Well I can certainly understand why this resort was named Paradisus. It is indeed a tropical paradise! The grounds are beautifully landscaped, showcasing nature at it's best! When you arrive at the front of the resort on the Royal Service side, you will be in awe of the spectacular view of the ocean amidst the lush vegetation and coral rock. The walking paths very pleasant to wander on. You could stroll through the Botanical Garden or take a guided walk accross the bridge to visit an ecological reserve.The staff on both sides, Royal service and standard service were very friendly, professionnal and accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed all À la carte restaurents. The food was delicious and masterly presented! We never had any food shortages at the buffet on the standard side. There were however no bananas and pineapple when we were there due to Hurricane Melissa that destroyed many plantations. However, plenty of fresh papaya, guava, watermelon, sweet potato, pumpkin and different fresh juice such as mango and many, many fresh pastries and ice cream for you to enjoy! There were however a few minor hiccups. The check in was a litttle confusing. Upon arrival from the airport, we waited for 30 minutes in the main lobby before speaking with the frontdesk and there was only a handful of us getting off the bus. After 15 minutes of speaking with the front clerk, she told us that we would get a shuttle to the royal service side. We waited another 10-15 minutes for our shuttle and upon arrival to the Royal side, waited a little longer. By that time, we were famished and tired. I don't know why, we were not asked as soon as we got off the bus, what service we had reserved and then go from there? The service provided after that was exceptional! The rooms on the Royal service side were very spacious. We were in the last building 9400. This building is just across from the path that leads to the private Royal Service Beach. If you want to get your 10 000 daily steps in, this is the building to be in. It is a little further away from the lobby, however there is a shuttle that you can request from your butler at any time to pick you up and drive you to your desired location. The outside shower was quite pleasant and it had a strong flow. However, when there was a downpour, we had to be mindful of the leaking bathroom window; for the bathroom floor would flood and it could get slippery especially during those nightly bathroom visits. The entertainment was top notch! We saw and heard opera singers, other talented singers, musicians and magic acts. The beach club staff was amazing, always wanting you to try something new: darts, learning spanish, dancing, history, tours around the resort, yoga, pickle ball, tennis.... We love visiting Cuba for the people, their culture and the beaches! We have met many return visitors at this resort and I can honestly say that I understand why!

beautiful grounds garden but the bartenders very arrogant they always expect tips without doing a good job they make you they make you wait to attend you they talking to each other laughing and they ask you after 5 to 10 minutes seems like they`re doing you a favor and the food just warm never hot the worse worst experience ever had in Cuba and i was in royal service that is not worth the money was a bartender in the morning shit never smile if you ask him for something that the bar do not had he replies go and see the manger been rude like he does not need are business he does not have the attitude to serve guests in this hotel and some waiters to .i been 7 times in Cuba, 5 times in Varadero 2 times in Cayo Coco this was my first time and last time in Holguin because of some employees don't deserve to work there. and thanks for nothing i had work hard for my money when i was young. let them work hard to. they are not in vacation ,but they are their to serve us not doing a favor to us as clients...

The resort was lovely, not too big or small. The grounds were lovely, especially the incredible sandy beach. What really made the trip special was the staff, Alex and Luis from the animation team, and Leo and Marise from the pool bar especially. Incredible effort was put into providing a variety of dishes with limited resources; many options are available, even for picky eaters.

After a countless number of visits to this wonderful resort, it once again did not disappoint. Everything from the lush well tended gardens to food presentation was above expectations. But it is the staff, who have become a second family, that push this resort above all others! Lina Cordovez, the Royal Service Manager, always does all in her power to make our stay perfect. We are always amazed when the Los Helechos team remembers what our favourite beverages are AND even my bell pepper allergy! EACH and EVERY one of them go above and beyond! I will not name everyone for fear of missing someone. Yalienny and Marisely, with their beautiful smiles, are the best bartenders/baristas in Cuba. We came out purring after our couples massages which, even with the ongoing renovations, were professional and relaxing. Thanks to Yanis Brown for arranging our spa time. Each of the a la carte restaurants and buffet offer many delicious choices and unique experiences. While we are well aware of the everyday struggles of our Cuban friends, the smiles and service provided is a tribute to the dedication of the team at this resort. Do yourself and favour and go see for yourself!

The resort has a large number of small buildings rather than one huge hotel. With the pathways around the area there is an all round peaceful feeling. Nice beach with some coral at the end for snorkeing.

We had such a pleasant and relaxed time at Paradisus Rio d'Oro. The grounds are lovely, the rooms spacious and clean, the food tasty and plentiful. The staff work hard to keep all guests happy. The beach is beautiful white sand and it's so soothing to watch and listen to the waves. It's a great place to escape winter for a while. It's no wonder that I met so many people who have been going there year after year.

This was our first time to this resort, 2nd time in Holguin area. Its a mature resort. Grounds are lush, beautifully taken care of. A La Carte restaurants dinners where delicious and service was excellent. Stayed on the Royal side section but checked out the main side also. Main beach and RS beaches where beautiful, snorkeling at both locations where awesome.

I have stayed at this resort many times. They are amazing people and always go out of their way to help you with anything. The food is amazing at this resort. There are times when there are shortages such as butter and eggs but this is out of their control. The grounds keepers do a great job and the gardens are beautiful. The pool and pool bar are great and Leo and Maurice are great bartenders. As for the snack bar it’s great and they make wonderful pizzas. The bartenders there are always willing to please. The beach restaurant and bar are great and overlooks the ocean. It’s beautiful for lunch. The spa is stunning and the employees there are wonderful. I have always had a great vacation at this resort . The maid service is great and always keep the rooms immaculate. All in All great resort. The management is very helpful with any questions you may have

Grounds are very well kept with some interesting Art and Decorative features if you take the time to look. Rooms are spacious but do lack a bit of maintenance. Yes your choice of English speaking TV channels is limited, but I didn't spend my Vacation sitting in the room watching television or staring at the inside of our room. Food choices were adequate at the Main Buffett as we as the Pool and Beach Restaurants considering the shortages being experienced all over the Island. The Gourmet Restaurants were however disappointing possibly due to my choice of orders, Don't order Steak!, I could see the marks where the Jockey was beating on it before it landed on my plate..... Good thing Buffet was still open. Weight Loss was not a problem and my clothes continued to shrink. I would still rate this Resort above average for Cuba. Staff are extremely wonderful and if I had a Suitcase big enough, I would bring a few of them home. GOLDEN Rule of Travel #1 If you travel and expect things to be the same as they are at Home....... Stay Home! GOLDEN Rule #2 If all else fails..... Read Rule #1

hotel was very clean and good food we stil like the horse an buggy we did we went whit him to un hicking trail . One ouwer hicking to the caves .that trip was perfect an on top hy made un meal for us .So al together we spent somewere 4 ouwers whit him ,wolking plus diner on the farm fore the cost off $50 dollars were he was happy whit. this was un wonderful day we will never forget

Overall great experience, you'll have a hard job finding a better resort in Cuba. Surprisingly good food, but fruit and vegetables were lacking the first couple days until an order arrived (still random shortages after that, no cola/no bacon). Royal service room was cleaned twice a day. No issues with towel/beach towels. Water in room everyday, beer and juice sometimes. Outside Shower was amazing, and lots of hot water. Main beach was better for swimming than Royal side, but Royal had better sand with quiet atmosphere. Staff were mostly great, (and responded faster with $ in your hand). A lot of walking if you didn't want to wait for the shuttle which was unreliable at times. Infinity pool in royal side lobby has a stunning view. Recommend Royal side if you want a more relaxing vacation. Travelled solo and the single supplement was high ($500), which makes it overpriced but great value if travelling as a couple.

