Melia Marina Varadero: Melia Marina Varadero is a Terrible Resort!!! Don't waste your money!!!

We went to the Melia Marina Varadero with the highest of hopes from January 6-16, 2020. My husband and I are not overly picky people. We know it is Cuba and our expectations were in check from the get go. I had previously gone to Cuba with my girlfriends three years prior and fell in love with Cuba, the people and even really enjoyed the food at our resort. My friends and I only paid $975 tax included for that lovely 7 day trip. The resort was called the Ocean Del Mar and was located in Cayo  [... read more]Santa Maria. It was roughly 1 year old. My husband and I certainly expected more when we opted for a 10 day stay at the Melia Marina Varadero and upgraded to a special floor called "The LEVEL". It was an extra $250 per person but we wanted an extra special stay and were looking forward to being well taken care of. This trip cost us $4800 :( I will start with the pros of this resort to be fair: 1. The LEVEL usually made really good flavourful soup at supper 2. On the second day we had delicious Pina Coladas 3. One night I had a good shrimp pasta with lobster tail (I paid $16.00 for the lobster tail. The pasta was included) 4. The rooms were clean and kept up by housekeeping daily 5. The LEVEL had a nice scenic atmosphere 6. At the LEVEL, if you went up to the bar, you could get a drink without waiting long I honestly can't think of anything else nice to say, so let me get to the cons: 1. It took 15-20 minutes to get a drink at the bars 2. We tried twice to go to the buffet and the line-up was so long, we left 3. Almost all of the pool and beach chairs were broken to some degree 4. The beach chairs were VERY scarce. No small tables to put a drink on. 5. The beach while scenic was INFESTED with sand fleas. We went 2 times only because we were bitten so many times we looked like we had a disease. I lost count on my husbands legs after 50 bites (which bled by the way). Keep in mind, we only went 2 TIMES!!! Imagine if we had gone every day! And we sprayed bug spray! A LOT of bug spray! 6. Back at the one and ONLY pool for over (we estimated 800 rooms) it was a drunken, obnoxious free for all most of the time. Never enough chairs and almost always a long line to wait for a drink at the pool. You couldn't even get away from people because again, no other pools at this resort. 7. I went to the restaurant by the pool to use the washroom. HUGE mistake! The washrooms were filthy, there were no locks on the door and when I went to sit on the toilet it began to rock back and forth. Before I knew it, it almost tipped over and that is when I realized it was not bolted to the ground!! 8. Not once was there any paper towels in the bathroom, wherever we went. 9. We decided to have lunch at the beach restaurant and this was bloody unbelievable. We waited about 40 minutes to get a seat, which I have never run into before at a resort but that's not even the kicker. After waiting for the 40 minutes, there was yet ANOTHER line-up to get something from the BBQ. I decided to have some rice only, as I did not want to wait in the line but my husband being a big meat eater decided to wait. I went and got my rice and sat down. He waited in this line up at the BBQ for over an hour before it almost being his turn. I then saw him turn around empty handed and angrily said, the chef had left the BBQ unattended, that the resort customers had taken over barbequing and that there was no food left!!!! Can you friggin imagine!!! And please remember, this was not a 2 or 3 star resort, it is supposed to be a 4.5 stars! And we paid $4800 for this crap!!! 10. The Cuban people at this resort seemed overworked and sad. Not at all like the happy people I had encountered in Cayo Santa Maria. It didn't seem to matter how much you tipped either, they just seemed exhausted. 11. On the way to the resort in the WestJet bus, we were not offered a drink of any kind. I have never experienced this and I have been away to several resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican, and that Cuba trip I was talking about with my girlfriends (again, only $975 tax in). 12. We spoke with several VERY unhappy guests. In fact, the first day we were there, we overheard 2 different couples saying that they had been "upgraded" for the night to The LEVEL because their experiences were so awful and they complained. The problem for us was that we were already "upgraded" to the LEVEL so we had no one to complain to about all of the nasty issues. Another couple who had been to the resort about 6 years earlier, said the difference in service and overall experience was night and day. They were so angry they left early. All the guests seemed angry and complaints were heard EVERYWHERE. 13. The LEVEL had a nice scenic atmosphere (which is a good thing because we spent most of our trip trapped up there because everywhere else was so awful!!!!) 14. The LEVEL while scenic and the ONLY peaceful place at the resort had very slow service. I'm talking 15-20 minutes if you sat down at a table and waited to be served a drink. Again, if you went up to the bar, you would be served right away. 15. The LEVEL, NEVER had a day in the 9 days we were there, where everything was available on the already limited menu. The waiter would tell us at least 2-3 things that were not available every night! 16. We only ventured to one a la carte restaurant outside of The LEVEL restaurant and for good reason. We decided to try the Japanese restaurant one evening. We were told by the waiter that we could only choose one appetizer one main dish and one dessert each. I have never heard of limiting food like this. So cheap!!!!. Anyways, we ordered and all I can say is it wouldn't feed a 4 year old. The portions were so tiny, which in this case was a good thing because it was GROSS! We of course, tried to finish enough on our plates not to seem rude and then headed upstairs, to THE LEVEL to actually eat. After that night, we only ate at The LEVEL. Again....trapped upstairs. We will NEVER return to Varadero. It is a completely over saturated part of Cuba and has little charm left. I bet if whoever gave this resort a 4.5 stars returned, it would only pass as a 3 star at best. This trip has left us with such a bad taste in our mouths, that I don't think we will be travelling anywhere for a while which makes me truly sad. We unfortunately, took the advice of our TripCentral travel agent who said she has never received a complaint about this resort. If that is a fact, then the people who went there were so pissed they didn't want to write a review, are totally unaware of their surroundings or live under a rock.

