Good times for all.

Comfortable relaxed atmosphere, well manicured grounds, fabulous pool with very ample deep end for swimming. This is an excellent resort for those seeking true Cuban atmosphere and relaxafion. Every evening featured a different, excellent show. Excursions, included in the packags, were superb. Good pricing in gift shop, better than at the airport, buy rum, cigars here. Excellent value for the price.

Place you want to go back

This was my repeat trip, first time in April/May. Got 1 week of very hot weather and 1 week a bit cooler. The A/C was a bit noisy. The food amazing, choices and quality. There was no music at the night bar, hence 4*

Wonderful Resort...Food a Disappointment!

This had been a second visit to this resort. The first visit was for two weeks and my husband and I found it too long a time because of the lack of variety and availability of fruits and vegetables. I figured one week would be okay. Believe me, I do not criticize the chefs for lack of variety because of the circumstances of their location. What was a true disappointment was that we were being served essentially the same food (with the exception of Rabbit one day and lamb (which I think was goat  [... read more]meat) ...Both very delicious by the way. The same vegetables for lunch and dinner, day after day...no salads or tomatoes. I really think that the chef could have used some imagination in his preparation and presentation. The only fresh vegetables were cabbage and cucumbers. The beets were good! Potatoes were only served boiled. The tomato sauce for the pasta had no flavor other than that of tomatoes. French fries at the bar grill were only available twice and there was no pizza (which I recall from my first visit as being delicious). There was one main soup (beef) which was available for most days (chicken soup...once or twice). before the end of the week, my friend and i were not even looking forward to our meals because literally we could not "stomach" the same fare for lunch and dinner every single day. I understand that that this resort was opened to accommodate us and there were only about forty people staying at this hotel. I really felt that the chef could have put more effort into making his meals exciting and interesting! Other than that, I love this place!

Exceeded all expectations

Views were amazing from the rooms and the dining terrace. Staff was fantastic. Beautiful area. Beautiful grounds. We stayed at the Farallon part of the resort which was supposed to be closed for the season but was reopened for less than 70 guests. Nice and peaceful. I've been to Varadero a few times, but enjoyed this trip the most. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Food wasn't spectacular, but it's Cuba. No complaints.

Second Worst resort I have been to

Been to Cuba before but this was terrible. We were advised that the room we booked was unavailable, but not told the hotel would be shut down. Limited variety of drinks, limited selection of food. What was there was bland, rooms were rundown and in need of repair.

Great resort, very relaxing atmosphere

This resort is not as big and busy and others. So if your looking for a nice relaxing get away this is the place. It is located in a scenic area, mountains, beach friendly atmosphere. The people go out of their way to make you feel at home.

Hot, friendly and relaxing

My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by this resort. We have been to different parts of Cuba and this was our first time at this resort. Although we thought we were going to Marea del Portillo we were placed at the Fallaron which is on the hill. The sister resorts are within walking distance and after viewing both, although I think we prefer the Fallaron, we would be happy staying at either. The resort is in a very beautiful location. The food was typically Cuban, so if you're going lookin [... read more]g for steak etc. don't pick Cuba. The staff is friendly and helpful, the Sunwing rep is excellent, the best rep we've ever had. There's plenty to do here and when we go again we will most likely book the V.I.P. package as it includes several trips. On the down side... We only had lukewarm water in our shower all week, but the weather was so hot that that really didn't bother us too much. If you consider this resort take tons of insect repellent as there are tons of little biting sand flees. We did take Deep Woods Off with us and had no problem. Next time we go we will take ketchup, lemon juice (for the fish), insect spray, tea bags, & jam.. Salt and pepper mills. The airport is very small and very disorganized, just mayham! The bus ride is almost two hours from the airport but the roads were good and the bus newish. We arrived at night but on our way back to the airport the bus driver was very good at telling us the history of the area, very informative. Again at the hotel, we had three buses arrive at the same time with only two people on the desk. People pushing and shoving. Next time we will just wait outside until everyone is in their room and then go in. We had a great time and will definitely go back. Over

