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Sierra Mar is a great place with very friendly & helpful staff. We went last year and again this year. Each time for two weeks and it just wasn't long enough. There are some friends that we have met that go 2 times a year and have been going for the past 8-12 years... At this point they know everyone and have adopted a few Cuban families to help them with their way of life.
When I arrived in the Lobby this April 3rd, I felt like I was home again.
To be honest there's not alot of nightlife, the hotel needs a facelift...painting, upgrades re: air conditioning, etc...
However for the price this place is a diamond in the rough. If you want to party, this is not the place.
Also if you go in the month of April, the resort is starting to shut down, and they are starting to cut back on staff and not replenish some stocks., However lots of good food and alcohol and the weather usually cooperates this April it was very hot and humid and more rain than usual.
Mostly middle aged and some families...Lots of Germans , Quebecers and Ontario residents.
I think it is the staff that makes the difference. There isn't a lot to do, but I go to recharge my batteries, lie around and do nothing but suntan and read.
There is Aqua fitness, volleyball games in the pool and on the beach, Spanish lessons, Salsa dancing, Bingo, entertainment at night but not very good- same stuff as last year.. I think they definitely need to change it up a bit. disco at night but I've never gone as I'm usually in bed by then.
As for tipping, I strongly urge you to tip these folks..they get approximately $14.00 a month to live off of to take of their families...also if you take the cutlery and it goes missing, it comes out of their pocket. all tips that they get they have to share with all the staff. So they don't get it all. It's very sad...but they are all very happy people and I love it at Sierra Mar.
My husband and I are definitely going back. see you there next time!
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Date of stay: April 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arrived 2am to drinks and friendly porters - never had to carry anything after checking in at Toronto. Breakfasts are wonderful, The chef will cook you an omelette of perfection. The view of lush green mountains is a perfect compliment to the delicious coffee. Take a taxi into Chivirico, the local town and shop and talk with the locals. Six loaves of bread(to give away) cost 1.28 Canadian. Poverty is everywhere bur acceptance and friendliness make this the best country I have ever visited. Take lots of giveaways, shoes, shirts,vitamins,pencils with erasers. Dinky toys are a hit. Children have very little in the way of toys and everyone loves candy. The hotel has safe pool for children, beaches are clean and well taken care of with nice chairs and beach bar.You can use paddle boats or bicycles free and you can rent mopeds.You can eat almost 24 hrs a day with real hamburgers and papa fritas(french fries) or grilled cheese in the snack bar beside the pool bar. No rowdy behaviour just people enjoying the hot tub, the swim up bar and volleyball in the pool. Entertainment team first rate with excellent dance shows and visiting bands(bring stockings for the dancers(pantyhose- black & sheer size medium and tall) Most people understand some English and you will have no difficulty communicating. Rooms are adequate and there are 4 restaurants to choose from for dinner. We enjoyed the buffet and the inventiveness of the chefs in creating salads. Lots to do - tours, city of Santiago, mud baths, horseback riding is a steal at $5.50 Canadian an hour with guide!! Great time for single couple or family. You'll come back again.
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Date of stay: November 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our first time to Cuba. I was a bit leary but was I wrong. This resort is utterly FANTASTIC!!! What topped this resort was the friendly staff that went above and beyond the call of duty. The entertainment was incredible, the food was great and the rooms we fine.
Having travelled to various destinations in the Carribean, Cuba is one of my favourites.
Definately am MUST
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Date of stay: March 2002
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I travelled with Holasun from Toronto and the service from the check in and flight with Canjet was excellent. The staff that early in the morning were cheerful and made you forget you were in a line. At the Santiago airport, a package with room keys, resort bracelet and registration card made for a no fuss checkin. The safe keys were available at reception for 2 CUC per day (about $2,cad per day). The road was in good condition for about an hour of the one hour and forty minute journey. Some new culverts and crossings have been built and the rough spots are a combination of sand, gravel and asphalt. The hurricane helped dig some of those ruts a little deeper but the bus drivers do their best to keep the ride as smooth as possible. Reminds me of a couple of northern Ontario roads..The road equipment that had been working on the roads were moved to safety when Sandy came and has been needed elsewhere at the moment. The resort is built into the side of bluff. Done in levels with level five being the lobby, restaurants, pool, bank, shops, the stage show and 2 bars. We stayed on level three which put us two staircases of 20 steps each to get to most of the activities for the day. Elevators servicing the rooms has been replaced and they were just completing the facings with tiles. The service elevator behind the stage was working but you still needed to go down one level of stairs to use.
