Brisas Guardalavaca: Cuba is Amazing

My husband and I booked the Villa VIP at Brisas Guardalavaca through TripCentral (SunWing). We arrived extremely late due to a traveler checking in 3 bags and then not showing up for his/her flight. This required us to wait a long time while they tried to locate this person at the airport - then, after no response, Sunwing spent a bunch of time locating the 3 bags to remove them from the plane. Needless to say, we arrived very late and very tired. Although we purchased VIP, most of these "ex [... read more]tras" were not there on our arrival. We made complaints to our Sunwing Rep the following day at around 2:30 pm, then, when we arrived back to our room to get ready for dinner, we found some of the things we paid extra for but not all of them - very disappointing. We did not receive everything advertised by Sunwing that we paid extra for. Never-the-less... we met some great people, staff and tourists, and had a great week in Cuba. The beach and pools were great, staff were great, but, if you are a wine drinker don't go to Cuba because they only had a little red wine at the Italian restaurant and ran out of white wine every day at multiple bars. I found out some people pre-book many bottles of red wine with the hotel directly and I assume this is why they run out of red wine for the rest of us. Food is ok at best but we knew this before booking our trip. With VIP we could book 5 ala carts where the cooks took the exact same food and made it better. Vegetables were mixed peas-potatoes-carrots and were very mushy (from a can we suspect) and potatoes from flakes... by mid-week I ordered my meals with rice and asked "please do not give me potatoes, and, please add hot-red-peppers" (from jars or cans) to the canned vegetables to make them more palatable. Salads were the same everywhere and at every meal... sliced cucumbers, pickled sliced beets, shredded cabbage, and the dreaded canned mixed vegetables. The beef and chicken breasts were mostly great. We ordered omelettes (with the works) and ham at the open air restaurant beside the pool/snack bar every day which was delicious. Breakfast fruit was all pretty under-ripe and tough so we ordered grapefruit only. Staff were always really nice. We tipped $1 to $2 US dollars usually at most meals. With the VIP we had lobster, but you could order lobster at 2 other restaurants without VIP, what the heck. What was extra special was that we ordered it at the Cuban ala carte restaurant and were served a bottle of champagne, we had a candle, and white tablecloth. Unfortunately, our friends were seated at a different table even though they loudly requested to share with us. Then, their table was pooped on by multiple birds (it was an outdoor restaurant) and so they were moved to a "clean" table. I scooped some bird poop onto the floor from our table... most people realise if you sit outdoors you're going to have birds, flies, geckos, crabs, lizards, butterflies, bees, dogs, and cats, etc., hanging about... we were totally ok with that...really enjoyed it actually. I know this all sounds bad but for the little money we paid (compared to DR and Mexico) we received a fabulous deal. The market had some great deals even though I didn't haggle... I bought 2 gorgeous oil paintings ($60 cdn.) by H. Hayain (I think that's how it's spelled). Amazing artist... I bought 2 bird paintings - one was a humming bird and one was a local colourful bird (Cuban Tody). I'm just looking into getting them framed. I also bought a beautiful pink/coral crocheted top - it is crocheted from a cotton type of yarn and stretches to whatever size you are... absolutely gorgeous and only $15 cdn (I didn't try to get a lesser price as I crochet and I know the time that goes into creating it). Regarding Covid... all staff wore masks all the time, most tourists did too but of course you always get the odd 1 or 2 who don't always follow the rules... seeing this I would ask our guides to remind them... I always felt pretty safe, especially when I looked at my phone app, Worldometer, that indicates Cuba has only had one wave of high Covid numbers and are now down way below Canada's numbers. I was told Cuba has over 82% of their population 3-dose vaccinated... way better than Canada and most countries. Getting tested was pretty easy (and we went to the market afterwards which was right beside the clinic). Internet is not always reliable in Cuba so we went to the International Clinic, a 3-minute walk from our resort, on Tuesday to pay for the test ($30 US). Confirm they write down your correct passport number as they wrote down mine wrong, then we had our test on Wednesday (again, check that they write down your correct passport number on your test tube). The doctor came to our resort's lobby at approx 4:00 pm on Thursday and wrote out our negative test result forms. Then we completed our ArriveCan app (that we had downloaded before we left Canada). Brisas gave us each 10 hours of free internet access at the main pool area, lobby area, and villa pool area. After 3 days we found out that we could get internet access at our villa on our balcony and in our bedroom... nice. All-in-all, we loved our trip. Would we go back to Brisas? Maybe... but even though we talked to many people who consider Brisas their "cottage" as they go there about 3 times per year, my husband and I like to travel all over the world so, although we will definitely go back to Cuba, we will likely try another resort (only because we love variety). P.S. since it's been so long since we've been to Cuba, although we spent a lot of tip money (Cdn & US), we didn't bring stuff that they really really need/want... children's/adults' pain medication, school supplies, foot ware, clothes, chocolate/candy, etc., etc., etc. Next time we'll do better.

