3 star at best

The good: spacious rooms, nice swim up, pool, beautiful beach, bottled water daily, mostly wonderful staff. The bad: buffet too small, not enough food for everyone, dinner starts too late, some days no bread, milk, eggs. Mostly pork, rarely beef, too many hot dog dishes, no pasta ever, ran out of wines, sodas, beer, rums, much too often. There were dirty utensils, no stocking of room fridges, no coffee makers in rooms, minimal entertainment on select dates in lobby, but it was always during  [... read more]dinner hour which made no sense, not allowed to use the resorts kayaks or other water sports, staff indicate it’s due to resort not paying them.

Amazing Staff at Coral in Buffet, Snack Bar and generally

We found the staff very cordial and friendly. On arrival in the afternoon, Yinli greeted at the buffet and explained the times for meals and the grill meals in addition to the buffet. Juan and Danny, the butlers, were generous with their times in explaining the resort and its amenities. The massage was out of this world.

Very happy holiday

The hotel and grounds were everything we had hoped for: beautiful, clean, comfortable, quiet and convenient. We could always find a beach chair and never had to wait around in line. The food was Cuban (lots of pork, fish, beans, cabbage and vegetables) without a huge amount of variation but always tasty. There are shortages of some dairy products currently (milk and butter) but this didn't limit choice significantly. The snack bar (really a small, outdoor sit-down restaurant focusing on a piz [... read more]za oven) made for a fun lunch as did hot meal served every day at the beach bar. We had a swim out room and loved it: large, bright and with an amazing private poolside patio. The staff were kind and courteous. They noted it was my husband's birthday on arrival and treated us to an à la carte meal and bottle of bubbly which was much enjoyed. The beach is was quite windy and wavy during our visit but we could swim most afternoons in warm water with a perfectly foot-friendly fine sand bottom. The trip from the airport is rather long (over an hour) but the transportation arrangements made it all stress-free. A perfect place to unwind for people looking for relaxation away from the crowds of large resorts.

Not a 5 - Star as advertised - Disappointed and would not recommend this resort

We have travelled to Cuba 10 times over a number of years, staying at various resorts mostly 4+ & 5-star and have never felt the need to write a review until now. We stayed at the Coral Level Iberostar in Holguin in spring of 2022 and based on a wonderful experience with the staff and the food we decided to book another Iberostar resort. We booked the Coral Level Iberostar Esmeralda in Cayo Cruz in January for 14 days. The resort in Cayo Cruz was very disappointing, nothing like the one in H [... read more]olquin. It’s hard to believe they are part of the same hotel chain. The resort in Cayo Cruz is not a 5-star, we would rate it as a 3.5 star at best. Be very careful reading the reviews for this resort on trip advisor, fake reviews much like fake news. Positives; Very clean resort, excellent staff and well-maintained grounds with lush vegetation. Check-in was quick and our room was cleaned daily. There were plenty of lounge seating at the pool and beach. Negatives; The resort is run on a very tight management budget, if any thing runs out – “sorry, not available at this time” and “supply chain issues”. We do not travel to Cuba for the food however this experience was like no other. Food I would normally rely on were not available for example; chicken, pasta, bread. A la cartes – Not only was the food terrible but 3 of our a la cartes were served in the same restaurant with a broken air conditioner. 24-hour Snack bar - 75% of the items listed on the menu were not available during our 2 weeks stay. At times there was only be one item available, for example a hamburger. When I tried to order French fries, I was told they did not have any even though the fellow beside me had them on their plate. I was then told I would have to order the grilled fish to get the French fries. Seafood - no seafood, shrimp or lobster. The only item from the sea was a fish similar to a grilled mackerel. It was plentiful but strong tasting. In our opinion again management cutting corners for budgetary reasons. Mini fridge - no pop, no beers, no wine only water. When asked if they could stock our fridge we were told to use room service. Room service takes about a half hour to get to your room. Twice we had to show our water bottle was empty to get another one. In Holquin our fridge was stocked daily with pop, beer and wine. Buffet restaurants - The majority of days they were out of chicken, pasta, eggs, bacon, butter, and soft drinks. The hot items offered at the buffet were not hot. In the past there would be a pasta bar at the buffet where you can customize your pasta, this resort only had premade pasta at the buffet. They even ran out of red wine several days. Again, in our opinion management is cutting corners for budgetary reasons. In Holquin the Coral Level had a restaurant that served a la carte for breakfast, lunch and dinner no reservations required. Conclusion –After speaking with the Coral Level Manager (Eugenio) and raising our concerns we were told “we understand and we are sorry”. Management tells everyone it’s a “supply chain issue”. When we asked why the restaurant next door was offering lobster, all he could do is say was “we are very sorry”. We also approached the Air Transit Representative (Maykel) who told us he was well aware of the issues at the resort and that he has raised these issues with Air Transit Management. Needless to say, we will no longer be booking at the Iberostar. The service and food were night and day between the two Iberostar resorts. We feel that we over paid for the services and food at this resort and will no longer trust the Iberostar chain.

