Despite ongoing shortages in Cuba, (no french fries, no bacon during my stay) the staff and the beach are the plus points of Sanctuary Grand Memories CSM. Although the resort is older it is slowly undergoing refurbishment. Currently operating at half capacity. Which means no problem getting chairs at pool or beach anytime of day. Beach is simply amazing with a small outcrop of rocks at far end with lots of fish for those who like to snorkle, Soft white powder sand stretches for miles the other direction. Adult only. The staff here are simply wonderful and go out of their way to smile, say hello and I have to say so were all the other guests during our stay. Everyone is in a good mood. Each building has their own butler to assist with your check-in, room requests, a la carte reservations and anything else you may need. Pool/beach towels exchanged daily without issue. Cocktails were consistently prepared at all bars. Food was great, despite the shortages. Cuba is never perfect, but the staff here go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable and assist as best they can.

Absolutely love Sea World :) Still my favorite park of all time !

The new Pandora Land is well worth a visit at Animal Kingdom, Epcot has become one of my old time favorites.  The Magic Kingdom and MGM Studios never disappoint. We stayed at the Melia Orlando which offers free shuttle service to Disney, and to Universal & Sea World parks for a small fee. The Melia offers a resort style pool area, full restaurants and 1 bedroom suites with full kitchen that we found quite comfortable. Within walking distance of several family restaurants and 15 min taxi ride to the Orlando Premium outlet malls

Terrific hotel for R & R. Can't beat Cayo Santa Maria for the beach. Food was good, nice variety. Two large beautiful pool areas, nice spaskpad for the wee ones. Nightly entertainment at the theater was good & piano entertainment also offered in the main lobby each evening.  Lots of walking. Terrific Hotel for families & groups.  Note no disco on site at present    

It is important to remember that this hotel is best described as huge. That said for those that love being able to walk, prefer a variety of places to go to sit to enjoy a drink or a show in the evening, then this is a good choice. The stretch of beach here in Cayo Santa Maria is second to none, lovely wide with a gentle slope - excellent for families and those that are not strong swimmers. It is important also to note that on the island of Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba protects the dunes along the beach but the Memories offers 3 main boardwalks over and tons of palapas stretching the entire length of the resort.

Food was good - typical Cuba, go the buffets early for best selection.

6 a la cartes to choose from, no problem making reservations in the Paraiso lobby (we were a party of 9, to put into perspective)

Overall, the hotel is getting older. A few dings & scrapes show its age, but I felt it was kept very clean considering the number guests. Other than the huge buffest restaurants, you would never know you were at a resort with this many guests, as the property is not congested at all. If one area is busy- just go to another.

Bonus - the Paraiso side of the resort joins the Pueblo Estrella, a short walk or a bus boy can call you a golf cart from the Azul section or main lobby's.

The Memories Paraiso is on one end of the Peublo Estrella & the Royalton is on the other. As expected the Royalton is 5*  small (around 125 rooms)  quiet and adult only. Excellent for a romantic vacation.  You are welcomed with a special cocktail, cold towel service, and VIP amenities upon arrival. Guests are treated to butler service by the pools and on the beach, and 24-hour room service with special menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This degree of luxury is extended to all guests, regardless of room category.   2 main pools, one up by the lobby, and one in the center of the main buildings down towards the beach. Note the main pool and lobby are built on a small hill, the walk way to & from is wide and offers no shade - very hot walking around this property as it is so new and the trees need to grow!!  lots of man made shade around the pools and beach  (bali beds, palapas) Rooms lovely and modern.  All restaurants are a la carte, even the pool grill - sit down order off the menu. No reservations required What can I say…. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion or looking for a relaxing vacation, the Royalton Cayo Santa Maria offers an affordable yet luxurious experience  

Located on the other side of the Royalton, (basically a mirror version of one side of the Memories, as it is the first of the original section of the former Barcelo resort - the first hotel built on the island) Very lush - the paths litterally walk through thickets of trees - the vegetation is very lush.  The hotel was refurbished, when Starfish took over. Although only one main pool - it is large and very attractive with a unique rock formation in the center. And of course you can't go wrong with the beach in Cayo Santa Maria !

Located on the other side of the Royalton, (basically a mirror version of one side of the Memories, as it is the first of the original section of the former Barcelo resort the first hotel built on the island) Very lush - the paths litterally walk through gardens of mature  trees & flowered bushes - the vegetation is very lush.  The hotel was refurbished, when Starfish took over. Although only one main pool - it is large and very attractive with a unique rock formation in the center. And of course you can't go wrong with the beach in Cayo Santa Maria !

