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All You Need to Know About the Massage
at Hotel Brisas Sierra Mar

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Guests1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
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... added value for us (you receive a bottle rum, champagne, massage, reservations for the 2 a la cart restaurants and ocean...
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... as the week goes by, two al la carte restaurant dinners, massage for two and the snorkle tour. (we missed that as ran out...
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... of their abilities in baseball and cigars. We also get a massage with the VIP. Which Al gave me his session, so sweet. The...
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merlineaton wrote a review Feb 2016
Hamilton, Canada50 contributions67 helpful votes
+1
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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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
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Pal48 wrote a review Apr 2016
Ontario38 contributions15 helpful votes
This is a gem that is tucked away between the beautiful ocean and the mountains. The staff are beautiful people at this resort. They are all so willing to help you with everything you need to make this a memorable vacation. The buffet was pretty good and you always had something nice to eat. Breakfast started with a made to order ommlette, fresh bread, fruit and fantastic coffee. For lunch we went down to the grill by the beach and had the home made pizza and grilled fish. The al La Carte Restaurants were delicious and always had local musicians playing beautifully in them. The beach was not the usual white sand one but nice enough it was. We brought our own snorkling gear and went snorkling every day just off the beach. We saw quite a few fish as well as sea urchens, sea cucumbers, conch and eels. We only saw a couple of jelly fish one day so that is not a problem apparently. We found a wonderful hiking trail by the pump house. The scooter tour is wonderful so I would recommend that. We upgraded to the VIP package and it was worth it for sure. You get an ocean view room, fridge filled with drinks and refilled as the week goes by, two al la carte restaurant dinners, massage for two and the snorkle tour. (we missed that as ran out of time). We took a trip to the next town and had so much fun also. We did the horse back riding trip at the end of the beach with Mario and had a great time with him also. We had a wonderful time at Brisas and would recommend it to anyone. We will be coming back!!! Love this place!!!
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Get the VIP for the new section with Ocean view
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visions33 wrote a review Feb 2015
Sauble Beach, Canada41 contributions25 helpful votes
Feb 11. Arrived at the Brisas Room to high of a climb. To many steps for Al. He said thumbs down. I said all good firming up my legs and buttocks! The view was amazing on the 7th floor room 711. But poor Al can't handle the climb. We had requested 3rd floor, but had booked the trip 13 hrs before departure, last minute. So it was a bit difficult for them to accommodate. We did get a room on the 3rd floor same day, the manager was extremely polite and helpful. Because of my food allergy to gluten as I am a Celiac. The manager made sure that we got into the a la cartes every night. Well the steak shrimp and cheese player were so full of flavour. Melt I your mouth. But to top it off a quartet. Came in well these men sounded like angels. I have posted a video of them signing one there magical numbers. I have to say they brought tears to my eyes. Al describes the buns as crispy on the outside soft and goowy on the inside. He actually made a dough ball in front of me as he described and said omg. So good and sweet too! If it had sugar on it it would be a doughnut. No butter needed. We watched the pool show the first night. And unfortunately young girls are being exploited. With costumes that do not cover much. It was a bit uncomfortable to watch.
We always rested comfortably in our room. sleep was wonderful. Breakfast was fruit yogurt omelette bacon and french toast. The captain of the floor was notified of my allergy to gluten to by the manager and she had me meet the chef, he himself prepared all my breakfasts and lunches, so not to get contaminated food. Amazing. She did not accept a tip from me and gave it to the chef. Stand up people at this resort.
Santiago de Cuba is celebrating 500 years this June 2015! The birthplace of the salsa it is a combination of all Cuban dances like the cha cha, mumba meringue Ect. They are so very proud of their abilities in baseball and cigars. We also get a massage with the VIP. Which Al gave me his session, so sweet. The Cuban a la carte the entire menu was naturally gluten free. Wow. So good. Over all the rooms are a little dated, but clean.... The staff, food and view are tops. The beach has black sand, and the water very warm, you can walk for 3 miles, wonderful. the beach is topless but not many join in on that except the men... lol There is live entertainment and music throughout the resort from noon on. The temperature is a lovely 30 degrees daily. There are a few retires at this location, the rates are quite reasonable if you want to stay for a month or more. Locales come and enjoy the resort on the weekend.
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: floors 3 and 4 are the best, every room in the hotel is an ocean view
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lookingforgoodplaces wrote a review Dec 2013
Toronto, Canada332 contributions89 helpful votes
+1
Been going 10 years and as noted by others, some improvements:
1. road
2. new elevators, some adjustments needed but worked most of the time.
3. working on the new pool bar roof - shingles, not palm leaves this time.
4. working on new roof structure on ranchon down below.
5. yes beach is alot smaller, washed out.
6. new beach bar
7. some rooms have bar fridges.
8. repeaters dinner delicious as always. No lobster this year so go to the Oceana restaurant and get 4-5 lobster tail dinner for 12 cuc....delicious.
9. safe rental 2.00 cuc/day
10. if you are worried about towel thieves as the previous reviewer noted, it is probably another tourist taking your towel so they don't have to pay the 25 cuc before they leave - solution, bring your own easily identifiable towel.

