Melia Cayo Guillermo April 28 - May 7, 2009 Travelchick and DH

My husband and I went to the MCG on a 9-night package booked online through BelAir Travel. We flew Canjet down and returned on Air Transat. There is little to complain about with the travel arrangements and the flights. Not having flown with Canjet before, we were surprised at how basic the service was. Flying sure isn't what it used to be--it's a "No Frills" operation now! However, the important thing was that the time from Toronto to Cayo Coco (and, surprisingly, on the return flight as well) was exactly three hours; how can one be other than pleased with that?! We are experienced travellers in the 55-65 years age bracket. We chose this resort particularly because we knew its "small" size would be a good fit for us in creating a more intimate atmosphere, which we prefer.

Arrival
Our flight arrived at the Cayo Coco airport around 11:30 a.m. with no other planes on the tarmac. Naturally, getting through customs was a breeze. In fact, I was the first person from our plane through the "doors" into the area with the metal detectors and baggage claim! Everything went smoothly with everyone, and we only had to wait about 45 minutes for the bus to be loaded and on its way to the MCG and the Iberostar Daiquiri. The drive was through flat scrub brush and some low marshlands on a patched asphalt road. Several sets of wild cows grazed at the side of the road. We encountered very little traffic which was a further reminder of the remote location which we had chosen for our vacation. I would estimate that the bus ride to the resorts was no longer than 40 minutes.

Check-In
Since there were only ten couples who arrived at the resort with us, we were registered quickly. There was no welcome cocktail drink, but the lobby bar was close by and a cool drink was easily obtained. We took a quick tour of the pool area before heading to the buffet for lunch.

Room
We had requested a top-floor room in a quiet area with a king-size bed. All of these wishes were accomodated, much to our delight. Our room was #3202 and had a balcony which provided a view of the ocean. The room was nicely furnished with a cabinet housing the television, with two drawers for clothes underneath. We were happy to stay in touch with the world (the spread of Swine Flu being of concern) through CNN. The king-sized bed had a mosquito net which would have been an advantage for anyone wishing to sleep with the sliding glass door open, as there was no screen on it. The mattress was firm (as we like it) and the pillows were comfortable. Each side of the bed had a night table and lamp. There was a padded wicker chair and ottoman in a corner. A desk with mirror above it completed the bedroom. The closet had more than ample space along with a free safety deposit box; there was also an ironing board and iron, and two fluffy spa robes. Across from the closet was the bar fridge which was restocked daily with a large plastic bottle of water, pop and two beer (one Cristal and one Bucanero). The water bottle could be refilled at any bar throughout the day or night. Above the fridge were shelves holding glasses, an ice bucket, and coffee machine. (The latter we did not use so I can't comment on it.) The vanity area was attractive; it included a large wall-mounted magnifying mirror and a plastic container with shampoo and body soaps. The bathroom itself had a shower/tub which provided hot water on only the last two days of our trip--all the other days it was slightly warm. The toilet had a seat, I am happy to say! (This is a 7Days joke thanks to Gambitt and ThatWoman.) Towels were changed when left in the tub. The maid service was adequate but we were disappointed in not being treated to the imaginative towel art that we have come to expect while in the islands. Although we mentioned that the light in the closet/sink area was out, no bulb replacement occurred during our stay. Apparently, none were available.

Grounds
They are wonderful! The areas of fish ponds and lush vegetation/flowers near the pool are truly a delight for the eyes. There are men who daily spend their whole day in them, grooming these ponds to keep them at the high standard they wish to maintain. Although beautiful, they obviously are breeding ground for mosquitoes, which necessitates the daily doses of fogging. We were awakened early on several days to see and hear the fog machine being utilized around the resort. Many palm trees enhance the look of the place. The grass is sparse in places and litter is, unfortunately, sometimes ignored for days until finally a worker finally picks it up. The whole resort is laid out well with everything being within a short walk. It is such a bonus to be able to easily return to your room if you have forgotten anything!

