I just came back yesterday and i'm having trouble adapting to normal life again. Me and my boyfriend were at the El Senador for the week of may 9th to 16th, during the Jazz festival and we had an amazing time. It was my first ever vacation(i had never taken a plane in my life or left the country either) I was really surprised by the size of the resort and honesly needed the constent walking around to compessate for all the great food and drinks. The weather was perfect, there was always a breeze and i never felt extremely hot. I strongly recommend the jungle tour as an out of resort activity, you get more than you pay for: an amazing trill ride on a speed boat you ride yourself and 30 minutes of snorkeling were you get to see the biggest fish(even a shark sleeping in a cave if you're brave enough to look) As for the evening time you have to spend a night at the cigar lounge, to experience the ultimate relaxation sit in a rocking chair with both feet on the open window frame with a cigar in one hand and a spanish coffee in the other! and don't forget to visit the outdoor market near the stage (it's were you get the best deals on gifts and souvenirs) As for my but(s): the staff at the front desk are not the most helpfull, the cups for the drinks are way too small and the cubans don't know how to cook beef(stay away from all steak dish both at the buffet and the restaurant and go for chicken,pork or fish instead)

I am seriously thinking about going back soon and i will never again fear flying as it's a small price to pay for what you get in return.

Hola!
Myself, husband, brother and his wife just came home from a wonderful week at the El Senador! I know I speak for all of us when I say it was beautiful. The food, drinks, pools, beach, rooms and service were A1. I would never hesitate to return. Even though there was a problem leaving on time to return home, I wouldn't complain. Who would? We had to stay an extra 8 hours or so. I didn't mind at all. I felt bad for those who were stuck at the airport in Toronto trying to start their vacation. The walking did us all some good. It is a big resort but worth all the walking involved in seeing all there is to offer. We would definately return and probably will next year!

Everything was great. We were there the first week in March\04 and we had excellent service and weather for the whole week. We had visited Varedaro last year (2003) and were very disappointed with the food. The food at El Senador was excellent every day with great choices.
I would and will return. My wife and I had a memorable vacation.
Keep the food as it is--- please.

The week of May 2nd to May 9th my mother and I stayed at El Senador. My first impression of the resort was quite breath-taking. The two main complexes both the "Laguna" and "Oasis (im not sure about that name)" were grand lobbies however the "oasis" side was a tad fancier and a little higher end. We stayed at the Laguna side which was just as great because it was close to a lot of the main walk ways and buffets. First of all I just want to let future travelers who are considering El Senador to know that it is not a resort for people who cannot handle the walking distances. To get EVERYWHERE (and i mean everywhere) you have to walk along an intricate pathway that leads to different pools, eatterys, hotel complexes and of course the beach. The walkways are definately lovely with landscaping. ANother thing that I would like to point out is the beauty of this ecoligic reserve. Dont be suprised however if you see wild cows and chickens along the property! The resort itself is VERY safe. There are security guards everywhere. One night my mother and i heard a loud noise outside of our room and right away the security was there checking it out. ALso, this part of cuba where the hotels are, there is nothing surrounding you. YOu are in a clearing of natural shrubs and forests! By the way the rooms and hotel properties are very clean and sterile! I was very impressed! Now the food I have to say wasnt great at the a la carte restuarants... especially the cuban. On the first day we rushed around everywhere trying to make all of our reservations for the week. However, we were quite disappointed at the selection and quality at the a la cartes so we always ended up going to the buffet on the Laguna side which was top notch! Just to make a mental note.... there is a grill on the other side of the resort that is located off the beach, the food there is SUPERB! Much better than the other grill by the pool on the Laguna side! All in all this resort was amazing when considering what country it is located in. The staff were great and catered to our every need. Tipping doesnt get you any extra perks! but it is nice to know that you are giving to people who barely make 30 USD a month!!! I would consider going back to El Senador for a very relaxing vacation, but if you are looking for a place to party... this isnt the resort to do it! However there are a few clubs located off the resort in cayo coco and you gotta take a local bus to get there. One more thing to note... the beach is paradise... never seen anything like it (nice and wide and clean... no seaweed)