Well designed and comfortable!

We lived the layout of the suite: like a tiny home, everything you need. Breakfast was fantastic! Plenty of selection, and long breakfast hours. Friendly staff, I would certainly recommend this place to stay.

A second home

My sister-in-law and myself have been coming here for at least 15 yrs now ,at least 20 times.love this resort,the staff in the Buffett and the food is great.lots to choose from.the lobby staff great(Ciro) he is wonderful,the bartenders are great.the cleaners and maids do a great job.my only concern is all the animals,to many,but I will be back.trip central is great to book with and air transat is good to fly with.....marg and Marcia

Great beach. Not so great hotel.

This beach is absolutely amazing with outstanding snorkelling. That was a huge bonus. The food was horrible as to he expected in Cuba but the selection was extremely small and was the exact same options every single day. The staff was less than friendly and would ignore you if they didn't see money in your hand. Our room was nice and the housekeeper always did a great job. More than likely will not return to this resort but we made the most of our vacation and had a great time with our group.

Great Holiday Destination!

We appreciated the beautiful beach and spacious grounds. Also love the bungalows. The staff are friendly and they do a good job. The diving staff are excellent! The gardeners work hard to keep the grounds clean and lovely.

We Loved this place!

Friendly staff, Love the size of the resort, not too big, food was good- a little repetitive but good, This is the perfect place for us, price is right, might not be a great place for younger people looking for more of a party place, quiet resort, beach was not cleaned though- probably because the tractor was still broken, pizza was not very good- I mentioned this to one of the staff (he said to post that on trip advisor, I have not done that yet) I was planning to email them to suggest making t [... read more]heir pizza a little different. The bread and desserts were amazing!! Made every day there! Our room was nicely cleaned everyday, comfortable mattress, nice size shower and great old & cold mini fridge. We can't wait to go again!! We left from Hamilton airport- the prices for next year March are more expensive right now- hoping it will be reduced in the next coming months. Might go twice next spring (depending on the price)

Great for the money!!!

The resort is between a wooded hill and the beach! The location is perfect for snorkeling since the coral reef is just meters away from the shore! It is great for bicycle trips as well! Will be back soon! :)

Changes at Villas Jibacoa

We have been to this resort several times, the last time in 2016. On arrival this year March 24, 2018 we were very surprised to find that there was now a 3 story block of rooms that had not been part of the resort on all our previous visits. We were disappointed to be placed in this block because what we had loved about this resort was the one story villa style rooms we stayed in in the past. Please make it clear to people that the resort has changed, and explain the difference in room choices.  [... read more] Still a great spot to relax and snorkel off the beach.

Relaxing Week

We stayed at this property on the recommendations of several friends who regularly go to Villas Jibacoa. It’s not a fancy place but the vibe is very friendly and relaxed. Not party central- no disco😁They suffered considerable damage from the hurricane of last September but it has been mostly repaired. Not a lot of shade on the beach because the palapas were destroyed along with many trees. We travelled with friends who are avid snorkellers. They took me out to the reef that is easily swimab [... read more]le from shore and it is, in their opinion, some of the best snorkeling that they have found in the Caribbean. The resort is a fairly easy 45 minute cab ride from Havana which is an absolute must-see. The staff were mostly very helpful with the exception of one or two apathetic and surly waiters. The food was actually better than we expected. You never go to Cuba for the food and, at best, it’s usually acceptable, but there was decent variety and always enough. We are (semi)veggetarians but we eat seafood and fish so we had absolutely no complaints with the food. Not a lot of salads and fresh fruit but again, probably as a result of the hurricane. Our Transat rep, Anne Maria, was exceptional and very helpful. Overall, for the price, we would recommend Villas Jibacoa

Comfortable

It is simple and efficient. What we like is you don't have to get up at 5am to book a chair on the beach nor the pool, the people are friendly and helpful, people return, so you develop friendships, there is lots to do and explore close by. The waves co-ooperated and we got to snorkel lots seeing the 2 cannons, anchor, coral and lots of fish and sting rays. The restaurants are within walking distance if you want to leave the resort and very reasonable for a tasty lobster and shrimp or fish dinne [... read more]r. Havana is an easy day trip or even an overnight trip. Jose Fuster's fishing village outside of Havanna is awesome with it's mixture of Pablo Picasso meeting Dr. Seuss whimsical feel. Just talking with the local farmers and hearing the beagle sing or the horse count makes it a lovely place. The bungalows are great for the big porches and the hotel is lovely for keeping the windows open all night long. The stars are amazing at night. The food this year was much better. I just wish for bananas in the morning! We feel safe. If you need posh and sparkly new things, this is not the place for you. If you like a quiet, peaceful, friendly easy -going type of atmosphere where people are trying their best with what they have, this place is perfect.

