Sol Sirenas Coral

I found this web-site very useful in deciding about which resort to chose from. I was at Las Sirenas last year in August and must say it was not all that bad. When we arrived we checked in smoothly, but the room we got had no ocean view. We requested to be moved to an ocean view room, which was done right away. The room was average...very clean, simply furnished...but had the most beautiful view in the world. It was on the top floor overlooking pool and ocean and millions of palm trees.Wow. I still cannot forget that view.I really had no problems. Food was O.K., nothing special but eatable. Restaurants were the best. We dined in Italian 3 times.We heared Chinese was bad, so we didn't bother. There was a beautiful beach only few steps from the hotel through a garden. We paid $10 to be taken on the catamaran to snorkel in a nearby reef. It was amazing. The fish came to me and ate out of my hand. There must have been thousands of fish swimming around me.We had rain every day, for half an hour or so.I found it exciting.It really felt like a tropical storm.It lasted only for a moment and was followed by the sun and clear skies.We took a bus to Havana from the town of Varadero. It was only $20 return.The bus had A/C and the trip was well worth it.Overal, trip was great.The trip wasn't the cheapest and there was quite a few families with the small kids.But that didn't bother us too much.My boyfriend and I are in mid 20.There are clubs nearby, but we were always so tired out, that we didn't try any of them.Varadero is a great place to be. If I went again, I would try different city, such Santiago or Cienfuegos.

If you're looking for a cheap holiday in the sun and not too worried about luxury or culture then it's fine. The staff were alright, rather moody on reception, but friendly at the bar. The rooms are a decent size, a bit shabby, but clean enough. The pool is ok, the beach is lovely, the evening entertainment isn't anything to stay in for, but it's ok - where it really falls down is the food. The odd smell in the dining room is enough to put you off eating anything before you even see the food. I know they're catering to an international market, but brussel sprouts for breakfast ? The quality of the food is just awful - even in the a la carte restaurants. Neither of us are fussy eaters and up for trying most things, but the problem was the basic taste of the food - even simple stuff like pasta was ruined. We survived thanks to the toasted sandwiches in the coffee bar and ice creams from the shop. We were so hungry we even walked the 5km into Varadero one evening out of desperation. The other thing about Varadero in general is that you could be anywhere in the world - the hotels have no character and even if you do venture out, there is not a lot nearby anyway. The highlight of the holiday was a trip we took to Havana - fantastic, vibrant, just how you have always imagined it to be. I would definitely go back to Cuba, but start in Havana and then tour round. Summary - if you are looking to get a tan, to lose a few pounds and not spend a fortune then head to Sol Sirenas. If you're wanting to see Cuba and have an amazing holiday experience then give it a miss.

