Sol Sirenas-Coral Resort

Anónimo, CA, 2007-06-20  
We were a group of six 19-22 year olds, and stayed at the Sol Sirenas Coral from April 27th-May 5th. This was my first trip to Cuba, second time down south, but I can't wait to return! We are not a picky bunch and really had no complaints. We had fun, had beautiful weather our entire trip and the resort is great! The resort is a 4 star, and like many others have said before me, a 4 star in Cuba is not the same as at home, however they deserve each and every star considering their standards! For the price you pay, it was worth every penny.

Resort Grounds- The property is amazing! Palm trees, gardens, coconut pathways- it was paradise! The resort itself is huge! There are 3 pools with 2 swim up bars, however we only really used them twice, and spent most of the time on the beach.

Rooms- We stayed on the Sirenas side in the main building. The room was lovely! Last year I went to Dominican and we had a musty smell, so I was expecting the same, however not once did I notice it. Our room was always clean, and I didn't see any bugs, except for a few mosquitos which we let in ourselves by having the patio door open. In mine and my boyfriends room, we had 4 clean towels everyday, and our maid left a different towel decoration everyday on our bed. The sheets were changed once, and although some people may complain about that, who cares? In reality, who changes their sheets more than once a week anyways?

Food- Even the picky eaters can find something. Although the food is repetitive each day, with the variety of meats, fish, pasta, vegetables, etc., along with the desserts and breads, you can always switch it up. We enjoyed it, and we never went hungry. The snack bar by the pool has yummy ham n cheese sandwiches, and the club sandwich is to die for! We only went to 2 of the A La Cartes- the Italian and the Grill. The Italian was really good, however the Grill was nothing special. Tuesday was Cuban Day (labour day in Cuba), and that night all the restaurants combined and we had a big Cuban Dinner around the pool, with a pig roast. Mmmm!

Beach- BEAUTIFUL!! White sand, amazing water and never too crowded. They had paddleboats, Hobie Cats, kayaks, and wind surfing all included and there is a banana boat, which drives up and down the strip and is 5 pesos per person. The water is crystal clear, even when 8-10 feet deep (as far as we went).

Excursions- We went on the Catamaran, and the Havana + Cigar Factory Tour. The catamaran was fun, especially the snorkeling, however I don't think it was really worth what we paid for it. Havana however, was amazing! Well worth the money!

Shopping/Town- There is a Double Decker bus, which you can take into town that stop right in front of the resort. It cost 5 pesos per 2 people for one way, or you can pay 5 pesos per person and then can ride all day and get off and on as you please. This is also a great way to see Varadero. Town was only about a 5 minute drive away. When we went shopping, we found all kinds of little things to bring home, and for all your Che fans, there is TONS of stuff with his face on them. Although you can bargain with them as much as in the Dominican due to government set prices, everything is REALLY cheep and we found all sorts of neat little things. They are also rally into burning your name into the stuff you buy at no extra charge.

Tips- we left little bags of stuff we got at the dollar store, such as hygiene products, first aid kits, socks, kids toys, makeup, jewelry, candy, etc, for the maid each day and she really appreciated it. Every time she seen us, she always said thank you. One day my boyfriend had gotten a stain on his shirt and left it laying on the chair, and when we got back that night the stain was gone- the maid had cleaned it for him and was never even asked! We also left a peso each day, and tipped at supper each night. We tipped a peso here and there at the bar, but either way we always got the same great service. If you see Tony, (the bartender at the snack bar), tip him well! We left him our travel mugs when we left and even though they were only plastic, decorated with Canada stickers, he absolutely loved them! We were never asked for anything, and the things we did give away and leave behind were always greatly appreciated.

Overall, we had an excellent vacation! Everyone we came across was always friendly, the resort was beautiful and very clean and the weather was sunny and in the 30's the entire week. With the help of all the awesome staff, and 5 amazing friends, this was great vacation! Just remember, your vacation is all about what you make of it! Sit back, relax, enjoy the great beach adn teh sunshine and the carefree atmosphere and have some fun! i miss it already I can't wait to go back!

Anónimo, CA, 2007-06-20  
We were a group of six 19-22 year olds, and stayed at the Sol Sirenas Coral from April 27th-May 5th. This was my first trip to Cuba, second time down south, but I can't wait to return! We are not a picky bunch and really had no complaints. We had fun, had beautiful weather our entire trip and the resort is great! The resort is a 4 star, and like many others have said before me, a 4 star in Cuba is not the same as at home, however they deserve each and every star considering their standards! For the price you pay, it was worth every penny.

