Iberostar Playa Alameda

Hello. This was my 4th time to cuba. First time staying at this hotel. Playa Alameda. The hotel wasn't too bad the food was ok. But the staff and housekeeping was just unreal. Stuff at the bars did not bothered to help you. They will sit and talk amongst themselves. Sometimes it took 5 to 20 min to get a drink or a coffee. Front desk stuff no help at all. As for housekeeping unbelievable. The maid just made the bed and left water. The bathroom wasn't clean, the shower never cleaned in the 7 nights we spent there. Sometimes o toilet paper. Sand on the floor always. And the worst thing was… the bath towels were never changed. We even told the front desk. Nothing was done about it. The worst experience ever. I will post about this hotel and bad experience on every post I can find about traveling. [Details]

Our stay had good and bad points. I knew going in the food in Cuba is not a highlight . Being said, the buffet was exactly the same every single day. You can only eat so much cabbage and pumpkin, lol.
It's a old resort, needing upgrades. Our bed honestly was the absolute worst part of the trip for me. I thought we were sleeping on the box spring ! Had to put 4 folded blankets under the bottom sheet so I didn't feel the springs in it.
But , the beach is beautiful, the people are wonderful and you know they are doing their absolute best to give you a nice holiday. [Details]

We sadly won't be back. The room was disgusting. Not acceptable and we found a dead gecko behind the tv cabinet. Room chilled down at night and was not using dirty stained blankets. [Details]

Its a small sized resort with a lot of people trying to make your holiday Great. OK so Cuba is not known for great food selection,... you will not stave if you learn to combine ingrediencies
on your own. example mix eggs with buns and you have a egg sandwich. The beaches are great people try hard, show some love back. rooms AC is great , Just watch your towels because who knows where they go. 30 dolllar us deposit on each. air. tag them if you can. You can walk along the beach at night without a problem. They are trying to renovate after a long painfulll closeur ( Covid ) [Details]

Let's start with the pro's location was very appealing.
Grounds were well kept size was perfect not over crowed.
Majority of the staff were well spoken in languages and comprehended visitors very well.Which provided an appealing Experience.
The con's food was in reasonable abundance but not consistently good. Drinks again unlimited but as well not consistently good. Quantity over quality was at times constantly a major issue. However when you waiver the cost per night stay this is forgivable. It does not completely diminish your stay unless you let it it's best just to roll with it and have a good time. [Details]

The hotel is clean and well managed. For the most part staff are friendly and attentive. Food was wonderful for Cuba. Lot's of activities for those who wanted to take part. The shows were entertaining as well as the nightly concerts. The staff did there best to make us comfortable. I have one issue with the requirement to deposit $30 for a towel which was returned at the end of your stay. There is really no need for this as most of the vacationer's have little need for a teal beach towel. [Details]

The resort was noticeably dated and in need of repairs. On our first night, the air conditioning wasn't working. On the second day, we had no running water. Images of the room are significantly nicer than reality. My husband and I had to push two double beds together since only two of the eleven buildings have king-sized beds. The bedding and towels were changed maybe once during our stay. Poor drainage in the shower. The fridge wasn't restocked. We had to get fresh water from the bar ourselves. No beer was stocked in the fridge. We weren't aware the resort didn't have a swim-up bar. Food selection was minimal. No snack bar is available between meal times. Fewer a la carte restaurants were open than advertised. Food off the resort was much better than food on the resort. Only accepted credit cards for additional services. (excursions, cigar bar...) [Details]

First thing we were in a group of 12 and had requested being in the same building which we were not we were spread across 3 buildings had no hot water for days no phone in our rooms balcony didn't lock had to put a umbrella into the bottom track management didn't fix any of our requests had no lighting in the hallways or by the door entry after three days we had lighting in the stairways some of us but no lights by our door entry no lights within the compound by where people were staying very dark
The food was not the greatest, breakfast
was ok some of the al carts were ok key cards didn't work had to get maintenance to fix it twice would not recommend to stay here management just didn't care had to ask several times to fix things which they didnt [Details]

This resort is in need of excessive tlc.