My new wife and I recently booked in at the Sol Club Las Sirenas for a 2 week Honeymoon. We thought we would spend a bit more than usual, and go for a 4 star hotel. We arrived on 28th Sept 2003, and nearly cried. The first thing we saw was their interpretation of entertainment. A small stage with clowns on it, which resembled something from a holiday camp. Having stayed in a 3 star hotel the night before, and another 4 star a couple of weeks beforehand, this looked more like a 2 star. We were shown to our room, and went upstairs in the one elevator out of the two that was working, and that was pretty grubby. When we got in the room, it stank of urine, was overlooking the road, and did not include the honeymoon package (sparkling wine, fruit, etc). We had booked as a Honeymoon couple, but the hotel had no idea. We quickly complained about the room and were moved to another one which did not smell, and overlooked the gardens. To get to it however, we had to risk life and limb manouvering carefully along slippery, flooded walkways, due to the rain. The second room was adequate, but still uncomfortable. The bathroom only had a light at one end, which meant showering in almost darkness. We decided to make the most of it and went for a drink. The bar area was crudely constructed, and was not as promised. We were sold the 'all-inclusive' holiday on the basis of there being international brand spirits available. I'm sure they were international, but they certainly weren't from any country I've ever heard of. The drinks were served in small plastic cups with straws, the walls were dirty, the seat covers were dirty, and there were puddles on the floor. With this we decided that was enough, and went to bed. To get to sleep however, we had to turn off the air conditioning and the fridge, both of which were very noisy. As air conditioning was one of the luxuries we had paid more for, we were not impressed. The next morning we got up to be confronted by an army of ants, marching from the room door to the fridge. After killing at least 100, we headed off in search of food. After being tired from travelling, we missed breakfast, but this was not a problem as the snack bar opened at 10am. Or so we thought. After carefully negotiating the slippery passageways again, we went out to the snack bar, only to find that they were not serving any food, even though it was almost 11am. They couldn't even give us a plastic cup of orange juice, or a cup of coffee. When we asked when food would be available, the reply was 'could be 10 minutes, could be 10 hours'! Not what we expected. We waited around for the restaurant next to it to open at 11am. We waited until 11.20, and there was still no sign of food. After reviewing the options, we headed to the Cuban restaurant, which was advertised as being open from 11am-3pm every day. We found it closed, and on enquiring at reception, were told that it now only opens Friday to Sunday. So we now had nowhere to get food until lunch at 12pm. To kill time, we wandered around the complex for a while to explore what was available. We came across the clubhouse where they took bookings for the Chinese restaurant. At least they did when it was open. We were told that it was closed for at least a week, despite having been told by the company we booked with, that the same facilities were available in each part of the complex, and that despite one building being closed for internal maintenance on the air conditioning, we would not see any building work, and all facilities would be available. A short walk later, and we were faced with scaffolding, workmen, and the other things that you find on a building site. At this point, we decided enough was enough, and went to complain to the rep. We told him that our honeymoon was being ruined, and if this is what we had to put up with for 2 weeks, we would rather go home after 1 week. We asked if he could get us a flight home after only 7 days. Admittedly, he was very good, and understood our dissatisfaction. He admitted that it was not of a 4 star quality, and also told us that the company we booked with were no longer using this hotel in their brochure. We found out that other people had complained when he offered to move us to another hotel, the Tryp Peninsula Varadero, an no extra cost for the remainder of our holiday, as he said he had done for other unhappy people in the past. Within an hour and a half we were packed and on our way out of hell. The Tryp Peninsula is a fantastic 5 star hotel, and we had a wonderful time. On the transfer coach back to the airport, we met up with people who had stuck it out for the whole 2 weeks. They said they had heard that the hotel was going under. I don't know if this is true, but wouldn't be at all surprised. Whatever you do, DON'T GO THERE!

We found out the day before we flew that an awful lot of stuff at the resort was going to be closed because they were doing rennovations. This didn't fill us with hope but we didn't think it could be that bad. The hotel reception staff were really lovely but when we got to the room it was rather dispointing. There were old stains on the bedding and the pillows were the hardest and thinnest things i've ever seen. The air-con was old and rather noisy, we couldn't sleep with it on at night which is kind of the point of it! Although even with ours turned off we could still her next door's so it wasn't much quieter! There were only two speciality restaurants still open and we managed to try the Italian which was nice and the waiting staff were great. However the buffet food wasn't great and was continually covered in flies which is rather off-putting. They could have really done with keeping the food covered. The gardens were amazing, very lush and tropical and the beach was beautiful. However after we complained to our Rep about the lack of stuff that was open he offered us a move and we jumped at the chance (Tryp Peninsula by the way - absolutely amazing) because really the hotel was just way past its best and on the shabby side. I think they should have closed the whole complex during the rennovations rather than cutting back on facilities because at the end of the day that's what you've paid for. I suspect it'll be lots better when it get a facelift but i wouldn't recommend it to anyone until that happens.