Resort Grounds- The property is amazing! Palm trees, gardens, coconut pathways- it was paradise! The resort itself is huge! There are 3 pools with 2 swim up bars, however we only really used them twice, and spent most of the time on the beach.

Rooms- We stayed on the Sirenas side in the main building. The room was lovely! Last year I went to Dominican and we had a musty smell, so I was expecting the same, however not once did I notice it. Our room was always clean, and I didn't see any bugs, except for a few mosquitos which we let in ourselves by having the patio door open. In mine and my boyfriends room, we had 4 clean towels everyday, and our maid left a different towel decoration everyday on our bed. The sheets were changed once, and although some people may complain about that, who cares? In reality, who changes their sheets more than once a week anyways?

Food- Even the picky eaters can find something. Although the food is repetitive each day, with the variety of meats, fish, pasta, vegetables, etc., along with the desserts and breads, you can always switch it up. We enjoyed it, and we never went hungry. The snack bar by the pool has yummy ham n cheese sandwiches, and the club sandwich is to die for! We only went to 2 of the A La Cartes- the Italian and the Grill. The Italian was really good, however the Grill was nothing special. Tuesday was Cuban Day (labour day in Cuba), and that night all the restaurants combined and we had a big Cuban Dinner around the pool, with a pig roast. Mmmm!

Beach- BEAUTIFUL!! White sand, amazing water and never too crowded. They had paddleboats, Hobie Cats, kayaks, and wind surfing all included and there is a banana boat, which drives up and down the strip and is 5 pesos per person. The water is crystal clear, even when 8-10 feet deep (as far as we went).

Excursions- We went on the Catamaran, and the Havana + Cigar Factory Tour. The catamaran was fun, especially the snorkeling, however I don't think it was really worth what we paid for it. Havana however, was amazing! Well worth the money!

Shopping/Town- There is a Double Decker bus, which you can take into town that stop right in front of the resort. It cost 5 pesos per 2 people for one way, or you can pay 5 pesos per person and then can ride all day and get off and on as you please. This is also a great way to see Varadero. Town was only about a 5 minute drive away. When we went shopping, we found all kinds of little things to bring home, and for all your Che fans, there is TONS of stuff with his face on them. Although you can bargain with them as much as in the Dominican due to government set prices, everything is REALLY cheep and we found all sorts of neat little things. They are also rally into burning your name into the stuff you buy at no extra charge.

Tips- we left little bags of stuff we got at the dollar store, such as hygiene products, first aid kits, socks, kids toys, makeup, jewelry, candy, etc, for the maid each day and she really appreciated it. Every time she seen us, she always said thank you. One day my boyfriend had gotten a stain on his shirt and left it laying on the chair, and when we got back that night the stain was gone- the maid had cleaned it for him and was never even asked! We also left a peso each day, and tipped at supper each night. We tipped a peso here and there at the bar, but either way we always got the same great service. If you see Tony, (the bartender at the snack bar), tip him well! We left him our travel mugs when we left and even though they were only plastic, decorated with Canada stickers, he absolutely loved them! We were never asked for anything, and the things we did give away and leave behind were always greatly appreciated.

Overall, we had an excellent vacation! Everyone we came across was always friendly, the resort was beautiful and very clean and the weather was sunny and in the 30's the entire week. With the help of all the awesome staff, and 5 amazing friends, this was great vacation! Just remember, your vacation is all about what you make of it! Sit back, relax, enjoy the great beach adn teh sunshine and the carefree atmosphere and have some fun! i miss it already I can't wait to go back!

Anónimo, CA, 2007-06-20  
I traveled to Sol sirenas with a friend and had an amazing time! We stayed there the first week of march and am definatly going back this June. It was my second time in Cuba and both vacations have turned out great, although this one was incredible. You cannot be picky about traveling to the Carribean, it is not Canada and does not have the same food as we do. So dont expect it, their food is great, its not hard to get away from bagels and cream cheese for a week!

This resort had alot of greenery and was very well put together. It has many pools and friendly staff. the staff can be melow at times but really they work alot longer hours than most of us do which is tiring. If you are looking for a tranquil and relaxing time, the Sirenas side offers that. The Coral side offers a louder and fun filled mood, because of the youngins.

The rooms: Since the Sirenas side is more renovated, it is nicer than the coral side which is a little bit older. We left gifts for our maid, which made our stay more enojyable and clean. Although our blow dryer did break which was a downer, they brought us a new one.