I went with a group of 12 with expectations that the food and supply isn't what you go to Cuba for.

A few things that are first world problems: we had to carry our luggage upstairs to our rooms. No elevators. If we had physical issues, this would stand in our way. Along the stairs, none of the lights were working and neither was the one to illuminate our door. That door looked like it had been beaten down by a previous guest.
We paid for a premium room. That room was no different than our groups in entry level class.
We had no hot water all week until our last day, the fridge was dirty, we had 2 towels and the ac did not adjust (it took 3 days to get a blanket). We got tired of asking staff over and over politely to help. The bathroom shower doors and hardware were falling apart…there is no top sheet on the beds.

But the big issues were: a backpack was stolen out of our room (later returned and explained that staff thought it was a gift) and an expensive pair of sunglasses were lifted off the beach bar. And it was explained that there are no security cameras anywhere but the Lobby.

This resort was saved by the lively entertainment and food services staff. (Front guest services staff need a lesson in service and kindness). Those few people were exceptional at service.

None of us would return here. We are not hard to please. Other members of our group had issues with doors not locking (entry doors and patio doors).

Our rep and guide to Havana were exceptional.

This is at best a 2 star resort. [Details]

As usual love the resort and can't name one worker I can only say all workers are amazing including the Gardners [Details]

It was great, the cubans make Cuba so welcoming and friendly. The food wasn't the best but good enough considering the countries situation [Details]

Just got back after 2 wonderful weeks of sun and human warmth.
Cuba was already not a very rich country but now with Covid and now the war with Russia, things are much harder for them. There were things missing at the hotel but they do their best a accommodate the guests. Food at the buffet was very good. Chicken, pasta, pork, cold cuts on the menu regularly. People say it is redundant but how often do you eat 2 meats at home for supper? They do miracles with what they have. Hats off to them.
The beach is beautiful, well kept, safe.
The rooms are clean, some are renovated, ac usually pretty good. Enough for me.
The lobby bar and the cigar lounge, great service with a dance and a warm smile by some fun waiters.
From the guest service reception to the beach, everyone on this resort, works hard to make sure we have a great stay as best they can.
I mentioned no names cause there are too many. They are all great. [Details]

We revisited this resort and stayed for four weeks feb-mar.It was like coming to visit family after two long years.We were given such a warm welcome.Our experience with the staff,cleanliness of resort and all the precautions that was in place made us feel safe.There are many,many places to visit but the staff here are our reason to return. Love to all of them,Zuly and Juana at the breakfast and lunch buffet, Viviana for all the delicious drinks and the bar staff at lobby bar, Wendy at front desk and Damien for always taking good care of us,the entertainment crew for a good time, our two special girls for keeping the washrooms so clean and singing with the voice of an angel and of course the best customer service gal with "surprises.Yaciel with his smiles and service.The a la cartes has the sweetest and funniest girls ,a lot of laughter and good times there,thanks so enjoyable.The manager was always visible and also Darien for any problems that may have arose but there were none.Can you tell we love it there?you bet and can't wait to return. [Details]

We found the staff at the resort very friendly and efficient. Our dining room ladies - Anna and Judy, could not have treated us better. We loved them. [Details]

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Iberostar Playa Alameda. We booked a last-minute vacation, and it was exactly what we needed. Some notable features are the stunning beach, the coffee, and the great beer on tap. We always felt fueled by the buffet, had excellent air conditioning in our room, and had plenty of options to entertain ourselves during our one-week stay. COVID has complicated things for travellers and resorts, but we always felt perfectly safe.

We always felt welcome and well taken care of by the highly professional and friendly staff. The staff at this resort made our week. Massive shout-out to Jose from security, the sweetest gentle giant. Ernesto and Alejandro at the beach bar for feeding us into the early morning. The entertainers' El yabo, Manu, Yeisel, Yasniel, and Dayron, kept us going. Laura at the beach bar makes the best pina colada, and Cuqui by the pool always put a smile on our faces. Dairon from PR took the time to check in to ensure we had everything we needed. 

