Viva La Cuba

We had booked to stay at Lis Galeanos, which we had loved in a past visit. On arrival however we found we were transferred to the sister resort ‘Sierra Mar’ while Galeanos under went renovations. We didn’t really want a big resort but found Sierra Mar quite pleasant, like Cuba in general the people were friendly and warm, the beach was fantastic, there was lots to do, there was a small town nearby to explore…. Cuba is still rebounding from the pandemic, there were only 28 people at our gorgeous  [... read more]resort of 100 rooms. The airport in San Diego is not taking flights right now. We had to travel from Holguin which was a trek but it meant we were off the beaten path- we loved that.

This resort is now closed ,everyone transferred to Sierra Mar

Some people very unhappy about the sudden change, was there from Nov 28 to December 12, hotel is not ready, lack of everything including tourists, will not return until things improve a lot, employees do their best with what they have but for the price paid, not worth it, use Holguin airport and bus people for 4 hours after to get there, loose the first and last day travelling to and from airport

Guardalavaca…should have been Los Galeones

My original booking for a December 2022 holiday at the hotel Brisas Los Galeones was cancelled by HolaSun. Sadly the hotel was not open at this time. I am hopeful that this beautiful hotel will be available for international tourism in the near future as it was a favourite among many of us and really nothing can compare. Brisas Guardalavaca was offered as an alternative and it was nice if not as tranquil. Thank you Cuba for being such gracious hosts especially in these continuing turbulent time [... read more]s.

Wonderful Little Hidden Resort

This is the second time we have been to Los Galeones. If you want to party all the time, this place might not be for you. If you want a quiet place with friendly staff beautiful weather and a great chance to make life long friends, This is a great place. It is not a new Resort but very clean. The food was always plentiful and good tasting, they even BBQ’D a whole pig one night. The staff are amazing, they really look after you well. When we returned this year they greet you like long lost fr [... read more]iends. There are goats that come every day for a visit and a drink. The place is fantastic if you just want to relax. The climb down to the beach is not as hard as the climb back up ( 300 steps) but most people can do it and spend a lovely day by the sea with a made to order lunch if you wish, a bar, shower and washroom facilities. Most people who come here return year after year, we might too.

Tranquil

This resort is worth the visit. Set on the top of a hill overlooking the town of Chivirico and the ocean. The views from any rooms are breathtaking. Goats will visit and drink from the pool on occasion. Food is exceptional!! Very clean resort. The staff will accommodate your needs,,,,,just have to ask. Take a flashlight with you and walk down the hill after dinner and visit the town of Chivirico.

Tranquility at is best.

This hotel provided a picturesque view of the ocean and town of Chivirico. Pool is extremely well kept and sparkling clean. The food was the best surprise!! It was like having your own personal chef at each meal. Staff are exceptional. Would book this resort over and over again.

Relaxing resort, peaceful setting

Friendly staff, tasty freshly made food even though repetitive Clean rooms, bed mats not very comfortable, loud air-conditioning Nice views from the whole resort, possibility to see domestic animals, perfect for people who like small hotels with a family like feel Nice sandy beach with trees, chairs, swimming and snorkeling 300 steps to the beach Live music everyou night Not for people who like disco, loud crowds and parties

One week was too short

Just got back from one week there. Regret it was not two week stay. Very relaxing. Food very good, not much selection but what is served is delicious. Very friendly staff. Made lots of new friends. Beach worth the climb all those stairs. Excellent bar at the beach, with full lunch served daily, no problem finding long chair and shade, great swimming and snorkeling. All this makes you stay at the beach all day. Nearby village very nice and friendly. Cuban music every night. After many stays at va [... read more]rious resorts in Cubs, first time we want to come back for another stay and we will bring friends with us.

Unique Resort...Wonderful Staff

We just returned from a 2 week trip to Brisas Los Galeones. It has been 3 years since our last visit there. Some improvements are gradually being made to the resort ...new Westinghouse remote controlled air conditions, and new sinks in the bathrooms. As always we thoroughly enjoyed the 2 weeks and were warmly welcomed back by the staff. With only 32 rooms at the resort you will quickly meet all of the other guests and have new friends by the time you head home. The rooms are basic but clean and  [... read more]comfortable. Views are amazing.

Music/People/Beach/Views

It was my 5th time at Galeones...not a resort for everyone perhaps but it is laid back, quiet, and the local music is good as are the people. The Beach is 293 steps down the hill so be a little fit before you come. There are no bad rooms. The views are all good and the rooms are all the same. People have their preferences after a while. You can't reserve but you can hope! The food is fine, actually very good for me. Not in the middle of nowhere with Chivirico right there at the bottom of the hil [... read more]l. Be prepared for a culture shock. We have so much and they don't.

Friendly and relaxing resort.

I know the place and the people working in the Hotel, if I keep going there, I must like it. Sometimes there are few (very few) unfriendly guests but we are all different, after all for them maybe I am the undesirable one. Viva Fidel, Viva Cuba.

Hidden gem

Much cleaner and comfortable then average Cuban resort,very quite with friendly stuff probably most scenic view around then any other resort in Cuba Beautiful beach, very nice guests, may be too quite for some vacationers

Rustic & Restful.......

