We were a bit worried by some of the reviews that had been posted prior to our departure but decided that a lot of the bad bits seemed to be minor niggles so went with an open mind - we didnt need to be worried at all.

We had been warned that Holguin airport was a nightmare through immigration, however we were off the plane, through immigration and on the coach within 50 minutes and that was after having to search for a jacket that one of our party managed to leave behind!

The journey to the hotel took about an hour and although the Blau didnt look the most spectacular we were already prepared that the exterior wasnt the best. Check in was smooth and off we went to our rooms, we were in block one on the ground floor and had no complaints, the rooms werent the poshest but they were extremely clean and spacious and the bed lined was changed every other day, towels every day and mini bar was topped up every day.

The beach was absolutely beautiful and although the hotel was full the first week you could get sunbeds at whatever time of day you wanted both on the beach and around the pool. There were lots of activities to join in if you wanted to but if you didnt it wasnt a problem. All the staff in the resort were the friendliest I have ever known and please & thank you went a lot further than a tip, I was quite amazed at the amount of holiday makers who cant even say please when ordering their drinks!

We went to the beach disco a few times, sometimes it was livelier than others, but its what you make it and we always managed to have a good time and socialise with the others in there. We also went to La Roca in Guardalavaca and felt completely safe socialising and dancing with the locals, it was so lovely to be on a holiday where no one hassles you to buy things and go on trips, everyone is just so eager to please.

I am surprised that people moan about the buffet, we had two fussy eaters in our party and they managed to have two plates full of main course most nights, followed by dessert and we have all put on excess pounds. We ate in all the restaurants and snack bars throughout the holiday and the food was very good everywhere. The drinks were definately plentiful although I dont recommend having any more than 3 bahama mamas in a 20 minute period as they do make you feel quite sick!

All in all we had a fantastic holiday and we were back online to get prices for next year straight away. A big thanks to all those who were on holiday at the same time as us who helped make our holiday.

Any questions please email me
debs398@hotmail.com

We booked the Blau Coste Verde through Air Canada Vacations direct from Halifax to Holguin. The 4.5 hour flight is direct and the service (Executive Class) was outstanding.

The package pre-taxes was $768, after tax $1023. That alone caused concern for a week stay. However, all concerns were laid to rest upon arrival.

Check-in was quick and efficient. Our room was spotless. It was spacious, bathroom amenities were fine and the towels, while not plush, were good quality. There is a hair dryer and the bathroom was large with a bathtub.

The tv has cable and there is a telephone in the room. The room had a spacious balcony with 2 chairs and a table. It overlooked the courtyard and was quiet even though near the stage area.

The beach is spectacular. I do not favour beach vacations. However, I was impressed with the cleanliness, white sand, extraordinary and clean water and the fact you could see coral and fish by being only waist deep. My partner swam around the cove and said the coral and fish were amazing. The hobicats need to be booked by 8:30 am or they are full. It is a fairly wild ride when you get out on the waves and not for the faint hearted like me!

The a la carte restaurants are both very good, the italian restaurant excellent given it is in Cuba. The beef tenderloin was superbly cooked and the service very good. The Cuban restaurany was also good. Neither were packed and we ate three evenings in the restaurants. The Italina restaurant is also open at lunch time for table service and the thin crust pizza is great.

There is a beach restaurant for quick lunches and a pool bar that serves from 10:30 to 5. The buffet is a buffet and while not the best there are plenty of options particularly the fresh cut fruit and breads which are good.

The entertainment is fun. There was an excellent cover band one night and the other night's had typcial resort shows.

Gaudalavarca is okay for the lovely beaches. The market is small perhaps 15 vendors. There is nothing else. We went to the small town about 5 minutes away and took school supplies and food and gifts to the residents. This was a highlight and they were warm and invited us into their homes. Cubans are gracious and lovely people.

The hotel staff were, for the most part, excellent. They are very freindly and accomodating. We got a late cheout as our flight left at 8 pm. The servers were great, fun and helpful. The bar staff as well were great guys.

This resort is small, about 300 rooms. It is nice that you can walk around it and not feel lost. The adjoining resorts on the same cove are 900 rooms and very large.

We are a gay couple and had no issues at this resort, with the staff or with other guests. We had a terrific time and would not hesitate in recommending Blau Coste Verde. Superb value for the money, far exceeding our expectations.

Just returned from BCV--we had a great time, prefect weather and beautiful beach what more can you ask for. Overall I think is resort is great value. I would rate at a 3!/2 star. Staff is all very pleasant, rooms were clean and always something good to eat on the buffet.
Snorkelling right off the resorts beach was fanastic. Always lots to do if you wish and animation staff gets you involved if you wish but are not overly pushy about it. We only went on 1 tour, The taste of Cuba, we enjoyed getting out and seeing some of Cuba. The rest of the time we relaxed by the beach or pool as that is exactly way we went for some R&R.
Some people did compalin about their rooms being musky but we were in the # 1 block and hkad no complaints. The hotel is dated looking but we were not there to look at the outside of a building and view on the beach makes up for it.
I would certainly return to the BCV in a heartbeat.

HOLA we were at blau costa verde from feb/23rd to march 2nd.
please dont listen to negative reviews as they are all wrong.people have axe to gring for small stuff or they claim to be know it all and take offence at small stuff.
everything at blau was excellent.
reception quick and friendly.
busboys friendly and fast.
rooms clean and excellent and maids did very good job weather you tip or not.
variety of good food at buffet restaurant and large choice at all three meals.
ala carte restaurant both very good.all bars and bartenders were amazing,friendly and fast and efficient.including pool bar,lobby bar,beach bar,disco bar etc.
beach service very good for loungers,shades,etc.
we met atleast 200 plus people at blau and no one had any complaints.
music/entertainment was fun all the time.its sad when people go to cuba and post negative reviews because they expect Ritz/waldorf/ambassador service but pay for 4 star resort in cuba.asking a bit too much.they also claim to be expert on travelling.
blau is excellent go wothout worries and enjoy.
write to me if any question.jascomdc@yahoo.com
no offence to anyone.
adios till we meet again at blau next year.