Grand Aston Cayo Paredon Beach Resort: Unconscionably poor.

I would give the resort zero stars if I could. I do not know how your travel agency could possibly suggest that your clientele stay at the Grand Aston Paredon. The food, by any measure, bordered upon being inedible. One does not generally travel to Cuba for the food, but this was ridiculous. Tureens of gelatinous goop, powdered egg omelets, bone dry pork, it was horrendous. Lack of clean towels (either beach or room), lack of drink choices, absence of any evening entertainment, rocky beach, [... read more] swamp smell from the surrounding grounds… I could go on. By the second day we were ready to leave. All of this at a newly built hotel?? Ridiculously poor customer service. Management/ corporate head office were obviously perpetrating fraud by luring guests with the promise of a 4.5 star experience, only to severely deny even the most basic of expectations. I have two questions for Tripcentral: 1. On what basis did you steer my family towards what will always be our absolute worst travel experience? 2. Why should my family, or ANY family, ever trust you again with their travel plans?

Grand Aston Cayo Paredon Beach Resort: Nice resort, amazing plage, substandard food

Unfortunately there are so many negatives about the food that the overall picture is bad - no fish or seafood at all - only meat available regularly was pork - very limited choice of cheese at breakfast (sometimes no cheese st all) - many days limited choice or lack of soft drinks and juices; none towards the end of day. - no red or white wine in bars and buffet restaurant - limited access to a la carte restaurants. We had to wait 2.5 hours in line to get reservation - several days no na [... read more]pkins - from the beginning no bread - huge line to get idecream

Melia Jardines del Rey: Surprised

I did a lot of research on this resort prior to going. The reviews were scary and terrible. I even tried to find another resort but too much money. Upon our arrival around 10 pm on Sunday night, there was really no food to find and they were out of wine. The reviews were becoming true. The following day, things changed and everything fell into place as far as al a cartes, lunches, beaches, drinks etc. I was pleasantly surprised. That was until Saturday night. We had no server in the buffet for  [... read more]dinner, had to wait for plates, no cutlery and the food was not great. That night at the lobby bar, they ran out of wine, beer and other alcohol. I am just glad we were leaving the following day. This resort is hit and miss. While one day they are out of certain things, they will appear the next. And vice versa. I was pleasantly surprised Monday-Saturday and then the expectations began to show. Many of the staff are wonderful! The beaches are unreal! Go with an open mind!

Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar: Sweet and Simple

Room-Swim out suite with personal Plunge pool building 7 Pool on front side/beach party on back side. Private but not the quietest. Suite was amazing, 2 bathrooms,double sinks,2 tvs only one worked. Lights in closets but not working.Air conditioning worked great!No issues with water at all at any time. Plunge pool was not cleaned once not clean nor usable. Reported and requested but not addressed. Maid service-basics completed daily, had to ask to make sure water restocked. Friendly service. [... read more] Buffet-Typical Cuba menu, rice,chicken,fish,papaya, pineapple some days. We did not go hungry and love Cuban food. Since covid. Lots of shortages. No milk a few days,no beef,no variety or consistency. Best chocolate ice cream. Al la Carte(Gourmet) Very nice, good food,great service Lobby bar- Poor service, seemed very unattentive and disinterested in any requests. No consistency with coffee or mixed drinks. Each mojito and coffee made differently and often did not have what you previously ordered. Front desk- Sometimes okay service. Again showed disinterest in what you were asking. Did not receive our wake up call, when we mentioned this were told l,sorry no bellboy until 7. The entire resort had a major house fly issue. Hundreds in buffet, lobby areas. Pool- Clean, fairly small but sufficient. Pool bar seemed great. Music played from 10am-430pm daily extremely LOUD. Entertainment- We did not attend but heard great things SPA- services reasonably priced, wonderful staff 24 hr Snack bar- Most times offered only one thing. One day was a giant bun with a half a piece of cheese. Only fries 1 day out of 7, hotdogs no bun one day, deep fried chips one night Main Buffet- great,friendly old school happy welcoming Cuban service from Ideky and Luis. They made our trip. Boardwalk- Different than we are uses to but loved the wildlife and nature. Pelicans, fish,great white herons,amazing snorkeling,lots of fish,starfish Pathways-Low lighting at night Mostly sounds negative however overall this resort had everything WE needed. Most of the things didn't bother us or affect our over all trip. We felt the impact of covid on the people of Cuba and the economy. Shortages,lack of resources for workers, understaffed.

Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: Good resort

For the most part the hotel and the grounds were well taken care of. Staff and grounds keepers were very polite and always greeted you. Sometimes you had to ask the cleaning staff to make sure the floors were cleaned, but for the most part they did a good job. Make sure to tip them the service will be better. Room safe locked on me once and A/C gave out a couple of times, the technician was not always available. The beach was absolutely AMAZING, one of the best beaches I've seen to date. Enterta [... read more]inment staff had music and activities on the beach which was nice. The beach grounds men did a very good job at cleaning up any washed up seaweed and tried to keep the sand clean. Food was pretty good, alot of meat options but not alot of vegetables. Also not a lot of fruit. But you definitely won't starve. Dining area could use a good clean up after each meal as sometimes the floors and table mats were dirty. The entertainment staff were great, very friendly and always interacting with the guests and making sure everyone was having a good time. Shows at night were pretty good as well, mostly when the guests were involved. Overall it was a good experience for a fairly new hotel.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: Most amazing trip!

I won’t lie, I read reviews whether it’s from trip advisor or from fan Facebook pages. I will always do my research. I’ve been to Cuba 6 times and I have experienced the good, bad and the ugly. Coming into this trip, knowing how hard it is for them to receive stock for food, booze, and other items I knew to not expect much. When I tell you I was blown away.. this trip exceeded my expectations. From the grounds, the rooms, the staff, the beaches even the food .. I was surprised. I wen [... read more]t with a group of 4, This is a 5 star resort in Cuba. The staff go above and beyond to exceed your requirements. We came out with many friends who have kept in contact with us. The rooms are great. You either get a king bed or two doubles and you push them together it becomes a California king (amazing) yes you get a fridge no it’s not stocked so bring pop or coolers from home not the end of the world. They must give you a bottle of water every day. If we didn’t see it we went right to the butler and it was in your room by the time you got back. The buffet we ate for breakfast and dinner and we had breads, bacon, fresh egg omelettes, and fruits. If you like peanut butter, butter, maple syrup bring small packets no biggie. Dinner we didn’t think it was repetitive. You had your choice of fresh grilled beef, chicken, pork, fish, burgers or hot dogs. You had different side dish options all were great. For lunch we kept with the snack bar. We had wood oven margarita pizzas, or hamburger (with buns) or even pasta one day. It was all hot and amazing. The a la cartes we did the only two open Cuban and Mediterranean. We really enjoyed the Mediterranean. Drinks. Strong but you get used to it. Yes you have to think of things to have but I always asked for the bartender surprise or if you go to the snack bar ask for the Luis drink (gin lemonade). We didn’t notice shortages as they adapt to it. The entertainment at both resorts were great and hilarious. The day staff is the same as the night staff and they work hard to include everyone. Yes the bus ride from the airport to the hotel is about 1 hour and 30 minutes but it’s okay I didn’t mind it. we would recommend the VIP lounge in the airport on the way home if it’s a mid day flight or later. Had the air condition and inclusive booze and food. Big question would we go back…. 100% Luis, Uni, Yoem, Danny all the lobby bar workers and entertainment staff .. thank you for a memorable week.

Melia Costa Rey: Amazing time at the Pullman Resort

The friendly staff greeting with “Olah” all the time with a smile. Accommodations were just perfect and would recommend this resort to anyone planning a vacation in Cuba. Pool and deck were kept clean as well as the beach being pristine were all part of a perfect vacation. Sue Snider was correct in saying “ you can’t go wrong with Pullman.

Gran Muthu Imperial: The place is shit

We’re got there had no hot water and are fridge didn’t not work I have meds that need to be keeped cold we went do to the front desk three times the first night and nothing got done then we had hot water for two days then back to cold and one day for a bit of it we had no water then food was so bad we couldn’t eat it most workers were ok others were not happy to be there or get a tip bugs on the floor well eating I would never go there again

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Pretty Decent Stay

Grounds were well kept and not too dirty, snack bar area was filthy from birds. Room was comfortable, air conditioner worked, power was hard to turn on. Food was pretty good, restaurants were very clean and tidy.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Happy Resort

We loved the resort , our room was clean , the ac worked always had bottles of water left in our room and towels. The buffet staff were very pleasant always recognized you, I loved when the chef was singing. The food was good , the selection at times was mostly pork, but we never went hungry.The bars were well stocked, Route 66 bar was fun! Dam it Janet!! The grounds were very well maintained and friendly staff again.Wifi was spotty. Recreation staff awesome!!