Melia Las Antillas: Older but Nice Resort depending on room

We arrived late at night and will not fly that schedule again. We were given a "pretty horrible smoking room" and requested a move and given an upgrade. Had we stayed in a standard/no view shabby older room we would not have liked our stay. I would like to be able to book knowing the kind of room as pictures do not tell the story. I asked for ground level and the application was never received. The service and location at this hotel though was excellent and they made accommodations for health si [... read more]tuation.

Hotel Mojito: Disappointment for an Iberostar brand hotel

Traveled to Cayo Coco from Dec 24-31, 2019. We are booked into a superior room, and the original room given, rm# 2214, had no electrical sockets that worked, TV didn't work, toilet flushed slowly, no toilet paper and empty mini fridge except for 1 bottle of water. There are not enough drawers for our clothes. I killed a big cockroach the very first night, so I had to make sure our bags were all zipped up. I thought I could just get someone to fix all these the next day. By morning, I had to [... read more] move to a new room! I tried to call front desk but no answer so I walked over and asked for a room change. I was told to wait for 20 minutes, but 3 hours later waiting in the room and still no one showed up. After 4 and a half hours of going back and forth to front desk, I finally told them I had a sick kid who needed to get some rest in a proper room was I able to get the key to move. The new room provided was great because everything was working!!! So my question is that if there was a room available that was fixed up, why give me a room that wasn't ready for occupancy in the first place?? The christmas eve food spread was ok. There was lobster, but that's the only thing to mention. The rest of the week was the same food. I have been to Cuba and know what to expect, but this time it was just way below the threshold of acceptable. There are a handful of people to give credit here: Leidys, Maidel, beach bar Roberto, morning server at the lobby bar and the lady server by the pool restaurant who always had a smile. I also have to mention that the onsite staff nurse was incredibly compassionate. With 2 girls sick at the beginning of our vacation, she was always checking on them, even came to our room the next evening to make sure the girls were ok. Cayo Coco is a beautiful beach, but I don't think I'll be staying at this resort again.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Beautiful Resort

