Cayo Largo

What really sets Starfish apart is the staff... Everyone from the receptionists, servers, managers, etc. were all so incredibly kind and attentive to our every concern and need. Even the gardeners and maintenance staff could always be counted on to offer a kind greeting when I passed by on my way to the saltwater pool (very cool experience if you haven't tried it since you become quite buoyant and float effortlessly on the surface). I really got the sense that staff genuinely enjoy working here, and, after speaking to one of the managers (Harold), it was clear that they pride themselves on offering impeccable service. It's no wonder so many veteran resort-goers say that Starfish Cayo Largo was their favourite destination in all of Cuba (especially in the wintertime, since the North of Cuba can actually be too cold for swimming)! The Beach is steps from the resort, never crowded, and absolutely pristine - I saw the most beautiful sunsets/rises every day over the crystal blue water and soft white sand! Notably, there's also free daily shuttle service to Playa Sirenna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you can ride the catamarans, paddleboats and kayaks, and also eat at the buffet on site for no extra fee! Food was plenty and delicious (and nothing beats hearing the live Cuban band playing every lunch hour at the beachside buffet!). The Rooms were clean and comfortable. Daytime activities were low-key but fun (I had the privilege of receiving private dance and Spanish lessons from the highly accommodating staff - Gracias, Alfredo y Masiel!). And the Evening Dance & Musical performances blew me away. I was shocked and delighted by the calibre of the artists in this homey hotel, which boasts all the offerings of a classic resort but with the warmth and community of a quaint small town! :) Two quick anecdotes to underscore how fabulous the staff are: 1) Another visitor told me that she left her whole purse at the bar one night but it had been safely picked up and set aside for her by the bartenders with everything in tact. 2) I suffered a heat stroke on my last day... The receptionist (Janet) saw me struggling to cool off in the lobby and she and the airline rep took the initiative to call the nurse and doctor to make sure I was okay. They even gave me a free late checkout so I could rest and recuperate before flying out that evening. I was in such good hands and felt so well cared for all throughout. Frankly, I left half my heart here and it is my dream to return. One tip before you go: If you are Canadian, get some $1 USD bills for your small tips. Despite what you might read online, Cuban banks do not accept loonies & toonies, so resort workers usually have to collect enough coins to exchange them for CAD bills with guests. Also, do prepare some bills for

The Memories replaces the Sol Cayo Largo (Melia). It is inferior to the Melia in every aspect (food, variety, service, beach). Does not represent good value for the money.

Well other then our flight being on time, everything else starting going down hill quick after that. Airport transfer to hotel was confusing, considering the hotel was only 5 mins away, I could have walked there quicker. The check in was usual, and considering there were only 45 cabins on the property and not even 50% booked, that I could at least get one closer to the beach? Nice try but that didn't happen. I think it must have been raining honey the day prior to our arrival, since the place was buzzing with flys, and I don't mean just outside, inside the restaurants, EVERYWHERE !!! The flys were a big problem for the entire 7 days, as was the sand flys which feasted on many travellers legs! I was happy that we didn't go the week prior because 30 ppl got sick at our resort. Never use boiled eggs from the day before and use them as deviled eggs the next day, food borne illness written all over that. Mini bar was never stocked and was never to be stocked daily, except for a bottle of water. Beach towels had no way of being exchanged at the pool, because they are only exchanged with your maid at 9:30 am in your room, so much for leaving for breakfast early and going to the beach with a fresh towel. Oh I forgot to mention there was NO BEACH We had to be transported from hotel on a bus which stopped at every other hotel to pick up there guests, then go to the Mariana, then take a boat across to island, total trip from hotel to beach, an hour. Then unless you brought a lunch from hotel, they were ripping people off with $2 beers & $15 tiny buffet lunch that's pesos too $1 Canadian = .70 Cuban I thought I was sometimes at a SPCA considering I saw more dogs & cats then birds at the resort. Just make sure to wash your hands if you decide on wanting to pet one of them ;) I guess I could go on and on about the 1st and last time I will go to Cayo Largo but I have to get back to work now ! Let's just say that I would rather go see the nutcracker at Christmas then go to see the “Ballerina” hint hint

its like going to the cottage but in cuba, small resort but you can use the facilities at Playa Blanca Can't swim there because the marina is right beside it but they give free boat rides to beautiful Sirena Beach Barbara at the front desk will help you with anything you need food is good Juan Carlos and Juan the waiters are great and everybody else that work there will make feel at home