Our room, 329 was an oceanview which gave us a great shaded view in the morning to enjoy our coffee and a breathtaking view of the sunset every evening. Rooms were a little dated but were clean and comfortable. Beds were firm and ask right away for extra pillows because they were a little slim.There is a 110 outlet under the tv, but I did have a european converter that was helpful in the bathroom. Lots of towels for us and a courtesy basket with soap, body wash, shampoo, tissue.Even a couple of toothbrushes with paste for us forgetful travellers.Water was always the right temp for a shower and shower was perfect. The tv in our room was an older style but other guests had flatscreen. For being away from home, one of the stations was CTV Toronto, so we could keep up to date if we wanted to. There is no fridge or coffeemaker in the room, but the lobby bar is open 24 hours a day Air worked well and didn't make a lot of noise..A beach towel voucher is provided and it is up to you to keep track as it will cost you 25CUC if you misplace it. There are interconnecting rooms available for that family needing more space.
Restaurants had enough choices for even that fussy eater. We found the choices more varied at breakfast and lunch than supper for the buffet. There was a lunch counter at the bar that served hotdogs, hamburger, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza and fries from 4pm until 1am. The eco restaurant at the beach was a secluded oasis with excellent burgers and salad. (bring your favorite salad dressing as there is very limited choice). The cuban restaurant was good and the mariposa was ok. There was always a good selection and everything was marked in english. If you were still in doubt, all the servers speak excellent english.
Pool was a good size with depths of one foot to about 3.5 feet. A volleyball net is set up most of the time.Lots of chairs were available but shade could be a challenge when the resort is full. The volleyball end of the pool also has pool bar seating. Watch the tile around the pool as it does get a little slippery. The hot tub is awesome as it could hold a good size group. The pool bar staff are amazing. PS all the staff resort wide are over the top in customer service.
The beach is a dark sand, which reminds me of a lake or two I have been to at home. Lots of beach chairs and they were rebuilding the beach bar while we were there. There are paddleboats, kayaks and more to keep us busy and the area in front of the hotel reminds me of a sheltered lagoon. Some of our friends did a little snorkelling down the way from the resort and said there was lots to see. We took a snorkelling tour about 10 minutes from the resort and it was awesome. It was part of our package. The beach is a sand bottom but I do suggest water shoes as there some hazards that will keep you hopping without.Beach needs to be groomed every morning as I have seen other resorts do to remove treasures brought in by the wind and the tide. Right now I understand they are dealing with prioritities from the storm.
We also did the moped tour and it is excellent (cost is 25CUC). Visited a school of which I had brought Canada tatoos and my friend had school supplies. Also a farm, bat cave, red sand beach and back. Frisbees and sunglasses were great things to have brought along and played a great game with some of the local children on the beach.
Entertainment. There were shows everynight at 9pm. Dancing, bands,a watershow in the pool, and more. Thru the day we had Annie, Maybe and Tony try to keep us busy. Spanish lessons, dancing lessons, bingo, volleyball. All the entertainment was well done. Now a ps. The stage has many soft spots and there are boards even missing. They invite you, the audience, to come up for the house dance. Be aware that it is not in good condition and is a risk to the dancers, entertainment staff and guests. Please help be a force to get this looked after as soon as possible.
There is also a basketball court and two tennis courts that looked like they have been surfaced recently. Also a minigolf course. Above the pool bar, there are a couple of pool tables, ping pong table and tables for cards, etc. There is also a disco off the reception area that is open from 10:30pm on.
Internet is dialup and was hit and miss. I do suggest that the hotel look into WIFI as more and more of us are wanting to continue contact with work and home. However cell phone service seemed outstanding. There is a bank and shop on the property but the hours being open were all over the map. There is a medical centre and a kids club.
I want to thank the staff at the Brisas Sierra Mar because it is you that make this an amazing holiday. You are the resort, and great representatives of the hotel, your community and your country. Excellent service, professional in your outlook and we left good friends.
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Date of stay: November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seriously people, you MUST MUST MUST take atleast a week off work/school whatever, and visit Brisas Sierra Mar. For me it was a life changing experience and im sure it will be the same for you! The people, the music, and the atmosphere of cuba made me want to stay forever. This was my second trip to Sierra Mar and it was even better than the first. The employees at the resort welcome you into the area, they are so friendly and kind. People like Anthony, Ernesto, Frank, George, Anna, Elizibeth, Edita and my favourite band "Guama"...Tony your the best, and Franklin, i miss you! I also reccomend to take the tour into Santiago, the history is incredible and it is overall an awesome experience. I personally enjoy the night time most at Sierra Mar, take a walk on the beach and listen to the ocaen...look at the stars. It is amazing. The nightlife is a great time too! Cubans LOVE to dance, salsa, rhumba, cha cha, merengue....and the best of all: raggaeton! or in english-(spanish hiphop) Also, if your lookin for hot weather this is the place for you, this is know to be the hottest part of cuba! Cool huh? The drink selection at the resort is impressive, the bar tenders know how to make pretty much anything! I highly reccomend the mojitos, strawberry dacaris, lime dacaris and Anna's Special: The Hummingbird.--(Banana/strawberry/rum beverage mmm) The pool area is great, plenty of room, volleyball and booze for everyone woohoo! Anyways, i could go on forever about Sierra Mar. Out of all the Carribean destinations i have been to, Brisas Sierra Mar is by far the best experience of my travelling years so far. It is my second home. See for yourself.
