Hotel Playa Paraiso: Relaxing Vacation

I enjoyed my vacation to Hotel Playa Paraiso. The grounds were beautiful, the rooms were incredibly clean. I had no problems finding food to eat (with the current situation in Cuba taken into account) The beverages were plentiful. I enjoyed my catamaran excursion. However, we arrived late on a Friday evening. After check in we inquired about the location of our room. We were given a map with no further instruction. There was no one available to help with our luggage, or show us the way. Had t [... read more]his been during the day time, it would have been ok. However, it was late at night and dark. The lights on the pathways throughout the resort were turned off. It was extremely dark. We had no idea where to go and wandered around, carrying heavy luggage for a long time. We had a very difficult time finding our room block. When we finally arrived at block 4, we had to drag our luggage up 4 flights of stairs. This was difficult for me (female 40) but even more difficult for my 65 year old mother. To make it worse, there was no light in the hallways so it was again, extremely dark. We had a difficult time finding our room. After a long day of travel (including a delayed flight) this was distressing. It was a horrible beginning to what would end up being a very nice vacation. I would suggest that perhaps there could be overnight staff available to assist travellers who may be arriving late due to flight delays etc.

Melia Cayo Coco: Awesome Vacation! Will definitely return!

This resort is very well maintained. Very clean with easy access to everything. Anywhere you want to go is within 2-3 min walk. The staff are very courteous and helpful. The entertainment staff was always cheerful and involved everyone in their activities. Chino/Pedro is funny and makes everyone feel welcome and his enthusiasm is contagious. Lea makes you feel great about winning the lazy game....lol or laugh when you're not so coordinated while taking the dance lessons. She also loves to help  [... read more]you learn some Spanish words and phrases. The restaurant staff are also very pleasant (Arisleidy and Yamilet?) do everything they can to make your meal an amazing experience. The snack bar had wonderful food (burgers and pork cutlets) and the staff were hard working and always happy to see you. The beach was beautiful and the water was amazing. We also found a little bay to go snorkeling at. No need to go on a snorkeling excursion. Marcos and Jesus from the beach bar always had a smile on their faces and kept the drinks flowing. The Lagoon view rooms were clean and sanitized. We had an issue with the A/C which was rectified within the hour. The sunset views from our balcony were stunning! We could admire the sea life daily....watched and fed the fish and we could see little jelly fish (in the lagoon). The grounds keepers greeted you with a smile and kept the gardens looking beautiful. We also really appreciated the fact that there was no need to buy internet minutes. We had access everywhere, including the beach. Just see the Reception and they would provide internet access for free. Overall this resort has it all! It was a peaceful and relaxing vacation. This is not the place to go if you are looking for a party or nightlife but the tranquility is what we wanted for our vacation. Can't wait to go back!!!

Gran Muthu Imperial: Nice 3 star hotel

Friendly workers and nice water obviously. The food was horrendous unfortunately. Cocktails were ok. The beach is rather small and considering that the resort was NOT in full capacity you will never find seats unless you claim them at 6am. 70% of the guests were seniors and they claimed their seats in the morning even if they were never at the beach. Since Cayo coco is so secluded and off the main lane, there’s not much to do outside of the resort. Make sure to bring lots of US dollars in cash [... read more] as you will need to tip and there’s no atm in the hotel.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Disappointed

This resort needs to be renovated badly. Furniture and cushions in lobby area are very old and in desperate need of new upholstery. Rooms are dated. Bathtubs are very high and difficult to enter into. Very difficult for the elderly. No water pressure in the shower and somedays no water at all. Bathroom towels were old and gray. Food was always the same. No variety in food. At the snack bar always ran out of food after standing in line and then being told they ran out of food. Meat was tough  [... read more]as leather, unedible. Toilets near the bar and lobby did not flush and the smell was horrible. Staff were very nice and helpful. The only things positive about this resort is that the grounds were nice and the beach was amazing. I would not recommend this resort to any of my friends and would rate it as a 2 star.

