Playa Pesquero: Very good resort

Well maintained. Best beach I saw so far anywhere. Room is good and has everything required. Room cleaning is regular and well done. Personnel is friendly. Multiple activities are available. Food variety is acceptable also it was shortage of the vegetables. In short - I would definitely come back next time.

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Awesomeness!

Loved my return visit.I was there in 2019 when it was brand new. Iberostar has yet to dissapoint! Clean, consistent standards all around, staff amazing and helpful always. Rooms are class act. No phone service in room , didn't worry me. Food amazing for this country.The only poor experience was that a request from the reception desk for a cab that could get us to a market in Holquin, resulted in a non English speaking driver, and his young "interpreter", who could barely speak English herself.He [... read more] had a very substandard cab with really bad suspension . I hurt my back from the banging. Dropped us off in a largely closed down area. no market to be seen. They had no idea what we were saying. The resort is super, thank you !

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Good Value!

The first thing to remember is ... this is Cuba. Expectations should be managed accordingly. Exceeded expectations: The people. Absolutely marvelous. Friendly. Helpful. Smiling. Grateful. The live music. The band was incredible. Especially Claudia. Room size - HUGE. King bed, sitting area, big bathroom - spotlessly clean every day. Some of the food - pasta made-to-order, croissants, the Japanese Restaurant was THE BEST (show and food)! Met expectations: Food (in general). Decided lack of [... read more] fresh greens or fruit, but lots of variety with meat, rice, pasta and desserts. The Grounds - lovely in spite of some hurricane damage. The Pool - very nice, big, clean and warm. Beneath expectations: Problem solving was VERY slow. First day I was locked out of my room THREE times before they fixed it. A few days later I could not lock my room (and there was no deadbolt) and that also took far to long to correct. The light outside our rooms was out several times - very dark and very dangerous. No hot water (but just for a few hours and only once). Coffee - pretty horrible whether specialty of restaurant. Beach walk is a slog. Heavy sand, only about a mile in length and tons of work to walk it. Never enough beach loungers. Lots of bugs. All in all, this is a good resort for the money and I would highly recommend ... as long as you remember ... this is Cuba! Go for the sun and the people and the music!

Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca: This is an amazing resort for a 2 1/2 star rating

This is an amazing resort for a 2 1/2 star rating. The staff are great they will try and do whatever it takes to make your stay pleasant, the rooms are old but nice. The food is ok, you will not starve again remember it's a 2 1/2 star resort. The beaches are fantastic, nice white soft sand and the ocean is beautiful and warm. We booked the trip with the help of Rick Lockhart, who did an excellent job.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Holguin: Good Value, but Not for Quiet Seekers and Beach Lovers

I stayed here for one week in mid–late November. Personally, this isn’t a resort I would return to, but I can see it suiting many people depending on what you’re looking for. I was hoping for a very quiet, adults-only experience in the Sanctuary area, but the lines between the Sanctuary and the main resort are quite blurred. It is less noisy, but you can still hear the main-side party music, and kids do use what’s technically the Sanctuary portion of the beach. Rooms: Overall, the rooms were [... read more] good quality. I tried two different rooms because I requested a quieter location, and the staff accommodated that. Both rooms had working AC, though it didn’t feel very adjustable in either. The main differences were water and air quality: the ground-floor room had plentiful hot water, while the top-floor room had almost none. The top-floor room also had slightly musty air and a small mold spot in the bathroom. Other than that, both rooms were clean and generally well-maintained. There were no screens on the sliding doors (though upgraded rooms might have them). Bugs were present, especially at night, so depending on how well your AC works, not being able to open the door might matter to you. Food: The food was acceptable. Eggs were always available, and the cooking stations were reliable — tacos, pasta, meat, yogurt, crepes, etc. Fruits and vegetables were in shorter supply, but meat and starches were plentiful. Coffee was good, and the bars seemed to have all the usual staples. Beach and Pools: The beach was on the dirtier/rockier side, with some seaweed and sargassum. Still swimmable, but I was glad I brought water shoes. For Cuba, I’d consider it on the lower end, though you can still enjoy lounging in the sun. The pools appeared clean and well kept. Staff: The staff were mostly very kind and did make an effort to accommodate my request for a quieter room. The new area would have likely been quieter under normal circumstances, but there happened to be construction nearby during my stay. I chose not to move rooms again even though they did offer this to me (the process isn’t quick), so I spent more time at the beach and made the best of it. Entertainment: There wasn’t much in terms of live Cuban music or shows. It was mostly recorded music played through the sound system with people dancing. Wildlife: There is a large presence of wild cats on the property. I counted around 20, often in groups, including at the buffet where they meow for food (and many guests feed them). They also sit on chairs in the lobby and dining areas. Some people love this; others, especially those with allergies like me, may not. Overall: If you’re looking for a more affordable Cuban getaway, want sun, drinks, and a livelier atmosphere — and you don’t mind a noisier environment with lots of cats — you’ll probably be fine here. If you’re seeking more tranquility, a better beach, and some Cuban music in the evenings, I’d recommend looking elsewhere and just spending a bit more. For Holguin area, you might want to check out Paradisus Rio De Oro.

