Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Cuba has better hotels

We spent one week at the Bella Vista and found that a lot of staff didn't speak much English, most of the time the toilet paper was empty in the bathrooms, the food was the worst we've had in Cuba, (this was our 8th trip down) but of course, you won't starve, there is always something to eat. We were not sure if this was due to covid or transport issues. As far as covid protocol, the staff all wore their masks and asked that guests did too in the building areas. You were given a squirt of hand [... read more] sanitizer before entering the buffet or any restaurants so that was well done. The beds were the most uncomfortable that I have had in Cuba, we had to change rooms since our first room had a shower that didn't work, water leaking across the bathroom floor and a door that didn't lock, beach towels were charged to your credit card (Deposit) instead of in your room, and 2 or 3 resort restaurants were closed during our time perhaps since they were not at full capacity, I don't know. As always, the beach and water are amazing, blue, beautiful, relaxing and since that was what we were there for, the trip was still great. I would not book this hotel again. Prefer the BLAU, ROYALTON, or even LOS CACTOS

Iberostar Waves Cozumel: Bring water shoes

Very much enjoyed the resort. Food was excellent, friendly staff, comfortable rooms. I forgot my water shoes so wasn’t in the ocean as much as I’d hoped. I’d definitely return with shoes in hand. The resident flamingos were a plus.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: New Resort with marvelous Beach!

The hotel has very friendly and helpful staff. The beach surrounding the hotel stretches along the coastline in both directions. The rooms are very spacious, I had the junior suite and it had a large bath area, with separate tub and shower, two double beds, table/2chairs, comfy chair and ottoman, small deck facing ocean. There are 3 specialty restaurants, all good. Buffet restaurant and a 24 hr snack bar with great pizzas anytime, and good lattes. Two pool areas line the accommodations with ea [... read more]sy access and comfy pool chairs/umbrellas.

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Beautiful Resort

Staying at the Coral Level was a great experience, the staff were the highest caliber I have seen at a Cubian resort. Very helpful, happy and their English was amazing no issues communicating with any of the staff. The rooms were clean comfortable with all amenities except one a coffee maker. The butler would bring coffee each day but 1 cup is not enough.that would honestly be my only complaint and that might ha e been because of covid.

Iberostar Selection Playa Mita: Lovely Mexico vacation!

We had a fabulous time enjoying the iberostar in the beautiful location of playa Mita. The live music and outside lunches were a treat! Our ocean front room was large, had everything we needed, a comfy bed and an amazing view of the long clean beach. The food was great everywhere, the drinks and wine were nice and served with pleasantries. The nightly entertainment was fun and entertaining. We enjoyed the a la Carte restaurants and the Ap made them very simple to book. We had a great time. G [... read more]o hike up monkey mountain for a panoramic view! Thank you!

JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar: Thumbs up for Iberostar Grand Paraiso

This was our second time at this resort; much has changed since 2017, re covid, climate change, and environmental concerns. We returned to Iberostar as we had a positive experience our first time. Second time did not disappoint! While the resort was only about 40% full, there was no shortage of staff, food, activities, or entertainment (the latter all had to be done in open air or open space). Every staff member was very friendly, helpful, and couldn’t do enough for every guest. Our butler  [... read more]Ivan went over and above for us. We certainly missed him when there had their monthly staff change over. Our new butler was nice also Daytime entertainment staff was quite energetic trying to get people to participate after walking around and telling of upcoming activities even though everything was posted online. Evening entertainment was fine as well. We very much enjoyed their “white night” evening. Restaurant and bar staff were there to attend to any request a guest may or even not have. We preferred to have dinner at the individual restaurants as opposed to the buffet (though we did go once to dinner at buffet) where we had breakfasts and lunches—lots and lots of choices While every specialty restaurant was superb the French one really stood out for us, especially our waiter Chan. Again, went out of his way to prepare us a specialty dish not on the menu But my most impressive thing about this year was how very environmentally responsible this resort has become. Nothing or very little one-time-use or disposable items were used; everything was reusable from water bottles to cutlery to napkins to placemats….cleanliness and sterilizing everything was very much de rigueur! Many staff were busy with spray bottles cleaning surfaces And every staff member wore a mask. The only place where guests had to wear a mask was at the buffet area. I would definitely return to this resort in the future Our only disappointment was the beach. Full of seaweeds which staff kept cleaning up and removing but all in vain; seaweeds just kept on coming. May be time of year we were there?

JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar: Wonderful Stay

We stayed at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro from March 30th to April 6. The hotel is beautiful as are the grounds. The rooms are well appointed and house keeping was amazing. Our butler’s were always helpful and friendly. The food was good except for the Italian restaurant that was bad the others were good. The ocean and beach simply the best I guess the only wish for us would be less fish at the buffet and open up on other item. We would return for sure.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Iberostar Laguna Azul

Enjoyable vacation even with covid restrictions, the Cubans are happy to see Canadians back.The hotel is running at fifty percentage capacity. Well kept resort we were in building 18,for people with mobility issues all elevators should have been operational but were not. Dining room experience was different than normal they now serve you the food,because of language barrier you point at what you want. All staff must wear mask all the time. Be aware of the new currency useful for tipping. They no [... read more]w prefer us monies,do not exchange money at the bank the locals or people on the bus to hotel offer better exchange rate.Beautiful beach weather was 32 for the week we were there. I would definitely return to this hotel.

Iberostar Coral Holguin: Everything we could want in a resort

We stopped doing one week all inclusive's years ago but not having been able to get away for two years we needed even just one week in the sea and sand. After reading the food reviews here on TA we decided to give the Coral a try. We requested an upper floor suite King bed and our request was granted. The adult only pool runs the length of the Coral level and even though you don't have an ocean view the balcony atmosphere is fantastic. The adult only Coral restaurant was by far the best of all [... read more] options. We found out that some of the nearby resorts had no fish at all on the menu where as we had various white fish & lobster and various lobster dishes daily. The breakfasts at the Buffet restaurant was terrific. Even though my wife and I enjoyed the food immensely we found all the staff to be even more exceptional and always went the extra mile to please. I noticed many reviews named certain staff as being great but we found there were too many great staff to name them all individually. The staff wore their masks all the time which made for a great comfort level. Tourists were expected to wear their covid masks indoors until seating. We loved walking the pedestrian bridge to the beach and to the end of all the nearby resorts. It made for great people and activity watching. The included Hobie Cat half hour ride was a great addition. We did the Paradise Island Excursion on day. It was an eleven hour day but was one of the best excursions we've ever taken in the Caribbean. We definitely will go back again but this time for longer than seven days.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: Great Spot

We just came back from a week's vacation at this new resort. The rooms were spacious, very comfortable and well appointed. This resort is a great size if you're looking for an adults only quiet vacation on a small resort. The layout is perfect with all buildings within a short stroll to each other and to the beach. Most of the staff are quite young and are still learning some of the intricacies of the hospitality industry but are VERY polite and eager to please. They all wear masks and still pr [... read more]actice sound COVID protocols. We enjoyed the food and all the a-la-carte restaurants. We're already talking of a return trip.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Beautiful Resort

I have been to Varadero 4 times and this one has probably the best design for the outdoor and indoor areas. Misinformation about the room having an ocean view was troublesome at the beginning because in actuality you could only see the ocean from the balcony if you looked in a very sharp angle. So I think it would have been better if we would have known in advance. Overall the hotel is clean but our room was ok and always after cleaning we found lots of long hair on the floor( my hair is short [... read more]) then, I saw the mop that they were using, which was really dirty. Also the staff did not check the shampoo or soap and we have to ask twice to fill the empty bottles. I have to mention that this hotel has very good mannered service people. I want to name Tony who served at the dinner buffet, Joanna and Gavier who served at the breakfast and lunch buffet; and very pleasant Daysolet, who was helping with drinks in the bar close to reception. Overall, I recommend this resort.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Great holiday

Grounds lovely and well kept. People are warm and friendly.loved the beach and swimming. Food good but bland. Fish always nicely cooked. A couple of mornings they had no eggs. There was a great Cuban band that played on the outdoor square— loved their music!!

Iberostar Origin Tainos: Starting to lose it's appeal !

Just returned from 2 weeks at Tainos. We've been there 7 times before. It is a beautiful, small resort. The beach is what we go for, and it never fails to amaze me. Absolutely wonderful. The staff are very kind and helpful. Almost like family after our repeated returns. The resort is starting to show its' age. Good use some paint, lamps in the rooms, etc.. Not terrible, but a little TLC would go a long way. Covid restrictions are strictly adhered to. Masks required in restaurants. Not obligatory [... read more] in lobby ( but highly suggested. ). Not required outdoors or on beach. All staff, and most patrons are very watchful of maintaining distancing. They have stopped stocking refrigerators in rooms, which we missed considerably. The food was worse than I have ever seen. We never expect much for food in Cuba. I am not a fussy eater, but this time it was much was than previous trips. If possible, bring some food of your own for snacks, etc.. The really serious downside for our trip this time was that one of our suitcases was damaged and items stolen at the airport. This has never happened to us before, but it is most disheartening. Certainly not a fault of the resort, but something to consider when thinking about Varadero now. We are trying to get compensation from Sunwing now. We'll see how that goes !!! All in all I would give a 3 1/2 star rating and I will think seriously about going back to Vardero due to the airport issue.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Making new memories..

