NEGATIVE CUBAN RESORT REVIEWS, SHOULD YOU READ THEM!?! VARADERO, CAYO COCO, SANTA MARIA  

Thank You for all sharing your comments and watching this Video!!! Mike

I have many friends that say Cuba is awful yet they have never been there. Once they actually go, most go back year after year.

Absolutely Mike the positive out weighs any negatives in Cuba

Great Video Mike, Needed to be addressed.

nice video. I was in Cuba April 13-20 2024. my first time there I had a great time and I read reviews I watched your video to the resort I was going and you were spot on. Thanks Fish

Like you, we go to Cuba with our eyes wide open and our expectations left behind at home. Cuba people are so kind and generous and are struggling so much. We go for the beaches, the great weather, the relaxation but mostly, for the people. Hotel rooms that are clean and basic are totally fine with us. Never have been bothered by the few shortages we've experienced and never have had any troubles filling our bellies. Be open to new experiences and take that open mind with you. Great videos, Mike. Love 'em all.

💯 % agree with everything you said!! I love Cuba & my friends there!! Such great people deserve better!! ❤ Thank you for making videos to share truths... 🌞💛🥂

Thanks Mike. I always like your honesty with the Cuban reviews. My wife and I were just about to book our annual vacation to Cuba and was discouraged from doing so by our travel agent because of shortages etc. Needless to say we have regretted not booking and going. I don't go to Cuba for the food just to relax, enjoy the beaches, atmosphere etc. We always take daily necessities and always can find food to enjoy in their restaurants. Like you said in one of your videos " if you want T-bone steak and caesar salads go to the Dominican or further south". I think I got your quote right! Cheers buddy and keep the videos coming.

Cuba trade has been hit very hard lately after the pandemic, as it's (once) strong trade partners Venezuela (a more recent in history oil partner, now with lower trade volumes) and the other historical trade partner who bought lots of Cuban sugar at higher market value, have been struggling economically a little to say the least. Seems Cuba is really trying to double down on it's investment in the future of it's tourism industry the best it can to support the country and it's people, as it should with such amazing beaches and culture! Cuba is a very budget friendly place, but remember, you typically get what you pay for. I personally think it's worth visiting Cuba, bringing anything I may personally want that might not be available, just in case(ketchup, peanut butter, TP). I don't mind paying less to rough it a little bit harder (not even that rough at all) than on other islands. It doesn't take too much to be happy on those beautiful world class beaches.

Great video Mike!! Very well said and covered. We had our first trip to Cuba in February and just loved it!! We will be back this Winter for sure. I know when I read reviews they just confused the decision where to go. I appreciated watching your videos that showed what you were getting and no fluff or promotion. Take care and enjoy the good life!!!

Spot on once again Mike 😎

Great commentary and video!!! As a Cuban: Thanks!!!!

Well said. I find it particularly funny when you see reviews that compare these Cuban resorts to other resorts in the Caribbean that would cost ALOT more. Not really fair to compare them. If you want a super cheap vacation, don't go expecting the amenities of a much more expensive resort.

Hi Mike, great video. It's too bad more people don't have your attitude when they travel. My husband and I don't read too much into reviews either. We are still planning to go in November. Like you say, think of the positive, no matter where you go. When we go to Cuba , we go for the beach and the wonderful Cuban people who make the best of what they have to make your stay enjoyable. Look forward to your next video.

Thank you for other great video...

We've never been to Cuba; we're more Dominican Republic and Mexico type of tourists. But, the prices are getting out of hands and even though we know it'll be different there, we're open minded and willing to try Cuba. Thanks Mike for your amazing videos!

Very well said! Thank you Mike!

I Agree There Is To Much Negativity In The World, Enjoy Your Life And Explore Life Is A Journey So Go Out And See It Thank You Again Mike A Great Video

Mike (and Jenn) thank you so much for your videos. You helped us pick Memories Flamenco for our trip with your clear and honest opinions. We're just starting day 2, enjoying a spanish coffee at the lobby bar while we watched. Everything has been absolutely perfect! The food has been so freaking good! That was a pleasant surprise. The people have my heart, so beautiful inside and out. I can't wait to come back. First trip for my sister and I think the travel bug has bitten her now lol. To anyone worried about reviews, don't be!! We keep looking at eachother and saying, how could anyone be miserable here? Even if i was living on bread and water I'd be in heaven! Highly recommend Cuba.