Holguin is quite lovely. Had not been to the area before. We stayed in Royal Service which was very quiet, peaceful, and private. If you are choosing Cuba then you are accepting that limitations exist with products, food availability, etc. Lovely staff, kind service, and first stop for drop off from the airport. Love the outdoor shower with our room.

Taking in account situation in Cuba in my opinion it is the best option. I can not talk about food inthe buffet since we never use it. We booked the Royal Service for 11 days and it was money well spent. All meals we ate in a la carr, including breakfast lunch and 5 different restaurants. No complains whatsoever. There was no butter only margarine and no Cola in the resort, sometimes they were out of certain alcohol brands but manageable. The resort is beautiful and well managed the staff is very friendly. Again for Cuba, very good choice. They have very high number of returning customers, warning mature customers and the Royal Service side is very quiet.

Hotel older but well kept very clean Lobby , buffet spacius clean good WIFI good food for Cuba lacking with drinks do no Tonic Water somethimes no Coke ..limited fruits and non alchoclic drinks.Nice Beach .

The lobby area is attractive and is centre for restaurants, entertainment and bars. The Ocean view room is well situated for pool and beach and 5 minute walk to lobby etc The beach and pool areas were great. The room was spacious and well equipped but a little run down but bed and seating were fine. The grounds in that area were not groomed and no direct view of beach but most of grounds were nice. Food was ok, nothing spectacular but plentiful (except no bacon, limited fruit and no potatoes so do not expect fries). Some professional musicians (flute, classical guitar, viola) were excellent and rest of entertainment average! Staff excellent and most spoke excellent English.

As always amazing and attentive. We were happy with food choices and extremely happy with service. Hotel is beautiful, rooms are clean and comfortable and we were not missing anything.Thank you so much Paradisus staff for making our vacation experience exceptional.

Nice resort, well maintained grounds, friendly staff. decent food, good service, big clean rooms. We have returned to this resort many times in the last fifteen years and hope to return again sometime in the future.

I had a wonderful experience at this resort. I highly recommend going if you’re looking to relax. The crowd seemed to be largely 40+ with a mix of couples and solo travellers. It was an hour bus ride from the airport. I was surprised to find that my room had been upgraded to the ‘Royal Service’ section. The Royal room was incredibly nice, large closet, spacious bathrooms and tub and the outdoor shower was the best I’ve ever seen. The Royal restaurant had great al a carte food options. The Royal pool and beach were definitely quieter and more relaxed but great if you want the privacy. The main pool was large and had music and activities everyday. The main beach had a good spot for snorkeling and a hut to request equipment or go sailing. The food at restaurants was presented beautifully on the plates. I wasn’t expecting anything much from the cuisine in cuba, but it tasted pretty good. I highly recommend the Japanese experience. The entertainment was great, the dancers were so fun to watch. The resort grounds were well kept and had some nice paths for going on a walk. There’s also a small horse ranch just over the bridge with a few animals. They offer horse rides through trails or on the beach. The animals looked rather skinny, but the riding experience was pleasant! The gym was decent with a small selection of equipment, and free weights. The spa unfortunately was under renovation. The staff were all very friendly and provided exceptional service.

It depends what you book. You can book basic room, junior deluxe, deluxe and royal service. If I come again, I would book at least junior deluxe suite. We had A C broken and it took few hours to be fixed and then after fixing it , I had to call again for someone to come and clean up the mess. All my stuff in the bathroom by the sink was wet. The resort is quieter than others, and it is older (more than 20 years old) Our beach was small and rocky (good for snorkeling). You could go to the next resort beach and swim there. People complain about beach chairs, that there was not enough of them. Food and entertainment were great.

The first thing to remember is ... this is Cuba. Expectations should be managed accordingly. Exceeded expectations: The people. Absolutely marvelous. Friendly. Helpful. Smiling. Grateful. The live music. The band was incredible. Especially Claudia. Room size - HUGE. King bed, sitting area, big bathroom - spotlessly clean every day. Some of the food - pasta made-to-order, croissants, the Japanese Restaurant was THE BEST (show and food)! Met expectations: Food (in general). Decided lack of fresh greens or fruit, but lots of variety with meat, rice, pasta and desserts. The Grounds - lovely in spite of some hurricane damage. The Pool - very nice, big, clean and warm. Beneath expectations: Problem solving was VERY slow. First day I was locked out of my room THREE times before they fixed it. A few days later I could not lock my room (and there was no deadbolt) and that also took far to long to correct. The light outside our rooms was out several times - very dark and very dangerous. No hot water (but just for a few hours and only once). Coffee - pretty horrible whether specialty of restaurant. Beach walk is a slog. Heavy sand, only about a mile in length and tons of work to walk it. Never enough beach loungers. Lots of bugs. All in all, this is a good resort for the money and I would highly recommend ... as long as you remember ... this is Cuba! Go for the sun and the people and the music!

We were at this property a week after hurricane Melissa. The resort is charming but is in need of certain renovations (nothing to do with the hurricane). Rooms are dated but clean, AC works, hot water readily available and bed was comfortable. The drawers on some of the dressers do not work and the safe is old and can be temperamental. Food was decent, plenty of it but fresh fresh fruit and vegetables were limited. Snack bar had the best coffee. Service was hit or miss, but it was only a week after the hurricane, so there could have been staffing shortages. Beach is rocky as you first approach, but the further you walk the softer it becomes. We brought water shoes and did not use them. Beach washrooms have no door handles on the inside, making it a challenge to exit. Pools are cleaned every morning and are pristine, however, there is a serious lack of loungers poolside. The loungers are old and some are broken and should be replaced (could have been caused by the hurricane). Pathway lighting could be improved, many do not work making it difficult to navigate at night. Despite the no-smoking signs, people smoke everywhere. In the lobby, at the beach, around the pool and in the pool. Overall it was a pleasant vacation despite a few hiccups, we would probably return.

Staff was very pleasant and accommodating. Any problems were resolved quickly. There was a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, but I've been to Cuba enough times to know that is to be expected, so it didn't affect my holiday.

Very outdated resort that's for sure. Lots of things to update (so old and used that it starts to bother). They might blame it on the latest Melissa storm, but nothing to do with that. We arrived 8 days after the storm, and the few trees that were damaged by the storm were long cleaned by the crew. Here are the things that require immediate attention: 1. Room furniture requires attention. All doors of the cabinets won't close from our room. Extreme old and used furniture. 2. Lots of abandoned gardens and water fountains - (ex. main one by the lounge & buffet stage, all middle fountains, all side walks, plants and vegetation need massive attention). 3. The front lobby area looks depressing. The A la Carte restaurant, located in the lobby, is abandoned, and the left side end pond is abandoned with no water. 4. The main beach area was full of sea vegetation, and only one guy was working to clean it using a small pull-behind basket!! We complained to the lobby, and after 2 days (lost from our vacation), 3 more guys were assigned to help (same technique) 5. The main buffet area needs immediate attention. Since it is not an enclosed area, lots of black birds are present, landing and stealing food from the buffet. Very, very unsanitary.. since we noticed lots of birds' droppings. The crew doesn't seem to be bothered about it. Also, since is an open space and not enclosed, it is very hot and humid. 6. Many of the light fixtures are damaged (especially the concrete enclosure "lamps" by the side of the pathways or poll area) and need immediate attention. 7. The pathway along the ridge by the sea is mostly abandoned. Also, lots of digging (electrical or pipes) and left daily, with lots of garbage from the workers. Empty paper caps, leftover damage removed parts...not a good view, for sure... The list can go on, but I can say that I don't recommend it. It was our first time here for us, and we will never return here.

