Grand Memories Varadero: Places to avoid

If you go to this resort with zero expectations, then you won’t be disappointed. We have been to several resorts in Cuba and by far this was the worst experience we have ever had there. And it will be our last time going to Cuba.

Memories Cayo Largo: Awesome As Always!

Clean and well organized. Diamond Club is a plus! Everything as good or better than in the past - except for the lack of a beach. Shout out to Ivo, Miguel, Yosbel, Celia and Kirenia for outstanding service!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Great staff and beach ... but ...

We where there the week of Feb 28 – Mar 7. Sanctuary Memories is one of 3 memories resorts that are end to end to end. Grand Memories and Memories being the other 2. Sanctuary is the premium of the three with Memories being the lesser and Grand being in between. We arrived at Sanctuary around 11pm and entered the booking desk area in the lobby. The lobby, lobby bar and booking desk where small and looked like something out of the 1990s. The lobbies in the other resorts were very large and  [... read more]very modern and welcoming. While we where checked in somewhat quickly, we were jammed into a small area waiting to get our room. We found out later that there was food for us, but the staff did not inform us. We were also told we would receive a welcome drink, which also did no materialize. Our bags were taken to our rooms by staff (perk of being at Sanctuary). There are 6 buildings that surround the pool. Building 61 is closest to the beach. The rooms are dated, but a good size. Each building has 3 floors. We where on the 2nd floor facing the ocean. While we could see the ocean over the trees, I’m sure the view from the 3rd floor is better. Yes … no elevators. Each building has 1-2 butlers that take care of any needs and make a-la-cart reservations. Our butlers were Jose and Dayan. Both are great guys and went above and beyond in their assistance. I asked what the difference in Sanctuary and the other resorts … Sanctuary has butlers, no kids and 20% off spa. The rooms are air conditioned, but for some reason towels and sheets where always damp. I confirmed this with many other guests. The bath tub is very narrow and the bottom of the tub being about 6-7” off the ground, which made it tricky getting in and out. The grab bar came off the wall in my hand. The staff, beaches, pool and grounds where great … everything else not so much. Noting that this is Cuba, my expectations for the food where very low … and the actual food was lower than I expected. Pork is the main meat with some chicken. I got tired of eating pork. All the a-la-cart restaurants did not have any choices … everyone got same meal … usually grilled pork. Sometimes, they had beef, but it was tough as leather. There is only 1 a-la-cart at Sanctuary, with the others being at Memories. You would think that being in a tropical climate, that there would be fruits abound … no such luck … there was only papaya and guava. All the juices served are made from powder mixes and tap water. They have 24hr snack bar, but only serve pizza (tomato sauce looks like tomato juice). There is a shuttle service between the 3 resorts. It is a 15-20 min walk from one end to the other. We felt the food at the buffet was better than the a-la-carts … more variety. There are a couple of food huts around the pool and at the beach, but they only serve grilled pork. The bar had beer and rum, not much else. No vodka. The lobby bar had mix for various mixed drink, but I couldn’t get a mojito anywhere. The ice cubes are made with tap water. Between the buildings and the pool is a walkway and bushes. Every night and morning there is a truck that goes along the walkway fogging the bushes for blackflies … they are using pesticide. You can smell and taste it. I feel the fogging pushes that bugs towards the pool. I ended up with bites all over my body. The on-site doctor helped with the itching. I had asked the front desk if there was a schedule for the so-called evening shows at the theatre and general ‘need to know’ around the resort. Neither was available. The odd night show they had was not acceptable entertainment. We had to constantly ask other guests and our butler about where things where and what was going on …. Including the towel exchange. Overall … I’ve been to worse resorts, but I’ve been to better in Cuba. Would I go back … NO.

Grand Memories Holguin: All I can say is NO

I don't complain about resorts in Cuba because after all it is Cuba don't get me wrong, there are great places to stay and we have been very happy at other locations in Cuba. However when you have to pay $5.00 CA for a bottle of pop, (in our case diet pop) to be brought in because they tell you "there is no pop on all the island" and we don'tdring alcohol, its a bit much. All the staff at the resort were great and grounds are nicely kept. It was too windy 5 out of the 7 days to really take adva [... read more]ntage of the ocean. The hydro went in and out at least once each day and the 2 hour non-stop bus ride was just too much.

Grand Memories Varadero: Good vacation

Even though food was okay and didn’t rise to a 4 star standard as well as the room booked, the ease of booking and induction available both online and at the resort was good. Transportation was provided with the price of the booking.

