Beuatiful Spot

The resort is older yet clean and scenic. Very nice place to stay. The pool are and restaurants are clean and well serviced. I would recommend this resort to someone who wants to relax and isn't looking for a fast paced vacation.

UNPOLISHED GEM

WELL KEPT GROUNDS +BEACH. THE PLANTINGS ARE VARIED AND TENDED BEAUTIFULLY.THE STAFF ARE THE BEST, THEY ALWAYS TRIED TO MAKE US HAPPY. THE FRIDGE IN OUR ROOM (3112) DIDN'T WORK, BUT THAT WAS THE ONLY PROBLEM. WE LOOK FORWARD TO GOING BACK!

Fantastic improvement over last year!

This was the second year at Sol Cayo Largo and it was a huge improvement over the last year. The food was excellent (they added taste to it :). Last year it was the stereotypical Cuban version of food - bland, no taste, overcooked. This year, the food got taste, it was fresh and replenished continuously. Here is a warning for people with allergies to shellfish - there is cross-contamination, mainly because people are using the utensils from one tray to the other... not the resort's fault, but I  [... read more]thought I would mention it. The service was exceptional (most of the staff speaks at least 3 languages) and very fast in serving us. The biggest improvement - the nightly shows - in comparison to last year, the new entertainment crew is extremely good. If you are a diver, be punctual: if the pick-up time is 8:10, be there at 8:09 - the bus to pick you up will be on time but it will leave without you in maximum 5 minutes. The guys at the Dive shop are amazing. Here is a tip: take some breakfast pastries with you on the boat and share them with the crew. They all have a sweet tooth :) The beach is amazing - white sand, free of any sharp shells and you can walk for kilometres. Fair warning - the "far-far-away" section of the beach is "au naturel", so if you are shy, walk the other way :)

Great experience and very nice resort and island

Hotel is older but very quiet. Beautiful location. Beach is stunning and water warm. No issues with the food whatsoever. We've travelled to many resorts in the Caribbean and this is in the top 3 so far. We will definitely be back.

16th trip.......will there be a 17th......

We have been to Cayo Largo 16 times, 14 times at Sol Cayo Largo and 2 times at Playa Blanca. Previously we went to Playa Blanca because of price, it was not worth the savings. This trip to Sol Cayo Largo, we were pleased to be back. The food was excellent, the beach was awesome. The rooms and overall resort property are nice, some evidence of tired in need of upgrades. Water was on and off for 5 days, an inconvenience especially when you need a shower. I suspect this is a problem with the island [... read more] water system, not the resort. Our reasons for 16 trips to this island were, the beach, the beach, the beach, the staff, the staff and the staff. HOWEVER, this time around we have noticed a change with some staff, notably in the pool and beach restaurants. Staff ignored serving us until we literally got out of our chairs to ask to be served. It seemed that unless they were tipped, no service. We often tip, but the service has to be earned. We are a quiet couple, but this was upsetting. Additionally, the front desk staff were cold, abrupt and did not seem willing to help. Many of the front desk staff were new to us, previously we had an excellent relationship with Alexander and Monica. On the plus side for staff, we met a new manager, Mercedes, she was Excellent!! She salvaged the dissatisfaction we had with the other front desk staff. Mercedes showed a keen interest in us, we were celebrating a 60th birthday for our friends and Mercedes was instrumental in making this celebration very enjoyable. We also met our very good friend Ossmonie (spelling??). He was the 1st person we met 16 years ago, we see him every year, he makes us feel special. Finally, the Las Dunas restaurant staff were all excellent, some old friends and new friends. Will we go back again......yes.......but we hope that the staff at the beach and pool restaurants will be coached on the value of customer service. Any other resort, we would not likely return.

