Complete Cuba Day 14

Arriving in Cienfuegos from Miami late in the afternoon, our small group was taken to the Hotel La Uníon.

Check in was quick and effective. We were given a room on the first floor facing the main street in front.

As the elevator was not working the suitcases had to be carried by hand to each floor.

As ours were bigger than others in our group we were on 1st floor, others were in the upper floors.

We turned on the A/C and the room began to cool.

We wanted to see the city so we went to Reception and they were helpful, answered all of our questions, offered welcomed suggestions, smiling the whole time.

This was the case for our stay at the hotel - they worked hard to help us.

When I reported that the A/C was not working (8:30 PM) they sent someone to the roof and it was fixed quickly.

When we went to bed we noticed that the beds were single mattress - very thin with no padding.

The pillows were long but thin or long and very thick.

As we traveled through Cuba these two problems were evident everywhere we stayed - except at the Melia in Havana.

What was the most frustrating was the noise from the restaurants and bars on the street next to the hotel - till after 2 AM.

Breakfast was well done with a good variety of food and nice layout.

As to the hotel being a 4 Star - not really - probably 3 at best.

As we arrived our small group was astounded - a massive resort hotel of the Cubanacan system! This is going to be COOL!

We walked to the reception hall and were impressed even more.

Then we were told our rooms were going to be in the new section, walking past the large pool, entertainment center and two free bars. WOW!

Walking the long hallway to our room we began to see some problems - general upkeep and dirt.

When we got to our room we noticed many more problems right away.

We did not face the beach, the back yard.

The paint was chipped around the room and the individual room A/C had rust all over it.

When we checked the bathroom, it got worse.

The tile floors were chipped and poorly cleaned, the shower tiles were cracked, and we had only one soap for the bath and one towel per guest (2).

The room was not cleaned very well, there was dirt under the dresser and TV and the closet threshold was filthy, caked with dirt and leftover items from previous guests.

When we went to bed we noticed that the beds were single mattress - very thin with no padding. The pillows were thin but long.

As we traveled through Cuba these two problems were evident everywhere we stayed - except at the Melia in Havana.

We were told that the dining room opened at 7 AM. The two mornings we were there it was after 7:15 and people stood in line awaiting seating.

What surprised us the most were the number of European and Canadian guests.

Maybe an inclusive package drew people here - food, drinks, shows, everything free.

Maybe they had better rooms but compared to other resorts we have visited outside the USA - this was the worst.

Hotel Horizontes Playa Larga is located in a beautiful location right on the water with beautiful views of the bay and ocean.

When our group checked in we were given a cabin that reeked of cigar smoke. We changed and our new cabin was fine for a while.

The receptionist came out, helped us with some broken furniture and was really great in helping.

When we turned on the A/C insects and little gnats flew out - we sprayed insect repellent and that worked.

After a walk on the beach we returned to our room and felt the room cooling.

Unfortunately, by 10 PM when we went to bed the room had not cooled below 74 F.

Going into the bathroom we checked the water - ran fine at the sink and nothing in the shower.

I then went to the reception and the night clerk was very helpful - got two men to our room and after 30 minutes had a new shower head and water. Enough for us to shower.

We also noticed that we only had one towel per person. Seems to be a practice for the government owned Cubanacan.

We had a meeting in the main building - Reception, Bar and Restaurant and it was very smoky, even with one A/C running.

When we returned to our room we saw that of the 7 lights in the room only 3 worked. We made do.

When we went to bed we noticed that the beds were single mattress - very thin with no padding.

As we traveled through Cuba these two problems were evident everywhere we stayed - except at the Melia in Havana.

Breakfast was very simple, they brought out some fruit on a plate, some bread/toast, and eggs that we wanted.

Coffee was not the strong Cuban that we liked.

This is at best a 2 Star facility.

Our group spent two nights at this very beautiful location.

Rooms were cabin in several terraced areas. Well laid out and maintained.

Great pool and outdoor bar.

We arrived in a HEAVY pouring rain and the porter rolled and then carried our suitcases up 2 stone steps to our room.

What a guy - tipped extra for the work.

The room relatively clean and well appointed.

Shower in Room 18 was broken; it drooped so the shower head had to be held by another person.

We had total of three towels - better than previous government owned Cubanacan that this was a part.

But we did have hot water at the sink and shower - YEAH!

One bed was quite comfortable, the other the springs were coming through and broken.

As we were in the middle of the rain forest we had serous mosquitoes in room both nights. No spray for the guests.

Electrical outlets were a premium. I always travel with an extension cord and these two days it was fully extended.

I must give SPECIAL thanks to the restaurant staff - best we have seen in Cuba. They went out of their way to help us and me in particular.

At dinner on the second night we even got big smiles, hugs and kisses. WOW what great ladies.

Great porters and helpful at any time. As we walked by they always asked us if there was something we needed or they could do for us.

I must say this is true of 99.9% of the Cuban people - friendly, helpful, smiling, and so gracious. Really beautiful people.

OH WOW! Private enterprise is alive and well in Havana, Cuba.

After 8 days of staying in government owned and operated hotels, this Spanish establishment was a great change.

Super everything, beds, towels, water (hot and cold), cleanliness, buffet breakfast restaurant and room with a view on 17th floor.

The one problem we encountered was Reception. WAIT, WAIT, and WAIT some more. Really understaffed.

I had the need of some medical care and the hotel had a very good and helpful doctor in the hotel. Even came to our room with the medications.

Smoking in lobby and bar but that is to be expected when one travels.

Truly 5 Stars.

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Day 18: Mediterranean Navigation

Day 18 - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Disembark Ship & Return to USA

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