Iberostar Selection Holguin: Love the resort

it was the third time we stayed at this resort. Hurrican Melissa did some damage to the roof at the Reception & Lobby bar,but it was repaired while we were there. The rooms and grounds were in good order.

Starfish Guardalavaca: Horrible resort, don't go to Starfish.

The resort should not be open to the tourist. It's a very low category resort, doesn't even deserve 2 stars. The food was very poorly elaborated, it was the worst food I ever tasted in Cuba. The water at the snack bar was contaminated, and the maids did not deliver the water as they were supposed. I would never return to that place. The staff was very nice but they know their limitations.

Starfish Guardalavaca: Horrible resort, don't go to Starfish.

The resort should not be open to the tourist. It's a very low category resort, doesn't even deserve 2 stars. The food was very poorly elaborated, it was the worst food I ever tasted in Cuba. The water at the snack bar was contaminated, and the maids did not deliver the water as they were supposed. I would never return to that place. The staff was very nice but they know their limitations.

Starfish Guardalavaca: Horrible resort, don't go to Starfish.

The resort should not be open to the tourist. It's a very low category resort, doesn't even deserve 2 stars. The food was very poorly elaborated, it was the worst food I ever tasted in Cuba. The water at the snack bar was contaminated, and the maids did not deliver the water as they were supposed. I would never return to that place. The staff was very nice but they know their limitations.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Recent Vacation

We were at this property a week after hurricane Melissa. The resort is charming but is in need of certain renovations (nothing to do with the hurricane). Rooms are dated but clean, AC works, hot water readily available and bed was comfortable. The drawers on some of the dressers do not work and the safe is old and can be temperamental. Food was decent, plenty of it but fresh fresh fruit and vegetables were limited. Snack bar had the best coffee. Service was hit or miss, but it was only a w [... read more]eek after the hurricane, so there could have been staffing shortages. Beach is rocky as you first approach, but the further you walk the softer it becomes. We brought water shoes and did not use them. Beach washrooms have no door handles on the inside, making it a challenge to exit. Pools are cleaned every morning and are pristine, however, there is a serious lack of loungers poolside. The loungers are old and some are broken and should be replaced (could have been caused by the hurricane). Pathway lighting could be improved, many do not work making it difficult to navigate at night. Despite the no-smoking signs, people smoke everywhere. In the lobby, at the beach, around the pool and in the pool. Overall it was a pleasant vacation despite a few hiccups, we would probably return.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: I had a very enjoyable stay.

Staff was very pleasant and accommodating. Any problems were resolved quickly. There was a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, but I've been to Cuba enough times to know that is to be expected, so it didn't affect my holiday.

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Great Resort

food was good, grounds and beach are nice. Too many steps to get anywhere. They do have a few ramps. The staff are great! Not enough chairs for the pools. We had a nice ocean view on the third floor. Our bathroom needs to be updated.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Not a 5 Cuban Stars resort!! Way to outdated...not enjoyable.

Very outdated resort that's for sure. Lots of things to update (so old and used that it starts to bother). They might blame it on the latest Melissa storm, but nothing to do with that. We arrived 8 days after the storm, and the few trees that were damaged by the storm were long cleaned by the crew. Here are the things that require immediate attention: 1. Room furniture requires attention. All doors of the cabinets won't close from our room. Extreme old and used furniture. 2. Lots of abandoned  [... read more]gardens and water fountains - (ex. main one by the lounge & buffet stage, all middle fountains, all side walks, plants and vegetation need massive attention). 3. The front lobby area looks depressing. The A la Carte restaurant, located in the lobby, is abandoned, and the left side end pond is abandoned with no water. 4. The main beach area was full of sea vegetation, and only one guy was working to clean it using a small pull-behind basket!! We complained to the lobby, and after 2 days (lost from our vacation), 3 more guys were assigned to help (same technique) 5. The main buffet area needs immediate attention. Since it is not an enclosed area, lots of black birds are present, landing and stealing food from the buffet. Very, very unsanitary.. since we noticed lots of birds' droppings. The crew doesn't seem to be bothered about it. Also, since is an open space and not enclosed, it is very hot and humid. 6. Many of the light fixtures are damaged (especially the concrete enclosure "lamps" by the side of the pathways or poll area) and need immediate attention. 7. The pathway along the ridge by the sea is mostly abandoned. Also, lots of digging (electrical or pipes) and left daily, with lots of garbage from the workers. Empty paper caps, leftover damage removed parts...not a good view, for sure... The list can go on, but I can say that I don't recommend it. It was our first time here for us, and we will never return here.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Home away from home