Thank you to everyone who made the vacation special! [Details]

My husband and I spent a week there, but I wish we stayed longer! Very attentive staff, well maintened rooms, great entertainment team with lot of activities! [Details]

This is an ideal place to come and stay if you are planning a trip to Cuba… we had the luxury of coming here after the reopening of the tourism industry and we were very delighted … the rooms and showers are large and very well maintained.

The staff was amazing, they were very friendly, gracious and helpful and always accommodating.. Dairon and Gisela were extremely helpful and always very cheerful and willing to go the extra mile for you so you could have a stress free trip.

The entertainment group were amazing and there to entertain .. if you have the luxury of seeing the young man that comes once or twice a week at lunch time and plays the violin … YOU ARE IN FOR A VERY SPECIAL TREAT - he is AMAZING!!

The food is great, a little smaller selection but ultimately well worth it.. some guests bring extra spice, if you like it spicy.. great selection of meat alternatives and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. The a la carte meals are a very nice option to have for Those romantic type meals that you may want to have with your significant other seeing as it is an adults only resort .. [Details]

When I first arrived, my room smelled mouldy, so I asked to change to a different room and that was no problem. The beds are small but comfortable. The food was typical for a Cuban resort, you don't go to Cuba for the food, but for the beautiful beach and sunshine! The resort was clean, the staff was friendly and hard-working. The grounds are lovely, and well maintained. The architecture is colonial-style and very attractive. Food is available round the clock, and the cappuccino and drinks are plentiful. I have no complaints and would recommend this resort to friends and family. It was declared an adult-only resort as of last November 2019. [Details]

I had a great experience here. Small resort, great beach and service was excellent. [Details]

I'm grateful I was able to get away and meet new friends however the hotel itself was terrible. Even the lobby was yucky, smelly old furniture.The room smelled so bad and it wasn't very clean at all, or maybe it was just so old that it was the cleanest they could get it. The staff was great but the drinks, not so much. Our fridge didn't work the entire time, as a matter of fact, it didn't even close properly and it leaked, therefore..mold! On the site they advertise you get coffee machines and housecoats in the room...NOT...however one of our friends found the room where they all were held, not being used haha There wasn't a swim up bar and there wasn't a bar that you could sit around while having the bartender make you fancy drinks. I was really looking forward to that as I had it the last time I was in Cuba. The food....well if you have been there before, no surprise, it's terrible. You won't starve though as long as you like bread and pasta. We paid much more for this trip to Cuba then the last 2 times there and I would say it certainly wasn't worth the extra money. I think I will be trying a different location next time. [Details]

Weather great. Room great. Food perfect for Cuba better then a lot I have stayed. Entertainment great. Whole stay fantastic
I have stayed at many resorts in Cuba. This one rates best. Size smaller which I like easy access to everything comfortable great stay [Details]

The staff is fantastic! Genuine people
Buffet had something for everyone's taste
Size of the resort is good
Evening shows were fantastic; very lively
Cleanliness of our room was poor; musty smelling and just surface clean, a la cart restaurant were lacking in food; always out of things on the menu. Women's bathrooms were always ruining out of toilet paper and hand washing soap [Details]