Needs work

First time at an Iberostar, and will not be going back to any of their properties - 5 Star, was more like a 3 star. We wanted to try this group and thought this location, Coral Level Cayo Coco Esmerelda was a good option, lots of positive reviews... Resort was clean needs updates in some areas - for a year old, the buffet area needs an update in decor, something more modern, lighter summer colours Food was not at all like a 5 star - more like a 3 star - bar was not stocked well and ran out of  [... read more]beer, wine , sparkling wine. No soft drinks, no juices, ( tang for oj), no bottled water for a half day, limited liquor & Specialty drinks, Pina coladas, daiquiris were improvised with their own concoctions...the food was very limited, breads, cheeses, "salad bar" and grill were best options. Al la Cartes were disappointing...Italian had two pastas which they also serve at the 24 hr snack bar, and a lasagna which was OK. No chicken until our last night, at the Mediterranean, which was pretty good. 24 hr "snack" bar had good pizza and burgers & fries, but get there early as they ran out often....beach bbq daily at 1 was good when they had it, but the BBQ it self needs to be replaced, is VERY rusted...beach bar was pretty good for beer, and sometimes lead a good Pina colada The lobby bar at night was amazing with the piano player, saxophone player & violin player. The staff are amazing and did their very best, thank you to Juan Carlos, Beatriz, Hindrian, Alejandro, Lixander, life guard Denny. The house cleaning staff were very friendly and did an amazing job. Overall, we would NOT recommend this resort to anyone, unfortunately.

Beautiful resort

My husband and me took my niece here and we absolutely loved it! Very quiet, no excursions, but the staff were lovely and we enjoyed the food because our expectations were low. The fish, smoked salmon and omelettes were amazing.the resort is so new ( dec 2022) so the rooms are beautiful. I’d highly recommend.

Great resort

The food was okay one would never go hungry. The staff are pleasant and very grateful. Beautiful area nice and quiet if that's what you are looking for if not you go to the family side and enjoy the business of families. Beach is beautiful, newer development so not much shopping close by if that is what you are looking for. Rooms are clean beds are fairly comfortable. They periodically run out of drink mix so good idea to bring maybe your favorite flavored MIO or some other type of flavoring [... read more] for water works great cuz there is always water.

Cute Quiet Resort Except…

This hotel was fantastic until the very last day. They have lots of options for food and everything is very cleanly. The staff here are incredibly friendly and helpful. However, one particular receptionist -Dennis- should be fired and you should stay away at all cost. Very rude, disrespectful, and unprofessional. I had asked for a late checkout the night before as our bus was not leaving until 5:00 and the staff there told me that we just need to pay after we checkout. When I went up at around 2 [... read more]:00 (planned checkout at 5:00 and regularly checkout at 12:00), Dennis rudely asked “do you know what time it is?” as if I didn’t know. He then proceeded to deny us our late b/c checkout was at 12:00. When I explained to him that we were told to pay when we leave and that the staff the night before wrote this in the reception notebook, he refused to check the notes as he “doesn’t care” while also refusing to allow me to speak with his manager about this matter. The whole situation took 2 hours to settle and for them to do the simple task of allowing me to pay and activating the key card for my room. This could have been a 10/10 trip if it were not for this.

Interesting Week!!

The hotel, rooms and staff are nice. However, the Customer Service Rep randomly gave out different amounts of A La Carte dinners to each guest. We had 2, another group had 3 some had 4. The whole resort is lacking in vegetables.m and the buffet was the same every day. The lounge in the evening was very smokey each night so we had to leave. Then there were a group of Russians that were very disruptive, loud, rude, naked and having sex on the beach and their balcony. Security moved them down the  [... read more]beach but their activity was never ceased. I think it will be my last visit.

