Club Amigo Guardalavaca

The last trip I took to Club Amigo Atlantico was in April 2003. I arrived at the reception and was attended to pretty quickly. Eventhough I previously booked a tropical room (it was cheaper), I asked to be upgraded to a bungalow. I was told if I wait 20 minutes, I would be given a bungalow (at no extra charge) and I happily obliged. Being a returning guest and all, I knew that it was well worth the wait - the tropical rooms are very basic and they have a tiny washroom. I unpacked, grabbed a nap and went for dinner (the food here was the only thing I was not impressed with). The reason I say this (and it turned out to be the same on my two previous stays) is that the food was basic and very repetitive. Especially the breakfast every morning - it consisted of orange juice, pancakes, french toasts and wieners (which were then heated up for lunch, dinner and then again for breakfast the next morning - even the hotel's hungry cats did not want to go near them). On the positive note, the shows and the entertainment were good. In the morning, there were a lot of things going on around the hotel - dancing lessons, darts, beach volleyball, and other fun activities run by the entertainment team. In the afternoons, there was bingo, soccer and other games. At nine o'clock at night, the band started playing and then at 10 pm, the show started. There were a couple of boring shows during my 7-day stay, but for the most part, the shows were fun, entertaining and interactive. They included fashion shows, local dancers, men against women contest, couples competing against other couples and so on. I even judged one of the contest with another tourist and it was pretty fun. The guys from the entertainment team - Aylin, Masiel, Jose Carlos, Magdalena, Manuel, Edgar and Johanna worked hard to put on good shows and they definitely succeeded in providing some great entertainment to the guests. After the shows, there was either disco (La Rocca), beach parties (Sun, Tues and Thur) or the Cafe Cantant (a popular piano bar). I would not recommend La Rocca to anyone - it is a really crowded, dirty place with no running water, toilet paper and huge cocroaches roaming around the dance floor. Not to mention it's really hot, smoky and you have to pay $5 to get in. The beach parties are fun though - live band, nice atmosphere, people dancing and drinking on the beach, the sound of the waves. Also, the Cafe Cantante is a good place to go at night - it's usually not too loud and you can hear the people at your table talking (the only problem there is the drink selection at the bar - unfortunately, there is not much to choose from). The beach and the surrounding areas are beautiful and the water is remarkably calm and clean and so is the sand. Just the beach itself is worth the trip to Club Amigo Atlantico - I have been to other resorts and beaches, but none of them as beautiful as the beach by the hotel. The view from there is also breathtaking and that combined with the hot Cuban men (trust me, there are a lot of them!) would definitely make me want to take another trip to Club Amigo in the very near future.

My husband and I travelled to Holguin, Cuba in March, and would certainly go back. The resort, Club Amigo Atlantico, was a perfect retreat for us, a retreat from a bitterly cold Canadian prairie winter. There were plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available at the buffet, as well as interesting types of cheeses, breads, and meats. It was a restful week, which is what I had hoped for. Thanks to the gang at Club Amigo for a wonderful holiday!

We have arrieved in Club Amigo around 9pm and the food they had for us was all left overs that didnt smell that good, so we ended up not eating... We stayed in Tropical room with no hair dryer, no patio nor balcony, washroom was too small and didnt look that nice...We tried to call Toronto but it wasnt going trough so we ended up going to the front desk where staff was WAYYY TOO UNFRIENDLY but at least we got hold of the once in Toronto for a min or two we paied $6 US ( the cheapest way to call Canada is to buy the calling card where you will get for $10us 6min of talking ) do not call from the front desk... Seeing the staff like that and the food and the room i was ready to cry knowing we have 2 weeks to spend there... The next morning it was ok i guess cuz you have to get use to it... The food wasnt that good for the 2 weeks we had same thing over and over... So after finishing one week in tropical room we upgraded it to villas for $7 per night but the room at least was nicer and we had balcony and NICEE washroom... Main buffe was ok i guess but if the lunch is by the pool Good luck having something nice, plus you will be eating with cats cuz they are everywhere... The staff at bars we didnt find friendly at all... They were the rudest if you ask to get a juice from the bottle they would turn around and speak to the other person in spanish and all we understud was Canadians so i guess they werent saying anything nice... The shows werent profesional it was all staff performing so you figure out how that went we went once and never again. Beach is beautiful it was very nice but on saturday and sunday it was packed with cubans, so for saturday & sunday is better to go by the los breeses beach its not that packed and its nicer... One night we had the dinner by the beach the set was verryy romantic and nice the food we thought it was good but after having the dinner we ran to the washroom, and we had problems with stomach for next few days... the grounds are nice but the ppl kill everything they are very unfriendly . Everybody complained about food and the ppl. Hopefully this year me and my hubby go again to cuba but for sure it will be different resort.. When we booked the resort was rated at 3 1/2 stars when we spoke to the rep. there she said its actually 3 star resort.. So next time we go it will be 5 stars or 4 * min.... Hopefully by reading these coments here it helps you picture the resort and the stuff, and if you think this is your dream vocation think again...Like i said even if i got the trip to go there for free it wont happen... thanx