Iberostar Coral Esmeralda: Amazing Hotel and Staff

Amazing week!!! This resort was all and more than we could have wished for. We arrived April 8th to the 15th . The staff here are the best. The beach is awesome...like no other. The food was made right in front of you and they do a great job. Omelette, bacon and fresh homemade bread every morning. We were first met by Ariel Morales who could not do enough for us ❤from taking us to our beautiful room, to show us a beautiful evening sunset , to checking in on us every day and our splendid engl [... read more]ish conversations daily. We miss you already our friend. Dayanelis Coria Pardillo is beautiful. She is the entertainment and is fabulous at her job. She works very hard to get us visitors involved in the activities. Ismael Morgafo at the buffet goes above and beyond to help you out. He is very humble. Lali and Alfredo Manuel Sanchez Barroso will keep your Spanish coffee coming. They take real pride in their job. Freddie in maintenance..if you get the pleasure to meet him it will make you smile. These are just a few of staff that we had the pleasure to spend time with. Thank you all for all you do. And we can't forget Joseph...the entertainer. You are very talented my friend. We can't go without saying how amazing all the staff is at this resort. It was also a bonus treat to meet our fellow Nova Scotians on vacation. Thanks to all for a very relaxing and much needed vacation at this beautiful resort. If anyone is heading there soon Ariel could really use an agenda book (daily planner book) and pens. All supplies are greatly appreciated.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Great resort, wonderful staff, good food

The resort was absolutely beautiful. Scenic views, spotless and well maintained. The staff were all so friendly and kind, lots to see around the resort and good entertainment in the evenings. I definitely recommended this resort for anyone looking to visit Cuba. PS no kids is better than I expected

Melia Costa Rey: Beautiful Escape....

Our vacation was everything we expected it to be. Staff was friendly and courteous. Food was great for Cuba. Drinks were cold, and there was always something happening entertainment wise! We are definitely going back ❤

Tryp Cayo Coco: Awesome time was had.

First of all O'Neill Graham from Trip Central was a great rep.to deal with. He answered all my question I had. We have been to Tryp Cayo Coco before and things have changed, but not by much. Staff was awesome to deal with from checking in, to bar staff, room services, waiters and waitress. The food was good and could easily could make a meal. The beach was amazing and the pool was very enjoyable. As for Covid we felt very safe and protected by the staff they had all protocols put in place. It  [... read more]is a old resort but it was a very enjoyable time.

Gran Muthu Imperial: April in Cuba

There was a quick check-in after a very late arrival. The room was a good size and a great walking shower. It was probably the hottest water ever in a hotel. The resort was easy to navigate and all was kept well. Terrific lobby bar as well as the 2 by the pools. There was always someone cleaning any debris from the water. The beach was not great. Did get my lower legs wet but as there was a drop off was not able to go deeper in the very warm water. I did not mind the food. The veggies and f [... read more]ruits were also wonderful. The person I was traveling with was not as pleased with variety of food served. Food was served by staff who tried their best to keep up with the demand. Some people were to impatient and grabbed to serve themselves. Would probably not return only because I would like a beach with a walkout that is flatter. Great staff!!

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Great Get-a-way for a week!

It was lovely. Because of Covid, they are just updating the buildings, and the staff were very friendly. I loved the Massage. Best one I've ever experienced. Always problems with the stock of toilet paper but always took my own, just in case. the washrooms needed a plumber to update. Beach was so beautiful. Entertainment was top notch!

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Great resort. People were so friendly.

The hotel was great very clean the food was good. Our room was beautiful. We were in building 7. The view from our room was directly on the ocean. Just fabulous. Our maid was spectacular. I can’t say anything bad at all about the hotel. We loved it. Definitely going back!!!

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: Absolute waste of time and money!

Memories flamenco Cuba was an absolute waste of our time and money. They rate this resort as a 4 1/2 *, the resort isn't worth 2 stars. Beach is beautiful, that's the only positive to this resort. Food or lack there of was atrocious, inedible most of the time. Resort was filthy. Lost water for a day and a half. Service was horrendous. Resort was fine taking our credit for Cuban money only to tell us afterwards that Cuban money is only good for tipping, and then refusing to give us Canadian money [... read more] back so we could buy our kids souvenirs. Why theyre stock piling Canadian money is beyond me!! Paid extra for a ocean view room only to show up to a swamp/dumping land view room. Beds may as well have been box springs probably would have been more comfortable. And last but not least both my Girlfriend and I are now off work because we both contracted Covid!! Never again!! Will never recommend Cuban resorts or Sunwing to anyone ever again.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Huge Disappointment

It is very sad to see how run down this resort is considering it is only a few years old. Several of the public washrooms on the resort were closed the entire time we were there due to lack of maintenance. The lack of cleanliness in the pools was unacceptable and the lack of soap to wash hands in the restrooms during Covid is unacceptable. If you are looking for a long white Sandy beach to walk this is not the resort for you. The bedding in our room on arrival was not fresh bedding and it was a [... read more]lmost impossible to get fresh towels. The staff did their best but the resort itself needs a lot of work.

