Beautiful resort - don't let the little things bug ya

This resort is absolutely beautiful. They have built the resort into the landscape adding to the beauty. We had plenty of 'little' things that we had that were less than perfect, but nothing that we allowed to ruin our vacation. So lets start with the good stuff... the beach is magnificent, clean of seaweed, no garbage, easy to walk on for a good distance either direction, and sales people who took 'no' for an answer. our room, we had bungalow 2307, was worth the extra little bit i [... read more]n cost, central to everything yet you didn't feel like you were on top of everything. It was ALWAYS cleaned and stocked perfectly. We were never bothered by the noises from the pool yet only a two minute walk away. The buffet and disco were also every close but no sound bothered us. the resort itself, again the use of the landscape is hard to describe but the main building and lobby is built on an outcropping of old hard coral and you can see its use in the lobby walls and the outdoor patio. The 'lazy river' (that's what we called it but it's not a ride) meanders through the resort with sculptures and fountains. The greenery makes the place look like a little bit of paradise... The lasagna at the Italian a la cart was tasty. Rocky at the front desk, I guess he would be a bellhop, was very helpful with our luggage and anything we needed help with he would do his best to take care of it. now, the not so good... I won't say bad because nothing was bad, just not as good as we would have liked: beach towels... an adventure we gave up on, went back to the lobby, got out deposit back and went to town and bought our own... so we ended up with a souvenir towel each.. no big deal hot water in our room... this wasn't so much a problem but there wasn't any... we did get warm one day, but then we never complained about it so they couldn't fix what they didn't know was problem... it was hot outside so cool showers were refreshing and we had fun with it... food... true to the 'cuban food' reputation it was boringly repetitive but we never starved. Some foods were 'interesting' and their idea of a salad bar was a little (ok a lot) different from what we expected. I don't thing we had any vegetables all week. But the pasta was good. bathrooms... our room was never a problem, but let me just say I took to carrying my own little baggy of toilet paper EVERYWHERE... into town, down to the beach, to breakfast, lunch and dinner.. unfortunately many of the resort washrooms lacked toilet paper more than once so I packed my own and was prepared... also the beach washrooms were never open so it was a bit of a walk to find one. service... again I can't say bad because you could tell they are trying so hard to please and be first class. I really thing that if this resort wants to become a 5 star, what they need to do is have someone come in and teach the staff the small social graces that the outside world wants to see and they don't know about... but I would't hold it against the resort. beach, yes, there are some guys selling stuff... but they can't stay and don't stay and accept a 'no thanks' and walk away, there were some sort of sand fleas or mosquitoes that liked me but not my husband, (maybe using the bug spray I took would have helped with that) the 7am flyby... every morning we had a 7am flyby over our resort. This is a very old looking biplane that flies over four to six times. We asked about it and apparently they spray for mosquitoes etc... every morning... this did seem to keep the bugs at a minimum but it left us wondering what else it is keeping to a minimum and how healthy it was for us sitting out on our balcony watching it... But when all is said and done...This is definitely a resort I WILL go back to... hopefully sooner than later I can't think of anything else but if I do, I will edit

Beautiful resort, frendly service

I was great time! Beautiful resort, close to the beach, beach was very clean. Good location to trip, near to the airport (30-40 minutes) Comfortable rooms, so much delicious food, very nice service and fun group antertainmet, group that rather pleasant for us time interesting festivities. perfect time and places, I will back there soon ;)

Very nice resort !!

