Brisas Sierra Mar: Rest and Relaxation

This was my first time to this resort. The resort itself is very outdated and the rooms need an upgrade but they work with what they have and my room was clean and tidy. The first room we were given had no shelving in the bathroom, no blankets, rotten food in the fridge and the safe was ripped out of the wall. I was moved to a new room the next day with no problems. The hotel clerks were very helpful. The overall experience of all the staff and servers was wonderful. Everyone is very nice a [... read more]nd they try to make you feel welcome. I have been to other resorts in Cuba and I found the food at this resort much better. The pool is cleaned everyday. I stayed away from the beach area due to the sand fleas and seeing all the hurt dogs and cats broke my heart. I went to this resort for some relaxation in the sun and that's exactly what I got! The views at this resort are amazing.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Awesome resort

Nice rooms.Very clean resort.Staff very friendly staff.I would say mostly older couples.Beach was grey sand also very small not a great beach for long walks.Lobby bar had excellent musical entertainment.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Yes it was an amazing resort!

Beautiful resort, beautiful people who work there! Beautiful beach! Our second visit there and will definately go again! Only slight downfall were the mattresses - seemed old and not comfortable, Food was good but quite repedative. Good Cuban Beer! Cristal!!

Brisas Guardalavaca: Brisas Guardalavaca is awesome!

We had a wonderful time at Brisas Guardalavaca.... our beach view room was clean and spacious and we woke up to the sun a slight breeze everyday!! The pool side areas had entertainment and a swim up bar, lots of activities and fun for all ages, the ocean beach was amazing with water activities and snorkeling from shore!! We enjoyed the variety of food options, buffets, al le carte dinners, and snack bars! We walked to the local market nearby, and took a horse/carriage ride around the town  [... read more]and a local village. Overall, this resort was amazing!

Brisas Guardalavaca: Love this great hotel.

We have returned to this hotel many times because all is what we want- great staff, beautiful beach. extremely clean everywhere. & good food. If you need anything. the staff will do whatever to help you out. We would return tomorrow!!

Brisas Guardalavaca: Guardalavaca weather perfect!

The villas were a good choice and we had the same villa three yrs. in a row! In the hotel we ate some meals and listened to the 7 pm concerts.They were over booked but seemed to have room for all. The food was so so and we booked reservations when possible.The Italian restaurant being the favorite.Only once did we have tasty turkey breast.Will never order beef again as the chefs do not know how to prepare it. Fresh fruit was limited but cucumbers and tomatoes tasted home grown.

Brisas Sierra Mar: We loved it

The Hotel was good, we wanted another bed for my son and it was arranged immediately. The rooms were cleaned well, water pressure excellent, hot water always available, public bathrooms well-maintained. Staff were very friendly, never obnoxious or assuming. Food was excellent, great choices, including meatless, always available. Fruit - great variety! The beach equipment (peddle-boats, etc. always accessible and in good condition). The only problem I had was the bugs on the beach, - regretted no [... read more]t taking the insect repellent with us. Water shoes is a must for that beach, as there are some urchins, etc. in the water, - great snorkelling though!

