Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: 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!

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: 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!

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: 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.

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: 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 .

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: 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.

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: Great vacation

I just came home from a vaction at Marea del Portillo Hotel, spending 2 weeks there with my Canadian and Cuban friends. We try to do this annually at this time of year. This time it was Carnival time in Pilon and in Marea. However it did rain a lot during the Fiesta, but that did not deter us from going and having a good time. I found that the food this time was very tasty, hot and lots of it, a great variety. The entertainment was changing and more variety there as well. Congratulations to the  [... read more]staff for making our vacation such a great one. I know that the rush will soon be coming and they will be busier, but it's us that gives the people jobs for all who have been working at the hotels for many years. I have lost count how many times I have been visiting this hotel, since 1993, many more than 50 times. This is my second home and I will always consider this my vacation spot. I have visited many other resorts in Cuba and other islands, but always come home to Marea. Thanks for the memories, love it there and love you all for making it my second home. I feel so safe and comfortable there.

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: Manznillo

The staff are amazing. Always have a welcoming smile. The hotel is beautiful and close to the beach. The food was the same every day. I am hoping it was because of the off season. There is only one shop to buy from but not much in the way of gifts. I will go back again because of the staff and the people we meet.

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: My favourite place in the Caribbean

Always sunny and warm, ocean included. Perfect combination of mountains and sea. Friendly locals, scenic hikes into rural Cuba. Excellent night entertainment by top artists. Plenty of kayaks. Back to nature but lively. Visited 8 times.

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: lovely spot on the ocean

we read a lot of reviews but found the resort to be clean, staff helpful, graeat view, food usual Cuban fare, nothing wrong with it but not north american but quite edible, had some nice tours, very educational, the massages were amazing, met some nice people and loved the lsland tour, was a blast.

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: My Extended Family

The Island I went to the island, I had some doubt, I really didn't know, what it was all about. Juleo took me, to Byamo Town square, for home made ice cream, from the vender there. Then to the market, for a real Cuban lunch, A stop for espresso, peanuts by the bunch. In his horse and buggy, I went with Jose, in the village Marea, I spent the day. Then to the island Cayo Blanco, Dan took me out, taught me to snorkel, from a fishing boat. Swimming and dancing, volleyball in the sun, My holiday wa [... read more]s, all good times and fun. I really had, a fun filled notion, so under the stars, I swam in the ocean. Santiago in your office, wait for me, I'd rather take a scooter, than ride the bus. I won't forget Pepito, Martha and Noe, Dunia and Jonathan, her sweet little boy. I met Roberto and Geogalina, and Felix their son, met my friend Pastor, in the Village Pilon, In the Sierra Maestros, I've nothing to fear, I was taken care of, by my family there. I leave my friends, with love and a smile, I now know my trip, was really worthwhile. Que Pasa Chito, "What's happening my friend, to your island of Cuba, I'll be back again. The people, the country, is ever so rare, the honesty, beauty, none can compare. Mucho Gracias, Husta Luego El Amigo Peggy Shand My first visit to Cuba was at the Marea Del Portillo. I have been going for about twenty years, and I can't think of any other resort in Cuba I want to go to. It is so friendly, clean and you never go hungry. Everyone is like family. The staff, Alex, Alena, Mia, Rena the DJ. I can't name them al, But they are all caring and honest. I always ask for the same room or right next to it. The Housekeeper, Juana, is so sweet. She knows exactly what I like. And I make my own bed and keep my belongings neat so to make it easier for her New tourists think they are just the hired help, But it doesn't take them long to find out they are an.extension of their family. It's so good and wonderful, you just can't express how you feel. I did stay at the Farralon twice when The Marea was not available. Same staff. same good times, but the Marea is the place to be . Never worry about filling your time. There is always something to.do. They will keep you entertained or time just to relax, your choice. At the Marea everything is close and you really feel connected. And no worries about safety. Nothing to worry about there. I walk alone at night and feel comfortable. If you want special shells, no problem, The lifeguard will help you. Don't know his name, but for years I have have been calling him Justa and that is what he answers to. ( Justa means justa another friend ) I can"t say enough about the Marea..I would be continually typing,and so many stories to tell. What I suggest..is go there, the price is always right. You can't go wrong - and won't be long and your on your way again. I rated everything 5 stars but to be honest the food I gave 4 stars as there was not enough potatoes for me on each meal. Never seen any hot mashed potatoes and I missed them. But hay, when in Rome do as the Romans do. If that's my only complaint , something's not right. Believe me. I am definitely happy there. Peggy Shand

Club Amigo Marea Del Portillo: Peaceful and relaxing

To start we had a VIP cabana which had dead cockroaches and infested with aunts !!! No hot water or toilet paper!!! Staff was fun except for THE Car rental guy named SANTIAGO he tried to rip me off 150$ with a local man and if it wasn't for this amazing Portuguese gentleman who seen what happened and threatened them and resolved the issue !! Thanks again wish I got your name or email but ya watch out for the car rental man named Santiago