Memories Jibacoa: In Love With Memories Jibacoa

Went to Memories Jibacoa February 24 to March 3, 2019, travelled as a group of six (three couples). This was my fifth visit to this resort, second for some and first for one couple. This is my favourite resort in Cuba (10 trips) and I am always delighted to get to return. The weather that week was just perfect; sunny and not too hot every day. The staff, from the front desk to the restaurants, the animation team, bars and the maintenance and housekeeping, are all wonderful. Our room was cleaned  [... read more]very well every day, with water restocked daily and we required nothing. The room itself was in building 9, room 2167, right by the beach, central to everything. Four of this group had been there in January 2017 and in just the two years since then we have noticed several upgrades, additions and improvements. There was a mojito bar most evenings in the lobby and they never ran out of mint. We looked forward to a pre-dinner drink there before heading to the a la cartes. The linens and towels are now embroidered with the company name and are great quality, including the face cloths. The beds are firm but comfortable and the AC worked great. There was music in the lobby in the evenings and the evening shows by the pool were fairly decent, especially the circus show strength segments—the contortionist and the athlete who did the human flag on a pole were astounding. There is a bar on the beach now with drink service. We had Luis most days and he was great and we enjoyed talking to him about Cuba as well. We dined in the a la carte restaurants for dinner most evenings and the food was terrific. The beef at the Italian restaurant was probably the best I’ve had in Cuba, and the Campana red wine was pretty good, and at the Cuban restaurant in the evening (beach snack bar in the daytime) they had a nice Cabernet Sauvignon. There was a bottle of rum given to my room for returning guests (I think 4+ times qualifies), and a dinner in the Italian restaurant on Friday night for returning guests, and the dinner was lovely and the musical entertainment also great. The meal at the International restaurant was also impeccable, both food and service. Did notice a lot of people just not tipping and was very disappointed to see that. I know it’s “all-inclusive,” but come on, people, a couple of CUCs here and there for drinks and meals and housekeeping and whatnot won’t kill you, and would be very appreciated by the recipients. These folks work very hard and deserve some appreciation, in my opinion. Unfortunately, three of our six got quite ill with stomach problems, fever and chills, and are still recovering. We know from the timing this happened on-site, and we understand that this can happen but it was very unfortunate as we lost two people (the new ones) for most of the week, and the other had a terrible time of things in the overnight hours and sporadically throughout the day. Kudos to David, the “rookie” (his words) manager, for arranging some food to be made and sent to our friend’s room when he was too sick to come out. His concern seemed genuine and his efforts were much appreciated. We took an evening to go to the restaurant just a few minutes away by foot on the road outside of the resort and were treated to extremely generous helpings of lobster, shrimp, pork and tons of side dishes for just 15-ish CUC each (plus tip), including a glass of wine. I would recommend trying it. I believe it’s called El Cacique, just past the little yellow bridge, left of the resort. My guy and I are familiar with the hill in front of the resort and did a walk up it ourselves which exits through a homestead/farm. A couple of CUCs to the couple there and you’re back out to the road to the resort no problem. There’s an amazing viewpoint up there overlooking the resort and water. I think the entertainment team does guided walks up the hill a few times a week. Do go if you have a chance. I spent six of seven days with my face in the water (too windy one day) and every single time I was lucky enough to see something amazing. I’ll see if I can attach a link to the underwater album. The snorkelling and diving right off the beach are the biggest draw for me. Thank you to Lemay at the dive shop for a great dive. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10161408255220109&type=1&l=73f8a2a56a There was a Cuban beach party and the pork sandwiches on those soft rolls and drinks in coconuts were a hit, and seeing Kiki and everyone dancing was a lot of fun. Long review, I know. Just want to be thorough. The warm greetings by the front-line staff (Kiki, Raul, the front desk ladies) make Memories Jibacoa feel like a second home. Always looking forward to going back.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Nice resort

