Playa Costa Verde Hotel, Holguin Cuba. 4 stars.

Poor Bod

Terrible
Hotel Playa Costa Verde is located on beautiful Playa Pesquero beach, Playa Costa Verde is the latest addition to the Gaviota family of hotels.

Very good PaulineEssex

“Can't fault Costa Verde”
Returned a few days ago from a 2 week stay, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Had a very relaxing time. First week the buffet restaurant was still being refurbished, but this did not detract from our eating pleasure. As others have mentioned, the choices of meat and fish cooked to order was very good, as was fresh pasta station and pizza cooked with choice of toppings. Chips are always on offer (not that I usually eat them) and one night mashed potatoes were on offer (my friend said they were good), but veggies were varied and well cooked. Overall, we enjoyed all our meals. Definitely avoid going to buffet as soon as it opens, it's like feeding time at the zoo! Go to breakfast around 9 and dinner 8/8.30 and it will be less hectic (can't comment on lunch as never went). Wine is free with dinner, not too bad, and is better than wine served in lobby bar. The al a carte restaurants are not bad, the Japanese was the best (an enjoyable experience), the Italian not bad (main buffet pasta just as good), Cuban not bad (lobster tough) and Mediterranean quite good (though this is not a choice now main buffet refurbishment complete), so only went to each once and cancelled second week bookings. Didn't do the Grill, as beef in Cuba generally tough so not worth paying extra for. Rooms are comfortable, if not a little tired, and beds very big and comfortable. Kept clean with linens changed frequently (towels daily). Toiletries are provided (shower gel, body lotion and shampoo) and replenished. You should get a bottle of water each day (not enough for 2 people), but often it's not left - think we got 4 left in 2 weeks. You can get your bottles refilled at the snack bar/lobby bar, but water from this source is not nice tasting to drink, although OK to make tea/coffee. The grounds are kept well by the hard working gardeners, who always had a cheery hello in the mornings. Didn't try the fitness centre, but could see it was well used by many, and never sat round the pool (why would you when the beach is better). Evening entertainment seemed good, especially shows in the pool but, again, never really sat and watched specifically. Beach is nice and plenty of sunbeds, although they are very hard! Beach bar (serviced by the lovely Patricia) opens 10-5 each day, providing a good range of drinks. Do take your thermal cup, not only to keep your drinks cold but to save you keep going up to get another drink. Also, if you don't want to go back to hotel at lunchtimes, you can also get a hotdog or tuna roll from 12.30/2.30 - and very nice they are too. Go out for free on a catamaran, windsurfer, pedalo or canoe (just give the boys a tip), all included. We booked a fishing trip from Tina on the beach, just 24 pesos each. Great time for 4 hours (and cheaper than via Thomas Cook) with skipper Julio. As we booked this, we got 20% discount on our next trip, swimming with dolphins - which you must do if you get a chance. We opted for shallow pool experience rather than larger group in deep water, and it was a more intimate and enjoyable experience. Overall, we had a fantastic holiday and would recommend it. Not usually my type of holiday, don't usually like all-inclusive, but this was enjoyable for a 2 week stay - wouldn't do more as I like freedom to pop out and about more than this afforded (too far to get to nearest town easily). Also, WiFi is hit and miss and you have to pay 6 pesos an hour, so not worth it (didn't mind myself, but addicts to internet access might have a problem)! The one downside to the holiday was the rudeness of some of the guests to the staff - perhaps us Brits are just used to saying please and thank you, but I was disappointed as to how some people just didn't know or use those words at all - even when I actually stood next to them and pointed it out! Also, why do people fill their plates so high with food and then leave it when you can keep going up and having what and how much you want, especially when the Cuban people don't get the chance to have that choice themselves. Thomas Cook let us down a bit (2 hour delay outward) and changed the plane for return - older plane, different seat layout and entertainment system not so good, but overall flights/food were OK. One last thing, the staff (and Cuban people in general) are some of the most helpful, friendly and nicest people I have met on my travels, so thanks to them for making our holiday experience as good as it was. If I return to Cuba in the future I will give Playa Costa Verde another go.