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

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Guests1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
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Restaurant review highlights
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... few more times to make it up to the 4th. The Ecological restaurant this year had live music which we really enjoyed. The...
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... it is workout 101. (stairs, stairs, stairs) The restaurant at the beach (ecological) was simply the best ( no...
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... the way people would go to the bars, or to the ONLY restaurant buffet and eat, ridiculous, I have been to Cuba before...

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jar-art wrote a review Feb 2014
Pickering, Canada147 contributions112 helpful votes
This was our 2nd time to the Brisas Sierra Mar and while the weather wasn’t the greatest (rain the 2nd day and overcast for much of the first week) it was still a good 14 days. The food, service and general ambience of the resort makes this a nice resort to visit. For context we are retired empty nesters in our late 50’s enjoying many trips to Cuba, all various AI’s.

One thing you need to be aware of is there are a lot of stairs which can be challenging if you have mobility issues. There are elevators though. The one on the Caribbean side has been repaired however the one close to the entertainment stage was under repair and I understand the elevator for the upper levels (into the hill) was also out of commission while we were there.
if you like to snorkel, there is a reef not that far out with a nice variety of fish. However the water was never still so visibility varied daily.

This resort has a dark sand beach with a lot of rocks and coral in the water close to the shore. I would still recommend beach shoes but I didn’t find it quite as rocky as last year. While we were there a lot of sand was being brought in and they were working on improving the beach area which was good, however there was some talk of closing off the main beach area while they worked. Understandable due to the heavy machinery but…

The rooms are dated but clean and any issues that did arise were dealt with promptly. I would recommend something on the 400 level; however these are quickly taken up by returning guests of which there are many. We ended up on the second level so maybe we need to return a few more times to make it up to the 4th.

The Ecological restaurant this year had live music which we really enjoyed. The beach restaurant “the Ranchon” was closed (at it was last year while we were there) as it was under reconstruction, to be completed by March.

The Cuban a la cart was great this year but the International a la cart (“the Mariposa”) was disappointing as the squid rings we ordered turned out to be those small squids which we did not enjoy. So we finished our supper at the buffet which usually served a nice variety of food. We also went off resort once to “The Oceana” restaurant and enjoyed a great lobster dinner at a very reasonable price.

This year there was more local entertainment in the main lobby, at the two a la carts and at the pool bar. All were a joy to listen to. The evening shows varied, from audience participation, dance, water ballet, or local bands. On another note, I don’t think the resort sprayed much while we were there so remember to bring your mosquitoes spray, you’ll probably need it.

There are 3 bars at this resort and what impressed us was they never ran out of mint. You could also get a mojito or a properly blended Pina Colada at the beach bar. There used to be a bar above the pool which was a great place to enjoy the sunset however it was closed as the roof was under repair. We missed it as it was also a nice quiet place to get away to.