We had a get time at the resort .we tip maid very well and she was good tell Last day when left as with no towels or bed sheets witch made u feel like we dont want u to come back and she only give 1 beer every day but I guess she need to drink beer more then me (top floor building 4 ) the one waiter at the lobby bar was prejudiced to bigger people as he would not come near .he did bring as 1 drink and got a tip from us then did his best to avoid us the rest of the stay. Drinks at bars are hit or [... read more] miss as they never the same twice. Customer service guy was nothing but a joke he was just there for a pay check .buffet food was good the Buffet just need a better lay out to serve people better..we would probably return but we would differently avoid the waiter that thinks he better then most people there.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Amazing welcome on our return

We were apprehensive about going back to a place where we hadn’t been for three years. However the treatment we got was like royalty. We were invited to a dinner for repeat diamond guests and served a lobster and steak dinner complete with private entertainment. They asked us to fill out a questionnaire and just about every concern we listed was addressed before we left. We were also treated to a special dinner for diamonds club members as well. Each one very well done We got diamond club [... read more] superior room and were not disappointed. It was newly renovated and had a bottle of rum thrown in which was nice for a quiet drink. We requested close to the beach and got # 31. Perfect location since we spent most of our day at the beach. The thing to remember is that everything else is far away if you have mobility issues which I did. However we loved our location and worked through it. Most of the cart drivers were very accommodating. One of our complaints was the absence of breakfast at the beach grill and within 24 hrs it was up and running again. Probably coincidence.. Our major complaint was the rudeness at the snack bar both during the day and evening. We understood that these people take a lot of abuse from regular users but when we tried using the facility they never had what we requested while catering the same order to others who came in after us. Definitely need improvement there. The cleaning staff was amazing and so was the stall at the beach bar It was just like going back home but with royal treatment Thinking of going back and taking the whole family for a second time; we had taken them all three years ago and they just loved it. We missed Leo but his replacement is the concierge and is a very nice young gentleman who is very caring and was everywhere trying to accommodate everyone with everything. I can’t remember his name but he certainly deserves recognition. Enjoyed every minute of our stay.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Excellent place to relax

Grounds were superb. Several little things in the unit needed attention. The grab bar in the tub had been removed (actually it looked like it had been wrenched from the wall ). The light switch on one of the bedside lamps was broken. The meals were good and plentiful. Staff tried to do their best to please.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Beautiful beach!

We enjoyed Sanctuary very much. It had a smaller quieter atmosphere. You could walk out in the crystal clear water and feed the fish, snorkel or swim. The food was okay but we Didn’t starve- there was always something to eat. The service was excellent! We would definitely come back!

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Amazing Beautiful Beach!

This was our third time visiting this particular resort. The beach has been completely revamped to an amazing white sandy wider beach front. There was always someone there to help you find a beach chair if you could not find a spot on own. Some services have declined. For example: room service...particularly the bathroom not being supplied with toilet paper or not enough. Shower towels not being replaced but being told that they had been...making it an uncomfortable task to find your chamber mai [... read more]d to get some clean towels for showering. Beach towel service nonexistent. Main Buffet Dining room needs lighting. Too dark. Watching the hardworking servers working in enclosed work areas where they are polishing wine glasses in the dark. One side of the restaurant seemed to have more experienced servers than the opposite side. Lobby Bar ....I understand this resort has become a family hotspot. There should be some control over children running around the bar and sitting on the bar stools at the bar where liquor is being served. This inhibits Adults from not being able to order drinks or from being served. There should be signage in place stating no children permitted to sit at the bar. The resort is kept very clean, gardens are lush. Plublic washrooms should always have soap dispensers filled but were not. With some fine tuning, this resort can easily be brought back to its former outstanding service as we have experienced in the past.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Amazing Vacation!!

