Iberostar Selection Holguin

Christmas and New Year coming soon. After 25 visits to Cuba , I visited the Iberostar Selection Holguin, which is only 4 years old, environmentally friendly, water only in glass bottles, a large garden on whose edges are numerous residential buildings and set back from the other side, which hosts food, drinks, music, singing and dancing. The room service is excellent and buffet is supervised by efficient chef de cuisine who took care of me, I don't recall his name but big thanks to him, fresh fruit, veggies, eggs etc. are always available. Greetings to the beach workers, good job and thanks for the front desk employees from the youngest Mariagne to the oldest Lidian and big boss William, greetings to the entertainment master El Javier for his help despite being busy with his marriage. The only thing that has to be improved an arrangement of ping pong table in protected room for rainy season, I recommend this hotel for family vacations any time of a year and especially for events like Christmas or New Year. Best regards Joseph , see you soon [Details]

had a good time , nice clean resort , staff very friendly and helpful , only one was not ( did not get name , but possibly the guy host at japanese restaurant, not flexible ), from front desk to bartenders , waiters and waitress, kitchen staff ,housekeepers and the bellboys and cart driver always pleasant and good natured and helpful... sadly food was lacking , and lines at breakfast egg station was long , they need to add another cooking station , some boiled eggs , maybe some already made scrambbled egg
surprisingly only chicken all week , no pork , no fish ???
yes , im aware of the shortages
coffee was terrible for cuba standards
cant believe rude people hijacking others cabanas saw this happened twice !
beaches - waters were beautiful clean clear ,no seaweed wowow [Details]

We had amazing time at this resort. The staff at this resort are very friendly and helpful. Our room was very clean and the bed very comfortable our cleaning lady did an amazing job. The beach is beautiful and the pools were good [Details]

We had a wonderful stay at the Iberostar. The staff were friendly. I know food is a concern for many coming to Cuba but you won't have to worry about it at the Iberostar. We always found things we liked to eat at the buffet. They also have a snack bar that serves hotdogs, pizza, sandwiches and chicken burgers and nuggets which was a great option for my 14 year old. The resort is quite big so be prepared to get a lot of steps in the run of a day but they also have carts running all the time that are happy to get you where you want to go.
There are two beaches. One is smaller and closer. It's quite shallow so is great for little ones but not great if you want to swim. The second beach is a bit of a walk to get to. It was about 5-8 minutes but you can also jump on a cart to get there. That beach was beautiful definitely worth the walk.
The resort was very clean and so was our room. The staff works really hard at that and it definitely showed
The pool areas were great as well. Lots of seating options in the sun and shade
We really enjoyed our time there and would recommend it to anyone [Details]

Cute hotel. Clean. Family of 6 with young kids and we enjoyed it! [Details]

CHAMBRE TRES PROPRE. AIR CLIMATISÉE FONCTIONNE A MERVEILLE. ENDROIT TRES PRES DE TOUT ( BUNGALOW 25 OU 26 A PRÉVILÉGIER ). TRES TRANQUILE POUR JEUNE FAMILLE ET PAS DE GROSSE FIESTA AVEC DE LA MUSIQUE FORTE ( 23HRS TOUT EST CALME ). BUFFET VARIÉ ET BEAUCOUP DE CHOIX, MAIS PEU DE LEGUMES. PETITE PLAGE POUR JEUNES ENFANTS SINON LA PLAGE PESQUERO PLUS GRANDE ET PLUS PROFONDE.( NECESSITE UNE NAVETTE SINON ENVIRON 10 MIN DE MARCHE ). POUR LE PRIX C`EST PLUS QUE BIEN POUR CUBA !!!! A NOTER QUE LES JEUX D`EAUX FONCTIONNENT DEPUIS LE 01 SEPTEMBRE. [Details]

