The hotel which was originally two separate hotels, the Sol Luna and the Mares, is now one big complex which is great as you have so much more space to roam around.

Our room was on the Sol Luna site so we mainly used the pool and restaurant there although we did spend some time at the Mares where there was a swim-up bar and the very slow Internet connection.

The Mares seemed to accommodate the Canadians more than the Sol Luna which suited us as they can be a bit loud and brash at times. Our room was fine and air conditioned, there was a bit of a musty smell when we arrived but that is to be expected in a tropical climate which was very humid at times but our cleaner kept it in tip top condition throughout our stay.

The main restaurants, one in Luna and one in Mares, are buffet style and served up a selection of food which I think everyone could get on with although I did find that the food was never hot just warm, but this was overcome by having fresh fish or steak cooked to your liking whilst you waited.

The hotel has a further 4 restaurants which are Mexican, Cuban, Italian and one called the romantica, which could have been Cuban I suppose, anyway, the best was the romantica followed closely by the Italian the Mexican and finally the Cuban, the romantica is a set menu with the others offering a choice of dishes and all are waitress service. You can visit these once each during your stay although a good tip is if you find someone who doesn't use up their allocation you can use their room number to book again and again if you wanted to. These 4 restaurants become snack bars during the day which you can use as much as you like.

The pools are fantastic and always seemed to have sunbeds available. The beach, which is absolutely stunning, also has sunbeds but you have to be a bit quick to get the comfy (softer) ones, we resorted to the old get up early and claim with your towel trick. There is lots to do, rile shooting, archery, volley ball, beach football, horse riding, bicycles, mopeds, pedalo's and mini catamarans which are all included and a golf driving range of sorts which you had to pay for.

The clubs etc. weren't up to much but is was fun to have a go. Entertainment at night was O.K. a bit samey each evening but was nice to watch. All in all I think that this hotel is value for money and coupled with the friendly Cuban people could not be bettered. We will definitely return here next year.

A couple of tips if you are thinking of going!!
1. Take lots of mosquito repellent, they were a big problem whilst we were there although the locals said is was unusual for so many. The on-site doctor was very busy.

2. Tip as you go. You will get better service. Tips are not expected but go a long way to help the staff who are not paid a great deal. Tips are collected up and distributed after the shift is finished and they do remember who tips and who does not. Also remember the cleaners, they will be very glad of your leftover shower gel face cream etc.

3. book your choice of restaurant early, as they get booked up quickly, particularly the romantica.

4. Book the swim with dolphins trip, it is amazing.

5. If you go on the Havana overnighter be prepared for an exhausting schedule. If youv'e not been before the Tropicana show is unmissable, but you have an early start the first day and a very late return to the hotel the second day.

6. There are no shops as such to buy your bits and pieces for everyone back home, there is a market of sorts in Guardalavaca and a couple of "shops" in the hotel but to be honest the airport had more choice and was cheaper (unbelievable). Also it is no different in Havana (no decent shops)

I hope this helps anyone who is thinking of going, the people are so friendly and happy and we never wanted for anything we had the best holiday ever and would not hesitate to recommend this fantastic place.

we flew with thomas cook, but didnt realize there was a stop at varadero ooops, finally reached the hotel and were unfortunatley palmed off with two rooms, with two young children this was not an option, after a long journey and having booked one of the suites so we could all be together( this was one of the reasons for booking this hotel as they offered bigger rooms)our fantastic rep said he would have it sorted the next day.

The first rooms were smelly (mares site) with damp but for one night only we didnt mind, I would have hated two weeks in this.

The suit on the luna site was fab with sea views big balcony two bedrooms etc, the only thing was it was tired looking even though it had been re-vamped.

The beach is the stuff you dream of beautiful sand and water, excellent snorkelling.lots to do on the beach if you want to.

Unfortunatley we were hit by tummy bugs which took a few days to get over as we all had it.
The dolphins was an experience we will never forget, fantastic and not a rip off the staff were lovely and could not do enough.