Well said 👏🏾

Mike you are spot on with your comments, just returned from 2 incredible weeks in Cayo Paredon. Not our first time down so we know what to expect. I personally feel most of the negative comments come from those that have previously gone to Mexico or the DR (or other somewhat affluent Caribean countries) and have come across a package to Cuba for 1/2 the price and they book it with little or no research done as to the conditions they will face in Cuba. I used to be proud to travel as a Canadian, but some of what we witnessed on our trip has me completely embarassed, the way some people treated the workers, the absolute glutony that people showed with thier food and alcohol consumption, taking double or triple what they can eat, and then watching the Cuban server scraping the leftover food into the garbage (remember Cuba just applied to the UN for emergency food relief). We are planning our next trip already and will probably try to go in late May, hopefully less tourists.

I agree 100%. Always look at the positives, I'm to old to worry about negativity! I don't read the reviews either, I do look at the pictures though, scroll past the bad ones. I barely even do that anymore now that I found your channel, I just watch you videos

Mike the video is all truths about Cuba. Everyone that loves Cuba will 100% agree with you. Just wish I could be there as often as you! You are blessed!

Love it Fish, keep up the amazing work!!

Personally, I think if you can't go with the flow, you dont belong in the Cuba vibe. And also...nay sayers...just stay home in general😊 I went for the beach and people and sunshine and got all of that and loved it and will do it again.

So true Mike! Just go and enjoy, be thankful for the beauty and the smiles

...Im always make the best of what i got and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful country of Cuba..I think like you ,,and thanks so much you are toking about that.💞💫🌴🌴🌴🌏🏝.

You can have 2 different travelers, on the same resort, same week, same apartment block, same beach, same drinks, same food, same entertainment. One may completely hate it while the other can't wait to come back. It pretty much boils down to price, expectations and personality. Great vid Mike, with solid, sound advice

Totally agree, I personally take the reviews with a grain of salt. If I had followed the "opinions" I would have never returned to Cuba ever again. Last year even the agent we used as we booked with a group of people "warned" us about Pullman (now Gran Marena) Cayo Coco. Guess what we had a fabulous time! Traveler's really have to educate themselves more about their destinations, if everyone realized the economic situation in Cuba they would probably switch their viewpoint. Cubans are struggling, yet treat us every time we visit like family at any of the resorts. It's time to turn the table folks and return positivity to these lovely people.

Another grate job sir. People are always gonna hate on Cuba It is what it is

Awesome Mike, glad you done this one, it’s sad that ya have to actually, but times are changing

I personally love Cuba, the beaches the people it calls to me When I’m not there. I started going last March and I’m heading to my 7th trip in May I’m so excited to see the beach again.❤🎉

What a great video. Being over 50 I so feel your vibe. Thanks for sharing videos of one of my favourite countries to visit. Positivity is awesome!

Another great video, thank you very much. I have only ever left Ontario once when I was 18 and took my grandmother to England, I am now rapidly approaching the big 60 and feel if I don't go soon I will never go on another trip. I have been watching and following many of your videos for the past 6 months as Cuba is one place I have always wanted to visit. I appreciate the honesty I get from both you and your wife. One thing I very seldom ever hear people mention when talking about travelling is health insurance why is that?

True realist….enjoy those golden years to the fullest.

Wow great job on the positivity Mike! I am also over 50 and had some medical issues creep up on me. We are looking at life the same way these days! I can only goto Cuba a couple of times a year so I really appreciate your videos so I can goto resorts that check all the boxes! Keep it up Thanks!

i love all the opinions. And I want more than a beach if Im paying for more than a beach. The price should match what we are paying for.

Hi Mike...thanks for telling it like it is truthfully. I completely agree. Another great Cuba video.

I love Cuba❤ as a Canadian going to Cuba since 1985. You go to Cuba to experience the culture and enjoy the amazing people and best beach 🏖 in the world.