Great Place to Relax

This was my first time at the Sol Cayo Largo, but my second on the island of Cayo Largo. I stayed at the Sol Pelicano last Jan. Overall the Sol Cayo Largo was a good experience. The hotel is pretty basic, 3+ stars but the island and beaches are amazing so in my view it is worth sacrificing a bit on the hotel quality to experience this place. Beach: Incredible. The island is small and undeveloped so you can walk for miles along pristine white sand with no resorts, no towns, and very few other to [... read more]urists. Truly a walker's paradise. The only caveat is that if the winds are strong, which they often are, then you need to scramble over rocks in places to access the next section of beach. Also due to the prevalent high winds the beach in front of the resort is often red flagged so not good for people who don't like to play in high waves. On those days you can take a bus to the nearby marina and then a boat to two sheltered beaches (Playa Paraiso and Playa Serena) which are amazing. You used to be able to get to the beaches directly, but the road has since washed out so getting to these beaches is a bit more of a hassle now. Room: Room was very clean, and nicer than the one I had at the Pelicano. It's wise to bring your own towel though since some of the towels are older and stained. It wasn't an issue for me since I was staying by myself so I always had enough good towels, but if you were a couple or a family then may have been an issue. The fan in my room was broken, but I didn't bother to report it. Air conditioning worked fine. I didn't pay extra for an ocean view, but could still see the ocean which was nice. Food: Since this is a small island they have even less selection than other places in Cuba but I always found something good to eat. I didn't try the a la carte restaurants so can't comment on them. Meat and fish is generally good. Fresh bread every day is amazing. Made to order omelette's at breakfast also very good. Very limited fresh vegetables. Fruit selection limited but what they had was pretty good. In general the buffet will have the same fruit and vegetables every day for the whole week so not much variety in that sense. You won't see any salad greens or anything like that. Canned peas, corn, carrots, and spinach. But fresh steamed broccoli and brussels sprouts every day (but always served cold for some reason), as well as different things like pumpkin. The carving station was the highlight: great roast pork, beef flank, and chicken. For lunch I like the beach restaurant the best because they have a charcoal grill with different meats. If you are a picky eater or need 5-star food then this is not the place for you. But if you are ok to eat the same simple grilled meats, fresh bread, and limited veggies for a week you'll be fine. I found the food a bit better than the Pelicano. One thing to note is that the main buffet is open-air meaning no air conditioning, some flies buzzing around the food, and cats hanging around looking for a handout. The buffet at the Pelicano was indoors and air-conditioned so that might appeal to you more. I wasn't there to sit inside so enjoyed the sea breeze. Service: I found the service at the buffet was pretty terrible; I was often finished my first plate before someone came by to offer me a drink. Sometimes I would help myself, but that was fine with me. The service at the buffet at the Pelicano was better and overall friendlier, maybe because it is a smaller resort. However, service at the pool cafe was good and bar service everywhere was excellent. Location: Excellent. Five minutes to the airport. I recommend not taking the bus to the airport since it gets you there way too early. Stay on the beach for an extra hour or two and then take a cab for 5CUC. By the time you get to the airport, the line will be gone and you can breeze through. It literally took less than five minutes for me to check in and go through security. Activities: This is not a good place if you want to party or do lots of excursions off the resort. If you just want to relax on the beach then this place is perfect. Because there's not much going on it's not great for kids either, I don't think there is any kids program. Nude Beach: Be aware that there is a section of beach that is clothing optional. If you stick to the one side of the beach you won't even know, but if you want to go for a long walk on the beach you have to walk through the nude section, and may encounter some nude walkers. If you're offended by this then it may not be the best place for you. On the other hand, if you want to go for a skinny dip in a safe and family-friendly environment then there's no better place. Topless sunbathing is permitted everywhere and was fairly common. In conclusion, if you are a true beach lover and can make do with so-so food and few amenities then I highly recommend the Sol Cayo Largo. The island is remote and undeveloped and the whole place has a sleepy, laid back feel that makes it quite special. I noticed a very high number of repeat visitors who knew the staff by name which is always a good sign.

Sol Cayo Largo Great food and Fantastic beach

This is my 4th trip to Cayo Largo. 3rd to Sol Cayo Largo and once to Pelicano. The food has really increased in quality since my last visit. Pasta, pork, chicken, omelettes and desserts were all fantastic. The beach also was the best it has been in years, lots of sand and ideal water temp. Would recommend this resort to anyone who is looking for a quiet uncrowded paradise. Only hope not too many people discover it and spoil it for the Canadians who have been coming here for years. Took a walk to [... read more] Pelicano and was very disappointed in the deteriorated condition of that resort. It looked like it has been neglected and ready to fall down. Sol also needs attention but with all the great things about that location, I can tolerate the little things. Go there for peace and quiet and you will not be disappointed. Best beach anywhere.

Sad changes

This was our 12th visit to Sol Club Cayo Largo in 6 years. We love the beach and the laid back atmosphere. Unfortunately, this visit we found the food was worse than it has ever been. There is no longer a "train" to Playa Sirena or as many taxis from the airport. We also found that some of the staff have started "looking" for tips and the atmosphere was not as friendly..... We will come again because it's our "Home away from Home" but we hope the changes for the worst are not permanent.

Sol Cayo Largo Home away from Home

We stayed from Nov 6 to 13 2015 Even if the resort is showing its age despite the attempt at revamping the grounds... by the way you made it beautiful, the major problem at the Sol is the FOOD. I understand it is a tiny little island far away from the main land or the main island should I say, But do something about the food. Guests can't live on Hotdogs French fries or pizza all week.. That is my only complaint... otherwise it is PERFECT.... we love you Sol Cayo Largo... We love Mario, Moya you [... read more] are the best!, Amarilla, Nestor...Maylyn our lovely maid, you made our stay memorable as usual... Just please do something about the food....

Great resort for adults.