It was so nice to catch up with old friends again. From the porters to the Valets to the bar staff all were friendly, professional and helpful. There were some shortages on certain days but we never went hungry. Our villa with it's outside hot tub was a blessing on the cooler days. It was a comfortable syay, obviuosly they were not at full capacity yet but we did not want for anything. Will definitely return for a 5th visit !

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Great value for money

Very clean ,well laid out ,food very good ,service excellent ,all staff are very accurate bar service is quick,20 minutes from airport.3 options for a la carte restaurants no problem reserving.plenty of loungers

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Enjoyed our stay !

The beaches and the people of Cuba have always been our draw to that country. Although the buffet was small, it was always full of fresh foods and was delicious. The variety was not immense but the staff and service always made you feel at home. There was always a stir fry bar, a beef/ chicken/ pork bar, a pasta bar and another one full of cooked items. The workers served the food to your plate and were always masked. We are thinking of going to the same resort next year with family and friend [... read more]s.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Not fully ready yet in the wake of the pandemic

At this time, this resort, and I suspect most other resorts in Cuba are trying very hard to come back post pandemic, but are not quite there yet. I knew this prior to booking, but was not aware to what extent it would play. The grounds are beautiful for the most part. A little dry looking generally, and the wildlife pond opposite the pool looks like it needed about another foot of water pumped into it. Kind of green/brown and scummy looking, although it did not smell which was a bonus. The w [... read more]ait staff and the Cuban people who work there are amazing. So friendly and helpful with a "Hola, com esta?" Certain areas and venues were not operational. There is an 'Ice Cream' hut near the pool. Always empty, no one around, although there was ice cream at the buffet. But just vanilla and strawberry. A restaurant closer to the beach, deserted. A couple of bars that it didn't seem you were supposed to step up to. They kept the doors closed, and had wait staff come to your table and take your drink order. I didn't have a problem with that. They were always so nice. The food? Well, you know what they say, you don't go to Cuba for the food, and they're not fooling around. Although the food always seemed fresh, it was the exact same fare everyday. Now I know how the dog feels. They occasionally moved the dishes around from area to area, possibly to give the illusion that there was some variety, but they weren't fooling anybody. Covid protocols dictate the staff must put the food on the plate for you. Usually too much, and I hate wasting food, especially in a country were some might not eat every day. You just point to what you desire. Don't you dare touch the serving spoon or tongs. I forgot once and received a stern but still friendly look. I had to laugh, the al a carte's are no different. It's the same food as in the buffet, but it was presented a bit prettier on the plate, but again, it's the exact same food. They must have just taken some from the buffet over to the al a carte restaurants. Only went to two. Not worth dressing up in long pants and a collared shirt to eat the same food as the buffet. Most of the dishes had no spice, no flavour. I was made aware of this prior, so I brought a bottle of hot sauce from home to liven things up a little, and I'm glad I did. Take ketchup with you too, if that's what want, because there simply isn't any. I brought a few ketchup packets along, and one day another hotel patron saw me opening one over my omelet at breakfast, and asked where I got it from on the buffet. I said, "Didn't. Brought it from home, sorry". Good luck getting any salt or pepper out of the shakers. It's a solid block in there from the humidity. Pull the plug out of the bottom, and you might get some, but be careful. It tends to all come out at once as I found out the hard way. Four stray dogs and a couple of cats frequent the buffet at meal times and sit by your chair looking for a handout if you choose to eat at the outside tables. They don't dare venture inside. A couple of the dogs will take the food from your hand, and they are so gentle. Not like our ungrateful K9 at home who gets feed every day. Nearly takes my finger with it, every time. The other dogs and the cats are a little timid and standoffish, and you must throw the food to them, and it shows. They are skinnier than the ones that take it from you. Wine and beer are a hit or miss on certain days and in certain restaurants. On our first day, we got there and checked in just in time for lunch. When I came back to our table with my food, my wife informed me she was told by wait staff that there was no cerveza (beer). Ever. In the whole resort. All week. I said "you've got to be (bleep) kidding me". I think I used an expletive as well. Well, we found this not to be entirely true, they did have it, but not always. Wine wasn't always available either, and they ran out of red wine mid week. I think they save it to sell at the al a cartes. My wife drinks red wine exclusively. She was not impressed. They were not able to make a wide variety of cocktails at the bars either due to availability. I never want to have another Pina Colada again. The beach was gorgeous, and the water was always beautiful shades of turquoise and azul. We were always able to find a couple of loungers and a palapa, although sometimes at the far end from the entrance. The water was too wavy and the undertow was too strong for a non-swimmer like myself. Sand is deep and difficult to walk in. Reminded be of walking in deep snow in Canada. A number of jellyfish washed up on shore. Had to step around those carefully. Our room was OK. Just OK. Safe worked flawlessly. Bed was firm. Not impossible to sleep on, although my back was sure glad when we got home to our own bed. Our room was on the ground floor, and although the main door locked fine, the adjacent sliding glass patio door did not lock. It had a catch only that could be jiggled loose if someone was determined enough. We kept the curtains closed when we weren't there, and hoped no potential thieves were the wiser. Hot water wasn't always available for a shower, but if you ran it long enough, it got lukewarm. Sometimes. Sort of. Toilet tank didn't always refill after a flush, but I was able to jiggle the supply valve and get water to seep in slowly as long as you didn't need to flush it again right away. I guess we could have requested another room, but if I can make something work, albeit not the way it ultimately should, I'll go with that instead of making waves with the front desk. The mini-bar was always empty. I guess you're just supposed to use it for your own items. No beer or pop like we've had at other resorts. Toilet paper seemed to be a hot commodity, and after the toilet paper hoarding fiasco early pandemic in Canada, I was not in the mood. If there was even a few sheets left on the roll when the maid came in to service your room, you wouldn't get another. We got to hiding what we had in a drawer and leaving her an extra couple of bucks so we'd get a fresh roll. Can't imagine what non-tippers did to wipe themselves. Shudder. The nightly entertainment didn't happen every night, and it was fairly lame as usual at most all-inclusives. Other nights there was an impromptu mariachi band that went from table to table playing songs at half tempo. Imagine 'Yesterday' by the Beatles at half tempo. Haha. We had the unfortunate luck of having to return on March 31st, the day before the requirement for an antigen test was removed. We waited almost two hours in the morning to get the test done at $25USD each, and then were told to come back at 3:30-4 o'clock for the paperwork. Waited another 2 hours just to get the form when we returned that afternoon, and had a rude woman from a neighbouring resort jump the line and get hers completely done, form and all, while the rest of us waited even longer. So, our seven day vacation was really only four. The first day is mostly wasted getting there, and you're so exhausted from the 3:30am arrival at the airport and the grueling, hurry up and wait plane and bus ride, that you pretty much just want to sleep the rest of that first day. The next day, it rained, all day, although that's no fault of the resort or the Cuban people. Then we had 4 beautiful nearly cloudless warm days and cooler evenings, although the last two were so windy the beach was not an option unless you enjoy picking sand out of your teeth, and the last day was wasted on the antigen test. Do I recommend this resort? Sorry, I don't, but maybe things will improve once we get further out of the restrictions of the past two years.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Amazing Resort

