Re: Resort Choices

[mister]

I am in turmoil, and could use some expert assistance.  I was considering going to Aruba next winter, as many of you know.  I am now having second thoughts.  Apparently Aruba is very Americanized.  I think we may be better served to return to the most beautiful island anywhere.  The problem is that I and my family LOVE the Playa Pesquero, but having been there twice, would like to see somwhere new.  I will list the main things we LOVE about PP, then I ask the experts in here to chime in with their 2 cents worth, and hopefully help me find a suitable replacement destination.  Here goes, in no particular order.....
   
 1. Awesome food!
 2. 24 hour food and drinks!
 3. Zero entry pool (like walking into the ocean from the beach)!
 4. Large spotless rooms!
 5. Variety of eating and drinking choices!
 6. Nice beach!
 7. Very child friendly!
 8. Huge pool, with quiet areas!
 9. Quiet family atmosphere, with adult fun available if wanted!
 10. The most incredible Staff!!!
 
 Okay all, plaese let em know from the vast experience here if there is another Cuban resort that can measure up.  I eagerly await your responses.
 
 mister.
 
   :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:

[Milli]

:D  Hopefully the Iberostar Varadero Mister.  I will be able to reply to this thread better in a few weeks.  I think it runs around the same price but I believe it is a bit smaller than PP.

[flopnfly]

I think the Pesquero has it all.  You might find something that is similar but I don't think you'll find another Cuban resort that has it all the way the Pesquero does.
 
 I think by the sheer size of the Pesquero it is able to offer everything, most smaller resorts are limited in their amenities but not in a bad way.

[FredTracie]

The Melia Cayo Santa Maria meets most of the criteria!
             Cheers!

[mister]

Heather,
 I concur whole - heartedly, but may still be looking for a change fo scenery.
 
 F&T,
 Exactly which criteria are they lacking, just for comparison's sake?
 
   :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:

[debmich]

I would say the Blau Costa Verde and the Grand Playa Turquesa have all the amenities you are asking for! And they are ranked #2 and #4 (on Trip Advisor) with the PP in between!
 The Blau has stocked mini bar everyday!  For me and my family that is a plus! Water, pop and beer!
 
 
 Debbie

[FredTracie]

Hi Mister
   When we were there we didn't pay any real attention to the Melia from a child friendly point of view, although I would probably assume it's more than OK! Certainly the pool is child friendly. Awesome food is also a matter of taste, it's again very decent.So in our opinion the Melia would absolutely meet your needs and the beach is AWESOME!
 and so are the rooms!
           Cheers.....F&T

[MarieMaya]

ITA, about the Melia.  We were there twice with our children and it is definitely a child friendly resort, as is the Sol Club next door.

[sunluvr]

I think the Melia CSM meets all of the criteria, except maybe for the "Awesome" food factor.  Certainly, the food was perfectly edible, though I'm really easy to please.  The great news if you do book the Melia, is that you get to use the amenities next door at the Sol, which I'm told a short walk/ride provides a big difference in the quality of food.  Odd, since the Melia is a higher rated property than the Sol, but this is what I'm told.  The best of both worlds!! You can't go wrong.
 
 The beach is gorgeous, but it does get deep pretty fast.  Parents were cautious with the kids, which is a good thing.  The SOL has a large water trampoline, always had kids playing on that.  The water sports guys were cute, I mean great!  Kids club had it's own pool and playhouse thing, it seemed pretty fun for the kids.  The main pool is a wading pool at one end.  I am a beach person all the way, but I actually enjoyed my time at the pool at this resort!!
 
 I don't see how anyone could complain about this part of paradise, the Melia or the SOL.  Both would be a great choice for a family, just be prepared for a bit of a ride on the bus...well worth the drive, I must say!!
 
 Check out my photos from there, by clicking on my webshots below.

[Milli]

mister:  Well, now that I am back from IV I can say that I have gone through your criteria and this resort fits them all.  For my DH and I as a couple the resort was perfect and I noticed the many families with children seemed to be really enjoying themselves.  There is a children's activity area, wading pool and we saw the children dancing on the stage at 8 in the evening.  The beach is beautiful and the food is very good.  It is a rather compact resort and easy to navigate.

[mister]

Thanks to all respondants.  It appears that the winner is the Iberostar Varadero, at least next trip to Cuba.  The Melia CSM will probably follow, then the Blau.  Wow, better ask the boss for more holidays, or I'll never get to go to all the resorts in Cuba that I want to go to.
 Thanks Again to all!!!
 
   :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:  
 
 mister.

[Milli]

Originally posted by mister:
  I'll never get to go to all the resorts in Cuba that I want to go to.
     mister.

I think I know where you are coming from Mister--so many great resorts -so little time!  I hope you enjoy IV as much as we did.  :)

[millybess]

Originally posted by Milli:
  I hope you enjoy IV as much as we did.    :)  

...and as much as we will!   :)  
 
 Milli has been enormously helpful with all of my endless questions.
    :D

[mister]

Thanks millybess, I'll speak with my lovely wife and ask her if there's anything she wants to know.  I'll post any questions before you fly away, you lucky SOB (spouse of Bill).
 
   :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:    :cubadreamin:  
 
 mister.

[Gambitt]

As long as you haven't booked, LoL, I can still vote...
 
 I have to agree with Debmich, about the GPT.  It is a great hotel.  But, if you like the PP, then you will Love the PCV... all the features, but in a smaller hotel.