This resort we would definitely recommend. It is peaceful, with amazing gardens, quiet, relaxing place. Beautiful beaches. Food is great , lots to choose from , good quality and no shortage. Amazing staff.. they treat you like a family but with respect . Rooms are clean, nice comfortable bed, beautiful swimming pool. We have been to this resort many times and we keep coming back . It is the top resort in Cuba . We highly recommend.

Friendly staff good food for Cuba great beaches and infinity pool Would visit here again Friendly staff good food for Cuba great beaches and infinity pool Would visit here again Friendly staff good food for Cuba great beaches and infinity pool Would visit here again

My fiance and I just returned from our 2nd stay at this resort. We upgraded to the Royal Service both times. The resort is beautiful, the grounds are well kept and the cleaning staff do an amazing job keeping everything clean. The gym is in great shape and the trainer, Reembero does a great job keeping the gym clean. The food is very good and all the staff are amazing. You become like family there. Edgar and the butler staff made sure we were taken care of and happy. We can't wait to come back!! Our travel agent, Alisa Infanti also gets a big shout out for always making sure our vacations rock.

In the beginning of August Paradisus rio de oro resort was so quite and we didn't have problem with sunbeds at the beach, food &drinks at the restaurants and bars. Snorkeling was amazing, ocean was warm and clear. We used several times kayaks, catamarans and other seaboats. Tips are always welcome)

My husband and I loved our week at Paradisus Rio De Oro. We stayed in the regular side. Rooms were clean. Food was delicious. We have no complaints. Beach was beautiful but a bit Rocky in some sections. Water shoes recommend. We went off season (July) so resort was a bit quiet but we met some wonderful people. Not too many activities during the day but we were totally fine with that. Would have been nice maybe to have something going on during the evening. Staff are wonderful. We would highly recommend this resort!

We got off to a great start weeks before departure when I called Beth at Trip Central. It was a great booking experience that was efficient, quick and informative and she was able to book Club Class seats on both flights. I made use of the Air Transat app and it is one of the better ones taking you through documentation requirements before your trip through online check in, airport transfers, hotel confirmation and return flight. Club Class was a really nice perk. We’ve been to PRDO many times which is why we chose it. The resort, the rooms, the food, the beach and the pools are always on point. We upgraded to Royal Service upon arrival as usual and it makes our vacation experience even more enjoyable. Cuba is experiencing a six month drought right now which is making the shortage issues even tougher for the resort but I can say that there was always plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, pork, chicken, breads and desserts. Most of all, the wonderful PRDO staff make you feel at home. They are all truly kind and happy people! We highly recommend PRDO via Air Transat through Trip Central.

We have stayed in Cuba over 25 time over the last 30 years. This is by far the best hotel we have stayed in. Even though it was July and the hotel was at approximately at 25% occupancy the staff and facilities were wonderful.

Upon arrival, no greeting or refreshment as at other resorts. Room-up 4 steps w/o railing into building, Then 2 steps from floor with bed down to living area and patio door! Hot tub-NO handrail!! Walkways good and mostly level No information received about the resort or it's events!!! 12 hr excursion was over 13 hrs and was not able to keep reserved supper reservation!! Bus and walking excursions not suitable for seniors. No assistance on or off the bus at any time throughout visit!! On excursion there were people hanging around asking for $. At no point did bus driver or tour guide stop them from harrassing us!! VIP lounge at airport was included in an excursion-poor snacks, alcohol but no mix for it. Was not told what else was available. Exculator going up but had to do stairs going down. Hard to find seats to wait for plane as people had their bags on the seats. No one willing to allow 2 seniors a seat!!! Fitness area and spa quite a ways away. Would have liked to exercise every day. Had to go down a number of stairs for massage. Limping all the way!! Had to use a number of my Canadian credit cards to pay for massage. Kept being told not approved! Even tried a different machine. Thanks for blocking the cards that I tried!!!xxx We are both over 70, my husband is 86!! Unable to go down to beack as for walkway!! It was so humid that feet & legs swollen very badly!!

This was our 6th trip to Rio de Oro, the first in 2016 and the last was July 2025 and it will always be our choice for our vacation. Why would we go anywhere else. We were greeted by many of the staff, some of which have become great friends who welcome us every time with smiles. The resort itself is amazing but the staff are what makes our stays there the best. Check-in was smooth and easy and our room always kept clean and supplied with clean towels daily. The food at the resort is still great even with the shortages. Our recommendations for 1st timers are the Japanese a la carte, the pizza at the pool restaurant and everything served at the beach restaurant especially the fries. Of course the buffet has so many choices...this year we loved the pasta bar as well as the freshly grilled fish and chicken. As far as entertainment goes, one three piece Cuban band with guitars and bongos stand out as we enjoyed their performances on our past two trips. Their rendition of Oh Darling by The Beatles is something to be heard. We became friends with both DJ's last trip who are both very receptive to our requests at the pool bar and in the disco. We can't say enough about the lobby bar staff who served us our cappuccinos and other coffees each morning to start our day, and the evening staff who mixed us great cocktails with a smile. Though we spend a lot of time at the main pool, we always take a nice walk down the beautiful beach with many pictures taken. We now call PRDO "our resort" as it just feels like home every trip. We met many new friends this year, some who have never been to the resort and the concensus is much like ours...why go anywhere else?

This was our 7th time to Paradisus Rio De Oro and, as usual, it was amazing. What sets this resort apart from most in Cuba is the fact it is an adult only, quiet resort with phenomenal staff. Very friendly and helpful. They treat you like family here. Staff like Yamlet (Jami) make you feel like you are part of the resort. The resort was highly unoccupied during our stay. I was happy as you never had to wait for anything. At times it felt like the resort was just for you, but I felt bad for the staff. There is a "Royal" section to the resort but we have never stayed there. Many people who do stay in that section generally come to the main section to eat and play as they find it VERY quiet there. We stayed in a Junior Suite. Sure, the rooms are a bit outdated but they are spacious and kept very clean. The bathrooms in this section have all been updated over the last 4-5 years. There is a safe, small bar fridge that is stocked daily, and we had a king size bed that was very comfortable. The grounds are kept immaculate here and everything is sufficiently lighted at night. Because occupancy was so low, a couple of the a la carte restaurants were closed for a few days but there was sufficient food and a good variety at the main buffet, and it is good! If you go hungry here, you are far too picky. No, the food is not like you would get in Jamaica, Mexico, Turks, etc but it is good. We didn't notice any food shortages and for those concerned about power outages ... there were none. PRDO is absolutely one of our favorite places to stay in the Caribbean and we cannot wait to go back next year!

This five star resort continues to live up to our expectations and the people (Cuban staff) are second to none in ensuring the clients have an enjoyable and fun filled experience during their stay. The “reservation restaurants “ are excellent and the food very nicely presented to the clients. There were very few shortages of food selections in the buffet with white onions lacking for my western omelette each morning prepared by Analiset, and on two occasions she brought some from her own home to satisfy my craving ??????!! We, my wife and I, would HIGHLY recommend staying at this resort and its name truly exemplifies the stay as…in paradise!!???

This five star resort continues to live up to our expectations and the people (Cuban staff) are second to none in ensuring the clients have an enjoyable and fun filled experience during their stay. The “reservation restaurants “ are excellent and the food very nicely presented to the clients. There were very few shortages of food selections in the buffet with white onions lacking for my western omelette each morning prepared by Analiset, and on two occasions she brought some from her own home to satisfy my craving ??????!! We, my wife and I, would HIGHLY recommend staying at this resort and its name truly exemplifies the stay as…in paradise!!???