Almost a 5 but not quite yet (because of shortages - not the resorts fault)!

been to cuba numerous times and this was definitely the most beautiful resort ive stayed at! the rooms were gorgeous and modern. the swim out was 100% worth it and would highly recommend. we spent the first half of the days on the beach and from around 2ish onwards (when the sun hits the swim out area) we'd be there till dinner. it was so lovely and were really happy we went for it. everyone there was incredible. so kind and happy and always there for guests. (bring lots of $1 USD + $5 CAD  [... read more]to tip with! they prefer it to pesos and coins unfortunately aren't very useful for them - try and load up on as much $1 bills before coming because no one will break money for you from the airport or resort). food was the only downside. we were hopeful after reading all the reviews and seeing the ratings however upon getting there, things are quite limited (but its due to shortages, no fault of the resort). the only time the buffet is open is for breakfast and then the snack bar was the one open 24/7 (and provides room service which was fun - even service to the swim up!) unfortunately for the snack bar (and cuba) there was a flour shortage which left only bun-less burgers and hot dogs, no pizza, a version of chicken strips, a version of calamari, and fries at the snack bar. they sometimes had pasta too. the al a cartes were nice, but not super exciting menu-wise. overall, portions were small but they truly did the best with what they had so be mindful of their efforts! overall, i would definitely recommend this resort but i would probably suggest waiting a few more months till things/maybe check in with the resort and see if buffet is open all the time/if theres any shortages. but other than that, i definitely think its a resort worth going to!

Amazing experience!

Such an amazing experience. The resort and grounds were stunning and well maintained. The staff were so welcoming and accommodating, top notch. And the swim out pool is the only way to go. The breakfast buffet had a variety of food to choose from, great selection for all food preferences. We enjoyed the a la cart restaurant options, but thoroughly enjoyed the beach grill lunch and beach bar vibe. The snack bar option was a convenient feature for when you just want a quick bite. Only su [... read more]ggestion would be to bring bug spray. The resort did fog the grounds but it is a secluded location surrounded by wilderness. It would be difficult to go to another resort after experiencing the Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Esmeralda.

SHAME

Hotel was nice and beach. Food was a absolute joke. Horrible. Lost 14 pounds. Service at hotel was fair. They all.looked for tips for service that you had to pretty much beg for. I would rate this trip a 2. Thanks

A wonderful resort and great week

We loved our stay at this beautiful resort,we stayed a week, it is about a hour from the airport the hotel is new and very clean we had a ocean view, with this being a newer resort the resorts are set back from the ocean and you get a very small view of the ocean, we enjoyed the room large bathroom with tub, walkin shower double sinks comfortable king bed I love the safe being included in your room and did not have to pay extra for a safe hair blower iron and ironing board bottl [... read more]ed water left everyday beach towels left in our room and plug in for your cell phone our room was left cleaned everyday with fresh towels they have swim up rooms we would choose this next time also robes Food: Great fresh food great bread and desserts and meat rice Snack bar had great pizza and hamburgers and other items were great as well the alcartes were great medderation Caribbean,intilian on Thursday had a cuban day and great buffet set up outside Beach: lots of seed weed but the staff really try and clean it up great chairs to sit and lots of shaded spots a bar close to the beach great walking on the beach Sunwing I am disappointed that sunwing does not have the times posted when the bus will pick you at the hotel the day you leave to go home We had to ask a few people to find out not even a phone number to phone the sunwing rep One staff stood out to us ,Airel the butler he was kind and very helpful and very calm and caring great customer service he provides We loved our stay

This Hotel Should Shut Down

This is not a three star or four star hotel. The food is awful. Only one restaurant was open per night and they were booked. The staff are indifferent and often ignore you. The wine was terrible and cheap

Not for 5 stars but they have a potential

Food was great! Lots of variety ... Room service not that great. The beach was dirty and it was too windy, you can't swim only good for surfers. It wasn't great regards tips because they don't want cubans money. Not a great feeling to deal with exchanging the money around and begging people for 5$ Canadian. Straggle with toilet paper. For towels, beach towels everything in the room I had to ask for it it wasn't taken care of it right away. Waisting time on stupidity on my vacation. I got a bette [... read more]r service in 4 star resorts in Cuba. Definitely overrated. For people who like to drink a lot and eat on their vacation it's good but for people like me who wants calm and clean beach with nicely cleaned room no.