Playa Costa Verde: Senior Center, Dirt Water & Excessive Forse by Covid Nurse...

First about the covid test: The young curly long haired male nurse / doctor in Playa Costa Verde, should be fired. I watched in horror lined up to get my 72 hour pcr test, as many Canadians walked out with major tears in their eyes, covering their noses with hands, some not being able to walk straight. As I sat down for mine he yelled twice "RELAX! RELAX!" then shoved my head back and stuck the swab so far up, the immense pain caused me to scream! And he then the other nostril even harder! An [... read more]d I'm not a wuss by any means. I could barely walk out of there as I was so disturbed by what just happened and in pain. The swab was about 6 inches long, and went WAYYY too far. I tried to "shake it off", and went to the beach, tried to calm down but ended up walking to my room and spending 2 hours crying because I was in shock over the ordeal. I was literally shaking! I kept tasting blood going down the back of my throat. I couldn't breathe through my nose. The next day there was dried blood in my nose! I spoke with many people after that, and ALL said it was beyond excessive! Even the staff knew the next day that something was wrong! Attitudes went somber. If this happened to you, speak up and fill out a complaint form, google your airline and complaint form. If someone was on blood thinners, this could have ended up very bad! Another thing, many people weren't wearing masks in the buffet, and the soap in the washrooms was out lots, the hand sanitizer was either cholorine or bleach. The random PCR test upon arrival back in Toronto, was a breeze, just barely up your nostril (fiance got selected). As for a review of the resort, let me start of by saying I am a seasoned Cuba traveller. Never going to the same resort twice, so I have a lot to compare to...over 15 3 and 4 star hotels within the last few years. I can give a real review, vs those that go there over and over and see nothing wrong since they are "friends" with resort workers. No rose colored glasses here. The food was 1/10, let me tell you why: Everything was bland. The chicken, pork, beef all tasted the same. No seasonings anywhere other than salt. No garlic, nothing. No pepper even on the tables and when you asked, they handed you an empty one. No butter! Never seen that! No salad dressings, not even the old school home made ones, where you have no clue what it is. No mustard! Not even mustard in a bowl with a spoon like some resorts had. No vodka, no tomatoe juice (unless you went to the store and purchased it...why can't they do that and provide to the guests??). I've had maybe over 30 a la carte meals in Cuba and the italian wins for the worst. Pasta with "alfredo" sauce, no chicken, no veg...just hard dried out pasta with sauce that tasted like milk. The water in the buffet was beyond gross, you could smell dirt and taste it. No wonder so many people were sick! IF you had great food in the past here, it's no longer. 70% of guests were over 50 years old. They played celeine dions candle in the wind, in the lobby at night. No night shows. Day entertainment was Boci Ball. Why did I give 2 stars instead of 1? The room, although 1980's style, had good AC and hot water. And the staff here were amazing. The reason I picked this resort is because I've been to Playa Cayo Santa Maria before, and it was amazing. Had high hopes for this one. If you're reading this and haven't booked yet, let me recommend my top three: Playa Cayo Santa Maria, Melia Jardines Del Ray, and for lots of fun, Tryp Cayo Coco. They are the faves amongst the other 15 I've been to. Cliffs notes: If you are over 50 and want to relax, don't care about food, then this is the resort for you.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Beautiful Resort Dec, 2021