This was our tenth time in Cuba, third time at Cayo Largo. In my opinion this is the best hotel out of the 4 on the island. The grounds are amazing, rooms are clean and spacious, beach is beautiful, ocean is warm and wild, service is great. It seems to be more of an adult resort.

Pleasantly Surprised

Despite reading detrimental reviews on line in regard to the Sol Cayo resort in Cayo Largo, my wife and the writer made arrangement to visit the resort during the period September 24th to October 8th 2015. Prior to our departure, we assumed that this would be a probable mistake and that this experience would be one that we had not had before at any other resorts. Well, the flight with Cubana Air was just great with a good snack at no cost to us. It was more than we expected and better food that  [... read more]we had in the past with the other airlines. Upon arrival at Cayo Largo, after having made a stop at San Diago Cuba for around 1 hour or so, a bus drove us to the resort which is only 10 minutes from the airport. We arrived at the resort in the evening and without much delay we did get to our room on the second floor as requested. The next morning we did visit the resort and found that it was beautiful. The numerous repairs that were made were very noticeable. The wooden bridges to the beach have been replaced with new ones and prior to our departure, the walkway to the beach restaurant was being replaced. This is not a five star resort and we found the food very acceptable. The snack bar which was supposed to be open 24 hours a day was opened only during the hours of 10.30 am to 6 pm. This did not bother us and we found the food at the snack bar very good. The pasta, pizzas, hamburger etc. were very good and we did have our lunch at the snack bar every day. The service provided by Yoismar at the snack bar was always done quickly and with a smile. The beaches had numerous pallapas (or whatever they are called) but some, however, needed repairs. This did not interfere with our daily visit to the beach. However, the ocean upon our arrivals was very rough for several days. This may have been to the fact that there was a large storm in the Atlantic Ocean. The full moon as well did, in fact, interfere with the tides. There is only one bar on the beach and could be quite a distance to travel depending as to where you chose to be on the beach. We found it very crowded around the bar area so we chose to be in a less crowded spot. During the weeks that we spent at the resort, we also found that the mosquitoes did present a big problem. The resort did, on occasions spray at the resort for mosquitoes but did not see any such activity on the beach. Despite having brought mosquito spray with us we did get numerous bites and welts which are still present as the report is being written. Our room was very clean and the repairs required while we were there were quickly looked after. The workers on site are very pleasant (with the exception of one which was brought to the attention of the General Manager and the problem quickly resolved. We had read on line to bring your own toilet paper, which we did, and this was not a mistake. We also brought our own tissues. The resort does provide you with mouthwash and shampoo. All in all we did have a great time at Sol Cayo and will be returning again in the future but in the latter part of the year versus the time that we went. We understand that the mosquitoes are not as pronounced in November. The resort had guests from Canada and several countries while we were there with quite a few from the Province of Quebec. It seems to be a popular spot for "les Quebecois". We made friends with several individuals with no exception from country or nationality. Yes, there is still some work to be done, especially to some back roads but did this not interfere with the great time that we had at the resort. We did get to see some show and were not disappointed with the performances. We have taken numerous photos of the resort and will be forwarding them to Bev Johnston the travel agent who does all our bookings during our travels. If you do visit the resort, do bring quite a lot of sunscreen and mosquito spray. One has to realize that the Cuban workers do not earn the same pay as others in more richer countries. So, do bring quite a few dollars for tipping. We chose to tip in US funds, others in Euro dollars. If you do choose to tip in the Cuban peso, please have it exchanged before leaving your Country. The exchange may then be more advantageous to you.

Really nice resort

Hotel was one of the nicest hotels I've stayed in. The staff as usual were extremely nice. The grounds were very well kept, very neat and tidy. We were pleased with all the restaurants & food. Unfortunately there were too many flies. I don't think they spray for them or even if they can. They were very annoying while eating our dinner. Awesome beach. I hope to be able to go back.

Resort was acceptable.

The resort was clean and well maintained. The service was excellent. The beds were very UNcomfortable. The food was fine and the restaurants were excellent as well as the service at the restaurants. I would never fly Cubana Air again. There was very little room in the seats, thank goodness the flight was less than 4 hours. Service on the plane was good.

Not impress at all :(

Sol Cayo Largo was not a good place to vacation :( we had to change 3 times our room ! 1 st room we had a big water damage coming down from the shower upstairs all a big water fall all over the room :( room 2 patio door didnt close was broken so all the mosquitoes could come in and the 3 rd room after trying to fix the air conditioner no luck it was barely working imagine in this july heat with the humidity how we felt ... Horrible !! the resort have GIANT crabs walking all over the resort EVERY [... read more]WERE !! the buffet is infested with millions of flies ! on 7 days the little train that takes you to the beach was broken 3 times ...at the a la carte that says air condioner its not working its broken ... all week it was :( we have to wait 1 day and 1/2 for our room towels each day calling reception to have bathroom towels for the shower .... the staff was nice trying its best but this resort needs to renovate and get rid of the crabs :s they have 2 private beaches further that we enjoyed very much with the taxi back and forth but beware one of them has noone to call you a taxi to come back we waited 1h and 10 mins in the heat on the side of the road !! so no will never go back and we will not tell others to go to this resort or island : s ive been to Cuba before in varadero mexico bahamas dominican republic Aruba and this has been my worst trip !!

