Cuba

I absolutely loved this resort! The staff were very accommodating and friendly. The rooms were spotless and clean. I liked the fact there are speciality restaurants as an alternative to the buffet. Appreciated the fact that the water was filtered and felt safe drinking it. Loved the excellent wines from Spain.

J'aime de plus en plus l'hôtel Iberostar Parque Central. Il a le meilleur emplacement de toute la Havane et, aujourd'hui, j'ose dire que si ce n'est pas le meilleur hôtel de tout Cuba, il y est presque. Il y règne une atmosphère incroyable, pleine de musique et de vie. Le programme du réveillon du Nouvel An d'hier soir était tout simplement fabuleux. Un dîner délicieux et copieux à cinq plats et une animation musicale bouleversante qui a ravi tous les invités, quel que soit leur âge. Personnel toujours très attentif et serviable et chambres du bâtiment colonial avec vue sur le Capitole qui sont un délice.

Hotel was great. Everything was as expected and more. Accommodation's were super, lots of hot water, clean and comfortable.

Before I start this, my husband says I am among those people that notice everything. We enjoyed Cuba and are going back...there a a LOT of repeat customers at this resort, and many Europeans. We arrived on a Wednesday night after a 1 hour bus transfer from Holguin airport, reception was prompt in giving us our keys. Transported to a comfortable, clean and well laid out room in Building 11. Lighting was great, AC worked really well, comfortable bed. Breakfast buffet was plentiful and well laid out; egg stations x 2. Lots of vegetarian options and great coffee. We had NO issues with food at any meal. Sampled the Japanese, Mediterranean and International (El Patio) restaurants and all were very good; really enjoyed the preparation in Japanese and the Chicken Vol au Vent appetizer in the International. Pool is very large, multi level with swim up bar and access to 24 hour snack bar; beach a short walk away, also has bar area and food option. Took day trip to Holguin ($5 USD per passenger) and checked out the market with local made crafts. In all areas, staff are really nice, and they want to make sure you are enjoying yourself. Overall, it was great and we plan on going back.

Beautiful large rooms. The Oceanfront was magnificent with a very large balcony. Great bed and linens. Nice restaurants to dine in the evening. The Level Restaurant open sit down service. Truly great for breakfast service. The swimming pools very clean and warm. The Beach is very rocky and is the sea very hard to get into.

I just returned from my visit yesterday and have to say I had a great stay! The room was huge and nice. The resort is on the smaller side and if you are looking for a party place this is not it. Which was perfect for me. I wanted relaxation and I got it! The staff were excellent! And so friendly. Rogelio at the 24 hr bar and snack bar was so sweet! Lennier, the supervisor at the lobby bar and his staff were also great. The same for the staff in the buffet / restaurant. I can't remember all the names! The food was good and plentiful- no shortages at all. The French night at the a la carts was fabulous!! The beach is stunning!

Beautiful, clean super friendly staff. in spite of the weak points and sanitary measures listed, we were comfortable and still had a great time.