My Husband and I have been to various ( i.e. 4 ) resorts in Cuba in the past and this was one of our favourites to date. Every room appears to be ocean view even ones that say garden view. The 300 stairs to the beach mean the views are lovely. The beach is a sandy cove though the swimming is a bit stony so shoe wear helps......lunch is served there so literally it is just one trek up and down per day though obviously not for the disabled. The staff are friendly as are the guests who because it  [... read more]is a small resort many appear come back for years. It is not for those that wish to have a 'wild' nightlife however suited us to the 't.' We took one day trip in an old 1952 taxi into Santiago and visited Castro's grave and the Cathedral on the hill overlooking Santiago. The changing of the guard was a bonus & happens every few hours I presume.

Beautiful

The resort itself was well kept, clean. The town itself boasts amazing views and wonderful people. The food and amenities were okay. But what makes this place special was the scenery and the people

I'd go back again.

2018 January 10-17th - My 4th trip to Cuba and this resort. Other trips were in 09,10, and 2011. Many of the same people were there: both guests and workers. It is small and "homey". Not exactly roughing it as the rooms have vaulted ceilings, nice large balconies and views, but this place is not high end. I go for the views OMG, mountains and sea and lagoon, and sunsets. The beach is picturesque with shade trees when you need to get out of the sun, and a lovely "small" bar/resaurant right there  [... read more]with a real wood fired BBQ. Be prepared for the 293 steps up to the resort. Oh yes. Benches offer a place to rest half way up. I am almost 70 and had no problem but the resort is built on top of a high hill the sticks out into the ocean. Watch for the strong undertow if you snorkel. I went out too far and had quite a time getting back in one day. Alert the life guard if you are going out. The music is fantastic and varied and of very high caliber. The 100 and 200 blocks face south and are furthest away from the "centre" of the resort so have the quietest rooms. Sunsets are seen from the 300 and a little from the 200 blocks. North views from the 400 and 500 blocks have additional views of Chivirico, the town at the bottom of the hill, and the ocean lagoon and the beautiful mountains. Can't go wrong. No wonder there are so many repeaters. It will be difficult for me to go somewhere else but I know I should.....

Cozy and pleasing but rates getting too high

Wonderful place for a quiet getaway but rates have been too high lately. Clearly people are not booking, as there were only about 8 guests at the resort during our most recent stay. It is a small place but this is not a good sign. For a peaceful, off the beaten track oasis without great beach for swimming, rates need to be more reasonable to compensate. There used to be more long-stay guests as well as us short-stay but apparently they tripled the rate and lost nearly all of them. Wish  [... read more]they would just do what they do best, at a reasonable rate.

Small gem, small pool, high on a hill!!

We spent 1 wk in Nov 17, unfortunately it rained 3 days out of 6, we visited Chivirico, small village at 5he bottom of the hill, also to get to small beach, walk down 291 steps, very steep incline, food just so so, service great, rooms very clean, from Los Galeones, there is a shuttle to sister hotel (9am to 5pm) lunch on site available either at beach restaurant or at buffet on 4th floor, there is a better beach, larger pool. I don’t think I would return as not very much activity available.

Los Galeones - April 2017

Small, intimate gem in Cuba! Wonderful and friendly staff who go out of their way to make your stay memorable. Unusual array of entertainment from the cats, goats, chickens, lizards and iguanas! Will definitely return again and again to this resort.

Cuba's best kept secret!

Just back from another great stay in Los Galeones for the 21st time. This is a unique boutique hotel in Guama province 74K west of Santiago. Only 32 rooms, adult only, a great place for a quiet holiday.Not for the mobility challenged as the great little snorkelling beach is 296 steps down the hill. However, the facilities and pool above are well maintained, absent the odd power failure and occasional water shortage, not unusual for Cuba. The food is great, the staff are wonderful, the rooms are  [... read more]clean and comfortable, and guests, most of whom are long time repeaters, are very sociable. What more could you want? it's Cuba's best kept secret.

Wonderful for some, but not for everyone!

Truly great staff and manager Eddie is awesome. Good food, Lovely and tranquil atmosphere. Great place for a very quiet, relaxing vacation. Small resort, so you will have opportunity to get to know the staff and some other fellow travellers. Mostly quiet, book-reading or hiking/cycling folks who are interesting to meet and who enjoy this truly intimate setting. View of mountains and sea all around is lovely. Nice little restaurant at the bottom of the mountain is great if you need a change o [... read more]f scenery. Evenings great musicians come up from the village to sing during dinner. The beauty of eating outside and listening to local Cuban music with no amplification is truly heavenly! NOT a party place, not suitable for those who need any activities to be provided or looking for any nightlife. One tiny backyard-sized pool, one small 8' bar, one small dining room. 34 rooms in 5 one-storey blocks. Period. The whole resort sits on maybe 2 acres total at the top of the little mountain. Steep climb down nearly 300 cement stairs to the very small beach with lots of big rocks scattered in the water, frequent red flags and strong current/undertow. Some little tide pools to sit in are nice. Some folks manage to snorkel a bit, but this beach has some really serious limitations for swimmers. Super steep hill down to the village, means being very mobile/fit or arranging a cab for 3CUC each way. Not anything at all for tourists in that village, though it is nice to walk around and see how the Cuban people live. Rooms are quite nice but mattresses a bit hard or lumpy. Sometimes the water goes off, sometimes for a few days at a time and people flush their toilets with water bucketed from the pool. Staff do their best with repairs. A place ONLY for the easy-going and adaptable! This is the kind of place you either love and find charming and endearing, or you are bored, dissatisfied, disappointed and swear never to return to again. Not much reaction in the middle it seems. So consider carefully before booking here. It really isn't for everyone.