Good time

We enjoyed our stay. There was a lack in the variety of food. The lunch buffet had a great variety but the dinners were very repetitive. The salads were not replenished. Sometimes we did not get any because we were at the end of the line and everything was gone. Also to many utensils being used for the same thing. Just not enough available. Please don't get me wrong I did not go hungry. We did eat off the resort though. Beach and pool great. Service and the friendly people is what makes us come [... read more] back to Cuba. The locals came in and took huge plates of food to the tables and wasted most of it and made a mess. This is something that I did not understand. They are supposed to be a poor country and this sort of thing is happening !!!

3rd time at this resort.

Id LOVE to give a bad review so all you readers dont over crowd the best resort in all of cuba. Our 7th time in cuba. 3rd at villas jibacoa. We will not go anywhere else.Friendliest staff. Very accomadating to your off resort desires. And best of all. Snorkel alll day right off the beach. That said though if you like long white sandy beaches. And 5 star dining. Go to veradero.

Relaxing vacation

It was our fourth stay at this hotel. We liked the beach, the villas, the magnolias. Staff was helpful and professional. Noticed several minor improvements. The food was simple and tasty. Perfect place for nature lovers. Proximity to Havana is a plus. Agent from TripCentral was very efficient and resourceful.

Pleasant Surprise

Everything was better than what we were expecting. We booked this 3 star with no great expectations..we were looking for the beach and relaxation....the room was better than expected...a bungalow...clean...a/c...hair dryer....clean....bathroom was very clean....the food was even better than expected....we have traveled to Cuba many times...it is not for the food...but it was good...unless you are fussy...basic but good...there are 3 restaurants within walking distance...also good and not expens [... read more]ive....staff was excellent...overall a great week and we would return.

Needs work

The resort has a couple of new managers, Daniel the PR guy and I think her name is Mary she is the resort manager. Anna Marie is the new Transat rep. All of them are very nice and seem to be fighting an endless battle. For the last month there has been a gastro intestinal outbreak at the resort. They are trying their best to get a grip on it. I can see why this is happening but all concerns seem to be falling on deaf ears unless you actually file a report with the transat rep. Cubans aren't the  [... read more]most hygienic and they don't practise it in the dining room either. They wipe the tables and placemats off with used napkins that the guests have used. We actually witnessed this. One meal , I pointed out to the kitchen manager that all the clean lunch plates still had wet food on ,( I am not stretching it when I say), almost all of them. He sent them back to be re washed. Needless to say there were no dinner plates for that meal but we used the smaller plates. Hopefully they continue to monitor this issue. The dogs and cats were culled because it got so out of control on the resort. I must say that the food did get better this time around. Both of the pools were open but I can see the new wading pool closing soon due to the liner is lifting. The resort is still dealing with the black mold issues in the rooms. They will come with bleach to scrub it but only if you ask. I don't think any of this had to do with the hurricane but they do say it does. These aren't hurricane related issues. We received a survey and Reid and I both completed it individually as did my sister and her husband. We were truthful but not bitter. We made comments and hopefully they can deal with the most important issues at hand. We also replied to the question if we would come back. We said no. I would talk to the transat rep first before I sent anyone there until the gastro breakout is resolved. We arrived Friday February 9th. That night.....the water pipes for the resort burst. Because our rooms were right beside the now under construction pipes, we were without water every day of our stay until we left on Friday February 15th. We had water in the evening but we never once were told that there would be an interruption. We didn't have beach towels available until Wednesday of our trip. My sister resorted going to the gift shop and bought towels for the four of us. We were given two bottles of water when we arrived and then we were told to go to the bar or buffet to have them refilled. I got new unopened bottles from the bar but my sister was told that there was no more and they filled hers from the tap. Issues yes. Are they going to fix the issues? I don't know at this point. I know it may sound kinda odd but I am not bitching really, just saying what's going on there. Our transat rep did get our late check out comp'd for 3 hours for us. That was good of her I think. I also talked to Daniel the PR guy and I asked him when they were going to get the name of the resort straight. He had no idea that it is advertised as Villa Jibacoa. It is Villa Tropico. Villa Jibacoa is the name of the community it is in.

I wouldn't go back

We arrived after 10 pm, were given our rooms and sent out to wander around in the dark unassisted to find them. The walkways are very bad, uneven with large holes in them so it wasn't the safest trek. We booked a bungalow and were given a unit in a row of 5 attatched units, which they tried to tell me was a bungalow. Uh, no. Our bathroom light switch was broken so no light, I brought the lamp from the room into the bathroom. Our phone didn't work and neither did the TV, which would have been nic [... read more]e to have had when I was stuck in due to sickness. Bathroom light and TV were fixed finally on Thursday, we left Friday and they were informed on Saturday, the day after we got there. They would not move us to the accomodations that we paid for and were actually rude about it. Other people had complaints about how rude they were treated and their refusal to accomodate. The food in the buffet was very repetitive and very little fresh fruit or vegetables. I ended up very sick, vomitting for an entire night and severe diarrhea the following 2 days, I was lucky, my husband still has diarrhea and we have been home for over a week. Many other people on the resort were very ill for days. We were also a little put off that a hat was passed around for tips at the evening entertainment and a very hard sell for a DVD after one show. We did not bring money to the shows as we have never experienced this before and when I told the fellow harassing me to buy the DVD that I didn't bring any money he said" You have money in your room?" and wanted to come with me to get it. So very tacky. The pool was nice and the bartenders at the pool bar were excellent. Don't expect any shade to sit in on the beach as the chairs were all out in the sun with no little grass umbrellas as shown in the pictures. I know they suffered through the hurricane and clean up and damage was extensive and I did try to keep this in mind but there was just so much negative that had nothing to do with that. I have to say that this is the first 3 star resort that I have stayed at that i would never go back to. Sucks when you save up for your 1 and only vacation of the year and it is such a huge disappointment. I would not recommend this hotel to a friend!

