Fiesta Americana Costa Verde

Hotel is now called Aston Costa Verde in Holguin. Beautiful beach, warm, calm, shallow water. Excellent snorkling off the beach. Pool was very large but only one. There was a second pool, very large but we were unable to use it unless you did an upgrade. Wifi available everywhere except the beach. On the downside, food was very scarce. Don't go here unless you like fish. Most of the time only fish was available. Half way thru the week they ran out of chicken and bread. Butter was never available along with any other condiments. Bring your own. Worse food availability of any of our trips to Cuba. Specialty restaurants were all booked and we did not get any. We did eventually get one after complaining to manager, went to this restaurant, only three items offered and they were out of chicken so only two items available, same as buffet. There were only about ten people in this restaurant which we were told was over-booked??? Rooms were extremely run-down, locks on some doors not locking, sliding doors not locking, ceiling tiles stained and falling down, door keys kept not working and have to go to recepti.on to get new ones, bathtub/shower finish off in places and bottom very spongy, thought I might fall right thru it at times, towels in demand, had to ask a few times to get some towels. There was never any toilet paper in the public washrooms. Entertainment was basically non-existent, one show, audience participation nights, one cuban band night, foam party one night which was very small and at front of stage in a very small area between stage and chairs. 24 hour snack bar ran out of food mid-week and still did not have anything when we left. The only alcohol available was beer, wine, cuban whiskey, cuban rum, no fancy drinks, even the non-alcoholic daquaries were watered down.

It sems a few travelers have issues with the state of Cuba this season so I thought I would tell our story. My wife and I have been to Playa Paraiso 3 time in the last 12 months (our last time was mid Jan )and arriving again in 3 wks. We have looked for the reasons for all the complaints and most are NOT justified or just bad luck on the travelers timing. The staff treat you like family, always great you and are willing to help or direct you to the correct person. The landscaping is beautiful, my hats of to the grounds keepers, they don't have much in tools but they sure do a great job. The buildings and rooms, yes they are dated, but they are clean and maintained, yes we have had the safe not working or the room key not work or the A/C leaking, just a walk to the front desk and your problems will be solved. In the buffet you could have a wait if you chose to get in line, for that steaming hot food, yes you will wait, but don't you have to wait when you go to a restaurant ? We have sat near the bread baskets and watched the amount of bread they go through, yes the baskets will get low or empty, but usually within 5 mins a staff member will come out with 4-5 fresh baskets (unless you chose to eat just before closing). No you will not find many condiments as their food is cooked as it is (no additives). If you need peanut butter, Nutella, jam, or any spices for your food, not a problem, just be aware you have to bring your own. Any of the bars have there shelves stocked in the morning and may run out of something during the day, no problem, the next bar is maybe 3-4 mins away. We have found Pina Colada's tend to run out as it is a popular drink, the next bar will have them. The beach is one of the best I have seen, yes it is ideal to go down and reserve your chairs any time after 07:00, but if you don't, you will still get chairs, just a little farther from the bar and a little quieter (farther from the beach speakers), just see one of the guys on the beach and they would be happy to put chairs were ever you like. Yes if there is a wind blowing, sea**** is going to wash up on shore, after high tide the day staff will rake it up and remove it. (I have watched them do it) During our last trip, we noticed a lot of house flies and if your in the lounge, they would get into your coffee, that little plate under your coffee make a great cover to keep the flies out. Also during our last trip, their was a plane fling overhead for 3 days spraying to control the flies. They also have sand flees and they bite. If you set your beach bag on the sand while your are at the beach, you are going to take fees back to your room. Any good bug spray with Deet will control them. You went to Cuba to relax, chill and have a great time, don't sweat the little stuff, get a drink and a chair, sit in the sun and enjoy. Cheers

Is this not the Hotel Aston Costa Verde... Aston is a very poor excuse for a hotel... You name it and it needs improvement... Okay... From excessively load music and shows... To very poor food and drinks and coffee... The beach is fair but has too many rocks, to stumble on hurt your feet... The hotel blocks with the rooms are much too far from the main ares, pool and buffet... Okay...