Although we did enjoy our week here, I do have to address the cleanliness/maintenance of the hotel. The pool is in rough shape, with cracks, many missing tiles and broken ladders. Our room cleaning was very subpar, same dead bugs on the floor all week, dripping air conditioners, bathrooms not cleaned very well, cups not replaced all week. The staff was friendly and the hotel is lovely - these cleanliness and maintenance issues can easily be rectified with more diligent management. You go to Cuba for the beaches and to feel safe, and those things we did feel thankfully. The wi-fi was spottty at best - of you need it for work this will NOT be sufficient for you. [Details]

We just came back from a beautiful vacation. The hotel is beautiful and clean we are in the 3rd level and 2 connected rooms. Beautiful modern big and clean. Facing the ocean view The room attendants changing lenins everyday and towel. Everytime we came back room is nice and clean. With fresh bottled water. Beach is really nice two beaches for a small children near the hotel and the other one is in the other side and you have to cross this beautiful wooden bridge. Or you can ride. On the club car. With all our drivers are very happy people. Lots of them so all you have to do is pick up the phone and tell them to pick wherever you are. Or if you are at the beach let the security guard know or life guards Rafael, Michael Alberto and Victor thank you all . Food at this resorts is abundant. No shortage for sure. Lots of choices. From breads cold cuts cheeses meats seafood pastas and different kind of rice . Lots and lots of selection. Plus lots of desserts and fresh fruits!!! Amazing fruits and fresh juice. And delicious coffee I always get cappuccino .the manager at the bar and buffet and 4 other restaurants is Hippolito amazingly friendly man makes you feel comfortable he is always around to make sure everythibg is running smoothly at the buffet area during meal time. And checking all the bar early morning. Keep up the good work sir!! all servers is nice and helpful. They're always happy to serve you. Mayelin always takes care of us. And the others too.
Cocktails and wine.. rum vodkas and whisky.. you have it all. From checking in at the front desk. Yemina is their to help you and Christian. Any other questions the public relations, Wilkyns is so amazing kind always happy to help you in anything. Just reach out to him, he is so kind to book us in 3 other restaurant for dinner. And a complimentary gift to keep us hydrated lol.. love it!!! I love people at this Resort. Everyone of them even I didn't even mention names. They are very lovely people. Resort has a 24 hr snack Bar and 24 hr bar as well. Beach has bar to get drinks. And snack. Over all this place is beautiful it's has 3 big pool and other one is for kids. It's fun here too entertain ment every night. And lots of daytime activities. For people who wanted to know if there's mosquito? My son is sensitive to a mosquito bite and he didn't have any single one. It's a beautiful vacation. Thank you to everyone's who makes this visit a memorable one .
Please continue the amazing service. And wish to see you all soon. [Details]

Grounds were well maintained [Details]

We travelled with 2 kids ages 7 and 5 ,
The waterpark was a hit!
Beach clean and clear like I have never seen before! 10/10
Food : very little variety if any.. repetitive
No water bottles first 4 days and lack of entertainment.
Friday night beach party a total hit!
Rooms cleaned everyday overall clean well maintained hotel.
Buffet plates are not washed very well … always check! [Details]

The hotel was exceptionally clean and well appointed. It was spacious and nicely decorated. [Details]

We had an amazing stay at this hotel. This is our first time in Cuba as a family. Hearing about other people's horror stories about staying in Cuba. This place was amazing. The food was good. Loved the a la cart restaurants. The staff was very nice and helpful. The beaches were beautiful and safe. The hotel was beautiful and clean. Mayelin at the buffet was so nice and helpful. Daniel the gardener was nice and Maria the pool entertainer was fun. The kids loved the pools and the water park. Will definitely recommend and will return to this hotel again. Advice, tip in American dollars or Canadian dollar bills in good condition only and help change the coins the Canadians keep giving the hotel staff. The coins are worthless to them and they need help changing them to dollar bills so offer to change them and they'll be very greatful. [Details]

