Playa Pesquero: Nice place to stay

Gorgeous sandy beach with reefs nearby (pedal catamarans can be booked on site to get there). Clean rooms, friendly staff. Food is quite similar day to day, but tasty. Animation staff is doing a great job!

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Amazing Place that needs minor improvements

We liked everything about the rooms and amenities. The staff were hardworking, nice and pleasant but I would like some improvements on the following:- 1. If there is no toilet paper in a public toilet then a note should be written to notify the public. The public toilets are many around the reception area so just redirect people. The reason is that as a lady it’s embarrassing to use the bathroom and realize half way there is no toilet paper. 2. Food hygiene should be number one priority. It [... read more] maybe hard due to the open buffet style but have a glass protector to prevent dirty hands and flies. 3. The Wi-Fi is very unreliable. The fact that you have to call the reception all the time to give you more hours that disconnects 5 min later. Most of the time no one handles the call at the reception for assistance. The username and password is very long and can’t be saved and you have to retype frequently to login. It is very exhausting when the network is very poor.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Magical Resort

We had a magical time at Paradisus Rio de Oro. The pools were lovely, the beach was amazing and all the staff were absolutely fantastic. We upgraded to Royal Service and it was 100% worth it. We definitely felt like Royalty. It was difficult to leave.

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Pleasant stay at Gran Muthu in December

We stayed in Gran Muthu in mid December 2022. Overall it was a very pleasant vacation. Hotel is relatively new and well maintained. Modern design with lots of open spaces in lobby, nice ocean view from the bar balcony, comfortable rooms. Grounds are also well maintained, however feels a luck of greenery because the hotel is new and there is not so many mature trees. Check in at the hotel was quick, but before that we had to wait about an hour and a half in the airport until our tour rep acco [... read more]unts to all passengers they had on their list. Also, some passengers including us, had to go thru unpleasant procedure of taking random COVID test. Rooms are very comfortable with nice beds, amenities, furniture, flat screen TV, balconies and patios. A/C works well and there is also ceiling fan. Few minor issues here and there: one shower head was broken, bath robe hook felt down. One annoying issue: TV would loose a signal for 10-15 min, then would start working again. Complained to the guest service, but TV never been fixed, even though technician came once or twice. Wi-Fi is free but you need to book it by 2 HR slots in person at the front desk. Once your 2 HR is over, go back to front desk again. You may turn you Wi-Fi off to prevent its bleeding, and turn it on when you are using it, but it didn't work well for us. There are always few people in the lobby complaining about their Wi-Fi. Food is good by Cuban standards, but definitely not 5 star. Yes, you have lobster once a week in the buffet, tasty fresh ham, prosciutto once in a while, but some basic items are missing: no bacon, no potato of any kind, no butter, only plain yogurt, no seafood except tiny shrimps. Ala cart restaurants are good and seats are limited, so book them as soon as you can. Strange arrangement at 24 HR snack bar by the beach - you have to sit and wait until server comes and takes your order. Being in a snack bar I would prefer to see the food first, and then quickly pick what I like, rather than waiting and then be unpleasantly surprised. You can order a lobster dinner for $22 per person in buffet or Ala cart restaurant. It's worth a price, and it's so huge that you can feed a whole family with just one lobster. Barmen and servers work very well, very friendly and serve fast. Nobody ever ask for tips, but always appreciate when you give. There is plenty of good drinks in the bar, including some premium brands. However, to my surprise there was no tequila at all. So, had to survive on rum and scotch. Actually, there is good selection of premium rum, so recommend for rum lovers. There is also a bar and lounge at the roof for extra price, but we didn't come there. There are also few local restaurants farther at the beach where you can get seafood and lobster dinner for the same price as in the hotel, or maybe less. If you want to experience local food and Cuban ambience, try it. Beach is excellent, clean, with white sand and turquoise water. Chairs and palapas are taken early, so you may have to find a shade under the trees. There is no vendors at the beach, but instead barmen walk and offer drinks. There is night entertainment in the theater, piano players and solo singers in the lobby, lots of loud music beside the pool and sometimes at the beach, so you will not be bored by silence. There is a souvenir market near by at the neighboring hotel, 10 min walk. There is adult only section with their own pool, restaurant and beach section. Nobody at the front desk could give us a definite answer how to move there. Guess there is some price tag to it, but not sure how much and if it really worth. The hotel is worth visit, at least once, with decent food and service, friendly staff and excellent beach.