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Date of stay: March 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just got back from the Brisas Sierra Mar in Santiago de Cuba on Tuesday Feb. 15th. The resort is okay, the rooms are tired, toilets didn't work all the time, mattresses were terrible but it was clean enough and the food wasn't bad. We were having a nice time until someone stole all our money (over $200 convertible Cuban). We were very foolish and hid our safety deposit box key in our room in a coat pocket in the closet. We went out for dinner at the Ecological restaurant that you had to sign up for using your room number earlier in the day. Sometime in the 3 hours we were out for dinner someone came in our room found the key and took our cash. Thank goodness they left our passports and tickets. We were treated very poorly by hotel security when we told them what had happened. They kept saying we were making the story up because we had lost our key and didn't want to pay the $50 to have them break into it. Don't ever hide your safety deposit key in your room. We found out the hard way. We won't be going back to the Brisas Sierra Mar but will certainly go back to Cuba as the residents there are warm and friendly.
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Date of stay: June 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our group of 10 returned on the 4th of December after two wonderful weeks at the Sierra Mar hotel just outside of Santiago de Cuba. Have to say that most of us had been at this hotel before and loved it…so our opinion has not changed!
We flew with Cubana airlines out of Toronto. This airline is great as it gives quite a bit more luggage allowance so we were able to bring quite a bit more down for the school and clinic as well all stuff for the people in the area. The flight was on time, not as cramped at most of the other charters and we were even given head sets for the movie..I usually have my own but of course this time they were packed in the checked luggage, so this was nice not having to buy a set. Had a little bit a wait in Santiago for the luggage to come through..but hey, we are on vacation!
The transfer to the hotel was the usual fun…I think the pot holes have all joined together..as the ride didn’t seem to be a bad as the last time. We arrived later in the day so they kept the dining room open for us so we could have a bit to eat before turning in. Check in was quite quick and very smooth…half an hour and we were on our way to the room. We were much to excited to go to bed so found a pair of shorts and flip flops and headed back down to the lobby for a Spanish coffee and to see if we could catch the last of the nightly show.
The staff at this hotel are what really makes people return. They are all very hard working and pleasant. Any problems you have are looked into very quickly and usually resolved just as fast. I don’t think we found a cranky person there…maybe a few guests but that’s another story.
The entertainment is everywhere. There are different entertainers in the lobby every night, in the dining room and even on the beach in the afternoon. There are nightly shows that were very well done. Have to admit we didn’t see them all as we had a domino tournament going in the pool bar for a few nights.
The food was much better this time than the last time we were there. If you go for the first sitting you get fresh hot food. The carver in the dining room had something different every night and then it repeated the second week. The turkey was the best. Hubby liked the fish. Some of the food was not to our liking but there was so much there…you will find something you like. Lunch time we ate mostly at the beach restaurant. It has a very limited menu…mostly fish, burgers or hot dogs. They do have really good soup there….with a salad and bun…I am good to go.
Beach was great, not the white sand of Cayo Coco or Varadero but not the white snow of northern Ontario either! There were sand fleas that were feeding on a few people but we brought repellent so they didn’t bother us as much. We brought pool noodles and bocci balls so we never wanted for beach activities! A few of us tried the kayaks and paddle boats but never took out the hobi cats. Sand gets rather hot in the afternoon so the crocs were a good idea. There is sea grass in the water when you go in and there are clumps of grass that you bump into when you go out a little further. Snorkelling was really good the second week…the wind the first week stirred up the water too much. You can take the paddle boat out to the reef off shore for snorkelling…lots of fish to see out there.
The mountains and trees in this area are a photographers dream. Walk up the beach and there are photo ops everywhere. The little cemetery up the beach is interesting…we had a young boy tell us all about it’s history on one of our walks.
For excursions we did the horse back riding up into the mountains. It is a 2 to 3 hour ride with the opportunity to swim in a mountain creek and waterfall. Nice to have water to cool you off part way through the ride…and no salt! Only $16 pesos…great deal. The swim with the dolphins was the best…always wanted to do this. We had a little tour of Santiago, the dinosaur park, lunch and the dolphin show. Swimming in the pool with the dolphin was the highlight…you grab his fin and he pulls you across the pool. Lay on the top of the water and he pushes you by your feet across the pool. They take pictures and you can purchase them later…not a bad price either.
OK I am nearly finished this book. For the money this hotel can not be beat. Staff, country side, weather….can’t find better. Just trying to figure out when we can go again!!
