We will never return to this resort definitely not 4.5 rating

We have been to Cuba many times over many years and we would never return to this resort. Too many issues to post. One thing we would like send a shout out Noel the butler he was very attentive! Our experience here was not good at all.

Decent resort

The resort is decent for the price. Service at times in the Sanctuary restaurant was extremely slow. Over an hour to get food. Typically Cuban food. Room was good. Had a couple small issues which were taken care fairly quickly. Beach is great but unfortunately there were times where children were on the adults only loungers and people from the grand memories side. Lack of staff to make sure only Sanctuary guests are on the proper loungers. Diamond club guests are not permitted on the Sanctuary s [... read more]ide at this resort. Beach is loud during certain parts of the day with music coming from grand memories beach and the resort next to it. We didn’t go into the pool but the music there is extremely loud as well. Have to walk by the speaker to get to the restaurant. No need for all this bass and people trying to relax. Overall a decent place as long as the price was right. We spend to weeks there and would probably go back at a different time than late June as long as the price is right

It is such a great place close to beach , pool and restaurant.

Sanctuary is our home away from home been there 9 times. The staff are the best always trying to help from the maid to the waitresses , bartenders , butlers , to the manager . Clean rooms and comfortable beds .The food is good some shortages but alway good .

AMAZING RESORT

We were a party of 8 from May 20-27,2023 This resort exceeded our expectations. Check in was quick and easy. Our butler’s Norvi & Jose were top notch & were always available to answer questions and help us find everything we needed. The staff were all amazing, kind and friendly as per everywhere we’ve been in Cuba. We spent every evening at the Rumba Bar (beside the pool across the hall from the a la carte, open 24 hrs), this is where all the live entertainment is and every night i [... read more]t was exceptional; highly recommend you won’t be disappointed. Recommended drinks at the Rumba: Spanish Coffee, Mojitos, Ice coffees, Coffee Martini, Pineapple Daquari, Sex on the Beach, Rum and Coke & Crystal beer. They did have vodka when we were there. All the bartenders were amazing and will make you pretty much whatever you want you may just have to give them the recipe. Special shout out to our bartenders Leo & Amanda we love you ♥️ We ate most evenings at the Sanctuary’s a la cart enjoyed the food was quite flavourful, this needs to be booked in advance so recommend if you have a specific time you like to eat to do this upon arrival with your butler. Breakfast and lunch are available everyday at the a la carte(no reservation needed)as well and was pretty good. My husband and I like our omelettes loaded though so we ate at the Grand Memories Buffet 5 out of 7 days as the Sanctuary A la Carte only offered ham, cheese and green pepper omelettes. Everything else at the a la carte was good, they had menu service and a small buffet with breads, plum marmalade, yogurt, cereal & tropical fruit. We also ate at the Santuary a la carte twice for lunch and the food was good. We ate 5 out of 7 days at the Grand Memories buffet as well for the variety. They had ham fried rice one day and I highly recommend it if you come across it being served! The Sanctuary also has a snack shack attached to the Rumba & Ala carte building outside at the right hand end, drinks were good and they had hamburgers(pork), the best fries and 2 days they had a chicken salad sandwich