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jenmaharaj
Toronto, Canada

January Vacation 2020

Reviewed Feb 9, 2020via mobile
Our second time returning to this resort: unfortunately we were only there for one week! The weather was beautiful (sunshine) all week.
This resort has a wonderful scenic view, especially in the mornings. The food is not that great but hey we’re not big eaters so you make do it’s Cuba and it’s not all about the food. In the restaurant it could do with some more fresh fruits and ore salads,in Cuba there’s lots of fruits
While the rooms were spotless,they can certainly to with some upgrading especially the beds.

Just love the entertainment in the lobby in the night!
The grounds are well kept
The beach is beautiful, we were there every day
Beach chair are on a shortage there if you’re not there very early in the morning you don’t get a chair, no one wants to get up early in the morning to go get a beach chair after all you’re on vacation.

We met some of the staffs that remembered us the last time we were there Rene the gardener,Marisa the maid,Holize the cook at the beach restaurant,thanks guys for the wonderful service!
Thanks to the PR :Sandra,front desk. May ,lobby bar,Davis,Elizabeth great job guys!


Date of stay: January 2020
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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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.
Brisas S, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Hotel Brisas Sierra Mar, responded to this review
Responded Feb 11, 2020
Dear jenmaharaj,
Brisas Sierra Mar Management and Staff appreciate your comments regarding our resort. Our guests’ opinions are carefully read and every consideration is looked after. They are an opportunity to improve our services since our main purpose is customers’ satisfaction. It will be a pleasure to welcome you in the near future.
Best Regards.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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      14 - 19 of 764 reviews
      Reviewed February 2, 2020

      I read lots of reviews when considering properties, so I wanted to leave a few words about our recent week at Sierra Mar for others who do the same. For context, we’re a retired couple on our 9th trip to Cuba, each to a different destination. I will assume you understand the peculiarities of Cuba as a destination - otherwise that’s a whole other discussion...
      The bus trip to and from the airport was 80 minutes and reasonably comfortable. Room keys were provided before boarding. The setting of the hotel overlooking the mountains (sierra) and ocean (mar) is truly stunning. The facility is interestingly integrated into a hillside and must have been very impressive when it was new – still is really - but it is showing its age when you look too closely. Never a problem though. They do their best to keep things clean and working. The grounds are well-kept and pleasant. Elevators are essential and worked all the time we were there. Some major repairs will be necessary sooner than later but for now, it's acceptable.
      Food was okay and occasionally quite good. Water comes from their own well and is drinkable right from the tap. Our room (135) was fine and the balcony overlooking the ocean was quite nice. I didn’t pay for the ocean-view upgrade and it doesn’t seem necessary. The beach was better than expected but as expected, the beach loungers are old and often all taken by guest who insist on reserving them for the day with towels. No bug bites though. Service at all the bars was good including at the two beach bars. Live entertainment at the beach restaurant was consistently good and a bit more hit and miss in the lobby bar. We didn’t attend any of the evening shows.
      The guests appeared to be mostly retired budget-driven folks, many on multi-week return visits. The few younger people were mostly there with older family. There were no groups of loud, drunk twenty somethings as can happen in some resorts. Consequently, the pool area was calm and relaxing with music at reasonable levels when it was even on. Typical day excursions (city, catamaran, off-road) are available at fees that seemed okay. We’ve done such things and opted instead to arrange with a doorman for a taxi to/back from the nearby town (Chivirico) for dinner one day and lunch another day. Both restaurants were entirely authentic and quite good. Daytime is better.
      Let me close by saying that one of the greatest joys of Cuba is the Cuban people themselves. While tips are always welcome, many things made outside the country aren’t available or are very limited in choice. Search on “gifts to bring to cuba” and top up your suitcase accordingly.
      Hope this helps…

      Room tip: Upgrading to Ocean View isn't necessary but maybe if you pay more, you will get a better located room?
      Date of stay: January 2020
        • Value
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      8  Thank Bellewart
      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.
      Brisas S, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Hotel Brisas Sierra Mar, responded to this reviewResponded February 11, 2020

      Dear Bellewart,
      Brisas Sierra Mar Management and Staff appreciate your comments regarding our resort. Our guests’ opinions are carefully read and every consideration is looked after. They are an opportunity to improve our services since our main purpose is customers’ satisfaction. It will be a pleasure to welcome you in the near future.
      Best Regards.

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed February 2, 2020

      We were at Brisas Sierra Mar from January 22-29, 2020. We had a fantastic time! This resort gets some bad reviews, which is a real shame.

