Not Great Food & Service

1. Booked an ocean view room, got the base junior suite and the lobby employee was saying we never upgraded to ocean view. No apology from the manager and got the room a day after. Both rooms had old beds. Woke up with back pain really early every morning. 2. Don't book a la carte restaurants. They bring the food from the buffet and decorate it. Taste is worse than the buffet. They were saying it was fully booked for 4 days but it was almost empty. Not worth booking restaurants. 3. Not eve [... read more]ryone but lots employees don't have good attitude. Amazing beach and affordable price, these were the plus . Not so great to go with kids if food is a consideration.

Good Vacation

I have been to Cuba before, so I knew what to expect. I travelled with my 2 children for one week in July. I would give this resort a 4 star rating. The food was good, we didn't starve! I chose this resort because I wanted a smaller resort feel, everything is close together. It was low season so the resort was not crowded. It was mostly families or couples. Everyone who worked in the buffet were very friendly. Beautiful beaches, ice-cream shack, and 4 pools kept us busy, cool, and happy!

Very good resort friendly people

The hotel was very nice, big rooms always clean everybody was very friendly, there are a few things that they need to improve on, like an information sheet in the rooms would be nice, with numbers to call in case you need asistance, the buffet hours also they need to get matress pads and new bath towels. Food was very good most of it is just Cuban food but pretty good, except for the rice always dry or old. The main beach is fantastic, lots of mosquitos, the clip on mosquito repellent work wel [... read more]l.

A Hidden Gem

I thought that the Golden Tulip was amazing. The staff were very friendly. I loved the food selection and the little pizzeria on the beach. The lay out of the golden tulip is by far the best. The views of the ocean from the pool is divine. I also enjoyed the entertainment and the special dinners the resort puts on once a week by the pool area. I would have to say the gold star goes to the beach and ocean area.. I said at least ten times a day pinch me is this real. It is by far the most beautifu [... read more]l beach with crystal clear water and powder white sand for miles. The fish in the water are so cute when you feed them bread. I also loved the free hobby cat sail boat rides and the music and entertainment at ocean and pool side. I can't say enough amazing things about this hidden gem. My only dislike was the mosquitoes but honestly they do everything in there power to rid them. The location of hotel is surround by miles and miles or marsh land mosquitoes are bound to happen. Also there are flamingos right outside the hotel. So cool If you are looking for rest and relaxation this is the place. We did find entertainment outside the resort at the disco and in the town so there isn't a lack of things to keep you busy. I stayed for two weeks and wasn't bored at all. I highly recommend the Golden Tulip.

Perfect Vacation

I will have to say that this has been the best resort that I have vacationed in,very clean,good food,friendly and pleasant staff, beach was absolutely beautiful, no rocks or shells, drinks were great and had great service the whole time we were there,and we enjoyed the clean,air conditioned gym every morning

Amazing view... not so great food

This resort is 100% perfect ..well taken care of ...friendly staff ...but the food was not that great ...I've been to Cuba a few times and I've never had this issue. The views are breathtaking and the resort is very family-friendly. The beach is beautiful .. and the water is an amazing shade of teal blue. We would go back despite the food issues 😀

Amazing hotel

This is my forth time staying at this hotel, the staff are amazing the beach is the most beautiful blue water you will ever see and the food is really good for Cuba. We have become very good friends with many of the staff and always look forward to seeing them every year. The entertainment crew are very friendly and always making you move! Overall I would definitely go back and the resort is still a 5 star for me.

Relaxing vacation

The staff are fantastic, grounds are well kept and being worked on non stop. The beaches are one of the best around with lots of beds available at all times and long enough to great walks. The food is good just not going to get a goid steak. I didn't have issues finding stuff to eat. We had one issue with toilet, but they came and fixed it. Always had lots of hot water. The rooms were amazing and very clean. The lobby bar had a drink menu with great variety more then we have seen in our t [... read more]ravels. Internet was good in the lobby, except after supper when more people go on. 2 CUC per hour. We went on bus and did a tour around just to look around 2 CUC each it was fun. Did jeep safari, be prepared it is a agriculture tour...lol still fun. Again staff are very accommodating. Would we go here again? Yes without any hesitations, 2 weeks of relaxation. Take bug spray.

Stunning Property!

We've never been anywhere tropical and what a delight as our first all inclusive to find such a heavenly peice of property such as this!! The beaches were INSANE! SO CLEAR! I Spent most my time at the beach while my husband made good friends with all the bartenders lol they would call him by name ! Food was great , not overly spiced but bring a little spice wheel if you feel you need it . Ocean View is a Must! worth the upgrade. Villa #9 room 947 i believe. wow! Great place you wont be dissapo [... read more]inted! thanks to Roybn from trip central for all her help!

Beautiful getaway

The Golden Tulip in Cayo Santa Maria was a beautiful place to spend our vacation. The staff were very lovely, the grounds were well kept, and the food was great (considering thats not on the checklist for Cuba). Buffet was better than the a la cartes! Beach was beautiful of course, rooms were clean, and the fridge was stocked daily! After thoughts, more pool/beach activities would be nice, just a little night life would be a hit!

Awesome Trip

Love this resort!! Wonderful time The food was a hit and miss we didn't starve love the 24 hour grill at lunch. There were bug there and we did get bites but mostly on one really humid night. Over all the beach and pools were beautiful. I stayed in a garden veiw room. It was nice but could use some updates. Needs new pillows in rooms really flat. Would I go back?? Yes the staff at this resort were really awesome and friendly

Golden fun at the golden tulip

Beaches and pools we absolutely beautiful, service was good, food was ok but very plentiful. Some bug problems but if u drank beer they didn't bother u as much. Lots to do at the resort , towel service was good, Pecos were 30 cents on the Canadian dollar. Bank right at the resort. Good vacation over all.

