It just keeps getting better! Amazing Vacation!
We have recently returned from our 10th visit to this hotel. And it won't be our last. In all honesty, last April we weren't sure if we'd be back. Many shortages in all areas, and I understand they were all across Cuba, but we decided to give it another try last September, and it was so much better.....and then again in April, and it was fabulous!!
The food was fantastic.....so many choices, and the tacos on the beach, which was a new addition to previous visits, were delicious. Jorge Nolasco, who is the Food and Beveridge Manager, has worked so hard to restore the quality and options to the guests. His presence is noticed, as he is there morning, noon and night, whether it's at the buffet, the restaurants, or on the beach. He and his staff (chefs/servers/bartenders) are one of the main reasons we will keep coming back to this hotel. Oh, and the Ambassador's Dinner is a truly amazing experience.
The grounds are beautiful.....the resort is not too big, and not too small. The gardeners work so hard maintaining everything, and always pleasant. Shout out to Osmany, one of our favourites, who went over and above to help us out.
The rooms are clean, and we had no issues with the AC (building 2). Slight problem with our safe, but maintenance was there very quickly to resolve it (ended up just needing a new battery).
The beach is stunning.....a few shells as you enter the water, but not bad, and within a foot or two, nothing but beautiful sand. I would recommend water shoes if you have tender tootsies, but it's not really an issue. The beach seemed to have less shells on the non-Diamond Club side I noticed, and easier to gain access to the water.
We were Diamond Club, and the DC restaurant was so nice for breakfast and lunch, but we also enjoyed the buffet too. Divan, one of the chefs, makes the best omelettes in the morning, always with a smile on his face and kind words for everyone.
We are now starting to look at booking this hotel again, even though we've only been home for a month. The staff make us feel as though we're family, and we love that about them. Some of our favourites, as previously mentioned, are:
Jorge Nolasco,
Mabel Mendoza Armas (Customer Service Manager),
Divan Concepcion,
Yoyo at the pool bar (so incredibly kind),
Marcos Gonzalez at the pool,
Jose Ramon Martell (incredible server in the buffet),
Janet Tellez in the Route 66 bar (for making fantastic drinks and being so entertaining while doing it),
Zoe Yarisbey Pardo (wonderful server in the lobby bar).
And the entertainment staff are the absolute best!! Landy, Diana, Luis (Black Shark), Hugo....and the entire team......so incredibly talented.....always something going on to keep everyone happy.
Love this place, and will not hesitate to come back again. Yes, not perfect, in light of the issues that Cuba is going through right now, but the incredible staff do their very best to accommodate you on your holiday with whatever resources they have.