The Beach: The beach is by far the nicest beach ever. It is very long and has powdery white sand. The water is beatuiful, crystal clear and didnt run into any problems with sting rays, or what not.
There are various water activities such as the banana boats, paddling boats, water surfing etc. I didnt get bothered by people trying to sell either!

Outings: We went on the Catamaran which took you to the private beach, cayo largo. It was UNDESCRIBABLE. Even nicer than the one on the strip of varadero. They serve you a choice of seafood or chicken when you get there, also swimming with the dolphins and snorkling. I can say this was a great experience, and costed 80 pesos which was less than i expected. There are also outings to Habana and others in to the city. Duing the nights, we went ot a series of clubs which were awsome if your looking for the night life. It is very safe and they havent encountered any complaints.

Tipping definately helps, they serve you better and faster. That got me frustrated at times when we had to wait long for a bartender to serve us. We met many many great people which made our trip even better. Ive never been to such a big resort in my life! I definatly recommend it!! Really getting exciting to go back!

Anónimo, GB, 2005-04-07
We stayed at the Coral side but the Sirenas accommodation did appeared superior and the whole feel of the Coral accommodation was that it is due for a refurbishment. No hairdryers but rooms are clean, air-conditioned and spacious, towels changed everyday. Deposit is required for TV remote but the safe uses the key card. Beach towels can be hired for a returnable deposit and can be changed daily.
FOOD-Coral self-service is busier, larger but does have more choice. We choose to eat at the Sirenas which was much smaller and quieter. The waiting staff were friendly and filled your wine glass continually. Food was good with plenty of selection. You have to book the on site restaurants at the club house to get an evening table but we found that the buffet was enough and could not be bother to get up and queue in the morning, although we did eat in the Cuban and Italian at lunch time. The Snack bar in the Sirenas was very good burgers chips etc as was the Prost Beirgarten snack bar (Coral side). The Rancho Corillo (nearly on the beach) serves really good fish.
POOLS -Well kept and clean with plenty of sun beds and the oblong pool on the Coral side was good for real swimmers and when we used it never had more than 3 people in it.
BARS - Coral is noisier, livelier but all staff are pleasant and service was good whether you tipped or not.
BEACH - Clean, fine white sand with lots of sun beds. The Beach bars were very good and usually stay open till 6pm
GROUNDS - Sirenas has beautiful well kept gardens with plenty of quiet areas and shady places to sit and read/relax with a large Jacuzzi to cool off in!
ENTERTAINMENT -Nightlife Fairly low key especially when the Pope died, and finished quite early. There is a disco but we are a bit passed it so cannot comment. The roving musicians in the restaurants were excellent and happy to play for you for a small tip. There is a small gym which was always empty, several tennis courts on both sides and you could hire bikes. The club houses had table tennis and other games.
We did not take part in any offsite activities (although people we spoke to said they were very good value especially the swimming with dolphins and the fishing trip) as we had already been on a 7 day tour of the island which was the real Cuba.
ANIMALS - Lots of wonderful lizards. The birds did fly around the food but did not bother us and we saw humming birds and pelicans as well. No cats or dogs but beware the insects bite. We were bitten more here than up in the lush mountains. Take a really good repellent and mosquito plugs.
VAREDERO- you could be anywhere in a reasonable standard Mediterranean resort. A long way to travel for a quiet beach and clean sea! The town is a pleasant 15 min stroll from the hotel but there is little to see only a small park and a few shops. There are about 50 hotels along the beach most of them of the not so nice looking sixties styles. We were glad we had seen the other areas of the Island and 4 nights was long enough for us. But go with an open mind and don't believe all the bad reports about the hotels and remember Tourism is still fairly new to the Cuban people who are really friendly, happy and need our money.

Anónimo, CA, 2005-04-05
We went to Sol Serinas Coral Resort in Veradaro from March 20-27/05. It was the worst trip we've ever taken. There is no way I can list all of the problems. The resort was in rough shape. The concerete walkways are in great need of repair. The pools were dirty. The staff unfriendly. The worst part - the ladies washrooms didn't have toilet seats on them - the men's washrooms had a sign not to flush toilet paper but to put it in the garbage. The washroom at the beach was unbearable - dirty and smelly. The food was horrible - we were all hungry for a week. There was no variety, the same thing every day. The only a-la-carte that was edible was the Italian - there you can get a small piece of steak with 3 slices of potatoes. The only good thing about the resort - the beach was beautiful. This resort can't be a 4 star! Everyone we talked to was disappointed. I could go on and on but I'll leave it at this - Stay Away!