Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: Wonderful resort

I just came back from the 2 weeks vacation in this beautiful resort. First the grounds were exceptionally well maintained due to the hard work of many gardeners who are working there. The beach is beautiful, it does changes several times a day due to high and low tide, hence it’s difficult to predict the size of the sitting area. Beach sand is white and perfectly fine. Beach is also cleaned daily if any weeds come through the night. Food was good for Cuban standards and no issues at all findin [... read more]g something you like. Staff is exceptionally good and helpful anywhere in the resort. Front reception bar is top notch with premium alcohol served. Thanks to all of the bartenders and ladies working there. We had swim out suite and was definitely worth to have it. I will definitely come back to this hotel in the future.

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Good resort

The resort is situated on the beautiful beach with crystal water, it is great wing foiling and kiting. The beach stretches for several miles . Colorful villas with spacious rooms. Good service, the staff is very friendly, The food is good but not enough fresh vegetables.

Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: IBEROSTAR SELECTION ESMERALDA

Our 2 week stay was from Oct. 28th to Nov. 11th, 2023. First of all, Iberostar Selection Esmeralda in Santa Cruz is a beautiful resort and the staff do their best to please all visitors. My wife and I stayed in a suite in building #5 which was fantastic. A bedroom with a spa, shower, bathroom, and a television. In the livingroom was a sofa, chairs coffee table, a second television, and another bathroom. There were patio doors leading from the bedroom and the livingroom which gave us private ac [... read more]cess to two balconies where we could sit and relax outdoors. The only problems that we encountered in our suite was we had to get them to change the batteries for the safe 3 times, unblock one of the toilets, and change a battery for one of the TV remotes. There were only two a la carte restaurants open, Cuban and Mediterranean. Both located at the same restaurant. We went once to each during our two weeks. The buffet is where we ate regularly. The first week there was a reasonably good choice of food, including fish at several meals. The second week the choice of food was not as good as week one. For the two weeks we were there, no eggs were served at breakfast. Also, a couple of times they had no bread or butter. In the buffet and at the lobby bar, they seldom had white wine. In the buffet, on one or two occasions, they had no white nor red wine. We would like to express our thanks to Reinier Baez a waiter who tried his best to take care of our needs. He does his best to serve his customers and to make everyone feel welcome. On a regular basis they were missing small bottles of cola (for rum and coke) and pineapple juice for pina colada. In the lobby, on one occasion Genny was able to get me two cans of Pepsi. At the small pool, Junior (the bartender) took care of our needs during our first several days and we would like to express our thanks to him. We stayed at the small pool for a part of our first week only. The chairs around the pool were not comfortable and I ended-up with a sore back from sitting in one. The chairs are of poor quality at the small pool. The chairs at the large pool were of better quality and seemed to be newer, so we spent a lot of time there. To the best of my knowledge, there were no excursions available there. Two of our friends. reservation no: 66132995 in the name Edith Bouchard and Ghislain Hainault, also went with us to Cuba. In addition to our problems, they had a few other problems. After one night in their room in building #4 near the large pool, they asked to change rooms due to the noise (music) late in the evening. The next day they were moved to the room across the hall from our suite. However, the air conditioner didn’t work and maintenance was unable to repair it . A lot of time was wasted waiting for air conditioner repairs. The next day they were moved a few rooms down the hall. The only problem that they had in that room was the necessity to have the batteries changed for the room safe. Our friends spent a lot of time relaxing at the beach. It took several days before a cleanup was done at the beach. We paid for a 5 Star resort, however we don’t feel that we got what we were entitled to, so we are asking you for a refund of $500.00 for each person or credits from Iberostar for future stays at their resorts in Mexico or Dominican Republic. You may contact us at the following email addresses: Fred Bean: fred.bean@sympatico.ca Monique Tremblay: mot.tremblay@gmail.com Edithe Bouchard: edithebou1949@gmail.com Ghislain Hainault: hainault1950@hotmail.com

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Perfect resort to relax and refresh

This resort has everything you need to break away from the fast pace of North American life. From the butlers who can take care of your every need to the masseuses who help you relax those stress-filled muscles. The beaches will satisfy your need for sand and ocean and the pool will refresh.

Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus: One of the better resorts

Liked everything except aggressive street sellers. Beach is very good. Scuba diving operation is one of best. Safary trip was mostly going from store to store but it had its interesting moments. Perfect location-no storms through the two-week vacation.

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Not a 5 star resort

Thumbs up for the cleaning lady. Nice grounds. Couldn't use the beach as we wanted due to massive attacks from mosquitos. Bad drinking water (taste like mold). Entertainment not that great. Not much variety on food, tasteless watermelon, no natural eggs (only powder) no tomatoes. Bad internet.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Good Resort in need of Care!

