#3 of 4 hotels
The Monarc.ca popularity scale (#1/15) classifies all the hotels of a single destination according to the number of grades received on 5 and the total number of reviews.
in
Cayo Cruz
Had a great time. If food is going to ruin a vacation for a person then this resort isn't for them. But, I probably could safely say that about almost every resort in Cuba. Other than that the place is amazing. The people are so happy and pleasant. Willing to do anything to make your vacation a success. The resort itself is beautiful. Rooms very spacious and always clean. Pools a bit cool but with the heat are refreshing. And the beach is out of this world. All in all had a fantastic time. Well worth what I paid for it. Would recommend this resort to anyone [Details]
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The strong points
People, beaches, pools, views, rooms, cleanliness and the people again
Dear Mike Byers
Thank you for your time writing to us. It is a real pleasure to know that you enjoyed your stay and the kindness of the team.
We are sincerely glad that you felt the magic of this amazing place and we insure you that we will always do our best to make each of your future stays memorable.
We hope to have the pleasure to welcome you again in Valentin Cayo Cruz for more experiences.
Sincerely,
Dayana Cabreja, Assistant Manager
1 week vacation
Kelly Pavey, Strathroy, ON
2024-03-29
Our 1 week vacation was Mar 20 - Mar 27 2024 The resort was nice, however we upgraded to the elegance which we found it was not beneficial. We were aware of shortages but not aware of the same food (spaghetti everyday ) and not much variety. We spoke to many other people on other resorts and they had variety everyday. We only had bread and eggs 2 times during our week stay. The 2 concierge ladies were the most friendly staff and the gardeners . For the money we spent on our vacation we did not find it worth the upgrade and would not be a preference to return. We also would have liked to enjoy a nice drink and we found they were constantly out of a wide variety of alcohol. We were aware of shortages however, Valentin seemed to be top of the list for shortages. [Details]
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The strong points
Nice beaches and great shower
The weak points
Elegance package was not worth the upgrade
Lack of too many things
Dear Kelly Pavey
Thank you very much for leaving your comment. We are very sorry that Alegance's services did not meet your expectations. We are having problems with the supply of some products, but we are working to make things better. The satisfaction of our customers is the most important thing for us. I hope you can give us a second chance.
Sincerely, Dayana Cabreja,
Assistant Manager
Great hotel and helpful Staff
Wayne Money, Guelph, ON
2024-03-24
Overall great experience, hotel had great beach, nice property and facilities. Food and drinks was hit and miss, some meals were great, others lacking. Staff was extremely helpful - shout out to Ernesto in Management friendly and helpful. Entertainment and shows were well done and entertaining.
Isolation was a little frustrating for myself - there was a Cigar, Sugar and Rum tour that sounded very interesting, but only ran from Cayo Coco, and the Camaguey tour was not the same, also all scuba diving was from Cayo Coco.
Since I booked 3 days before I left and didn't do my research don't have anyone to blame, so overall good experience. [Details]
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Nice Resort and Facilities
Great Beaches
Helpful Staff
Dear Wayne
Thank you for your glowing review! It is a real pleasure to know that you enjoyed your stay with us, especially: the beach, the entertainment and the kindness of the team with a special mention to Ernesto.
Once again, thank you for sharing all your experiences with us, we are very grateful to you !
Sincerely, Dayana Cabreja
Assistant Manager
Our own slice of paradise
Monica Swance, Morpeth, ON
2024-03-14
Valentin, Cayo, Cruz in Cuba is an extraordinary destination that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. The warm smiles and exceptional service greet you, ensuring a memorable experience. The resort itself is breathtaking, with meticulously maintained grounds and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms at the Valentin provide the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and unwinding. The dedicated staff goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is enjoyable, always ready to assist.
During our first visit in January 2024, we had the pleasure of meeting Luis at the front desk, who helped us with internet connectivity, and Leo, our friendly bellboy. When we returned in February 2024 these familiar faces greeted us once again, and their warm hugs were a testament to their genuine hospitality. Both of these young men had infectious smiles and took the time to chat with us and inquire about our day, adding a personal touch to our experience.