Brisas Sierra Mar: Brisas Sierra Mar - 4 years later

We first went to Brisas Sierra Mar in April 2015. At that time, the hotel was in a bit of disrepair: they had been hit hard from hurricane Sandy (IIRC?!?) a few years earlier, and the resort showed some signs of decay. Pool was in need of repair, rooms A/C went down, water interruptions, etc. Upon returning this year (2019), we found the place to have been significantly repaired, with the pool liner redone, new coats of paint all around, and as always the grounds were well maintained and the  [... read more]modest beach well manicured. We took daily hikes and bike rides, enjoyed snorkeling and swimming, attended a fiesta in the town below the resort, and in general enjoyed the atmosphere. The only slip-up was the water pump failed the morning of our departure. In Cuba, these things happen. One has to accept the infrastructure is old, and in general, never gets updated or upgraded. That said, a very minor inconvenience throughout s week’s stay. The staff were very kind and helpful. On the south shore, this resort has the best food - 4 years ago, and this year as well. We have been disappointed many times elsewhere, but Brisas Sierra Mar consistently had the best food we have experienced on the southern shore 5 times now. BTW - there are ‘shortages’ in Cuba: the situation with Venezuela and Chavez’s death has caused ‘trade’ problems, and no known solutions have been worked out as yet. Hopefully Cubans can see a better future with their prospects, and some element of predictability and sustainability comes out of it. Tourism appears to be their ‘golden egg’, and supports a ton of Cubans, on and off the resort. Please tip generously: the staff work hard, and they desperately need your tips to assist in making daily ends meet. We go to Cuba for their traditional music and dance, and are rarely disappointed. The shows on site are good, and the music, dancers, magicians and entertainers are well-rehearsed and are performing at a high level. The only downside is lack of PA/mics etc for singers (off the main-stage, but regarding acoustic performers around the resort) - unless they are very strong vocalists, they tend to be drowned out by percussion, and the odd instrumentalist (tres/violin/electric guitar) that bring an amp to the gig. To keep the playing field level, the singers deserve a mic, or the instrumentalists should forget amplification. They’ve been doing it acoustically for centuries - why re-invent the wheel? All in all, we really enjoy our time at this resort, and most likely we will return here. Absolutely stunning scenery, sunsets and sunrises, and the staff are the best we’ve encountered in all of the southern Cuba destinations we’ve been to. NOTE: if you travel to Cuba, PLEASE - bring a big flight case and fill the extra space with: shoes, kids clothing, adult clothing, and VERY IMPORTANT - BICYCLE TUBES AND/OR TIRES. Used 26/175 standard issue tires and tubes are like gold to the Cubans. Please, do what you can to help these people with some very basic items. Cheers, and happy travels!

Brisas Guardalavaca: Brisas

This is a great resort. Not fancy but it has good restaurants, you won’t go hungry there is enough choice to find something you like. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You don’t have to tip them to get good service. The beach is clean and you don’t get harassed. The rooms are decent, clean and out belongs are never touched.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Perfect week !

Superb beach, clean hotel and the staff deserves nothing less than 2 thumbs up ! Riding horses on the beach under a perfect blue sky - what more can you ask ? Will be going back next year for sure :-)

Brisas Guardalavaca: Love this resort

Wonderful staff, love the martin bar, Josie is so informative and so nice. Odalis at the buffet, a gem. So many of the staff so helpful and I can not mention them all. They have a wonderful memory and remember you from the last time, don't know how they do that. The grounds are beautifully kept. Rooms clean and well maintain. Clean sheets and towels everyday if requested. I hear people complain about the food, but you will never go hungry. If you want McDonalds stay home. lol. The only complaint [... read more] I have is there is not enough shade around the Villa Pool, and to many visitors are still marking the chairs at the beach and then not using them. Wish they could do something about that.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Very Special Resort

This hotel is in a gorgeous wild location - just ocean and mountain views, hence the name. Lots of amenities and activities, great food and thoughtful little additions to the experience. Snorkelling, hiking to waterfalls, cycling, sea kayaking all make for a well rounded vacation.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Totally wonderful stay

I couldnt have asked for a better vacation. The staff were wonderful. My room was super clean and comfortable. And the grounds were beautifully kept. I have many pictures to have as memories of a super stay. Thank you for such an excellent stay.