Just returned from a 5 day stay. Nice hotel, nice grounds, good food and very nice and helpful Staff. They have a good gym, the beach was beautiful and good snorkeling to the right of the resort. The mattress was the best I’ve had in the 20 or more stays in Cuba

Don Lino Hotel: 10th time

As usual the staff made the experience. Difficult times for cuba but the people keep smiling. This is what makes the trips worth while. The real experience here. Not a tourist trap. Just about anything you want to do is here or nearby. The staff will try to accommodate any request. I know things are in short supply but they will put an effort in to help

Playa Costa Verde: Amazing Resort!

The hotel staff did everything they could to make our stay enjoyable. The only down side is the Cuban's that were guests at the resort were extremely rude and wasteful,leaving mounds of food uneaten on their plates and stealing essentials like butter. This was out of the staff's control, not sure what can be done about that. Overall, we had a great time and will definitely be returning to Playa Costa Verde!

Playa Pesquero: very nice resort .mean management

all over very good but no snack bars .according to resort snack bar open 24 hours .which was only one there was opening only for three and half hours a day .one thing was good beer bar was open 24 hours

Playa Pesquero: One of the best

On arrival the occupancy rate was about 40% due to opening up the resort to Cubans until end of November. By departure once they left it was perhaps 20%. Overall a great experience Partly due to the hotel staff being very friendly and welcoming It’s always nice to be appreciated We asked one waitress how she was doing and she replied “great now that you are here I have a job” Food was good as long as you keep your expectations inline with the issues that Cuba is facing A  [... read more]la carte restaurants are very nice. Top marks for presentation When we arrived we booked our restaurant reservations and were offered an upgrade to the Bistro restaurant for about $40 pp We thought we would treat ourselves to a good meal. It was terrible!!! Absolutely the worst meal of the trip. Undrinkable wine from Spain. Steak that you couldn’t cut. Lobster was fine. It was closed after that night (only two tables reserved) so I guess everyone else was warned. Snorkelling is mediocre. Certainly not a driver for this area Beach is one of best we have been to. Water clean and warm. Catamarans windsurfer paddle boats all good condition and readily available Pool is huge and unpopulated access to bars and quality of drinks is excellent One thing that I cannot understand is the numerous room upgrades very expensive and little value We had standard rooms a very satisfied If you think an upgraded room appeals to you, book in Canada much cheaper If you do visit Cuba please bring whatever you can. They need anything; school supplies, clothing, etc.

Playa Pesquero: Great Value

Well maintained resort -always working on maintenance and cleaning. Friendly staff. COVID testing simple and well organized. Great sandy beach - lots of loungers and staff to help you set-up. Huge pool - spotless.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Great Resort

