We stayed at the Pestana from 18/06 to 02/07 as first-timers to Cuba, and having read the mixed reviews were a little unsure of what to expect. So, here goes:-
Transfer/check-in. We had booked a private transfer (which we normally do) and were pleased to get classic cars both ways. As a result, we were in front of the bus, and check-in was painless and swift – the welcome drink was just that – welcome. We were directed to Building 2, and our luggage was brought to us within 5 minutes. All good.

The rooms are arranged in 2 storey blocks, dotted all over the well-tended grounds. The rooms themselves are quite spacious, with a queen (I think) bed, or two twins, plenty of storage space, a mini fridge and a digital safe (free) and a balcony. Both our rooms had a decent size bathroom, with a full bath an over bath shower. We had no problems with either water pressure or temperature at any time. We did have a problem with our air conditioning not working, but that was fixed in under half an hour.

The buffet is, generally, good to very good. The salad bar is varied, all fresh and inviting, even to a confirmed salad-dodger like me! There are always variations on potatoes, vegetables and rice, alongside a fish and at least 2 meat offerings (chicken, pork, lamb, beef & rabbit) as well as the three show cooking stations, doing pasta, fish, and meat. The types of meat & fish varied nightly, all cooked to your preference, and seasoned at your direction form the options available. Lunchtime was very similar, usually with burgers and hot dog sausages making guest appearances. Desserts are of the cake/crème caramel/jelly type, with fresh fruit (varies) and ice cream also available. As a result, it was extremely difficult to go hungry, especially when you add in the snack bar, with toasted sandwiches, burgers & hot dogs available 24 hours a day, not to mention the three a la carte restaurants also available nightly, although you do have to book in advance. You have a choice of Italian, Cuban and Portuguese, all of which were tasty and well presented, although some of the portions could have been bigger, e.g. the lasagne (an Indian option opened just as we were leaving, so I can’t comment on that). Wine is available, either the house wine (reasonable) of from the wine list at a very reasonable price. The beach grill does very nice pizzas, as well as offering shish kebabs, burgers and the local variation on paella.

The hotel itself is nicely laid out in well-kept landscaped grounds, with a large pool, split into two by a bridge, and there is a pool bar, and a kiddies pool. The daytime animation team are very good, and seem to enjoy everything they do, meaning so do the guests. The evening shows are impressive, the dance team are superb and very professional, although I have to say we probably enjoyed the rock show with the band “Dharma” doing some great cover versions of classic rock songs.

The beach is, in a word, stunning. We don’t usually spends a lot of time at the beach on holiday, but we did this time, it was so relaxing. There is a degree of sunbed saving going on, in breach of the hotel’s own rules, but we always managed to get some in shade on the beach.

As first time visitors, we were very pleased with the place, and the staff, with the exception of the guys on the beach, were amazing, always cheerful and helpful. We had a great holiday here, and are discussing a return visit.