Iberostar Coral Holguin: Mixed Feelings

I have been to Cuba a few times, first time in Holguin. When booking a Cuba holiday you know you are going there for the beaches, not for the gastronomic experience. However, from my previous travels to Cuba there were no complaints, there was always something you would find as a good option at the restaurants and bars. Not this time around. Regarding food choices, I can't say that there wasn't always something you could eat to not go hungry, but the issue we had was using the restaurants i [... read more]n the evenings. They sell the idea as in other resorts of booking at their a la carte restaurants that offer different options than the buffets available for lunches. However, this is not entirely true. The food offered/quality was the same as the lunches except your choices were limited because it went from a buffet to 3 things on the menu. Apparently the Asian restaurant is somewhat better, but we weren't able to get a reservation before we flew back home as our trip had to end before expected. The first night at the "Mediterranean" restaurant the air conditioner wasn't working. It was a sauna in the room. The waitress was literally dripping sweat. People were leaving the restaurant as they couldn't stand the temperature inside. We decided to stay as we appreciated the effort by the staff, but unfortunately the food was really terrible. We then stuck to eating from the Coral lunch buffet and putting away some of the food so we could have what was good for our evening meal in our room. As far as drinks, we were not able to enjoy a mojito as they didn't have the ingredients to prepare it. And when you finally found something you could enjoy, by the afternoon or the next day it was no longer available. Mixed feeling over this vacation come from the fact that the hotel facilities/rooms at the Coral were fantastic, as well as the pool. Yes, there a couple of things that are run down which is normal, but nothing that would break a vacation experience. Cubans are friendly and warm people and there is no question about that, that would always be a positive experience when you visit Latin America. However, this is a review based on my hotel/food experience and yes, although they (staff) are doing everything they can with what they have available, I find perhaps the owners could make a better effort to provide the real experience they advertise about their resort. If they can't provide good food/variation of food at the a la cart , then close them and focus on making the buffets better at night. In short, would I go back, absolutely not. And I also wouldn't recommend it to my family and friends purely based on the dinning experience and quality control. Do a little more research and maybe you will find something in the same country at a better resort. With respect, for me a vacation is a place to rest, relax and enjoy a different experience after long working hours and life commitments. The trip is not cheap, so I expect "some quality" (with a few reservations of course),and this is not what we got. Thank you.

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Amazing resort with amazing staff!

GROUNDS ARE WELL GROOMED. ALL STAFF FROM FRONT DESK, BUTLERS, HOUSEKEEPERS, BARTENDERS, WAITERS AND WAITRESSES, CHEFS AND MANAGEMENT ARE ALL PROFESSIONAL AND FRIENDLY. THEY WILL WORK TO MEET YOUR NEEDS. THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR VACATION MEMORABLE!

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Good resort

Ground were very nice. Beach was lovely. Accommodations were clean and spacious, with nice decor. Staff were great. Food was good for breakfasts and lunches, a la carte was a huge let down. Seem to have a problem with HOW to cook, all dried out and tasteless.

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Amazing family vacation place

Everyone was so friendly at the resort and we will definitely be returning. Restaurants were great, we loved the Japanese restaurant as it was great food and great entertainment. Amenities were clean and well maintained. Beach area is nice. Close distance to the catamaran day trip. Daily activities were really fun with the staff

JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar: Fabulous resort

We thorouly enjoyed our vacation at Iberostar Grand Bavaro.Service is incredible at this resort.The resort is very well maintained.Staff are amazing,there is absolutely nothing they will not do so you enjoy your stay.We hope to return again.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: Some major sanitary conditions

Let me start by saying the beach was perfect, rooms were very nice, food was as varied as they could make it. Staff are super sweet ,very appreciative and hard working. Danny, I must commend..he took care of our every need. I however have to state that there was no hand soap at any time in the hotel bathrooms which are used frequently by both staff and clients. I checked both the men’s and women’s bathrooms and not a drop of soap could be found. ( nor was there any type of hand gels)Also som [... read more]e days there was no toilet paper. Especially being post Covid this is just not acceptable. Our last two days of 5 we also had no soap refilled to our room and we ran out of toilet paper. I also have to state that the dining room was full of flies everywhere. Lastly because this hotel did not spray for misquitos we were eaten alive especially in their open air lobby. We could not go to any of the evening shows that were held in the lobby so as a result we did not get to enjoy any of that. To say we had over 100 bites would not be a lie. Itchy bites that kept us up at night itching despite all the deet spray I brought and used! They did a smoke spray one evening however that did next to nothing. I imagine they should have been spraying nightly to get rid of the mosquitoes .They also ran out of bottles of water which Alex ,our SunWing rep strongly advised us to use for brushing our teeth not to mention for hydration.When we approached “Ariel” he had no suggestions for us except we spend our time trying to track down our maid to ask for bottles. Our maid btw was excellent and 100% she would have restocked our room with water, toilet paper etc if it was available. It appeared to us we were inconveniencing him by asking about getting bottles of water. Not courteous nor helpful. This is not the staffs fault that there are shortages…however you can no longer classify yourself as a 5 star resort when the very basics for health and safety cannot be provided. My sister and I both returned home very sick. It’s not hard to see how that happened when no one was able to adequately hand wash. I would not recommend this hotel until soap is provided in guest rooms and all lobby bathrooms, until they manage their fly and mosquito problems and are able to supply and replenish clients with bottled water.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: Beautiful hotel