Had a very nice week at Aguas Azules. Our first room was a bit noisy ( situated over the entertainment area, and the 24 hour bar !!) but they changed it for us, the following day, to one on the opposite side of the building, with a large balcony overlooking the pool....very nice !! The room was clean and spacious with excellent a/c. The bathrooms were very nice, lots of hot water, good water pressure and a good supply of fresh towels when needed. Our mattresses were new and very comfortable, and [... read more] the bedding was crisp and clean. There was, however a lack of drawers in which to put our clothes, and only 4 coat hangers to a room !! Also no bath plugs ( we took our own ). The food was quite good, lots of variety, and some good desserts. We had some nice fish and seafood, lovely bread, and plenty of it !! It would all have been much more enjoyable if the buffet had been air conditioned.....both guests and food suffered from the heat. Even a few more fans would have made it a little more comfortable. The beach is absolutely gorgeous, and there is easy access to the crystal clear ocean.....beautiful.!! Lots of palapas for shade, but more beach chairs are needed, there were many broken ones , (although while we were there some effort appeared to be being made to clean them up ). There are two pools, one close to the buffet and bungalows, the other ( quieter) one tucked away behind the main building. We preferred the latter. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the Manager is very approachable and ''hands on''. The women on the front desk are friendly, and our maid, Miriam, was lovely. This is a very accessible resort, as long as you stay in either the ground floor of a bungalow, or in the main building (#6) , as we did. This building has two elevators ( the only building that does ) and there are ramps everywhere. We saw a number of guests using either wheelchairs or ( as I do) walkers, and managing quite comfortably. The grounds are spacious, attractive, and well kept, for the most part, with the exception of an oddly derelict courtyard on the way to the beach ( I think it's called the Colonial Plaza), which could very easily be turned into a very attractive area, with some seating, extra plants etc. It has a sort of gazebo in the middle......could be very nice, with some attention. There is obviously a big effort being made by both management and staff to bring this resort up to a higher standard, and the potential is definitely there. It has recently been taken over by Memories, and is being marketed as a Starfish resort, so will watch with interest to see how this develops !! We had a really nice time at this hotel, and would like to thank staff and management for their hospitality!

Not that great

This resort was horrible. I will never go back. Service was very poor. Pool was very dirty. I will not be going back to this resort again and would not recommend it to anyone. The shows were well done each night though so that was fun.

Need Some Relaxation - Go to Aguas Azules!!

I like the resort, the people, the food and not having to fight for a beach chair...there were times I was the only one in the water...had a bungalow again with a balcony over looking the pool...what could be more perfect than that!! And how could I not mention my housekeeper...Louda!! Always smiling and made sure my room was clean!! Thanks Aguas Azules for another amazing vacation!!

Better than anticipated

We all have reservations about what type of resort to expect when we arrive in Cuba. We were very pleasantly surprised at the reception we received when we arrived...from the bus drivers to the hotel managers. The reception desk staff were very pleasant and extremely helpful from the day we arrived until the morning we left to go home. As were most of the staff at different areas in the hotel. The rooms are basic but clean...the food was acceptable in the buffet and better in the a la carte .. [... read more].make sure you spend time getting reservations for the a la carte.. The beach is expansive, clean of sea grasses and rocks...this is a great beach!!!! Lots of palapas to take cover from the sun and spotty rain. The beach is even better in that there are no motorized sea doos, banana boats and crazy disco music pounding all day....actually had spa music playing in the morning at the beach...nice touch!!!! We enjoyed our stay at Aguas Azules...would go back there...actually wish I was still there :-)

Excellent service and resort.

The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating. They made my daughter feel like the most special person in the world on her birthday by throwing her a party at the Mini Club. (They even gave her gifts) There was always someone available to help out on every turn.

Resort needs work

If you are going there with expectations than this is not the resort for you. I went down with 3 other girls. Two of our friends toilet didn't work, we had no hot water, beds were paper thin, there was an ant infestation in our room, leaking water in our hotel room from the ceiling, first 3 days I lived off bread since the food options were below standards, long line ups to the grill on the weekends after the locals got there. The resort is run down and needs a complete make-over. One night I ha [... read more]d to go to the front desk because the maid forgot to leave us towels. Entertainment was very weak and in one case because there weren't enough people in the audience to watch they cancelled the show and sent the performers home. The beach was the only highlight. That being said, we made the most of what we had and despite the hotels down falls, it is what you make of it. If you want a low budget vacation this could be a good option, however if you have any expectations be prepared to be disappointed.

A Fresh Approach for a Great Hotel

This hotel has recently been purchased. The new energy includes the friendly, visible manager and his assistants who listen and act immediately, as well as the tasteful renovations that have been accomplished and are ongoing. Twenty four hour entertainment suits all. The lobby bar had wonderful live musicians, all kinds.

Amazing

Honestly, I loved it! I even went by myself to Cuba. People were friendly, drinks were quick, not to mention that beach is amazing. I would definetly tell go back. The food is average but better then before. Plus for the price you pay totally worth the week on the beach with free drinks !!!