      We went as a family of five; my wife and I and our three children ages 3, 5 and 12. Everyone had a great time.

      We traveled with Sunwing. Upon arrival, we had no issues at the airport in Santiago de Cuba. There was a staff member at the airport who gave us our bracelets and room key. We collected our bags and boarded the coach bus. The ride from the airport to the resort is about an hour. Its quite scenic travelling through the city and then seaside and through the mountains to the resort.

      Our room: we had the Family Room. Its two adjoining rooms, facing the ocean. One queen-sized bed in one room and two twins in the other. Each room had a shower and balcony. The rooms are a little tired, but were kept clean by the staff and were actually quite comfortable. No issues with the A/C or anything. Honestly; how much time do you actually spend in there on vacation!?

      The resort: we loved it! The pool area is smaller, but nicely kept. The kids enjoyed it. The beach was great. We spent most of our time there, where you can snorkel, kayak and swim for hours. The kayaks and paddle boats are included and usually sitting there to enjoy. The beach was kept clean and was a lot of fun. You can walk off resort to another beach as well, which is fun to pass the time. The beach bar is handy - say hi to Osmar! He took good care of us. There is also a snack bar near the beach where you'll find enough food to keep you going in between bigger meals. The bars on site were sufficient, although they had no Cola during our stay. But it's Cuba, and you have to improvise.

      The food: we ate well! You can have a personally made omelette daily for breakfast or anything else that you'd like. We have no complaints about the food, it was just fine. Cupey is the main buffet restaurant. It was nice and cool inisde; the service was great. The food selection was good; even for little kids, who can be picky. We ate at both specialty restaurants on site, which were quite good. Make your reservation early upon arrival! The water is drinkable at the resort; remember to stay hydrated.

      Some tips: get your pool or beach chairs early! They tend to go fast. My wife reserved us some good seats each morning, so we could have shade at the beach. Bring some USD $1 bills - as many as you can for tipping. There is a little bank on site to exchange CAD to CUC, but if you're tipping - USD $1s will be fine. The store on site is good for a little snack - but the cigars and liquor sold on site are over priced and you'll get a far better price at the duty-free shop in Cuba on your way home.

      We picked up at 220v adapter on Amazon before we left, it offers several charging ports for various devices.

      Overall: if you're looking for an inexpensive getaway and not expecting 5-star quality, this is a great place. There are many people we talked to who have been here year-after-year. That alone says something. The staff are excellent!! Honestly, these are some of the nicest people and they took great care of us. The view is "stunning" as my wife put it. You're seaside in the mountains; you'll see some great sunsets.

      We were not disappointed. I have very few critiques. The beach chairs are older compared to the pool, but that is it. I highly recommend this property to families and couples who are not looking for a wild nightlife. It is more of an older crowd with a handful of families. I suspect we'll be back again next year!

      PS... the weather was great! Sunny and high 20s each day. We were told Santiago tends to be warmer this time of the year.

      Room tip: Most rooms have ocean view if not all.
      Date of stay: January 2020
        • Location
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      5  Thank kp29163
      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.
      Brisas S, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Hotel Brisas Sierra Mar, responded to this reviewResponded February 11, 2020

      Dear kp29163,
      Brisas Sierra Mar Management and Staff appreciate your comments regarding our resort. Our guests’ opinions are carefully read and every consideration is looked after. They are an opportunity to improve our services since our main purpose is customers’ satisfaction. It will be a pleasure to welcome you in the near future.
      Best Regards.

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed January 8, 2020

      We were here for DEC. 25th to Jan. 1st. First time there, and would go back. Hotel is older but rooms were good. Our room was a bit mouldy smelling, but they changed room for us. The second room was better. they did have 3 days of heavy rain before we arrived. The buffet and pool, bars, theatre , and ala carte, snack bar are all close to each other. all rooms face the ocean and some face ocean and mountains. great views whatever room your in. All the staff were the best. Interacted with the guest well. tried very hard to included guest in pool games, rum for prizes, bingo every other day. Nightly entertainment was great as well. Nice big lobby with bar and couches, as well as table and chairs to sit and have coffee or drinks after dinner. Best ala carte we have had in Cuba. Clean hotel just a bit dated. Rated at 3.5 but think its more a 3 star. Thought the food might be a bit better but we didn't starve. Donald trumps actions are being felt by Cubans so travellers must keep that in mind. Beach is nice and there is a bar there as well. Not enough loungers on beach. Had a great New years party at hotel they really went all out. Looking forward to going back to this hotel.

