having read a number of the reviews we were slightly apprehensive but after 10 nights we left having really enjoyed ourselves - we stayed in the villas and that is a definite plus - quiet , clean and great air con - the biggest plus on the resort is the beach - guardalavaca in august is hot but the cool winds , ample sun loungers and natural shade from trees meant you could spend days on the beach - food varied during our stay - largely ok , occeasionally good but every now and then poor - staff were consistently good and recognising this is a 4 star hotel standards were good , management was interested and visible and everything the hotel provided worked including the gym - top tips - if you can book a day out with the taxi driver Oro - see earlier reviews - this was the highlight of our holiday as we learnt so much about the country and experienced Oros passion and pride of what cuba has achieved - go swimming with dolphins and if the food gets to you go to either of the two restuarants at the east and west end of the beaches L'ancla and Guayacole where you can get lobster and seafood feasts for around $20 - enjoy!!

After much discussions, my husband and I decided to take our honeymoon in Brisas, Guardalavaca. We had read a lot of the reviews prior to our visit and were slightly apprehensive because of them, especially about the food and regarding the hotel accomodation. Arrived at 9.00pm and were greeted by a swift check in and an immediate upgrade to the villas, due to it being our honeymoon. Could not believe our luck when we entered our room!! Absolutely massive, air conditioning was perfect, immaculately clean and tidy - I think possibly the best view from the resort and something that postcards and brochures are made of. Didn't hear any negative comments about hotel accomodation but it was definately quieter and more relaxed by the villas. Having said that, the hotel and it's pool are just a stones throw away if you want a livelier day in the sun. Wait for a cloudy day and then sit with cocktails, people watching!

Had three great days eating at the buffet but then, as always happens when one goes abroad, had some problems adjusting to the way the food was cooked and the water. I say, get stuck in at the buffets because there is always something tasty to eat but just take it easy at the beginning and let your body settle to the Cuban way. If you are vegetarian, as I am, you are going to struggle somewhat. Most of the dishes are meat based but still it does not cause too many problems. Atmosphere in the villa buffet was much better. Smaller environment and you didn't feel so rushed. However, eating at the bookable restaurants was a pleasure. Lovely, smiley service and just one portion on one plate. Also you can chill over a bottle of bought wine and people watch again!!!

Snack bar! Not sure what's going on there! First off, pizza. If you like bread and cheese and you call that a pizza, then you're sorted. If you have no dietry requirements whatsoever and are not bothered about the size that you will ultimately obtain during your holiday, then go for the burgers and hotdogs. The chefs are simply providing a service, it is not cooked badly, it is just junk.

Drinks - very strong!! I know that is generally a great thing but just ask the bar staff if you want smaller measures because they just love pouring that old rum!! Cocktails in the hotel bar are the best. You even get a glass!

Beach is beautiful, weather was spot on! One cloudy day, one rainy day but if you're a sunworshipper (like me) you will have no problem finding a sunlounger right next to the sea.

Guardalavaca is one of the only mixed beaches in Cuba so, clearly, expect cubans. Not an issue, a couple of guys tried to sell us some shells in the sea but smiled and moved away when we politely said, 'No thank you.' Pedaloes and snorkles always available, a breezy break from laying directly in the sun.

Nightime entertainment - depends what you want! Shows kick off at around 9.30 but get there at 8.00 if you want a seat. The seating prevents much audience participation and although my husband and I expected mad salsa under the moon, we found most people sitting around, chatting and half heartedly watching. This could be due to the fact that the shows were not what we expected. They don't represent 'real' cuba. The staff try hard but always seemed as though they are taming it down for us tourists. Most people seemed to love the shows though and we had some of our best laughs there, because ultimately it is who you are with that shapes your experience.

The disco is a joy to behold! Get in there, drink your cuba libres and shake your booty with some kids! It reminds you what it was like to have a holiday romance when you were wee and it is a great laugh dancing to charty R and B.

All the female staff were beautiful, smiley and helpful but I agree with the other review that said some people were just there. Our first choice rep was exceptional and did everything in his power to make ours and everybodies stay wonderful!

Booked an excursion to Havana -two days including Tropicana show. An absolute must! Our guide was smashing and it certainly made us appreciate what we had in our resort. Do take a guide book with a map of Havana in it, however, as it is embarrasing to always be the last people getting on the coach - we should know!

Also swam with dolphins. Lovely, gentle creatures but felt slightly uncomfortable about their confinement and their 'performing' for us! Worth visiting before you book the trip (only a taxi ride away) just to see if you are happy with it.

All in all we had the best time! Two weeks of fun, laughter and sun and definately such value for money. Go with someone who is as happy to sit on the beach at 11.00pm gazing at the stars as is sharing the dancefloor with 9 - 14 year olds in 'lurve', and you will have a ball!

I just have to talk about Brisas Guardalavaca.

1. It's not fun if you go more than twice, as they switch most of the fun things, i.e, entertainers leaving/getting fired, menus change.

2.If you are younger than 11, stay away from the discoteca. True, kids get drunk from beer and cocktails from friends and family, and there are not many 10 year olds there. Believe me.If you are younger than 12 and like to sing, go on karaoke night and sing your little hearts out, then leave.

3.Don't go swimming in the kiddie pools since they are full of bacteria and bugs, because they don't look like pools, especially the villa kiddie pool.

4. Don't bother using the internet, as it is high priced and VEEEERY slow. Wait until you get home and relax, unless someone's watching your house/pet[s].

5. Don't eat the cheese at the grill if you don't like goat cheese. The pizzas at El Rapidoe , at the Commercial centre "Los Flamboyanes" are good, and don't use that much goat cheese.

That's all I have to say, I will do more reviews [hopefully] in the future. So check back soon.

Just got back from Brisas Guardalavaca last night. Spent one week there but felt like forever. The pool is beautiful and clean and the beach is gorgeous. There is nothing happening at the pool, no music except at aerobics time. Far too many out of control kids running around with no parents in sight. The food at the buffet is not edible. I have travelled often to Dominican where the food is to die for and entertainment all day non stop. The rooms are immaculate but musty smelling and the air conditioning is inadequate. The staff is neither here nor there, not friendly but not rude...just sort of there. Balcony doors in the rooms don't lock so make sure you pay for a room safe. Bang for the buck, I would far rather be in Dominican. When talking to other guests, they also hated the food and said it was on par with other Cuban Resorts. That will be my one and only Cuban trip!