I recently came back from one week vocation in Holguín Cuba at Paradisus Rio di Oro. By far this was the best resort in Cuba not only for the beautiful surroundings and the beach but especially for the excellent service and the amazing people who made every single moment memorable. Thank you for making this trip unique and unforgettable. I can’t thank you enough and looking forward to come back soon.

Gracious, well laid out resort. Beach natural and unspoiled with white-gold sand and good safe access to sea bathing. We liked the beach restaurant for lunch, with spectacular view out to sea. Pools and surrounding area excellent. Room decor a little tired, but clean, spacious and comfortable Grounds beautiful: lots of green lawns, flowery bushes, statues, pools and fine tropical trees. The service was excellent, and friendly, everywhere we went. Food was good and plentiful, if a bit limited in some respects. Our favorite memory of this place is perhaps sitting in the airy lobby, sipping cool drinks and listening to the wonderful piano player. So relaxing. We hope to go back before too long.

We are seniors returning from a pleasant & relaxing vacation, our first stay here. Friendly & efficient staff, plenty of food choices to satisfy, spacious & clean but older corner Junior suite room, comfortable bed & shuttle service available, plenty of sun & shady areas around pool for sitting, beautiful beach to swim or walk, beautiful grounds for walking. Amazing musical talent in lobby, poolside, restaurants & beach. Perfect size of resort for getting around. Power outages were very short & minimal. This was our best all inclusive experience ever!

We approached our trip with an open mind, considering the resort's age and the ongoing food shortages Cuba has been facing. Let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations. While the resort is older, it’s impeccably maintained, and the lush, beautiful grounds are a real highlight. Its smaller size, compared to most resorts, only adds to its charm—by the end of the week, it feels like everyone knows each other. The atmosphere is incredibly warm and welcoming. The food was hands down the best we've ever had in Cuba. Our favorite à la carte restaurant was the Japanese one, and the 24-hour snack bar always served fresh, delicious options. The oceanfront restaurant offered the most amazing fish & chips, paired with a view that you truly need to see to appreciate. The beach also provided fantastic snorkeling opportunities. A fun tip is to fill an empty water bottle with small pieces of bread to feed the fish—they absolutely love it! Without a doubt, we would return to this stunning resort. Thank you, Paradisus Río de Oro!

The resort is beautiful but starting to look run down. They used to get a lot of rewards but none in the last 8 years. There is a reason for this. The entertainment was 5/10 and ridiculous that they had prepubescent looking girls entertaining one evening. It actually made me sick. The workers have become passive and complacent. This is not surprising given the average wage is $20 AMERICAN per month. I would not be motivated either but as far as the job lottery goes, working in the tourist industry is number one for them so maybe pick up the pace a bit. Their preference for American money was no less than insulting. When we tried to tip in CANADIAN dollars, because 75% of tourists in Cuba are CANADIAN, 4/5 workers asked if we had AMERICAN dollars. Money from the country that has imposed an embargo on you. Really? I admit that I'm a picky eater but did find something edible at each meal. Of course I washed it down with some very good beer and rum. (Best part of each meal.) The 24 hours snack bar has better service and food than the buffet. The day trip to the nearest town is A COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME! Don't do it. (Only $5 AMERICAN per person that pays for the bus going to that shitty town full of underfed horses and men wearing cowboy shoes and hats.) Another "package" or excursion offered is a VIP service on your last day with a "guided tour" in the city of Holguin, dinner at the top of the city (no choices, you get what they cook) and drop off at the airport while you wait in the VIP lounge. $100 (AMERICAN of course) per person. Holguin is full of beggars and the guided tour lasted 5 minutes. You are better off staying at the hotel that day and enjoying the pool or beach. I would only recommend this resort if all you're looking for is a good beach and decent pool and lots of alcohol. I will not go back to Cuba until their government works out better importing and exporting deals with their allies and there is a reformation of their government policies. Good luck to all the people of Cuba. The sun is beautiful, but you can't eat sunshine. They need more sustenance and help.

There is really nothing that stands out as negative. I cannot say enough about the hotel staff. We are going back next winter for sure. Food is hugely improved over last year. I am told they are buying more produce from Mexico and Colombia. There was even asparagus and broccoli some nights. If they can build on this then that would be great. It would be helpful if they could point out gluten free and dairy free options in the buffet but there is always someone to ask. The only other suggestion would be to install proper locks on the beachfront restrooms. A rock on the floor does not cut it :)

3rd time at this resort. Did not disappoint. Beautiful staff from Anne and Marie checking us in exchanges our room to avoid excessive sun in room. Maryluz our Maid Luis, Edward. Change Marisol and all Bar tenders Elizabeth, yennleydis Marie and rest of Buffet Staff. Rollando for the best burger and chicken fajitas on my Gluten Free breads Monriel at customer service. Beautiful beach amazing grounds for awesome strolls Cannot wait to come back. See you soon

Very nice resort looks like a campsite a lot green three and beautiful flowers kept very clean the people are very friendly the beach is clean but a little rocky over all very good the only thing was the air line Sunwing they delayed the flight three times

The resort is very nice nice Very clean one thing it needs more light for when going back to the hotel and more variety of liquor ? I been in Cuba 6 times this it was one of the best service was very good

Well staffed with professionals that were attentive, friendly, and a lot of them spoke english very well. This resorts grounds where breath taking. The mature vegetation looked wild and natural (by design) while the other parts where manicured thoughtfully and lovingly by the many gardeners seen on grounds everyday cutting, clipping, pruning the many varieties of bushes, shrubs and trees, as well as collecting the falling coconuts daily to cut open and offer to guests. The beach is shared with one other resort and at the Rio de oro end of the beach lay many coconut trees for shade and seemingly endless loungers, the sand is soft beautiful. Part of the beach offers some stone and coral that leads to a costal reef along the small cliff at the edge of the resort that is great for snorkeling or stay near the edge of the beach and play and view many sea creatures and fish in the tidal pools. To the left of the stone and coral is a smooth flat sandy shore line terrific for a dip or take a swim along the entire length of the beach. There are places throughout the resort to lounge with wonderful views as well a a small Garden, a Spa , three other small beaches one of which is very private. You will have no problem finding refreshments with a lobby bar, pool bar, swim up pool bar as well as a bar very near the Beach. There’s a large buffet, four El la carts and a snack bar open 24/7 which serves some good options if you miss the buffet (I liked the pizza) Throughout the day the lobby is relaxed and is a wonderful spot to have a snooze in a comfortable chair out of the direct sun whilst the wind blows through the vegetation around you creating a wonderful sense of peace, or take in your surroundings with friends and family, maybe challenge them to a game of pool on one of the two tables located in the lobby. At night you will find a live show and many guess gather to listen, watch , and take part in the singing and dancing. I loved this resort with its mature landscaping, well kept pool and stunning views of the shoreline and beach.

I can’t say enough about this resort. It is absolutely beautiful. Spotlessly clean and the staff bend over backwards to help you. The food was great and plentiful. Lots of entertainment yet a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. We will definitely be returning.

If you are looking for a lovely winter escape to a quiet nature paradise Paradisus Rio De Oro in the Holguin province fits the bill. This is the second time we have visited this resort and this time we returned with a group of friends. We were pleased with the quality of the amenities (fabulous beaches, snorkeling, pool, gym and hidden coves), the food, great a la carte restaurants, bars and our rooms- especially those corner suites. We were incredibly thrilled with the diversity of birds, trees and flowers including the shady botanical garden. The management and staff went above and beyond with their patience and kindness. Times are tough in Cuba, and I am humbled by the generous spirit of the Cubans. We will return. Muchas Gracias

The grounds were clean, the staff were very friendly, the rooms were very adequate, and the food was decent. The resort wasn’t crowded, although there never seems to be enough lounge chairs. The beach was beautiful and the pool was large and never crowded. My biggest complaint was having smokers everywhere even in the nonsmoking areas.