Memories Trinidad Del Mar: On the Resort

The resort is lovely. Rooms, grounds, beach and dining all were just fine. Being Cuba, of course there will be something in your room that should have been replaced a long time ago, and there will always be some item of food or drink that is temporarily unavailable. No big deal. The beach is spectacular, and the water beautifully warm and calm for swimming. The calm doesn't quite extend to outside the resort, however. And getting off the resort is why many people go to Trinidad. There were  [... read more]many arguments on the Trini bus as they now want your credit card for the fare, and most folk were unwilling. There were several blackouts in the town during the day...no coffee! And at night, trying to deal with those old broken streets in total blackness is dangerous. Sitting in the waiting lounge at the airport, we experienced a 15 minute blackout which doesn't exactly inspire confidence. My biggest beef is about the money. The money exchange at the bank gives you the official rate, but you will be charged the unofficial rate at any restaurant, bar, taxi etc, and that is almost double. $1 U.S. bills are good for tips, larger bills not wanted. You can usually pay with Euros or Canadian money, but any change owed is given in pesos. And, the crowning glory.... at the airport money exchange, I was refused when I tried to change back some surplus pesos, despite having been told by the Cadeca employee at the hotel that this was where to do it. "It's not possible" was the excuse at the airport.What country doesn't want its own money back?? Also, nothing at the airport can be bought in pesos. So, a giant mess regarding money, and a general feeling that things are getting worse. At the same time, a huge new Melia hotel is almost ready to open on the peninsula.

Grand Memories Holguin: A TRIP TO HELL!!!!!!!!!

This is clearly a Sunwing hotel. As they partially own it, all others not booking through them are not welcome. Sunwing (diamond and gold club) immediate check. All others line up for over two and a half hours checking in. Sunwing (diamond and gold club members) allowed to book priority Alacarte restaurants all others line up for over an hour to get what's left. TI was not able to book the Japanees restaurant at all during my 14 days and the Italian only once. No mixed drinks. At the bar there  [... read more]was only one bartender who is instructed to serve (diamond and gold club first) and all others only if when there is a break in their orders. International drinks are Johnny walker red, Vat 69 and Jaminson for regular customers (red band). They ran out of cola again for people with the red band but lots for the customers wearing the diamond club band. )Desserts were chocolate ice cream and red shreaded beets. :NO PASTRIES". They ran out of eggs and bread for days. They had bedbugs on the fourth floor in section "E", room 2436 and sandbugs in the sand on the beach which when bitten leave welts the size of a dime for seven days. Both required shots at the hotel clinic. No liquor, cigar or coffee sales at the hotel. Closest place is Antilla a $60.00 dollar taxie ride. Hola Sun did not supply me with a ride to the airport for my air transat flight but for the good graces of the kind sunwing rep was able to hitch a ride on their bus. otherwise it would have cost me a $200.00 CDN taxie fare. The return flight home was ane hour late due to an equipment failure at the Holguin airport. No their fault and they handled the situation well with courtisy and professionalism.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Beautiful and neat

We really liked the superior garden view room, it was a nice size and we actually had a king size bed instead of two doubles. It wasn’t really a garden view as it was a major path with palm and coconut trees. Still a nice view. The room had been updated with a walk in shower, no tub. The buffet wasn’t great. Due to the war, supplies are not getting to them. Butter, bread, flour, sugar, pasta were difficult or impossible to find. I am severely allergic to peppers so couldn’t eat anythin [... read more]g from the buffet except meat when available. The cook set it aside for me so I could eat something. I had a protein diet for two weeks. The staff were pleasant but we didn’t really have anyone warm up to us like we are used to at other resorts when we stay for two weeks. Our room was always cleaned and staff responsible were awesome at getting us water, towels etc. The beach was nice. There is a drop off about 2 feet out from shore but fine if you are sure footed.

Grand Memories Santa Maria: Most beautiful beach

My daughter and I had an awesome week at Grand Memories. The staff are so gracious and helpful. The room was kept spotless. We were part of the Diamond Club which afforded us a la cart dinners for Mexican, Mediterranean, Cuban and Italian. The regular buffet had lots of food all the time. You have to realize the food choices are basic given what they can import in. We brought peanut butter, jam and syrup. Their bread is to die for. The biggest attraction was the beach, it is so beautiful [... read more], clear water and white sand. This was our second time going to the same resort and we will go again. Tammie and Cassielle

Grand Memories Santa Maria: great vacation

just returned from Grand Memories Santa Maria cuba. The resort is huge if walking is not your thing this will not be your place. carts were available if you waited. The pools are very nice and big. music and descent entertainment was provided at night time in the lounge and in the stadium. rooms were nice however our first night my wife stripped the sheets as they were dirty.food was descent but there was no fish which was a dissapointment. The beach and water are by far the main attr [... read more]action blue water and white sands. covid precautions are not really enforced there. social distancing, disinfection hand sanitizer dispensers were not seen. all in all was a good trip too big of a place for us

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Pretty Decent Stay

Grounds were well kept and not too dirty, snack bar area was filthy from birds. Room was comfortable, air conditioner worked, power was hard to turn on. Food was pretty good, restaurants were very clean and tidy.

