Sol Cayo Guillermo Hotel

3 readers found this review helpful

We had a large family group of 38, to watch us get married in Cuba. Apart from not having any family rooms available at this time of year, it was excellent!!!
The hotel staff were so friendly, the pool was lovely and clean, the beach was breath-taking when the tide goes out, and our wedding was out of this world!! Judy, the wedding planner arranged everything that we asked for. The setting in the gazebo by the beach was perfect, and they even let us have the entire Itallian restraunt all to ourselves and laid on a massive menu for our wedding reception.
I would reccommend anyone to get married out here. I don't regret not having a church wedding, not one bit.
This hotel is fantastic for families and is a complete chill out for couples.
The evening entertainment was great, and more importantle, it was different every night for the 2 weeks we stayed for.
One word of advice, take insect repellant with you when you go to the night club!! It is open and right next to some marsh land where the mossi's breed!!!
Can't wait to come back in a couple of years time.

2 readers found this review helpful

Was rather dubious about our holiday but needn't have worried it was wonderful after an awful flight with Thomas Cook (about time another operator serviced this hotel) but once we arrived it was worth it.
We were getting married the following week and were met by the hotel's wedding co-ordinator "Yudy" who was excellent - whisked to our room to champagne and fresh fruit - she couldn't do enough for us. We travelled with 2 children under 6 and the both loved the kids club.
The food was good, ignore the reports on food as there was plenty to choose from - fish, meet, pasta salads etc and of course the other 2 a la catre restaurants - not one of us had any stomach problems.
The wedding was the second week and Im really glad we did it there, so relaxed no stress - Roberto (one of the dancers) is great he did my hair, Yubi did my nails and Yudi arranged everything the day was beautiful - such lovely memories . - I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to marry in the carribean.
My son really enjoyed the cocktail bar - Carlos was quite entertaining.
There are trips but we stayed on resort although we did go bowling one evening.
There are plenty of activities if you want to do them but we enjoyed relaxing by the pool or beach (which was just like the pictures).
Returned home (on a better flight!!) rather saddened as by the 2nd week it felt rather like home. Would definitely go there again several people we talked to were on their 5th visit or more.
Staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Kids can't wait to go again and neither can we.
Its a very hospitable hotel, friendly, relaxed, safe (especially for the kids) and I felt like I really was in paradise.

2 readers found this review helpful

My husband and I was absolutely appalled by the way we was treated at this hotel. We got married August 11th and booked Cuba for our honeymoon and was expecting paradise - we paid almost three thousand pounds for this holiday .
The only thing that impressed me about this holiday was the welcome we got on arrival, staff were all dressed up and danced for us and handed us a Cuban drink. On getting to our room my first impression was very basic and I’ve got to say I was very disappointed. We were greeted by crabs on our balcony so we couldn’t possibly sit out there in the evenings. We were promised the honeymoon suite and didn’t get it, also on arrival we was supposed to get fresh fruit and flowers and a bottle of champagne again we didn’t get it. When we spoke to the Cuban reps they promised to sort out this matter but nothing ever came of it.
The food at the hotel was very poor and wasn’t replenished. If you weren’t in the restaurant at 7pm then you would have what was left even though the restaurant was open from 7 till 10. When approaching waiters and chefs, my husband and I were told that they had run out - this is awful when you pay all inclusive you expect to eat what you want when you want.
We also found the bar was always running out of beers and wines and were told the hotel had used its quota for that day. It seemed to me staff always expected tipping, I always tip when I feel they provided me with a good service but I didn’t get much of that on this holiday. My husband and I were considering getting married at this hotel but I’m so glad we didn’t because the platform in which they marry you is such a mess - there were dead flowers left all around it, I would of been devastated just not a good location at all .
The only place that kept me sane on this holiday was the beach, it was absolutely amazing. The pool area was filthy with algae and a lot of holiday makers had to visit the onsite doctor with stomach complaints. My husband and I both came down with a tummy bug but fortunately we both work for the NHS so took our own medication from the pharmacy. there are lots more negative things I could say about this hotel but you must make your own minds up but I’ve got to be honest this holiday has put me off ever going to the Caribbean again.