The staff really made you feel welcome, as did a lot of the regulars. It has a nice relaxed atmosphere that grows on you. Most people there were around our age so I wouldn’t call this a party place. Not many kids either, but there was a “Kids Club” so maybe it’s more active at other times. If you look up my channel on YouTube (MrJarArt) I’ve posted a few videos of this resort and some of the tours we’ve taken while in Santiago de Cuba as well as other Cuban resorts we’ve been to.
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Date of stay: January 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Would recommend something on the 400 level which is closer to the main areas; however these are...
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Lianne M wrote a review Jan 2013
Turrialba, Costa Rica3 contributions16 helpful votes
If the elevators worked the resort would be excellent, but if you are on the seventh floor this resort becomes a fitness center. The beach area is cleaned daily and is a peaceful beautiful place to relax and enjoy the sound of the surf, but if you forget something in your room or need to use the facilities it is workout 101. (stairs, stairs, stairs) The restaurant at the beach (ecological) was simply the best ( no stairs) and the food and service are number one. The problem with the bugs is they have a taste for tourist and at night it is like a all you can eat buffet. Then at night in bed you play the song Scratching the night away. Off resort the people are kind but due to the hurricane they are in need of supplies to fix their houses but also food. So if you are heading down bring some onion seeds and carrots seeds check with your trip advisor to make sure that is OK. If you go off resort bring some sandwiches you can make them at the breakfast buffet and take them with you. Bring some for the kids they really appreciate it and by the way the dogs also have nothing to eat so if you have some scraps from breakfast or lunch take them too. I hope Cubain people catch a break this year and no more hurricanes it is a beautiful place and the people deserve to have peace and happiness. The resort is a 3 star but the staff are 5 star plus . Makes you appreciate what we have in Canada.
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Date of stay: January 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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SoloTraveler78 wrote a review Aug 2011
Chicago2 contributions7 helpful votes
This resort is a joke to any Canadian trying to have a good relaxing weekend in Cuba, BE AWARE, DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE.
I understand that it is a 3 star resort but the price the Travel Agents are asking for this hotel is outrageous to the quality of hotel you will stay.
Horrible rooms, mold, leak everywhere you go, you pray when it's raining not to rain in your room.
Cuba has open the hotels to Cuban's to come and enjoy it which is perfectly fine by me, but since this is the only hotel in the area you can imagine how disgraceful the experience was, we were astonished seeing the way people would go to the bars, or to the ONLY restaurant buffet and eat, ridiculous, I have been to Cuba before and this was the worst experience and made us decide that Cuba never again.
Besides there are a lot of prostitutes with older man around the hotel and even though they are already accompanied they will still approach you and offer their services, very embarrassing for families.
REally bad quality food, no variety, no option of restaurants, forget about having lunch or snacks the place is dump.
The waiter recycle the plastic cups you use, and I was astonished and couldn't believe my eyes, we start to ask for glass cups instead.
Staff is nice in the bar and restaurant that's it, but as usual will give you the service if you pay for it.
Rude front desk staff, no information given about the hotel at all.
The beach has been vanished by the hurricane years ago so forget about relaxing at the beach, there isn't one for you.
The worst part of it all was to get to the hotel, the Cuba government has promised to fix the road but it is simple painful to go through the roads that way.
Choose Varadero or Cayo Largo for your next trip, better hotels and better beaches as well.
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Date of stay: July 2011Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Definitely if you are staying here ask to stay at the 4th or 3rd floor Ocean View, at least there...
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Brandonbp wrote a review Apr 2008
Ottawa9 contributions8 helpful votes
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My girlfriend and just came back from a weak at the Brisas Sierra Mar and had a great time. I was expecting a dump after readers some reviews but heard otherwise from some people so we tried it and have no regrets. The plane was fine, the bus ride about and hour and a half in a very nice tourists bus which went by very fast because of the incredible scenery. If you need Hilton style room then Cuba is likely not your best destination, but this resort has some amazing and features:
FOOD was pretty good, I hate fish drastically which is pretty common in Cuba so we usually ate a salad at the buffet and went to the fry house which serve fries hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. The ala carte restaurants were awesome especially the ecological one which is a small 4 table hut by the beach with life music and lots of wine
BARS -here are 5 on the resort and have lots of great drinks
BEACH is great, the sand is black and the water warm, this resort has what I've been told, some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean...only 50 feet out from the beach, you can actually stand on sections of the coral over 200 feet out...it was way better than anything I had seen along the Florida coast, there is a bar on the beach, with plenty of seats and canopies
ROOMS-very clean, Cuba doesn't seem to have much paint which would help, but the majority of the rooms have an unbelievable view (see photos), with clean sheets and lots of towels, stand up shower-spotless everyday
EXCURSIONS- There is something everyday, the dolphin excursion is 55 pesos (58 CAN), but was canceled when we were there because the dolphins were sick...I have heard other people say that is was awesome and very clean with a long period of time in the water with the dolphins. The CRUISE TOUR to Santiago was great....it was the whole day including snorkeling at a sunken ship, and lunch at a very nice restaurant. After this we took a bus to the center square which a tons of awesome stuff to see including an artisans market when I bought some wood carvings which got for very cheap because of the soap and toothpaste that people in Cuba crave. The MOPED TOUR is a must and goes into the small town of Chivirico. The tour is slow and allows you to take in the scenery, as well as talk to locals. Many children run to the streets and wave shouting CANADA at you...we brought lots of presents/toys and had a great time handing them out to very greatful people.

The people in Cuba really make your trip, The STAFF is incredibly friendly...and the majority of the people staying are Canadian which really created a relaxed atmosphere (there were crocs on everyones feet lol) If you go bring lots of soap, toothpaste, as well as toys. While Cubans have good health care and all the necessities, these kind of products are cherished. I had read from some people that Cubans would rather money, but they are highly taxed and giving them these items which are very expensive in their citizen currency are usually not an option. Overall this place is awesome and I cannot wait to go back, Cuba is not the commercialized environment of Florida or Cancun-if you are looking for unbelievable scenery, great service, and a slow paced environment-then Brissas Sierra Mar would be a great choice.
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Date of stay: April 2008
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merlineaton wrote a review Jan 2015
Hamilton, Canada50 contributions67 helpful votes
We just returned yesterday from the resort. The weather was fantastic! This has been our second time in Cuba, last year we went to the Villa Jibacoa in the north and decided to go to the south because of the weather 'guarantee'.
The reason why I am giving only 3 stars is that I found the hotel could be better run - it seamed that they weren't trying as much as the other one we stayed at which we found disappointing.