Me my Husband and my sister, went to Cuba, August 23,2003 for 1 week. we were all so excited going to Sol Sirenas Coral. but when we got there nightmare started. we waited half hour for our room then when we went to our room, the musky smell was soo bad that i couldnt bread. curtains were hanging walls were dirty and cracked, fridge was old and noisy, ants in the room and few cockrotches.middle of the night woke up from the printer at reception was so loud printing for 2 hours. my sister was crying and she didnt sleap that night. we went to eat something it was around 10:30 pm. couldnt find anything just toasted ham and cheese. we requested a room change, they told us we have to wait till morning. my sis got her room on 4th floor but we had to wait till 5pm for our room. the rooms were much better, but really dated. (this is at Sirenas side). we first booked at Coral. but they were doing major renovation and the buildings were closed. Sirenas side workers were not friendly at all. near the restaurant and swimming pool bar you could smell this horrible smell. ewww.. sweeming pool was dirty i found plastic cups and french fries in it. pool chairs were really dirty and old. we spent most of our time at Coral side the lobby bar is really nice and clean. staff were great. (Carlos, Jorje) and the pool was preety nice and not crowded. about the breakfast , the only thing was good was the eggs, sunny side up, yumm. and French fries, lunch was disgusting no taste at all. dinner was the same. we only ate French Fries, and ham and cheese toasted at (Coral lobby bar)which was really good.. drinks were good. i only had pinacolada with rom all day. their coffe is the best. expresso,capucino,cafelate.beach was good. (you can email me for more info)

Hi, I just got back from a week in Varadero Cuba, where I stayed at the Sol Sirenas Coral resort (my room was in the Sirenas). ROOM The room was fine, it had everything I could possibly need, nice big bathroom with nice big shower, bed, safe, tv, and AC. GARDEN First thing I have to say is that the gardens are magnificient, little paths leed from one area to the next, everything is surrounded by palm trees, coconut trees and other type of vegetation. Walking around the resort was truly a pleasant adventure. There are hammacks, benches and gazeeboes scattered all over the resort, which are good for relaxing alone or with that special someone. FOOD I was told by many that the food in Cuba was bad, which isn't true! The fruits are bad, which is something that I cannot understand, they grow there yet they're dry and tasteless!? Oranges were green and coconuts were tasteless and mooshy... Aside from the fruit I found the rest of the food to be very consumable. The "A la carte" restaurants were great, especially the Italian one. Of course they serve dishes that you never heard of and mix things that you would never mix, be open to new things and you will enjoy all the food in Cuba. The buffet has stuff for everyone, salads, pastas, meats, some things lack taste but it will get you full and provide you with the energy you need to go play some volley ball on the beach. BEACH The beach is amasing, white sand, green water. the only thing I was a little dissapointed about was the lack of surfable waves. SERVICE Almost all the employees around the resort wore smiles all week and would say "Ola!" everytime they crossed paths with you. The bartenders are usualy very friendly, smiling and making jokes. The main bar outside next to the pool is open 24/7 and some nights the bartender would retreat to a dark corner to catch some shut-eye, leaving us full access to the bar which was nice! The maid was very effective, cleaning the room nicely at around 10-11am everyday, leaving her little presents on the pillow case prooved to be a good thing, we got special treatment such as towals in heart shape positions and stuff, that was nice. PARTY FACTOR The resort is a familly resort, and we knew this before going but we hoped there would be enough young people for us to party with... August is not peak season for vacationing in Cuba, so I think that is why there was a lack of young people on the resort. The resort has potential to be wild with all the bars and pools. There is also a club right next to the resort called Havana Cafe, which was nice, when they decided to open! All in all, I really enjoyed my trip to Sol Sirenas (even though I got a major throat infection), the weather was great, the resort was beautifull, so was the beach. I would go back :)

Well what can I say it was a fantastic honeymoon, The Melia Hotel in Havana is absolutelly fantastic Its truly a dream come true. The Hotel is clean, The rooms are big, The Staff are very friendly, and the food is ok to be honest it was rather expensive for what you get for your money. However Sol Sirenas in Varedero is absoluelly excellent it really is Paradise the staff will do anything for you, There is plenty of variety food wise, You can get Italian (Posh), Chinese (Crap) Med (Very Nice), Cuban (Excellent) and two Buffets with great variety Prawns, Fish, Crab, superb choice of fruits. Overall It was a great trip! For the cost of 2 tickets my wife and I are prepared to show you around Cuba! Honestelly speaking it will be money well spent Have a great trip!

