Melia Cayo Santa Maria

This was my 5th time in Cuba, the first at this hotel, and it was definitely the best hotel experience overall. Although the amenities are fairly standard for Cuba and there were imperfections, there is much to appreciate and enjoy. The common areas are well designed and really lush with greenery - including a small island in the pool area with shrubs and palm trees. The beach & the turquoise water are amazing - great for swimming on most days we were there (windy on the others). The food is very good - lots of choice and the "specialty" restaurants have great decor and calm atmospheres. The beach grill was a favourite - semi-outdoor with lovely views. Even at the Cuban Restaurant (which had a meat based menu), I was given a very tasty vegetarian meal on last minute request. Lots of specialty drinks/international brands at the main bar and wonderful cappuccinos both there and at the pool restaurant. There are lots of fun activities and the animation team was really great. They are very professional and also very sweet. Their personal touches added greatly to a very special vacation. The White Party experience was super. [Details]

This was my fifth visit since October 2018. I travel as a single women and it is like going to visit family. The staff are fantastic! Everyone treats you like a friend. The beaches are alway clean, as is the pool. The grounds are beautifully kept. The gardener is always willing to cut a coconut for you to put your pinacalada in! I would recommend this resort to everyone I know. I will be returning in June for 1 week. Thank you Melia for always making my stay fantastic! [Details]

This hotel should only be rated at a 31/2 star at best.
The rooms are in need of painting and some maintenance.
There are no coffee machines provided in the room and so you have to “request” one. What hotel doesn't supply coffee in the room?? It took 2 days to get one and only after I asked 5 times.
The bedding is old and pillows hard but clean.
We were supplied with a large bottle of water each day.
The toilet ran continuously and the shower head was clogged so not much water ran out for a shower.
Some of the lights in the room wouldn't work.
Our maid was fantastic! Room was always spotless.
Along the pathways to the lobby, many lights were not working so it made it difficult to walk at night.
Pools were great!
The buffet was quite small and had the same thing everyday so got tired of that.
We ate at 2 of the restaurants and they were good.
Our waitress was fantastic! We ate at one of her tables every day and she made sure everything was perfect.
There is entertainment in the theatre only twice a week.
The other nights you have to try and find a chair in the lobby bar to listen to live entertainment.
Although the hotel isn't fantastic, the beaches are. Lots of lounge chairs and a guy there to make sure you have one.
Beautiful sand and crystal clear water. [Details]

Hotel, staff, grounds, were outstanding, services provided were great,entertainment was very good, food left something to be desired [Details]

We loved this resort. This was our first trip to Cuba, and chose this resort because of the affordable price and on a recommendation from friends.
The resort is small which we loved. Our room was big with a king bed, a daybed, and an extra daybed (we requested) as we are a family of 4.
Our room was clean, fresh towels, and our fridge stocked with beer, soda and water.
The grounds were beautifully kept. My daughter enjoyed a fresh coconut cut down by one of the groundskeepers.
There was a small market a few mins from our room where we were able to purchase bracelets and keepsakes without feeling pressured. The artisans were just happy to see us!
The food was good, what we expected. We were told that food in Cuba is not great. There was something for everyone. Pizza, fries, pastries, omelettes, fresh fruit and yogurt. A 24hr snack bar, and best of all amazing coffee and all you can drink!
The beach...wow. gorgeous. You could walk forever! The weather was a little windy so we didn't spend much time swimming but the color of the water was turquoise.
The best part of our stay, was the people. We met a couple who has stayed at this resort for 20 years! Many returning visitors, and a lots of Canadians which was welcoming.
I can't say enough about the staff. They wanted to know you, and make sure you were having an amazing time. The ever famous Ozzie at the pool bar told us about his family, and Jose made the best virgin slushies and kid friendly drinks. The guys in charge of the pool were meticulous at keeping the pool clean, and always hunting down chairs so you always had a place to sit.
The bus ride was 1.5 hours but it was worth it. We were able to see some Cuban culture and enjoy a scenic ride over the ocean.
It was sad to say goodbye, we are already planning our return trip for next year ❤
I HAVE NO IDEA WHY MY UPLOADED PHOTOS ARE SIDEWAYS (SORRY) [Details]

I just returned from the Melia Cayo Santa Maria, 2 couples and we travelled from January 7-14, 2020.
I read many reviews good and bad and this is my honest take.

