NH Krystal

[That Woman]

NH Krystal Cayo Coco, Anyone been??  I can get a pretty good price for Jan 27th with good flight times, but all the reviews I have read are really hot or cold, people either really hate it or love it.  My next choice is Santa Lucia,Oasis Brisas, again because of the price and flight times.  However the resort in Santa Lucia is 3.5 about 400 rooms and the N.H. Krystal is 4 and about 600 rooms.  Opinions???

[flopnfly]

The NH used to get really good ratings, but I've heard it's gone downhill since it changed hands.

They had a large repeat business before, but not now so I guess that says it all for me.  I've looked at it a few times, but there are so many other choices.  Why risk it?


PS...don't forget to save some vacation time for April in Jamiaca   

[Beachlover too]

I have never been to NH Krystal, however, my daughter went and loved it.  This was about 4 years ago, and I've heard also that it has gone downhill in the past 2 years.  When she was there, the staff was wonderful with our granddaughter who was only 1 at the time.

I've stayed in Santa Lucia many times, and am leaving this Thursday for another visit.  It is a quieter area than Varadero.  There is a dive shop, and also an opportunity for diving with sharks if that is an interest.  Good snorkeling, horseback riding on the beach, long beach for walking.

Brisas just reopened after renovations.  I've never stayed there, always at Caracol, except when it was closed and I stayed at Gran Club. 
Caracol is much smaller, only 150 rooms, very friendly staff. 

Happy to answer any questions if I can help.

Cheers,
Beachlover

[Gambitt]

There is a dive shop, and also an opportunity for diving with sharks if that is an interest.

This is ME we're talking about...    The guy who swims at 50 knots Towards the Sharks!!! 

Thanks for the tips, and I'm sure Lauren will have some more questions for you! 

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Just keep in mind that Santa Lucia is still recovering from a major hit from Ike and reports over on Trip Advisor for this are are definitely hit and miss right now

I think the diving would definitely be better at SL than CC, but I haven't heard anything about damage to the reefs from the hurricane. You might want to look into that Eric

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Lauren, if you are not looking only at Cuba, have you considered Breezes in Puerta Plata?
I saw some good deals in January (527+taxes on the 13th) and Logan stays and eats free

[bmnichol]

Lauren, we were at the NH Krystal when it was called El Senador. We would not return to this resort. We were there for a wedding, I think there were 18 of us and the feedback was split in about half. The first timers loved it because they had nothing else to compare it with.

What we did not like was having to cross the lagoon to get to the beach. The lagoon smelled like raw sewage (I'm serious) I used to hold my nose and run. There was virtually no shade on the beach. No washrooms on the beach, there was a beach bar.

Our room and a couple of our friends had these little tiny tiny ants all over the bathroom vanity (they may have been in the bed, not sure though, too dark in the room to see). I sprayed insect repellant a couple of times but they kept coming back. I didn't leave any of my stuff on the vanity. I came away with so many bites on my legs that I was still itching a week later. The resort is divided into two sections. Each section had a buffet and a couple of restaurants. It was quite a hike to the other side.

What we did like was the nice beach, easy entry into the water. The resort was a pretty resort. The room was plenty big, no balcony but the window did open. We had a corner room so we had two windows.

I would like to go back to Cayo Coco some day for a nice restful vacation but I would rather stay at one of the other resorts. NH Krystal is at the bottom of our list of resorts we have been to.

If you do go, watch out for the currency exchange people, they had quite the scam going when we were there.

I hope I was of some help. If you have specific questions ask away.

[That Woman]

Well....this resort is now gone for the date I was looking, but the Tuxpan in Varadero has come along at a good price, and an excellent price for Logan.  Anyone been??  Any opinions??  Any and all input is greatly appreciated.  I  know Eric and my mom would be happy with anything in Varadero, so they can take a trip to Havana, but I want warm sunny weather, which can be iffy there.

[travelchick]

TW- Is there anything available in Holguin for you at that time?  I think the weather is certain to be warmer than Varadero. As suggested, Puerto Plata might be worth investigating too.... TC 

P.S.  Being on the Caribbean side of the DR almost guarantees warm/hot weather.  One year we stayed in Bayahibe (La Romana) in the winter and totally enjoyed the heat and the calm waters.  The boat ride over to Saona Island, a National Wildlife Preserve, was a great day trip.  Have a look....

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Lauren the temps between varadero and the cayos won't differ that much as they are both pretty much in the same general latitiude

The Tuxpan used to be known to cater to Italians, not sure if that is the case or not. Haven't really read/heard much about this resort recently.
It's honestly never been on my radar of resorts