The staff on all trips did make sure you had a good time(as they hope for good tips) which is fair enough, the fishing was dissapointing as we blanked totally and got the feeling this was often the case, was very rough to so have good sea legs if you go this time of year.

We had quite a bit of cloud and rain which was surprising, but was warm all the time.
The food does get a bit samey and (the availability was dissappoining to as if you missed breakfast you had to wait till 12 untill the snack bars opened to get andyting)was surprised that the availability of getting a drink at the bar especially 5.00 time was testing.

The canadians had it right as most had the insulated cups/flasks so you could fill up at the bar and take to beach.

The hotel staff were mostly superb and trying to speak the lingo goes a long way, their english is excellent but try not to be too lazy.

Our rep urley was the most fantastic rep ever, being cuban he was passionate about his country and never stopped smiling, would do anything to help and wanted to too!

Unfortunatley we were usually completley knackered by 10 so didnt see much of the nightlife.

On the whole I wouldn't stay at this hotel again as it feels quite tired.but there was loads to do which was all included i.e horseriding hobbycats etc for anyone wanting exciting night life don't come here but if you want a quiet hol with safe beautiful beaches lots of activities this is the place for you.

The people have no luxuries at all so anything you can give them is greatly appreciated, clothing paper pens etc. They are a very contented unselfish people and want you to love their country as much as they do.

Firstly I have to thank Mr Castro for not allowing mosquito

I have to agree with most people on this site. The hotel location is wonderful, brilliant beach, plenty of sunbeds, lots of shade, you couldn't wish for a better setting.

Unfortunately though this is about all that is good with the hotel!!

Don't get me wrong, Cuba is a wonderful place, we have been here before (but not this hotel). So we know that things are difficult for the Cuban people, and food is not up to the standard perhaps of the UK or Med, but you do expect to have hot meal (or at least warm!) The only hot meal you could get is if you had it cooked in front of you at the grill, which we opted for most of the time! A bit more of a choice than the same thing day in day out would have been nice, if most of the other hotels in Cuba can do this then I don't see why this one can't!

We found the staff very friendly and never had a problem with them, we tipped at the end of the holiday which was appreciated.

The rooms were basic, although that's not a problem as you don't spend much time in them but a few drawers and doors were falling apart. We had to ask for some knobs to be put on some drawers as we couldn't get them open!!

We also had a problem with water leaking in the rooms when it rained which was dangerous, especially if it rained in the night and you slipped on the wet in the dark! We were lucky that it didn't rain than often or it would have been a problem. So it seems they still need to address that issue from previous reports.

I would perhaps save up a little more money and go to one of the other hotels like Playa Pesquero,or the Paradisus Oro, just to make sure you have that extra bit of comfort regarding the standard of food and accommodation but if you don't mind a good beach but lack of interesting warm food then come here!!!!!

Well see all the people who think this hotel is rubish well you need to go to Specsavers. This is the best hotel I have ever stayed in.

Ok the entertainment is rubbish but it is usually like that anywhere you go.

We went on a trip to Havana and my god the plane we flew up there on was held together by bluetak it was an old soviet tupolev 154 other than that Havana is a lovely place except the river because it is covered in oil.
Back to the hotel the room and food was amazing amd he staff were lovely =]

Hope this is useful and don't listen to the rubish ones thank you

Some really wishy-washy reviews on this site... Honestly, some people really want to get a life! This place is fantastic for a quiet relaxing holiday, combined with plenty to do to avoid being bored if you fancy 'doing a bit'.

My wife and I were there for two weeks from 17 June 2005.

Great staff, great food/drink, great location/accommodation with plenty of choice to do what you want without being affected by any of the ongoing activities.