2.5 STARS at best. ----- Ensenachos' beach is fantastic, that's for sure! Megano is nice. - Staff is the usual we get in Cuban resorts, they're helpfull and very friendly specially if you tip them for everything, nothing new here. The hotel itself is old and shows it in the "details", a great set up though in need of repairs and general maintenance. - Food, you must not be a "pick or gourmet eater" but you probably know that already.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: good

Fair ,but it can be good if the food is improved. There was a lack of types of food even for basic foods. Very good reception staff. Good artistic activities and good staff Good beach place Good housekeeping staff and rooms were also good

Iberostar Selection Coral Bavaro: Iberostar Coral

Everything about the Iberostar Coral was perfect. The Staff, the Food, the Grounds. was amazing same as years before. Coral is as was last year an exciting level of service that we enjoy very much. It could not have been better.

Iberostar Waves Cozumel: Perfect holiday!

The hotel was amazing - clean, service was great, food was OK, drinks were good, beach was awesome, pool was lovely - there was always chairs to sit in, whether it be by the beach or the pool, so we didn't feel crowded. We took an excursion around the island which was also very good and well organized. I would highly recommend this hotel if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing, satisfying holiday.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Would not go back

The flight with Sunwing was probably the best of the vacation...the resort is run down, pools in bad shape, tiles missing everywhere, not clean water. But the worst is food..its not my first time in Cuba, but this was bad..no eggs, no juice, no meat, the odd piece of fish here and there..pasta for breakfast, lunch, supper for 7 days..and the bar system at the lobby is the worst..plus absolutely no mix..no juice, no pop, so no mohitos, no Pina Colada , nothing..just awful, The weather was [... read more] beautiful, the beach nice..thats about it. All in all not a good vacation..too much missing

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Fair

Food was terrible. There was literally nothing to eat. Had to feed on papaya and bread for 4 days straight. Rooms are ok. Pools and beach sea amazing. This is my second time in this resort. It was definetly much better in 2019. Looks like covid break ruined this place.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Nice resort

Good location . maintenance okay in Cuban standard. Nice people. Good service. I am vegetarian and they try to accommodate my needs. Tennis court and Equipment could be better maintain. I would go back again

Iberostar Origin Tainos: Great time.!!

We had a great time as usual. This was our 9th visit to the Tainos. We noticed a few shortages but nothing that effected our vacation. There was plenty of food and drinks and the staff were amazing as usual. Looking forward to our next visit.

Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar: Good Resort

The resort is good maintenance, very calm beach, room is OK , food is well cooked that I have no problem even I have very sensitive stomach. Staffs are very nice to help in need. The price for 7 days all inclusive is very resealable.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Great Vacation

From October 26 to November 2 2023, 4 of us stayed in Iberostar Selection resort in Varadero. Overall, our stay was very pleasant. The beach at this place is one of the best we’ve seen in Cuba. Kilometres of white sand to the both sides of the resort, plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas. No need to “book” your chairs ahead - there’s always spaces available! Very clean and well maintained, there’s also a security guard on duty daily. The ocean is very clean and quite shallow, you need [... read more] to walk a bit before you go into the deep. Very safe if you stay with children. The resort is also very clean and well maintained. We stayed in a junior suite and it was spacious, with an extra sitting area with a sofa and a coffee table. This suite got cleaned twice a day. There were toiletries in the shower, towels, a hair dryer, a bidet and a bath tub. The only thing missing - no Kleenex tissues, but it may be a supply chain glitch. Our friend stayed in the regular room, which was only a bit smaller, also had a sitting area with a love seat and a coffee table, same bathroom/shower amenities. This room got cleaned once a day. There is a great pool with a bar - lots of people there daily. Drinks - plenty of them everywhere! Great coffee at reptile area, also there’s a little coffee shop with pastries and sandwiches open almost around the clock, so very convenient for the night time munchies. The food was pretty good, the buffet had a daily variety of veggies, fruit, pasta, rice and fish and meats. We had daily omelettes at breakfast, with yogurts and smoothies, and juices. The resort has 3 restaurants (Japanese, International gourmet and Mediterranean) for booking and we were pleasantly surprised, in fact we liked all of them, this is first time ever in Cuba😀 we especially liked Mediterranean one, the food was delicious and presentation - top notch! There was nightly entertainment, including specially for kids - the little ones seem to enjoy it a lot. The adult one was also very nice. The resort staff was courteous and friendly, which we think is a Cuban trademark, true to all Cuban resorts we’ve visited. We have really enjoyed our stay and will recommend this resort to our friends and family, thanks Iberostar Selection, gracias!