I tell people all the time if you’re expecting Mexico or the DR then stay away.I’ve been to Cuba over 20 times and have enjoyed every single visit.The people,the beaches and the affordability outweighs everything in my opinion.I have visited 5 different regions and had a blast!

Thanks Mike! Another great video.... we've been to three different locations in Cuba in the past 18 months... every trip has been great! Is is perfect no, but nothing is... we luv it! Hope to run into you soon!

Excited to watch this, while I am in Cuba! lol ❤

Hey Mike Love your video's on Cuba!! Just got back last week and yes it was windy most of the days. The weather was beautiful 7 days of 26-28c and didn't rain once for us. Great to see you're spreading the positive mindset in life. Thumbs Up!!!! I've stopped reading the news and trying to celebrate life in my 40's . Keep up the great videos!

Hey Mike, I enjoy your videos a lot. I'm also 53 and I'm now completely focused on doing the things i love with the people I'm close to. I don't fuss over the news, work or any other of these things. I focus on what's important for me and make every day count. Traveling south makes me happy and i get to go 3 times a year. I get a lot of positive vibes from your content and i think that your at the same place I'm at. Keep it up budy. Thanks for sharing man...

Been to Cuba 10 times and always enjoyed, love Varadero 🇨🇺

Love the positive attitude Mikey! You've convinced me ... 😎☕️🍺🏖

Very well explained 😊

💯💯💯

Hey Mike, you are right on there, you make the best of what you got and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful country of Cuba. People are constantly telling me don't go there and then I come back with wonderful stories. Open your mind and be free and enjoy. Viva Cuba!!

Hi Mike, love your Cuba videos as usual. Just returned from Ensenachos after a few weeks and thank you so much from your Ensenachos Coral video. Love the resort. The beaches were so beautiful, shallow, and warm for long distance beach swimming. Thank you, Big Fan

When i bought at starfish cayo Guillermo this april 24' and read reviews when we got closer to our date i was having buyers remorse, we went with a open mind and it was excellent and we would go back. Yeah some ppl will have bad experiences, to be expected. But we loved it

Well said Mike. Besides the beaches, we have found the Cuban people fantastic, friendly, and proud. As you know, the attitude of people means everything when it comes to tourism.

Your good at what you guys do! hopefuuly one day I can cross your path at a Cuban resort your staying at! appreciate the knowledge and your video's are a must before I travel to Cuba! Thanks Mike n Jen

Hi Mike. Always enjoyed watching your videos. Always loved the beautiful beaches of Cuba. Been to many of them. To the people who find negativity in the resorts I would like to say this. If you expect things to be the same as you have at home then stay home. You don't have the beautiful beaches where you live that is why you go to Cuba.

Hi Mike another honest and great video. We love Cuba and I personally don’t go away to get the Americanized experience. I have so many friends who won’t go to Cuba due to reading reviews. I try to explain to them that 70% of reviews are written by people who are not happy with something and have the mind set of well I’ll show them by leaving a negative review. I don’t know many people who leave reviews if they had a great time. When we visit Cuba we always go off the resort and visit near by city’s and towns and usually do an excursion or two. I would love to see some videos of you doing some excursions or travelling around with some locals. Keep up the great work and thanks for educating us all on Cuba

If I read any reviews before I first went too Cuba, I would never have went and I would have missed out on all the incredible people, foods and cultures and the amazing beaches. I haven’t ever lost weight while vacationing in Cuba, never ever went hungry.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻bravo. I love this video. You said it, Cuba is all about, sun, beautiful beaches, drinks, fun and just plain old relaxation. Everything else is just a bonus. So for those of you who listen to those negative comments, DON’T, just GO, I promise you will enjoy it, then post your own positive review, along with a picture or video. thanks Mike for another great review🫶

I love CUBA, keep up the great work. Your videos Rock.

Great video Mike...the truth and nothing but the truth. Been to Cuba 16 times and just got back from Varedero last week..just love it😊

VERY WELL SAID 👏🏾... Thank you for this video..

I'm at the Memories Flamenco right now. The food is great. So much viriaty. Very little shortages you will never go hungry. 🎉 So much fun. If you read reviews read only the good one. Don't miss out because of someone else review. You will have a great time.

Damm right!!

