I'm afraid I haven't been to a Sandals Resort but just wanted to say we stayed at the PRDO a couple of years ago and had a fantastic time. We stayed there the final week when children were permitted but I believe it is adults only now. I am a bit picky with hotels (previous stays in Mexico at Iberostar Grand Paraiso, Iberostar Maya, Valentin Imperial Resort - all amazing) and was a bit dubious about Cuba as I expected the standards to be somewhat lower. We were pleasantly surprised, rooms were spacious, grounds were absolutely gorgeous as was the beach and the food in both the buffet restaurant and the a la cartes was well above expectations, certainly as good as anything we've had in the 5* hotels in Mexico. The International and Mediterranean restaurants were particularly good. If I were to go back to Cuba, I would definitely revisit the PRDO. We're off to the DomRep for the first time in a couple of weeks, looking forward to it but not sure it's going to come up to the standard of Mexico and the PRDO but we're taking our teenage daughter so all those amazing adult-only hotels were out of the running!
Sandals resorts always seem to look really good but I have noticed that many reviews from guests staying in the basic garden rooms complain that the rooms aren't always good and nothing like the brochure/webs photos. Seems to be less of a problem with upgraded rooms. Every time I price up a Sandals resort, my creeping elegance means I choose a private pool suite or honeymoon suite and by then its wayyyyyy above my price range and we end up somewhere else!
Have a great time whatever you decide.

Hi Cazzholly and thankyou for your reply.

I have looked at this Hotel and did find the reviews excellent, could you tell me what the night time entertainment was like and how far it was from Havana as we would like to go to Cuba and Havana so may think about this along with the other Hotels we have looked at?
Also could you tell me do they have beach front rooms as I really would like a sea view room, we looked into Sandals and it has been coming up at £3000 for 1 week in a beach front which is far too much for us to afford, but I have been told periodically they do buy one get one free holidays and we are very flexible on dates etc so thought we may still be in with a chance

Do you remember costings etc and was everything included in the price or did you have to start paying out for water sports and selected restaurants?

We have only ever been on med holidays and never been on an All inc holiday so thought we would just try a relaxing week to see if we liked it, but with Cuba may do 10 days as Havana is a must for an overnight stay I have been told....

Thanks again and if there is anything else you can think I appreciate your views.

Cheers
Liz Mc

i am a travel agent , and have been to many luxury hotels including sandals (antigua one admittedly, mainly on work trips ) but went to PRDO for my 30th , and by far it is the nicest hotel i have ever stayed in , this was 5 years ago nearly and I believe it is even better now . you will not be disappointed , its worth every penny x

Hi Liz,
As far as I recall none of the rooms at PRDO are beachfront. There were a couple of 'garden villas' with a private pool which were oceanfront and with butler service etc. but these came with a huge nightly supplement. I think there may now be some newer rooms maybe with an ocean view as they were clearing land towards the spa area when we went and I believe additional rooms were being built.
The evening entertainment was quite low-key, Cuban singers, Cuban Dancers but they were very good. There was also a disco.
Trips to Havana were available by air but I believe this was only available on one or maybe two days each week - we met a couple out there who couldn't go as the flight was 6:00am the morning after they arrived from the UK and they didn't have time to book it. It may be possible to pre-book the Havava trip in the UK? If Havana is a must-see, you might consider staying at the Paradisus Varadero which is a sister hotel (non-adults only though) and this won't then involve a flight to Havana. Have you considered the Sandals in Varadero to maybe get the best of both worlds?
Cazz

Thanks Girls I will short list this Hotel and have a look at the resort near to Havana to, anything else you can think of please let me know.

Cheers

Liz

Hi there... thought I'd offer my two 'penneth....

Going to Cuba for the third time this november.....

Havana on the day trip is a VERY long day... I think that you need a couple of days there... how about flying into Havana, doing three days at the NH Parque central or the Saratoga.. then transferring to Varadero for seven nights? - Thomson will do you a good package...

Any specific Qs - feel free to PM me...

ATB,J.

Hallo to everyone!! This is a dream for me to visit those beautiful and paradises places in the world!! its very expensive for me to go there,i wish one day! thanks for the above information,really useful,im happy to read about paradisus places!! i live in Greece