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Fantastic relaxing place

Staff are excellent amenities are great always lots to eat some shortages but there is still an excellent variety of food great alacarte restaurants bartenders are great especially the pool bar. Rooms are very spacious and well appointed

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: Not what we were excepting, but we had a great vacation

We spent a week at the Iberostar Coral Esmeralda, Oct31 to Nov7. This being our 6th trip to Cuba and first post Covid, we thought we had a pretty good idea of what to except, ….wonderful people, amazing beaches, so so food and accommodations that may have a deficiency or two. Things have changed. Cuban economy and infrastructure was hurting before Covid, it has now reached a crisis level. Shortages of most everything, there simply are not enough resources to go around. The Cubans needs  [... read more]tourism dollars to improve their living standards, .. tourists expect toilet paper and butter , so the Cuban residents do without. Catch 22 However the shortages have become so acute now the tourism product is suffering and the price for vacations reflects this with incredibly low prices for all inclusive stays that after the Canadian air carrier takes its cut there can’t possible be enough revenue to cover resort operators costs. It’s a downward spiral .. Now. The resort is beautiful, small , just two years old, very clean. Our roof top suite was spectacular, a huge wrap around balcony with ocean views all three sides , The room advertised as 1400 sq ft. had two bathrooms, jacuzzi tub, huge two person shower and a very comfortable king size bed. We had water issues the first 3 days, first no water, then cold water only , then hot water only , then a broken toilet hose while we out of the room resulting in a significant flood and finally no water pressure. So we moved on the third day to another roof top suite that had even a better ocean view. The maids kept our absolutely spotless . The food at the Al a Carte restaurants was very very good you are allowed to book 3 meals per stay and all 3 were excellent. During our week the buffet had severe shortages , no eggs, no fresh fruits or vegetables, no orange juice , excellent tasting breads but usually no butter and never and jam or jellies spreads. The thing I found most odd that was missing was there were no labels telling what the food on trays and tables was. Not 5 star by Canadian standards but we didn’t leave hungry. Cuba is know for amazing beaches and blue waters, that is primarily what we go for, the beach here was a disappointment. Actually there are two beaches here, a very nice low tide beach and a basically nonexistent high tide beach. Not sure if recent storms or wave action has pulled away a lot the beautiful soft white sand recently, as most of reviews were very good, but at the afternoon high tide the water comes right up the shade palapas and many of the chairs are actually in the water . I have never seen a Cuban beach or any resort beach like this before. Mother Nature may have been removing the sand from the beach but she has been very busy bringing sea grass and floating garbage on to the beach. The resort daily cleans SOME of the beach area but not all it . We don’t play the before breakfast towel game and don’t normally mind getting stuck out on the far ends of the resort beaches when we arrive at 9:30 looking for shade spot, unfortunately the ends of the beaches get little or no maintenance and sea grass and garbage it horrific . We spent a half hour or so a cleaned up a couple shade palapas as the one we cleaned the day before was often taken the next day so would clean another, I thought we did a pretty good job picking up the sea grass and garbage and piling it up in the vegetation zone behind our palapa . I know that keeping a beach clean is an endless job and resort staff try to do a good job in the centre part beach but they had to do the job with a broken rake and without even a wheelbarrow to put the collected material in , they put it in a tub and dragged it away, such is the shortages of tools and materials in Cuba. However the one thing that the resort can control is investing time and effort to keep the beach clean. Toilet paper , bring lots , although toilet in the rooms is supplied daily do not count it in any other public bathrooms anywhere, airports, restaurants, beach bars, anywhere. There are no hand sanitizing stations anywhere , bring your own. I could go on but it comes down you get what you pay for. Talking to other people at the airport all the resorts were more or less the same although ours seemed to the only one without eggs all week , perhaps the Cayo Cruz area, being small and somewhat isolated is a lower priority for supplies? All and all we had a good vacation, meet some great people but we wouldn’t go back.

Iberostar Waves Quetzal: Nice place

The hotel and grounds are lovely. Food excellent. Staff wonderful. Entertainment great! Saw a fire show on the beach and a Michael Jackson show which was outstanding. We had a "jungle" room and fed monkeys on our balcony which was 3rd floor and very private. Beach is beautiful and there was no sargassum. Pool is nice too. This resort shares beach and pool with the Tucan so there are tons of people. Had a very hard time getting a lounger on the beach which was very frustrating. The resort is a $1 [... read more]0 cab ride from Fifth Ave for shopping and there is a little mall 5 minute walk from hotel. You have to fill glass water bottles in the room for water. Super eco friendly. Also they do not have any coffee mate in the rooms. Dont know why. Also, if you are a smoker its a nuisance because its banned in Mexico. They have 2 small areas set aside which were always packed but nothing near the beach. The advisory for Mexico says bring eco friendly sun screen but no one checks. Its like paste lol so didnt use it. We were sent a link to pay a new "Vista tax" but didnt pay it and wasnt asked for proof of pymnt. On the whole its a nice place if you dont mind ton of people. Myself I prefer smaller resort.The jungle rooms were the best for nature action. Monkeys swinging in trees and feeding them bananas, apples and pears was an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy!

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: A Disappointment

My sister whom I travelled with had been here and raved about this resort. We arrived to find that the place is in disrepair and the services to be lacking. Although the staff works hard and try to please they have little to work with. They don’t even have the basics to work with. A 5 star this is not the place is falling apart and has not been maintained and they donot provide the services they advertise. Times are tough for the staff and the repeat guests are now disappearing. Please p [... read more]ick it up because soon you will have no one.