To put my review in perspective - it was my 4th time in Cuba, and I had previously stayed at the Paradisus Varadero, which was also wonderful.
Stayed at the Paradisus Rio de Oro from June 10 to 17. NOTE to travellers leaving from Toronto on Sunwing: the plane makes a stop in Varadero for about an hour and a half to drop off passengers, and then continues on to Holguin, so the total flying time from Toronto to Holguin was slightly over 6 hours (the flight on the way back was direct from Holguin to Toronto - just over 3 hours).
In my opinion, PRDO is one small notch below Paradisus Varadero, but overall was excellent. The grounds are spectacular, very lush and green. The resort is extremely spread out, but most of the "action" is concentrated around the lobby - the receiption desk, all 4 a la carte restaurants, the buffet, the entertainment stage and the main bar. Building 11 is the closes to the lobby and is highly recommended for those who don't want to wander around in the evening (it gets pretty dark in the resort). The beach is a 3 minute walk from the main lobby through the pool area, and down some steep steps. Having been to Varadero, Mayan Riviera and Puerto Plata, it is one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. It is quite short, but the sand is white powder, the...To put my review in perspective - it was my 4th time in Cuba, and I had previously stayed at the Paradisus Varadero, which was also wonderful.
Stayed at the Paradisus Rio de Oro from June 10 to 17. NOTE to travellers leaving from Toronto on Sunwing: the plane makes a stop in Varadero for about an hour and a half to drop off passengers, and then continues on to Holguin, so the total flying time from Toronto to Holguin was slightly over 6 hours (the flight on the way back was direct from Holguin to Toronto - just over 3 hours).
In my opinion, PRDO is one small notch below Paradisus Varadero, but overall was excellent. The grounds are spectacular, very lush and green. The resort is extremely spread out, but most of the "action" is concentrated around the lobby - the receiption desk, all 4 a la carte restaurants, the buffet, the entertainment stage and the main bar. Building 11 is the closes to the lobby and is highly recommended for those who don't want to wander around in the evening (it gets pretty dark in the resort). The beach is a 3 minute walk from the main lobby through the pool area, and down some steep steps. Having been to Varadero, Mayan Riviera and Puerto Plata, it is one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. It is quite short, but the sand is white powder, the ocean floor is sandy and extremely clean. You can snorkle right off the beach - there is a coral reef with lots of interesting tropical fish. Also lots of palapas, so no need to get up at 5 am to get shade. You can also perch at the top of the stairs under the shade of the trees where the view of the ocean is absolutely incredible. 2 seconds to go down to the beach, and 2 seconds to go to the pool (which would be right behind you).
The rooms are very nice. Not spectacular, but it has everything one would need - a mini bar (had some problems with water delivery, but after several repeated requests to the receiption desk, the water was delivered promptly). The safe is free of charge in the room.
Service is very courteous everywhere. The food in all 4 a la carte restaurants, each of which was very nicely appointed, was above average. The food in the buffet was quite repetitive and somewhat boring, but please keep in mind that this is Cuba, where everything (including bread and sugar) is rationed for the locals. So if you are looking for a gourmet experience, don't come to Cuba. If you are interested in the best beaches, magnificent people, rich culture and history...More
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