On the 29th June 2003 myself and my boyfriend went on a 2 week holiday to the Cuba, the day we arrived we were very disappointed because of the weather as the heavens had opened and it was raining very heavy all the way from Havana airport to varadero. We arrived in the hotel at approx 10.30pm local time. On arriving in the room i had no complaints as it was clean and very cool. We went down to the bar and had a few drinks and was first of all very surprised to be getting my drink in a plastic cup!!! (got given glasses after that) Next day we got up and went down to breakfast, we did not expect it to be like a european/Irish hotel so we knew that the food would be a little different. We certainly had nothing to complain about. The food was in plentiful supply and the staff were very friendly. The same goes for lunch and dinner, we tipped the waiters a dollar a dinner and found that they were very grateful for this, they went out of their way to be nice to us. All the bar staff were fantastic especially at the poor bar Enrique made us feel very welcome and chatted to us telling us about various trips and what went into the cocktails.It deffinately was not a clubbing holiday we tried on of the clubs "MAMBO CLUB" and really did not like it but we were happy enough at the hotel bar. All in all we had a fantastic holiday and really did not want to come home. Our room was cleaned to the highest standard every day and we showed the maid our appreciation.One down point was that there were too many children running about and in the pool. Although we did not mind too much it did get on your nerves after a while.Fantastic place and i would not hesitate in going there again! Well worth the money...

Had a great time at this hotel, the food was good and the staff was friendly, beach was amazing and great activities. Well located. would definitly return.

I have written to Signature, Sol Sirenas Coral Management and also President of Sol Hotel Chain in Cuba. Unfortuantely i wrote by hand my views, plus sent them print outs of other reviews of this complex with notes added to the hard copy, so I am unable to regurgitate my views.Instead have copy / pasted my quick email to ..., the agency with whom I made the booking.I invite anyone who is interested in this complex to reconsider and email me for clarification. My profile is - 30 yrs, much traveled - hostels / 5start hotels, homestays in Europe, Australia, Central Amercia etc and I am not a 'tough audience' fussy traveler :-). "Just back from Sirenas/CoralNice rooms, complex etcService lacking from many of the staff. Just like stock of common drinks and food from certain menus.Their 24 hour snack bar only served ham & cheese. Not much of a snack bar, is it? That is also the tea / coffee bar which never seemed to have milk.I will spare you the rest, unless your company would wish to be copied in with the other 3.Food was pretty dire to put it positively. On a number of occasions friends and us guys just could not eat it / trashed it.On only one occasion did I contact management becasue to raise a complaint re cold tastelees food, on the whole) would be wasted. However, I went to their PR person, plate of chicken and peas (smile) in hand, and let them know in no uncertain terms, for them to pass on to management / chefs or whoever really cared, that 1/2 raw chicken, pork etc is just ******* dangerous -- a child / youth / senior could get dangerously ill. I left the plate with them. They took my room number etc but i did not hear back from them.It happened since then and with other customers there.Suffice to say that many people I met there shared the complaints, and I have already written my views, plus printed those of others of a "resort review web site", and will be sending in parallel to The President of Sol Melia, the Resort Manager of Sirenas (whoever he is), and Signature H.Q at Bloor East.Coincidently, I spoke with 2 diff friends of friends since the booking who had stayed there, and their view was the same.Do not promote this complex, on the basis of health and safety and good conscience, not to mention value for money. If this is typical Cuba, then promote other destinations.Just glad it wasn;t my honeymoon, or one of those customers in from Europe for 2 weeks :-).Richard Creighton richardetc@yahoo.com