Great place for the price

We had a great time at Marea de Portillo Most of the staff was extremely friendly, the rooms were amazing with the view. We got to know so many people while we were there, as the resort was small enough to meet everyone. The food was tolerable. I had no problem finding something to eat how ever my friend who is picky lived on eggs, pasta and rice pudding all week. The water in the bay was amazing, and there was always something to do. I will definitely be back

Relaxing week long vacation with awesome weather

Flew in to Manzanillo about an hour and forty minutes from the resort. We had a great time from start to finish of this trip and got exactly what we were expecting to get out of it. We wanted to relax by a nice pool and beach, have enough food to eat, and not be at a crazy large or busy resort. There were minimal families with kids running around and a non-existent younger crowd on vacation looking to get drunk every night and stay up late to "party". I suggest booking the VIP part of this hotel [... read more] which includes a few excursions which includes such things as a dinning room dinner(The shrimp was the best I've ever had at this dinner), two trips to the Island of Cayo Blanco (worth going to it for the lunch that they serve you Cuban BBQ style. By far the best meal I had. Its a beautiful white sand island and a nice change from the beach at the resort for one day. 10 min bus ride, then 10 min small boat ride to the island) All the excursions offered to upgrade to the VIP package is available to do if you don't gets the VIP but you'll have to pay 50CUC each at the hotel for the Cayo Blanco trip alone, which was the price of the total VIP upgrade anyways so that trip alone pays for your upgrade. It was a great trip that was low key, involving a lot of laying by the beach and pool reading with no distractions around you. The hotel staff was friendly and extremely accommodating if anything goes wrong, nothing happened to us but someones shower broke and they had people on it right away and had the problem solved quickly so that was great to see. A lot of people go back there frequently because its exactly the type of trip they are looking for. Met a lady who was on her 19th time at that resort and after a week there I can see myself going back there again without question to do exactly the same things, but i'm easy that way haha. There was a nature walk/hike which was about three hours long and was the highlight of my trip. If you like to walk in hot weather and enjoy the scenery of the world I would suggest you pack a good pair of shoes and do this. We had two tour guides who just love to do this type of thing and were pleasant to talk with while walking. Stopped at a family farm and was given fresh mango, starfruit and coffee. All delicious

Relaxing, friendly little resort

Was at this resort 6years ago. It is even better now. The beach is relaxing and easy to find a lounge chair under the shade of thatched stands. The bars are easily accessible. All staff were very friendly and helpful. The standard room I had overlooked the ocean, so no need to upgrade for a ocean view. Not the place for a party crowd but a perfect place for a relaxing vacation with lots of places to walk to or hike and bike to for exercise.

Amazing resort

room was great the people are amazing we have been to cuba before but this place is all that food was good i would recomend it for all age groups we are going back next year again it attracts you and you have to try thr the ferlin restaurant in marea we spent 17 cuc for lobster shrimp and salads and 5 cerveza unreal

Anyone stay here recently ?

Wondering if they still do morning Yoga at Farralon ? I like the Maria del Portillo we fish on the beach every morning after yoga Food is great beach nice and pool table near bar is fun also ping pong table only thing i would whine about is the kids damage the pool cues every day

Very relaxing

This resort is for those who want to be very relaxed, the superior rooms are the newer ones on the hill if you don't like to walk or do stairs I would suggest the cabana rooms in the resort at the bottom. There was not much to do as there was not much around so we made our own entertainment we often went into the mountains behind our hotel and looked at the ocean or went to the other side. The VIP package was worth it however if you don't get it when you book online you may be able to get it whe [... read more]n you get to the resort ours didn't incl. a message but if you bought it at the resort it did. I found a person had to explore and ask the right people to find out what spot the shows were at, the shows at the bottom resort were always better but the food at the top one was better. The beach was beautiful black sands, you do have to go in front of the bottom resort to enjoy the nice fluffy sand the one lady who makes the drinks at the bottom resort at the beach bar makes the best Bahama mamas and sings while doing so very fun to watch. This would be an ideal resort to bring a bike and ride into the towns that are near the resort as there is no market or shopping only at the small gift shops in the hotel and about 6 people just outside bottom resort along the road. All the staff is very friendly, I love Cuba i will definitely try to go every year.