Cuba's best kept secret

I have travelled to Cuba numerous times for our annual spring vacation. We have been in Holguin, Varadero, and Cayo Coco but Cayo Santa Maria is by far the best. The beach is second to none in Cuba.The sand is so soft and white and the water is crystal clear.The Golden Tulip is an awesome resort the grounds so beautiful, the rooms big and modern, the food so good best in Cuba no complaints .The drinks made just the way you want .The most awesome part of this resort is the service the staff are e [... read more]xcellent friendly and professional .They put the customer first. Will be returning for sure.

Beautiful views, great resort!

Location, location, location! An all round great resort. Beach was amazing and only a few steps away. Could walk along the sandbar or beach forever. Pool was nice design, food was readily available in many areas. Lobby had great ambience and staff were friendly. Rooms were clean and large enough, only wished had more towels and a better pillow! And a short taxi to the outdoor market!!

Golden Tulip Caya Santa Maria, Cuba

We were very impressed with this resort. It was our second time to Cuba, normally we vacation on the Mayan Riveria, Mexico as we have found the food and resorts there to be higher quality than the last time we visited Cuba. The Cuban's have caught up and we had nothing to complain about. We had read reviews on Trip Adviser warning about no toilet seats (untrue), no pillow cases (untrue) no salt, pepper, or other condiments (untrue). We know a little espanol, and we always try to use it i [... read more]n a Spanish speaking country, but found all the staff far preferred their English to our Spanish. When we booked with Trip Central the resort was listed as the "Golden Tulip". It has changed names and hands several times apparently. It certainly hasn't degraded the experience. The locals and the bus and taxi drivers know it as the "Hotel Caya Santa Maria" and formerly is was know as the "Eurostar". Use the "Hotel Caya Santa Maria" when arranging transportation. There is not much to do or see on the Island, it is mostly a beach vacation. There are a few small markets selling trinkets, Fidel and Che biographies and leather goods. Double-decker buses transport around the island for 2 Cuban convertible pesos (2 US dollars) There is a currency exchange in the resort lobby and in the markets. Really not much difference in price between the two. It is possible to rent a car or a scooter and travel 43 Km to the main island. We didn't do that on this trip. Havana is a long way off (400+ Km) so if you are interested in that Varadero might be a better choice. Our tour operator (Air Transat) offered a number of excursions but we didn't see much that interested us. The Air Transat rep at the resort, Zadis, was exceptional at her job. I like to snorkel and found it most interesting along the wall at the far right side of the beach. Not much straight out. We looked at the beaches at several of the resorts (there are 14-ish on the island) and found the beach here to be the best of them all.

Good resort !

This was our 2nd trip to this resort and it was nice to be back. The grounds were lovely and the pool areas great!! All daytime entertainment was great at the pool and beech areas. The most amazing beach !!! Service was excellent throughout !! Only negatives: One of the best areas, the lunch dining area which looks over three ocean, was under construction so that was disappointing. And the nightclub on the resort was closed so that was unfortunate. Overall, great trip !!

Hotel Cayo Santa Maria

Beach, ocean and pools were beautiful. Food was ok and entertainment was ok. Only real major disappointment was my niece having a number of item stolen from her suitcase by cleaning staff and another couple from Toronto had their $130 charger stolen from their room. Definitely put a damper on the vacation. 20 years of traveling and we have never had anything ever go missing or taken by cleaning staff. Even with items in suitcase we will now always buy anything we that might be tempting for s [... read more]omeone to take, in the safe moving forward. Didn't imagine someone would go through the suitcases. Disappointing.

Paradise

Golden Tulip Aguas Clara's Resort is one that is great for singles, or families. The view of beautiful beaches along with two pools ( child and adult) was a great way to relax. The staff were very friendly, fluent in many languages and entertained on a daily basis for all ages. There were amenities unique to this resort such as a childcare are where they had staff to watch your children, as well as child shows after supper before the entertainment came for the adults. I would recommend it and d [... read more]efinitely go again.

Nice Resort

This hotel resort was perfect for me and my wife and our friends. From Cuban standards, it has all what you need to enjoy a nice comfortable stay. Food is good, I would not recommend the A la Carte restaurants though, it's just not worth it unless you need to be in a tête-à-tête or looking for some kind of intimacy. We had a much better experience at the Buffet, which has a good variety for both vegetarian and meet eaters alike. The rooms are clean and very comfortable. The beach, outstanding [... read more]. The only true drawback... the hotel is 1h30-2-h away from the airport. For us that meant loosing two days of beach: we arrived at 1:30pm on a Friday at the Santa Clara Airport and by the time we were checked-in at the hotel it was 4:40pm. The following Friday, we had to leave the hotel at 9h30 am for a 2:00pm departure. So you need to factor that into your trip if you are planning a one-week stay only.

Truly Amazing Resort!!!

When we arrived at the resort we were greeted by the friendly staff. Our check in went smoothly. We were escorted to our rooms with the luggage delivered at the same time. The room I stayed in was very spacious and welcoming. I was very impressed with the cleanliness and grateful for the cool water in the fridge. The bed was very comfortable. I loved how close the beach was to my room--I stayed in Bungalow 15 and would recommend this bungalow if you want to be closer to the beach. The grounds of [... read more] the resort were well maintained and clean. I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed the restaurants as well as the buffet. The food was very delicious. I will be going back as soon as it can be arranged!!