Playa Costa Verde: Terrible resort!

The rooms are so dated it's unreal. Had 2 move twice. Third time a have a room and it's has ants everywhere in our toothbrushes. The front desk Staff are rude and obnoxious. The wait staff at the bars just stand around whilst you wait to get a coffee ect. The front desk staff demand a tip when you go there there's one man inaparticular. He wears designer clothes and is as rude as they come. Still have 4 days to go and not a good place. Only decent thing surprisingly is the food. The manageme [... read more]nt need to take a look at there best practices. This has put a bad taste in my mouth on Cuba as a hole. Will not be coming back to Cuba.

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: I would go back!

I liked this resort. The resort seemed to go forever. As it was off season the resort wasn't that busy. There was a wide expansive beach. Food was ok, better than other places we've been in Cuba but could still use improvement. They do what they can with what they have to provide. I did not mind the coffee, I did not find it "weak" at all. We ordered from the quiet pool bar, sometimes cappuccino, sometimes espresso, sometimes just coffee, any which way was a treat to be enjoyed. This bar was th [... read more]e all night bar and was a nice place to sit when I couldn't sleep. Servers were friendly and enjoyed the act of serving you. Tipping isn't mandatory but it is so very appreciated. They cannot give coin to the banks so were very happy to be able to exchange coin for paper at face value, sometimes we were sought out to do so. We brought extra $5 bills when we came since I'd read that it would be appreciated. I was quite perturbed over a pair of shoes gone missing from our closet. Other items went missing as well from the room. But once I placed the do not disturb sign on the door, everything was fine. I'm especially annoyed since we paid $240 extra for checked baggage so that we could bring many needed items to Cuba. (underwear, feminine hygiene products, socks, clothing, soap etc.) (85% brand new) The gratitude from recipients is so effusive and genuine, you know that anything you bring is needed. Many haven't had a job for the Covid years! Many items are unavailable as well. The word got out our first day! Maybe the person who "ferried" us to our room in the electric buggy. Maybe the lady at reception. Their need is great so I understood. I found it both gratifying to be able to give and sad to know that the need was so great. Their gratitude is so immense. I bought pillowcases from thrift stores and used those as bags as I didn't want to add plastic to the Cuban waste stream, lol. I returned to our room the first day after breakfast to see our room door open and a maid in front, waiting. I'd already had some "bags" ready and handed her one. Third day, fourth maid and discovered she was our actual maid; the others came from, I don't know where. lol. I enjoyed this trip. It was quiet at the quiet pool. Much work was being done to bring the resort to clean, shiny and new status. No TP issues, my beach bag stash wasn't needed; public bathrooms were always clean. Guards are posted at intervals along the walkways leading to the beach. There were plenty of chairs around the pool and on the beach. We had our own towels (given away at the end) so we did not have towel issues, although that is other tourists not the Cuban peoples. When we first arrived I thought this was the nicest place we stayed at while in Cuba but then we were bussed to another resort by Sunwing due to very late flights, at their expense and the breakfast served there was amazing, but didn't like the room much. A seven day trip turned to four days waiting at airports and hotels. Sunwing has a problem, many excuses were given but the most often was flight crew rest needed. Sunwing gave us a horrendous travelling experience. We needed a vacation from our vacation!

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Still want to hear about covid?

You ask about "covid"? It is clear you have not moved on, and it shows. Many issues here, none due to covid. I would suggest the TripCentral employees begin to re-learn about their destinations and provide their clients with relevant information. Being misinformed on basic details is an odd phenomenon considering you are our knowledge base for such trips.

Grand Memories Holguin: It has potential...

