Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Mosquitoes

One of the biggest downfalls about the resort was the abandonce amout of mosquitoes so unfortunately being cover of in red mosquitoes bites from beginning to end of stay..the rooms maintain very well except the appearance of looks very old and outdated..example no bathrooms door..

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Great people, wonderful resort

We returned home yesterday and wish we were still at Sanctuary!! We travelled with another couple. All our travels thru Canadian and Cuban airports went very smoothly! Upon our arrival at Grand Memories a shuttle was right there to take us to a quick check in at Sanctuary! Mario and Rene, what fantastic young men, our concierges, met us and looked after everything for us. A wealth of information and non-stop work. The overall hotel at Sanctuary is dated, yes, but extremely clean. Our room  [... read more]was great, clean and everything we needed. Yes, our shower leaked under the door. We used towels to stop this and they were replaced daily. Lots of clean towels, water and a few beer each day in our room. Thanks to our great cleaners, sorry not sure of their names. The food was the best food we have enjoyed at a resort in Cuba. We have travelled to Cuba at least 10 times. At Sanctuary there is a restaurant, lobby/cigar bar and the outdoor snack bar. We ate only at the Sanctuary because it was so good we didn’t want to chance anything else. Again thank you Mario for changing our reservations numerous times. Cappuccinos every morning at the snack bar along with well cooked omelettes, bacon and hash browns! We ate this outside by the pool. Service delivery right to our table. You can also go inside to grab croissants, cookies and some fruits ( and a mimosa to go)! Lunch was mostly hotdogs, hamburgers and fries. Calamari a few days with chicken Sandwiches. Most days we had ketchup and mustard. We also brought our own and some jams just in case. Suppers all in the main Sanctuary restaurant! We had other bookings and cancelled them because the meals and service at Sanctuary supper were so good. The food got better everyday. You have a choice of appetizers, then soup and any of 3 courses for supper. No complaints at all. None of us lost weight. The real story and the reason why we will return to Sanctuary is because of the AMAZING service we got and all the amazing people working so hard to make our vacation memorable. I am sorry if I miss someone but here it is. Roxana at the snack bar. My husband now calls her his back up… it’s an inside joke. But she was amazing. Supper meals Noe and Talia and Sendry and then they worked the snack bar. Amazing lovely ladies and gentlemen! They all work so many hours and smile thru long shifts. The chef Enzo and his amazing crew created us lovely meals each and every day! One special Italian meal. Made our stay. Thank you! Freddy the manager of the area seemed to work 24 hours a day. He was always there and ready to hold a door, freshen our wine or just make sure all was well! The beach! It was amazing but made more memorable by the special personality of Natalie ! And her amazing Mojitos which we enjoyed every day!! Love you Natalie!! Also Alex and Amoury (loco) the beach service was top notch. We miss you all already! And we hope nothing but great things for you all! Sorry for the long speech but so many to thank. Again we usually try different resorts but we are sure we will return to Sanctuary for the people and the relaxing vacation we had.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Amazing Resort

I spent a week at this resort. It was amazing.My first time at this resort. The grounds were very clean,I have been to many places in Cuba and by my experience this was the kindest of staff.They were always there to help.They work very hard to keep there customers happy. The beach was a five star +++ The pool was amazing. I realize Cuba is not known for there food but you can always find something to eat. Pizza on the beach was awesome.The snack bar had great hamburgers and fries. Would I r [... read more]eturn to this resort….. Absolutely

Grand Memories Varadero: Big Resort with Restrictions

The resort was very big with limited activities presumably due to Covid restrictions. It was obvious that the resort was running well below capacity, which has some benefits as well as problems. The staff for the most part were friendly but midweek some were let go due to lack of business, resulting in some obvious morale challenges. Evening activities and dining options were limited due to closure of sections of the resort. The up side of few people was that both the beach and pool had open c [... read more]hairs for choices of seating. The room was clean but the bed spreads and blankets were removed, again presumably due to Covid restrictions. A bit cold to sleep under a bed sheet so I asked for and got a blanket. The room features were as expected for Cuba. The room did not look like the advertising.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Memories Caribe on the beach