While we didn't receive water in our rooms every day, we appreciated the option to fill our own water bottles at any of the bars, which helped reduce plastic waste. Our room was always kept clean, and the bedding was changed after the first week of our two-week stay. The resort also had a diverse collection of books left behind by previous travellers. We had downloaded a few movies to our iPad and were able to watch them on the room's tv with the use of an USB C to HDMI 6' cable, providing additional entertainment options. Be mindful that some streaming media even downloaded will not work in Cuba. We didn't try Netflix's but had both paramount and prime. Only prime worked.
Deimis and Leibni were responsible for booking the ALLEGANCE upgrade, which we decided not to take. However, due to our second visit in three months and bringing family and friends along, Deimis and the hotel kindly offered us an upgrade with an ocean view. Waking up to a spectacular sunrise every morning from our balcony or the beach was truly breathtaking. There's something serene and invigorating about witnessing the sun emerge from behind the waves, signalling the start of a new day.
The resort offers a variety of dining options, including a buffet and several a la carte restaurants serving Caribbean, International, Italian, and Seafood cuisines. To secure reservations, we had to book at the start of the week in the lobby, although the process could be a bit slow. While waiting, we enjoyed the wonderful coffee choices, skillfully prepared by Melissa, Yulenny, Haisell, and Claudia, who worked tirelessly during their 24-hour shifts. It's worth noting that there was a shortage of sugar, so bringing your own if you prefer sweetened coffee or tea is advisable.
The buffet provided a diverse selection of dishes. For breakfast, there was a shortage of eggs…only 4 days in two weeks. There were pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruits, yogurt, various meat options, cheese, beans, and freshly baked bread. Lunch and dinner featured an assortment of soups, pastas, rice and beans, fish, chicken, pork, lamb, occasional mussels and calamari, and beef. - different combinations each day. There were also accompaniments like shredded cabbage and pumpkin, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled eggplant, grilled tomatoes, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, croquettes, spring rolls, and hotdogs. Pastry, rice pudding, and occasional ice cream were available as well. Liena, our favourite waitstaff, always greeted us with a warm smile, remembered our drink preferences, and made our dining experience enjoyable. While wine wasn't available every day with the buffet, cold beer was always on offer. We brought our own condiments, such as mustards, hot sauces, jam, peanut butter, salad dressings, ketchup, and maple syrup. Both the lobby and the snack bar were open 24 hours, providing convenient options for food and beverages. The snack bar offered limited but freshly made choices that varied each day. As our flight departed before the buffet opened, we were able to enjoy a ham and cheese sandwich and coffee before leaving.
While the resort features three pools, we personally preferred the pristine white sand beach and the breathtaking view of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The dedicated beach staff diligently worked to remove seaweed from the beach, ensuring a pleasant experience for guests. Darien and Anexis, the bar staff, were exceptional, always greeting us with warm smiles and engaging conversations. We indulged in tequila and beer during our 4:00 happy hour, and the availability of ice-cold water for our water bottles during our two-hour beach walks was greatly appreciated. Ample beach chairs and shaded areas were available, and to secure our preferred spot, I would head down at 6 a.m. to enjoy the tranquillity of the early morning. Although it was early for the beach staff, the security guard kindly assisted in setting up our chairs.
For those seeking more adventurous activities, catamaran rides and pedal boats were available. Additionally, Anna and the entertainment group organized daily stretching activities on the beach, as well as at the pool. A lively group would often gather for volleyball matches, and the staff were enthusiastic participants if you brought a frisbee. While there were also activities at the main pool and around the swim-up bar, we chose to spend our time on the beach.
Within a five-minute walk or a cart ride provided by the staff, there is a plaza with a few stores. These stores include a small grocery store, a liquor store, a clothing store, a cigar store, a bowling alley, a disco, and various vendors selling their trinkets. It's important to note that the options in the plaza were limited.
Tips are greatly appreciated by the staff at the resort, including the maids, beach boys, gardeners, and maintenance personnel. It is preferred to give tips in American currency. You don't need to bring a large amount of small American bills with you, as anyone at the resort will gladly exchange your larger bills for $1 bills. While they appreciate Canadian currency, loonies and toonies are not preferred since the banks only accept paper bills. So, unless someone is willing to buy them back, the resort staff would be stuck with jars full of them.
