Melia Cayo Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo

by fgfi about Sol Cayo Guillermo

Well, even if an all inclusive resort is not my favourite kind of vacation, I have to say that the 3 days spent in Cayo Guillermo were exactly what we needed after our long road trip through the Island.
The accomodation was nice, food was acceptable, but what is really worth it is the beautiful sea, the white sand and the nature. Unfortunately no Cubans leave on the Island and the only things to do is visiting the neighbouring resorts. So we simply relaxed and we read a lot.
The Melia Cayo Guillermo should be better. We didn't find place there, but after visiting it I found the Sol more comfortable.

wonderful vacation

by A TripAdvisor Member

We have just returned from our second visit to melia cayo guillermo(week of march12-19)It was even better than we remembered.The most beautiful pristine beach with water oh so warm .The food was amazing and my only complaint is that we enjoyed it too much as my waist line will show. The room was clean and well looked after daily.The staff in the loby bar are just the best and we feel like they are old friends.the staff in the restuarant were always helpful and there was a great variety. Cubans are beautiful proud people and they make visiting their country a real joy.We really enjoyed the music. we take extres like hats,soap tshirts shampoo and kids things to give as well as tips.We plan on returning next year and if you want a relaxing vacation with a beautiful surroundings incredible beach and people then this is the place for you as well.

Best experience of our lives!!!!

by A TripAdvisor Member

HOLA,My friend and I travelled to Cayo Guillermo on Feb. 15th - 22nd. What can we say? Except for way beyond our expectations! We arrived at the new Cayo Coco airport (air conditioned), and everyone was so friendly and we managed to get through fairly smoothly. We then took a 35 min bus ride to our resort Melia Cayo Guillermo. We didn't arrive until late the night of the 15th. The front desk was very willing to ensure that we got checked into our room efficently. Every morning we would go down for breakfast and then head down to the beautiful beach or simply lounge by the pool. The food was always so good and always offered such a wide selection. There was also an Italian Restaurant in which we normally ate lunch at ~ excellent pizza!) The other restaurant which was located at the resort offered seafood, and burgers and fries should you happen to have a craving, also very good! All the waitors/waitresses were extremely helpful, always served us with a smile. No matter where we went throughout the resort there was always friendly staff members ensuring that we were enjoying our stay. We would have to say Mary at the customer relations desk was so tremendously helpful, always striving to make sure we comfortable. Thank you Mary! We didn't manage to get out to many excursions, but always heard great feedback from those who went. There is also nightly entertainment as well as a late night disco at the resort, which is a sure FUN time! Our room was always very well taken care of by our maid Dianis, who also made sure we were satisfied and did it with such sincerity and always a smile! Above everything we would have to say our favourite spot was at the 24 hr Lobby Bar! We spent many nights and some days sitting around the bar, enjoying the company! We have to thank the guys behind the bar for all their laughs, smiles, jokes, and not to mention their magic tricks! THANKS to...Livan, Gisel, Arlent, Wilmer, Roberto, Ignacio and Edgar for going above and beyond to provide us with memories to last a lifetime! Thanks, You Guys are truthfully THE BEST!!!!Overall our stay at the Melia Cayo Guillermo had such a lasting impression on both of us that we are already planning our trip back on May 2nd 2004! We can't wait to get back to experience it all over again, the friendly faces, beautiful white sandy beaches, blue waters, THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, CUBA!!!!!SEE YOU ALL SOON!Heidi Norton and Sarah Edmundson

awesome value

by A TripAdvisor Member

We visited this resort the week of January 11 th for one week and had a very enjoyable vacation. I've read the reviews of this property and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Our room was spotless and well equipped. The view from the 3rd floor offers a beautiful view of the ocean. The maid was very friendly and the room was freshened daily. The buffet is excellent, in fact I liked it better than the Italian a la carte restaurant that does require a reservation! There is alot of choice and the staff is great. The nightly shows are a great way to end each evening. The jungle tour is a 2 hour excursion across cayo guillermo's mangrove channels. This trip is well worth its price and a must experience. Pillar beach is quite possibly the nicest I've ever seen. This small beach is pure unspoiled beauty. The water is crystal clean, no rocks or seaweed just pure white sand. There are few facilities here but if you just want to relax, it is the perfect getaway. Take the catamaran ride over to the nearby island for some snokeling for a break.I have read some other reviews of the hotel and I can honestly tell you there is very little negative I can say. Water pressure can sometimes be a problem towards the evening hours but this can easily be avoided by adjusting the time you have a shower. As for the people that completely bad mouth this resort, they must be pretty darn hard to please. You would be hard pressed to find better value than Melia Cayo Guillermo. Beautiful views, clean rooms, great food....what more can you ask for!

the best holiday of our lives!

by A TripAdvisor Member

From the moment we arrived at the hotel we were made to feel really welcome and at home, as we were both 18 at the time we and our parents were worried as we had heard it was a very quiet and secluded hotel, that we would be bored and have nothing to do. This was NOT the case as from the first day there was plenty of activities and games to keep us occupied. The food was excellent every day, at all four restaurants.
There was a different variety of food served at every restaurant, so everyone is catered for! We couldn't get over how friendly the staff were. From the gardener to the entertainment team. They looked after us and made sure that we were never bored and were always enjoying our selves. The night time entertainment was brilliant and the animation team are extremely talented. The shows finished at 11 0'clock, and we would go straight into the disco afterwards. We fealt right at home here as the music was pretty much the same as back home. The entertainment team would often come and join us in the disco. While we were there another couple staying at the hotel got married and the staff made such an effort it was one of the most beautiful weddings we have ever seen. Everything was perfect for them. Our overall opinion of Cuba and The Melia Cayo Guillermo is 10/10. We loved it so much that we are going back this April. There's no keeping us away now!!!