Great small standard hotel for those looking for a fabulous beach at a fabulous price, without all the glamour. This is an older hotel that the management of was taken over in 2013 by Sunwing Vacations & Memories Resorts. (formerly the Blue Bay Cayo Coco) The claim to fame for this hotel is definitely the beach - extending flat from the 10 foot hotel boardwalk, the wide white sand beach offers very little slope - perfect for families, or those with difficulty walking long distances. Definitely one of the best beaches to which I have been. Pool, nice freeform pool, never a problem to get chairs by the pool due in fact that I believe most guests discovered the fabulous beach. Rooms are basic but clean, located around the property in 2 & 3 storey building units. For those looking for slightly upgraded amenties, the Diamond Club may be desired. This includes an upgrade to a jr. suite, mini bar stocked with 2 beer, 2 juice & 2 pop & inclusion of certain premium brand liquors at the bars, and designated section of the beach. Food & service were typical of Cuba. 2 a la cartes; Cuban & Mediterranean Hotel is in process of renovating the lobby bar terrace Pros: *Memories Resorts offer curbside bracelet check-in for their guests on arrival at the airport for their hotels in Cayo Coco. *Pizza & Panini sandwhich stand at the beach was a hit *Beach Dinner ... a special a la carte is improvised directly on the beach - Italian of course! But ambiance is everything & how lovely to watch the sun set while dining listening to the waves !! *Beach towels provided in all room types - no towel cards necessary *Churro stand at the pool, however warm churro's are delivered along the beach every afternoon. Cons: *Be up early to claim your palapa on the beach! As this is an older property under ronovation I would personally rate as a 3.5* by North American standards BUT Overall a still very good choice :)

AWESOME !! Best words to describe this itinerary!! Princess offers high quality serrvice & food as expected. What a great way to visit foreign counties - unpack once and your floating hotel allows you to wake up in a new destination everyday!!  Venice was amazing again as expected - but my big surprise was the beautiful city of Dubrovnik Croatia!! Walking amoung the spotless cobblestones of the historical walled city was like stepping back in time! We stepped off the beaten track at Olympia and did a winery tour which was a most relaxing day. Athens was also a pleasant surprise. In addition to the definite must see attractions of the Acropolis - make sure you allow some extra time to enjoy the markets of the Plaka along with a meal at a local taverna !! Time well spent !!

I must say what a pleasant suprise for a 3 star hotel... in process of being renovated - all rooms are to be completed during winter 2013. All the main public areas have been renovated including a brand new beach bar & grill. A small hotel everything is very centrally located. But what really sets this hotel apart are the staff personalties + !! Welcoming smiles everywhere and all staff asking if you are enjoying your stay. Food was great for Cuba, main buffet & two small a la cartes - besure to make reservations at the beginning of your stay. Definitely go for the superior rooms. Nightly entertainment was good, bar service good but special "Kudos" to Duane "the cocktail king" he is entertainment himself running his own cocktail bar in the main lobby - he definitely adds the WOW factor to this hotel !! Overall a very great stay !!

I must say the Melia Cayo Guillermo is the perfect hotel for those looking to relax!!  Cayo Guillermo is a very quiet area - with only 4 hotels on the island.  At 350 rooms on a gorgeous stretch of normally calm shallow beach, it was the perfect place for mom and dad to rellax while at the same time keep an eye on our children. The main lobby & pool are undergoing a major overhaul this summer 2011 - check out their updates on Facebook. The biggest attraction for this property is the long wharf from which guests are welcome to fish from (bring your own gear) or snorkel (tons of fish cluster in the cool shade offered underneath). The gardens are lovely and I think the food last year was some of the best we have experienced in Cuba.

Celebrity Caribbean Cruise Nov 2011 - Millenium , ports of call included Grand Cayman & Jamaica

The Tryp Peninsula is located on a beautiful long stretch of white sand beach toward the newest developed end of Varadero Beach. Although 600 rooms the layout of the resort does not feel that large. The grounds are beautiful & food was very good for Cuba. One of the few hotels in Cuba with fabulous kids club, including small slide in the children's pool. Varadero is such a great area and offers something for everyone. I love to walk around the downtown markets - be sure to take a walk on the public beach- which can ony be described as awesome. Other attractions include the local Dolphin show & Saturno Cave. And I have to give a plug for Pizza Nova (for when you tire of resort food) located on the top floor at the Plaza las Americas Mall !