Bug spray is definitely recommended to have during your stay at the resort. Mosquitoes can be a problem, especially during the early mornings and evenings. It's a good idea to spray your legs and arms with bug spray before going to the beach or heading out in the evening. Some people also mentioned being bothered by noseeums on the beach. Additionally, bringing a rechargeable Thermacell to place under your table in the evenings can be highly effective in keeping bugs away. It worked great for us.
During our two-week stay at Valentin, Cayo Cruz, Cuba, we found our own slice of paradise on the picturesque beach. It was a blissful experience, basking in the sun and creating cherished memories with loved ones. [Details]
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The strong points
The amazing staff who continue to smile and do their very best with what they are given to work with.
The weak points
The food shortages ..the biggest being no eggs. In January, wine was available everywhere. It was only available in the a la carts in February.
We are also disturbed by staff working 24 hr shifts which is not a productive and healthy lifestyle
Sanitary measures
All washrooms had staff monitoring and kept clean. There were often times toilet paper was not available late in the day but was restocked within a few hours.
Dear Monica
Thank you to take the time to write a comment on the site, we are very grateful to you !It is a real pleasure to know that you enjoyed your stay with us and the kindness of the team. We know we have issues with some supplies but we always provide excellent service and work hard to make sure our customers have a pleasant stay.Once again, thank you for sharing all your experiences with us. The Valentin family awaits you on your next visit to this home away from home, to share a beautiful experience together.
Sincerely,
Dayana Cabreja, Assistant Manager
One of the best!
Sandra Vanderleest, Toronto, ON
2023-11-08
Well we've made it home. After an absolutely fabulous vacation. We think the resort exceeded our expectations! The buildings are in great shape. The suites are spacious. There was lots of hot water. The food was scrumptious. The pools were very nice. The beach was not so great but you can't fight Mother Nature. It was high tide time which meant the beach was almost all covered with ocean. It also means the high tides brought in a great deal of seaweed and ocean garbage. The staff were amazing. They went above and beyond the call of duty. They are very happy friendly, wanting to please you, accommodating .Did I mention the outstanding staff? [Details]
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It was our 50th wedding anniversary and the staff surprised us with a beautifully decorated breakfast and lunch table. Then a very tasty anniversary cake which we shared with other diners. Our suite was decorated with rose petals and a bottle of wine!
The weak points
There are mosquitoes at resort just take good bug spray with you
Dear Sandra,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience in Monarc. The words you send us mean a lot to us, I want to share that your kind comments have made our day!
Best regards,
Upgrade to Alegance Club for a Great vacation
Sunny, Ottawa, ON
2023-02-13
The hotel design and the beautiful beaches and grounds are spectacular but what makes this hotel experience so amazing is the wonderful staff who are top professionals, friendly and very very helpful. Especially the Alegance Club concierges Orestes & Lipnik and the bartenders Gerardo & Dariel. The team is wonderfully led by Annia, Carlos & Antonio. My best impression late at night on arrival was the smiling face and the warm & helpful demeanor of the receptionist Celia. Don't forget the veteran Edelso at the buffet terrace, Andre at the Caribbean a-la-carte and Idael: El Gran Capitan of the Italian Restaurant !!! [Details]
Dear Sunny,
Thank you for giving us a perfect rating. I am sure that all of our hotel staff enjoyed attending to your needs as much as you enjoyed your stay.
Take care of yourself!
We hope to see you soon in our facilities.
Cordially,
Hotel Valentin Cayo Cruz
Feb 2023, Brandon, MB
2023-02-13
The hotel was nice and clean. The rooms are nice. The pools are well attended to and there are a lot of chairs available. The beach was disappointing, in fact there was no beach until the tide went out. The garbage along the beach was plentiful and we thought maybe more effort to clean them along the hotel sites would have been beneficial.
Being secluded it meant that there was no merchants walking the beach trying to sell you stuff.
Overall it is a clean, friendly hotel. There was always stuff to eat and we never went thirsty..... [Details]
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The strong points
cleanliness
friendliness of staff
The weak points
beach
it's windy a lot of the time
long bumpy ride to the resort from the airport.