1 reader found this review helpful

Please ignore the miserable people who have rated this hotel poorly. The hotel was in need of a lick of paint in the odd place, but nothing major by a long shot. On our first night, our toilet broke and within 10 mins there was someone there to fix it - you don't get service like that in most places.
We had our wedding there and would recommend anyone who is considering this hotel for their wedding to go for it. The staff were fantastic in organising the wedding, the venue was amazing and we have memories that will last forever. We have no regrets what so ever. In fact, we are considering returning for our anniversary.
The entertainment staff were great and made the holiday a pleasure, they went out of there way to make sure that everyone joined in and that a good time was had.
In fact we didn't come across any member of staff who wasn't a pleasure to be with and none of the staff expected tipping.
We did get bitten a little, but nothing that was not expected and certainly nothing to complain about.
All in all, a fantastic holiday and we will be returning in the future.

1 reader found this review helpful

So many reviews consulted after the holiday was booked and we were somewhat sceptical at what to expect, we need NOT have worried at all.
Flight from Manchester cramped and just about bearable, I would advise you to upgrade to the COMFY seats for this 9 1/2 hour flight.
Arrived in blazing heat and then encountered turmoil in the baggage hall as eager Cuban's tried to move the bags for the waiting punters, which made matters worse. TIP ! In the arrivals area, there is a exchange window to your left, this allows you to change sterling in to CUC (Convertable Cuban Peso).
Coach was quickly organised, I'd noticed a large group of scousers assembled in the airport, once seated the coach departed for the 35 minute transfer only a small party of scousers on the coach Husband, Wife and Son (Benton) the other 42 were on a seperate coach directly to the hotel and WHAT a fantastic party of people they were too
TIP! Don't pay TC for your wedding at SCG, Arrange it in the resort with any of the events staff and you will save a fortune on arrival.
Room Allocated (521) Second floor as requested (Yippee) I collected the cases only to walk knee deep in to the water fountain (Ooops). Room was close to the entertainment and pool areas and to be fair we never experienced any noise pollution (with the exception of the Neighbours in 523 wk2 who required there TV at FULL VOLUME).
The room was basic, yet sufficient for our needs, comfy bed, clean bathroom every day, hot water shower and a toilet that flushed perfectly ok, TV has only a few English channels but enough to catch up on Football scores etc (NO SKY SPORTS IN RESORT) and the odd news report on BBC World.
The complex is well spread out with 2 tier units of apartments in either direction of the main reception area, they are currently adding a touch of paint to the outer shells, which should dispel some of the well warn comments which I have read about.
The pool area is comfortable, plenty of beds available and not so much towel attachment that I have seen on other holidays abroad. The pool is basic and is separated into 3 main sections with a much smaller 4th section for the toddlers, there is a jacuzzi too which is relaxing, the pool requires some filtration system so be careful or you will end up with bad tummies and ears etc. One lad cut his foot quite badly so its just a basic word of warning not a criticism.
Food was fine, plenty of choice for all from the buffet section and from the live cooking stations, I ate 3 meals a day and I'm a fussy eater, though I don't want to eat pork until December as I have had my fair ration, pudding choice was excellent and the staff in the restaurant very attentive and helpful at all times
TIP! At the cooking stations tip the chefs, just a Peso every now and again and they will always oblige you a healthy portion not forgetting the waiting staff who are just so grateful for your generosity.
Drink is plentiful should you need it, 3 bars all staffed by experienced and English speaking help proceedings, once again tip the staff the odd peso and they will look after you. Beer ran out a couple of times but never to long to cause inconvenience.
TIP! Take a plastic pint pot or lots of them as the cups are small, the glasses are bigger but there was never enough at busy times.
TC offer plenty of trips and a good variety, like others we visited the City of Moron and you come away with a humbling respect for the Cuban people (enough said).
The beach is "WONDERFUL" an amazing experience and reason enough to visit SCG.
Overall a quite fantastic holiday, relaxing or frantic you decide the pace on a daily basis.
A quick hello to all the Scousers, the life and soul of any party. To big Darren and his Lady (Boing Boing) even though I'm wolves and to Sam & Claire who we chatted to regularly on the beach.
You can have a wonderful time at SCG, I'm just a humble working man and having tasted a real Cuban experience you too will return with humble thoughts.
TIP! Leave whatever you can, i.e clothes, shoes, trainers and toiletries they are so generously received by the locals.
Duty free shopping at the airport is excellent value for spirits and cigars as they were so much cheaper the resort shop.