The resort is beautiful, the staff go above and beyond to make your stay happy and comfortable and they are so friendly it's unbelievable, someone is always around to serve you whether it is a drink you want or a beach/pool lounge chair and the grounds are constantly tended too.

I will rate each category 0-5 and 5 being the best.

Rooms 3.5, the rooms are very spacious and kept very clean, they are in need of updating but that wasn't a problem for us and due to the salt air it tends to deteriorate things quicker so in that aspect it needs some repairs but that didn't bother us either. There is a mini bar in your room which is included, you will always have a large bottle of water, 2 cans of pop and 1 or 2 cans of beer and it is restocked daily. You will only get 2 large towels for the shower and 2 hand towels. The maid service comes daily to make the bed and replace towels and someone will stop by late in the afternoon to restock your drinks.

Beach 5, it is absolutely beautiful, if it's windy you will get rough waters but it is clean, clear and relaxing, there's entertainment on the beach with a bar and a grill restaurant is only a 2 min walk. You will never have to look for a lounge chair because someone is always there to take care of that for you, a tip is not necessary but it's appreciated.

Buffet 2, there is only one buffet restaurant and breakfast is the same every morning, if your ok with omelettes, fried eggs and toast than you'll be fine, you will not get bacon and what they consider ham we consider mock loaf. Lunch and dinner are exactly the same except at dinner you have a pasta station and sometimes a carving station and there is not a lot of choices, The food at the buffet is NOT GOOD AT ALL and there is none of the common things you would expect and food tends to be recycled, hot dogs that are not eaten at dinner are chopped up and used for the omelettes the next morning and there were many cockroaches around the food stations.

24 hr snack bar 4, the food is ok there, the pizzas are made on pita bread which makes for a thin crunchy crust and the burgers are very tender and tasty.

Japanese a la cart 3, it was pretty good, the beef though is extremely tough.

Tex mex a la carte 2.5, some of the dishes were not bad but some were absolutely terrible, I ordered roasted potatoes with bacon and cheese and it was left over French fries from the lunch buffet and mock loaf as the bacon, it was disgusting. My husband ordered tenderloin medallion and it was a fast fry steak so tough it was not edible and this is not an exaggeration.

Mediterranean 3, it was just ok, I ordered the chicken Florentine and you would expect spinach and cheese to come on it or in it but it was a boneless thigh that seemed precooked and reheated with no flavour.

Food at this resort tends to be recycled and not in a good way. If your looking for a beautiful beach to enjoy than this is the place but if your a foodie or just wanting a decent meal than this is not the place for you. The grounds and the staff are outstanding as I said but that is as far as it goes.

We did enjoy the Pueblo la Estrella market during the day and it's only $2 cuc for the open air bus and it picks you up at your resort and is only a 10 min. Ride, they have lots of vendors with hand crafted items that are very cheap, it's an opportunity to experience local culture. In the evening the 4 of us took a taxi back to the market for $10 cuc to enjoy a really nice seafood dinner, total cost for 4 starters, 4 glasses of wine, 2 lobster dinners that were so large we split between the 4 of us and a tip was only $150.00 cuc, if you go in the evening you should prearrange with your taxi driver a time to come back and pick you up.

Speed boat/snorkel excursion 5, this was our favourite, it was a half day excursion and the bus will pick you up and take you back to your resort. The staff at the marina are very friendly and professional. We received about an hour on the speed boat which you drive, they take you in open water to an old stranded barge and then cruise through the mangroves and full throttle, once back at the marina you will board a boat to go out to a coral reef and snorkel for another hour, you are provided with the gear and dont worry everyone get a new clean snorkel right out of the plastic that you can also keep. The price for that was only $44 cuc (approx $50 Cad).