Sanitary measures
The resort was always kept clean. We never worried for a moment.
Estimated Feb 2023,
Thank you for taking part of your valuable time to review our hotel. I am sure that all of our hotel staff enjoyed attending to your needs as much as you enjoyed your stay. We are working daily to keep the beach clean.
We hope to see you soon in our facilities.
Sincerely
Wonderful time, marvellous beaches
Annie Bouchard, Sault Ste Marie, ON
2023-02-09
It was my first time in Cuba and after reading reviews on many resorts, I was expecting worse when it came to food and supplies (toilet paper….) I was pleasantly surprised that never lacked of anything. There's miles of beach to walk and the turquoise water stole my heart. The staff are very friendly and are always there to help. I definitively recommend this resort and will go back. [Details]
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The strong points
Wonderful staff, helpful and friendly. Gorgeous beaches. Clean resort.
The weak points
The food, i wasn't impressed by the food. But it is Cuba and it is to be expected. There's also a lack of washroom bear the beach and places to rinse the sand from the feet.
Dear Annie Bouchard,
Thank you for taking part of your valuable time to review our hotel. We work hard to achieve satisfied customers like you. We want to make the dreams of those who choose us come true. We are very happy to have exceeded your expectations.
We hope to see you soon in our facilities.
Sincerely
Fantastic resort
Jody Whitfield, Hamilton, ON
2023-01-28
We just came back from our stay at Valentin Cayo Cruz. They were not at full capacity and only 4 blocks were being used. We asked to switch rooms from ground floor to higher up but were denied due to no availability. I was initially disappointed as our room/patio was right in a highly traveled path. After a couple days I started to love our location. The staff greeted me every morning and one gentleman brought me flowers. As for the resort the rooms were very clean and modern. The buffet had lots of selection at every meal. We did not go hungry. The A la carte Italian was disappointing as my pizza was burnt and my husband's pasta was cold but a quick trip to the buffet made it all better. The pool was awesome. The bartender there made the best Pina coladas ever. The lobby had entertainment every night with a sax or piano player and the iced coffee was delicious. We did go a day without wifi so not checking with the kids was stressful but once it was working no other issues. The grounds are beautiful and the iguana was a fun resort pet. We only used the beach once for a short time due to the high tide, waves and visible sand fleas. No fault of the resort staff they were out cleaning the beach by hand and rake to make it clean and as usable as possible. Overall we had a fantastic week and will definitely go back. Great people and a beautiful location. [Details]
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The strong points
Staff are amazing. Always friendly and welcoming. Beautiful resort. Clean and comfortable. Good food and activities.
Dear Jody Whitfield,
Thank you for taking part of your valuable time to review our hotel. We work hard to achieve satisfied customers like you who always think positive. Thank you once again for trusting us.
We hope to see you soon in our facilities.
Sincerely
Dear Jean Alig,
Thank you for taking part of your valuable time to review our hotel. We work hard to achieve satisfied customers.
We hope to see you soon in our facilities.
Sincerely
A real Cuba *****
Sop/Jy, Wendover, ON
2023-01-16
It was exactly what we were expecting. If you are looking for a beautiful resort to relax and stay all week, this is the one. Since it is an island, there is nothing really to do outside the site. We knew that. It is an hour from Cayo coco where all excursions start. Our room was clean and very comfy with plenty of hot water! The weather was perfect, 32 degrees all week! [Details]
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The strong points
The staff, the weather and our room was *****. The food was very good for Cuba.
The weak points
The beach wasn't that great. We still enjoyed the white with crystal clear water. The staff couldn't keep up cleaning the sea weeds. They need to invest into a better way to clean the beach.
Dear Sop/Jy,
Thank you for taking part of your valuable time to review our hotel. We work hard to achieve satisfied customers. We are very happy to have met your expectations. We are working daily on our beach cleaning.
We hope to see you soon in our facilities.