1 reader found this review helpful

I have never written a review before but felt compelled to do so as when I researched this location the reviews were so inconsistent. I really had no idea what to expect.
When this hotel was first built and everything was new and operative I'm sure it was worthy of its 4 stars but a realistic rating now should be 3 star. On arrival we were greeted with a cooling drink which was most appreciated after a hot transfer from the airport. The hospitality staff were very friendly and we were quickly checked into our room which was clean, spacious and all amenities worked. The air con kicked out a healthy amount of cool air.
So far so good! We quickly unpacked, threw on some shorts and a tee shirt and made for the bar to have a cold beer? Lesson 1 DONT GO OUT EARLY EVENING UNLESS YOU HAVE APPLIED INSECT REPELLENT !!! We only walked 100 yards and were each bitten at least three times.
Cayo guillermo is a small island surrounded by shallow waters and mangroves which are a perfect environment for breeding mosquitoes. The staff fumigate the hotel grounds twice daily to minimise the nuisance and if you apply repellant containing 50% deet you will be OK but should you become complacent you will be eaten!
Next day, we looked from our bedroom window on to a perfect seascape; Palm trees edging a fine white sandy beach, just as other reviews had reported. Truly Caribbean paradise. The water is warm and shelves so gently that you can walk out for 100 metres and still be waist deep. There are free inclusive non motorised watersports which were good and there was also tandem paragliding and motor boat powered hand gliding which were safely run operations.
Food - there are 4 venues.
First is El Eden, which is the main dining hall combining cafeteria islands with hot and cold prepared food and there are three stations where meat, pasta or fish can be cooked to order. I genuinely think there is something for every one here. Reports that I had read of open food with birds defecating over it are wholly unfounded. I found all the food to be freshly prepared and with perspex hoods placed over it. Always a chef in attendance and staff continually cleaning fetching and carrying. There is a parapet within the food hall where the odd bird will fly in and can land on, but this doesn't overlook the food counters. Obviously the odd opportunist cheeky bird will fly down and pinch something off a finished plate. But waiters quickly clear finished crockery and tables are prepared for other diners.
Don Guillermo is an Al a Carte resto, nice intimate air con room with good food and attentive service, the other location is at the beach serving lunches and doubles as an Al a Carte restaurant serving typically Cuban fare of an evening. Next to this is a rum bar where cocktails are prepared and we found this to be a nice way to start the evening with a Daiquiri or two.
The main entertainment area with bar, seating area, dancefloor and stage is situated next to the swimming pool. The entertainment team are enthusiastic and try to get holidayers involved.
Staff generally are very very very friendly. How much of this is genuine and how much is tip driven, I'll never know?
Cuba is a poor country with average wages of only £10 a month so you can easily see how the odd peso or two will make a huge difference. We tipped regularly but saw non tippers treated with care and respect.
The Thomas Cook reps were on hand every day, hugely knowledgeable and gave a great meeting, they never tried to hard sell any excursions which I found most refreshing. We didn't try any of them but opted to hire a car instead. It takes an hour to cross the causeway and reach the mainland and another half hour to find the nearest town where most of the staff live and are brought in daily by bus.
You will truly be amazed, its like stepping back in time by fifty years. horse drawn carts, carriages and buses are commonplace and bicycle powered taxis abound with the odd fifty year old American saloon rumbling past and even odder Russian articulated lorry pulling an adapted trailer for people carrying!
Houses are in a decaying state of disrepair and the roads are full of potholes. There are shops but there is little or nothing in them to buy. If you are a shopoholic this definitely is not for you!
We gave one of the waiters at the hotel some money to accompany us and make a tour of the local attractions which he did and finished the day with a meal at his home; truly an amazing and illuminating day and was the best day of our holiday.
Overall opinion if you like beach based holidays this could be for you. I felt isolated after a week but all things considered it was good value for money and the friendliness of the people compensated for the few niggles that I had.