Brisas Santa Lucia: Brisas Santa Lucia

I don't want to be negative about a place that relies on tourism for sustainability but our trip here left us with a very negative feeling. It started with no water in our rooms and a definite disinterest in helping us. The fact that our rooms would not have one single bottle of water was never mentioned in any communications. This has not happened to us in other trips to Cuba but regardless, the hotel staff might have been more helpful but were not interested in helping. the man at the fron [... read more]t desk pointed to the store and said go buy some. The Public Relations lady did help us once I was able to locate her and was, in my opinion, their greatest ambassador, otherwise I had no sense of interest in helping or waiting on us throughout the week either at the bars or in the restaurants. We realized (our own fault) we were there during Carnival. (February 11-18) The individuals that swarmed the resort that week were entitled, rude and inconsiderate. That behaviour seemed to be reflected in the staff, perhaps a ripple effect of the garbage they had to put up with. Locals literally threw garbage around the pool and I watched as lifeguards scrambled to clean the messes up. They were loud, brought their own boom boxes and tried to outplay the pool bar music. Endless hours of selfies, chairs up against the pool deck blocking access to the pool and stairs of the pool. There was literal pushing past you and physically pushing you in the buffet to fill their plates past capacity and waste food in what is a country struggling to feed it's own. They were loud until 5 a.m. every day. Having said this, our rooms were clean (our maid did a wonderful job) and other than the typical problems of repairs etc., to be expected at any Cuban resort, the facilities and beach were what I expected. When we had some and our hotel room leaked and soaked one of the beds and bedding I was disappointed in how we were responded to - I had no expectations of someone climbing on a roof to fix it at night but did expect something other than a shrug and angry look and turnabout and have him, what looked like a security guard and the maid leave the room. No promises of new bedding or addressing the issue at a later date. They did run out of things continuously, but again, understood given their situation. and geographical location having to bring supplies in. We were befriended by someone who frequents the resort and loves the people there. If not for her, our week would have been a complete disaster. Overall, I would say I was very very disappointed in the people. After some conversations on line with others who know the resort, it is my understanding there has been a staff turnover. Regardless, if staff appears this disinterested and even angry to deal with resort guests than there is a problem that likely starts at the top and must be dealt with. They obviously feel abused and unappreciated because it was not just one individual, it felt that way from almost everyone encountered. I have always found the people of Cuba to be warm and inviting so this was quite a shock. Perhaps it was Carnival but I would not return.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Wonderful Family-like service

While the resort may seem a touch run down, the rooms have a lovely view of the Carribean from their balconies and staff and music more than make up for the lack of maintenance and occasional problems with the elevators. This is a place where many can have extended stays and build lasting relationships. Overall - a wonderful time!!

Brisas Sierra Mar: Unique Resort

This would not be the resort most people would like.If you want luxury accomadations,excellent food,lots of activities,white sand beach you wouldn't come here. If you want friendship,adventure, relaxation and the best weather and the most beautiful scenery this is the place to come. I have been here 9 times and each time has been a different experience.The staff are amazing,All the little hitches make it part of the experience.?Will the elevator work this year.What food will or will not be ava [... read more]ilable?This is the adventure and if you bring a bike (leave for someone)you can explore the villages around and cycle being perfectly safe.Great cycling with a challenge on hills. Take a chance and visit this resort.I will certainly be returning next year.What adventure awaits me!!!!!!!!!

Brisas Sierra Mar: Brisas Sierra Mar

Visa NOT accepted at the hotel as shown in the tripcentral info sheet. Almost ran out of money. Room assigned without consultation while on the bus Oceanview room stipulated, not provided. Our room overlooked the main hotel and parking lot. Earplugs used. Five flights of stairs, no elevator. Upon arrival, asked for a different room, as we have mobility issues. Front desk staff rudely rejected our request, both upon arrival and the next morning. They actually argued that you could see the [... read more] ocean if we craned our necks and looked real hard. We have been to Cuba a number of times and recognize that it is usually a bargain priced destination. The specific hotel incurred significant damage during hurricane Sandy and repairs have not been completed, which we understand completely, given the realities of Cuba. Call for more detail.

Brisas Sierra Mar: Amazing again!

This hotel offered a wide variety of food. The hotel staff are so very friendly and helpful. The pool is in good condition and well maintained by the pool staff. The rooms are comfortable and always kept extremely clean.

Brisas Guardalavaca: Great family vacation

Stayed in the villa section room 2111. It was close to the beach and pool. Beach & pool was amazing. Food: our 3 children ate everything on their plate. Good selection of food every time at the buffet. Very clean resort. I suggest that you take toys ….crayons, coloring books etc as there is nothing on the resort. There is a small store on the resort where you can buy floaties $7.00 and beach toys $7.00. SPF60 sunscreen kept the little 2 year old from getting burnt. $100 Canadian converted to  [... read more]$71 pesos (not good!) PS: if you are travelling with a small child you get to keep your room until 4pm on the day you are leaving for FREE. As well, if you are a repeat customer you get this benefit as well. Otherwise you have to pay $5.00 for every hour. You have to get a chit from GUEST SERVICES the day before and give it to the lobby clerk on the morning that you are leaving. Thank you Heather MacIntyre at the Bedford NS location for booking us another great vacation problem free.

Brisas Sierra Mar: lovely resort

Great great service and experience amazing Beach people. people working at the reception desk extremely helpful spoke well English. I greatly enjoyed Cuban people and their great and respectful attitude towards me.