Had a wonderful stay at this resort. People were excellent, food was great, restaurants were great, rooms were the size of a 1 her apartment, staff were the best. We only had a few negatives which were too long a wait for buggy ride to anywhere we wanted to go on resort as I am handycap and had trouble getting into our room as door would not open the whole too weeks there. Would I go back there no as resort way too big for me getting around but for anyone with no walking problems great place to stay. [Details]

Iberostar Selection is a beautiful and large property ! The buildings are clean and beautifully laid out. The rooms are big , modern bathroom , and very comfortable bed! The oceanview is an oceanview above the trees ( as seen in the hotel pics) , so doesn't really feel like an oceanview, although above the tree line you can see it. The lobby is a popular place to have a cappuccino from the coffee bar which is served with a stick of sugar cane which is delicious! The pool area is beautiful, clean , and there is a separate pool beside the main one set up for pool volleyball. Beach area is outstanding with turquoise water and lots of coral for snorkeling just off shore . The sand beach is on the smaller size ( although still very sufficient) as there is a sea wall of volcanic rock around most of the property. No problem getting a lounger at the beach . Staff hustle to keep all the areas pristinely clean.
I would have liked to see some Cuban dance entertainment at night as the Cuban culture is one of my favourite things. Instead of that, there were fashion shows, although they had a very good house band which played a few of the nights . Don't be late for the show if you go as it is 20 -30 minutes long. The gym was good also with free weights, equipment and bikes [Details]

Everything was great expect food was mediocre as expected for Cuba. Supply was pretty good (pina coladas, fanta, cucumbers, fish, chicken etc.). The Kids Club is THE BEST. Family suite accommodation was excellent for our family of 5. [Details]

The hotel is large, well kept, newer. Rooms are clean and well kept. Housekeeping work very hard to keep things tidy. Pool very nice, should be vacuumed more often. Hot tubs filled with kids and yellowish water, didn't go in. Food in Cuba not the best, but this time very disappointed. Shortages on bread, eggs, pop, vodka, only chocolate ice cream, no pastries, no butter, no fish except a la carte. Shortage of chicken and line ups at buffet at omelette and grill stations super long. Beach nice, they've had no rain for months so everything very yellow and dry. Palm trees are even yellow. People are lovely as usual. [Details]

Was very disappointed in the food , Wasn't a good selection and the food offered wasn't very good . I personally lived on ice cream and rice . Definitely by far the worst resort i have ever been to as far as food .
There was no bottled water …No selection of drinks …i don't drink alcohol so that wasn't an issue but the fridge was not stocked with bottled water or soda ..i've never experienced that any where else .
No waiters on beach or poolside.
What drinks that were offered ran out early.
First night we arrived late and ate at the snack bar…food was terrible and the water tasted like mold .
I would never go back and I would never recommend to anyone [Details]

Good day,

We have visited the hotel 11 times including hosting our entire family for our wedding. Special thanks to all staff and special thanks to Mayelin for always being so attentive and kind! [Details]

Well, where to start? The resort was beautiful but too big for our liking. The rooms were excellent and well-maintained. The only dissatisfaction was the food and the drinks. Every day lunch and dinner were the same. No napkins on the table instead we had fold-it toilet paper and not all the time, you had to beg for the spoons for soup and coffee or dessert. The personnel was as excellent as possible. The drinks lack of ingredients, for example, no coca cola, or any cola, no soda water, or sometimes no tonic water. The shadow buses many times you will have to wait up to an hour [Details]

Place is great, rooms clean location is great. Food is ok. You can manage with what they offer. How ever bring your preferred spices and ketchup. When I went they only had sprite. Fanta orange was only available in the Cuban restaurant. Japanese restaurant was not really Japanese except the setup

Sometimes hard to communicate the shuttle bus service for on site location is slow. But the employees are great. Wifi only allowed 5 hours per guest per day. Capital One master card not accepted and other American cards . . Best to go with Canadian money 5$.