Gran Muthu Imperial: Great Hol8day

I really enjoyed the Grand Muthu. The beach and R and R were just what the Dr. ordered for restoration of soul. Staff were very friendly and appreciative. Wish I had been told that you need Cdn or US currency everywhere. They don't take their own money!! The irritations of overflowing showers and other inconveniences were vastly outweighed by the location, weather and Cuban people. Viva Cuba!

Melia Cayo Coco: Melia Cayo coco

Stunning resort, landscaping, beach. Food was delicious. Fifteen minutes from the airport. Staff were awesome. And really good Covid protocols. Was really sunny, hot, hot. Rooms are very well done, modern. Maid service is so good. A dream vacation was the best. Can’t wait to go back. It’s so awesome.

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: Nice resort . . . But

This is a nice resort as buildings and grounds go. The beach is fantastic. Like all beaches, you must be a very early riser in order to get shade. Don’t be fooled into spending extra money to go to Pillar Beach because it has nothing that this beach doesn’t. There is no snorkeling at this beach though. We did manage on one very calm day to snorkel over by the rocks and it was lovely, but very limited. The pools are lovely but lack sufficient shade opportunities. The children’s pool l [... read more]ooked fantastic but was definitely underused when we were there. We didn’t follow the entertainment mostly because of the mosquitoes at night so we can’t really comment. Covid rules were very low. Masks were worn by the staff which was good but sanitizing of surfaces was not apparent and there was a definite lack of sanitizer. Carry your own! You had to wear your mask in the restaurants but of course only until you were seated. There was someone on the door with a spray on sanitizer on the way in to the buffet which was good. Staff was great. No issues there at all. General cleanliness was fair. Our rooms were cute. Fridge was not stocked. Safe was broken. Our toilet broke mid-week and it took two calls to have someone show up to fix it. Unfortunately the fix did not last through the day. We had to tie up the lift in the back of the toilet tank so that we would not have to listen to running water all night. It would not flush. Bathrooms were generally clean but it was always iffy as to whether or not you would find soap or hand towels. The chairs and sofas in the main lobby were very dirty and need to be replaced. The walls in our building were dirty. There were animal prints in the walls below one of the windows the whole week we were there. The stairwells were very under-lit! There was a little market about 100 feet away from the entrance to the resort but we happened upon it. It was not advertised. Food. Well let’s just say that there was some. The snack bar was understaffed and the food was under par. No bread due to shortages. The buffet was adequate. There are three a-la-crates. Cuban, Italian and Indian. Of the three the Cuban was the best but the others were mediocre. Would we recommend this hotel to others? We would but we would make them aware of the shortcomings because the price we paid was good. The shortcomings may have been a result of covid shortages following shutdowns. A revisit during better times would tell. Hey folks. It’s Cuba! You go for the sun and water and the price!

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Not what it use to be 😢

Let me start by saying this was our third time at the Iberostar Daiquiri. We chose this resort because the first two times were amazing !!! Only half the resort is open , due to covid I am sure , in a way that was nice because it was rather full at half capacity! It was extremely difficult to get a spot on the beach or near the pool as there were not enough chairs. My husband would carry our patio chairs so we had something to sit on . The grounds on the resort were very clean and coming along n [... read more]icely since the hurricane in 2018. The pools needed to be vacuumed as there were plastic cups and cigarette butts on the bottoms of both pools. The small kids pool could not be used by the kids for a couple of days as it was very green :-( . The rooms were cleaned daily by the lovely ladies, they left very nice towel art daily and were very thankful for the small gifts left daily. The main washrooms in the lobby could have used a little more tlc and there was rarely toilet paper in them. The food was the same thing everyday breakfast , lunch and supper:-( No fresh fish , very little fruit and basically just lettuce and cucumber in the fresh veggie selection. We arrived on a Friday and tried to get a couple of the al la carts and the earliest we could get one was for the Thursday before we left and the Friday that we left. The staff just didn’t seem to be wanting to be there , it never use to be like that. The entertainment was little to none !! Not much going on at all during the day , in the past they always had a game of something going on. They ran out out Beer, sugar, coffee, vodka, pineapple, no tequila or limes just to make a few. I understand that covid is a big factor , however in speaking with others at the airport that we’re just down the road , not one of them spoke of shortages or lack of. The final straw for us was we didn’t leave until 6:15 Friday evening, I tried to extend our room as they explained to us they no longer offer a shower due to covid, they said we could have it only for two hours as they had a booking for our room, BUT they advertise that they leave each room empty for 24 hrs due to cleaning and covid , check in is 4 pm ???? In the beginning I said we would comeback again next year as we love the beach area, but I will really have to think about it :-(