Amazing People!!!!!

I enjoyed every minute of my 14 days stay. The hotel is great, food is good and more than we can eat, pool area is amazing day & night, in-hotel-club is a great place to dance, play pool, drink or chill with new friends you make, rooms are very clean, public ares also kept clean & neat, shows at night were all amazing, one new one every night. The nights at the Marina to go dancing were unbelievably great. But overall the MOST AMAZING THING IS PEOPLE.......All the workers at the hotel, from the  [... read more]receptionist to electricians, every one of them are very nice and ready to help you, even if you have no concern they ask you if you need something. You can, as I did, to become friends to meet new friends there. Again and again I will say AMAZING PEOPLE you can call friends......I got gifts from them.....but they stole my heart. I will, as many Canadians do, go back to My new loved place on earth....Sol Cayo Largo stole my heart......I forgot to say, I when there alone, but they didn't let me feel alone, I felt between friends......I WILL GO BACK....I FELT AT HOME!!!!!

Best hotel in Cayo Largo

We visited 3 other hotels and the Sol Cayo Largo is definitely the best. Our only issue was the quantity of flies in the buffet. I wish there would be either screens around the buffet area that would stop the flies from coming into the buffet and the food or a system of lids or plastic wraps on the food containers. We were in Cayo Largo from July 3rd to 10th, 2015. Very nice weather; thanks to Maité (buffet), the nicest person at the hotel.

Excellent Resort

As a returning guest, this is one excellent resort, filled with all mighty natural beauty including one beautiful beach with strong waves, one long salt water swimming pool area, a nice gym for the daily workout, one Tennis court, games by the swimming pool etc. The food is tasty and the service is great at any time. The Caribbean beauty is all around us from the beautiful aqua blue sea ocean to the wild kitties which are an attraction on their own. Two outside beaches are a must, Playa Paraiso  [... read more]& Playa Sirena. It’s such a beautiful place I will definitely return yet again…

Resort on beautiful island

Rooms are clean but look old. Grounds are good Restaurants are O.K., however food this time was not as good as previous times. Service at restaurants is very good BIG PROBLEM IS FLYS AT MAIN BUFFET. IT'S DISGUSTING! Coffee at bars A+. So are bartenders. Beach- no words to describe. Fantastic Don't waste your money for "ocean view" room.

Gorgeus place !

this was my 5tth stay on the island. 4th is Soy Cayo Largo. Amazing time away as always. This palce attracts specific type of clientele. If you in for a lot of atmosphere, beautiful beaches, dont like the crowds this place is for you. If your expectations are 5 star hotel for the price of 3 star - dont come - you will be dispapointed. Hotel is well run, grounds are beautiful and well maintained, rooms clean and service is fantastic. I am sure it was not my last time - cant actually wait to go ba [... read more]ck. 5 minutes from the airport - i recommend to take a taxi.

Enjoyed our stay

We traveled as a couple and spent a week from 19 to 26 of April at Sol Cayo Largo. It was our first time at this resort, but not a first time on this island. We took a taxi to hotel from airport to avoid line up at check in, so I really can’t comment on how efficient that process was. We were greeted warmly by front desk staff and with the smiles got the keys from our room in less than 5 minutes. The hotel is old and the room shows some wear, but in my opinion, it gives some sort of charm to i [... read more]t. Our room was in the block 14 and we had absolutely no issues the whole stay: air conditioner was working, toilet never got clogged, hot and cold water was available 24/7. Our room was spotlessly cleaned every day and on time, so for the whole stay we even didn’t get to meet our maid. The hotel staff was amazing and worked really hard to make sure all guest are having a relaxing and fun vacation, very friendly atmosphere no matter where we went. Grounds are very clean, toilets cabins in public washrooms always had toilet paper and was cleaned few times a day. The only thing I can complain about was the variety of food in buffet restaurants -no shrimps or calamari rings on a grill, which I personally enjoyed every time we went to Cuba. Food at 2 a la carte restaurants was delicious and we liked both locations. If you want something different for lunch, just go to the pool bar, they will have chicken and fish on a grill with salads and French fries, which were very good. On a different note, the beaches on this island are absolutely unreal, something from the article like”….places you have to visit before you die…” . All that made our trip almost perfect, we definitely will be coming back to that resort and can recommend it to other travelers with no kids, as this resort is more adult oriented and where is not much to do for kids.