Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Great stay

Our stay was better than we were expecting. Reviews can be very mixed and it's hard to see past a bad one - but we really didn't have any negative experiences. The beach is absolutely incredible and 100% the reason to go. The food is quite bland but we still always had options (I am vegetarian and still always had something). We did bring our own condiments and brought them to each meal which was really helpful, as I don't think there are any there. We were able to eat at an a-la-carte almost ev [... read more]ery night, which was nice. For drinks, they really old have rum for hard liquor but lots of beer and wine (no diet sodas). The bugs on the beach were REALLY bad at morning and night, so definitely bring a good buy spray and after-bite. I got so many bites no matter how much I tried to prepare. The only negative I could find would be that the "Sanctuary" section of the beach is very small, and people get up at 5am to save chairs. It's frustrating to get up at 7 and have no chairs available, and no one actually sitting in any of them until 10am. If the resort stopped allowing this it would be a big improvement. The pizza on the beach is incredible - definitely recommend. They accept USD and CAD for tips but if you give them CAD coins they are constantly asking other tourists to change it into bills, so it seems to be much easier for them if you get USD $1s for tipping. We also really struggled to find sunglasses anywhere on the resorts or shops, so definitely bring extras! The butlers and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The entertainment and music at the pool is very repetitive, but it didn't really matter to us. The rooms are okay, nothing special but also no complaints. The hotel is pretty far (1.5-2 hours) from the airport so you lose a day in travel. As long as you know to expect less in Cuba than in other caribbean countries, I would give it a solid 4 stars.

Memories Paraiso: Great vacation

The hotel was very clean. Staff were extremely nice and helpful. Some items they did not have all the time however we adapted. Would definitely stay at the hotel again. The beach and pool were amazing.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Just OK

This was our first time in Cuba so I have nothing to compare it to. Cuba is suffering major food shortages and other supy chain issues.The resort itself needs updating. Rooms are spacious. On arrival we had no top sheets, only a stained bedspread, no towels, safe did not work and the AC wasn't working properly. The safe issues was not resolved for 2 days, even after several reminders. Received towels the same day, however the topsheets also took a few days. Food and drinks are a hit and miss. No [... read more] butter, apparently this is everywhere due to the lack of dairy farms. Eggs are plentiful. Watermelon, guava and papaya are the only fruit in season at this time. The al carte restaurants are good. Bland, usually offered, pork, chicken maybe seafood or beef, always served with rice. There is a beach BBQ daily, would not recommend, Saw the staff touching the cooked food with the raw food utensils, hot dog was cold inside and chicken was uncooked. The French fries and chocolate ice cream ( served for dessert at every meal) were delicious. The staff are all very helpful and pleasant. The sanctuary offers a butler, we saw ours twice not very helpful with our issues. Other butlers came around and checked up on their people to make sure everything was OK. Beach is beautiful, ocean was warm. Beach and pool side chairs were taken by 7:30 everyday. Not sure the price we paid is worth this resort. Still had a great time, not sure I would go back to the Sanctuary.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Memories Flamenco Cayo Coco

Though the resort looks beautiful and the beach was awesome, our room, 8304 smelt like the swamp which is right behind the building. To makes matter worse, despite the thermacell device we used and Off spray to repell mosquitoes, My husband and I are covered with mosquito bites that I am still dealing with 3 days post vacation. And I have pictures to prove. Not to forget, they were always running out of alcohol at the bar and eggs for breakfast.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Disappointed

This resort was recommended by friends who stayed there last year. Maybe it was good at that time. This time all the service was upon request-clean the room, change towels...we understand going green but the sheets had not so pleasant stains, towels not fresh and always damp, almost wet. There was only one "Please clean the room" tag in the building. Needed to chase the cleaner and let her know what we need and when, or they would show up after 4:30. Food-running out of ice, running out of bread [... read more], cheese, mint for mojito, salt, pepper... The personnel learned the word "sorry" really well although I don't think it was their fault. A la carte: leftovers from the buffet, same dried cake being called tiramisu in Italian restaurant and white cake in Cuban. Forgot to mention-we were diamond club too but same food with less options in that restaurant. Entertainment: you can't go wrong with original records of Michael Jackson, Cats or Chicago, dancers good but live music-what happened to amazing musicians that we used to enjoy before. Personnel was working very hard, as always, but apparently some things were beyond fixing already. Cockroach on the ham platter in the buffet was the last drop...good thing we saw it on the last day

Memories Trinidad Del Mar: Worst hotel in Cuba!

