Paradisus Varadero: Beautiful and peaceful resort!
We had an amazing experience at the royal service at the Paradisus hotel. The room is a bit dated however the whirlpool tub outdoor Bali shower and the enormous king bed totally blew me away! The bed totally comfortable and the pillows as well We did experience a few hiccups however as the rain flooded part of our bathroom as well as our sitting area couple of times. Our maids were absolutely wonderful!! Taking care of every detail and making beautiful designs on our bed adorn with fresh flower[... read more]s daily! Our room was well kept the extra attention was extraordinary!!! Our restaurant was the best place to eat in the whole resort! we soon realized it was the best option available and so we decided to eat there and only there for the rest of our stay . The staff,
Viviana Gabriella Laura and many others gave us exceptional service every time ! Always a smile laughing and engaging with the guests so much so they soon felt like family !! Our butlers Oswaldo and Alex always making sure our every desire was met to the best of their ability!!! Alex even brought some supplies from his home to try and stop the rain from entering our bathroom and attempted to repair it himself!! We were offered a room change however we realized other guests were experiencing similar issues and since we only had 2 days left we decided to keep our room which had a phenomenal view of the ocean !!! Our pool area was very tranquil at the royal service and always had plenty of deck chairs Bali beds and fresh towels ! Our pool bartender Jorge also exceptional and made the best cocktails we ever had !!! You never had to move your deck bed on your own, there was the pool man who always offered to move your chair bed and table and would offer to open or move the umbrella to shade you if you so desired!! Total luxury and always smiling friendly staff who went way beyond to make sure your every need was met!!! Finally we booked a private tour to Havana with Roberto which absolutely was the cherry on top of the cake !!! He was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with a wealth of information !!! He was so gracious and made sure we were happy the whole tour!! He gave us ample time to take pictures ask questions and stop to shop for souvenirs along the way ! He brought us to a beautiful outdoor restaurant with music dancing and amazing menu!! Wow what an experience all this and we were driven around in his gorgeous 57 Chevy!!! We would definitely visit Cuba again and now we will only go to the Paradisus in Varadero as our Cuban family eagerly awaits our return!!! We also miss them all so very much !!!
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Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Sol Rio de Luna y Mares
Food (with full expectation for Cuba limited food choices based on multiple Cuba trips) was completely unbearable. If planning diet/weight loosing trip than it is right place. It looks like Melia managment chooses which weeks to provide normal food and which are bare minimum to survive. Beside the food, great hotel/beach/fellow tourists/service
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Melia Las Americas: Second trip to the Melia Las Americas
This was our second time to this hotel. Big difference between the first time pre-Covid and now. The first time we stayed in the main hotel and the second time we upgraded to the level. We thought the upgrade to the level was a good idea however, if you can’t afford it, you’ll be perfectly fine in the main building as well. The beach here is honestly one of the best… Can’t beat it and the close proximity to the golf course. The course is not the greatest but for a vacation course it’s a lot of f[... read more]un and affordable. As far as the rest goes, the food is hit or miss, Lemoncello is probably the best restaurant. Drinks are sometimes good and sometimes not so good. (They have switched from serving fresh coffee with milk in the mornings to a machine. I used this for some latte and the milk must’ve been bad because I was very sick for two days). Being part of the level gives you premium drink options so if that’s important to you it’s another thing to consider. Pools are great, staff are great and our only other issue was with our room. The shower was terrible. The rain shower overhead was so rusted and full of calcium that only a quarter of the holes were open to take water from and every time we use the shower Because it was not built correctly, the floor in our bathroom would also be flooded. So we always had to have towels rolled up right by the shower door so the water wouldn’t extend too far in. Why in the world a hotel like this wouldn’t fix such an issue is beyond me but Cuba overall is struggling… To avoid making this post too long, I will not be returning to Cuba For many other reasons.
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Melia Las Americas: Second trip to the Melia Las Americas
This was our second time to this hotel. Big difference between the first time pre-Covid and now. The first time we stayed in the main hotel and the second time we upgraded to the level. We thought the upgrade to the level was a good idea however, if you can’t afford it, you’ll be perfectly fine in the main building as well. The beach here is honestly one of the best… Can’t beat it and the close proximity to the golf course. The course is not the greatest but for a vacation course it’s a lot of f[... read more]un and affordable. As far as the rest goes, the food is hit or miss, Lemoncello is probably the best restaurant. Drinks are sometimes good and sometimes not so good. (They have switched from serving fresh coffee with milk in the mornings to a machine. I used this for some latte and the milk must’ve been bad because I was very sick for two days). Being part of the level gives you premium drink options so if that’s important to you it’s another thing to consider. Pools are great, staff are great and our only other issue was with our room. The shower was terrible. The rain shower overhead was so rusted and full of calcium that only a quarter of the holes were open to take water from and every time we use the shower Because it was not built correctly, the floor in our bathroom would also be flooded. So we always had to have towels rolled up right by the shower door so the water wouldn’t extend too far in. Why in the world a hotel like this wouldn’t fix such an issue is beyond me but Cuba overall is struggling… To avoid making this post too long, I will not be returning to Cuba For many other reasons.