Very basic resort

Roomy and clean villas with working fridge and safe. Beach is quiet, plenty of shade and chairs, sandy. Reefs nice to snorkel, and diving was fine. Great coffee in the lobby bar, unavailable elsewhere while we were there. Breakfast serves eggs, a variety of breads yogurt and cereals, good. Staff is quasi friendly. Lunch by the pool is slim picking, and dinner pretty bad and not too hygienic. 3 restaurants off property all to be recommended, favorite was Cacique as it come with a beverage and pla [... read more]te of fresh fruit. All charge 15 cuc per person. No wifi cards were available, and the resort next door refused to sell to non guests. I recommend if required get a "roam like home " plan with your carrier. Go to people, Anne Marie Air Transat rep, she is knowledgable and pleasant. Juan Carlos runs the massage, he himself is definitely worth the visit. Nancy is at the pool restaurant very pleasant. The front office staff was unhelpful and stand of fish and those in the boutique were unpleasant. Close to Havana, worth the visit. January and February is the time for Portuguese man o wars, I counted 140 just on one day. That puts a major damper on swimming, this is apparently throughout the north coast, so check winds and weather. I enjoyed the good days on the beach and would go back but I would eat off premises and bring snacks once there I would shop for fruit as the resort offers little. Quiet with little entertainment. Not quite a 3 star in my opinion. by the way you carry your own luggage and you do a lot of walking on uneven surfaces so not good if you require assistance, you can use a motorized wheel chair but carefully, and you would not have access to the beach. Scenery is lovely.

Never Again!

Where to begin....The best thing about this resort was The Weather!!!I booked because of the reviews...even though it was a 3 star! Rave reviews....I am not sure why...The resort is in dire need of repair and updating and the food was just plain horrible! We have been to Cuba many times and we love The Cubans...not here...they fall all over repeat customers...I am not sure why they keep coming back???My hubby and I made the best of it...we ate off resort at I believe it was Mario's snd it was a [... read more]wesome!!! Havana was also awesome...we had Yavi as a guide he was Super!!! Our Air Transat rep. ANNE MARIE was great also....It was a week ...we had a good laugh about it all...but will not return to Villas Jibacoa or Villas Topical( it went by these 2 names!)The weather was perfecto....Hallelujah!!!!☺☹

Don't go in February or March if you want to snorkel!

The property itself is quite beautiful, however if you chose this resort because of the possibility of snorkeling off the beach, don't go in February or March, due to high winds the Portuguese Man of War jelly fish are blown in by the hundreds. Out of the 10 days we stayed at this resort we were able to go in the water only 2 and 1/2 days. The rooms are very basic, but clean, the food is atrocious, the hood over the grill in the buffet never worked so the buffet room is full of choking smoke, th [... read more]e meat to be put on the grill is left raw on the side for hours, full of flies, a lot of people got bad cases of diarrhea while we were there. We ended up going off site to eat for dinner on most days.The water went out for a whole day, no flushing, no shower, can't even wash your hands. Our room keys stopped working every second day, which required going to the front desk to have it reprogrammed on the regular basis, and depending on who was working there you were either believed that your key was not working, or given a hard time. I would never return to this resort in the future, and would not recommend it to anyone I know.

Basic resort

Beautiful setting and beach, with swim-to reef. High onshore winds brought many Portuguese man o’ war, so no swimming or snorkeling. Lovely grounds. Very basic, but clean accommodations, and friendly staff (except front desk). Food extraordinarily forgettable.

Felt Like Camp

The experience we would describe like camp, the food was pretty bad, we had to go off the resort a few times to eat because we were losing a bit of weight. The staff was okay, Eddy and Luis at the Pool Bar were exceptional as well as some of the few bartenders at the lobby bar, the maid was very kind but other than that the staff weren't very happy unless you were handing them a tip and then they would perk right up. The beach was very unclean, the hurricane had blown through a few months before [... read more] we came so I thought they would have cleaned it up by the time we got there. Both myself and my partner got sick while we were there because some of the staff would fill our water bottles with sink water instead of larger bottles of water like they are instructed to do. We had a great first few days but by the end we wanted to go home.