On registration, we were not given the list of activities, restaurant's, etc, so we were constantly asking for information. On the weekends, the hotel employees had their friends/families stay for the weekend. This was nothing more than a drunken affair along with prostitutes that were permitted into the resort. The internet service was lousy, constantly requiring the front desk to log us in, sometimes 3 or 4 times per day. Food, for example cheese, would run out at the snack bar, but was av [... read more]ailable in the cafeteria, but no one would go and see if it was available. The lifeguards were not really lifeguards, who paid little attention to the beach activities, but were more interested in exchanging currency, and/or selling rum and other items. There was no representative from Tripcentral to help in the return private car service, on anyone else to help. This resort lacks upper management control, as there seems to be no control at all, however, the cuban workers were very friendly, helpful, and not too demanding in their request for clothing, etc. The food was monotonous, as many places in Cuba, except for the international hotels.

Grand Memories Holguin: Grand memories Holguin

Lovely week in Holguin. The bus drive to the resort is approximately 2 hours. When we arrived at the resort around midnight they had a buffet waiting for us at the snack bar. The resort and the staff are all new (3 months) the staff were all pleasant and happy to help. Tips and gifts to staff were much appreciated. The was always something to eat despite supply issues in Cuba. I would say value for the money. It’s Cuba 🇨🇺 enjoy the culture and the beautiful atmosphere.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Another great trip to Memories Caribe

Just got back from my 3rd trip to Memories Caribe since Nov. Great weather and staff .. beach is 5/5 and there is lots of room and shade for everyone. Food was fine for me and I only had a few small bug bites … that only seems to be a problem for some ! Can’t wait to return … the staff were all amazing !!

Memories Trinidad Del Mar: Good

Grounds well kept. Food was good However the rooms need revamping The room I stayed in was old and the washroom was not done properly. The bathtub need some work. Please upgrade the rooms. The staff should be able to speak a little English.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Clearly Old and Tired Resort

Our main concern is that things were advertised by Sunwing literature about the "Sanctuary Deluxe Junior Suite All Inclusive stay", that they could not, or did not provide. If they were not advertised, we would not have "expected" them. When staff at property were approached, there were lots of promises, but no follow through. Clearly this resort is "old and tired" - from leaky showers to broken locks or no locks, not enough lounge chairs or broken ones, it was disappointing. Our pool view ro [... read more]om looked over the maintenance building behind the pool. Definitely not as advertised. When we choose a holiday, we rely on the accuracy of the description of the amenities provided. We choose a destination, and spend our hard earned money, to get the services promised. Overall upsetting and disheartening. Won't return.

Memories Trinidad Del Mar: Awesome Experience

Once again we had a fabulous experience during our latest visit Feb 21 to March 3rd/23. The grounds were beautiful, the staff was always smiling and the weather was perfect. Special thanks go out to Idalmis G. and Jose M., to Osmany M. To Fernando M, Yamina and Fabian from the buffet. We will again in December, see you soon!

Memories Paraiso: Nice resort and very friendly staff

Beach, grounds, pool all beautiful ! Food was very good , excellent fruits, meat , vegetables and fantastic fresh baked bread. We stayed for 2 weeks and end of last week we got Covid. Stuff were great, they called every morning to see how we feel and what we want to eat that day. Food and weather was delivered to our room every day, and doctors were visiting as well. I assumed there were more Covid cases in resort but not reported. We didn’t see anybody wearing mask…….

Grand Memories Varadero: Dirty and disgusting!

I was at this exact hotel 12 years ago and it was nice. Unfortunately we were Mislead by whoever was paid to give good reviews. I am not a high maintenance person, I have travelled 7 countries all across south east Asia with a back pack and stayed at Hostels for 8 dollars a night Canadian. This hotel was disgusting, bugs, cockroaches, at the buffet people were using one small server for 8 different items, causing cross contamination of food. The tables lacked napkins, forks, knifes and mostly sp [... read more]oons, as I was there 11 days and never saw a spoon. They served ice cream for the kids who had to use a fork. The buffet was always dirty and lots of flies, and we had to wait for plates numerous times. Water was served warm, no ice, the coffee, drinks and wine were all watered down. The maids were lazy, rude and not helpful, three days it took to get a clean towel, and rarely came to make bed or clean as they claim they could get into the rooms, locks were not functioning. I heard about the toilet paper , but some guest had problems getting that, so I brought my own. All areas had at least a mens or womens bathroom screwed shut and not able to use. I arrived 1st day and noticed debris and dirt and a unique broken piece of plastic on the floor of the hall leading to our room. It was still there 11 days later. I had a massage and was told that I could pay at check out in Canadian funds. Because of the lack of communication from sunwing, our flight was delayed and we stayed in our room until instructions from sunwing. Nobody from Sunwing advised or told us what was going on, at 6 pm we attended at Lobby to pay for the massage and were told we owed for late checkout 120.00 American. I was very disappointed and agreed to pay for massage only, however things escalated and I was forciblely confined to a private area, and was not allowed to leave, and a security guard prevented me by standing inches away from me to go to lobby to get my partner and wait for manager. They tried to intimidate me and threaten to call immigration.I then told them to call police and they refused to call them. The manager ended up coming and he agreed that there was no communication and we were allowed to pay for the massage only. There were not enough lounge chairs at pool or beach. The beach was full of cigarette butts and plastic cups! Trust me this is not over, I am contemplating getting a hold of the media to let Canadians know what has happened since Covid.. every Canadian at the hotel was complaining as well. This hotel was a 4.5 .. es at fa…..rip-off ! It was a 2 at best! The rooms have mould and heavy smell of mildew and caused my breathing and throat to go horse! The Sunwing rep confidentiality stated he would never go to that hotel, they also had nerve to charged American money at the money exchange and gave us it in peso equivalent to Canadian funds. You may see a lot of complaints! My sister and her husband had a flight just before us and her rum, perfume, cologne, and nail clippers were stolen from her bag. I will never fly too Cuba again, sad as I have been there almost 15 times.