Sincerely
Fantastic Holiday Get Away in Cuba
Marc Fortier, New Liskeard, ON
2023-01-04
The hotel was very inviting , beautiful entrance amazing staff , appreciate your business , endless restaurants, great quality food for Cuba , beach is 6 out 10 due to weather , VIP is worth every pennie to upgrade , VIP bar and Gym where my favorite spots due to staff , very friendly, easy going and they love Canadians . I was in building 6 room 6110 2nd floor , facing the ocean , spectacular view , clean , comfortable, lots of room , showers where a little cool for me but got use to it ... Definitely a 5 star for Cuba Will return Marc Fortier [Details]
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The strong points
Cuban Hospitality, Location , Food , Pool areas, great management team
The weak points
Water temperature for the shower is a little cool for me , tried fixing it multiple time but everything else was great
Dear Marc Fortier,
Thank you for taking part of your valuable time to review our hotel. We work hard to achieve satisfied customers. Thank you for letting us know about your hot water problem. We are working daily on beach cleaning.
We hope to see you soon in our facilities.
Sincerely
Nice resort... but lots of weak points
Kerie Cowick, Kingston, ON
2020-03-09
We had a great time, wonderful weather. We stayed in building 1 which was near the buffet and restaurants and pool but right beside the entertainment and was really loud late in to the night. [Details]
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The strong points
Beach was amazing (Manny was helpful and friendly) Room decent size,
The weak points
Pools were not heated, tonnes of stairs, no tub, towels and room smelled, food was barely luke warm or tasted reheated,
0 0
Certified
Kind of Disappointed
Rhonda Fralic, Truro, NS
2020-02-19
The quality of the rooms in this resort were top notch for sure. Large, clean, beautiful showers and washrooms, comfortable beds, lots of closet space and drawers....top notch. The resort overall was very clean and is relatively small, so not too hard to get around. The main lobby was nice; however, not many other comfortable seating areas around the resort itself. Most the of the places you could sit and relax were metal or plastic chairs and the lounge chairs were not comfortable and were actually quite dangerous. When you sat on them, the back would fly up and hit you in the back of the head.... For a 5 star adult resort, I expected to have some lovely seating areas where you could enjoy a nice book, a coffee or a drink and just embrace the peace. Maybe geared a bit more towards partying and not comfort. The restaurants were okay...however, I have been to 4 star family resorts that had much nicer A La Carte's and a nicer selection of food at the buffet. I also found at the buffet, if you weren't there right at the beginning things were cold and often not restocked. This is not a place I would return to; however, being new, I am sure there is much to learn and over time it has the potential to be a very nice resort if these reviews and comments are used to help with that. [Details]
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Certified
Valentin cayo cruz
Kim Lawton, Chute A Blondeau, ON
2020-02-09
We loved our 11 day stay. Rooms were lovely and clean! Wonderful weather and the staff were truly amazing. Played many games around the infinity pool enjoying music. My only complaint would be that they need and larger buffet with more varieties. Food was tasty though! [Details]
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The weak points
Buffet has not a wonderful variety of food.
Also they need more staff at the bars for service!
Other than that our stay was wonderful!
0 0
Certified
The beginning of something very good!!
bigbuck, Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC
2019-12-17
I was at the hotel with my girlfriend for 10 days in late November 2019. As the hotel had only just opened 3 weeks before, I was expecting, as usual, a couple of growing pains. Quite honestly, it was a beautiful stay with this new resort and its great accommodations, its nice beach and pools etc. The food was OK and considering the price we paid, and from what I had also gathered talking to other patrons about the price they paid, anyone who complains about this resort at these rates needs to have their head examined. For sure the staff are young and inexperienced but we found them very endearing, very eager, clean and serviceable. The entertainment was world class stuff with the dancers, and musicians who entertained us throughout the resort. Look at it this way, where in the world can you get a direct flight to a southern beach destination that includes all transfers, taxes, beautiful room, all food, all alcohol, for 10 days under $1000.00 CDN. If you have another somewhere like this please contact me and sign me up. By the way, I really dislike all you towel reservation people who get up at 06:00 am to reserve your spot at the beach or pool. Some of you even go down to the beach at night..Really not a classy activity for a first class adult resort. Another annoying thing are you people who do not respect the dress code in the a la carte restaurants..I guess that you can't read as it is very well indicated on your reservation slip. No beach shorts, flip flops, or tea shirts..Show some class and by the way leave a tip, at least 3 to 5 pesos.. [Details]
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The strong points
Great staff, beautiful resort, acceptable food..Incredible low price for the services received.