I loved this hotel,so did my daughter who i travelled with for a one week stay.The rooms were very clean,every day the maid came.Our room was 4224 building #42 a short walk from the buffet, lobby, entertainment.The grounds were well kept,there was a lot of painting of the buildings that were not in use ,they did not distract from anyones holiday, they were very quiet,no loud banging,the painting looks wonderful and fresh.As for the restaurants,the buffet was open for breakfast daily,they lacked  [... read more]some things like mayo,pepper,onions,condiments(ketchup,vinigear,) no bacon or syrup for the pancakes.Only ham,sausage,tomato,cheese for the omelet.They are having difficulty getting some products.The supper in the buffet was not open ever day,we had our choice of the other restaurants on these nights.The food was good,but i did stay at this hotel 2 years ago,then the food was better.The pool area is lovely,Lorenzo is the pool bartender,he takes good care of you no matter where you are around the pool or in the pool,his Pina Colada's are the best,make sure you ask him to blend them in the blender.The beach is not the best at this hotel,it has a lot of rocky area,if you walk farther up the beach to Sol Rio De Luna,which is being renovated right now,no one is there,you can swim there.I will tell everyone,the beach is not cleaned every day,much to everyone's dismay,there is a lot of garbage(old sandals,plastic cups,old toothbrushes,etc.)on the beach.They should make sure it is cleaned,people love Cuba,the beach is visually stunning in this area,without the garbage. This hotel is not too large,easy to get around,lots of palm trees.Please make sure you have good covid insurance,plus optimal credit card coverage as someone did test positive for covid,the costs of staying longer were adding up for the lovely person and his wife.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Fabulous resort and staff!

Visited November 17th for a week and stayed in a Royal suite to celebrate our honeymoon. The grounds, pools, spa, beaches, entertainment and service were all top notch. Highly recommend this resort. So much that we're heading back in January!!! Staff were very attentive and always wore face masks as required by covid procedures. Hand sanitizer stations and personnel were present at entrances to restaurants and common areas. Tables and chairs were sanitized after use. Although the resort w [... read more]as only operating at less than half capacity the selection of food and restaurants was very good. Beach offers a great combination of white sand areas, coral for snorkelling and shade for lounging. Pools were very nice, although the display of public affection by some of the younger visiting locals was a bit inappropriate at times. Highly recommend Paradisus Rio De Oro!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Beautiful resort

Spent 2 weeks there. Had a great time. Small issues, but just restarting. Food was good. Everyone was very helpful. Looking forward to a return visit. Re-acquainted with friends that I hadn’t seen in almost 2 years. They came and spent the day at the resort with us. Good times

Playa Pesquero: Beautiful Resort

My wife and I spent the week of November 15th,2021 and the beautiful Playa Pesquero. The staff was amazing no matter where you were, the grounds were kept very clean, the rooms were clean and comfortable, the food was limited at the buffet (which we had anticipated, everyone working there way out of Covid),that being said the food was quite good, The beach was amazing with a good Snorkeling location just off to the side with lots of fish. My wife and I have been to Cuba 7 times and this has be [... read more]en the nicest resort so far. Some of the changes both in traveling and at the resort due to covid: Expect delays at the airport, There were quite a few cubans from Miami that were going home to see there families, with this came large amounts of luggage (gifts,clothes meedicine etc). This caused delays getting luggage checked through, loading and unloading it all off the plane etc. There had also been some lost luggage temporarily. On the resort everyone is required to wear a mask at the buffet and al la cartes, stores etc. same as at home. Sanitizing was taking place constantly. A PCR test was completed at the resort for 30USD and results were the next da I/we have nothing negative to say about the resort , the people or the overall experience. Any minor issues or inconveniences can easily be chalked up to working and traveling through covid. Note: we did learn that cash is not being expected for purchases while on the resort (we did not go off resort) all purchases are done with credit card. We had also changed some Canadian currency for Cuban Peso. I would not really suggest this. Most of what were heard was the Canadian money was a better option. Thank you to the staff at the Playa Pesquero, we look forward to seeing you again. We have already recommended to others and you will be seeing our Niece in December

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: Very Nice Resort

the Resort was Nice the room was very nice the food was good The COVID 19 Protocols were very well done! i would go back to Cuba and that Resort again soon the veiw was amazing!! Tyler ONT Canada

Playa Costa Verde: Still Exceptional!

I had the pleasure of being the 1st guest at the grand re-openning since their shutdown and as the many times was treated to a warm welcome and a great time. Service as always was impeccable. The food good. Yes selections were down a bit,since Cuba has had shortages, but what they had exceeded the usual standards. The ala cartes took a few days to begin openning but once they did the menus were good as ever. Cuba is hurting in many ways but hospitality is not one of the hurting areas.

