Grand Memories Santa Maria

Really great resort. All of the staff members are incredible. If you run into any problems they are quick to resolve things for you and are very accommodating. There were many food options for all meals in the buffet. Diamond club was a great option and came with private beach area with butler and dinning area with menu for lunch (though you can also choose to have the buffet). Drink service on the beach was great. Beaches were so beautiful and family friendly. There were paddle boats and kayaks that guests could take out on their own. There was also the option to have someone take groups of up to four out on smaller catamarans. We did this and it was so much fun. The person who took us out shared info on local wildlife while we were out. We had a group ranging from 9yrs to 70+ and everyone had a great time. The Michael Jackson show, dancers, fashion show and musicians in the lobby were so entertaining.

Thia was our vacation trip of the year and was amazing, we are so happy with this vacations. The food was crazy delicious, omg the beach the best for me. All the people here treat you like family, the guys from reception, guest services, the bartenders.

If I’m being honest, this hotel has the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. The staff are heart minded and do whatever they can for you. The resort is balanced for the peaceful retreat kind of people and the go hard party hard people as it has its sections. I will definitely be bringing my friends back here to visit again. Also my man Jefrey, best hotel manager I’ve met. Don’t think any hotels I’ve been to before the manger was so involved. Also the man made road to the island which the hotel is on is worth the view

Enjoyed our week here, beach is very clean and beautiful. Pool is well kept, lots of seating and good drinks. Rooms are kept clean and cleaned everyday with fresh towels, the service is great here! Entertainment crew is also really great, we really enjoyed the Michael Jackson show. Food has been very good as well!

Very nice resort. We were diamond club and it was amazing. The workers are all super friendly and help you out if you need something. The food was good! We had a very nice time ! Weather was also fantastic the whole week. Best beach that I have ever seen in Cuba!

Amazing views and service. Malvia and the Diamond club staff were amazing and helped us on anything we needed. The beach is great and is turquoise. Animation was great. Even with some food shortages, service more than helped making it better.

We originally came for the beach (which is breathtaking), yet continue to come back each year for the people. So much love, and gratitude, to: Maikel Sosa, Nery Del Real, Yusimi Yera, Alonso Chinea, Daymari Pacheco, Esteban Sanchez Morales, Ernesto Manuel Girado Avella, and Alejandro from Lobby 2 bar. Each and every one of you went out of your way to make our stay special, and we appreciate your kindness more than words can say. Gracias, mi amors. Wonderful entertainment, lots of food (meats, beans, rice, potatoes, a delicious pasta bar, and fresh-to-order fried donuts), alcohol (vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, wine, beer), juice (lemonade, pineapple, orange), soda (cola, orange, lemon/lime). Gorgeous beaches and pools, music, and friendly customer service. Hot sandwiches are available at both the beach and pools. The grounds/gardens are beautiful! Diamond Club is worth it. Priority spot on the beach and in the buffet (seating). Bring Canadian bills, not coins. You will not be able to take out Canadian money here. If there is something you absolutely need while on vacation, remember to bring it with you — Cuba has many shortages, including coffee. Sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray are important, too.

Dining/Food : The food at the buffet and dining room restaurant were the same but presented differently. If anything, you had more options at the buffet. In general, not many options at the buffet and little vegetables other than squash and there was un-necessary long lines at the buffet like at the pasta station, grill station, egg/omelette station (in the morning). The first 2 days we had a choice of fish and chicken as meat protein. Then they received pork and on our last day they had beef. The pork is tasty but tough, not the best cuts. The chicken is also tasty but full of bones. There could have had more ‘’generic options” at the buffet bar especially for kids such as fries, pizza and pasta. There was a snack grill at the pool and on the beach which served ham, hot dogs, sometimes chicken and pork. Typically served on a bun with option of ketchup and mustard as well as lettuce/cabbage and tomatoes. Get there early since they run out fast (except hot dogs). There are also 2 pizza bars one at the beach (opens around 1 pm) and another by the lobby (open 4- midnight) again go there early they run out quickly. Choices of pizza are tomato, ham, hotdog, cheese. Overall, food is good but often room temperature and in need of options but feel free to bring your own spices. I also suggest brining peanut butter and Nutella for the mornings if you want something different and/or familiar. We brought snacks (chips and chocolate bars) to bring to the beach since they don’t have much snack options. If you don’t drink coffee, bring hot chocolate mix and just ask for hot water. To dine at the restaurant (Italian every night and Mediterranean every 2 days) you need reservations (not sure why the restaurants are empty). You can reserve daily (for the same night only) with a staff sitting at the desk on the left of the reception desk. He will also try to insight you to reserve at a restaurant on the market, please note that these are completely empty and DO NOT require reservations, just walk over they would LOVE to have you. Drinks: The only bar to get pina colada is at the pool bar. The beach bars (2) have rum, vodka, tequila and beer and the lobby bar (open 24 hrs) serves beer, tequila, vodka, rum, espresso, cappuccino. The resort ran out of coffee and cola 1 day which was odd. There are also pop up bars near building 55-56 and outside the buffet and entertainment building. Another day, we didn’t get any water bottle in our room. You can drink rose, white or red wine or bubbly at any restaurant including the buffet. Towels: When you get in your room you should have pool towels for all your guests, if you don’t have any, please ask the reception desk and INSIST. They will ask you to go to the pool hut but the staff working it asks you to go to reception. This is also where you swap for clean towels but we only swapted once since they only had clean ones 1 day. Again, check often and get there early. Beach: Off the pool there’s a path that leads to the be