This is our 3rd trip to the Paradisus Rio de Oro. We are not typically repeaters anywhere. The rooms are large and well maintained, grounds are extensive and gorgeous, and the 4 beaches are breathtaking. The off beach snorkeling opportunities are excellent. We snorkled every day! The food was plentiful and, for Cuba, exceptional. The staff are wonderful and just want the guest to have a great time and feel cared for.

The beaches are clean and nice. Service personnel were kind. Overall, we are staying at this hotel for the second time (the fifth time in Cuba and the third time in Holguin). Paradisus Rio de Oro is the perfect cost-effective choice.

Rio de Oro, c’est le plus beau complexe hôtelier de Cuba et le Royal service est encore plus luxueux. Les chambres sont spacieuses, les lits et la literie de très bonne qualité, la salle de bain incroyable avec un immense bain et pour couronner le tout, une douche extérieure dans une enceinte de pierre avec végétation. Le rêve! Avec le Royal service, on a accès au complexe en entier en plus d’avoir un secteur réservé pour nous comprenant plage privée, piscine à débordement à trois niveaux et salle à manger à la carte avec terrasse vue sur la mer. La nourriture est excellente, digne des plus grands restaurants et opulente. Le bar est très bien garni avec de bons alcools; à chaque jour de très bons vins et du rhum Santiago 12 ans. Nous n’avons manqué de rien durant tout notre séjour. La plage est superbe, sable comme de la farine et il est possible, de la plage, d’atteindre le corail pour faire du snorkling. Des vacances de rêve, merci!

We stayed here from December 20-27 and really enjoyed our stay. We stayed on the Royal side which was marvelous and had excellent service and food, but we also spent time on the other side which was also great. No shortages at all in terms of food or alcohol. We would definitely return again, thanks so much Tammy Beamish for helping us to arrange this much needed vacation!

This was our 5th trip to Paradisus Rio de Oro. Our last time was in 2019 so it was great to get back. The resort has everything we need but the main thing that keeps us coming back is the people. We have made some life-long friendships with staff members, many who we've kept in touch with over our 5 year absence. After a disappointing 2 hour check in, the rest of our trip was amazing. Even with the known shortages in Cuba, we never went without... Our room was the standard junior suite which was made spotless every day complete with the towel art on our bed. We expected the food might not be what we experienced in previous years, but there was always plenty to eat at the buffet and the pizza at the pool restaurant is one of our go tos .... We had great a la carte experiences at the Japanese, Mediterranean and Cuban restaurants as well as an amazing dinner in the Royal Service restaurant, set up for us by one of their awesome staff. The beach is the same beautiful beach we remember and the pool is amazing. After being away from our favorite resort it was a well needed return that we will cherish until we get back again. I can't say enough again about the staff...always doing whatever they can for you and I value so much the friendships we have made there. I just wish some of the guests would see what we see in them and maybe treat them a little better....not just with tips... No question that we will continue going to this resort...why would we want to go anywhere else?

The food/grounds/ the rooms/ the pool and especially the beach was stunning. Above all I must say this front desk worker Julio Cesar was such a great help from the moment I arrived till the moment I left, he had answered all my questions with such kindness and so attentive with being very professional and needs to be rewarded, I'm surprised he hasn't been promoted to a supervisor/manager because he holds all the qualities to be one.

Resort was smaller than I thought but it made it a little more intimate than a sprawling mega resort teaming with tourists. My room was spacious, clean and comfortable, although the decor was getting a bit dated. They use carts to taxi you around the grounds but I found everything close by - restaurants, bars, the pool, the beach and the lobby all walkable. Now moving onto the food, in the context of Cuba, it was okay but after my 5th day I found everything quite repetitive and unappealing. I was disappointed by the lack of eggs several days (4 out of 7 days no eggs). Everything is organic I think so it taste slight different than North American food but probably better for you. I can say that I've ate better at other resorts in Varadero but the service in the restaurants was good. Moving onto the beach, Playa Esmeralda was awesome, one of the nicest beaches in Cuba. Although the stretch in front of this resort was a bit rocky, it was good for snorkelling. Once you get beyond them or walk a little bit down the beach, it was beautiful and great swimming. Just be careful at that far end of the beach at the other resort near the seawall, my wife got stung by sea urchin on her foot and had to be treated by the resort medic. Finally, I want to give a shoutout to the very friendly, humble and helpful Cuban staff. They work hard and hesitate to smile or say Hola to you.

I lost count of how many times I have visited Paradisus Rio de Rio, but each time I am there, I have the best of stay. Everything about the resort is PERFECT!!! People: The people at the resort are the warmest, kind and hospitable I have met. Food: The tastiest food ever! To me, the food is worthy of a Michelin Star! I’m missing the beans & rice already! Beach: it’s just perfect! I missed the daily golden sunset ! Spa: Heavenly!!! I will be back very soon!!!

This was the nicest resort I have stayed in in Cuba. Smaller resort with rooms with large sleeping area with living room attached. Beautiful bathroom. All buildings in centre of resort so right was to lobby, buffet and left close to pool and beach. Food was ok, only one day there was no eggs but always a large variety of food for every meal. Staff were very accommodating. Could always get a beach or pool chair any time of day. Adult only resort, found the majority of people 45-70 age group. Would definitely go back!

I went in November of 2023, so things may have changed since. The beach was generally quite crowded and small, but if you're okay with walking a bit further along the beach away from the resort, it becomes significantly less crowded and is really beautiful. The sunsets from the resort are amazing too. Staff was very attentive and friendly. I actually really enjoyed the food. It's generally quite simple, but that suits my preference. Chicken and mint for mojitos(came back) were the only shortages I experienced but that doesn't bother me. The espressos you can get at the bars are phenomenal. Probably some of the best coffee I've ever had. Their ice cream is good quality too and if you like papaya, they had lots! The basic room is dated but spacious and clean. Cleaning staff comes in everyday. Toilet paper wasn't an issue. Water was sometimes only warm max, but really in that kind of weather I'm probably going to be fine with a cold shower anyways. The only thing that was in bad shape was the safe punch code mechanism. It did still work, which is the most important part. The grounds were well maintained. It's a fairly small but nice resort, with mostly outdoor eating and entertain(with overhead coverage). I was very happy with the value of the resort and enjoyed the trips through the surrounding countryside too. I would recommend the catamaran excursion.

Beautiful grounds, great beach, good entertainment and friendly staff! Have never went to the same resort twice but I would consider going here again. Met lots of repeat guests who confirmed this happens alot!

Beautiful resort The resort was probably filled to half capacity . Very quiet and relaxing. Our room was huge. 2 levels in each room. Huge comfortable bed and a large sitting room below. Bathroom was large and clean , plenty of towels. Water pressure was good in the morning but lower during the dinner hour when everyone comes in after the ocean or pool time. Still plenty of hot water. Food was plentiful but usually the same thing every night. Lots of fish, pasta, chicken and beef. Roasted pig was carved one night and also a salmon. Plenty of fruit, cheese and desserts. You should never go hungry. Ran out of butter on the second day so when you see some take a few and put them in your room fridge. Staff throughout the resort were great. Very friendly. Not all were expecting a tip but when you do they remember you and fo treat you better. Gardens were beautiful and the gardeners work hard everyday. We are looking foward to going back next year.