Memories Trinidad Del Mar: A Perfect Stay and Great Vacatopm

A Perfect Stay!!! I really had a great vacation. The Memories Trinidad del Mar in Cuba is a human size resort with staff that make you feel welcome and provide a 5-star service. The rooms are clean and very near the beach. Make sure to say Hi to Sophia at the snack bar, she’s the best! Hotel is located on the great Ancon peninsula! 4km long, clean-not-over-crowded beach with palms and trees with a background view of the Sierra Escambray montain range and astonishing sunsets … Very Close  [... read more]to old colonial city of Trinidad - just a short taxi ride away (ask Osman to reserve) that has tons to offer: Good restaurants, arts and shops and great music venues, like La Casa de la Musica – “a must-go-to” for a real taste of Cuban culture. Not to far away is the entrance to El Cubano, a Unesco natural reserve heritage site where you can do and see all sort of things. The only down-side if you are coming from the Santa Clara Airport is the 2-hour long drive through the Sierra … but it was worth it and I will definitely return.

Grand Memories Varadero: Grand Memories Varadero

This resort from the entrance looks beautiful, once you check-in is where you start to see how poorly maintained, understaffed, and dilapidated the hotel is...Rooms; musky smell, missing toilet seats, mold, vents poorly maintained and moldy, ac units dripping water, safes not working, no water or toilet paper in-room upon check in, bath tubs so high, I can only imagine how difficult it is for the seniors that were there. Overall rooms were not good at all... Grounds; need to be better mainta [... read more]ined, as you can see the age and deterioration on the grounds, tiles broken by pool areas, wood on bridges broken or severe tripping hazards, and very poor lighting throughout the resort, some areas that should have water, were empty and disgusting... Beach; beautiful, however, not enough chairs to facilitate the amount of guests at the hotel...waking up at 6am to bring ur towels to get a chair is not my idea of being on vacation... Entertainment at beach was amazing....better bar facilities also needed. Alcohol was literally beer and rum only...no other options avail. Food: I understand the supply issue, but alot of other hotels were not experiencing the issues this hotel was.. Food in buffet was horrible, and ridiculous line up for anything grilled... Al la cart: this was problematic bc again, alot of space was not being utilized because of lack of staff, therefore getting a time slot for the days you were there was frustrating. This hotel should never be rated as a 4 or 4.5 star. This hotel is nothing more than 2.5. Entertainment was mediocre. Management with the exception of one, were absolutely useless... It appears staff is overworked and exhausted at this hotel.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Better than we expected!

It was our first time in Cayo Santa Maria. It's a 90 minute drive from the airport. The surroundings were lush, the staff were helpful and charming. The food was great (we love Latin food) and the drinks were fantastic. Will definitely go back.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Not What We Expected…

Resort was run-down, a lot of plumbing issues, our patio door didn’t lock - same as many, the safe didn’t work. We only got 2 of 3 a la carts, food in buffet was not labelled. Bottled water was hard to get.

Grand Memories Holguin: Bad food resort

Many times we have found not fresh food. No fish. No shrimps. Billiards are not working as sticks broken. No tenis master. Internet is bad. Location is bad as everytime windy. But hotel is new. Clean. Service people is very good.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Great stay

Memories flamenco cayo coco .the resort is on the best beach in cayo coco great for hanging out at your beach or a walk to either point. The hotel is in need of some love but over all the rooms were ok the AC worked well and had plenty of hot water. As for food there were plenty of options and you could always find something. The staff were all friendly and had to work with what they had. Overall we had a good visit.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Great resort!!

Staff,beach,pool was amazing. Rooms need a little update but they were still very nice!! The food was good at this resort considering it is cuba. The bus ride is a little long but is fully worth it once you get there!!