Don Lino Hotel: Yo CANNOT ecpect a lot from a 2 star Hotel

It was the first time I was in a two-star hotel. I was reading a lot and was prepared for what I can expect. I was the first tourist to arrive in Don Lino on November 1, 2021, after the closure. The first week there was not a piece of fruit only one slice of a green tomato. In the second week, the plate with vegetables had some more slices of tomatoes and even green beans. On the fruit plate, there were a few slices of banana and grapefruit. In general, I cannot complain about the food. However, [... read more] the biggest frustration for me was getting the COVID 19 test done. A few days before my departure I was given in writing, that my Covid test will be done on Friday, November 12 at 8 am. When I showed for the test at 8 am, I was told, the test will be done at 10 am. When I came at 10 am, I was told the test will be done at 12, later ant 14. later at 15. I was walking 5 times to the Health Center. Finally, I was informed that the test will be done Saturday morning at 8 am. And again I was waking every two hours to the Health Centre. Finally, the nurse/medical person from the International Medical Clinic from Guardalavaca showed up at 12 noon. A similar situation was with receiving the test result. That was extremely stressful for me. I am 83 years old man with a disability, I have great difficulties walking. I would like to warn future tourists to be prepared for this kind of experience. BUT in spite of the bad experience with the Covid 19 test, I am going for four weeks in December. The price is very encouraging.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: A good 4star resort

The grounds and room were very nice except for the rat that ate our sandwiches. And we had to clean up after each morning. The food was average for Cuba, we expected more. Needs to upgrade service employees to a higher standard to meet the 5 star rating. The 5 star rating is it compares to other Cuban resorts. Not to world standards.

Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Resort: Amazing resort

I came to this resort on the day of Gran Opening Nov 1, 2021. This is brand new and beautiful resort The staff are really good and wonderful The 24h snack bar has great drinks. I understand the food at this time not much , but we have great food every day from international buffet. The Japanese restaurant is awesome with a great chef. The pool is large and different pool for adult and family. Free Wifi . This beach absolutely beautiful with white and soft sand . However, this beach not a good [... read more] beach compare to anther part of Cuba I have been such as , Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa María, and Varadero. Why the beach is beautiful, but not good ? This is a public beach and accessible for everybody, We sat on a beach lounge chair from the resort, but so many public people seating nearby eating and drink beer, They put all the garbage on the beach and throw the cans to the ocean. We did not feel safe. I hope in the future will be some improving. In general, I recommend coming to this resort.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Very relaxing

We basically had the entire resort to ourselves. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The food was surprisingly good, the only real headache was just the traveling. Also the staff we’re having some issues with the Covid tests they had to administer. Short term headaches, overall we had a great experience and would definitely go again.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Amaizing resort:place next to ocean

We stayed at Brisas Guardalavaca from October 8 to October 15. The weather was great. The hotel staff worked very well: all issues were resolved instantly. 3 days before departure, they took a test for a covid, but the result was given only on the day of departure, washing the nerves of the vacationers. The food was bad: there were no fruits and vegetables, it surprised. You only had to pay with a visa. The money that they brought with them was taken back, they could not stay in Cuba and work fo [... read more]r its strange economic position of the Cuban government. It is unprofitable for vacationers to pay with a visa, because prices are in American dollars, but dollars do not go in Cuba, the Canadian bank changes to Canadian dollars, we lose money. My husband and I have been to Cuba 22 times, but I think this is our last trip

Brisas Guardalavaca: Nice resort. I've been there before. My last vacation was almost perfect. Thanks to tripcentral!!!!

I will go back to this resort again for sure! Nice people, good service. Nice people good service 👍,.,...,..................,.....,....,....,..................why I have to write more than I want?????to continue???