My husband and I spent from Jan 16-23 at this place we call our second home. We had the absolute best vacation once again at Grand Sirenis Cayo Santa Maria. Everyone will have a different experience, a different opinion, and daddy‘s last night on duty different expectations, and that is perfectly ok. Here was our experience. We arrived in Santa Clara in the morning via Sunwing. Took the bus to CSM with other travellers. Our rep was great to educate everyone on some Cuban culture along the way as well as selling some Cristal Beer to all of us. We were greeted at the Resort by the entertainment team, public relations, and some managers all dancing in the lobby. Each of us handed a welcome beverage. Check in was extremely quick and went very smoothly for everyone. Thanks to Airan and his very friendly, efficient reception staff. And special mention to Airan for giving us some extra special perks as returning guests. Our room was in Bungalow #4 overlooking the beautiful white sand beach and turquoise water. There was a bottle of rum awaiting our arrival along with 2 Cristal, 2 sodas, & 2 big bottles of water. There is a Nespresso machine that takes the original pods. We had 2 fluffy face cloths. 4 big white fluffy towels, bath robes, and slippers. There was also some shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, 2 toothbrushes, toothpaste, a razor, shave gel, and a small pkg of Kleenex on our bathroom sink. Our room was cleaned daily, replacing towels every two days, towel art on the bed, curtain art everyday, and nice and cool upon our arrival in the evening. Always plenty of hot water to shower. We did notice that the water was shut off though everyday around 1000 for a little while. but not sure why. The fridge was stocked daily with two soda, two beer, and water. The beach was absolutely pristine. White sand, turquoise water, some small shells along the entrance to the water, calm water all week, and plenty of beds , palapas, and huts for shade. The beach had entertainment in the mornings until lunch then the team moved to the pool by the snack bar. There is a volleyball net, soccer net, peddle boats, kayaks, hobbie cats and other water sport boats along the beach. The beach has two drink bars and one snack bar that has sandwiches at lunch. Two pools always very clear and clean. Both pools have swim up bars with plenty variety of alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks. The East pool by the snack bar is the busier pool that has the entertainment team set up in the afternoons. As well there was a churro stand all week poolside. A foam party was held on Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. Plenty of beds to lay on around the pool with no need to get up and reserve this time of year. We didn't take in too many nightly shows just because we were ready for bed by 930pm when the show was ready to start. The ones we did see were very good. We spent some time at the lobby each evening after dinner where they always have someone singing or a fashion show before the later show. Each bar always had a variety of different drinks. Think of some different drinks that you like before you go. They had rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, brandy, liqueurs, assorted coffees, juices, slushies, and sodas. Some very awesome bar tenders at each of the bars. The mojitos at the small beach bar were incredible along with the gin and tonic. Iced coffee with chocolate tequila at the lobby bar. The food this trip was delicious for Cuba. There was absolutely ZERO shortage of it as well. Waffle/pancake/crepe station, egg/omelette station, bacon, tons of bread, cereals, juices, smoothie station, yogurt, soups, full salad bar, cold cut meats and cheese bar, fish grill, beef grill, chicken/pork grill, pasta station, different kinds of rice, different buffet dishes, endless desserts, ice cream just to name some. At the snack bar everyday from 1-3pm they had pizza, and a small buffet set up. As well, anytime of the day you could get french fries, hot dogs and assorted sandwiches. We had every a la carte that they offered and each one was fantastic. Italian, Mediterranean, French, and Cuban. On Cuban day there was a special lunch buffet set up outside in the courtyard by the long shallow pool. They had table and chairs set up in the pool, along the pool and walkway, a chef hand carving pork, a bar set up, entertainment team performing, and a couple of antique cars on display. Was such a delicious meal and afternoon. We had a special dinner our second evening there that was for returning guests, along with a special buffet dinner for everyone on the resort our last evening there. The grounds were kept well groomed and clean. The employees are constantly cleaning, picking up dishes, and making sure that everything is going well. We were stopped every single day by the General manager, the Reception Manager, Public Relations, Manager of Waiters, Captains of bars, and Concierge guys and asked how our day was, how we were enjoying our vacation, if we needed anything, and if there was anything at all that we were missing or needed to please ask them. We felt like we were treated better than Royalty and we definitely can't wait to return. I would give this resort a 5/5 for everything and highly recommend it to anyone. We tipped well with Canadian bills at every meal and throughout the day and evening at the drink bars. We left a tip in our fridge and a tip and small gift on our bed for the maid each day. Good idea to take some bug repellent as the early morning hours and the evenings there are some no see-ums and mosquitoes. Especially if you go to the beach or if you are walking around the grounds. Take some hydrocortisone cream one percent in case you do get some bites. They can be very very itchy. Before you leave the resort I highly recommend getting the VIP lounge from your rep for the airport on your departure day. Totally worth it. Air conditioned lounge area, free wifi, free food and beverages, and priority boarding. $30US/pp We would like to give special mention to Airan - manager of reception and his staff, Yinet & Gabriella - public relations, Ana & Jared. - Snack Bar, Vladamir, Thiago, Catain Victor, Yasinel, & Raynel - lobby bar, Adonis, Yasniel, & Alex - beach bars, Dani, Elizabet -waitress, Yaisel - a la carte booking, Ismaikel - concierge, Rollie- manager wait staff & Elmis- housekeeping

Cuba itself is a very beautiful country. The weather was amazing. It ceases to amaze me; what beautiful creation God made. Love Him & love Cuba.

After many trips to Cuba, I vowed never to return to the country as I was unhappy with the past resorts. I took a chance with the Vila Gale and was pleasantly surprised by the selection of food and beverages and the quality of this resort. I have never been to a Cuban resort that not only offered red & white wine all the time but also sparkling wine. At the buffet there was a pasta station, meat and seafood freshly cooked. The resort is very clean in both the public areas and guests rooms. The grounds are constantly being manicured, and the beach is raked of any seaweed daily. Pros: The staff on the most part, are friendly and helpful. Just like any other operation, there will be a couple of employees that would rather be somewhere else than looking after guests. There was never a shortage of any food or beverage at this resort. On the flight home I heard stories from other resorts having shortage of bread and beer. There is a long unspoiled beach for very long walks. The room that we were in was very quiet, clean and comfortable. The pools were fairly large and very clean. I was amazed at the availability of sunbeds and lounges. The beach was wide and clean. There were plenty of loungers always available and shaded areas. The buffet area had plenty of seating both inside and outside. If your departure flight leaves later in the day, the resort has an area for luggage store and rooms to shower and prepare before leaving the resort. Must book in advance. Cons: The room had nice pod coffee makers but did not have the pods available. If you are interested in having a coffee in your room, bring some capsule pods with you. Our room did not have hot water for 80% of our stay. I am not sure if that had something to do with the distance we were from the main building or something else. When I inquired about the lack of hot water, I received an eye-roll and was told it would be fixed in a couple of days. We finally received hot water the day prior to leaving. A couple of buildings were closed and underutilized. Not sure if this was due to low occupancy. During pre-dinner drinks in the lounge the music could be playing high levels. I am not sure if they believe that the louder the music the more enjoyment, but it was difficult speaking to the person beside you. Not pleasant. The Via Gale Paredon is a newly built resort with a retro 60ish look. It is a long resort with three main pools which provides something for everyone. I have rated this resort as 5-stars. Is it on the same level as a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton? Definitely not, but by Cuba standards this resort deserves a high ranking.