Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Perfect Week in Paradise

This was our first ever time visiting Cuba, and our experience at Sanctuary at Grand Memories made it perfect. The resort is beautiful and clearly well maintained. Rooms were spacious and clean and the housekeeping staff was wonderful, leaving beautiful surprises for us in the room. The beach is absolutely breathtaking! What stands out most about the resort though, is the amazing staff. They are the kindest and most accommodating people I’ve met. From the kitchen staff, to the amazingly talented [... read more] entertainment staff, everyone was awesome. Especially the Butlers. We had the pleasure of having Diego and Rudy as our butlers and they went above and beyond every day to make sure everything about our stay was perfect. Rudy helped my fiancé plan a birthday surprise for me on our last night, and made it a night to remember including my very own fresh made cake!! Rudy is just an awesome guy and made our visit wonderful!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria: Amazing staff!

Rudy was the BEST staff member we encountered on our trip. He was super helpful, kind and made it the absolute best. 100% recommend this resort for all the staff, but especially Rudy. Thank you to all!

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: A very nice resort on one of the world's best beaches in a beautiful country.

We two seniors just returned from our first visit to the Royalton Hicacos (a local shrub's name) Jan 9 - 16; our 10th Cuban trip to various resort locations on the island. The resort was less than full during our trip, and had guests mostly from Canada, plus a few Brits and even some Russians. Overview: A lovely, convenient location and a very pretty resort. That beach and warm sea! Great and responsive staff. Undergoing gradual renovation to modernise the site. Spacious room and bathroom  [... read more]with good housekeeping services. Excellent bars and small stores in the central area. Good value overall. Just don't expect the food range and cooking expertise of Mexico, DR or other Caribbean places. Best things: The Sunwing flight left on time and was only 3 hours 10 minutes long. The Cuban people, whether they were the folks working on the resort or those we met outside, were friendly, kind, smiling, invariably polite and helpful. The location: not far from the Varadero airport, pretty, compact and easy to navigate around. All the buildings are only a short walk to the magnificent beach with its shallow blue water and powdery sand. The Jazz Bar near the buffet: a great pianist, excellent service and a nice intimate break. The room: spacious and comfortable with lots of storage and no problem with hot water. The front desk staff and the butlers: great English, easy to deal with and responsive. We had to move rooms from our original, very newly renovated room (its fresh paint smell set off my wife's allergies) to an older but very functional room of the same size. The "Bistro" aka Snack Bar runs 24/7 and the staff were wonderful; great fries and Capuchinos too. And the ice cream outlet opposite has lovely flavors we don't get back home. The Sunwing reps: very helpful, easily available to guests, and with lots of good suggestions. Brenda assisted us very efficiently with getting our room changeover completed by the front desk. The main pool area bar staff - especially the hard-working ladies there - who were quick, fun and were fine with serving the better brands. Our drinks (beer, brandy, red wine and Champagne mostly) were excellent everywhere. Lots of ripe papaya in the buffet; most of the fruit was good there. The breads, yucca and sweet potatoes were tasty and the salmon was surprisingly good. The combo that played each night in the main pool bar (which is so pretty) was good, playing a nice range of mostly Latin music. The Nexus tour local excursion - to the sugar cane plantation and factory; rum distillery and shop; and cigar bar with cigar rolling demonstration - was very enjoyable. The complimentary cigar and bottle of rum for each person were unexpected and very appreciated, as were the generous rum tastings. The most interesting sight? Seeing workers going to their morning jobs in a traditional horse and buggy (as well as mostly using Chinese-supplied buses, of course) while checking their smart phones as the horse trotted along. The very old and modern all together; go figure. What we did not enjoy so much: The flight to Varadero was cold. Crazy to see lots of people wearing their winter coats inside the plane. The flight back was the same, until lots of folks complained. We were told only the Boeing 737's pilot could control the heating. If true, it is probably because jet planes use extra fuel to heat the cabin; so cheap. We took lots of small, everyday items down with us to give to locals. I asked Sunwing beforehand if we could perhaps exceed the 50 pounds checked bag limit very slightly if necessary. I got back a very firm "NO" email, ironically from the "Sunwing Cares" email address. The way the buffet was set up led to needless line-ups and could be organised much better. The older cooks used excessive salt on everything and cooked food for too long, although we found a younger cook who was great. Butter was available at breakfast; not at other times. But I was able to get a staff person to find me some little butter servings in the kitchen when I asked. The entertainment was limited but the Opera Music night sounded good, the dancers are very good at everything they attempted, and the Water Ballet was the week's highlight. But we were driven away from the shows because the sound level each night was way excessive, far louder than would be permitted in any workplace in Ontario. Why pay good money to damage your hearing? Best to take ear plugs. The same complaint applies to the combo that played in the main bar: the music was great but do they ever need to turn down that volume; folks go there to socialise and chat, not to shout at each other to be heard. The music at the beach, which is often one of our favorites, was poor. Most of it was not Latin music, just the monotonous, computerised stuff teenagers back home seem to like now. Where were the lovely Salsa, Bachata and Meringue tunes, etc. that let you know you are in Cuba? Bottom line: A very nice resort on one of the world's best beaches in a beautiful country that somehow retains its humor, warmth and social cohesion. And all this despite living under communism for 65 years while still waiting for the revolution's benefits to arrive. The Cubans we met travelling around know the regime's days are numbered and change will come. They also know the US embargo has back-fired, by giving the regime a constant excuse to hide its own faults and flawed socialist ideology. Go visit Cuba soon, while it is still unique.