Bars
The lobby bar is nice and has both a large interior area with several comfy sofas along with tables/chairs, and an outdoor patio with many seating arrangements. There are also big outdoor sofas containing huge pillows with roofs overhead. A piano is located beside this bar; snacks (sandwiches and rolls) are available here at most times of the day. Champagne in buckets and the appropriate glasses are also present from breakfast on! This seems to be a Melia "perk". Every morning my husband and I would enjoy a Cappuchino before and after breakfast at the lobby bar. They could make different types of coffees upon request. Top drawer liquors have to be purchased (at exorbitant prices, I must add.) The pool has both a swim-up and regular bar. At this bar one can order lunch: hot dogs, hamburgers, fries--the usual fare. There is a small bar near the beach which has Cristal on tap and "simple" drinks like Rum and Coke.

Beach and Pool
The beach is one of the drawing features for all the resorts on Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco. It is breathtaking! The tides are interesting to watch come and go. If you are so inclined, the sunrises can be spectacular. Every morning after breakfast we would go for a long walk on the beach, usually in the direction of the Sol. The Sol does have the best beach in CG since it has the least seaweed out front. As this was almost the low season, palapas were not hard to find. The only negative thing we encountered at the beach was that the time we were there it was very windy and subsequently, a bit chilly in the shade. The pier has only been partially rebuilt but one can still walk out quite a ways on it; daily there were fishers trying their luck from it. The sea is a truly gorgeous green. While at the MCG, I went on three catamaran rides with one of the men from the Aqua Center. The rides were absolutely fabulous, and the price was right: free. I enjoyed each one of the trips, which had to have been at least 40 minutes each. Wow. The pool has a rubberized bottom which feels "funny" and is not as attractive as painted, decorative cement bottoms found in other pools. For those who desire one, this pool has a swim-up bar. If you don't get an umbrella pool side in the morning, you will absolutely broil in the sun. However, it seems that people do come and go during the day, so the sun loungers under the umbrellas become available throughout the day. The music is somewhat too loud at times during the day. There is entertainment (bingo, volleyball, etc.) by the animation staff at the pool. In addition, some outside performers are brought in: we saw an amazing gymnast who walked a tightrope and used a unicyle on it over the pool! Snacks and drinks can be had at the pool bar throughout the day.

Restaurants
The buffet room itself is a very attractive and has beautiful, painted murals. The "grilling" area is set off in another room, which certainly is pleasant. The dessert/fruit station is in the middle of the main buffet. Service here is slow, but we have come to expect this in Cuba. Do not think that attentive servers will rush to pick up your used plates and cutlery. ;-) However, most of the waiters and waitresses were pleasant. The buffet food was standard resort fare: sometimes great and other times, average. Having hot food is again something which doesn't happen too often at resorts. However, we always found something to eat. There is a pasta/pizza station between the dining room and the grill area. I will leave others to go into the particulars of the food offerings. The Italian Restaurant closed down for lunch midway in our trip due to low numbers at the resort. We were able to have one ala carte dinner there which did not "wow" us. My fish on spaghetti was as dull tasting as it was in looks. The lasagna my husband had was mediocre. However, we enjoyed our dinner in the International Restaurant much more. The pumpkin soup was lovely and the lobster was tasty. I must add that the service here was wonderful; the young woman who was "busing" the tables was a sheer delight. I predict that she will be one of MCG's best waitresses in a few years! The beach restaurant (The Ranchon) was fun and very casual for lunch. One could have fish, calamari, chicken, etc. here by only walking a short distance from either the beach or pool.

Internet
SLOW! Be aware that 6 CUC will give you one hour of Internet access but much of it is wasted due to the slowness of the computers.

Staff
I have left this topic until the last as it is a difficult one about which to write. My husband and I have been travelling to Cuba for years and have stayed at many different resorts. We have a love for the people of that incredible country and have always carried with us many needed (and fun) items to help make their lives a little better. It has been disillusioning for us, therefore, to sense that some workers are "looking for" and even, in some cases, expecting gifts. We sadly joked between us that one particular gardener should give up his day job as he is doing better as an entrepreneur: he makes coconut figures and carries them around in a garbage bag to hit up tourists. He puts more energy into his cottage industry than in keeping the grounds clean and growing. We know we are not the only people who despair of this change in Cuba. It is for this reason that we will probably look elsewhere for other holidays we will take in the future.

In conclusion, I have included as much information as I can and could write more. However, there comes a point when people are overloaded and "tune out". If you have any particular question which perhaps I can answer, please feel free to p.m. me at 7Days! :-)