Marea Del Portillo - wonderful place

Travel date - Dec 31, 2014. From the beginning the trip was a great experience. Toronto Airport - a breeze, a bit of a delay taking off, but not a big deal Arrival @ Manzanillo a bit of a delay but again, not a big deal. Bus drive to the resort was about 90 minutes. Arrival @ the resort, friendly.. music and welcoming drinks while you wait to check in We stayed in Cabana 13 (VIP). It was clean, no problems at all, always had hot water and toilet paper. View of the sea from the room was breathtak [... read more]ing. Food was good. Always lots too eat. Bars were great, lots of choices and great drinks. We travelled into Marea to the local restaurant called The Ferlin, lobster, shrimp, chicken, pork, rice and beans..the food and service is the best. Worth the trip into town. Travelling outside of the resort and meeting the locals is the best part of visiting Marea. Overall it was a great vacation. Will definitely be returning.

Merea del portillo

The resort was what we expected from a 3 star in Cuba. Nothing was fancy, but everything was well kept and spotless. The staff took pride in doing things well. The beach was beautiful, although not white sand. Lots of space, no problem finding a shaded area. The. Problems we had were with Sunwing. Their rep Elena was was more interested in your money than her guests. She sold us a tour that she assured us was an easy walk that we could do in sandles. Turns out you needed hiking boots and stronge [... read more]r legs than mine. Out of 5 people 3 of us had to turn back. Cost me a hundred dollars to sit in a parking lot at the top of a mountain for three hours. Our other problem was. Our trip home. After putting us on buses at 6:30 pm (no supper was provided at the resort) and a 2 hour drive to the airport the only food available was chips and horrible microwave pizza. As our flight was delayed, and we had to make a pit stop in Montego Bay, we finally took off for Toronto at 12:30 am. Instead of feeding us right away, or even giving us drinks, they were selling us more chips and chocolate bars. Using hungry people as a cash grab was just outrageous. As much as i enjoyed the resort I will go a long way not to give Sunwing my business ever again.

Oasis of natural delight

Ironically I am submitting a review from a mobile phone, about our escape from being plugged in. The last time I was there( a decade ago) the 2 hour bus ride from the airport seemed to disturb me. This time, an assurance of distance from familiar daily occurrences. We were not seeking comforts of a 5 star, but a vacation from our reality. Chickens, horses and goats meandering about the roads and fields. Strangers that made us feel safe and were grateful we are bringing purpose, economy, and reso [... read more]urces to their community. Staff worked hard and never complained about the cheap guests, the long shifts, or how the guests wasted food at the buffet and had poor eating habits (like licking their fingers). This hotel gets my outmost respect for cleanliness , tolerance, talent (live entertainment) and an excellent customer service in the resort and off. The buggy ride to town was a humble treat. Like an hour sleigh ride into the pioneer times. Of course we bought a piece of handmade jewelry! It even was braided to accommodate any size wrist. No dollar stores, just trinkets of interest. Back to life , back to reality. We will ask Scotty to 'beam us back' , real soon!

Good value but has some Problems!

This is my fifth or sixth visit to the Marea. I like its sandy-coloured beach, its stunning mountain views and its proximity to nature. Goat run around parts of the property as well as small dogs and horses can be ridden on the beach. It is very unspoiled and lovely. But there are issues too. The constant niggling little things that go with Cuban life but which could easily be addressed--and aren't. For one thing the card keys to the resort don't work and it is a real drag to arrive at your door [... read more] in a wet bathing suit only to have to run to the registration desk to get a new one!! For another food is varied and plentiful but the staff don't monitor people taking enormous amounts of bananas with them do other have none to ear. Also the excursions are pricey and for the most part not worth it.One of the best trips they had to Niquero a pleasant fishing village was taken off the books and yet they keep the Saturday night nightmarr to the ugly town of Pilon with its beggars and hucksters around. And so little arts and entertainment only a tired band and a few stale acts...this wasn't the way it was last year!