Everything was acceptable. Suite was clean and comfortable, no complaints. Yoga palapa needs work maybe replaced. Yoga is a very popular actively and yogis like to continue their practice on vacation. A better yoga palapa would be beneficial.

This property is 25 years old and so there are some areas that look a little tired but they really try to keep things well maintained. Staff we found to be friendly and helpful. Yes, food variety is an issue but we never went hungry. If you are looking for prime rib and shrimp then probably best to avoid Cuba for now. Fantastic beach. Wifi service in and out. Beach bar repeatedly ran out of rum; that was disappointing.

We had the pleasure of staying at this resort from February 22nd to 29th, and we must commend Sunwing for their excellent service. Additionally, Tripcentral and Sandra provided invaluable assistance. Addressing some concerns raised in previous reviews about shortages, we found that while there was an abundance of beer, wine, and rum (although not of the highest quality), some of the more premium beverages were only sporadically available. We did notice a bottle of Black Label whisky vanish within minutes. To ensure a consistent supply of your preferred drinks, we recommend bringing your own. Regarding dining options, while the food quality was commendable, the variety in the main dining room was somewhat limited. For instance, we encountered the same cheese presented in different forms to create diversity. Eggs were available for only two days, after which they appeared in liquid form, the contents of which were uncertain. Like many others, we found it advantageous to bring our own spices, including salt, pepper, and vinegar. On a brighter note, the theme restaurants exceeded our expectations. We particularly enjoyed the charming beachside restaurant and bar, Santa Maria, which offered breathtaking views despite a somewhat restricted menu. The resort grounds were aesthetically pleasing, with a pristine beach and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts like ourselves. However, while the natural surroundings were impressive, we found that the maintenance of the hotel grounds could be improved. Public areas were pleasant, albeit with a limited selection of shops offering merchandise at premium prices. The main bar near the reception served excellent coffee, a delightful perk for caffeine enthusiasts. Our accommodations were clean, spacious, and equipped with efficient and whisper-quiet air conditioning. While the television quality was subpar, it met our expectations. We experienced a brief power outage upon returning from the beach before dinner, presumably due to an unforeseen incident. Additionally, there was a day with no hot water, which we attribute to a temporary issue. Overall, our stay at the resort was enjoyable, with highlights including the friendly service, picturesque beach, and satisfying dining experiences, despite some minor inconveniences.

This resort is outstanding in every way. Beautiful grounds, outstanding service, rooms are lovely and the food was really good. They have 4 Ala carte restaurants all of which are really good. We upgraded to Royal side and that takes everything to another level! The beach was amazing!

The grounds are kept impeccable. The staff are genuinely the warmest and lovely people. The bar by the pool served incredible food … hamburgers, pizza and grilled chicken. The rooms were kept very clean, a water leak was addressed and fixed the first day. The animation team was wonderful and the shows stunning and genuinely entertaining. The daily activities were varied and well attended. The only downside is beyond control and that is the shortages of certain foods. I will comment that there was one evening where top company officials were present and the buffet food was extraordinarily outstanding, where the balance of the week the food was a struggle. This is one of the best resorts we have been too.

The grounds are kept impeccable. The staff are genuinely the warmest and lovely people. The bar by the pool served incredible food … hamburgers, pizza and grilled chicken. Thee rooms were kept very clean, a water leak was addressed and fixed the first day. The animation team was wonderful and the shows stunning and genuinely entertaining. The daily activities were varied and well attended. The only downside is beyond control and that is the shortages of certain foods. I will comment that there was one evening where top company officials were present and the buffet food was extraordinarily outstanding, where the balance of the week the food was a struggle. This is one of the best resorts we have been too.

My experience at the Rio De Oro was amazing! Although there were a few things not available the people and the atmosphere made up for all of it. The grounds at the resort were beautiful, well kept and there was lots of little places to find some tranquility if needed. I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed the staff. They were so friendly an accommodating. I will definitely be returning in the near future. Thank you ?

This is our 4th time there the grounds are still beautiful. The villa we stayed in was ok however the bathroom needs work. I prefer the bungalows. The buffet: I found a piece of wire in my mashed pumpkin which could have turned out very dangerous. It looked like it was from a bbq brush or something like that. The service at the beach restaurant was terrible I had to ask for our menus after sitting there for 15 minutes or more. Then I had to find the waitress to order our food. And they didn’t bring our dessert that we had ordered. The manager seemed in distress because the waitresses just left. The service every where else was fantastic in the restaurants, the pool bar (Lorenzo) and the pool restaurant (Leo). The lobby bar very good service as well. The entertainment was very nice loved the violinist!! We will give this resort another try and then decide from there if we will continue to come here.

Everything was clean, well kept, and staff were friendly and accommodating. However the situation in Cuba is definitely getting worse for the residents. Shortages are to be expected by visitors too, but there is no reason to complain. We had two days of no eggs for breakfast and there was no white wine for the entire stay. Many guests grumbled unnecessarily. This is Cuba today. Sit back, relax, enjoy what there is, and know you are helping their economy by tourism. We had a wonderful time.

This was our fourth trip to this resort. We went there twice before Covid and obsoletely fell in love with the resort. The grounds are lush and beautiful, it was quiet and peaceful, the food was great with lots of selection, the staff were friendly and attentive. Then Covid came. We returned last year knowing that things would not be the same but we were committed to the resort and its staff. We were right in our assumption and there was a definite reduction in food selection but not in quantity. We were never hungry. The staff worked hard and everything else still seemed to be in place. However, upon this years return we noticed a remarkable change. The resort itself is definitely showing its age. We heard lots of complaints from other guests regarding the quality of the rooms and utilities. The food selection was even less than the previous year and the quality of the food had diminished as well. No French Fries, no Ketchup, no Salad Dressing, no potatoes, no Limes, no bananas and the list goes on. Certain things they would have one day and then not the next. We understand the issues that Cuba is having and i could get around the previous items noted. What i could not accept was the lack of service. This is not a country issue this is a resort issue. The service was horable compared to what it used to be. Let me be clear there are staff that still go over and above but it used to be all staff went over and above. We would literally be ignored at the pool restaurant and the Beach restaurant. One time after waiting 10 minutes at the Beach Restaurant my wife had to go up herself to get a menu and the waitress after seeing this still ignored us. This is something the resort itself can fix and it had better take notice and fix it if they have any inclination of staying a 5 star resort. I hope Melia pays attention to the reviews and acts upon them. This was a fantastic resort that i would have happily recommended to anyone. Unfortunately, not so much anymore.

Paradisus Rio de Oro is great, the grounds are kept immaculate, the food is really good at the buffet as well as the ala carte restaurants. The infinity pool is amazing. The staff at this resort are so accommodating they all went above and beyond to make our holiday great. We have been here many times and hope to return many more. We took a horse and buggy to Guardalvaca with Adrian, he took us through the village, stopped at the market and then he took us through a tour of his village. We have taken the bus to this market before but the horse and buggy was much nicer. The rooms are quite large with 2 decent closets and the washrooms are nice with a large walk in shower. This resort is large enough that you can escape to the quiet if you need to but small enough to be within 5 min of anywhere you want to go. We have been to a couple of other resorts in Cuba but we will go no where else now!

I would give it a score of 9 on 10. The restaurants that were on reservations only were excellent except for the Cuban resto. The buffet and cafe restos were very good. Personnel was fantastic and very helpful. the beach was not what I expected very disappointed

At Paradisus Rio de Oro, the Royal Service is worth the extra money. It is essentially a 65-room boutique hotel adjacent to the much larger main Paradisus complex. Guests are able to use all the facilities of the main complex as well as the following key benefits of Royal Service: a private beach with a bar; a private pool area with 3 small separate pools that are adjacent to 2 bars and the private restaurant; all meals at the Royal Service are a la carte; food was excellent at all 3 meals with attentive staff; a daytime and an evening butler service that would also arrange meals at the main complex; a very large and well appointed room with a fridge stocked with water, beer and soft drink; free wifi in the room, around the pool and restaurant; beautifully landscaped grounds with lots of butterflies and birds. We also enjoyed several live shows at the main complex that started at 930 pm and lasted 45 minutes.