We have travelled to Cuba more than 15 times and stayed at resorts all over the country. We have booked resorts that are 2.5 stars to 5+ stars. We are not "star" driven but rather we decide on our destinations based on reviews, research and (of course), price factors in as well. Our experience has been that the stars speak to the offered amenities at a resort but have nothing to do with the culture or feel of a hotel. And for our family, the culture/feel is the MOST important. This resort, i [... read more]s rated a 5 star and based on the amenities offered, we would agree. It is less than one year old and is probably one of the most esthetically pleasing resorts we have been to in Cuba. However, the culture was a 2 star at best. Many of the staff tried but there seemed to be a general lack of employee satisfaction/happiness. It wasn't that the staff were rude or unpleasant -- they just didn't seem to enjoy their jobs and sometimes we felt that asking a question or ordering a drink (the lobby bar area) was an imposition (not so much from the bartenders, but for the servers--even though we are decent tippers). Often we would just go to the bar to get a drink and bring it back to our table ourselves (it was easier and quicker). We went at a non busy time--I'd hate to see what it was like over Xmas and New Years! It felt like there was an absence of management and thus small details that would make BIG differences in guest satisfaction were just not there (ie: there was never a posting outlining evening shows nor a list of daily activities posted anywhere for beach and pool activities). As the week progressed, we realized there were shows and water aerobics, beach volleyball etc... but that was only because we happened to see them happening or because we would seek out the entertainment staff to find out details. After a couple of days, there did seem to be an increase in management presence (this may have had something to do with Memories taking over the resort), and some improvement was noted. The buffet staff tried really hard (and there was a strong management presence -- not ominous or oppressive -- but seemingly supportive and helpful). This same manager was always around to support and help in the al la carte restaurants as well (Japanese was fun!) I'm not sure of her name but we do send out kudos to her. She worked very hard and did an excellent job. Perhaps it was because of this, we found the buffet to be one of the best run, best organized, "happiest" places in the resort. The rooms...hmmmm....we think it is the luck of the draw! We stayed in 2401 -- location was great but the air conditioning worked sporadically, the shower flooded every time we used it and the room cleaners changed constantly. Not having one consistent person/person(s) cleaning our room proved difficult -- both for tipping and for requests. Some cleaners were good--our room was well cleaned, bed made (even towel art). Others, we had a hard time telling IF the room had been cleaned at all (only figured it had been because there were new towels). 3/7 days we were given NO toilet paper and no water. We asked for toilet paper and told it was coming later but it never arrived. The water, we didn't even bother --we got it from the bar or bought it at the store. Our balcony was never swept/mopped and used mugs from the coffee maker were left dirty on the bathroom counter for days. Fortunately, our adult daughters were staying a few doors down (2405) and they had different chamber people who seemed to stock them regularly with tp and water -- so we shared. The ac in their room worked perfectly and their shower drained well . So, as stated -- luck of the draw. All in all, the hotel is lovely to look at, the beach is pretty good, the pools and swim up bar staff were great, the beach bar bartenders were good and the entertainment staff were fun. We met some fantastic people and had a wonderful time. But, if asked, would we return to this hotel? We were all in agreement that our answer would be NO. Hopefully Memories can improve on this resort as it very well could be a diamond in the rough. As stated in the Title...It has potential :) Safe travels!

Playa Pesquero: Still good and popular!

Still well maintained and serviced! There is no green pool here as some had mentioned..sure it may not sparkle due to some shortages,but still clean and clear. Food was plentiful and awesome,as was the alcohol. Unfortunately...pop was scarce...especially cola. Staff are their usual outgoing self and make you feel warm and welcome. BUT if your cigar hunting...good luck. Even the dark market is dry..Cuba has placed a moratorium on their cigars as its the only comodity that is truly tradeab [... read more]le for them. Humidors are just more empty shelf space for the people of Cuba to store dust I'm afraid.

Playa Pesquero: Very good resort

I have stayed in the premium area that has some extra features compared with the regular one I have been before: The buildings have one or 2 levels with 2 rooms per level that have entries on opposite sites The main room is very large and besides the usual amenities has an espresso machine, like a Nespresso small size with capsules. There are 2 entries, each side of the bed, to a large bathroom that has a double sink, a jacuzzi and a shower – the washroom has its own room with a door From [... read more] bathroom through a door, you have access to an outside balcony shower with high walls. The balcony has a twin bed where you can rest. The grounds are well maintained, and the area is quiet. At both snack bar and restaurant, you order the food from a menu. The Los Almacigos restaurant has a small buffet for breakfast and from the menu you can get extras like eggs or pancakes specialties. At the dinner the long pants are required. The food presentation is outstanding. At the beach there is a reserved area for the Premium clients. You can go and use any place on the beach or go to the buffets in the other area with no restrictions. Please get some kind of bug repellent because some of you, especially ladies, will get of lot of bites from Jejen (mosquito or sand flies that you can barely see them) which the locals will pronounce Hehen. Everybody in this area is very attentive to your needs and my special thanks go to Yanet (pronounce Janet), the lady that took care of our room. Enjoy your stay!