available. We talked to another couple that would order fries at the snack shack and take them down to the BBQ(only available at lunchtime)beside the beach bar(highly recommend) where they would load up on whatever protein was being made usually pork but delicious. There is also a snack shack at the Grand Memories by the pool, it was ok and a buffet style snack shack closer to their beach. I didn’t eat there so I can’t comment on the food but I do believe there was live entertainment most days. We ate at the Grand Memories Asian and Italian a la cartes the Asian was very good and the Italian was ok. The Beach: AMAZING as always!!! We had green flag everyday the water was calmest in the morning and just small waves in the afternoons crystal clear and gorgeous. We got to the beach every morning around 8 to 8:30 and were able to get 8 chairs together with shade. The beach staff were amazing, one fellow offered waiter services(wish I would have caught his name) he was friendly and quick!! It is a quieter beach you can faintly hear the music from the resorts near by. We had our portable speaker and played our own music. The only con for the beach was the sand was extremely hot so make sure to keep your footwear on to get to your chairs we love to walk on the beach so we walked barefoot along the ocean edge where the water cooled the sand. We spend 2 afternoons at the Grand Memories swim up bar pool and had a great time, drink recommend: Blue Diamond(pineapple juice rum and blue curacoa. We spent 1 afternoon at the Sanctuary pool only downfall was the lack of shade. All pools were very clean everyday!! We tried to take in the Grease show at the Grand Memories theatre but it is an open air theatre with only one opening, no breeze and no AC the performance was amazing as per usual but we had to leave due to overheating. We took in the Disco one night located past the theatre. We had lots of fun great music and lots of dancing. The Grand Memories does have a little shop(not always open) with Rum, Cigars, Cigarettes and typical souvenirs but be prepared the souvenirs are quite expensive compared to the cute little market shops located by the Grand Memories swim up pool and on the other side of the path as well and another just down from the beach buffet I believe there were 6 booths all together. The rooms were always clean and the AC worked quite well(needed the extra blankets located in the closets) The safe worked great. There was an iron and ironing board in the closet but I never tried them. I tried the hair dryer but it was quite rattley and gave off a burning smell so I usually gave myself enough time before dinner to air dry my hair, nothing a quick step out into the balcony didn’t solve lol. So I recommend bringing a converter plug and your own hair dryer if you like to blow dry your hair, be prepared though that you may still need to only use the low setting so you don’t overheat your hairdryer. We recommend using the shower in the tub(worked great) as the other shower will flood your bathroom and entrance. We always had at least 1 towel some days 2 and one day 3. If all else fails you do get 2 beach towels. We had a hand towel but used it for a bath mat. We always had 2 rolls of toilet paper but were prepared with travel packs of Kleenex (easier to pack) just in case. I kept the Kleenex in my purse and beach bag for the washrooms on the resort also just in case(needed a couple times) We always had 2 bottles of water. Our fridge had 1 bottle of coke and 2 cans of Crystal upon arrival we did not drink them so they didn’t restock those items. I would absolutely go back to the Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero. Thank you for the wonderful vacation xo