Swimming pool and beach are very good .food adjust like 4 star hotel. Room is big， But the drain in the bathroom of my room was clogged, so I moved to another room, and the drain in the sink was clogged, but they fixed it later.

We came here on our honeymoon and wanted to return on our 10th to celebrate. We weren't disappointed. The resort is absolutely lovely, very natural, no plastic palm trees here. Even the expansive lobby is gorgeous. The resort is in a nature preserve area so everything is beautiful. The resort itself is not enormous, which is nice; you can get around without having to hop on a bus to get to dinner (like at some mega-resorts) and you actually have the opportunity to meet people if you choose. This time, like last time, we found ourselves amongst a group of folks who were just wonderful, and we spent a lot of time at the pool and lobby bars with them, but if you don't feel like socializing, no big deal. We got a Junior Suite, which is one of the little bungalows that house two rooms. These rooms are nice, with an outdoor shower (love 'em) and chairs out back in a little "yard" where we reclined and watched the stars one night (no mosquitos there somehow!) There's bottled water and beer in the fridge for ya; the cleaning staff did a wonderful job. We had a few minor issues - our door lock didn't work, but they had it repaired as quickly as they could. This isn't even really a negative for me. It's the real world; s**t happens. Don't feel like it reflects on the Rio de Oro. The staff are remarkably friendly and warm; if it's an act, they're all very good at it (read: I don't think it's an act, for most). The entertainment is excellent, especially the live Cuban bands. There's a lot of live music here, which is amazing. People were helpful and gracious and sincerely thankful when tipped, and never felt like tipping was necessary for being well-treated by staff. That said, tip, and bring needed goods, for the love of all that is holy. Folks need it. Some folks may not love the beach, because they want one of those miles-long white sand beaches in all the brochures. The Rio de Oro's beach has been eroded naturally over the years so it's a big shorter, and there's coral and rocks. For us, none of this was a problem at all. It's a gorgeous ocean and there's sun, what more do you need? The pool is great as well. It wasn't overly crowded the week we went so we had no problems getting chairs and spots at either. We were here to rest, so we didn't do any off-site excursions but by all reports from friends, they were great (snorkeling, driving Jeeps, beach lunches, etc). Food is a big complaint when people talk about Cuba but food in the Holguin area is generally pretty solid. We were happy with every meal we had. Cuba's fuel shortages and other challenges, including the ridiculously long-lasting US embargo, have meant that it's hard to get, well, things in general, so you have to be forgiving of that (and if you're not, why are you in Cuba?). So one day they might not have something at the buffet; the next day, they have it. The first hamburger I had was pretty bare-bones but tasty; the second was loaded up and also tasty. The chefs here always made due with what they had and it was always good. The food at the buffet was always good especially the omelette station at breakfast. The a la carte restaurants were all excellent, and they threw in an extra reservation for us because the resort wasn't packed. Even the wines were pretty great. The Rio de Oro is several decades old. There's a few signs of wear and tear, but there's also signs of constant improvement, despite economic and social issues in the country. They re-roofed the beach restaurant while we were there, and were doing all kinds of other work. None of it was distracting or problematic; when they closed the beach restaurant they replaced it with a beachside barbecue which, honestly, was fantastic. Talking briefly with the (newish) General Manager, they are working to update the place one step at a time. Not to sound too spacey or abstract...but this place just gives me good vibes. It feels good. It's quiet, friendly, and lovely. We'll be back agian.

I absolutely love this hotel, and the service, the whole stuff of the hotel absolutely amazing! Very relaxing, but then again, there’s so much fun with entertainment crew the DJ they’re all trying to make the holiday as fun as possible…the SPA facility is absolutely paradise, the whole crew, very friendly and welcoming!

Paradisus Rio D'Oro in Holguin is a great hotel. Grounds are clean, tropical and safe, with a lovely beach. The staff are excellent, service always good. No bugs, beggars or hawkers. This area is very safe. The pools are lovely, clean and relaxing. We stayed in Royal Service and the upgrade was nice- private pool, beach, restaurants. Butler service and special perks were nice- but it is an expensive upgrade. Food was always available but shortages do occur ( we were never hungry!). Bacon & eggs for breakfast, burgers & pizza for lunch, buffet always had grilled fish and a pasta bar. Bars were well stocked and service was always prompt. Note- We are not "foodies" but several guests were disappointed in the lack of variety of food available- the shortages are a concern in Cuba.

This was our first time to this resort, we typically go to another resort near by. We met Amelia and she went above and beyond to give us an exceptional experience. Rooms and food very good, the chef in the buffet at the meat/fish station was very good - LOVED the hamburgers he made. The downfall to the resort would be the beach - it is a little small and has limited area that people enter the water at. Majority of the days was rough and therefore we did not have that beautiful clear blue water that we typically have at the other resort. It is very nice if you would like a quiet resort to go to.

Can't complain about anything. Everything was perfect 🥰. My room had a really bad smell however they switched my room as soon as a room was available. Food was excellent and the service was excellent.

Overall, good resort however, it needs a lot of updates, chairs, cushions need to be cleaned and updated, rooms need to be cleaned properly, dust on the furniture. Rooms smells old and damp, moldy. Grounds, spa, beaches were wonderful and had the best massage with Chachi. For a tropical place, was so surprised there were no fresh fruits, only papayas and star fruits. Also thought we would see yuka and plantains also. Did love the fish however the over cooked all the fish and meat, all is overcooked. Lots to eat, but I do not eat pork or beef but loved that the had lots of seafood. The staff were all were helpful and professional. They only need to update the rooms and cushions etc and a bit of paint and maintenance to the structures. Grounds are beautiful.

I went back after 14 years, still an amazing resort on all level of service. The resort needs a overhaul as it was closed for so long and some upgrades Will go again no questions asked ❤️ Nothing much I went with 7 friends and we all had an amazing time it was first time for 2 of them and they enjoyed a lot

Lovely resort, nice rooms, great staff and management. Front desk staff very accomodating. Very few shortages for Cuba. Beach a bit difficult for swimming but still nice. Grounds very pretty and well maintained. My third time there and will return.

Well kept hotel with wonderful friendly staff. Food for Cuba was well executed considering the difficulties there. We did not miss any meals!!!You have a bit of a drive from the airport, just under one hour but it was a comfortable bus and a chance to view the countryside. The rooms were clean and had updated bathrooms . Reliable Wifi available in the rooms .Beach was clean and private but water had a lot of coral but great for snorkeling . Overall exceeded our expectations

Grounds could be maintained much better .Rooms luxurious but many small things required repair , door handles etc. No alarm clock or USB ports for phone charging. Food was terrible, not much selection or variety. Staff not adequately trained in allergens, like gluten-free requirements. Having a gluten allergy, I was frequently brought meals that had wheat products despite being reassured prior to ordering that it would be prepared gluten free. We had the Royal Service package , but services was far from Royal . Beaches and pools were beautiful and bartenders were welcoming and served well , drink selection was limited and bar staff had limited ability to make many drinks. Overall I would not recommend

My husband and I went to the Paradisus to celebrate our 40th anniversary. We have been to many other places around Cuba over the years but I didn't know what I was missing. This place was just better that others. Staff extremely happy and helpful. Food plentiful, eggs, bacon, fries, pasta, chicken, desserts, great soups, juices, fruit, salads, fish etc, were all plentiful. The grounds were exceptional. Lovely mature palm trees and wonderfully manicured. My husband loved the snorkelling and other activities like tennis and kyacking. We'll would love to go back.