Resort is small so it's easy to get around. Staff are amazing! The staff I would say would be the main reason they would have any return customers. The beach of course is beautiful as it is Varadero so all of the resorts along their have amazing beaches. The rooms are large and beds are either king or 2 doubles put together. Mattresses very hard and one pillow each so you might want to bring extra one if u need more than one. Bathrooms have a large glass door instead of wooden, be very careful as they come off track easy and are beyond heavy to hold on to. I tripped on metal lip in front of shower and fell on ceramic bathroom floor as only two bath towels no bath mat on that day, half vacation in wheelchair from the medic room which u rent only after doctor does assessment of injuries. The doctor at this resort was wonderful. Air conditioners work but don't keep up with the humidity so your cloths, sheets ect will always feel damp but you get used to it. Rooms are very poorly lit with 3 small lamps and no ceiling lights, a bit brighter if you take the shades off of them. We have been to Cuba many times, we always come back because of the people and the beaches, would we come back to this resort? No, their were just too many things that could of and should of been done that would not cost much to fix that they won't do. Most outside lights don't work but have bulbs in them, when we touched one it tipped over and wiring inside was all rotted, very hard to find your room in the dark if you are the back end of any building. The resturaunts were out of most items on the menus which was very disappointing. They hand u a menu with items scratched out but when u order they will say sorry we do not have that either. Chicken, fries, ect are never to be seen. Pizza is burned almost always on bottom in buffet and very very sparse cheese and sometimes you might find a peice with a little green pepper which not sure why they don't put on as they have it. If u like seafood thier is plenty, meat not so much and if you take a peice of steak or pork it is very very tuff to bite though so maybe stick to salad or pasta [Details]

Loved the beach, the overall atmosphere of the resort great, staff very helpful and friendly [Details]

We were already exhausted from the delay. we reached the hotel at 5 AM instead of 9 PM, all we wanted was to shower and get some sleep, it was really too much asking. The shower wasn't clean and the room smelled really like some body died in there and they forgot to open the windows.after arguing for about 20 minutes we got another room not that smelly but not great at all. the covers had bloodstains and the tile floor was disgustingly filthy, the heavy curtains had obvious stains on them. there was no phone in the room, I have asked every day and I received the same answer every day, we are working on it. From the foods I got sick and we only drink to avoid being dehydrated. The staff were kind and welcoming and the beach was perfect. I may go back to Cuba one day but my children don't ever want to go back there. They really need to improve the hotel in all levels and we also need to stop indulging them by choosing other destinations. [Details]

This vacation was enjoyable for the most part but definitely not a 4 star...more like 2.5-3 star
Room was a disappointment with many broken items
Staff are great but I would not return or recommend this resort. [Details]

This was our first time to Cuba and loved every minute of it. Our room was pretty spacious and the A/C worked great. Also our stairwell was only accessed by 4 other units so it wasn't noisy at all. During our stay we noticed so many activities around the resort, I.e, dancing lessons, Spanish lessons, dart tournaments, rifle shooting, there was sometimes a bbq going on down by the beach around lunch time. The Varadero beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear blue water. All of the staff where friendly, the groundsman often cut fresh flowers for the ladies or would chop up a coconut that had fallen from a tree for us to try. Each night there was an entertainment show. Our resort also had a Discotech/Club that ran too 2pm.
The location of the resort itself in comparison too Varadero was a bit further away than others. The marina is only a block or two away and has a bunch of shopping, restaurants and tours that head out from there. But heading the other way into Varadero sometimes took a while on the bus just because we would pick up lots more stops & hotels. But don't worry the vintage cab ride was only 15$CUC & about 10mins so pretty quick when it's direct. [Details]

This is my 5th and last time to Cuba. Horrible hotel. Check in 4pm and by 5pm my room was still not ready. Was to be in room 1113. Front desk check female had a rude attitude thru the duration of our stay. Put us in room 1119. NO TOILET SEAT. HORRIBLE NIGHTMARE FROM HELL. NUMEROUS times I asked to speak to the manager and HE NEVER SHOWED UP. Room was disgusting. Nothing like the pictures on the net. This woman who checked us in and the hotel manager should be reprimanded these people should not be in the hospitality business. Rained 2 nights. Asked for an umbrella after I told her twice there wasn't one in our room. She responds with a "SO". DEMANDED THE MANAGER. He never showed up in the lobby nore to our room. THIS RESORT IS A FAKE. As is the manager and his front desk side kick. [Details]

This Hotel Was Ok, Did not like the Fact That they put us in a unit then change it and put us elsewhere did not care for that unit, they did change us to a new one [Details]

Overall we enjoyed the stay. [Details]