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Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Great Hotel, Beautiful Beach
I have been to Cuba many times. And this is my second time at this hotel, and I will return. No complaints. Just a
good time.
Staff was fantastic. Food was a good Cuban standard. Drinks always great.
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Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Great Hotel, Beautiful Beach
I have been to Cuba many times. And this is my second time at this hotel, and I will return. No complaints. Just a
good time.
Staff was fantastic. Food was a good Cuban standard. Drinks always great.
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Melia Cayo Coco: Anotherr Great Stay
12 great days with no rain until we were boarding the aircraft made this an even better trip. Having been a regular here for a few years we now are running into other couples who come here regularly because of the people who work here, well kept grounds and the resort as a whole.
Hats off to Marco at the 24 hour this trip as he is very polite, quick and pays attention to detail. He is a great addition to the resort and will surely go places.
Also glad to see everyone recovering from those [... read more]nasty Cuban mosquito illnesses.
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Amazing relaxing resort
Out of 4 resorts that I have stayed at in Cuba, I'd rate this one the best. While there are lively areas, there is always quiet sports to sit and relaxe if that's what you want.
There are numerous bars. There is good table attentive table service. Cuba being as it is can result shortages. At times there can no limes, or lemons, or cola available. You need to be a fexable drinker. There is only one kind of beer.
The tenis courts are in rough shap. Tennis rackets and balls are available, but the[... read more] attendent isn't always around to issure them. So if you want to play tennis bring your own racket and balls.
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Jpto -
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Sol Cayo Coco: Charming resort
Had a wonderful week at Sol Cayo Coco. The people were amazing -- both staff and other guests. The beach was fabulous and the room basic but clean. The food was not the greatest. Breakfast was the best meal of the day, but options were very limited for lunch and dinner. There seemed to be a shortage of just about everything, even a couple of days when there were no potatoes. However, I think they did they could with what was available.
What I liked best about the resort is that it is very compa[... read more]ct. Everything is easy to find and within easy walking distance.
Service was cheerful and friendly with one glaring exception -- the Air Canada rep, who was unbelievably rude.
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Jeffm61 -
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Melia Cayo Coco: Excellent resort
From the time you check in to the time you check out, this is a very friendly, accommodating resort.
The staff is awesome, and remember you from the previous year.
The grounds are very user friendly, well kept and being a small resort, everything is easy to find and get around.
Looking forward to another return visit, in the future.
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Melia Cayo Coco: Fabulous Week
Second time this year to this resort. Arrived at noon and was told a room was ready, but if we wanted to wait for this other particular room we could wait. We chose to wait, but appreciated the option to get a room upon arrival.
Weather was fantastic. Service was excellent.
The vegetable options were lacking this week, which is not normal. I didn't see carrot/onion the entire week, and cabbage and peppers only twice. It's not like they're hiding it in the back, it's just not available. This [... read more]did not change our positive view of this hotel or this beautiful country.
The food that was available was excellent, and thankful for the variety and the other options made available.
The rooms at this resort are basic, but super smart layout and A/C worked well and hot water always available anytime of day.
Public washrooms are incredibly clean and always stocked.
We will definitely return!
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Melia Cayo Santa Maria: Lovely as always
We have been to many parts of Cuba over the years but always return to Melia Cayo Santa Maria. The hotel is well run, the staff are warm, welcoming and do the best they can under sometimes trying conditions. The grounds are lovely and the rooms, large and comfortable. Sure, the showers were often lukewarm and sometimes there was a shortage of fresh fruit or veg but there was always plenty of choice in meats, cheeses, soups, salads and desserts. I didn't notice anyone going hungry. The pizzas and[... read more] burgers are also excellent.
The beach is one of the best, and even when it's too wavy too swim you can walk the 8km and not feel crowded, ever.
The country is in trouble, and the staff are grateful for any gifts. US cash is good but practical things we take for granted are perhaps better. We took acetaminophen, ibuprofen, toothpaste, toothbrushes, reading glasses and feminine napkins.
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Quiet and relaxing
We stayed in the junior service royal suite. Based on time of year it was not busy. Some areas were showing wear. Staff were very friendly even though we were not sure they understood what we were asking a good part of the time - always a sile and appreciative of tips / gifts. Food selection were very adequate. Mix options for drinks limited ie no cola !