2 readers found this review helpful

My wife and I were more than pleased with this, our first venture in all inclusive holidays. The setting of the hotel complex could not be faulted as it is within a beautiful nature reserve. The accommodation was clean and reasonably well maintained. The maid tidied the room every day and all staff were extremely helpful and appeared to be genuinely pleased to help. The food was plentiful, well prepared and sufficiently varied, though one should bear in mind that Cuba is a third world country. The only concern in relation to hygiene related to the other guests rather than to the actual hotel. That is, one has to trust that fellow guests wash their hands (especially children) before serving themselves at the buffet.
Towels are provided for the beach/pool on a one per person basis and can be exchanged as often as required for fresh ones. Any loss of a towel incurs a charge of 15 pesos on check out. One would assume that as everyone has access to towels there should not be a problem as each person takes responsibility for their own. Unfortunately this is not the case as towels were being pinched by other guests who one can only assume had mislaid their own. This is not the fault of the hotel, however, and there is no law against idiots/inconsiderate people from going on holiday. Our advise would be not to worry overly about this but be aware when leaving towels on sunbeds, particularly around the pool area.
The beach is beautiful and is raked every morning to remove weed etc. Sun beds are plentiful and coconut leaf parasols are in-situ. The sand is fine and white and the sea is unbelievably clear and shallow enough to be child safe. My wife and I enjoyed watching the pelicans fishing close in to the beach. The pedalos and other water activities are fun as is feeding the fish with bread and bananas as they swim around your legs.
The evening entertainment is easily the best that we have ever seen at a holiday complex. The professionally trained dancers provide differently themed entertainment each night and were very good and also provide entertainment for children throughout the day.
On the whole we had a very good time and are considering going back again next year.

1 reader found this review helpful

What can I say about this holiday apart from fantastic. The first time I have been all inclusive and I will never go self catering again.
Food was great, the staff were very friendly and could not do enough for you, especially the beach bar man Guillermo who makes the best cocktails in the world.
Did not want to leave at end of holiday and girlfriend was in floods of tears when all staff came to see us off, if you want a relaxing holiday with great beaches and even greater staff to look after you this is the place.
Can’t wait to go again, trust me just book it you won’t be disappointed.