Fun resort !

fun hotel friendly stafff, wide selection of food, bring condiments as food is bit repetative. Music is good vibe is relaxed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Expectations were beyond my general vacation

The aquas azoulas hotel was an over all success for me.Reception and the attention given by of All the employees.Variety and comfort was Key.The food was a great pleasant surprise,especially the Al la carte nights.

Resort much improved

I spent two weeks at Aquas Azules April 25 to May 9 and must say there was a great improvement over last year,Pablo and Andrea and their new team have done a lot of work in a few short months and are to be congratulated on what they have accomplished.I have been to this hotel a number of times and will likely return next year.The full staff of this hotel are so helpful and very friendly.Perfect beach and weather.

Way Better Than Expected - Aguas Azules

The employees of this resort went beyond their job requirements for all guests. They wanted to ensure that you had a great experience at "their" resort. The resort like many Cuban resorts needs some upgrades, but was very clean and charming. I have read how Cuban food was not the best, but this resort had amazing food! I could not have pictured a better beach, on which to spend my vacation. The beach was quite a distance away from other resorts, so you did not feel crowded or uncomfortable when  [... read more]on the beach. The palapas were a perfect distance away from each other, you had privacy but could interact with your neighbours if you wanted. The weather was amazing. I am not a pool person, but the pools looked very nice and clean. We felt very safe and secure wandering around the resort at all times of the day. The grounds were immaculate. I have never had so many people say "Hola!" to me daily and mean it! The resort manager was very visible and always open to comments and suggestions.

Very Good resort

The food was great and lots of choices Always lots of seats and no huge lines The entertainment at this resort is some of the best I have experienced on any of the trips I have taken The staff were very firiend ly and always willing to help. The rooms were clean but some TLC is required to upgrade them Beach was amazing...grrat for all ages..never went into the pools Lots of animals around...cats & Dogs..nothign to be concerned about In all a great place to stay. It is worth the price. I recomme [... read more]nd!!

Great stay for having enjoyable time or relaxing

I do not have one negative thing to say about our stay at Aguas Azules. Our bungalow was really nice, very clean and kept well supplied. The amenities and entertainment were great - and the food was plentiful in variety and delicious. The people, as always in Cuba were warm, friendly, inviting and I shall visit them all again in the future.

1st timer here!!!

This was my 1st time on a resort, it was amazing. From the swans on my bed to the pelicans on the beach gorgeous wonderful place, the staff is so friendly and inviting it makes it very hard to leave after only 7 days. The pools are super nice and clean. The buffet with so many different options, Yum! Just a great experience for me and I can't wait to go back.

Great April Vacation

Have been to this resort in the past. There have been some changes since last there. The addition of a second bar in the lobby was a good choice. We stayed in the Bungalow section which was a good choice. Very convenient to the swimming pool, buffet beach etc. Could always find something to eat. The breakfasts are always excellent. Was convenient having a restaurant closer to the beach and also the little beach bar served sandwiches burgers and hotdogs. Of course the beach was wonderful. The poo [... read more]l was wonderful. The maid service was top-notch. Would definitely return and suggest to other people.

Typical Cuban

Wife and I have been going to Cuba since 1990. A lot has change since then but this hotel reminded us of our earlier visits. We stayed in one of the bungalows for a week. Closer to the beach and buffet restaurant than the main hotel rooms so a plus there. Reminders of old: no hot water (pool and ocean were warmer), no toilet seat and a broken beside light bulb was never changed. Food typically Cuban and no disappointment there. We bumped into the manager Pablo (from Spain) every day while he was [... read more] doing the rounds. He always apologized to us for not having hot water and even offered his room for a hot shower. We celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary and had a lovely meal in the sea food a la cart complete with champagne and candle light. We did a full day tour in Havana plus Tropicana at night. About $200CAD and value for the money. The hotel is rated 31/2 star and that is probably a fair assessment. Would we recommend this hotel to a friend. Sure as long as they not the picky picky type.

Much better resort than we had expected

3 alacart restaurants ,beautiful beach, very friendly staff. Entertainment each night. Coffee bar with many choices. Check in could have been faster. An up grade might have been better to the bungalows .The terrace bar every night had entertainment just before the main show.