The weak points
Elevator to lobby and pool level is non functional. This is a problem for people with mobility issues. The stairs are very steep. Get rid of the towel warriors who reserve areas and loungers at the beach and pools with towels. Limit them to 1 hour only.
0 0
Decu
danrix, L'Épiphanie, QC
2019-12-15
semaine du 6 au 13 dec arrive vers 15h check in tres long 1.45h beau site belle chambre [neuf].le buffet,pas tres variee et repetitif,plats tiedes et meme chose d un cote ou l autre,bar a pate ouvert 2 fois seulement dans la semaine, c etait bien le dimanche pour le lancement off..beaucoups d agents de voyage[ poudre aux yeux] car le lendemain meme routine,manquer d oeuf et de beurre certain jours.le service est ordinaire certain se donne d autre pas. j ai fait 3 resto sur 4 pratiquement la meme bouffes presenter differament.impossible d avoir la langouste au fruit de mer ,on me repond y en a plus. beaucoups d intoxications allimantaire durant ma semaine. au loby seul place pour animation avant et apres souper avant spectacle, le service au bar est tres long et manque de stafs,moin long d aller au snackbar pour un drink,les gens fumes dans le loby ca sent le fond de cendrier pas tres invitant. manquer de bieres ,mohito,et pina toute la semaine. la plage est belle ,les chaises plastiques blanc tres dur..comme dans les 2*,tres peu de palapas[gros probleme meme a 60%] j imagine quand ca va etre plein,1 bar a l extrimite avec un seul barman [pauvre lui ]souvent plus de biere et pina ,mohito. j ai fait d autre ouverture mais celle ci est la pire. sur l affiche de l hotel c est un 5*,vendu comme un 4*et demie mais cet hotel est un 3* sans plus. [Details]
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The strong points
hotel neuf...plage
The weak points
services ,nouritures,permis de fumer partout ,chaises a la plage,manque de tout
0 0
Valentin Cayo Cruz
Linda Lyth, Oshawa, ON
2019-12-10
This resort was amazing, super clean, great entertainment staff, oh and the best saxaphone player I have ever heard in the hotel lobby. Bar staff great especially sports bar (Jenner) and pool bar (Sylvia). Beach was lovely but narrow and sand very soft. Bell boy George was very pleasant when taking you and your luggage to the room. Rooms are lovely, clean and spacious. Buffet was better than any other ones I have been to, although I think they need to add at least one more toaster. Ala cartes were good, especially the Italian restaurant , Seafood curry bowtie paste was yummy. All the pools were great except freezing when you first get in with it being winter at the moment, but you soon get used to it with the sun shining. Takes 1hr from airport on a comfortable bus. Do not take US dollars they do not accept them, CDN only. Internet is 1 cuc per hr and can be used throughout the resort, but if you turn it off when you are finished, it will last you a lot longer. Entertainment, so energetic and entertaining overnight at 9:30p.m. [Details]
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The strong points
Activity staff.
Bar staff.
Saxaphonist
Rooms clean and spacious.
Beach lovely soft sand
Internet great reception for 1cuc per hr.
The weak points
Pools too cold, but no big deal you soon warm up.
Nothing close by to go shopping.
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Fabulous resort
1 week vacation
The resort was nice, however we upgraded to the elegance which we found it was not beneficial. We were aware of shortages but not aware of the same food (spaghetti everyday ) and not much variety. We spoke to many other people on other resorts and they had variety everyday. We only had bread and eggs 2 times during our week stay.
The 2 concierge ladies were the most friendly staff and the gardeners . For the money we spent on our vacation we did not find it worth the upgrade and would not be a preference to return. We also would have liked to enjoy a nice drink and we found they were constantly out of a wide variety of alcohol. We were aware of shortages however, Valentin seemed to be top of the list for shortages. [Details]
Great hotel and helpful Staff
Isolation was a little frustrating for myself - there was a Cigar, Sugar and Rum tour that sounded very interesting, but only ran from Cayo Coco, and the Camaguey tour was not the same, also all scuba diving was from Cayo Coco.
