I don't have a contact for the hotel, but this is the website for the hotel chain. I couldn't find a contact for the hotel, you might be able to find it:

http://www.solmelia.com

I didn't try the japanese restaurant but had a look through the door, looked very nice. Its set in a japanese style gardens and all the staff are dressed in authentic clothing. When I was their, the head chef was japanese as well.

We didn't do the Havana trip because it was a very long day and we had other things on (diving etc). If you are prepared for a long day and lots of travelling, then it sounds a good day out. Its not cheap though, something like $200+ for the day and $350+ for the two day trip. I might be going to Varadero or Cayo Coco next march so if I am, then I'll be off to Havana from their, its much closer.

You'll have a fantastic time, its probably the best hotel I've ever been to. Wish I was coming with you!

Darren

Thanks very much for your help and advice Darren - much appreciated. I will no doubt be back on this board when we get back into the UK to hopefully give my advice to those yet to discover Cuba. I am SO looking forward to getting out there.

Well, wherever you decide to go, happy holidays to you.

Teresa

Hiya C&T
I promise that you will love this hotel, I have sent my best friend's parents here next wednesday purely on recommendation and believe me they have been all over the world and are very fussy!!
I personally have been to the hotel right next door twice now (they share the same beach though) and will hopefully be getting married at the Paradisus in September 2007, even if there was major refurbishment going on I would still go there to be married as the place is that great.
Relax and enjoy, Cuba is beautiful, the beach is fabulous and I sincerely hope you love it
Ellie

Thanks for that Ellie - I have yet to come across someone that has said anything negative about this hotel so far and believe me, I am getting REALLY excited about going now - and at my age as well !!!

Hi

Me and my new husband have just returned from Paradius Rio De Oro. We got married at Paradisus.

The travel agaent told us about the building work 2 days before we went out. I can honestly say that we didn't hear any building work going on the whole 2 weeks we were there. The beach area is sectioned off but the main beach is beautiful, it doesn't matter.

Paradisus is truely a magical place to get married and/or have a honeymoon.

We are already looking at going back to celebrate our 1st wedding anniverasery.

Hi bmwbird,
Congratulations on getting married and thanks for posting about the building work!Were off to the paradisus on 1st July and were wondering how bad the building work would be,youve put our minds at rest.
Cheers Nige & Nic.

we are going there on 1st of july and are bit concerned about the work what is going on. can anyone tell me how bad it is thanks chris + helen.

p.s how is the weather that time of year

Hiya cdflyer If you look down the page a bit there is a thread entitled "building work at Paradisus," lots of people who have just got back have put bits in there about the building work that is going on, general consensus seems to be that it isn't intrusive at all. The beach and hotel is beautiful, have a fantastic time, I'm really jealous!
Ellie

Hi there chris & helen ,
Were also flying out to the paradisus on the first of july.We ve heard nothing but great reports about the hotel despite the ongoing building work and weve been told the weather is usually really good in july.We were worried about the work at first but since weve heard the good reports were looking forward to the holiday and are on countdown! Yippee .
P.S Are you flying from the north west
Nige & Nic.

Hi Guys,

Just returned from PRDO yesterday and had a great two weeks. our room was fairly near the construction zone - near the garden villas and we were very disturbed. You can occasionally hear faint drilling at the pool but certainly nothing to be concerned about - the only time we heard any proper noise was when we used to return to the lobby bar from the beach for a few drinks before we showered and changed for dinner. Contruction work can be heard - but they usually finish around 6pm but i can't say it was ever too intrusive to be a problem.

Hope you have a great time

Tracy

Hi

Anyone back from this hotel recently? Any reviews? We are going in October and I read that the pool may be shutting (but I think that was during September).

Hi Chicken

We also go in Oct the 21st to be exact for 2 weeks for our honeymoon

I hope the pool is'nt shut as i will spend a fair amount of my time there!!!

Have a few more questions if anyone can help ?

How much are the laundry services?
How much is the hairdresser for a blow dry and are they any good?
What is the situation with topless bathing as i hate getting strap lines?
Im hoping as there are'nt any americans and more europeans it wont be as frowned upon as in other caribbean destinations

also how long is the transfer from the airport to our hotel

Thankyou in advance for all repies

Kitten

Chicken,

You might find this thread useful

Darren

Hi,

I went to PRDO in May,

Laundry services range from 2 to 4.5 CUC per item depending on what it is.

Transfer from the airport is about 55 mins

Can't help with hairdresser though i believe 20-25 CUC is about the right area.

No problems with topless on the beach. Wasn't done much at the pool from what i saw and not at all when you go to the swim up bar. Even as another girl, I certainly don't want to be up close and personal with somebody elses jugs when I'm sipping my pina colada! Sure the guys would disagree though! No Americans but I'm afraid the Canadians are just as prudish and they just about have the majority of guests at the hotel.

Thanks for the info guys

Kitten

We have reviews HERE

I was wondering how soon in advance we should book our restaurants at the Paradisus? We are going in October so wanted to be prepared - I suppose mid August is a bit over the top!

Can someone let me know what they did?

Also did anyone prebook the massage or also request a certain room (and did it work?)

Thanks.

I went to the Paradisus Rio de Oro in February and prebooked the restaurants about 4 weeks before we went. We also requested a certain room and got an email by return saying that they would do what they could to accommodate us. When we arrived, a ltter was waiting for us saying that we were being given the room we requested and to contact customer services the next morning to collect all our restaurant reservations. We had a fantastic time here. The beach restaurant is fantastic for lunch. We only ate in the buffet 3 times in the evening. We managed to get extra bookings at the a la cartes most evenings. Our favourite was El patio. If you ask them nicely, Yemi does a fantastic banana flambe (it isn't on the menu).

You will have a fantastic time. I am green with envy.

Hi chaffesbird,

Any help on what rooms I should request - I'd read that an upstairs corner one would be good - also want one if possible away from the main bit - don't mind the walk but like my sleep - any room numbers or tips would be great.

Thank you!