Iberostar Selection Esmeralda: Amazing

This resort was 10/10. There was always lots of food. The room was comfortable. The branch was absolutely beautiful. All the staff was super friendly and helpful. Jorge and Wilfred were very kind and helpful. My family and I will be returning

Hotel Playa Coco: Amazingly beautiful

This resort had everything for everyone. Well kept grounds, lots a choices on the different menus and of course great people. Buildings have or are being renovated and the gym/spa facility is up to par. Weather was on our side this time again. We can not wait to go back.

Starfish Varadero: Great resort

This resort was definitely a good resort for the beach, pool, and activity staff. The food like anywhere in Cuba is the same at the buffet. We enjoyed the pool bar food. And had dinner at the spoons restaurant it was amazing. The main lobby’s of the hotel were nice but the rooms, hallways and a few other things could be cleaned up and updated. Our overall experience was good we would come back to this resort.

Hotel Rancho Luna: the queen is showing her aga

we have been to Racho Luna off and on since 2009 and this is the last time...what has changed? no eggs for breakfast no roast turkey, pig or chicken once a week. the morning cook doing the pan cakes flattens them once they start to raise up so you get hard cakes not pancakes juice jugs but no glasses 4 times we had to go look for plates and or bowls ice cream was being served one day but no glasses or spoons exhaust fan did not work in bathroom so there was lots of BLACK MOLD on the wall [... read more]s and ceiling, yuck.... the doors were hard to open and close as they drag on the ground ,,,,,most of the staff were fine and it was nice to meet some old friends, the grounds and beach were still in good shape.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: Ok

Positive: I liked the staff, very nice and friendly. Very good service. Onsite doctor very helpful. The resort itself is beautiful, with nice pools, a snack bar opened 24/7, nice rooms with comfy beds, AC working and hot shower. THE BEACH is my major positive aspect of this resort, with snorkling spots, beautiful sand and water. We enjoyed it very much. Downsides: We had 2 rooms, both of which had issues with locks that were only temporarily fixed, and caused us issues the whole time. The  [... read more]buffet was full of options, but not the best options. I know it's Cuba. I was not expecting much, especially that our family has dietary restrictions. Pork is in almost everything, even salads, rice and beans. We were hoping for more vegetarian/fish/seafood options. Restaurants are basically the same as the buffet, but with less options, service and nice presentation. Again, not complaining, we had a good deal and ate ok overall. If you have strict food restrictions, might be better to go to another resort. There is entertainment all over the place. Buffet with a band, a stage with shows at night and music starting at 10 am which we hear at the buffet, music and animation team at the beach. I put it on the downside list only because we tend to prefer a more calm resort, but could be a positive aspect to people who likes this kind of ambiance. Overall we had a good deal and enjoyed the beach. However, I would not go back to Holgin, Cuba overall. Too far from the very old and obsolete airport. Was not a fun traveling experience.

Valentin Cayo Cruz: Amazing resort

As usal in Cuba the service is excellent. The rooms are spacious and always clean. The grounds are well maintained. The beach is beautiful. My only critism is that there should be washrooms closer to the beach.

Grand Aston Cayo Paredon Beach Resort: Grand Aston

Our vacation was Jan 8 to 15th in lovely Cayo Paradon. The resort was beautiful, the lobby big and airy. The rooms were great, big and roomy. The beach was beautiful, lots of chairs and great bars and lunch areas to eat. The buffet was almost always crowded, no matter the time of arrival. There were not enough cooks behind the stations. The food was good, we understand the problems Cuba is and has had. If you like or are French Canadian a/o have children, then this is the resort for you.  [... read more] The specialty restaurants were great, the Italian and Asian were the two we were able to attend. Overall, we had a great time.

Melia Jardines del Rey: Great hotel - amazing vacation!

We love this hotel! The room was clean and comfy! The food was tasty, fresh and good choice! The buffet is clean! No flies. Staff is friendly and helpful! Service is good! Perfect location! Management is good! Thank you for a great time. Will be back for sure!