I've been looking around for hotels and basically, reading reviews... i think that's it's only fare that I leave a review for people who are looking also... We stayed in the standard rooms at atlantico, wich from our advice is way better, since the bungallows and villas are further from the main beach. WE stayed for 1 week, and was enough. We actually had a night flight wich was ok to get there from montreal, but the thing is that it must of been way nicer seing the day time view from the airplane of the island... On the way back to Mtl, it was also a night flight wich was horrible cuz i couldn't get a stitch of sleep... waited at the airport for 3 hours and with nothing to do..and with very uncorfatable waiting seats. The bus to the Hotel was fine! went very fast and pretty scary at times in the dark cuz streets are really not lighted... Main desk at 3am was very unwelcomming, seemed that she didn't feel like working... (but this lady was only case) Our first day, we basically catched up on our sleep, and looked around. The beach was over packed! (reminder; the guardalavaca beach is public) and it was packed with cubans cuz of their vacations... Next day, monday, the beach was way less packed... we always found a beach chair to take, and the beach was very nice! The ocean goes up fast, so it seems that the weeds come up to close, but the weeds are way past my height... very questioned about why cubans threw their cans of beer in the ocean... they should be conserving their beautiful ocean.Sun goes away mostly at 4pm. You can take a pedalow, windsurfer,etc.. out at the sea desk... Beach is very long, you can walk up North until the scuba cuba (to take lessons) and the Roca (the disco). At night, don't count on having a romantic adventure on the sand with your boyfriend or hubby, crabs come out at night....(and i mean the species, lol) Days went very fast since days were spent mostly on the beach tanning and bathing (ocean very nice temperature). Afterwards, showering (there's a ventalation system in the shower wich made everyone hear in the hallway everyhting in the bathroom) and then preparing for dinner. Cut the routine with the catamaran exursion, wich was very fun! the restaurant they bring you to, not too famous but worth the change of routine; not for people with weak systems (my boyfriend got sea sick, i took a gravol and was fine) Breakfast was the meal i most appreciated... i know why everyone was talking about the freshly squized juice... it's because it's amazing! the omellettes too are very good with all sorts of toppings... The lunch and supper buffet was "alright", mostly rice (not well cooked) and "beef" and chicken...the chicken was good. Salad was "ok" and desert not too famous... weird tasting cakes... Ice cream, when they had vanilla, was the best. We would more often go to the Villas' snack "bar" for lunches, for their pizza's and hamburgers... very good... The snack bar at club amigo is pretty dull but ok to grab a bite near the beach and pool (motsly chicken nuggets, hot dog, fries) We went to the 3 restaurants "a la carte" for 3 suppers... wich made us less go to the buffet supper... -The italian one is good!, exept the goat cheese (if you don't like) but I took the ravioli's and they were delish! -The cuban one was good also, i took the beef plate and it was good... the mashed potatoes (or what they called "the smashes potatoes" lol) were excellent. -Finally, the fish one...not alot of choice since only one plate for that day. choice