05/31/2025
CUBA:
As a travel agent, I had the opportunity to visit Cuba recently.
Anyone who is close to me knows that, as an agent, I don't recommend Cuba.
As a vacation destination, it has had its challenges for many years. And as I write this, while in the Cayo Coco/Cayo Cruz areas, I still have great reservations sending clients here.
I decided to not share which resort I visited because I believe that what I have experienced is more than likely the norm throughout Cuba. But I could be wrong.
To put things into perspective, I was in Cayo Santa Maria in 2015. So this is not my first time in Cuba.
Pros:
*Beach and ocean were nice.
*Service was always friendly, despite the challenges they faced daily.
*Eoom: Hair blower and TV worked well.
*Entertainment teams were very present and engaging.
*Butlers were there when I needed them.
Challenges:
- lack of consistency in regards to availability of food and drink.
Ex: although you're presented a menu with 15-20 options, only 4 or 5 are actually served
*it was easier to ask "What do you have?" instead of choosing item after item and told "no, sorry". This was encountered at ALL meals including the à la carte breakfast and lunch included in my room upgrade.
*same for drinks, they had wine available one minute and none the next. Again, it was easier to ask what they had instead of asking for what I wanted or drank an hour ago.
-lack of air conditioning in my room: although it was determined long into my stay that the building I was in had an issue, I spent the week in a room that rarely got colder than 25° which resulted in damp/wet towels, beds, sheets, pillows, and unfortunately, my clothes. Thankfully the closet had a duvet blanket that I folded in half and placed on top of the existing bedding and pillow, in order to have something semi dry to sleep on every night.
The curtains in the room were kept shut at all times to prevent even more heat coming in. So much for an Oceanview room.
-Food: this was a huge challenge. Quality was very concerning at times. Just to put things into perspective, I'll eat ANYTHING! I've been to Peru and had guinea pig and Alpaca. I AM NOT A PICKY EATER. I just like and expect GOOD FOOD. Other than a few specialty dinners, I rarely had anything "good".
Not once did anyone ask if I had any food restrictions/allergies. I would advise ANYONE who has a special diet or food restrictions to avoid this destination.
-Cleaning/Laundry: after observing some of the staff, I question the standards, or lack thereof, and products available for proper cleaning. The towels often "smelled" clean but the "white" bedding and pillows were grey and stained.
Final note: although going to Cuba can be an economical destination, I truly believe that your money would be better spent elsewhere.
I am a seasoned and well traveled Travel Professional. I want my clients to experience a well rounded/balanced vacation which includes it all... great accommodations, food, drink, entertainment, service, etc.
Maybe I will return in another 10 years to reassess the situation but for the time being, I will continue to advise my clients to avoid this destination.
If your budget does not allow you to vacation at a different destination, I highly recommend saving for a little while longer to be able to vacation somewhere that will give you a well rounded vacation.
My final thoughts...
1. A beautiful beach is great, BUT, does not make a FANTASTIC vacation.
2. I spent my hard earned money to visit this destination in order to advise clients to not waste their hard earned money on this destination.