      Date of stay: December 2019
      5  Thank cindy n
      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.
      Brisas S, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Hotel Brisas Sierra Mar, responded to this reviewResponded January 22, 2020

      Dear cindy n,
      Brisas Sierra Mar Management and Staff appreciate your comments regarding our resort. Our guests’ opinions are carefully read and every consideration is looked after. They are an opportunity to improve our services since our main purpose is customers’ satisfaction. It will be a pleasure to welcome you in the near future.
      Best Regards.

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed December 28, 2019

      Great time at BSM. Met some great folks... The food was up to par and quite good. Nobody got sick from eating there as far as I know, even the water and ice cubes were safe. The beach is fine but if you're comfortable having a cocktail in the sun with good company the beach is awesome. Not many, if any kids there…a big plus. Mostly a 50+ crowd and lot's of entertainment to go around.
      This is a lovely location surrounded by quiet country side, with a beautiful beach and plenty of shade and chairs. Although food selection was at times limited, what was available was very good, and plentiful.
      The people that complain about this resort are the ones who should have stayed home. It's not 5 star nor will it ever be, it's a hidden gem with spectacular views and warm friendly folks.

      Date of stay: November 2019
        • Value
        • Location
        • Service
      7  Thank SnowCanuck
      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.
      Brisas S, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Hotel Brisas Sierra Mar, responded to this reviewResponded January 22, 2020

      Dear SnowCanuck,
      Brisas Sierra Mar Management and Staff appreciate your comments regarding our resort. Our guests’ opinions are carefully read and every consideration is looked after. They are an opportunity to improve our services since our main purpose is customers’ satisfaction. It will be a pleasure to welcome you in the near future.
      Best Regards.

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
      Reviewed July 10, 2019

      We were at Brisas the last 2 weeks of November 2018, our 5th time. We had a wonderful time as usual. We love the beautiful scenery of the mountains, the mature trees and the gorgeous landscaping which seems like a miracle since we have never seen the gardeners at work. The animation team have created a program that includes the spectacular beauty of the resort and surrounding area. We went on several hikes that took us through the local farmland, up the hills and past a sanctuary surrounding an old school, waterfall and a lookout with a wonderful vista of the resort. Add to that a room with a view of the ocean and beautiful sunsets and we were enthralled. The entertainment at night is a little different each time we've been so the animation team are always updating the program so we are never bored. This time they added a show at poolside which was hilarious and they executed it in two languages without any loss in timing - wow!
      The day starts with a good breakfast buffet and a spot by the window with a view of the mountains which we get if we arrive early enough. The waitress pours our ice water and remembers our coffee preferences every day. Customer service at this hotel is a 5*.
      The food is good with some highlights such as the braised rabbit one time and the delicious roasted chicken the next. We have tried to recreate the breakfast beans at home with no luck so far but we are trying. There is fresh grilled fish at the beach restaurant and tables outside under the trees provide a shady and tranquil spot. Sometimes there are uninvited guests from local farms -goats and cows that wander onto the turf for a snack or a shady spot to rest in. If the occupancy is high enough there is a band in the beach restaurant - the house band had a great singer with a purple cowboy hat - she had great energy and some good dance moves!
      Brisas has some good traditions that I think highlight their style and appreciation of their guests, a returning guest dinner which judging from the turnout there are quite a few of, and a group of dancers to greet arriving guests and those leaving too. It is a nice touch.
      Some guests have written that the resort is a little rundown but is doesn't matter to us. Everything is clean and orderly and generally runs like a well oiled machine. Every visit we see some improvements like the renovated pool bar.
      I have never had a tummy upset there which i have had at other resorts in Cuba so that tells me they have very good food handling practices.
      I would love to see more traditional Cuban music in the lobby bar at night in addition to their classical bands and maybe some more tables to accommodate smaller groups.
      The beach is not the white sand typical of Cuba but there is lots of shade and the water is pleasant although a bit rocky to bring water shoes.
      All in all, great value for the money.

      Date of stay: November 2018
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Value
        • Location
        • Service
      10  Thank DouglasandEliza... B
      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.
      Brisas S, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Hotel Brisas Sierra Mar, responded to this reviewResponded July 12, 2019

      Dear DouglasandEliza... B,
      Brisas Sierra Mar Management and Staff appreciate your comments regarding our resort. Our guests’ opinions are carefully read and every consideration is looked after. They are an opportunity to improve our services since our main purpose is customers’ satisfaction. It will be a pleasure to welcome you in the near future.
      Best Regards.

      Report response as inappropriate
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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