Family vacations 2016. Two adults around 50 and a daughter age 12. January 27 -- Feb. 3 (way too short) of course although you will find reviews that state the opposite.
This is our second time at the hotel (last year over christmas). The first couple of days we were a bit disappointed as some things changed, but again it was over the holidays.
We bought the VIP package for another $140/person excluding the kid, which i would advise to avoid - not much added value for us (you receive a bottle rum, champagne, massage, reservations for the 2 a la cart restaurants and ocean view room - there are no non-ocean view rooms here) and free use of the safe, not worth $240 really. The first time we didn't have a fridge, we had a nice room without one, which is a pain if you would like to have a drink at the room before b bed or in between. I learned that you can ask for one if you don't have one without VIP. Also word of advice as it happened to someone, there are people standing at the airport looking for VIP guests - it is NOT the hotel's VIP package and costs 23 cucs extra for whatever you get, no idea.
The hotel is very dated as per the amenities but has many return visitors some for as long as it existed. It is very interesting talking to those people as you get an idea what was distroyed during the last hurrican (Sandy 4 years ago) which explains why the beach immediate infront of the hotel is not so nice for swimming (there was 300 feet more beach and palm trees which now is in the sea and it's a bit up and down for footing as you step on the roots of the palms). There used to be a waterfall from the top of the bottom building to the beach, must have been nice.
You get your room key at the airport which is nice as there's no waiting once you are at the hotel, we gladly except the help because of the stairs and lack of working elevators (half of the time, maybe, if you are lucky) but then again there are some hotels they have none at all... if you are half way fit, not a problem, if you want to loose a couple lbs, perfect place!
The hotel is partially accessible though in case you are not (ramps to certain floors, the beach if the elevator works).
This time we felt much like being in a seniors home, most people are retired - apparently you can live here for ~$33/day, not a bad gig. For our daughter it was a little lonely this time though.
Yes, there are those older guys with young Cuban ladies - to each their own i guess, not very unusual around there, but it's not a bother and doesn't make me feel bad being there with my kid.
Rooms: simple, functional - 4th is best for minimum stairs, 7th floor is best for the views which are amazing!
Food: there's something for everyone, be adventurous and try some new stuff - we'd rather eat at the buffet since the a la cart basically have the same except they smear ketchup and mustard on the plate to make it look nice... i'm a bit of a foodie so that bother's me, but that said, you can get good enough food even you are picky.
Beach: the one right infront of the hotel is not that nice (re: footing as described before). Go a little further and it's very nice, sand footing in the ocean but you have to make your way through the herd of beggers that by no means are poor - in most cases they make more money than the working crowd. They are not your friends and not nice no matter what they offer!!! The even borrow each others kids to go to the beach to beg. But they sell some fresh fruit which we had a bit of a lack of at the hotel this time. I made friends with the "juice lady" and she always found something to make me a nice fresh juice off in the morning.
Things to do:
the snorkeling is amazing (small white buoy a bit out) if you are not a good swimmer, use one of the paddle boats or life jackets. but it's nothing short of beautiful!!!
Scuba diving is great there too, although i had to whimp out as the gear was not tight on me (weight belt going south, gear rolling me over on my back and then i just could not concentrate on the breathing and was too scared) the ocean, although a quiet day, was moving me too much. Feel bad about it as it was 50 cucs but my husband and daughter had a great time and a couple we met that frequently dives love the spot as well. The starter spot is not as nice as the reef infront of the hotel (we just looked at the video/pics which are from a 'semi gopro' we bought on ebay for $79 and must say i'm very impressed with the results!).
walking: it's hills, but there are miles to walk either at the beach or the road, bicycle rentals are free also - you can walk to 'playa blanca' which is about 3kms and nice for swimming
horseback riding: our FAVOURITE! you can find 'the sauce' - well his name is Alfredo but as i mentioned i like to cook and that way i can remember his name... around 9:30 am on the beach where the beggers are (behind the trees), book with him directly so you save a couple of cucs and he makes more - if you've seen his house you know he needs it! if he's not at the beach, he's at the security spot by the road into the resort. He doesn't speak much english, but super trustworthy - i let my daughter go alone with him to his house and riding etc. You can basically tell him where you'd like to go, mountains, beach, bat cave - many possibilities! he will take good care of you and your family/friends. even if the kids just want to go for a bit on the beach!
We brought gifts for him this year, but i know he would really appreciate light switches and electrical outlets (just the canadian ones - he's building a new house, his is hardly worth being called a house. he also would enjoy shoes (men's size 41) or his wife (size 39) nothing fancy, just practical - if you are into riding, any halters/bridals even if they are broken. His wife (aliuska - not sure how that's spelled) would love to own plates that are a set and cutlery as a set as well). Their hospitality is awesome, but they really have very little - i will post images of their house. if you bring him any of it, please say 'hola de su hermana de canada y Anna' for me :)
Taxi: we had offers to drive us to Santiago by a couple of people at the hotel, one was the towel guy (100 cucs and crappy car), taxi also 100 and he would just drive us there and pick us up. the one we liked was OSVALDO, only 80 cucs and he went with us for as long as we liked to where we wanted to go which included his favourite restaurant in Santiago 'pizza seducente' - no tourists, very good food and not expansive at all (we ate with 4 plus drinks for 23.75). we went to a farmer's market, downtown and felt very protected with him - he'll drive you where you want to go without the time restraints of the tours, he's a teacher but makes more money with the taxi. He lives in Chivirico, his car is a 1951 - quite comfortable. phone 326194, cell 53144528, email osvaldomc@nauta.cu.
Other tours offered by the hotel, but we didn't take them as we rather do what we are interested in.
There's also the bat cave nearby (4 kms) which i love but it's not for everyone of course. you can get there by bike, horse, taxi it's also close to the red beach 'playa royo' haven't been there though.
All in all, if you are not too picky, it's a great place and i'm looking forward to the next trip in a year. Have fun and don't forget my friends.
Forgot, there's a cleaner 'Joly' she'd love a backpack for her kids and some shoes size 32, 28, 37 for them (for school).
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