and an increase of people with bad manners.  We were the minority these three weeks with Locals representing over 95% of the guests.  Sorry but using the excuse that Canadians don't understand the cultural differences does not justify the bad manners we encoun [... read more]tered. We tipped in CUP and Canadian, they can use CUP to purchase many items and tipping in Pesos will spread your tips amoung many.  We were able to pay in Canadian for drinks at the Airport.  You need a credit card to pay for your Covid return test and purchases in the stores,  so we used Canadian, CUP, Visa and U.S. funds. The maid was tipped in Canadian at the end of each week, she was great and we only had two problems with the room, the safe and a light which were fixed promptly. Tourists and locals need to respect staff by wearing your mask when approaching staff along with approaching fellow tourists and when walking in common areas.  We saw families of up to 14 come in for day passes and overnight stays not wearing masks so not surprisingly now seeing their Covid numbers increasing dramatically.  The staff were great, no complaints there, however we probably won't be returning as we didnt  enjoy the nightly crap show at the buffet with rude people constantly butting in, hoarding plates of food and touching the food with their hands.  We had people yelling in the corridor and drunks banging on our door every night at 2 am along with locals peeing in front of the table we were eating at while at the snack bar.  There were a few food and beverage shortages that occurred usually after the weekend visits by the locals. No condiments or salt and pepper to be found. We are not new to Cuba having been there over 70 times over the past 15 years.  I have to say this was the most disappointing trip so far.  The hotel was equivalent to a 2 star for food during our visit, the excellent service just couldn't make up for everything else.