Great talk, all these things happen in Canada, last year the power went out at the resort we were at a few times, well back in New Brunswick the power went out many times, fact is Cuba and Cubans are trying their best to make your stay a good one, thanks for the videos.

Well said Mike

Great video. Go to Cuba for the beach and the beer, bring what you want.

bang on buddy! been going to Cuba since 2008 and have no plans on stopping...went twice last year, wife just came back, and I'm going in 4 weeks. Love the people, the beach, the water, the sun...I never starve and just change up what I'm drinking if need be. Heck, one trip I didn't have hot water for 6 days (you were at Tryp at the same time). I know what to expect and just roll with it.

Well said, and I agree wholeheartedly! I have yet to starve or go thirsty in Cuba! I actually stopped reading reviews also, because they would stress me out ahead of vacations. And most of those negative reviews come from people who probably just shouldn't travel at all if they expect things to be the same as at home!

We just went to Cuba for the first time. Thankfully, we watched your video before going so we were informed as to what to expect. It’s true that people go to Cuba for the beaches and the people! The resort and our room were definitely tired and dated. However, we had tons of hot water, good water pressure, toilet paper every day, and the toilet flushed with no problems! There were a lot of food shortages but we came prepared with snacks. Also keeping the shortages in mind and the resorts being dated, we definitely knew to keep our price low. So we paid $700 each all inclusive! You can’t beat that nor can you complain about anything! We loved it and can’t wait to go back ❤️

Great video Mike, thank you I agree 💯 with you. We went one time and reviews were terrible because a watermain broke so you can imagine.. i went to Canadian tire and spent $10 on an outdoor shower bag figuring we'd fill it up with ocean water if it came to that and hang it the tub... by the time we got there it was fine and life was good on the beach!! So good for you - agreed its the tourists not the resorts or amazing cubans who are just trying to make a living in an impossible situation.. keep it coming!! ❤

Great vidéo Mike,well said.i also over 50 LOL

I love Cuba and have been a number of times. I’ll most likely continue to go because I love it and have never had a bad experience. That said, I never recommend it to others because I don’t want to hear any negativity. My husband and I know why we like it and why we’ve been so many times.

Отличные видео,Майк!рада,что youTube порекомендовал мне ваш канал)) Недавно читала отзывы на отель Sanctuary White Sands 5* и стало смешно от одного негативного отзыва "Нет лосося!!!Никакого!!! Ни копченого ни соленого!!!"😆😆😆😆Что сказать?Не приплыли лососи,вот и нет!))))Собираюсь посетить этот отель в сентябре ,думаю,это хорошее место))

Never read reviews is true

Hola Mike you should try the Beaches East of Havana,specifically Santa Maria del Mar, regards.

Thanks Mike! Some of those negative comments, reviewers are just happy when they are complaining. I stopped reading them (the reviews) years ago....I love Cuba for the history, culture & people!

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT

Amen brother!

Love your philosophy

Review is nothing more than a personal opinion. I never wrote a review, no matter what, good or bad. I don't have 30min to waster. Plus if you factor in the price of Cuba trip, I'm sorry, but a motel beside 401 will cost you more.

Just found your channel!! Love it! I’ve been to Cuba myself five times flying from Vancouver. I’ve loved Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria. I loved my seven days at the adult secluded part of Iberostar Coral Ensenachos. I did not enjoy and left Grand Memories after one night. I’m curious to know which resort of all in Cayo Santa Maria do you believe has the longest nicest beaches? I love to walk along the beach during my days of sun tanning but don’t want to be stuck at a resort with beach only heading in one direction. Some don’t have have beaches as they are on coral beds. I look forward to your reply and future videos. Cheers!

#1 reason to read the reviews - find out if the resort is currently being renovated. 3 resorts that I was thinking about going to in Cayo Coco were all being renovated. Nothing was mentioned on the resort's website or the vacation booking sites. I agree with your caution about reviews though. Every place on the planet gets good and bad reviews.

Nice beaches that's for sure. I find for similar money can go to the D. R. for example where the food is decent. No disrespect.