Love this resort. Agreed it is not a 5* but it is homey with most personable staff there is. Rooms are clean and well cared for. Whenever I have had an housekeeping issue it was corrected in a timely manner. If you are a foody Cuba may not be for you. Having said that the food is good and well prepared. The bread is the best. If you are celebrating a special life moment the staff does everything they can to make magic happen. The birds sing, the sun shines, the water welcomes and your saf [... read more]ety is at the top of the list.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Holguin: Terrible

Unfortunately the room at Sanctuary Grand Memories was one of the worst I’ve stayed at. The room has a musty smell and the whole room was always damp. One wall was so wet, it kept forming puddles on the floor. Floor was always damp and slippery and always seem to have a greasy film on it making it always slippery. The staff at this resort, as always were amazing, but the shape of the room is not acceptable. I realize that food is always hit and miss, but no cheese for several days, bread was alw [... read more]ays stale, very minimal fruit, no beer in bottles or cans, mini bar in room was only stocked with pop and water, which was disappointing as we upgraded to premium room and usual a bottle of liquor would be included. Pool was closed a few days because of some biting insects in the pool, and, unless the employees got up at the break of dawn to clean the pool in the premium section, I never witnessed anyone cleaning the pools

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares: Simply WOW

Everything about the Luna y Mares was AMAZING, Esmeralda Beach and the staff most of all. The buffet was good and well stocked, the bars had many drink options and the "À la carte" restaurants were wonderful (I need the recipe for that cuban bean soup!). The gardens are beautiful and grounds extremely well kept. The rooms are clean and spacious. All in all, even if my luggage was delayed for 5 days (nothing to do with the resort), it was an amazing stay and we will definately be going back.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Holguin: Big resort

HOTEL IS NEW, FOOD REALLY GOOD FOR CUBA. CORRIDORS, WAlKWAYS SLIPPERY. BEACH IS NICE. WATER WARM IN OCTOBER. WATER IS NOT TO CLEAR, ROCKS IN WATER. SWIMMING POOLS ARE GREAT. STAFF IS GREAT ESPECIALLY MELISSA.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Great week of Sun and fun

Just returned after a beautiful week of Sun and limited rain. Our ocean view room was dated but clean, the bed was very comfortable and our maid was outstanding. The staff go above and beyond, I found them to be very friendly and helpful. The food was a bit challenging but the drinks at the lobby bar were very good. It was our first time staying at this hotel, I did find that there were a lot of stairs, if you're not mobile they could be an issue. Otherwise all in all had a nice visit.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Great resort for the value

We stayed here for 7 days and had an absolutely amazing experience. The people were incredibly nice and accommodating.. from the gardeners to the towel lady, servers, chefs, and kitchen staff, everyone made us feel like family. The resort truly feels like a hidden gem.... peaceful, relaxing, and beautifully maintained. The beach is stunning, with clear water and plenty of space. The food was very good and there were always great options to choose from, which was a pleasant surprise after hear [... read more]ing mixed reviews about food in Cuba. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway with warm hospitality and great service, this is the perfect spot. We’ll definitely be returning.

Playa Pesquero: Amazing hotel!

Nadejda and Valeri. We just returned home. This was our sixth visit to this hotel. As always, I'd like to highlight the wonderful attitude of all the staff towards guests; you feel like you're home among family. The beach is beautiful, the ocean is stunning. It rained a lot this season, so there were a lot of mosquitoes. We've never seen so many in Cuba. Cuba is a tropical country where you can grow many crops, but unfortunately, the hotel had a lot of meat dishes, but no fruit, only watermelo [... read more]n and, rarely, bananas. The only vegetables were cucumbers and peppers. We've been to Cuba about 30 times, but now we're thinking it's time to switch to another Caribbean destination to have some fruit and vegetables on the menu; it's impossible to eat only meat dishes for two weeks. Once again, we'd like to thank the service staff. October 7-21.