Playa Pesquero: Playa Pesquero

This is the second time we (my wife and I) have stayed in Playa Pesquero following are our review, likes and dislikes: 1. Hotel staff are good, friendly and helpful. 2. La playa is always nice 3. Food has always been one of the drawbacks but this time food quality has even deteriorated since the last time we stayed in this hotel 4. We (four of us) stayed in the hotel for 9 days and we reserved 5 a la carte, unfortunately only one of the a la carte had good decent food. 5. This is the 6 t [... read more]imes we have been to Cuba , still like the weather and the beach but I think we'll stay away from Playa Pesquero.

Playa Pesquero: Playa Pesquero resort

Just returned December22nd, 2022. I have been to this resort 5 times over the last 10 years. There have been many improvements to this resort, improved night lighting, updated rooms (at least in our area) and updated furniture. The grounds are well maintained, pools clean, and of course the beach is heavenly, lots of chairs and shady areas. The staff have always been most pleasant, making sure the tourist are happy and well cared for. I must say that the food quality has gone down. Most a-la [... read more]-cartes have the same menu, except for the Gondola and the Romantica which are enjoyable. The buffets are good, again lack of choice, breakfasts are the best. By the way, the Duty free shop at the airport does accept Canadian and U.S. currency. Suggestion, when going to Cuba, bring $10-$20 bills and exchange them with the workers for 10-20 $1 . You'll have lots of tip money and the workers can deposit the bills at their bank. Banks in Cuba do not accept Canadian $1 & $2 dollar coins.

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Great place!

Great place to stay with family or friends! Clean and spacious amenities, easy accessible beach, friendly service. Foods OK for non picky guests. Wish the owners will provide more bottled water at the territory.

Playa Pesquero: Playa Pesquero

Friendly service. Rooms clean. Enough to eat but choices reduced from previous visits. Plenty to drink. Some excellent wines. Beach waterfront wonderful. Staff are excellent Very pleased with our week there. Massage at spa was wonderful will book again

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Still good for the returning customers but maybe not quite as good for the first comers

As serial returning customers, we still find this resort very good: awesome beach, great service, clean pool, newly renovated rooms on Mares side (Luna side is closed). Access to coral reef near Rio de Oro for snorkeling is hard due to the exposed rocks. It appears that Rio de Oro dumps sewage into that small lake between the resorts. Sewage also can be smelled in the Mares lobby between the bar and the coffee island. People should know about the absence of some basic things like napkins [... read more], potatoes, ketchup and shortages of things like juices, pina colada, fruits, fish etc. Hopefully things will get better but as of December 2022 this is the situation.

Playa Pesquero: Best in Cuba

Clean, big but not too big, beautiful beach and snorkeling, fun and happy staff, lots to do, volleyball, ping pong and pull tables and many other games. Gardeners are fun and resourceful always offering a coconut for milk. Bar staff is nice and happy to serve you what they have. Negatives: 2022 Nov: No coke or ginger Elle (bring your own) or just drink your rum neat ;)

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Awesome resort with internet

We had a wonderful week in this resort. Very friendly staff, great beach and snorkeling, and well working internet everywhere, including the beach. Great and clean rooms with balcony. Even the food was good if you don't just pile everything on your plate. We took spices with us, but they even had peper and salt, and some mustard etc. Only unhappy with tripcentral. First they advertised a different price until I got to the payment page, and then we had a flight delay on the way back with no he [... read more]lp. Passengers booking directly with Westjet Vacation got hotels and food vouchers right away whereas we had to stand for hour in line without getting any while Westjet and Tripcentral both said it's the others responsibility.

Playa Pesquero: So many changes in the resort especially food services and money. My 2019 money is longer good it's garbage so we changed only limited to new pesos for tips.

The weather was fabulous did swimming twice a day, only two days before we left I had Jellyfish stint and it was burning like crazy. However it's now improving. Also the resort is giving one week free for next year booking so I am waiting for there email and let you Neil about it.My remaining pesos from 2019 was no good no more so this time we limit to changed pesos for tips for devices tendered.

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Great resort

We enjoyed our vacation at Coral Level at Iberostar. The quality of the hotel was amazing. The room service was impeccable. The butler service was a great bonus for us. Free internet 24/7 was a real gift also.

Playa Pesquero: Always happy to go back

Missing a few items that we enjoy. There was no champagne, pina coloda mix, no sparkling water and no tequila. There was also no cigars. On the food end there were some shortages also. We managed quite well though and had a wonderful week.