At the airport there are many people that try to help with the baggage and of course want way to much money for it, don't get sucked into that if you can. If you like you can purchase cold beer at a stand there, mind you i found out when we left that the beer is purchased at the cafe just a few meters further, but sold for more than at the cafe... you can exchange money to the left coming out of the airport. There is exchange at the hotel as well, but it's a hit and miss, sometimes they don't have any. Bus ride is about an hour to the hotel, very scenic. Check in was quick and there were bell boys helping with the suitcases which is great because there are soooooo many stairs (well it's on a hill). That said, like all other comments, if you have trouble walking or a heart condition, this hotel is not for you. The elevator was working maybe 20% of the time during our stay, and there are 98 stairs from the beach and to our room (615) another 53 - great workout.... if you like that.
The room: only 220V electric service (there are a couple of 110V outlets at the pool bar to charge up computer/phone etc.). Our room didn't have a mini fridge (i guess you get that with the VIP service so i was told which might be worth it at this place). There's a hair dryer available. The paint in the room was flaking and new paint just looked 'slapped on'. I know they are repairing the building still, but it would look much nicer if they put a bit of care in their work. We complained about the balcony door not locking but nothing was done about it. Shower was working but low water pressure, toilet was flushing extremely slowly - broke last day.
We asked for 3 beds because of our daughter, our beds were ok, my daughter had a cot that she found extremely uncomfortable. View from the room was beautiful.

Beach was ok, water is murky and the ground has lots of algae and uneven but safe enough for kids, the beach is much nicer a 5 to 10 min walk further down but i wouldn't really leave any clothing unsupervised there... the water is also a bit warmer there (due to more waves which are fun). Some people went snorkeling but said the water wasn't clear enough. The beach bar is open until 5pm, there are horses for riding which belong to Alfredo, it's 20 Cucs for 2 hours either in the mountains or on the beach, we rode a bunch of times and were invited to Alfredo's home, please have some things for him (he doesn't ask for anything but appreciates gifts - if you have leather belts etc, he can use them to make horse gear as well). There are also a bunch of people begging right there (as it's the end of the resort beach) from what we were told by many cubans, they are lazy and don't want to work - it's funny, the women begging tell you all kinds of sad stories, but smoke and have their finger/toe nails done nicely... something to keep in mind!

Food: Much better than the other hotel we stayed in but still not great, well it's cuba, i like to cook so i'm very picky....there was something for everyone for sure but not lots of anything, i found a couple of things at the buffet i liked but so did everyone else and they replaced those empty bowls with something else so i didn't eat too much there at all. We didn't go to the a la carts as i didn't want to get pinned down to a schedule. As all food there, probably something overcooked. Word of advice if you have small children: If they make a pig on the spit they don't cover or secure the hot ashes! during our stay a toddler walked right into it and needed medical attention in Santiago - couldn't walk for the rest of the week so be careful! We had lunch at the Oceano restaurant just down the road once (walk out of hotel driveway, turn right and it's on the other side of the road) Cheap, good service, give it a try and some word of mouth advertising (i think they are suffering a bit from too little guests currently but worth going). the beach restaurant (el rancho) just reopened a couple of days ago as well, nice place but no special food really.

Tours: We would have liked the moped tour but the lady booking it made a mistake (which she didn't want to admit to so that was upsetting since we were looking forward to it) so we didn't get to go. We took a taxi into the village 15 km away which cost only 25 Cuc and was ok. We booked the catamaran tour to Santiago, it was nice, awesome snorkeling at an old ship wreck on the way, the water was very rough! this is not a good outing for anyone getting seasick easily - two ladies were really sick the entire time. Some people were enjoying the waves on the nets in the front of the boat, but one guy fell right through, he was lucky to hold on and not going under the boat and into the engines....don't know how they fix it so watch out for repairs/holes. Trip included lunch in Santiago (was ok...) and an hour time on your own, i wish we would have gone to Santiago on our own, looked like lots of fun, but also lots of people asking for stuff there... the trip back was by bus. Other trip by horse to the bat cave was great - guess you can just take a taxi there as well. There are bicycles available if you want, you can rent mopeds (if you can get them) and a few other tours.

Entertainment: not my thing... lots of dancing, i find it boring personally but that's a matter of taste. We liked playing pool in the games room upstairs of the pool bar (there's also ping pong and tables for playing cards etc.. The pool was clean enough, kind of cool water, many playing volleyball etc. there wasn't a ton of animation which i liked.

We met people from many parts but there were also a lot of locals, one thing why i also gave the place only 3 stars is that the locals always got the better treatment/service - drinks available to them were not available to us, we notice on many occasions that the drinks they didn't have for us went by the bottle to locals....

I would go back to the area and even this hotel as the price is right, but we are not that young and the stairs are just a bit too much, but i'd say you get fair value here.
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Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: 4th floor, but they are hard to get, if you have issues walking go somewhere else, too many...
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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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