It was truly one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen . The hotel had a great open air lobby with a piano player in the evening, unfortunately could not sit there for long due to the mosquitoes!!! They did not do enough to control that situation. I do understand it was mosquitoes season The food , well it is Cuba ..They ran out of lots of items daily , butter milk cheese “ect” Rooms were very nice and cleaned well. The worst for me unfortunately was they had no hand sanitizer or so [... read more]ap in most of all of the washrooms on the property . Being post Covid this is unacceptable hundreds of people sharing the serving spoons at the buffet. I’m also worried the staff and especially kitchen staff were unable to wash their hands as well ! They also ran out of bottled water the last 2 days we were there . Which created a problem because they did not suggest using tap water in the room to brush your teeth.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Amazing resort

This was my second visit to this hotel in the past month the resort is one of my favourite places I’ve been in Cuba being there 30 plus times and by far had the best time the grounds are kept beautifully staff are amazing food was good la carts are beautiful I have nothing to say bad about this resort cannot wait to return in April

Iberostar Waves Paraiso del Mar: Wonderful stay at Del Mar!

We loved our stay at this resort. It was our first time to Mexico and it did not disappoint. Staff were outstanding, food was delicious, rooms clean, lots of games and fun at the pool. Great excursion with Cancun Adventures to Tulum ruins & Cenote caves. Only complaint would be the beach. Water was rough and there was a ton of seaweed. They worked to clear it but it was everywhere on the beach and in the water. If you love the beach would not suggest Mayan Riviera during Jan-June (as per locals) [... read more]. Otherwise, overall it was a fantastic resort with lots to do, eat, drink & play!

JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar: Beautiful resort

Resort is beautiful, very clean and well maintained. Staff are very pleasant and service was excellent. Food ranges from average to excellent depending on restaurant. Pool area and beach were beautiful.

Iberostar Coral Holguin: This is now my GO-TO resort!!

This was my second trip to Iberostar Coral level in Holguin. My first was in January 2023 and as soon as I got home I booked this trip to return in April 2023. Yes, it was that good!! If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in a beautiful location, this is the place for you. The entire resort is extremely well kept, clean and welcoming. The butler service is an amazing extra! Much thanks to Junior Manuel Sablón Pérez & Laritza Hernandez for taking such good care of me! Carlos De Jesus Pa [... read more]z Aguilera provides the entertainment poolside and is great at what he does. Although I can't name everyone the entire staff is friendly and helpful. My room was cleaned spotless every day, so a special thanks to the housekeeping staff. Are there shortages? Of course there are; but the staff are excellent at working with what they have and trust me, you will not go hungry or thirsty! I have travelled to Cuba many many times and I have never felt more welcomed than I did at this resort. The pool is amazing; clean and inviting. The beach, well there are 2 of them, one smaller about a 5 minute walk from your room and the other, larger one is maybe a 10 minute walk; but BONUS, you can get a shuttle to either of these if you would rather not walk. Both are clean and inviting with plenty of lounge chairs. I could go on, but let's just say I doubt I will go to any other resort from now on, and that's saying a lot!! Love it!!

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Decent value for money - nothing fancy

The grounds are well maintained. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food is good but not great. Lots of fresh items to choose from. Skip the specialty restaurants. the three are all the same and the food is not tasty. The Cuban BBQ at lunch one day was very good - don't miss that. The beach was good. Lots of chairs to choose from - though many are saggy. The pools were quiet. Rooms are tired looking - the bed was a box spring and the mattress on the floor - very hard and  [... read more]uncomfortable. It gave me a sore back. the fan in the room was so loud that it made it difficult to sleep well. Value for money - it was good for a four-day break. I cannot imagine staying there any longer.

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Not a good stay

I would never visit this resort again. The hotel room air conditioner didn’t work. The buffet was disgusting with flies on every piece of food. Cockroaches running everywhere. The food even raw chicken being undercooked. No cocktails were available except for the very basic. Never been to a resort that had absolutely nothing in the mini fridge in the room. A lot of staff rude and unhappy. Would love to ask for all my money back because all I wished for was to be back home but I know that won†[... read more]™t happen

Iberostar Coral Holguin: A TRUE GEM!!!

Amazing time at this resort! If you want to be treated like royalty in paradise, this is the place to go! From the outstanding staff, to great accommodations, beautiful views and many options for food,entertainment and excursions, you cannot go wrong! Can't wait to visit again!

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Absolutely wonderful!