Since I booked 3 days before I left and didn't do my research don't have anyone to blame, so overall good experience. [Details]
Our own slice of paradise
During our first visit in January 2024, we had the pleasure of meeting Luis at the front desk, who helped us with internet connectivity, and Leo, our friendly bellboy. When we returned in February 2024 these familiar faces greeted us once again, and their warm hugs were a testament to their genuine hospitality. Both of these young men had infectious smiles and took the time to chat with us and inquire about our day, adding a personal touch to our experience.
While we didn't receive water in our rooms every day, we appreciated the option to fill our own water bottles at any of the bars, which helped reduce plastic waste. Our room was always kept clean, and the bedding was changed after the first week of our two-week stay. The resort also had a diverse collection of books left behind by previous travellers. We had downloaded a few movies to our iPad and were able to watch them on the room's tv with the use of an USB C to HDMI 6' cable, providing additional entertainment options. Be mindful that some streaming media even downloaded will not work in Cuba. We didn't try Netflix's but had both paramount and prime. Only prime worked.
Deimis and Leibni were responsible for booking the ALLEGANCE upgrade, which we decided not to take. However, due to our second visit in three months and bringing family and friends along, Deimis and the hotel kindly offered us an upgrade with an ocean view. Waking up to a spectacular sunrise every morning from our balcony or the beach was truly breathtaking. There's something serene and invigorating about witnessing the sun emerge from behind the waves, signalling the start of a new day.
The resort offers a variety of dining options, including a buffet and several a la carte restaurants serving Caribbean, International, Italian, and Seafood cuisines. To secure reservations, we had to book at the start of the week in the lobby, although the process could be a bit slow. While waiting, we enjoyed the wonderful coffee choices, skillfully prepared by Melissa, Yulenny, Haisell, and Claudia, who worked tirelessly during their 24-hour shifts. It's worth noting that there was a shortage of sugar, so bringing your own if you prefer sweetened coffee or tea is advisable.
The buffet provided a diverse selection of dishes. For breakfast, there was a shortage of eggs…only 4 days in two weeks. There were pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruits, yogurt, various meat options, cheese, beans, and freshly baked bread. Lunch and dinner featured an assortment of soups, pastas, rice and beans, fish, chicken, pork, lamb, occasional mussels and calamari, and beef. - different combinations each day. There were also accompaniments like shredded cabbage and pumpkin, green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled eggplant, grilled tomatoes, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, croquettes, spring rolls, and hotdogs. Pastry, rice pudding, and occasional ice cream were available as well. Liena, our favourite waitstaff, always greeted us with a warm smile, remembered our drink preferences, and made our dining experience enjoyable. While wine wasn't available every day with the buffet, cold beer was always on offer. We brought our own condiments, such as mustards, hot sauces, jam, peanut butter, salad dressings, ketchup, and maple syrup.
Both the lobby and the snack bar were open 24 hours, providing convenient options for food and beverages. The snack bar offered limited but freshly made choices that varied each day. As our flight departed before the buffet opened, we were able to enjoy a ham and cheese sandwich and coffee before leaving.
While the resort features three pools, we personally preferred the pristine white sand beach and the breathtaking view of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The dedicated beach staff diligently worked to remove seaweed from the beach, ensuring a pleasant experience for guests. Darien and Anexis, the bar staff, were exceptional, always greeting us with warm smiles and engaging conversations. We indulged in tequila and beer during our 4:00 happy hour, and the availability of ice-cold water for our water bottles during our two-hour beach walks was greatly appreciated. Ample beach chairs and shaded areas were available, and to secure our preferred spot, I would head down at 6 a.m. to enjoy the tranquillity of the early morning. Although it was early for the beach staff, the security guard kindly assisted in setting up our chairs.
For those seeking more adventurous activities, catamaran rides and pedal boats were available. Additionally, Anna and the entertainment group organized daily stretching activities on the beach, as well as at the pool. A lively group would often gather for volleyball matches, and the staff were enthusiastic participants if you brought a frisbee. While there were also activities at the main pool and around the swim-up bar, we chose to spend our time on the beach.