We had a fantastic time at this resort. This was our second time there. The beach of course is to die for. The staff are absolutely amazing. We did notice that there were Fewer choices at the Buffet. Lunch is at the beach bar, diamond club were great. The weather was fantastic and we can’t wait to go back again.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: an interesting resort

I booked this resort last minute. check in was very efficient. my room was a little bit far away but it was a big resort and a quiet building. that I requested. the beach is awesome. the first couple of days food was sparse no eggs no cheese, this is more reflection of the times in Cuba rather than the resort itself so I don't blame the resort for that. they run out of beer one day not a big deal. the main thing that bothered me was I saw many instances of the wait staff ignoring Cubans. the onl [... read more]y place that this did not happen was a snack bar. I found the snack part to be very efficient and a friend of place to be. there was also one dinner server Luis who was also excellent. during check out there was a little bit of a confusion on whether I owed money for the rapid test. I didn't they said I did. I took about 30 minutes to clear up. overall I think it is a reasonable resort if you have children. if you don't have children it would not be the place to go

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: It was a well overdue vacation

We enjoyed our well overdue vacation. Certainly the resort had its challenges ie: ran out of eggs, bread, cheese, water for coffee one evening and water pressure was very poor, but the staff were great, sun was shining and the beach was amazing. We benefitted from the Diamond Club upgrade as most things listed above were missing at the buffet the majority of the week. Highly recommend the “Cuban restaurant “ as the a la carte option. If you need an antigen test to come home, get in line  [... read more]early, like 6:30-7:00am. You will still have to wait 2 hours, but at least you don’t loose half your day in line on the last you have at the beach. Do not recommend the “Market” not much happening! And finally but most of all…. If you buy something at Duty Free at the Cayo Coco Airport, ensure they use the proper bag (it has a green circle with a green check mark inside the circle) AND that they put the receipt in the bag before sealing it! We got caught not knowing this and security in Toronto took it away, even though we had never left a secured area and had cleared customs with no issues! (I will also mention we had a connecting flight, no idea if it would have been ok if Toronto was our final destination) Unless you know what to look for, you are simply buying it to hand it over 3.5 hours later! Lousy way to end the week! Overall, we needed to rest, relax and enjoy the sun and that we did do!

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: very nice resort

The hotel is well kept. As people always indicate, its the Cuban people that keep you going back. However, there are little excuses for running out of stuff and hearing, No Vodka for 2 weeks we were there, no gin, no champagne, Everyone I know drinks vodka, everyone at some point. No scotch unless your diamond, really? Our friends stayed at a resort not too far so we met for lunch. There hotel had everything and everything was available to all. Our room was well kept, our cleaning person was [... read more] excellent. Our room worked well, great location and everything worked. The washrooms have an attendant pretty much all day long. They need one as something always goes wrong. My wife had to stand guard at the snack bar woman's washroom as I needed to utilize the restroom. The food is food, the ala carts are good, italian was very good. The buffet food is bland, the meat like leather, but there is some good stuff. Breakfast is breakfast, omelets, toast, fruit and juice. Our servers were fantastic young ladies, 2 weeks builds relationship. Service is good, if your a good tipper you get much better service. Period No getting around that. The front desk is helpful. BE NICE. it goes a long way. The management needs to take better control of organizing this hotel. Our room was ready at noon but we had to fight to get in at 4 o'clock as our luggage was all by itself for 4 hours in the lobby. The greeter told us it will be watched until you check in. Not true, I've travelled enough to know, take your own responsibility. We complained to the Sunwing rep, she listened, wrote everything down but I'm sure it went nowhere. Overall you need to be nice to people they will do whatever you need in response. We filled a carry on with much appreciated medicine, coloring books, crayons, books, stuff for little girls bathroom vanity requirements etc.

Memories Jibacoa: Busy like veradero

The food was delightful. OmG try the steak at the a l a carte!! Wonderful pool. Very large room. A very beautiful well kept resort deserving 5stars. Sadly too many jellyfish and rough waters to snorkel. We prefer a quieter resort and sadly memories wasnt. We would go back to it though as we found many quiet spots to hide out in.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Amazing

This trip was amazing from the beginning. The travel agent, who was over busy, was extremely helpful. The respite was beautiful. We were treated the best and always felt like rockstars. One work amazing!