Grand Memories Varadero: Good vacation with some challenges

Beaches & pools great, resort layout good. Food is challenge, poor quality and shortage of staples (pasta, eggs). Have to request clean towels multiple times. Would return though bc cheap & great beach.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Happy Resort

We loved the resort , our room was clean , the ac worked always had bottles of water left in our room and towels. The buffet staff were very pleasant always recognized you, I loved when the chef was singing. The food was good , the selection at times was mostly pork, but we never went hungry.The bars were well stocked, Route 66 bar was fun! Dam it Janet!! The grounds were very well maintained and friendly staff again.Wifi was spotty. Recreation staff awesome!!

Grand Memories Santa Maria: Changed resorts!

We arrived at Grand Memories on March 6, 2023. After spending two nights we decided to switch to Memories Sanctuary. Our room and another person who traveled with us and had a separate room decided to leave because the rooms were not clean. Blood on the sheets in our room and the other room. Drawers were full of dirt and shelves in closet dirty. Once changing to Sanctuary we were very satisfied. Nice rooms, beautiful landscaping, excellent buffet. We stayed in Bungalow #60. Our Butler w [... read more]as Mercedes. Wonderful person who was always cheerful and made sure our stay was wonderful.

Grand Memories Santa Maria: Nice beaches but it is Ok hotel.

We love the benches but hotel rooms rhar one of room' s mini fridge didn't work for 6 days, one of rooms air condition was making noises when it is running. We did notify customers service but no luck. Our second Ala carte restaurant' s reservations was canceled in last minute due to shortage of staff but didn't give us to book another reservation.The food was Ok and staff were Good.

Grand Memories Cayo Largo: 3 hour line at check in

As Grand Memories itself was not ready for our stay were transfered to the Sanctuary section. This is an amazing area. The bungalows were kept clean, the grounds were kept neat and clean. The exceptional staff! Transporting by taxi to the beaches or marina area was not helpful or readily available. The 3 hour wait in line during the check in was not at any way acceptable. The flights each way were both amazingly smooth. The staff on the resort and the food was of great quality. Airport s [... read more]taff needs help for check in process.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Great spot to vacation for sure!!!

From the time we landed to the day we had to leave this beautiful location we were given the best hospitality. On the bus, which was easy to locate, to the hotel, from the airport, we were offered drinks for the ride. When we arrived at the hotel we had butlers to take our luggage to our rooms. There was offerings of drinks and homemade pizza to great us. The hospitality was always so friendly, kind and so supportive for our stay. The wait staff at our daily buffet meals for breakfast, lun [... read more]ch and dinner, to our mini bar supplies every night (beer and water included) to the amazing entertainment staff that kept us going all day long with activities. The entertainment group did yoga, workouts, games, dance lessons, to nightly entertainment nights at the theatre for the guests to enjoy. Wow they never disappointed us either. Food was available all day long at the buffet with a wide variety to choose from. Even with food intolerances I was able to eat with no issues daily and the food was delicious. There were A la Cart dinners offered to us daily from our butlers. These dinners were not buffet and more of a dressier night out setting for dinning. This is optional and at no added expense but needed to be booked in the mornings through our butler. Every day we received room service with beautiful bed art for us to enjoy. The cleaning staff always left the room clean. Bring the butlers, cleaning staff and mini bar staff items they can use, such as hygiene items/children items/clothing etc, to support themselves and their families; they will treat you very well to show their appreciation. For the wait staff, bar staff, beach chair support workers, entertainment staff bring small dollar bills in US or Canadian for tipping. They earn it for sure with all they do for us visitors. Beach chair staff will help find you good lounge chairs in the mornings and sweep them clean for you, for an enjoyable day at the beach front. The pool also has lots of lounge chairs as well as a swim up bar. I would highly recommend this hotel for the experience of visiting Cuba. Definitely a great stay from beginning to end. Yes the food was amazing daily!!!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Beautiful resort

This is my second time to this resort and it is spectacular!!!!! The grounds are beautiful well maintained, the beach is absolutely beautiful!!!! Water is turquoise clear with very little seaweed, lots of little fish and white sand you can walk for miles !!!! It could use a coat of paint here and there but after Covid it will get there in time, but still amazing!!!! Most amazing staff, friendly and very kind . Butler service was spectacular and the entertainment crew keeps you on your toes !!!!! [... read more] Lots of laughs !!!!! Food , well let just say I have been to Cuba many times and I was blown away with the food !!!! Always something to eat and it was delicious!!!!! Sanctuary Grande Memories Santa Maria is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🏝️

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Nice place

Very pretty grounds, great staff nice beach til half was washed away. The music and games at the pool were very loud every afternoon same as at beach many different radios trying to drown out the other one, they need a quiet pool

Grand Memories Varadero: DO NOT STAY HERE

This resort is easily a two star. It should never be considered a five-star resort. The Buffay had cockroaches. Rooms have leaking, ACs, bedbugs, and no toilet seats. The staff are not friendly, and the grounds are not well capped. The hotel needs an entire renovation. There were a lot of unhappy guests during the week that we stayed. We had to be moved twice, and our room door would not lock. The beach is beautiful but other than that there is nothing nice about this resort. I would recommend g [... read more]oing somewhere else as the photos are very misleading.