in soup or salad and desert... The main dish was excellent with bbqed large shrimp (whole) and chicken...very good... if you are in a couple you might want to take this restaurant at the end since it's a very romantic set-up. We had asked for an ocean view room, but not mentionned for extra fees and actually not worth it since there's the pool right in front of those rooms and trees. We had a king size bed and a shower in the bathroom. At first we thaught that the room was going tobe too small, but then you get used to it, and the room seems an excellent size... The air conditionning worked as a charm -- watch out for nights, not to keep it running too high to catch a sore throat... The cleaning lady was a goddess! she cleaned everything to the hair i left in the shower drain (yuk, but had to say...) to the sand all over our room... WE gave her a tip at the beginning of the week, then gave her some little gifts (as shampoo, cute soap kits, pen kits, etc...) and she really appreciated it!... if you need anything extra, she will never forget.i.e. i need an extra towel for my hair, and she would always leave me an extra one. just leave a note asking her... At night, there was the usuall music at the theatre at the bungallows and at 10pm the shows...sometimes dull but sometimes fun... Anyways, at the beginning of the week, there isn't anywhere else wich is more exciting than there. Even thursday night, we went to the Roca discotheque, and the entry was free since there was no one.. but the terrasse view is so romantic with all the stars and the music... I had a blast at the Cafe Cristal (near the bumper cars near the "shopping center") on friday night... a little dance floor and more people... Not too much of variety in drinks at the bar... either juice with rum, or coke with rum... don't expect anything fancy... maybe at the main bar in the main amigo building with the names of all the drinks i.e. "bluejay" and "mojito" but taste awefull... and if you like less alcool in drink, you have to precise, cuz they usually put half rum, have juice or whatever... my favorite drink was the "sunset" (orange juice, rum and grenadine) If you are lucky, at the end of the wee, they started making lemon slush, excellent for those hot days... ALL SERVINGS OF FREE DRINKS FINISH AT 11pm, or else you have to pay..not alot, but still Didn't rain at all, maybe exept one night for like 10 minutes... IN ALL: very good hotel for the variety of hotels (since you can go visit the bungalows, guardalavaca hotel in the middle with the square pool, and the villas) with their pools and snack bars..you can go even eat with reservation at the buffet at the 4 star hotel beside (Brisas) and go at their beach. I wouldn't go back cuz of the amount of cubans on the beach on weekends and them staying at the hotel as guests ( girls/women; beware of cuban girls trying to hit on your boyfriends/men) and also women, beware of the cuban men..... VERY nice, and give alot of compliments, but when you are holding hands with your boyfriend, u would think they would leave you alone... But the good thing is that is the way we got cuban cigars cheaper... they legally can't do that, but it's cheaper than in stores... just ask around quietly...they'll know someone...but in general, cuban people are very nice. for a first saty in cuba, very very memorable, and nice, but hopefully we will go to a nicer hotel to compare... thank you for reading and write to me if you want any pictures of the hotel...i have lots!