We visited the Coral Level at Iberostar in Holguin from April 30-May 7th and had the most wonderful time. This was our first ever time in Cuba and it will not be our last. The resort was immaculate. Very clean and comfortable. The grounds were beautifully maintained and the staff were beyond wonderful. We were pleasantly surprised by the food and selection as we had heard about the shortages. There was always lots to choose from and our bellies were always full and happy. We enjoyed the pool [... read more] everyday, and made the trip across the bridge to the big beach a few times. Definitely a must as the waters are beautifully turquoise and the white sand is spectacular. There were always chairs and cabanas available by the pool and beach which was amazing. No need to get up early and reserve a spot. Carlos the entertainer made our time at the pool so much fun. We enjoyed volleyball, merengue lessons and his beautiful singing and guitar playing. Yunior our butler always made sure we were well taken care of, and arranged a few beautiful surprises for our anniversary. We made lifelong friends during our week at the Coral Level and cannot wait to return.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Peaceful and relaxing holiday!

This was our second time returning to this resort. Last time in Cuba was 2014. Times are hard for the Cuban people but they really try so hard to make everything nice for the guests at this resort. We stayed in building 34 and it was really nice. To us the bed was surprisingly comfortable ( not sleep country but not bad) as we have had bad experiences with mattresses in the past. The room was clean and spacious. There are food shortages in Cuba and although there is always something to eat  [... read more]and we by no means went without, sometimes there were no eggs for breakfast or sugar for coffee, or no chicken or beef at any meals. It made us think of the local people and what they are short of. Beer and wine were missing some days but rum is always available. You can manage just fine if rum is available! Right? We liked that we could use Canadian money for tipping so no need for bringing American cash and no exchange of currency needed. The beach is absolutely one of the best in the world, hands down! So crystal clear and stunning. We never had trouble getting a palapa and chairs. As a side note: the filtered water is so much better since the Cubans no longer use plastic bottles. I always felt after a few days that the water tasted funny from the bottle. Like it was sitting in the plastic bottles in the Sun somewhere for too long. They now use glass bottles on this resort. So much better! We would definitely return to the Iberostar Ensenacho Santa Maria.

JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar: Amazing Resort

We had a wonderful stay, perfect room location, amazing balcony view, All the amenities one could ask for. Never been to a hotel where they are concerned about guests getting sunburnt and provide factor 60 suncreen for guest use at the towel bar! We had our own but it was a very thoughtful addition! Food, Entertainment great, Bar Staff outstanding and lots of fun. We were not disappointed in the Grand in any way but would have to say the Lazy river at the Suites resort is a huge disappointment. [... read more] It is so lazy you have to drag or walk yourself around. Barely anyone using it and is such an attraction on the marketing of the property. They really should fix the jets and have it actually functional.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: A GREAT RESORT

THE GROUNDS/SWIMMING POOL/BEACH WERE VERY WELL KEPT AND THE RESTAURANTS AND SNACK BAR WERE CLEAN THE STAFF ALL WERE VERY PLEASEANT AND HELPFUL THE FOOD WAS GOOD FOR CUBAN STANDARDS AND PLENTYFUL THEAR WAS SHORTAGES FOR SOME ITEMS THE LAST WEEK AS IT WAS THE END OF THE MONTH I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS HOTEL AS THIS WAS OUR 8th VACATION 14 DAYS THIS TIME STARTED OF WITH A WEEK THEN 10 DAYS WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT SO ONLY BY TRYING CAN YOU FIND WHAT YOU WANT LOVELY SAFE BEACHES FREINDLY PEOPLE THIS RESORT [... read more] HAD ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTLY THAT WENT TO MIDNIGHT AND BEACH PARTY TO ONE am ENJOY JOE L

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: NEVER AGAIN

I went to this resort in 2014 and thought the quality of the stay would be the same boy was i wrong. Absolute joke for a "5 star" hotel, Food was mediocre at best. There were days in our stay that they had no milk for breakfest, no cheese, no sugar. Wait 30+ min in line to get an Omelett or any kind off eggs. There were times the bars at the beach had no ice, drinks were pathetic. Ask for a drink at any bar and get different mixed drinks, how can you mess up drinks? So much more to say but i al [... read more]ready wasted my time attending a horrible hotel, not going to spend more time on this. Save yourself from this "hotel" and for me NEVER again Cuba.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Mediocre

The grounds and beach are simply beautiful. The rooms are outdated but clean and spacious. Our patio door would not lock and they didn’t do anything about it. The food was always fresh and plentiful but very repetitive. You will find fresh fish daily, chicken and pork occasionally. The a la carte restaurants serve the same food as buffet just prepared a different way. One thing that shocked me was the attitudes of some of the bartenders and serving staff. Some were quite rude and would hav [... read more]e conversations with friends and co workers and ignore guests. This resort is lacking the personal touch I believe because of its size. You have different servers and bartenders daily. The music was extremely loud at the pool and beach. The entertainment was good but had the same performers every night just different formats. I will not be returning.