Return to Del Ray
GREETINGS *Returned here from last year, upped the stay from 2 weeks to 3. I had hopes when booking (July 2024) that the on site Animal Spay clinic would have worked out, not to be. Fabio should answer his emails, it's good for business.
Travelled with Sunwing, late leaving, early arrival. I did use the VIP option at the Airport for return, finally it did work out, luckily I was one of the first few in and after that, lineups and standing room only after that. Option for some I guess. The 240$ for what used to cost 110$ for luggage and seats is ludicrous. Service is no better and luggage is not elite as far as loading and off loading like it once was.
QR codes were asked for at check in leaving and papers collected in Cuba, expedited if you had the paper version.
Saw a bunch of adult pigs and perhaps 5/7 wee ones on the pick up to the Airport crossing the road, not quick enough with my camera.
My passport was stamped at departure, not entry, interesting.
HOTEL* ROOMS*Very well maintained. Very clean, great Maid, mini fridge tended to daily, Cristal beer, once Bucanero, once, it's still there. Water replenished if none was in the fridge already. Room was cleaned daily.
Complex is huge, will hold 3000 people, I would guess in the range of perhaps 25% of that during my stay. The added main walkway lighting from last year is a plus. Divided into two portions, Adult and . . other, lol
My room backed on the quiet pool next to the BBQ a la Cart, when in operation, the aroma was intoxicating, yum. No complaints.
POOLS* BEACH*Not a pool guy, never been, they were well maintained and spotless, huge several sections and depths. Walkin graduated stair locations, walk bridges, well laid out.
I was a bit surprised at the beach, I would guess about 3 feet of sand is gone, pulled out to sea along with the whole first row of palaps - November December last year. I had water shoes but never had them on, a couple of times I wished I did. I would recommend. Once in, about 20 feet out it's clear sailing. Not much the Hotel can do about this.
There's actually a small peninsula now off to the East that is a result of the same storm surges, I saw many swimming there.I saw a couple of Rays, Barracudas and Jacks, several other smaller species. Beach area is well maintained and Yurrie, my best bud, kept a spot and chair for me daily. This wasn't necessary but made me feel good all the same, I also enjoyed the daily Spanish lessons and History. I was a bit let down that the seller of the fresh pineapples and pina coladas made from that are no longer there. I understand from a viable source, contraband and taxes put a top to this, shame really.
The BEACH BAR Staff here are first rate, Imelio and Joel are a great crew as were all that worked there, they feed off one another and it's a great experience. They even remembered me and what I drink, from last year, cool.
A variety of drinks and Cristal on tap. Great job guys.
There is stretching each a/m followed by Zoomba the volleyball if enough interest.
I saw the Hobbycats out 5 times in 2 weeks, unsure just why as there was only 1 day when the seas were rough. In the low 30's daily, the gentle breeze was welcomed. Sprinkled rain twice and a heavy 15 minute downpour in the evening once in 3 weeks.
EXCURSIONS*
Didn't do one. First Monday I hired a car and driver and went to the Cuba Canada Brussy Animal rescue in Moron. Highlight for me of my trip for sure. I had brought a suitcase of Vets goodies from my Vet here at the Adeline Clinic, Dr. Kim Maillet and her Staff and Manufacturers donated as they did last year.
Yadira at the clinic in Moron, in a single level bedroom apartment was looking after 35 dogs including 2 litters and 12 cats and kittens, staggering. Her work and dedication is unmatched. I've been humbled in Cuba before, but not for awhile and never to that level. Bravo.
The other excursions available are, on the been there done that list. I did have plans to fish, but unwelcomed news from home first part of my second week, did hamper the rest of my stay somewhat.
FOOD*I had little difficulty here, I consider myself a picky eater. They have theme nights, always something fresh and ready. I've also heard people say the food is repetitive. I was there for 3 weeks, food at home gets repetitive in 8 days, so I suppose this could be true, again I had no problem.
What did bother me a but and possibly a personal thing, in 5 Cuban days in 2 years, Thursday nights, I've yet to see a spit roast pig. Why?. Never saw an egg, once. I saw some bacon 2 days in 3 weeks.
The a la Carts don't run nightly, they use the Staff and shift from spot to spot so one or 2 is always on the go, likely due low visitors as well. I liked them all, I had a meal at the Creole that was the best. The BBQ was my go to, great service and my Jenny made sure the wine glass was full. Such a sweetie.
I did go to Lenny's twice during my stay, great meals and even met Lenny. (Seperate review).
Thursday evenings is also the return guest meal at Hemmingway plaza, what a spread. Booze, high end Rhum samples, finger foods to feed the military, all kinds of stuff, meats, cheeses, pork, chicken, turkey. All Melis and Gaviota (Sister Company) are invited, I would guess 4-500 people, elbow room and long lines at times. Well arranged and organized, right down to the Ice Cream, yum.
There are several booths with trinkets for sale.
Almost forgot to mention the Pizza location. So very good, open daily 12:30. Some very rude people butting in lines and multiplying in numbers with others holding spaces for a family dozen. Never did well wit that kind of rudeness, one particular Province in Canada has some that feel they are superior above all, which instantly makes them inferior. I did see some repetition in the Buffet lines, can't fix stupid. Not a Hotel issue, it's a people issue.
It is worth the wait, read the sighs, no wet clothing, no take out (even left overs), common sense stuff from abuse likely. Top 5 pizzas I've ever eaten.
There certain things in Cuba that are just better, cut and grind of the flour for Pizza and breads, rolls, location wheat was grown, Ukraine and Mexico, local potatoes, all cheeses, chicken, regardless where from, the manner of preparation is so much better, Ice Cream is on that list as well. You'd know what I mean.
STAFF*That's where this Hotel really shines, attention to detail and actual care. From the Lobby staff to the Beach, gardeners etc. All there for your disposal, but not abuse. Lisbet, Ailyn, Jose, Adalberto make your booking the best, lots of behind the scene organizing here.
BITS* TIPS*I had hoped for a clinic to have taken place for the second year, spay - neuter for the feral cats on location, didn't happen, yet.
The estimated cats on location from 100 or so is now in the 25/28 range, 2 litters and one ready, any day for another. I did manage to give 13 cats some medication (revolution plus) while there. Other than a few battle scars, all are in good health and condition, they're not starving, took 7 bags of treats and more for the Clinic.
I would recommend water shoes, especially for the young ones.
I always take a basic first aide kit, mine is a bit more than basic, but a few shelf medicines, DEET bug dope (they spray a/m and P/M daily), I had a few nips over the stay but nothing at all major. Sunscreen and lots of it, I saw several run out.
Would I return?. In a heartbeat, however with Scumwing winding down and being absorbed, end of May this year, it may not be possible. I'm at that direct flight only point in life. Only time will tell. Air Couriers and their PR is poor.
I'll post some related pictures. I am a bit late getting caught up here, I do apologize. I could write a book, hope I covered most of the basics. When you travel solo, you see and notice things others just miss. Just the way it is.
If I can answer any questions, would be happy to.
It seems the more I visit Cuba, the less I know.
Dan.