A very relaxing break

by A TripAdvisor Member

My husband and I and another couple spent a beautiful week at the Melia Cayo Guillermo in April 2003. This was our first trip to Cuba ever and we are returning at the end of March this year for two weeks at Cayo Coco.Our guys spent 3 of the 7 days making day trips for fly fishing to Cayo Coco . They had a great deal of fun but sportfishing is not well developed in this part of Cuba.The guide's standards were not what most travelling anglers expect in other parts of the world. My friend and I had a glorious time between the stunning beach and sparkling pool.It is good to mark your territory early in the day as both the beach and pool get crowded. The food was average.Meats were often quite over cooked but there was always something good at the buffets.The alacartes were not spectacular but worth a visit. The most extraordinary experience we had was renting a car and driving across Cuba to Trinidad on the south coast.It took a full 12 hours to travel there and back including getting lost as signage is non existent. We marvelled at how these very dignified ,respectful well educated Cubans live.You have to witness it to appreciate the beauty of the people and the absolute simplicity of their lifestyle. We learned alot about their value system despite their hardships of getting to and from work and acccessing consumer goods.The day trip made us appreciate the hard working and very accomodating staff all that much more.Remember to give to the gardeners and the non traditional tipped staff.ENJOY this wonderful relaxing place for all of its beauty(inside & out)We can't wait to return to Cuba at the end of March!

Perfect place to stay

by A TripAdvisor Member

We just arrived from Cayo Guillermo Feb.27,2004.We arrived at the Cayo Coco airport to be told that the melia cayo guillermo was over booked and that we were going to Tryp Cayo Coco.We stayed there for 1 night and then transfered to the correct hotel. They tell us this happens a lot in the busy season,so be prepared.We were given a $100 U.S. refund per person as compensation.Personally,i thought it was pretty cool as we got to stay at two different resorts on two different islands.The resort is cozy and very clean.Lots of room here.You hardly see anyone accept for on the beach.The beach is quite nice and the breeze is just right.One thing i noticed is that i never saw any musquitoes,not even one.No spiders either.I never had to put on bug repellant.Just lots of sunsceen.The weather was nice with just a bit of rain,nothing to serious.Temps around 80 to 90 degrees every day.(28 to 32 degees)They give you a big bottle of water per day and there is also a mini bar with cuban pop,juice,and beer.The bathroom has lots of soap,shampoo,and toilet paper.Hot water was never a problem.It didn't matter if it was morning,noon,or evening.I had herd so many reviews on the food that i expected the worst,but boy was i amazed.The food was excellant.Everything from the buffet to the AlaCarte.The ice cream is awsome.I ate my fare share and then some.At the buffet,there are 4 or 5 chefs that cook your steaks,chicken,etc.,just the way you like it.Stir frys,pizza's or whatever.We even made a deal with the cook and got some lobster for $5.Snacks however,are virtually non existant here.Just a basic sandwich here.(bread,ham,cheeze,no mayo)other than that,drinks,and slush(good).If you need chips or chocolat,there is one shop on the resort that has this.It is on the left side of the resort.Chips of various flavors(made in Quebec)and Nestles chocolat bars.(same as aero bar except solid).Chips cost $3.95 US and a huge bar is $1.20 US.There is also a market on the resort where locals come in to sell some hand made items.Liquor and cigars a plenty to buy.If you don't want to buy your liquor on thr resort,buy it at the airport.There is a bigger selection there as well as candy.Gum is rather rare in cuba so bring some for the workers.There are 5 or 6 shops on the resort.We went horse back riding for $10 per hour.We took a jungle tour for $39 and we had a blast.We also went on a tour to the town of ***.This is a must tour.We went on a horse and buggy ride through the town and visited a museum.We then spent an hour shopping around and then went to an old sugar mill.They took us on a real steam train ride through the country side next to sugar cane plantations.We also ate some sugar cane.We then ate a light lunch out doors near the banana trees.We then went to a crocadile farm and proceded to a near by lake where we went through the mangroves.It was nice.Good Trip.We also went parasailing.You have to try this.They pull you up by boat and then they release you so you parashute down.Of course there is a pilot with you.Very Fun.A hair dresser is on site to make braids in your hair for $15 to $25.Also internet service is available and this was our comunication back home rather than using the phone which cost around $2.50 per minute.Get yourself a hot mail address.Overall,this is a great resort to relax or keep very busy like we did,the choice is yours.The food was superb and the sevice was excellant.I would recommend this place to anyone.

Villa Cojimar, Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

by George_Lance

"Villa Cojimar - 2004"

WE just returned from our second vacation this year at Club Villa Cojimar. Both vacations were great! Wonderful friendly staff, clean rooms and grounds, great shows and good food, all in a great location. Check out all of our photos at
http://www.thelances.ca/george/view_album.php?set_albumName=Alb052004