2 readers found this review helpful

Please do not believe any of the bad reviews on this site about this hotel, I was slightly put off after reading them but I shouldn’t have.
We had an absolutely fantastic 2 week stay at this hotel and although the hotel is looking just a tad tired in parts it is nothing that a lick of paint won’t put right, the sheer beauty of the beach and the friendliness of the staff overshadow that.
Please bear in mind that the 4 star rating for this hotel is based on Cuban standards and not worldwide standards, Cuba is a relatively poor country, but all that considered the hotel was great.
First of all the staff.... every single member of staff that we encountered were fantastic, they were very welcoming, friendly, smiley, approachable and very warm, none of them asked for or expected a tip, although they were very grateful if you did.
Elizabeth and Carlos in the main bar deserve a special mention as they were brilliant, watching them stay calm and ignoring the stroppy Canadian as he banged his fist on the bar because he didn’t get served straightaway was hilarious!
The gardeners and housekeeping staff left us little gifts outside our room (Coconut drinks, banana leaf hats etc) without expecting payment, it was little touches like this that made the holiday!
Next, the food.... the food, although not exactly gourmet was good, there was always something in the buffet restaurant that was tasty, the al la carte restaurants were good too and the serving & waiting staff really make you feel welcome. All snack facilities were in working order, hot drinks machines etc.
The hotel.....as I mentioned, the hotel does look a tad tired in parts, this is really nothing that would spoil the holiday as everything is presentable. New ceiling fans were installed in the main bar area which was much needed as it did get incredibly warm.....you are in a hot country so what do you expect? At the rum bar on the beach you would occasionally get a whiff of sewage but after a couple of rum cocktails you soon forgot about this.
The hotel was fumigated almost every night at dusk to kill off mosquitoes so we only got bitten a couple of times in the whole 2 weeks! There are plenty of crabs wandering around the hotel grounds at night, one or two even ventured into the main bar and disco only to scuttle off quickly when they realised there was a big queue at the bar (obviously I’m joking!) but do be careful walking around at night with flip flops or bare foot, on saying that, most crabs would run a mile on hearing your footsteps and you can often hear them scuttle off into the bushes.
The entertainment team work really hard on the evening shows and although some of the acting in the shows was a bit naff the dancing was spot on and very well choreographed, some of the shows they produced were excellent!
General..... The beach at this hotel was amazing, crystal clear warm sea & white sand- it was absolute paradise, plenty of sun loungers- remember to take some bread or a banana to feed the fish- they love it!
I only knew of a couple of people that had upset stomachs but nothing that lasted any longer than a day or so, the sun is also deceptively hot here, especially on the beach with the cool breeze, I don’t burn easily but tanned very quickly within a day or so using plenty of factor 25 sun tan lotion!
Although the hotel was great and the staff were really friendly, confining yourself to 2 weeks in a hotel complex is not experiencing the real Cuba- any excursion where you get to go to Moron (the nearest town and where a lot of the hotel staff live) is well worth going.
You only need 1 hour maximum in Moron as there isn’t a great deal to do but there are plenty of photo opportunities with the old colonial style buildings, in various states of disrepair, and the old American cars- the locals are friendly and inquisitive and many will talk to you just to learn a bit more of our language.
All in all, I would recommend Cuba and this hotel to anyone, if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday with good food and beautiful surroundings then this is the place! We struck lucky with the time of year we went, there were only a handful of Canadians in the hotel- although, as they were so loud and quite rude at times (to the staff) it seemed like there were a lot more of them.
Ignore the previous bad reviews on this hotel, I consider myself well travelled and hard to please, but I had no problems here. I know it is a case of individual interpretation but go and make your own mind up!

1 reader found this review helpful

Please please please ignore all the people who say negative things about this hotel, firstly if they bothered to look what they are booking they would understand that it is a remote island that nobody lives on and the only link the hotels have to main land Cuba is a long causeway or a flight.
It is a paradise island, don't spend your days around the pool you could be anywhere the beauty of the place is the beach it knocks spots of any place we have ever been. My husband and I have just returned from our 2nd visit to Sol Cayo Guillermo and there is no complaints, we have stayed in very expensive hotels in Kenya, we have stayed in posh hotels in the Dominican costing five times what we spent coming to Cuba but nowhere has the beauty of this place. The whole point of going is to be away from it all, the past reviews must be used to Benidorm that's all I can say.
The buffet food isn't the greatest but if you bother to understand the history of the place and how hard it is for them to trade with any country around the world, you'll realise how well they do. The two restaurants you can book are lovely and the staff are so friendly (Tanya in the Cuban), they will let you go every night if you wish, they do run low on stuff eg ice cream and even loo rolls one day but they have to fly it over.
If you want the luxury of home then I recommend you follow the crowds to Mexico or Greece etc and leave the beauty of the cayos for people who appreciate it. The only reason I never gave a score of 10 is because the type of people who were at the resort this time, they were those typical Benidorm large groups trying to change the atmosphere of the hotel, its Cuban, its idyllic, it needs to be kept that way and its well worth a visit. Try not to book with Thomas Cook, the resort staff lovely but the cabin crew were awful!!!!