Overall the resort is only a 3 star and that is only because of the beach, grounds and staff. If they upped their food quality and selection then I would say 4 star

Things to know -
food is not seasoned and they only have salt and pepper.
Start saving your condiment packs, they do not have peanut butter, jam, maple syrup, tea or remotely decent ketchup.
You can exchange money at the front desk and they use the U.S. exchange rate so $1 cuc will cost you approx. $1.30 Can.
Check out is 12:00 but you can pay for extra time for $8.00 cuc per hour, this is good if you have a late flight.
If you have the option to buy the VIP add on for $50 Can from your vacation provider It will give you priority check in at the Santa Clara airport, VIP lounge with comfy chairs, couches and t.v. with free drinks (alcohol incl.), free food, 1 hr free wifi and priority boarding, I highly recommend this because the main area to wait for boarding is a freaking zoo with hard to find seats and dozens of screaming/crying kids. [Details]

We loved this resort - it is small enough that no where is a long walk and the beach is amazing. One of the best we have seen. Lots of room and lots of chairs. Staff was amazing as well. We loved visiting with them and getting to know them. Music in the lobby in the evenings was outstanding. Aqua night in the pool was great [Details]

Decent sized room and bathroom ,modest furniture and really horrible pillow.One to thin to sleep on , two to big so you need to improvise (put a blanket under) . Food was mediocre most of the days . [Details]

This was a very good trip, hotel, and beach. First off though, it is not a 5*, but definitely a solid 3.5* I will rate each experience in order of category: BEACH - 10/10 one of the most beautiful i have ever seen Ranchon beach snack bar - 2/10 terrible service, food not so great Pool snack bar - 8/10, excellent fries, burgers and pizza Buffet - 7/10 this was a hit and miss, no orange juice our whole week there, and they kept doors open while A/C was on which made no sense and it was very hot. Japanese - 2/10 just awful , dont bother Meditteranean - 8/10 very tasty food International French - 8/10 our fave Italian - was closed, dont know why??? Lobby Bar - 9/10, excellent service, excellent drinks and coffee, great bartenders Room - 7/10 got a renovated one so very spacious, however a little more attention to detail to cleanliness is required, and i had to call every other day for fill up of mini-bar, i dont know why they just didnt do it automatically, also the A/C was not very strong and you have no control over it, we were in Block 12 Reception - 8/10 very friendly always helped us out Pool - 7/10 too warm for my liking, however, it was very big and pleasant Grounds - 10/10 immaculate landscaping Air Transat - 10/10 got everything i asked for, good job! [Details]

We arrived in the hotel around 11PM. Check in was quick but there weren't many people to check in at the time . The room looks better in their website but at least was clean. No water and drinks in the fridge, and when I called their 700 nr I was told I had to get water from front lobby bar bc there was nobody working at that time for room service. I had to repeat the same call for three days out of seven that we stayed there. I didn't care for the soft drinks but water was an absolute need in hot weather. To resolve the problem I had to go to the front desk bc their customer service call didn't resolve the problem . Having said that I must say that staff was pleasant in general, thumbs up to the lobby bar guys and girl! Very friendly and prompt!
Food was their weakest point. Not much choices, a very small buffet and I wasn't impressed even with their restaurants. And yes I've eaten better food in Cuba. Entertainment was just ok. One night they had a very talented violinist and another night an excellent rock band. These were the only two nights that stood out for me.
The grounds were in excellent shape, rooms were very clean. They have air conditioning in the buffet but the doors of buffet were left ajar and the flies would get in and on the food. To my surprise Wi-Fi worked even in our room. On top of all that the two hours bus ride wasn't one of my favorites, something that I wasn't looking forward on the way back, but that isn't Management's fault.
All and all was a nice stay but we won't go back there. [Details]