Great Vacation!

We stayed at this resort the week of oct 29-nov5/14. Before we left I read every review possible. I was a little afraid because there were a lot of complaints about bugs, it being run down and theft. I have to say the rooms where very clean, bug free and nothing went missing in our room. The food was exceptionally good for cuba, drinks were cold and always had toilet paper in the bathrooms. I have food allergies but I had no problem finding food i liked. There were complaints of no bacon on some [... read more] days, we ate breakfast at 830 am every morning and there was always bacon and omelets to order, with fresh white grapefruit every morning, I was in heaven. I tried every fruit...some tasted scary but I did try cow tongue at the last cuba resort so I had to. The desserts were very good for cuba as well with icecream flavours including mango, strawberry, chocolate and coconut! The fish at lunch and dinner was always amazing!! I stayed in cabana 35 upper level. It was a good thing I enjoy walking because i'm sure I got my 10,000 steps in everyday if not more. We upgraded to VIP which was well worth the price. Just the late check out was worth the extra. The excursions included in our package were great. We went on the sunset cruise! OMG beautiful. We rented the horse and carriage twice at $4/per person to go to the little town up the way. Once we just went for the ride and bought stuff from the sellers and I enjoyed it so much we all went again(group of 10). The second time we went we planned for lunch at the little restaurant called ferlin (I think) - best food ever!! we had lobster cocktail and shrimp in garlic and butter with a side of rice and beans and with 1 cerveza was only $5.65pesos They were selling honey and an old man was playing music (3 instruments at once) for pesos. We rented two cabs 5 in each, to go to Pilon for a tour, they let us walk around and take pictures and we had a beer at a local bar for $1, awesome. Included in our package was two days out at cayo blanco which was a beautiful white sand island. We picked sea shells by the sea shore...lol and swam in the ocean and had an amazing lobster dinner with sardines(don't knock it until you try it) on the grill with pumpkin and potatoes. Im not a fan of lobster but this was perfectly cooked. Delish... I found they didn't have very many entertainers throughout the day but I was fine with that. The beach by the resort was beautiful but mighty hot when there wasn't a cloud in site - bring your sandals - be warned...the beach is darker sand so the sun can heat it. Staff was great, no complaints. I would recommend bringing your own beach towel, just so you don't lose theirs and have to pay $25 and a travel mug. I did bring a couple of extra pieces of clothing to give away and got some honey and coffee beans in exchange. I did give all my shampoo, conditioner, soaps and lotions to the locals on my last day. Great time, met some nice people and have memories to last a lifetime.

Awesome resort

We had a blast we went with 10 friends and family. The people were nice and always smiling . The food was great . If u have a chance to go out for a day trip to the town pilon absolutely do it . Also in the town of marea there is a little restaurant best shrimp and lobster I've had and very cheap .

Great for a large group!

I enjoyed the simplicity of this resort! A decent sized pool area and a very large beach! Don't get confused with which resort your staying at though... There are two next to each other and one is only open during part of the year (the one in all the pictures...). The one you don't see isn't as luxurious but still nice if your with a large group. There isn't any entertainment other than bingo at the same time, every day, for the same prizes... The bars were fantastic. Great bartenders!! And the  [... read more]food was also good. Better than any other resort I've gone to. There is a grill near the pool that could be better though.... I got sick of eating ham and cheese sandwiches after a week...and the deep fryer was so small it took 15 minutes to cook 1 bach of fries and it even broke after our 4th day. I would recommend this resort for an older selection of people. Not so great for children, teens and young adults.