Beach is great 2 locations one really close to bungalows. I could access the beach by walking 120 seconds. The check in is long only one employee [Details]

As soon as we arrived at this hotel, check in was fast and we were forwarded to the room by the bell boy. We had requested a upper floor and given. Fantastic lobby, a big modern room with the amenities. Very comfortable beds. The shower with a good flow of hot water. Very neat and clean. There were not many guests, maybe because of COVID but no lack of service anywhere in the hotel. Very decent workers with their job. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was cubana style preparation. There is always something to eat. We enjoyed at the Japanese restaurant with live preparation of food by the trained Chef with entertainment. Also in the Coral restaurant we had a tail of the lobster delicious food and very professional waitress. Not to mention ones name each and every one either at buffet or at the speciality restaurants. Supervising staff are working very hard to get the job done professionally. Bravo keep it up [Details]

Waited close to 40 mins for a golf cart to take us to our room upon arrival and we were the first family to be checked in. We had adjoining suites with our children (17, 16, 12 yrs old) Only 1 of the 2 keys worked that we were given, so everyday back at the front desk to get the key reset for one of the suites and it wasn't always the same suite the key didn't work for. The bathroom door knob on the kids side wasn't working properly and the kids got “locked” in or stuck on the inside many times before maintenance FINALLY came to fix the door but only after one of the kids was stuck behind the door for 30mins. Adult side of the suite, our bathroom was leaking through the lights every time the people above us had a shower. Water leaked out into the hallway and had a major fall on the way to the bathroom in a huge puddle. Called the front desk and it took someone 45mins to come to the room with towels for clean up and to “assess” the situation. Went to see the doctor twice but wasn't available due to COVID swabs and testing and giving out results. When I finally was able to see the doctor, she didn't do a physical exam, just a visual and advised me to take NSAID's, raise my ankle and use ice, home now and my ankle is in fact fractured.Not a pleasant experience and it seemed like it only got worse as time progressed. I hate to be that person but it just seemed like when things couldn't get worse they did. Found the front desk to be less friendly after the fall in the water. Another couple we travelled with, also had water leaking from the room above them in their bathroom. Will not be recommending this hotel in the future. [Details]

Great Resort!! Staff is very professional, nothing that they wouldn't do to make sure that visitors are comfortable and happy! Restaurants are top notch, best in Cuba so far!! Wifi access everywhere!! Everything is very clean and the resort is spread out on a huge property providing lots of space for everyone! [Details]

We enjoyed our 2 week stay here, hands down!
Front desk check-in and greeting was very professional, friendly and fast. Assigned room was so comfortable and modern with wifi service, USB charging station, and a spectacular ocean view! An additional screened patio door made it perfect for us to enjoy the ocean breeze anytime! Housekeeper Yanelis, kept our room immaculate with all amenities supplied. Accommodations Director Nestor was always present, very personable, helpful, assuring complete guest satisfaction.
The ocean front expansive, having two very diverse beach areas. First beach, close by, shallow and nicely sheltered from surf on windy days. Second beach, further, clear water and absolutely fabulous for snorkelling and water sports. Electric cart shuttle always available and convienant to take us where we wanted. We enjoyed our 4 km, safe, leisure walks along the public pathway of the beautiful Pesquero Beaches.
Dining room host Uranemi, polite and helpful with our menu selections and reservations. Food of excellent Cuban fare! The good variety of fresh buffet selections and cooking stations were very appealing and tasty. Yainet ready with our morning coffee and glass of sparkling water. Thank you Arthur and team. We were pleased with our many al la carte meals especially the delicious Lobster Entrees and Milena's top notch service. IceCreamBar close to the beach and the server made this a cheerful and fun stop.
“Campari on the rocks, two sparkling waters on the side”. BeachBar bartender Henry always showed a lot of class! Swimming Pool lovely, with many comfortable lounge areas and water depths, plus a juggling bartender, wow! Lounge/Bar manager Robert ... Right on!
GM Diego frequently seen around resort, always approachable with a good sense of humour, staying on top and in touch. We will definitely return! [Details]