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Amazing resort staff & beach !

We had such a great vacation at the Caribe. Absolutely the best staff at this resort. So happy & friendly & kind 🤗. Beautiful beach. Fun activities. Food was good. Staff made meals in front of you and just the way I wanted it. We have been on many vacations and would recommend the Memories Caribe. Upgrade to the suite. And have a delicious Cappachino at the piano bar with amazing staff 😊. Amazing vacation will return.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Security didnt give a shit

We were approached and harrassed on the beach to buy drugs for several days in a row by a worker from the resort. It finally escalated into almost a physical confrontation when said employee tried to take our belongs because we weren't willing to buy his drugs. We then went to speak with the resorts security guards and complained about what had been going on right in front of them and to our dismay the drug dealer came up laughing in our face , shaking hands with the security guards and mocki [... read more]ng us because they were friends and would do nothing to stop the harrassment. Also while on vacation i caught a Male security guard trying to watch my girlfriend and an 8 year old girl going to the bathroom and when I called him out on it he didn't care and said that he was security so i physically removed him along with the help of the 8 year old girls father. Besides these events the rooms, food, pools, beach were all nice. Just sucks we had to deal with this frightening ordeals while on the resort and our vacation

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Changed resorts immediately

I had booked a lakeview room because I'd heard poolside was loud. I was given poolside. Nice room however, but loud. I had arrived after a long day of traveling, so was hungry. The food was cold. Ok, maybe better tomorrow. Went to grab a drink. Only beer, wine, rum I don't drink any of them. Checked online and seems to be an ongoing issue. Switched resorts the next day.

Grand Memories Santa Maria: Worth returning to Cuba

I stayed in building 60 at the grand memories sanctuary area. Well worth going back to Cuba. It’s been a long two years of going nowhere. I was very hesitant to go to Cuba quite frankly because of the COVID situation, but I couldn’t pass up the deal. The Wi-Fi was a bit spotty better in the room and by the pool but quite frankly I loved the break. Also something that’s very new most things were paid by credit card. They excepted Canadian American or Cuban money. The resort could probably b [... read more]e updated but everything was kept clean by the staff who was very friendly. It should be noted that this resort offers a three-story walk up buildings for the rooms. They also offer trollies or golf carts around the resort. The food is Cuban. You were offered pork chicken beef or fish, soup, salad and dessert for supper. The food was delicious regardless. My philosophy when eating in Cuba has always been eat what they make in front of you. There was a hut on the beach that severed alcohol hot dogs or hamburgers. For breakfast and lunch there is a buffets. As well as a chef, late at night that would make something. They also made cappuccinos. I did tip throughout the vacation. The staff was very appreciate of of the tips. But if you didn’t tip they still treated you the same there was no difference that I noticed. I stayed at the beach in the morning until two. The loungers in the palapas were well taken care of. There was always somebody to set it up for you clean it and place your towel. I felt very safe leaving my stuff on my seat. If you walk down to the end of where the hotels were there was a place where you could snorkel. Also, the hotel offered a complementary catamaran ride into the ocean and back. There is a place on entering the beach where you can tell what the water was like because there was always a flag red or yellow. In the pool area there was a swim up bar there was a lot of music and entertainment at the pool. Shade or sun areas on the pool deck. The rooms were kept immaculately clean, staff is always around to help you. The entertainment staff with exceedingly busy it made everybody felt welcomed. Thank you very much Mercedes, Joel, George, Rafeal, Eduardo, Elena, Dayanes and anyone I forgot. I did get a really nice massage. There was a safe in the room I did have a converter but I don’t think I really needed it for the electricity. There was a mini fridge that was always stocked with water. There was always fresh towels and you had 2 beach towels. There was entertainment there with dance troupe. After the show at night time the staff was always around to have fun with. There is a doctor on this resort who was very professional and understanding. Also, I would like to mention the Sunwing representative was very clear very precise and friendly and helpful. Which I can’t always say about other the travel reps I’ve dealt with. As well as the bus drivers and tour guide from and to the resort. This resort was very safe for ladies travelling on there own

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Beautiful experience

Cuba and it’s people are not only dealing with Covid-19 but also years of The Embargo. Yes there are shortages and there are cosmetic issues but nothing will slow or stop the smiles and endless kindness of the staff on all levels at this resort. I truly hope the best is yet to come for this beautiful property. The lack of tourism is having its affect across the entire Country. If your willing to travel to a Country with beautiful safe beaches and clear blue water Cuba is calling. Make su [... read more]re to take a few extra bottles of Advil, children Advil, extra toothpaste reading glasses, anything medical, there in total shortages.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Great Beach. Resort is aging.