The resort was gorgeous and very modern. Everything from the rooms, grounds, and restaurants were beautiful. We read reviews about there not being a beach in front, however if you walk to the left side, away from the sister (family) resort, there's a gorgeous beach. It is however a little rocky in some parts, though we were told that they are cleaning it up in the spring of 2020. The pools are great, however was slightly on the cool side when we went due to time of year. We preferred the bea [... read more]ch anyways as we go south for the ocean, not pools. Food at the buffet was plentiful and delicious in the morning, good at lunch, and sufficient in the evening. Seems there was more selection and variety in the morning. Definitely grab some bacon and take it to the grill station for them to crispy them up. Dinner at the buffet after day 2 became redundant with basically the same dishes, however going to the 24 hour snack bar mixed it up for us and was very good. We went on one excursion on our trip - the Jeep Safari which took us to the mountains through off-road trails where we had a horseback riding for an hour, then a trip to a small island for lunch, followed by a drive through the city of Moron to get to a farm IN the city (very unassuming to turn a corner in the city and arrive at a full-fledged farm!). The excursion was really good compared to other ones I've been on that were offered at resorts. A definite must is visit to Playa Pilar beach. It is absolutely breathtaking! The sand is a fine powdery white and the water a beautiful shade of turquoise. Check it out by taking a $5pp taxi or bus ride.

Tryp Cayo Coco: Relaxing, Friendly, Clean

The grounds had beautiful gardens, pool, ocean. The rooms are outdated but clean. Our room had the view of the large pool, the ocean from the patio and out the front door we had a beautiful garden. The sidewalks are currently being repaired which is a good thing as there are a lot of holes. WE have visited other hotels in Cuba and find the food is good here - except for the beef. We had to call maintenance for a minor issue and they were there within 5 minutes. The entertainment was excellent [... read more] 8 out of 9 nights we were there. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful. If you require a flat surface to get around this is NOT the place for you - not wheelchair accessible.There are also renovations being done on about half the units in the resort. It is a small resort which is what we wanted. Had a great trip.

Mar Del Sur: big bang for the buck

this hotel is great for a 2 star I would say it is more like a 3 to 3.5 star. the pool is well kept and enjoyable with a lot of chairs and a bar on both sides .the staff was very good the food was Cuban food, no steaks but you won't starve as there is always something pork,beef,fish,salads,and ice cream with cakes. we upgraded to an apt.140cuc which is a lot nicer. a new beach bar on the beach about a block form the hotel banks and good eateries within walking distances

Hotel Los Cactus: Amazing Resort

Important : Bar close to a beautiful beach and Friendly staff , this combined with good entertainment made for a great vacation. The dancers were incredible. Good food , but tone down your expectations this is Cuba and the shelves are empty for the Locals.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: A few issues

Everything was really clean, including the bathrooms. Although the pool side ones did not have soap??? The main Lobby bar did not have wine (red or white) in stock for the entire week we were there??? The pool/beach bars was the same. The other bars were a hit or miss situation, sometimes they did have wine sometimes they did not. All staff were very friendly. Odd situation in the buffet restaurant. For the first 3 days there was soup, but just a very few bowls. As such after maybe 5 min [... read more]utes none were available. Also no spoons in sight if you were lucky to get a bowl. On request one was presented. On the 4th day the the situation was resolved??? I might recommend this resort but with strong reservations.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Great Vacation

My Husband and I visit Cuba at least once a year and this resort was one of the nicest, updated places we've stayed in. Rooms were clean, LOVED the Bathrooms! The staff was very friendly and welcoming and the food was good. Pools were beautiful, my favorite was the swim-up infinity pool. The beach is a bit rocky in areas but still gorgeous. Overall is was a great stay!

Gran Muthu Imperial: Great hotel

Great Ocean view enjoyed my stay at this lovely hotel. Food was excellent staff amazing so friendly and efficient. One negative beach is not delopped yet but one further down . Would return in a year or 2.

Starfish Jibacoa: I really liked it!

What makes this place stand out for me is the lack of crowding and the abundance of natural shade -lots of trees to hide under. The available bungalows are much more inviting than an ordinary hotel room. Fairly quiet. Note that this is not a fancy resort, but it has all the basics.

Melia Jardines del Rey: Great Value!

Big Resourt, well kept, friendly staff, great beach with white sand and shallow water. Two large pool areas for those who prefer pool, lots of space for everyone. Good place to go with big family and kids, or several couples, as we did. Changing rooms was not an issue. Very spacious, rooms. Second and third floor will have no bugs...heard bugs can get into the first floor. We had no issue. Food was not the greatest, but decent, as expected in Cuba, at times very overcrowded, so staff had a hard [... read more] time keeping control over things, but they would open a second dining hall. Great cheeses, shrimp night, good grilled chicken and fish..fresh fruit, good French fries by the beach - bring your own ketchup thou.:) Go for day trips /lunch to other Malia Resorts - take a voucher-at Reception, go on the double decker red bus.