We booked the resort for a 7 day all inclusive trip. I have to say this is probably the best resort for a low price I have been too. It had all the facilities we were looking for and staff was attentive and friendly. The food was great, as a vegetarian they were very accommodating and my friend who eats meat also enjoyed the food. The resort was medium sized, with a nice large pool and common area. The rooms were great, the bathroom seemed newly renovated and was very clean! Just an odd sc [... read more]ent which I think is from the water but was bearable. Beach was okay, not the best which i think it was because of the weather - it was very windy for the days we went. The entertainment staff was amazing, very engaging and made all the activities fun. Shout out to Chocolate, Pepsi, Wifi and Darling - they made our stay much better by hosting fun games. And everyone was so energetic! This was our first time in Puerto Plata, definitely will visit again. Puerto Plata is less touristy compared to Punta Cana. If you are looking to do a lot of excursions then i would recommend Punta Cana as its closer to the excursion places and there are more activities to choose from. Overall very happy with our stay and will be going again

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Great

Beautiful resort Our first all inclusive in years Good excellent Drinking water on resort was good ( not tap water) Could clear up grounds that are otherwise beautiful ( smokers need to use ashtrays and guests trash cans that are available)

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Problems at Resort

Upon arrival the resort was very nice, clean and friendly. Our first few days were great until our keycard wouldn’t work. I went to the lobby to have it reprogrammed. Back at the room it didn’t work again. I tried to get the housekeeper to try and hers didn’t work either. She asked another gentleman who didn’t have any success either. We found this a real problem. We then went to the back balcony and climbed over the railing. You must understand we are three women over 70. It was a big p [... read more]roblem. Things didn’t change. Nothing got better. This went on for the rest of our two week stay. Our complaints were listed but nothing happened to remedy them. On the day before our departure we had our final Covid test and one gal tested positive. She was quarantined and another test was done. Again positive. Three of us were negative. We were told we were able to depart the net day without our friend. We were told by the Transat Rep that if our friend had another test before Thursday and tested negative she would be able to leave Friday April 1st. She was then instructed that she would not be able to board an airline for 10 days. This info is not acceptable. Nothing is concrete here. We is responding for the payment of costs incurred. Nothing is black and white. Please follow up on this and I wait for a response.