Some of our fav staff are still there while others have left. Hola to Mercedes at reception, Carlos at front desk/bell boy, Anthony in entertainment (most of the entertainers were mia other than the ~11am, 3pm little poolside dance, and then show up for the night show. Music and routines were new but seemed repetitive 3 nights. Magician was great. This resort tends to be alot of repeaters, older folks although there were some younger ones so maybe the night show/disco isn't as important...I don't really think of this place as a hot spot.

Internet seems to still be dialup and SLOW. 6 cuc for 1 hour but it took 20 minutes to try to log in to emails. Some of the Windows XP setting prevented even accessing our internet accounts.

Even though we are repeaters who previously knew how to reserve ala carts, we found this one aspect disorganized. Front desk told us to see Sandra (who wasn't there some days), Sandra told us to see Vladamir, who directed us to back to Sandra. Fortunately with it being slow Vlad was looking for guests to fill the ala cart the one night so we got in no problem. Similar difficulties trying to reserve massage and pedicure services...took 6 days before we got in. If you aren't patient something like this will drive you nuts. :)

Moped tour to the bat cave, fruit farm, local school, doctor/dentists was nice. City tour was same but the city centre is under 'renovation'. (the big church was open while under reconstruction, whereas in the past it was closed).

One REALLY nice addition as mentioned by others, was the Oceana restaurant just at the entrance to the Brisas Sierra Mar. We visited for lunch. Menu is the same for dinner. 12 cuc for the lobster dinner was fantastic..4-5 lobster tails on your plate. Photos attached. Adolpho has one casa ready but is still awaiting permits, 2nd under construction.
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Date of stay: December 2013Trip type: Travelled with family
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Ginette L wrote a review Dec 2013
Montreal, Canada1 contribution2 helpful votes
We can honestly say that this was our least enjoyable trips to Cuba until now. The hotel is about 1.5 hrs. from the airport off an isolated highway with nothing else in the vicinity. The buildings maintenance is in disarray, with crumbling walls and stairs. We understand that they had damage from hurricane Sandy two years ago. The beach seems to be particularly badly hit and what is left of the sand is very small. The water is murky, There are stones, dead trees, and weeds that you will have to watch when walking in the water. The beach is some ways from the hotel and there are a lot of stairs, the hotel is built on a hillside.

The hotel seemed to be half empty, with very few people at the beach and occasionally we were the only ones there. We didn't feel safe on the beach. The staff was generally unfriendly, particularly the reception. The only friendly people we found were the construction workers repairing the damaged buildings and grounds keepers.

The hotel is very isolated and far from everything The music at the hotel is oldies which may explain the overwhelming older guests. The new Oceana restaurant is basically an open air area with about 10 tables. We never saw anyone eating there. There's also a lot of prostitution in the hotel. The young girls with old men were everywhere, buffet, swimming pool and beach, there was no getting away from it and was disturbing. Definitely not something for children to see and made us lose our appetite in the restaurant.

The massage we had was done by the doctor's assistant on what seemed to be an examination table. As for the gym, it was part of one of the buildings that were destroyed by the hurricane. The new gym is a small outside area beside the swimming pool and consists of a single treadmill completely unusable in the open air heat.

The rooms are normal for Cuba. We noticed small insects in the shower floor every morning. Also had some insect bites in bed. There is no fridge in the room. Water bottles seem to be a high commodity at this hotel so you will need to bring your own from home.

The price was cheap but we wouldn't return for free. The overall impression was one of desolation, not a happy place. Probably one of our least memorable trips to Cuba.
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Date of stay: December 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: It seems all rooms have ocean view.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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