Overall we had a wonderful time at Memories Holguin Beach resort. Our room was clean and comfortable. We had great service everywhere in the resort minus the 24hr bar. There was a lot of walking and stairs but totally worth it in our eyes. The staff were very kind and helpful.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Enjoyable for the most part

The ride to the hotel was lovely. Like a mini tour guide as we traveled through 3 small communities. We arrived at the hotel Grand Memories (12:30) and was transported by cart to Sanctuary (2 minutes) away. We were given a mamosa and wristband on arrival by our "Butler" (they have one for each floor of the buildings). He did not speak very much English. We were told to have lunch and that our room should be ready by then. The lunch buffet was ok - not many labels as to what some of the it [... read more]ems were. Cold cuts, cheeses & breads were great. After lunch (1:30) we were told the room would be ready in 1/2 hour - 1 hr. Ok, we would wait. Then we were told (by our butler) that the guests had a late check-out of 2:00. I was not happy. I kept checking with the fellow at the desk to see if they had checked out yet (this was after 2:00 now) and he said, "Oh, any minute now". One other butler saw that we were frustrated and he went to check on the room. Our butler then said "Oh, check in is 4:00". I said, why did you lie to us thinking our room would be ready soon? He just walked away. Terribly rude! Anyway, I guess our original room was cleaned at some point but they finally gave us another room (different building & butler) at 4:00. The toilet seat was not attached to the bowl, no bolts or screws. The sliding door to the closet came of the track. There was no hot water and very low pressure.The butler on that floor (lovely lady) showed us the trick to use the sliding doors and she noted the toilet seat problem. That was solved with a new seat on the 3rd day. On the positive side, the safe and the air conditioner worked. The bed and the pillows were very comfortable. The buildings need some TLC which I don't think is a priority for them. The staff was very friendly on all levels (except that one butler). The beach is spectacular. We went to the Grand Memories section because there were not as many palapas at our end. Getting up early to put your towels on the chairs is a must. The toilets at the beach are disgusting. Never any toilet paper so bring your own. They ran out of beer one day and mohitoes most afternoons. The entertainment was great, especially the Cuban bands. The grounds were kept very well. Lovely flowers and shrubs. So other than that first day, it was a great trip.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Beach Bums!

We travel to Cuba for the beaches and weather, not necessarily the food or service. We found the beaches were lovely and spent most of our time there. The pools were kind of chilly though since they were not heated and it was winter in February. We swam in the pools to cool off quickly. The food was pretty good, lots of variety, lots of seafood. The restaurants were better than the buffet, so obviously go there when you have reservations. Although there were LOTS of stairs at this resort, we fel [... read more]t it kept us active from all the alcohol and food we had. The sports facilities were quite far from our room and the main areas and were quite hidden - we had to go searching for them and never actually played any sports here. We played beach volleyball most days - nice court! Jorge and Roberto at the beach bar and Diana at the orbit bar in the courtyard were the best service! We would go visit them daily and were always greeted with smiles and they knew our drink orders! Unfortunately since this is an older resort, our building ran out of hot water in the first two days, so we switched rooms (and got placed in a better location!). We did a day excursion to Santiago de Cuba. Although it was a 3 hr drive, it was worth it with great stops and authentic Cuban food and drinks!

Memories Jibacoa: Jibacoa - beautiful

The Breezes Jibacoa is a beautiful quiet hide away on the north coast of Cuba. Only an hour from Havana. The buildings are beautiful and not over the top. It is the people that make this such a wonderful place to stay. Is the food the best you have ever had - no. Is it the most modern place you can find - no. Is it a great place for a quiet, warm, comfortable, week away - yes.

Sol Turquesa Beach: Memories Holguin

Holguin is our favourite province in Cuba so when we saw the online promotional information for Memories the photos were impressive and inviting, however, our experience was not what the photos and online information portrayed. Our first room was in need of repair and the two twin beds in the room were pushed together to make a "king" bed. When we complained it took more than a day to be moved to a room that looked like what we had brought into. The food was the same fare every day. There wa [... read more]s no running water for more than half a day. Stairs, stairs & more stairs to get to the beach. NO entertainment. A phone that did not work. All in all I would not even rate the hotel as a 3 star.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Amazing Resort

Everything was perfect. The room was clear. the food was very good. You can find everything you want to eat. I did not rink their water but asked for botteled water. The beach is priceless. The service was exceptional.