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Date of stay: November 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spent the last week in Feb. there in 2005. Older crowd than we had expected.... But a safe & pleasant trip. Rooms were basic. Toilet paper is at a premium, so bring your own when you go to cuba! After the shock of no toilet seats in many of the resort washrooms, the ability to laugh came in handy. Staff for the most part were pleasant... Be prepared for a race in the morning to the beach to get a "good cabana & lounge chair" Met many nice people ~ some of whom go there every year & stay for a month ~ like i said, older retired crowd.... An hour plus drive from the airport ~ but interesting sights ~ Never thought i'd see a man walking a huge pig on a leash! But, it happened in cuba! Roaming musicians during dinner each night ~ beautiful music.... Nightly outside entertainment ~ have seen much better, but they tried there best... Nice pool area (pool isnt too big, but was ok) Swim up bar & volleyball nets... For a budget trip, it was ok... Not great.... but not bad... The weather (which is what we went for) was past perfect! Came back with a wonderful tan & a smile... A nice inexpensive place to go.
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Date of stay: February 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
where do I start, Arrival and check in great Beautiful Setting in Sierra Meastra Mountain All rooms have Ocean view range so no need to take a special package for view rooms clean but small but Hotel in need of demolition its old and tired. the pool is in need of repair liner ripped and bubbling under your feet. Food terrible same every day for lunch dinner in buffet, nice snack bar close to beach but they run out of food after serving about 14 guests 2 a'la'carte restaurant's were very good. Staff at bars were hit and miss depending on their mood if Cubans were staying in resort you had no hope of being served the bars were very badly stocked and ran out of stuff constantly same in the buffet where they just butted in in front of everyone. The buffet servers never offered drinks with meals except water but they looked after the Cuban guests with drinks. public bathrooms were bad no locks on stalls no toilet paper no toilet seats, So now lets get to the Hookers its like a Brothel so if you have kids do not go there old men with young Cuban girls they rent for the week its disgusting to see, Ive been to Cuba many times all different parts of the island and never seen anything like it Management just turn a blind eye to whats going on its the first time I have ever had my things stolen at a Cuban Resort . Now lets get to Cubana airlines think twice before booking with Holasun we were taken to the airport at @2:30 on day of check out arriving there around 4 pm checked in and kept there till 11pm at night no flight going to Toronto no explanation as to what was happening no rep to be found then shipped back to hotel hungry arriving at midnight not offered anything except snack bar and told to meet again in lobby at 5am to return to airport for 7am flight people were asked to share rooms with strangers next morning we are shipped back to airport no breakfast just coffee at bar get there at 7 and again no plane eventually get to check in at 10;30 again we are left sitting waiting no rep available to give us information as to whats happening eventually we got to board a plane at 1.30 it was not the Cuban experience we signed up for, The only good part was the great people we met on the resort from around Ontario and we made the most of a bad thing Holasun needs to get their act together and look after the people who are keeping them in business not treat them like they dont matter also the management need to get out and about and pay more attention to whats happening on the resort and just how shabby and run down it is and clean up the Prostitution and make it family friendly it is not a 3 1/2 star by any stretch of anyone's imagination it could be a really nice place if managed properly
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Date of stay: May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just returned on the 29th of Nov. from a 1 week stay at the Brisas Sierra Mar and we had the time of our life there. If you are looking for a 5* this is not the place for you, but everything about this place screams that it can be. From the very start you are surrounded by Beauty, Ambiance and a complete sense of Warmth. The rooms are clean, the service was impecible, the people amazing, friendly and kind and the food was good too. Everywhere you looked was another dream filled view no matter where you were standing. The Main Lobby seemed to be the meeting spot at night as the pianist played, sometimes accompanied by other musicians from the resort and it was always alive. The beach, pool and grounds are always clean and offer new exciting views every day.The staff was always friendly and willing to serve your needs and sometimes bent over backwards to make sure your stay was pleasurable. The weather was beautiful, the shows were always fun and there are many activities offered to make your visit enjoyable like Swimming with the Dolphins, Horseback riding, Snorkeling, Boating, etc. Yes the roadtrip from the airport is an adventure but you have to remember where you are and just sit back and enjoy it. The Brisas Sierra Mar is worth it all and we will go back, hopefully soon, again and again. We loved it!!!!!
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Date of stay: November 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The main dining room often (not every night) sets out tables outside for the evening meal. About an hour or two before dinner hour you will see them setting up. Ask the attendant to save you a table (a tip is nice to offer) and he'll put out a name tag on a table for you. It's very pleasant taking your meal on this patio.
There are more places to choose from in the Guama area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
brisas sierra mar guama, brisas sierra mar hotel guama
LOCATION
CaribbeanCubaSantiago de Cuba ProvinceGuama
NUMBER OF ROOMS
200
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