This is my second time back at this resort. The environment is relaxing and very enjoyable, the ground well kept and look beautiful. The staff are amazing, especially the entertainment team. The activities are fun, and they truly become your friends. Price in my opinion is high for Cuba, but I'll still return simply because of the relationship with the staff. You wont find a better team anywhere else. [Details]

Love this resort! We have been here 3 times, you will not be disappointed. Great food, hotel, and staff. [Details]

Mind blowing is the best way I can describe. For my first vacation ever and being a disabled senior I was very worried how I'd get by. From the moment we disembarked at the hotel I was treated like royality. The hotel and grounds are so impeccable I felt like I was at Augusta National. [Details]

This resort is amazing we've been there 4 time and will be returning again this year, from the ground to the pool it's very well maintained, The staff is what makes this resort for us, we love that they all have smiles on there faces everyday, and I'm sure there life's aren't perfect, and I'm sure there tired but you'd never know it, they work long hours and manage to keep smiles on all there guest, they are so helpful, the management was new last year, and there have been some positive changes, a lot of old staff was moved around , but thing have definitely went up a notch, there fine dining is really stepped it up. A lot of staff have been there for years and that's why we come back, we've become family and the whole resort welcomes you back just like family , we do thing off the resort , there is lot to do from just walking to markets , to rides in very old cars to the adventurous one who like speed boats they have it all , you'll never be bored. Cuba is a beautiful country go and explore it . See you again soon [Details]

My husband and I have just returned home from our third visit. Once again, our thanks and gratitude go out to all the staff, you truly made our stay a 5 star plus!
The buffet, a la carte restaurants, pool snack bar and beach restuarant were fabulous.
The beach was beautiful, the pool was perfect, never a lack of lounge chairs and a bartender was never too far away!
The entertainment in the Lobby Bar in the early evenings is a great touch and we enjoyed it all.
The rooms are bright, cheery and very spacious, with new 'towel creations' everyday.
We went on the speed boat excursion and it is definitely the 'best bang for your buck'. It was four hours of jam packed fun!!

You are my home away from home, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕➕ [Details]

Travelled to this hotel now for the third time since recovery from the hurricane. Every time we have seen improvements. New lighting in the lobby, new lighting and opening up of the lobby bar area. It is so open now that many of the evening entertainment activities are held here. A rock band brings down the house once a week and the Blue Pool Show is very entertaining. The washrooms have been upgraded in the lobby and work was starting at the snack bar washrooms. If you are like me; I enjoy fine rums and now in the Cigar Bar off the lobby you can enjoy some of the best Cuba has to offer. We always found plenty of choices in food. The Snack Bar had great pizzas. The buffet always had pasta, seafood, beef, and chicken stations making fresh dishes to our liking. This would be finished off with crepes and fruit after dinner. The pool and the beach had plenty of loungers and shade with helpful staff available to get you settled. The beach is beautiful and the bartenders are sure to have something for your thirst. At noon the Ranchero is open for lunch and the BBQ is wonderful with beef, chicken, pork, and sausages. Fried fish is also delicious. The rooms are being upgraded slowly with new ac units. Restaurants are also getting new ac units.
This Hotel is on the small size which makes it easy to get around and has friendly helpful staff that will go out of the way to make your visit memorable. This being one of the oldest resorts on Cayo Santa Maria it is time for a makeover and they are doing a great job of it. Looking to go back again very soon. I have travelled extensively for business around the world and stayed in top rated hotels. This resort is comfortable and I feel safe just like I do at home. [Details]

Melia Cayo Santa Maria [Details]

This was our first visit to Melia Cayo Santa Maria and our 6th visit to Cayo Santa Maria. What can I say, we had a fantastic time. Hotel staff, from reception, cleaning lady, white staff, to bartenders are all fantastic and will do everything in their power to please you. They were amazing, super welcoming, accommodating, and everything was done with a smile, which made the best part of our trip. They didn't ask for anything, but don't forget tipping is important and appreciated.