Playa Pesquero: Best teip

Trip was great, agent was super helpful and answered all my questions and requested. I would recommend same location. Food was great. Service and rooms very nice. ………………………………………………………….,,..,,,,,,,,,,,

Club Kawama: Amazing beach bacation!

The hotel has an amazing beach, great buffet (including a pasta bar!), cold drinks and friendly staff! I stayed in one of the beachfront rooms with a huge balcony! There was nightly entertainment and it is in walking distance to many bars, restaurants and markets

Iberostar Origin Daiquiri: Exceeded expectations

Surprisingly, after so many bad news in the media about various shortages, this resort had everything. The food was fresh and variated, rooms were very clean and cleaned every day, the bar had what we wanted and no waiting lines, the staff amazing! Cannot think of negatives for this resort, 4 star indeed.

Iberostar Selection Ensenachos: Amazing resort,beach and the people!

I had the most incredible experience at Iberostar Ensenachos. The moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality and breathtaking views. The resort is slightly old but well maintained with easy access to the crystal-clear waters. One of the best beaches I have ever been to in the Caribbeans. The rooms were spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with everything I needed for a relaxing stay. The staff, especially Rachel M and many others (can't remember names now), went above and be [... read more]yond to ensure my comfort, providing top-notch service with a smile. Amazing staff in the entire resort. Only tried the Buffet as we were with 2 kiddos and was great with lots of options to choose from. I can't wait to return to this place and Highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful beach getaway.

Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas: Nice resort

Well this was our first holiday like this and it was nice and everything but you need to bring some stuff from home the bugs were bad needed bug spray the resort should stock some should also stock some different pills from Canada for us Canadians if you don’t plan it can ruin your trip so we got sick when there and there was no where to get meds to get better the resort was nice most people were great some were not so great so really it would depend on what you are looking for in a resort to sa [... read more]y if I would recommend this resort or not if you want to just stay on a resort and not explore Cuba at all and do the few excursions they have then yes go there if you are looking for a place that you can explore Cuba a bit then find a different resort near a town this one is 48kms away from a town so if you just want to stay on the resort and go to the pool or beach then this could be the place for you if you like snacks bring your own if you like salad dressing bring your own.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Great service!

Overall it wasn’t too bad. The service is what made it a good experience. The room that I stayed in smelled like mold and did not have hot water. Finally they upgraded me to their VIP section which was a lot better but don’t expect the same cleanliness as North American, middle eastern and European hotels. There was smudges all over the place and the sheets were old. But overall, it was tolerable. The only true bad experience I had was at the hotel’s cigar shop on Sunday January 12th whe [... read more]re the lady was super rude. She made me and my friends feel as we were a nuisance to her asking questions. She then ended up throwing change at me without saying thank you. She ruined the whole experience. It’s sad that it happened on the last night too as it left a sour taste in our mouths.

Tryp Cayo Coco: my Favorite

Tryp Cayo Coco. love this place. some may think it's quiet but it is what you make of it. Cuba is notorious for shortages but I've yet to experience anything serious. i had a morning of no water, but it was back by noon. 5th time there. always traveling with family and friends, some we met there previously. No single supplement in Dec. back again this year! I bring my guitar.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Reasonable resort

Resort facilities are OK but it's starting to show its age. Biggest issue is lack of info or mis communication. For example there are no info on restaurants or entertainment (shows) or the info displayed if you are lucky to find a posting is incorrect. Our 3 year old granddaughter was crying as we didn't get the correct info on children show and we were sitting in dark theater for hour waiting while the show was somewhere else. Generally you need to find a performer and ask, as there are no  [... read more]schedules anywhere. Restaurants menus sometimes exist but you can not expect the dishes on them to be available. Reservations are best effort and we ended up at 2 different tables after being assured that we will be able to eat together, also our reservation was lost once and made to hr which did not exist at the restaurant twice meaning the reservation process lacking. Food mostly ok, we understand Cuba chalenges. Generally worst is chaos and misinformation. But the staff was helpful and friendly. Beaches beautiful. Sunshine always welcome.

Hotel Playa Coco: Great vacation

Hotel Playa Coco is a great little resort. We had a fabulous few days there. The resort is right on the beach, the first room we got was off in the bushes and the doors didn't lock, was pretty run down - requested a room change and ended up in an oceanview room - and while the room is in need of repair (rust, stains, etc), it is clean and cared for. The staff are friendly, we had no shortages of anything (alcohol, food, electricity), and the beach is just beautiful. The food options were typ [... read more]ical for Cuba, so if you're expecting gourmet dining this isn't the place for you - but we don't go there for the food: we always had a selection of breads, fruits, veggies and fresh fish that was delicious. Thank you.