Within a five-minute walk or a cart ride provided by the staff, there is a plaza with a few stores. These stores include a small grocery store, a liquor store, a clothing store, a cigar store, a bowling alley, a disco, and various vendors selling their trinkets. It's important to note that the options in the plaza were limited.
Tips are greatly appreciated by the staff at the resort, including the maids, beach boys, gardeners, and maintenance personnel. It is preferred to give tips in American currency. You don't need to bring a large amount of small American bills with you, as anyone at the resort will gladly exchange your larger bills for $1 bills. While they appreciate Canadian currency, loonies and toonies are not preferred since the banks only accept paper bills. So, unless someone is willing to buy them back, the resort staff would be stuck with jars full of them.
Bug spray is definitely recommended to have during your stay at the resort. Mosquitoes can be a problem, especially during the early mornings and evenings. It's a good idea to spray your legs and arms with bug spray before going to the beach or heading out in the evening. Some people also mentioned being bothered by noseeums on the beach. Additionally, bringing a rechargeable Thermacell to place under your table in the evenings can be highly effective in keeping bugs away. It worked great for us.
During our two-week stay at Valentin, Cayo Cruz, Cuba, we found our own slice of paradise on the picturesque beach. It was a blissful experience, basking in the sun and creating cherished memories with loved ones. [Details]
One of the best!
The buildings are in great shape. The suites are spacious. There was lots of hot water. The food was scrumptious. The pools were very nice. The beach was not so great but you can't fight Mother Nature. It was high tide time which meant the beach was almost all covered with ocean. It also means the high tides brought in a great deal of seaweed and ocean garbage.
The staff were amazing. They went above and beyond the call of duty. They are very happy friendly, wanting to please you, accommodating .Did I mention the outstanding staff? [Details]
Upgrade to Alegance Club for a Great vacation
Hotel Valentin Cayo Cruz
Being secluded it meant that there was no merchants walking the beach trying to sell you stuff.
Overall it is a clean, friendly hotel. There was always stuff to eat and we never went thirsty..... [Details]
Wonderful time, marvellous beaches
Fantastic resort
Jean
A real Cuba *****
Fantastic Holiday Get Away in Cuba
I was in building 6 room 6110 2nd floor , facing the ocean , spectacular view , clean , comfortable, lots of room , showers where a little cool for me but got use to it ...
Definitely a 5 star for Cuba
Will return
Marc Fortier [Details]
Nice resort... but lots of weak points
Kind of Disappointed
Valentin cayo cruz
The beginning of something very good!!
Decu
arrive vers 15h check in tres long 1.45h beau site belle chambre [neuf].le buffet,pas tres variee et repetitif,plats tiedes et meme chose d un cote ou l autre,bar a pate ouvert 2 fois seulement dans la semaine, c etait bien le dimanche pour le lancement off..beaucoups d agents de voyage[ poudre aux yeux] car le lendemain meme routine,manquer d oeuf et de beurre certain jours.le service est ordinaire certain se donne d autre pas.
j ai fait 3 resto sur 4 pratiquement la meme bouffes presenter differament.impossible d avoir la langouste au fruit de mer ,on me repond y en a plus.
beaucoups d intoxications allimantaire durant ma semaine.
au loby seul place pour animation avant et apres souper avant spectacle, le service au bar est tres long et manque de stafs,moin long d aller au snackbar pour un drink,les gens fumes dans le loby ca sent le fond de cendrier pas tres invitant.
manquer de bieres ,mohito,et pina toute la semaine.
la plage est belle ,les chaises plastiques blanc tres dur..comme dans les 2*,tres peu de palapas[gros probleme meme a 60%] j imagine quand ca va etre plein,1 bar a l extrimite avec un seul barman [pauvre lui ]souvent plus de biere et pina ,mohito.
j ai fait d autre ouverture mais celle ci est la pire.
sur l affiche de l hotel c est un 5*,vendu comme un 4*et demie mais cet hotel est un 3* sans plus. [Details]
Valentin Cayo Cruz