Club Amigo Mayanabo: lack of hot water

the hotel turn out hot water, during 14 days we had hot water for 4 days only. When we complain they did not respond and they have different explanation every day. We have to take shower in cold water.

Villa Natura: Quiet resort

The hotel is now run by the Cuban army and has a lot of infrastructure issues happening. More than half of the hotel section isn’t working and the bungalows and half functioning as well. The food is differently been effected by the embargo the the Cuba nation is under now Was there for two weeks and around 60 people each week. Last year there was over 200 people at this resort

Grand Memories Varadero: A destination to redefine yourself!

Nice resort, if you really try you could find something to criticize. Obviously a lot of tourism in the area. Being practical I would suggest a more diverse routine, be it music, food, activity, sports. A little repetitive I found. I would recommend it to a friend but I con scribe a more travels mindset than a tourist. Ultimately I believe in the experience rather than just the destination. There is more to see and feel outside of your typical resort. Especially Cuba. The pancakes pizza and brea [... read more]d were fantastic! I was stomach sick on the first day I believe from the beef. Only short lived. The employees were very helpful and pleasant. Also the artwork was that of sought after precision, I bought home some wood figures that I love! I wish I bought more! Incredible artist. All in all the vibe was what was very special that I will never forget, something not to explain rather to feel!

Hotel Atlantico: A great week away

We had an absolutely fantastic time here. The beach is incredible and the access to Havana very good with the free shuttle every day. The staff are very friendly and I love the 24 hour café overlooking the pool/ocean. There were recreational activities by staff such as Rosa (e.g., bocce on the beach, dancing lessons) which were fun. The rooms are dated but the beds are clearly new as the mattresses were excellent for me. There were some plumbing issues but once I became familiar with these issu [... read more]es I had no problems (e.g., the cold water shower tap was relatively limited whereas there was much more water coming from the hot water tap so the trick was to turn on the cold water full initially and then slowly increase hot water until it was a good temperature).

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Terrific resort!

This resort was beyond our expectations. Beautiful well maintained grounds, lots of entertainment, clean pools that were so inviting...lots of lounge chairs and the most friendly staff. The food was amazing...lots of variety and it was good! The beach had beautiful white sand and clear blue water. Wouldn't hestitate to return. Thanks Tripcentral for recommending this resort...right on the money.

Playa Pesquero: Only Good Resort but now with only 3+ {????)

It was our 4th to this resort and I am afraid it will be the last. Rooms - 4 stars (ocean view) Bars - Lobby 4*, other 3* Food - 3* (quality and service terrible, shortages) Staff - 3* Activities/Entertainment - 2+* Beach - 4* (Services/Toilets - 2*) Safety - 3*

Playa Caleta: 3-star resort is what it is

You get what you pay for. It's an older hotel, at least one elevator was always broken down. Walls are paper-thin so we got to enjoy our neighbour's 2-hour fight when they returned at 5am drunk. Staff is surly, probably jaded by the actions of the rude Russians, of which there were alot. There were a couple of buffet staff who seemed to take pride in their work and were friendly, but reception staff and bartenders didn't seem to care about providing good service. There were two pools - the swim- [... read more]up bar pool was green, so we never went in it. The beach was nice,beautiful long sandy space, but it needed some environmental help - plastic straws and cups everywhere. And always very windy. The food in the buffet at Playa Caleta was pretty good; should've stayed with the buffet instead of doing the "a la carte". Definitely a 3-star resort, won't be going back.

Melia Marina Varadero: Awesome resort

Well, first off, when we first got there was were given a room that really required attention. The bathroom was dirty as was the pull out couch. It was absolutely disgusting. We immediately went back to the front desk and demanded a new room. The second room was much better. The grounds were amazing. Lots of shopping, great restaurants etc. The buffet left a lot to be desired. It was the same food night after night which got very boring. Thank God for the a la carte restaurants. These provided a [... read more] little variety to our meals at the buffet. We loved the tours, they were well worth the money.