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: We have been here for our 4th time and just love everything.

Everything in this hotel for me was a 10. The grounds are beautiful. Rooms kept very clean. Beach is to die for. Didnt go to pool but it is also very stunning. Service and people are great. I keep going back so got to be good.

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Not up to expectations

I travelled to Memories Caribe from Mar 30-Apr 6. After reading many relatively positive reviews I was looking forward to a week here. I had previously travelled to nearby Memories Flamenco and had an awesome time but was looking forward to Caribe's adults only experience. I chose to again spend the extra $130 on Diamond Club for the additional amenities, however in hindsight I cannot say it was worth it here at Caribe. The exclusive Diamond Club (DC) check-in and welcoming cocktail was ju [... read more]st a temporary sign propped on the check-in desk which disappeared afterwards to never reappear. And all people arriving regardless of status received a cocktail (DC actually got theirs last) The room 2107 was OK, but I did suffer from 2 floods in the room and a cockroach problem. More about that later. Let me start by listing the Pro's and Cons: Pro's: - The Beach is amazing. It is very busy but that is what a trip to Cayo Coco is all about. You will have to get there early to find a chair, but often staff have them hidden in the trees and a tip will have one miraculously appear for you. Sand Fleas are a problem, but the advice is to put on plenty of deep woods off when you go down to reserve your spot and then not go to the beach before 9:30 when it gets hot enough for the sand fleas to hide away. -The waiters on the DC beach are amazing. There were two who constantly made the run from the beach bar to thirsty travelers weighed down with a dozen bubba mugs and they never got an order wrong. Now they earned their tips. -Snack bar at the DC beach was well above par. Burgers and Fries were some of the best meals of the week. -Food at the Buffet was pretty good by Cuba standards, but you did have to wait. Masks were mandatory and you had to wait for staff to serve you with tonges. There really were not enough staff and you had to wait. Con's: -Staff not overly friendly. Even leaving a tip didn't seem to elicit much in the way of a smile from most. -Waiting for a waiter in the main lobby bar was torturous. Could take 20 minutes or more to get your order if it wasn't forgotten. -No real DC bar. There was just a tiny shelf at the end of the lobby bar with a sign that read Diamond Club bar. It offered one level up in Rum, and a bottle of Jamieson's Irish Whiskey, Ballentine's Scotch, & Chivas. Now I do drink Jamieson's regularly, but this was definately NOT Jamieson's. It tasted more like a cheap ligueur, like a watered down drambuie. I asked for an unopened bottle, but they didn't have one. The Balentine's wasn't much to write home about either. (If you drink your whiskey neat, skip diamond club and bring your own.) -The Sports bar remained closed throughout the week, so no pool table or TV's or games. -The entertainment was a little lacking. Afternoon activities at the pool were seldomly joined by guests. (who wants to do aquafit in the pool at 4pm after drinking all day) Animation host yells at full volume in rapid spanish and english that is barely understandable. Most folks around the pool just winced since the volume was so loud. -Nightly entertainment was so-so. The saxaphonist was amazing, he played all over the resort on multiple days. The folk dance shows were underwhelming. There was a singer one night and she was good (in spanish). There was a Michael Jackson Show one night and it was pretty good, but afterwards the introduction of the participants took longer than the show as they each had to show off their break-dancing abilities. -As usual in Cuba you have to get up early if you want a decent spot by the pool or beach. People usually put their towels on pool deck chairs to reserve the prime spots by 7:30am and they never show up until around 4pm as they spend the day at the beach. It is frustrating but that is the game I guess. -Had a flood in the room (2107) twice!!! First time the maid said they would send by a repair team. When I got back tot he room it seemed all dried up so I thought nothing of it, but the next day it was back and I could hear heavy dripping. Turned out the repair was a towel behind the suitcase tressel to soak it up. The towel was soaked through and water was everywhere again. I called for service and they showed up within 30 minutes and tore open the ceiling to find a burst pipe. There was mold and crap etc everywhere. He managed to repair the pipe and the maid came back to mop up the suite. They did not offer to move me though. -The pond you see in the pictures apparently had a problem. they had to drain it and the smell was horrific. Imagine 35 degree heat and a sewage lagoon. Staff were squeegee'ing up black sludge and other foul smelling goop for days right outside my room. smell was very rough but thankfully did not permeate the room. -Cockroaches: I killed one on arriving at my room. No big deal. there were 3 other dead ones feet up in the room over the next couple days. The maids swept them up. But my last night as I was trying to sleep I felt an itch on my head and ran my fingers through my hair to find a cockroach crawling across my head. Yikes. had the body itches and heebee-jeebee's for much of the night. Then I finally fell asleep around 3am after a full room search and repacking all my clothes and shaking them out several times. Sprayed by suitcase with deep woods off and left it outside for 3 days after I got home before washing my clothes in hot water twice. I told them when checking out and they marked the room for fumigation. -And finally the WiFi. Worst experience of all. Took 2 days to get on to the system. I have an iPhone 7 and was told by front desk staff after repeated tries that the internet will not work with iphones. I know that is BS as its the highest selling phone in the world. Also others with iphones or ipads were working. After 2 days of repeated tries, I finally found a desk clerk that knew how it worked. You need to sign on to the Caribe wifi, you will see that there is "no internet service" listed, then you must go out and back in through Safari to log in again. This will work eventually. It can take 7 or 8 attempts before it works. but usually works best if you turn your phone off and on again to reset it before each attempt. Even then however, many of your functions will not work. I could only text with one person, the rest of my contacts had to go through messenger. No email and no facebook. This is the Caribe system that has the problem. At the airport you are given a card with a user number and code and it works just fine. In summary, The weather was amazing, as was the beach. I would not recommend the Diamond Club at this resort as it is just not worth the money. I really loved Flamenco three years ago, but would not likely return to Caribe. I love Cuba and the Cuban people, but I notice that there has been a definate change in the past 2 years. Perhaps its COVID or there is another reason, but smiles are at a premium.