Would strongly advise against teenagers/ young adults coming here as fairly limited 'excitement' to keep them busy. Not too many children here during our visit and those that were, were well behaved unlike the 'unrulies' so very prevalent in Europe these days... I expect it is only a matter of time before Cuba gets infiltrated with them!!!

We have absolutely no complaints... get packing and go!

Other holidaymakers = Mainly English & Canadian with a few other Europeans (few Germans as there is no need for towels on the sunbeds!)

Currency. Take your own currency/cash and change as you need at the hotel (forget about chasing rates.. not worth the hassle).

Luggage.. Oh dear! Nearly everyone got 'stung' either out or back for excess luggage...

Having reviewed some other reports on this hotel I feel I must add to my previous report....

Firstly, some comments are pure ignorance... you are abroad in a different country where people have a totally different culture and standard of living to us in the uk... experiencing this is one of the main reasons we ALL opt to go abroad and get away from our normal routine.... you will be rewarded with kindness and service... only if you conduct yourself in a civilized fashion towards others, especially staff.

With regard to the standard of the food... at the main buffets there are 'hot plate' grills where each evening you can choose fresh fillets of chicken, pork chops, beef steaks or a variety of fresh fish, cooked right in front of you. Also, fresh pasta with whatever ingredients you desire, again cooked right in front of you. Also (phew) flamb

I've only just managed to come back down to earth from my holiday in Cuba - hence the reason it's taken me so long to post my Report! I travelled on 3rd June for 2 weeks from Manchester.

First of all the flight with First Choice on the new airplane was fantastic - so much more room. The food was great and the staff were really nice on the outbound flight (not as pleasant on the return though). I spoke to a few people who travelled Star Class Premier and it didn't sound any better than the seats I had to be honest.....so I wouldn't waste my money.

The only thing I objected to was the fact that there were some parents who didn't mind if their kids ran up and down the aisles for the whole flight or not, and they were very annoying, especially for the cabin crew who had to maneuver round them. I appreciate it was a long flight for kids but if parents aren't prepared to keep them entertained then they should consider their choice of holiday destination. Other than that I really enjoyed the flight.

We stayed at the Sol Rio de Mares and on arrival I was stunned. It was absolutely fantastic. We were greeted by the man who plays the guitar and uses a leaf in his mouth to play a tune as well (if you've been you'll know him well!). Check in went very smoothly with a nice cool drink!!

Our room was nice and clean, only problem was we are smokers and were given a non smoking room but after telling reception they promptly sent someone up with an ashtray and told us not to worry!! We also asked for chairs on the balcony as not all rooms had these and again we got them within minutes of asking. Not that we needed them though - it was cooler in the room with the balcony doors closed so maybe that

This was by far and away a superb location for a hotel,The beach and the sea are so clean and clear they take your breathe away.

Why people expect so much of the food is beyond me,If you get there on time the food is hot,The choice is varied and wonderfully laid out.

From the hot grill nothing is to much trouble if you fancy something that is not on the menu ask politely and the staff will go out of their way to help.

Seeing as the Cuban people have so little it is very humbling to find them so polite,educated,and above all so happy.

My young daughter thought she was in paradise as from 8 in the morning till 6 at night she was entertained fully,It was very comforting to know that she was so safe.

This hotel was so good we are back in May 2006

We went to this hotel last October and loved it so much we couldn't wait to get back. Everything was the same which was great, apart from the fact that they had built an entertainment complex between the Luna and the Mares which was good.

The daily activities were great for the kids and the beach was still beautiful.

The only thing that I really feel the need to mention is that the food has very badly gone downhill. When we went last year you used to be able to get a hot meal if you ate before 7pm ish, now the food is always cold and eggs at breakfast (fried and hard boiled) were dangerously undercooked. I know this is an AI resort and they are never going to be able to please everybosy in the food department but they seriously need to address this problem before somebody gets ill.

Having said that it is still a lovely clean hotel with mostly fabulous staff in a beautiful location on one of the best beaches in the world and I would definitely go back again one year.