Good Resort a

This is just a a newly opened hotel last December 2021 so i give some consideration Overall it was a good stay for us except a bit of issues. Staff are friendly and so is the management They tried their best to entertain guests. Rooms are big and the beach is not busy

Charming

When you lower your standards Cuba has everything to offer, with such a precarious situation in the country, Iberostar and its fabulous personnel outstandingly went above and beyond to my expectations

Unsanitary food preparation, violent illness & no water

This is a small, new hotel facility on the island of Cayo Cruz, located a 60-minute bus ride from Cayo Coco airport. Our one week stay was marred by unsanitary food preparation, unplanned water shortages and 4 days of violent illness (vomiting and diarrhea). On the second day we were having hamburgers at the snack bar and my wife bit into her burger to find an insect in the middle of her burger and the insect was alive and still moving around. Very unpleasant. On the third day we went to  [... read more]dinner at the Caribbean/Cuban a la carte restaurant and subsequently my wife and I fell ill with a stomach bug and had vomiting and diarrhea for the remaining 4 days of the trip. On the fifth day the water was shut off across the entire hotel complex - restaurants, pool showers and guest rooms included - and the water became available again the following morning (18 hours later). I have no idea how food was being prepared at the hotel that day without the ability to wash produce or clean dishes. The 4-day violent illness really detracted from our overall experience. Also, there is no bathroom near the beach, which was a concern with the sudden onsets of vomiting or diarrhea. Other surprises: snack bar would serve French fries but did not have ketchup available, bars would serve mixed drinks but did not have lime/lemon slices available, guest rooms have mini fridges but cans of soda or beer are not available. This was not a good trip for us and we will not be returning.

Great beach

Rooms were big and roomy. Resort was at 20% capacity so food selection was minimal but good. Beach is the best part bar none. Bugs are really bad especially in the lobby- no see ums and mosquitoes. About a 75 minute bus ride. Staff were great and helpful.

Quiet, hidden oasis

We stayed at the Coral Level Esmeralda the week of June 5th in a swim out room. I have been to Cuba about 9 times, Mexico 4 times, Dominican 4 times, Jamaica twice, Antigua once, St Martin once. Our visit was during the start of low season (hotel at less than half occupancy). The best things about this resort: -the resort is very small and personalized (more like a boutique Style hotel) with probably the best service we have had in Cuba (never had to wait in lines, and the people were excep [... read more]tionally kind and attentive. -the butler Ariel checked if we had everything we needed and arranged things we asked about (e.g., dinner reservations, extra amenities etc). He was one of the kindest, friendliness people we have met and we really enjoyed getting to know him, he went out of his way to make people happy and is a huge asset to this resort. We met Luis and he was super kind and friendly too! -they give you robes in your room and beach towels (never had this in Cuba before). -the room was one of the nicest I have stayed in with the most comfortable bed. -for Cuba, the food was about the best we have had in Cuba- fresh, well decorated, some variety. -room service was offered, including drinks (never had this in Cuba before). -the beach was long, white sand, clear and exceptionally quiet. -the pools were nice and warm and quiet. -this was an ideal resort if you are looking for relaxation or personalized service. -They had entertainment every night that felt personalized because of the small environment. Things you will either like or not like: -the resort is an hour drive from the airport (didn't feel too long but not a lot to look at). -the resort is very quiet- some evening entertainment but more geared towards people looking for a relaxing or low key environment. -the beach is extremely long and quiet- nice for long walks but we like exploring Lagoons or inlets. No other resorts open on the very long stretch of beach. -there are little fish that nibble at your feet (tickles). Things that could be improved: -Our least favourite thing was the design of the lobby- it was small and no ceiling fans and it could get hot and have quite a few mosquitos which made it harder to enjoy. -The first day there was a lot of flies in the buffet restaurant. This improved significantly over the week we were there but was initially an issue for us. Please bring them fly swaters (and maybe sticky fly traps) as things can be very hard to get in Cuba and this might help out a lot. -we wanted to walk next door and see the larger resort that is mostly built and scheduled to open in September, but management would not allow us to cross over (they had employees guarding it) which was disappointing as the resort was small and there wasn’t much area to walk (other than the beach of course). As you can see, mostly positive comments about this special place! Enjoy and please bring gifts to give out (e.g., good quality used shoes, clothes, toiletries, towels, clothes, sunglasses, hats, gardening gloves, tools such as a screwdriver set, pens etc) as it is very difficult to get things in Cuba and extremely expensive for people and you will feel so good making people happy! Don’t forget about the maintenance people, especially the ‘singing gardener’!