Hey there Fish. Here at Memories Caribe this week. Been here many times in the past and luv it. Yes, any anyone that may be a picky eater may have some negative reviews. However, no one will go hungry at this resort. Always the main points for me is the great beaches, the pool, the atmosphere, and the great employees at the resort. BTW, spent some time on that excellent stretch of beach between Caribe and Flamenco. Awesome spot. Even have good free WiFi here, as the reason I am posting this message. All the best.

We just got back, and while we are there a friend message me as heard there was no food. There was plenty to eat and drink.

Love this 🩷✅

I am all with you Mike !! but the fact is a minority of people talk bad about Cuba and spray a negative sound… the reason why it’s impacting the reviews… people’s are 🐑🐑🐑🐑 and not just make their own opinions… Thanks for your good work Mike ✌️

Hi Mike, I enjoy following you and hearing your perspectives especially around your Cuba Travels. There is a cost and effect correlation so if a tourist pays a minimum cost for a 7 day stay at a resort they should not expect the amenities of a 4 or 5 star resort. Nonetheless, there are some bottom line expectations that Cuba is not able to fulfill routinely and that is providing sugar to be used for coffee or Mojitos. Also, he recent travelers have shared that the soft drink dispenser are not working and that the hotels are using powder soft drink mix to mix drinks. There are some bottom line standards that Cuba must meet in order satisfy the basic needs of the travelers.

Hi Mike, I think you're blessed with your stays in Cuba. Either you're super lucky, specially treated or some other deal. I believe you said you been there over 30 times. Fair enough, I've been to Cuba at least more than 50 times since 2006. In and out all around. Been there and done all that, resorts and off reserts where you really support cuban people. Always, checking and reading reviews as most of us do. As you said and we all know things change in Cuba at different times. That's what reviews are for as long as you are open minded and spot a karen here and there. Let me tell you something, Cuba is ok to go if you look for awsome beach and good weather. If you look for good food, good service you need to be Mike as he always has it. Cuba is not what it use to be 10 years ago. # 1 tip if you don't want to change your room and loose time, first thing on checking in ask for room that everthing works and tip. Save time coming back for room change. You get the room that doesn't work for a rrason. Anyways, good vibes. Be patient and remember you got what you paid for.

3:14 I agree with this. I remember taking a trip about 23 years ago and we were at the beach. It was a lovely area, but.... All the Quebecois tourists were there smoking, dropping their cigarette butts in the sand, leaving garbage behind... and complaining that the beach wasn't clean.

Could you do a review of Club Amigo Marea del Portillo January-March time 2025. Unless you already have. We love this hidden gem.

I always read the reviews,but i always go and see it for myselve.

I have been to Cuba many times love the people and the country, Cubans are struggling with economic problems.

Oh yeah, you are right, buy your bottle of wine at the duty free and drink it in your room. That's what I did, there's nothing better to drink wine in our room with snacks reading on the balcony. And yes people: bring a roll of toilet paper.

10000% Right people don't have respect ive seen it so many times it's sick

I go to Cuba 2 times a year rather than going anywhere else once a year! Happy to pay half the price for what I get.

I love CUBA .. however .. this year 2024 was my first time travelling back since Covid . and I have ot say I was shocked at the shortages... having said that .. Ive booked already to go back .. I will now go back with more of NO expectation of food at all .. sadly I normally eat eggs/bacon for breakie and that does me till supper .. then i can normally have at least fries at the buffet .. well that didn't happen where we were so I was pretty hungry (dietary restrictions) .. but it wasn't enough to make me NOT book for 2025.

I'm going to cuba every here and I love it you are right most tha time the tourist is the problem wen drink tomuch cuba people are so good to help to do everything you need don't talk bad about about cuba people they don't deserve

I go twice a year and I don't care about what negative comments I hear or read. Cuban people are very nice and the beaches are some of the best in the world.

I’ve been to Cuba over 20 times, it’s always a great time. The food is my only complaint, and seems to be getting worse

Really enjoying your Cuban content thank you. A quick question please. I'm a widower turned 70 and want to vacation in Cuba, preferably multiple times per year. My question relates to what online resources do you use to find the best (last-minute) deals. I'm in Niagara Falls. I've listned to your review of resorts and want to pursue booking, but unsure where to start. Any recommendations are much appreciated. Gracias.