This is an amazing hotel. The rooms are clean . The part we stayed in had new rooms with patio doors opening onto private patios. Large bedrooms, beautiful bathroom with bidet. There is a large pool, very nice beach. Not crowded . The food here is delicious. Several outdoor restaurants that serve food all day. A cafeteria style dining room, and a formal dining room. All inclusive. Also all drinks were included, even fancy cocktails. My friend had recently been on a cruise and said that this resort was even nicer than her cruise. Starting every morning there are free activities for both adults and kids. eg. spanish lessons, dance lessons, arobics, bingo. This was in May 2002.

stayed at this resort 2002 in january, went wth another couple and we r goin back this jan. with 8 more people.Loved the people the rooms were great biggest bed l ever had on a vacation, beautiful grounds good music and great craft market doiwn a 2 minute walk from hotel , for the price this place CANNOT BE BEAT!!!!!by the way an awesome beach with music in certain areas playin or u could seek out a quiter area, can hardly wait for the 12 of us all 2 meet there in january!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hola Senors y Senoras!!!! My wife and I just came back from Club Amigo / Atlantico Gurdalavaca after 1 memorable week ( July 12 - 19, 2003) WOW!!! - we had a blast. Almost from the moment we checked in there was something going on. We stayed in the Villa section and this gave us the sense of privacy and safety since there are guards around the grounds (just enough not to cause alarm, but to make you feel safe). This place is definately paradise on earth, and I do believe that this is a well kept secret. The Thursday night beach party is the best, even guests from Las Brisas were there. The food is a little bland, but I would recommend that a little tabasco (chilli) sauce and salt or any other spices that you may prefer works wonders. I have already recommended this spot to several friends and family and I am returning next year with my wife, kids and a few friends. I am surprised that the price of staying at this wonderful resort is so cheap. I want to say a special hello to our vacationing friends Clive, Urmelia and Don. To all the staff that made our stay exciting and memorable especially Mayuli, Monica, Mikal, Noel and all the others that I could not possibly remember their names, but are just as important.

What can I say...I had the time of my life! I'm Venezuelan and I went with 2 phillipinas...We arrived June 22 and left the 29th. I noticed that there are not a lot of young people at this resort...we're aged 20-24...but we still managed to mingle around....Cubans are the friendliest people! Grounds were beautiful...as soon as you walk in you know you're in paradise....the rooms are quite big...we just had to push the 2 beds together and we all fit in without a problem...First night which was a Sunday we went to the beach party...but you have to pay for your own drinks......not many people were dancing so we got into our bathing suits and went into the ocean...the water was so warm considering it was the middle of the night...after that we went into the pool which was also warm until 2am...there is always a guard there on duty..so feel free to go by yourself....It was always sunny and we enjoyed the clear blue water...paddle boating is lotsa fun..as well as the other activities that they offer...The nightly entertainment is great.....I participated in two of them...and made an *** of myself...but that's the sort of thing that spices up the trip..after the show we went to "Cafe Cantante" I had a blast dancing all night..and also met a HOT cuban...damn they sure know how to dance! That night a bunch of us went back to the pool...and then watched the sun rise in the beach...just watch out for mosquitos! The food was alright...it could've been better...I really liked the orange juice and tamarindo for breakfast.....the A-la-carte restaurant was great! But the buffet was alright....still no complaints! The dolphin swim was a lot of fun.....but expensive...still is was worth every penny...The disco "la roca" which is close by is good on Fridays I hear...I went on a Wednesday and it wasn't so great.....I didn't stay at the resort the whole time I was there because I went to Holguin and Gibara...both great places....I went in moped and rented a driver to take me to Gibara....Well everything there turned out great and I recommend this place to everybody..I'm definately going back with my friends...and to see my HOT Cuban.....If u go plz tell Jose the tour guy close to the check-in table that his Venezolana and Chinas say HI!Hope this helped!

Just wanted to say that I've been to Atlantico 3 times so far and it was an excellent hotel to stay at. Be warned, the food in the buffet is not all that it could be, but the à la carte restaurants are fantastic. :) The animation team is super and all of them are "super friendly". (Some will get this and others won't) The rooms (the villas actually) are great and the suites are even better! The beach is public so you get to experience Cuba in a different way. You can mingle with just about anyone!

WOW! WOW! WOW! This was the best trip of my life and believe me I have been all over the world! The rooms were really nice and the AC was great! lol cause it was dam hot!.......the food was alright just stay away form most of it lol but the sald was good lol. the Beach was great......but watch out for the hockers on the beach lol THERE EVERYWHERE! lol. Also if you a girl, blonde, and have a bikini on be ready for ALOT of looks and cat calls lol. the staff was grteat there was tons of fun things to do form the moment you got up! and for all the singal gals out there tons of yummy eye candy! lol (JUST DONT HIT ON THEM CAUSE THERE MINE LOL I MEAN IT lol.well adlest one of them is lol) the shows were tons of fun lol believe me i was there for a week and was in 3 of the shows lol i did more work then they did lol. and also the other people who come to this place are awesome too i meet some great T.O people while there! now all they have to do is e-mail me and well be good lol. and yes the kitties are soo cute and feed them they are hungery and bring me back one if your going lol. This was the best vaction ever and let me tell u if ur going there u are o lucky cause i would give anything to go back right now......lol u will love this place so much itll kill u to leave i should know i cried the whole way home lol.