Gran Muthu Rainbow Cayo Guillermo: BEST CUBAN RESORT I'VE BEEN TO!!

Where do i even begin to explain our satisfaction with this resort... To start off, the staff made our experience what is was. An absolute dream of a vacation. The waiting staff were tentative to our needs, and encouraged us to try new things (food was the best ive had at any cuban resort. Was a smaller selection but everything tasted FANTASTIC.) The bartenders were so personable and knew our drink orders as soon as we walked up to the bars. The cleaning staff were so on top of keeping our ro [... read more]oms tidy and the resort spotless so it was always pleasing to the eye. The gardeners were always at work every day keeping the plants, soil, and walkways tidy and kept green with no dead leaves behind. The lobby/concierge staff knew of our reason for being at the resort (for a brand photoshoot trip) and helped us get the most out of every aspect of the grounds to ensure our pictures turned out the way we wanted them to. Even upgraded our room free of charge to top floor ocean view! And lastly the entertainment team, the best people I have ever met while on vacation. Not only did we meet great friends to keep us company while staying at their resort, we also made life long friends that we chat with every day back at home. They ensured everyone participated in what made them feel safe and comfortable doing while also trying to step out of their comfort zones and have a good time! There was always great music playing while also taking song requests if you wanted to listen to something new! They always had games and dance classes going for you to join in on if you felt desired to! This team went above and beyond for our time here and we got to know each other so personally and deeply that I will forever cherish our time we had until we get to return to visit them once again! The resort itself is so aesthetically pleasing, looks like something out of Tulum or Bali! Very natural and modern vibes! The water is so blue and turquoise, white sandy beaches with cliffs and rocks to take amazing photos for social media (what we utilized them for), and also a private island just a short catamaran ride away (free of charge!!) There isn't enough good words to say about this resort without me going on and on for hours, but just know we will for sure be heading back in the next few months, thats how perfect our stay was. If you're looking for a fun/authentic/nature heavy cuban resort, look no further. Gran Muthu Rainbow will be your home away from home!