Memories Trinidad Del Mar: 7 days stay to short

After 2 hours flight delay because of the frizzing whether we where on our way to Cienfuegos, after a friendly border crossing, we go to our bus, welcomed by Levi, in 75 min we are at the resort Memories Trinidad del Mar 01:00 AM Very friendly hard working staff Still diner available for us Large clean rooms with air conditioning and balcony Big restaurant with many seats, good choice of fresh food Long beach with plenty sun beds Trinidad city is 10 miles away, you can visit the beer [... read more] factory, The cave disco club and many other places, Good Lobster diner at Restaurant Piragua from Casilda 15 CUC

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Soft sand, and super friendly staff!

What the facility lacked in up-to-date amenities and resources (a challenge of Cuba), they make it up in customer service and their interaction with visitors. The resort needed updating, but it did not take away from our enjoyment. All the staff were wonderful. Any problems we had, they worked very hard to address. Not always successful, but always an effort was made. I would return!

Sol Turquesa Beach: less than expected

the grounds were a mountain climbers wet dream but a night mare to anyone elts. rooms were very nice lots of trees and flowering shrub's. not enough air conditioned public areas to escape the heat. far too many stairs with no railing and just too much extreme hills. games room had old old equipment and not open near enough hours. mini gulf was shut down the food was average Cuban food well cooked but always ran out of what you needed to complete you plate and had no ketchup till the la [... read more]st 2 days.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Disgusting

Cockroaches in room. Mould on drapes and furniture. Stained bedding, walls, furniture. Water damage everywhere. Stay away! These rooms are a health hazard.We refused to stay in our room so they moved us to the Royalton next door. Vacation saved! Lucky for us but I'm sure others are not. Read reviews carefully. You have been warned.

Grand Memories Varadero: Gorgeous Resort

This resort was all we could have imagined. We loved our time there and would consider returning for another great time. Staff food room beach name it it was great. There was no reason for anyone not to eat food at this resort. The variety was so good. Rooms were kept clean. The grounds were so beautifully kept. It sure takes a lot of hard work to keep them looking like they do. Hats off to your grounds keepers. Public washrooms very nicely kept.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Went downhill!

We stayed here 3 years ago and loved this resort. This trip, it was the worst resort I have ever been to. Resort had minimal staff, regularly ran out of cups, beer, rum and tequila. The food was TERRIBLE, the snack bar had burgers with no bun and spaghetti that’s it. The room was musty, damp and run down. The entertainment was good and the staff you seen were amazing. This resort should not even be a 3.5 star it should be shutdown and overhauled.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Beautiful Resort

Starting with the positive, the resort grounds are beautiful. Pool is clean, never really crowded, the workers are so friendly, food is ok, after all it is Cuba. Bungalow 1 was excellent compared to Bungalows 4-10 from what I've heard in talking to other guests. We never had an issue. Always pop, beer and water in frig. Safe worked, great water pressure and hot water always. Room very clean, no bugs. Seems to be a new King size mattress with comfortable pillows. The beach is so wide and long, [... read more] the only thing is you need to watch is where you walk due to small shells throughout the beach. I can understand the positive and negative reviews this resort gets. It all depends where you are located on the resort, Bungalows 5-10 stay, away from. Not renovated and many issues. It's as if we were at 2 different resorts. Even if you request a certain Bungalow there are no guarantees since they assign you a room the day before your arrival we were told. There's always a problem in finding chairs if you're not out early to reserve with a towel which we did but don't agree with. Bus ride to resort about 20 minutes but back to airport took 1 hour as we had to stop at other resorts! Recommend a taxi.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Beautiful Resort

The room size was great.I had a problem with the towel rack in the bathroom falling off the wall and the toilet seat being extremely loose.Both were fixed within a few days.The decor was old and the tv was small, (my pc monitor is bigger.)The grounds were well kept, scenery beautiful.Pools were fantastic, entertainment excellent.Night time entertainment was great, the actors did a fantastic job. Food was great for Cuba. Staff were great. Beach was awesome, weather could not have been better.