4th time at this resort and it's been getting worse with every visit. On a good note a new director general was appointed 3 months ago and I'd promising to make great improvements. I don't recommend the resort at this time. Maybe after the improvements have been implemented. The rooms needs lots if improvements.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: I won't be visiting this place or anywhere in Cuba!

Where shall I start....yes, the bed bugs. I was covered head to toe - literally. They sprayed the bed twice, changed my pillow and eventually changed my mattress. Toilet in our room did not flush. I had to manually reset the pump each time. Power went out twice with no generator back up. No running water anywhere one morning. There was only one functioning toilet on the resort at each of the nearby restaurants. The other stalls either didn't flush or you couldn't close the door for privac [... read more]y. The hinges didn't line up! Bring a screwdriver if you plan on visiting so you can easily fix the alignment because the maintenance crew are incapable of doing that simple task. WIFI was dodgy. Only accessible in the lobby. If you veered 10 feet from there, you lost connection and had to sign it again. It was mayhem when the weather was bad (it was cold - 2 days 17 degrees C - and raining - beyond their control) everyone was in the lobby using their devices, connectivity was definitely overstretched. Food was actually tasty (they finally had salt shipped in!) when you could get it. They ran out of everything. The al a cart restaurants would ask you to take a picture of their menu, but when it came time to order, they didn't have what was on the menu. What's the point of that!!?? Just tell us what you have when you take our order. The wait staff were rude. They should learn how to speak english as most of the guests speak it!! We upgraded to Diamond Club, paying extra for upgrades they ran out of!! No premium drinks were to be found at any bar. VIP service - right!! I still had to wait in line at the reception desk just like everyone else. I'm not saying I'm more important, but when you pay for a service, you expect to receive it. Private beach was fine. The private bar on the beach didn't have premium drinks and neither did the Diamond Club restaurant. All I wanted was a good scotch! Not one bar tender was capable of making a decent margarita - and that's not a premium drink!! The hotel needs a complete renovation. The grounds are nicely kept - but I don't sleep outside!. The rooms are clean but need a serious update. The lobby needs new furniture. The fake leather couches are ripped, torn, cracked and have cigarette burns. The pictures on the website were taken when the hotel was built and nowhere near what the place looks like now.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Traveling at Christmas during COVID

Ok, check in is a disaster, wow. Rooms were good, no water in room or any beers as per usual, on if you paid the maid(side hussle) Lots of Cuban and Russian tourist which of both don’t understand the concept of lining up or courtesy of any sort which is said because Canadian are the only ones tipping. If you don’t travel often I won’t recommend It at this time, not for the faint of heart. Food was ok always out, or having to wait like 1 hour for a sandwich, pretty sad actually. The re [... read more]sort has gone down hill

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Fantastic Stay

My partner and I had an amazing stay over the Christmas holidays, met lots of lovely people including tourists and staff. The staff in particular are extremely wonderful and kind! Things I would recommend: -Bring lots of bug spray. Keep your room door closed at all times, the gnats are too small to spot but you'll get bit a lot. -Bring more cash than you think you'll need. Canadian is great, American is good also. The only currency you can get while you're there is cuban, which is fine (not as [... read more] good) for tipping but not good for much else. -The food is a little plain, as with most Cuban resorts. I stuck with fish, seafood & veggies. Some people bring ketchup, hot sauce, garlic salt, etc. if you're really picky. The beach, the coffee, the staff, the entertainment and the value are all absolutely incredible.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Decent resort

Not the best in the world, but still decent enough keeping in mind the money you pay! I being the diamond club member was not given all those extra services as promised. The only plus point with diamond club was the diamond club restaurant. rooms were okay, beach was excellent! 50% of the resort staff only spoke Spanish which didn’t bother much but still they don’t speak much English.