Very pretty resort but it needs some refreshing ....

This was my first time to Cuba and I while I would return to Cuba I will not be returning to this resort. The rooms are 'tired' and in need of some repairs, just too many small deficiencies for me. Everyone seems to say ' Well thats Cuba ' and accept everything but it seems that if you are paying a certain amount of money, certain things should be there or working. Maybe its just me :) You asked about Covid adaptations, none were obvious to me. The main buffet was as usual pre Covid. T [... read more]he utensils were messy and noone was there that we could see cleaning or replacing them, and it was only at the grilling station that things were put on our plate (as usual) Everything is just in short supply it seems (and I can't say if its worse than pre Covid or just the norm) I couldn't find any disinfectant dispensers on the walls that were stocked if I wanted to put some disinfectant on my hands. The ones I saw were empty. Having said that, I had brought my own and we didn't get sick. While at a previous resort in Punta Cana, they had a staff member opening doors and cleaning handles, and asking us to put hand disinfectant on (which they put on our hands while entering) I had expected this but didn't see it so I don't know if its a staffing issue or whether Covid just isn't there and so they don't worry about it. The first day I showered ( and each day after ) I flooded the room and out into the hallway. Same thing with our friends in the room next door. When we mentioned it to someone, they said " they all do that " Unfortunately this is the wrong answer. Its a safety issue. We had 2 towels and one tiny bath mat which we had to use to put on the floor to walk so we didn't slip and fall. While we were sitting in the Sanctuary reception area one day an older couple came in and were quite upset because their room was flooded and they were trying to get things fixed. They were afraid of falling and there were no other rooms available to move to that day. Its the shower doors, they are glass and warped and the rubber seal doesn't seal so that water just runs out the door. This is common apparently when speaking with others. Also, until the afternoon, there was no hot water. While we were there I had heard of hot water issues in a few buildings. Maybe they heat the water by solar heat, I don't know but its frustrating. It would have been nice to have a 3rd towel or smaller hand towel to put my hair in after the shower also. We took facecloths because I knew they might not be available but I didn't think I needed to bring towels. The food was what I expected, not alot of variety and bland but I knew that going in. The soups are quite good, the fruit was plentiful and tons of the staples of rice and beans. You won't go hungry. The red and white wine served at the Sanctuary a la carte is good and from Spain. Great Sangria too! We ate most lunches at the buffet near the beach and one day had a hot dog at the BBQ on the beach path. The drinks are plentiful but not consistent. It would be helpful to have a drink menu but I understand that supply is low and what they have one day they may not have the next day. But if you like going to resorts for the drinks, you might be disappointed. We had reservations for each of the a la cartes, but after going to the French restaurant and the Oriental restaurant and being served neither French or Oriental food (its the same food, chicken and pork everywhere ) we asked for our reservations to be cancelled at the others and to be moved back to the Sanctuary restaurant which was really the best restaurant anyhow. The staff is wonderful. They try very hard and do their best. Overall everyone is very pleasant and happy. The entertainment crew was alot of fun and do their very best. They are very appreciative of anything you give them whether its a money tip or items you bring for them. They need things like shoes, clothing and medical supplies. We tipped bartenders, servers, maids, entertainment crew, etc in US dollar bills and Canadian 5.00 bills. Dont forget your golf cart drivers, gardeners, guys at the grills The beach was beautiful, the water clear and mostly calm as you would expect. We could always find loungers for our party of 6 and Alex was on duty bringing drinks or moving loungers around to accomodate. He was fantastic. The pool is a different story. Its a small pool in the Sanctuary compared to the other 2 pools. So there isn't alot of room for loungers or chairs and people claim them by 4 am and you never get a place to put your things even if you want to go in the pool. We spent very little time enjoying the pool because of this. So if you're a pool person, good luck finding a place unless you want to be one of those people going out and saving a lounger at the crack of crazy in the morning. All in all we had a fun time because, after all, a vacation is what you make it. Just consider the small things about a resort before you book so that you aren't disappointed.

Great resort

As this was our very first trip to Cuba we had a wonderful time at this resort. The people were very friendly and the property is beautiful. Our concierge Jenny was so helpful. As there are supply chain issue to all of Cuba I believe they were able to do a great job with food. There was no great variety but they really took the time to make it look good and there was plenty of it.

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.

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.

Amazing place!

We had an excellent time at this property. Like anywhere in Cuba at the moment, there are shortages, but that being said, the staff in this location go above and beyond to make you happy. If they didn't have our fav drink available, they would make you something comparable. The hotel is slightly dated, but was clean and well taken care of with what they have available. The food at the Sanctuary restaurant was fantastic and definitely the best food I have had while in Cuba! The beach and people w [... read more]ere amazing, as always with Cuba!!! We are already planning our return :)

Amazing Resort

For my first time in Cuba I was very pleased with this resort. The grounds are beautifully kept, the food was delicious and the staff was excellent. The entertainment was exceptional and they really keep the guests interacted with games at the poolside, exercises on the beach and music everywhere you go. I will definitely go again

Excellent Cuban Resort

If you can get past the food, this was a beautiful beach and clean resort. We enjoyed the adults only section of the resort. The restaurants tried their best but food was meh. I brought trail mix with me and I’m glad I did! The people who work there go out of their way to please you. The biggest problem is the shortages at times.

Super friendly staff and wonderful service

Lovely grounds, great pool and close to the beach. Will be returning to Grand Memories the Sanctuary again in the future! We went for our honeymoon and the staff helped make it so special for us. We will never forget them.

Awsone resort

Everything and everyone was very nice accomidatng. I have zero complaints. Will return agai everything was clean.. staff were wonderful.. Food was good. If your expecting gourmet food you won't get it.. it's cuba and there food is bought in... So if your going for the food don't. Lol I didn't starve the was lots to eat...

