Hi everyone,
We're thinking of going to Cuba later this year, which will be our first time there. I'd really appreciate your advice on the following questions :
Firstly, we like the sound of the Paradisus Rio de Oro, but the Sol Rio de Luna de Mares seems to get rave reviews, too. Out of those two which one would you recommend? And which one has the nicest beach/decor/best food etc?
It looks like the beaches are lovely, but I can't really find that many pictures of them. Are they typical soft, sandy white Caribbean beaches with clear blue sea; and are they quite shallow or do they shelve deeply? I read that the winds pick up in the afternoon making the sea rough - is that correct?
The food - the reports look fantastic for the SRLM. I adore seafood, and noticed they have lobster on the buffet - would that be half/whole lobster served in its shell - or is that lobster meat in a salad? Also, I read they serve Champagne by the jacuzzi - is that French Champagne or local champagne? I would imagine it's local? Sorry if I sound greedy (I'm really not!) I'm just curious.
Can you see the sun setting from the hotels or do you need to go out for that?
We'd also like to do an overnight trip to Havana (booking it through the rep) can you tell me how long the journey takes? Do they fly you up there? If so, which airline do they use, and which aircraft is normally used for such trips? I'm sure Dazbo will help me on that one.
With only a short stay-over in Havana are there any must-sees you'd recommend?
Oh, here's another question for Dazbo : we would probably be flying with Thomson. Would you recommend upgrading to Premium for the flight? I did read that the seats in Premium, though wider and with more leg-room, are very hard. Is that right do you know?
Lastly, I understand British Citizens need a visa for Cuba (which seems relatively straightforward) - does anyone know if Cuban visas are as easy to obtain for Turkish passport holders?
Many thanks in advance!
Strawberry
I've commented on your flight over on the Thomson Airways topic. In terms of hotel, it's the Parasisus Rio De Oro every time for me. It's probably the best hotel I've ever stayed at, and certainly the best in Cuba. Esmarelda beach is a little exposed and the sea can get a little rough, but that's true for most of the Atlantic coast of the Caribbean region. It's a white coral sand beach that shelves gently although you do get out of your depth within a short distance. The snorkeling around the rocks to the right is excellent though. The diving is a little basic on the wall, but still plenty to see. It' a while since I was last there, but you get nice sunsets on the horizon. If you like sea food, you won't go wrong at the PRDO. Most days there were full lobsters, oysters, king prawns, salmon plus many others. Food was way above average. The waiters would always notice and bring you a finger bowl. They were very switched on. There's 5 star hotels, then there's the PDRO! It's quite a way from Guardalavaca to Havana and involves a flight. It's too far to drive. That's why the second time I went to Cuba, we stayed in Varadero that's much closer. They normally use the Cuban airline Aerogaviota who use modern ATR 42's.
Darren
Gosh, the PRDO sounds heavenly! That's definitely made my mind up!
Are there any specific rooms you'd recommend booking?
Thank you again. You're so helpful!
Strawberry
All rooms are junior suites and much of a muchness really so I wouldn't say any room is better than another unless you want one closer to the pool, lobby etc. They are arranged in 2 story buildings with about8 suites in each so they aren't crowded and set over a large area. I'm sure you'll love it and I've been told it's better now than when I was last their!
Darren
Oh, it sounds absolutely fantastic! I had another look at the website and I see what you mean about the accommodation - they are all very similar - so it won't matter which room we're allocated. They all look totally gorgeous - and I want to go today!
I do have one concern about the flight, though. I've only ever flown schedule on long haul, so I'm concerned about the seat comfort on charter. I've posted that on the flight forum, anyway.
Thanks again, Darren!
Strawberry
we are off to PDRO on sunday flying premium with thomsons. All packed and ready to go, will write a review on our return
happy days lolly
Did you ever book the trip to Cuba? My partner and I went last year and loved it. We stayed at SRLM and it was lovely, although we met some people who stayed at PRDO and they said that their rooms and the food was amazing, but I think PRDO is more expensive.
We also upgraded our flights and I think it was worth every penny. We're are off to Dominican in a few weeks and we have upgraded our flights for that too. If you like to have a drink on the plane and appreciate a larger seat pitch, then I think it's worth it.
We also went to PRDO last year and thought it was just ok.Wasnt a patch on Riu Palace Mexico in every which way. Didn't like the main buffet with the birds (big problem) liked the restaurant on the beach for lunches. Still had a good holiday but woudn't go back ............this is just my opinion - going back to Mex in April.
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