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Melia Las Americas: Fun golf resort
Staff were very friendly and helpful. Fun time for a golf trip. The greens need some work but otherwise good. Food was fine. The beach was really nice. The hotel overall needs a refresh. Good for a guys golf trip. If your wife is at all fussy you may need an upgraded room.
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Melia Costa Rey: We love this resort,we will be back next year,it was our third visit and we’re enjoying everything
This is very friendly environment with amazing staff,very clean rooms,food service facilities,beautiful beach.very nice entertainment.Lots of activities all day long.
We were visiting all restaurants and I would like to say we enjoyed it very much,delicious food and great service from staff who were serving us.
I would recommend this resort to my family and friends.
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Exceeded our expectations
This resort dramatically exceeded our expectations of a Cuban resort. The property was spacious, clean, well manicured, the rooms were perfect (we were in the Royal section), the food was very good, we ate at 4 different restaurants ( the Japanese is a MUST), food presentation excellent, the staff were Exceptional, from front desk, servers in restaurants, cafe's, bars, maids, grounds keepers...everyone was over the top courteous, engaging. The beach area was spacious, the pools expansive, clean.[... read more]
A must place to visit. On our flight home we heard from many persons who stayed at other resorts, they commented about how they paid less than $1,000 BUT in the next breath they spoke about 'tired properties', food bland or poor, non courteous staff, lack of or no hot water, etc etc. There is an old saying, you get what you pay for...The Paradisus Princesa Del Mar is definitely worth the price, it will be a MUST return for us.
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Sol Palmeras: Nice Resort
Very nice hotel our room was updated. Music was a bit loud at times. Beach was very nice didn’t have to get up early to get a chair which was nice. Food was okay the people were so nice and welcoming. The new beach bar was awesome.
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Nice resort
Great beach and swimming pool.
Italian restaurant excellent. Japanese very good. Buffet - got enough to eat but a little boring.
Service and staff very good.
Rooms and grounds good
Had an enjoyable stay and would consider going back.
Kettle in room which I thought was a good idea. Would bring some coffee and tea if I returned.
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Melia Las Dunas: Fantastic staff
Hotel is dated but always clean rooms and property. Pools and beach are fantastic. The best part of the the resort is the staff. All are fantastic, caring, and so willing to be helpful, and do it with a smile.
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Paradisus Princessa Del Mar - Formal Resort Review – Cuba / Meliá Hotels International
I recently visited Cuba and, in light of the country’s current conditions, I wish to acknowledge the exceptional professionalism and dedication of the Cuban people. The staff and service providers were consistently courteous, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. They work diligently to ensure tourists feel comfortable and valued, despite frequently lacking access to basic necessities in their own lives, including reliable medication, food supplies, water, and electricity. Their efforts deserve ex[... read more]plicit recognition.
The food provided at the resort restaurants was of good quality, with a reasonable variety. Meals were generally fresh, well prepared, and healthy.
However, my experience with the hotel property operated by Meliá Hotels International, a Spanish hotel chain, was entirely unacceptable and fell far below the standards of a hotel advertised as five-star.
I stayed at the hotel for 11 days (10 nights) and was required to change rooms three times due to persistent and serious hygiene issues.
First room: There was a strong and unmistakable smell of urine. Upon opening the bedding, I observed multiple dark yellow stains across the mattress. No mattress protector was in use.
Second room: I requested a room change and was moved the following day. Prior to accepting the room, I asked to inspect the mattress and was refused. Initially, the odor was less noticeable, likely due to extensive use of air freshener before guest occupancy. Once the room was adequately ventilated and the balcony door closed, the smell of urine became evident, similar to the first room.
Several days later, a severe thunderstorm caused the air conditioning system to fail. The combination of heat and persistent odor made it impossible to sleep. I woke at approximately 1:30 a.m. and contacted the front desk. I was informed that the air conditioning would be restored shortly; it was not. After a second call, I went in person to the reception at approximately 4:00 a.m., exhausted and unable to remain in the room.
Third room: This room presented the same conditions: a noticeable smell of urine, visible urine stains on the mattress, and again, no mattress protector.
It is entirely unacceptable that a hotel marketed as a five-star property fails to provide fundamental hygiene standards, including clean, unstained mattresses, the use of mattress protectors, and rooms with clean, breathable air.
Responsibility for these conditions rests with Meliá Hotels International as the hotel owner and operator. The local Cuban staff demonstrated consistent effort and professionalism and are clearly constrained by resources and conditions beyond their control. The issues described reflect systemic management and maintenance failures by the hotel chain, not deficiencies in local staff performance.
Given the duration of my stay and the repeated nature of these problems, this experience represents a serious breach of basic hospitality standards and should be addressed at the corporate level.