Horrible service and food, 5* star beach and ocean. Wouldn’t consider this resort for the future trips. The buffet been closed every two days. If you don’t make a reservation afternoon before 2pm - you fcuked

My second time to this hotel , and it keeps getting better and better! The staff are second to none …… i didn’t encounter one unhappy , or unaccommodating staff member my whole stay …… special thanks to Marisol in the pool restaurant ❤️ ……. The grounds are are as beautiful as you’ll ever see …… even though Cuba is still rebounding , the food ( and rum of course ) is very good …… I love to experience different places , yet I will return yearly ……. Thanks so much !!!

It wasn’t worth it in my opinion. I don’t believe the room was properly cleaned before I entered because there was a strange smell coming from it - near the front door (where the washroom was). The washroom didn’t have a proper door. It had a curtain, which was a little weird but it was ok I guess since I didn’t have to share the room with anyone else. The keyless entry didn’t work properly, even after I had kept it away from magnetic devices - such as my phone. The people were friendly, but aside from that, it wouldn’t be a resort I would go to again, at least not by myself.

Well, we been 12 days with my wife from August 25 to September 5 and there is nothing to complain. Everything (resort , rooms , food, beaches ,services and cleaning’s ) is been very good.. Would go again with no hesitation.

It was my first time in Cuba and I had great, relaxing experience while staying at the resort. Very friendly staff, outstanding services, spa, food and drinks, spectacular entertainment team and live performers.

The resort was clean and nice but for me personally there were more negatives than positives. A lot of the food at the a La cartes were pretty much all the same not much variety. Not much variety in drinks, mainly just rum drinks. One of the days my maid didn’t even clean my room and for two days they didn’t put more beer in the fridge. Unfortunate to see that they didn’t have their buffet running but that was due to the low season. I understand that Cuba has their shortages so I’d like to say this is more informative than a complaint as I would definitely come back especially since I’ve made nice connections with some staff.

I didn't have high expectation since this is a Cuban resort, but it was surprisingly very nice resort, both my wife and I loved it. My wife is very picky about cleanliness, food, and services but she was surprised at how the clean the resort was. It is a 25 year old accommodation but it was still a beautiful place. Totally recommend it.

We were thoroughly impressed with the resort (particularly the Royal Service section with its private bar, lounge, restaurant, and infinity pool - it was absolutely worth the relatively minimal upgrade charge the front desk offered); with the staff who were all very friendly and fluent in English; with the grounds and facilities (including excellent soft sand beaches with surprisingly good coral/reef snorkeling); and with the evening entertainment (including live music earlier in the evening and a variety of well-executed shows). The spa services were very reasonable, and getting access to the spa pool and beach for the day is worth the price of a massage on its own. One small surprise - as all beaches in Cuba are technically public access we occasionally saw a local with kids on the adult-only resort. A mild perturbance, and there was never more than one family on a beach that we noticed. Another small surprise - while the resort description states scuba is included, it is not (as of a couple of years ago). But the good news is two dives on a professional boat with good instructors is only $60 USD. If you buy a larger dive package each dive can get down to $23 each! I've never paid so little in my life. And the scuba "scenery" was very nice. Of course traveling in May the resort wasn't busy but it was pleasantly occupied and staff seemed to work as hard as they would in high season. Yes, the food offerings were somewhat simple, but there was good variety at the buffet and a nice selection of a la carte restaurants. And yes, as with all Cuban resorts there were things that couldn't be found (e.g. ketchup, orange juice) but that didn't take away from an overall excellent experience. Having traveled extensively in the Caribbean I've been to "fancier" properties, but the combination of a beautiful setting, great facilities, peace and quiet, and value for money combine to make this one of the few resorts I would be interested in going back to.

We knew what to expect, only the best, another amazing stay! It’s our fourth time visiting this resort. We were welcomed by Lina’s amazing and efficient team! All staff members should be recognized for their professionalism and their impeccable hospitality! The presence of the general manager was much appreciated. José took the time to go around and talk to the tourists on how things were going, same as for Lina. Food was really delicious! From pork, lobster tail, chicken, beef and fish! As for wine; white, red, rosé, and sparkling wine were all available! Nice variety of drinks! Every night on the RS side, talented entertainment were scheduled! Check the daily activities posted. We enjoyed a nice walk in the nature with two energetic resort animators. Cuban day is on Wednesdays with very good food and entertainment on the main side beach! Liked the small catamaran ride! We also went to the market at Guardalavaca. Snorkelling was good! We saw lots of fishes and corals. Thank you to all for the amazing vacation!

beautiful resort, clean, wonderful staff xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The resort is easy to navigate, the grounds are impressive, and the staff are wonderful. There was plenty of fresh veggies and fruit everyday and chefs were on hand to prepare fresh cooked eggs, omelettes, and other breakfast foods as well as fresh cooked fish and meats for lunch and supper. There was a variety of breads, cold meats and cheeses. The pools and beaches were spectacular. I would recommend this resort to anyone

We were at this resort for 2 weeks, the resort is great , staff are amazing. They go out of their way to help in anyway. The food, the restaurants were all great, except for the international restaurant was so so, but everything else was great. The beach club restaurant and the 24 hour restaurant are very good also. The beach was nice great for snorkelling water is clean. The pool was nice the swim up bar and the staff there were great. The rooms were large and cleaned daily. I would definitely stay here again. One thing I would like to say is to all Canadian’s, Canadian money is widely used but please don’t use loonies or toonies as tips, they are no good to the staff, they cannot use them for anything, I would recommend taking 1 $ American bills for tips. Everything else you can use Canadian

Absolutely amazing hotel , place , accommodation , staff Very elegant . Well organized , very special place Adults only , quiet , mostly couples , canadians, Germans , Russians The only complain is on Air Transat flight attendants, few disputes, unhappy faces , rude If You ask a can of pop the attendant said you can get just one to share with Your companion ( you couldn’t get just one for yourself ) in a very rude manner Please check flight from Holguin 21:35 Sunday April 16 2023 Air Transat should get this complain

This resort gets top marks for friendly staff, food offerings, comfortable and spacious rooms, ease of access to everything, free amenities, location, food handling, water handling, beautiful beach, excellent pool area, access to loungers, beautiful gardens and grounds, easy a la carte bookings and so much more. The staff is terrific - from everyone at the front desk, to the wait staff in the buffet, the bar staff, the security team, the porters and the entertainment coordinators - all of them super friendly and responsive. Can't compliment them enough for making sure you are having a good time and have everything you need, and always prompt responses from customer service. Buffet had lots of options every day, plus breakfast omelette station, pasta bar at lunch and dinner, and a carving station for dinners; fresh bread and rolls all the time. Of course the weather was fantastic and the ocean incredible. Easy to get around and participate in activities, with beautiful views, a botanical garden area and nightly entertainment. Plus a club/disco for late night if you want. This place is ideal for couples and small groups, and you can even get a personalized heart, displayed all along the beach front to commemorate your visit and occasion.

Just got back from the Rio de Oro for the 17th time and it was one of the best yet. The staff are like visiting old and new friends and accommodating in every way possible. They overcome any shortages, which are beyond their control, with innovation. The bathrooms in the rooms have been beautifully renovated and the grounds are beautiful inspite of the draught they had been suffering. Many of the guests are return customers who know a great vacation spot when we have found it.