Had a great time but

The rooms were not really up to par. They didn’t change our sheets all week and the first 2 days we had to wait for towels. When we got them it was the rest of the week we did not get any new ones. Under the bed was a water bottle there the whole week. I never seen anyone use disinfectant the whole time there and I caught a cold as well as 3 other people in our 10 person group. Food was repetitive and bland but pool and amenities were okay. People are very friendly and love Canadians.

Great resort

The resort was very good. Shortages exist but they try to make the best out of what they have. Only issue was a defective toilet but luckily we were in a suite with 2 toilets. The repetitive music every day would make it impossible to stay longer than a week. Canada day outdoor meal was kind but I would prefer they didn’t bother

Love You to the Beach and Back

Another superb vacay! We are overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the staff when they see us and run to say hola asking if we need assistance. The best dinner was Gala night. It was the best lobster that was smothered in warm, melted butter accompanied with tender, mouthwatering steak with flavourful cream sauce. The lobster was different from previous visits, this one had a red shell, similar taste like we get back home. Kudos to the Chef for a 5 Star meal. Our room was impeccably cle [... read more]an thanks to Yeny. She takes extra steps to neatly arrange items and has an unique way to decorate. The lounge bar staff Lio, Anet, JJ & Adrianna our dear friends looked after us in the evenings and had big smiles when they saw us walk into the room. Lio handles the bar well, polite with customers, always wanting to please. We were ecstatic to see Jesús at the Sanctuary! He was truly missed by many guests. The cart driver Luis Andres has a huge, charismatic personality that engulfs the Sanctuary with happiness. Collectively the cart drivers are fun, polite, strong men to carry our tons of luggage. Crazy, loveable guys! The snack bar staff are an asset especially Roxy. Nice, welcomed touch is the BBQ at the beach bar at lunchtime. Ribs, chicken, sausage & hamburgers. Words cannot describe the legend Alex Basanta! Oh boy he does not stop, the energy he has is phenomenal. Hard working, pleasant and most important he knows baseball especially NYY. Siempre nuestro hogar!

Nice Resort

Sanctuary at Grand Memories is one of the many resorts in Cuba that is struggling to get back to the 4-5 star it was once - before COVID hit. We have always loved this resort and will probably come back.

Great resort

Great resort for people who are looking to relax, since it's adults only. But be aware that there will still be 18 yrs old, who like to drink and be loud. Beach is amazing. So close to this part of the resort.

Perfect Vacation

My husband and I have been to this resort 8 times.. they have never disappointed us.. we travelled to Varadero Cuba the week of June 9th for 11 days.. We stayed at Sanctuary the adult portion of Grand Memories. Our plane arrived at 7pm, we had a taxi waiting for us and arrived at Sanctuary at 745pm. Easy check in our good friend Militza had waited for our arrival. Showed us to our room and made a reservation for us at Al a carte restaurant.. it was an absolutely perfect first day of holiday. Th [... read more]e people who we call friends are the reason we return.. Roxana Fiallo is Bartender extraordinary..she works at the pool bar.. a nicer lady you’ll never meet.. Alled is the beach bartender.. Barbie is the supervisor for food and beverage a really sweet girl with a beautiful smile that she shares with everyone .. the rooms are a little tired but they are spotless .. we don’t go for the rooms we go for the people and the beach.. and they are above and beyond. They are working very hard to get back to where they were before Covid..I We had great food ..bacon and eggs every morning and never left hungry after any meal.. we ended our vacation happy and relaxed .. A big thank you to management and staff .. we will definitely return ♥️♥️

Still Fantastic

The Sanctuary is still wonderful we just returned . First trip since Covid but our 8th time at the Sanctuary. The staff are so friendly they seem like family. Everyone from management to the maids do everything to make our vacation fantastic. The food is very good you will not go hungry. Some shortages but only a few ( Diet cola) we had a amazing trip and can’t wait to go back.