Gran Muthu Imperial: Good value

Hotel was at about 40% capacity. No line ups, however sometimes felt like skeleton staff. They did a great job rushing around getting things for guests though. Some restaurants were closed.had to request drinking water in our room most days, beach bar had no beer fir a few days. But really good value and great staff.

Grand Aston Cayo Paredon Beach Resort: ok, I guess

ok, I guess, it could have been better, it could have been worse. I have been to better resorts in the past. As usually the beaches and the ocean in Cuba are some of the best; good thing there was no weeds or plants in the water. Weather was very good; the water temperature was perfect. Brand new resort, I believe it was open 4-5 months ago. Not too many things to do around the resort, kind of isolated.

Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: Paradise Beach and amazing Staff!

Not sure why Sunwing and Iberostar are rating this a a 5 Star. Although the hotel is new, the beach amazing and the staff incredible, it lacks on other things that are very important. The food and also only having beverages for some. I personally don’t drink during the day but I do enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, and throughout my whole stay there was nothing but rum and vodka! I honestly thought that people paid a premium for March Break and expected some pretty basic things such as bu [... read more]tter, jam or milk for the morning cereal. I understand that Cuban people are going through a really hard time, this is a Spanish owned resort and they cannot be rating this a 5 Star when they are not. charging their guests Premium Rates and expecting us to accept it because it’s Cuba! Not impressed with the Iberostar or Sunwing!!

Melia Costa Rey: Amazing Resort

The resort is beautiful and clean and well layed out. The staff is amazing and helpful. The food was good and there was plenty of choice. The beach is well maintained and beautiful! Many services available and wi-fi. Can’t wait to go back!!

Starfish Cayo Guillermo: Somewhat Acceptable

The Starfish has the potential to be a great resort but.... First the good news The grounds are very well maintained and beautiful. Winding paths lined with flowering hedges. The 1 or 2 story units line the paths and some have huge "yards". All are a short walk to the beach, with some almost in the water! The food was good and with an abundance of choices. The Ala cart restaurants were fine especially considering the shortages Cuba is having (no ice cream etc.), but not all were open. G [... read more]reat beach! With lots of lounge chairs, not a common thing in Cuba. Very friendly, outgoing staff. The overworked staff in the Lobby Bar never failed to smile and be pleasant. The not so good. We stayed in the wooden bungalows, which we paid extra for ( on the advice of a travel agent) big mistake. They appear great with lovely settings surrounded by Palm Trees. But, they have no insulation between the two room units, (we had to be moved because of noise). They also seemed a little smaller then the tradition concrete bungalows. They are very dark inside, with inadequate lighting, to the point were we had to use flashlights to see. They also have gaps in the exterior walls which let in biting insects. We at times had to resort to bug repellent at night. We also saw what we think were an army of termites in our bathroom. Our air conditioner's controls didn’t work. (had to use the breaker box as an of/on switch). The bars, with the exception of, the very small lobby bar, all closed at 4:00 pm. Which made it very busy. We have been to Cuba many times (first time since COVID) and knew to have lower expectations, especially with the shortages they are now having, but we couldn’t help feeling let down by the lack of a little preventive maintenance here. The resort is what we want , low rise rooms on lovely grounds (you really get your steps in here). I just wish everything worked a little better, and we had tried out the older cement bungalows.

Tryp Cayo Coco: Amazing time at the Tryp once again

Once again great time at the Tryp. Glad to see familiar faces as far as staff goes. Staff is amazing, beach is amazing, resort is amazing, I had a great time, weather was perfect. I will never go to another resort as long as the Tryp is open. Only thing I found from three years ago when I was there (unfortunately had to wait til covid was over to come back) was lack of variety at the buffet at all meals. I always find something to eat but would have liked more variety. Anyway, would highly r [... read more]ecommend this resort, and always do. Look forward to going back next year.

Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: Beautiful Resort

This is a newer resort the rooms clean ,bed comfortable and everything works. The resort is well lite up at night. It's is very clean. Majority of the staff are younger and provide resonable service.The lobby bar staff quickly get you your first drink but are a little slow on the second even if you are tipper. Thr bar assistant manager was very good.But some of the staff work 8 and 10 hrs the bar staff work 12. The staff travel 2 to 4 hrs a day each way. Very long days. The beach is beautiful [... read more] and raked by hand lots of loungers and shade.The beach boys are quick to find you a place. Beach bar staff very good. The pools are very clean. The bar staff provide good service. The biggest issue is there's not a lot of shade. The snack bar staff are very good. On Cuba day very good food.I did ask for pizza one day at lunch and was told the wait was two hours. The buffet lots of food waiters and staff hard working. The down side was there was a lot of pork almost to much. There was ground beef and beef strips. No chicken until the last two days. Lots of eggs limited bread and no butter. Thete was s lack of fish also.There was no pasta until the last two days and it was only spaghetti dishes. The la cartes were terrible only the Cuban snd Asian open no Italian or Metterian due to lack of supplies. But service was good. There is a shortage of liquors such as tequilas , red and white wine. The entertainment was lacking in the lobby. We did have a piano player for three out of the seven nights. His name was Joseph and he is very talented. The Hobbie craft operators were excellent always approaching people offering there services. I never seen this at any other resorts before in the Carribbean. We did one excursion to the City of Camerey don't waste your money it's about $100 Canadian each. It is a long day over 4 hours of travel. The only thing I learned was the same bus beer in Camerey is one dollar not five dollars like the bus. Remember the two beer for five dollars they were still making money. This resort is a long way from anywhere it's not Varadero, Cayo Santa Marie, Holguin or Cayo Coco areas. That have taxis,buses,and some shops setup. But the area of Cayo Cruz is still under development.Ten more resorts in the works for this beach area. Thr WiFi worked very good everwhere on the resort. Lots of internet boosters around the resort. The resort quest was a mixture of Canadians from Ontario, Quebec and a few martimers. The majority of the other quest were Russian. The Russians kept to there selves. Only issues some are rude and try to jump a head of you in line. Only happen one day some drunkan ones made comments about Canadians. But I did notice extra security was around when the last plane of Russiand arrived. This is to Canadians try not to tip with our coins. The Cubans can't use them only paper. They want Canadian or US paper. They either use it to buy items on the black market or they take it to the bank and deposit it to there bank card. One Cuban had a bag of tips well over $500 in coin. We came back with over hundred dollars each in coin.We were approach numerous times by workers once they got to know us and we cashed some of their coins. I wish the staff had name tags very few had tags. It would be great to give credit to ones who stood out above the rest. Just to let people know this was likley our twelfth trip to Cuba and I like to give my honest opinion on these reviews. I use trip central reviews for our travel.I think over time things will improve. Rum and cigars aren't cheap anymore in Cuba in the tourist areas. Once again thank you Carol Webber for your service.

Grand Aston Cayo Paredon Beach Resort: Starving

There is very bad food shortages, no bread, butter, pasta, fries, pizza to name some. Lines for 30-40 min to get eggs or ice cream. No welcome drinks. The room was not clean properly, the balcony had birds poop all over, never cleaned.

Hotel Playa Paraiso: Meh

the hotel amenities were nice, our room and the buildings were decent and clean. the beach is stunning and the water beautiful. our major disappointment was in the food. We have been to Cuba before and while we did not have high expectations of the food but we have never been quite this disappointed. The buffet was the exact same food every night (which was lacking to say the least), there were hardly any non pork options to eat, and the service in the buffet was lacking (it took so long to get  [... read more]any food due to lines etc.) the buffet definitely could have been set up in a more useful way... the 24 hour snack bar was a disappointment as well as it was never 24 hours. We probably attempted to get a snack at least 8-10 times in our 7 day stay and only successfully got any food 2 or 3 times. we would often go to the snack bar mid afternoon / early evening and we were either told "no" with no explanation as to why we couldn't get a snack or we would be told "20 minutes" and regardless of how many times we went back after 20 minutes the food was never available. While the resort location itself was nice I will not be recommending this stay.

Grand Aston Cayo Paredon Beach Resort: Great staff, ok food, snorkeling off the beach, far from excursions

Great staff, ok food, snorkeling off the beach, far from excursions Food shortages mostly pork every day, restaurant 1km away that had great food although you had to pay for it ! Probably why they had a shortage... to encourage you to go spend money at the government owned restaurant. Snorkeling off the beach was amazing Far from excursions. First pick up and last drop off of jeep your, although close to nautical centre so catamaran excursion was only 20-30 mins away.