Daily entertainment was good and the a la carte restaurants were lovely (food was lovely even for a person like me who is allergic to fish and has gluten intolerance). What impressed us most at the a la carte restaurants was the extra effort to accommodate our special needs with limited resources they had. Other places offering food, were not very impressive, but we didn't been hungry. The food in the main buffet was limited and poor selection, but with the help from grill cooks and very helpful white staff, we managed to find some ingredients that we can make a meal from. The main buffet was also closed for lunch, so after we feel sick from food consumed at El Rancho beach grill (where we noticed poor food handling and safety practices), we just didn't go for lunch. We also didn't like snack bar near pool because of birds and bird poop on chairs and tables. Late breakfast and early supper was working for us.

The beach was great with sand and warm crystal clear water, but not much swimming because of jellyfish (a lot of jellyfish this season). We spent some time around the pools and didn't have a problem finding the sun beds and shaded areas. Our room was big, clean, and comfortable. Our bathroom was old, but clean and everything was working fine. The fridge was topped up every day with water, soft drinks and beer, so there was nothing to complain about.

Evening entertainment in the lobby was good especially a Cuban rock band and Septeto Guaimare. We would definitely consider booking this hotel again, especially if they improve food selection and have buffet open for lunch. All together this is cute small resort and we had an amazing experience (and we won't forget it)!

The only negative is the transfer time from the airport (more than an hour and a half in the bus without washrooms) which is not their fault. [Details]

Melia Cayo Santa Maria [Details]

Staff are excellent accomadation is good and beach is very good. Food at buffet was ok but not great be careful what you chouse to eat. Far from anything so not much to do outside of resort. overall would recomend [Details]

We had a great holiday, people are lovely. They really aim to please. Lots of specialty restaurants, so no need to always eat at the buffet; but it was a well stocked buffet, something for everyone. The only thing I missed was tomatoes, onions & lettuce. [Details]

Everything was perfect like the first time we went!
Will go back for sure! [Details]

The hotel staff was amazing as always. The food was good as has been for the last visits. The entertainment has been brought up a notch and was quite impressive, good job to the team. The renovations completed on the hotel has done some good and is refreshing [Details]

First time in Cuba and it was a great experience! The staff at Melia Cayo Santa Maria are extremely friendly and do everything to ensure that their guests are happy. The resort grounds and rooms are very clean and provide for a relaxing week of lounging about. The music and entertainment feels authentic. The beach is unreal! Feels like a dream. I would definitely return! [Details]

Beautiful resort. Second and not last visit. Staff is everything. [Details]

This hotel was awesome, highly recommend this resort to everyone! [Details]

Grounds,pool,beach are great.
Rooms are in need of renovation.
We had ants in our room on a continuous basis and no one did anything, except we were provided with a can of ant spray. Food is not good. [Details]

Clean and well located hotel with wonderful staff!! [Details]

the hotel was amazing as was all the staff. the only complaint I have was the bed! was hard as a rock...please update to comfortable mattresses and this will be the perfect resort for vacationing. I will defintely come back here again! [Details]

melia cayo santa maria is a good place to stay in. The staff are friendly, pools and restaurants are clean. great entertainment and the beach was amazing. there is a restaurant by the beach and they make great crispy fried fish, By the beach area, waiters will come to grab your drinks. walk by the shore line and you can visit other resort, but by far melia cayo santa maria location is the best. the drawbacks, they are renovating the place. buffet is under construction. hot water on the shower is sometimes non existent. beach towels are always out. food is somewhat fair, but i hope once the buffet is finished from constuction there will be more selection to chose from. wifi signal is poor and must purchase fo 2CUC for an hour. at night, the paths to reach your hotel lacks lighting. it's hard to see the path at night so bring a flashlight. the highlight on this trip is the good service, beautiful beach, comfortable hotel stay. beware visits early november as the season is still rainy. luckily we got one day of hot weather on the beach. [Details]