Nice new resort, friendly staff, and good food. Lester @ the air rifle was fun. Had a really good time here and would highly recommend it. Enjoyed the paddle boats as well. [Details]

This was my first trip to an Iberostar and my second trip to Cuba. This was one of our favorite trips to date and we have been to Mexico several times, and the DR.
As many have said, the resort itself stands above the rest. Beautiful, well groomed yards and gardens, very modern rooms, very clean. The beds were comfortable, the water was warm with good pressure and the facilities were equally clean and cared for.
We had to have a small issue with our rooms rectified at the onset of the trip. The person in charge at the front desk, a woman, was amazing. Her only concern was that we were happy. She wasn't satisfied until we were.
The food, although limited for certain items on certain days, was excellent. People need to realize that at certain times of the year, no one can get certain items in Cuba. It isn't the resort's fault. But they had lobster that was fabulous at the Mediterranean, and a decent variety at the buffet. The food was warm and well cooked. We loved the Japanese restaurant as well.
Initially, the pools were as warm as the ocean but after a couple of cooler days, they cooled off. You could sit at the farther pool where it was quieter or be near the bar where the games took place. The option was nice. A special shout out to “Tiger” … the pool bartender. Tiger…you should be on a talent show. Juggling bottles and cups….catching ice cubes with tongs. You were amazing.
I'll call the smaller ocean beach the lagoon for simplicity. The lagoon ocean water was fine, but for the full authentic beach experience, you simply had to go for a 10 minute walk to the beach across the bridge or take a shuttle car (cart). There was a small bar over at the larger beach as well as free paddle boats and catamaran rides (but do bring a tip for these hard working people). We loved the burgers and ice cream at the lagoon beach snack shack. Snorkeling was fantastic. Lots of fish and sea creatures. One day was wavy. No snorkeling but great fun in the waves.
We never watched any of the shows. We did sit and listen to the Spanish/Cuban band outside on the patio one evening and that was fantastic; just a little too short as they only sang for 30 to 45 min. We could have sat and listened to them all evening.
I like to leave some ideas in feedback so these aren't complaints…just ideas. Because of the location of this resort, at least at the time of year we went, there was some strong wind most days. At the pool, it would be fantastic if they put up some type of barrier to block the wind on the side facing the ocean (which you can't see from the pool anyway). That would have made the cooler days so much more enjoyable.
We go to Cuba for the culture. They had people playing the piano in the lobby as well as other instruments, but they were North American songs. It would be so much nicer to have an authentic Cuban band playing every evening for an hour or two that you could go and listen to after dinner.
Finally, this is a larger resort. So be prepared to do a lot of walking or a little waiting for a ride. We never had to wait more than five minutes. If the resort ever has the money to do so, a suggestion would be to add a side walk all the way along the path that already exists. Keep the current path just for the carts, and use the new path for those walking. The cart drivers are very good at slowing right down when a person is walking but this causes a lot of stopping and starting. With a second, skinnier path, those walking would be out of harm's way and the carts could move along better to serve more people.
And that's my lengthy review. We will definitely return. Helpful staff, amazing beach, good food. [Details]

Excellent resort service food and very clean rooms. Heading back in June 2020 [Details]

Enjoyed the week. Great place to snorkel. Would come back. Wi-Fi is best near lobby. [Details]

We liked this hotel very much. The staff were friendly and the rooms were clean and spacious. The food was very repetitive so 2 weeks was too long to stay here. The meat was not butchered properly so most of the time it was tough. There was not much of a selection for fruit or vegetables - it was mostly pumpkin or eggplant, watermelon and oranges. No fresh potatoes or carrots. Most of the vegetables and fruit was canned. [Details]

Loved it! Will definitely be back [Details]