We enjoyed the Cuban and the Oriental but not so much the Mediterrean. Service and food in the first two were excellent ,but was lacking in the third. The gazebo dinner was wonderful .Mosquitos were a problem when we first got there as the sun was setting ( and the fogger had just gone by) but the waiter brought out insect repellent coils which worked fine after that.

The buffet...hmm. there was netting up in the doorways and some fishing line strung up outside to prevent the birds. ( outside the ala carte Italian, there is a bird feeder which seemed to work wonderfully for that eating area...maybe more of the same around the buffet?)

The birds have certainly figured this out and do come in and out freely. Not while you are at the table, but when someone leaves , they go for it.

We found the food a bit the same the whole week but having been to Cuba many times, this is not unusual and you will not starve.

Service was spotty at times. sometimes we were warmly welcomed and other times we had to ask for our coffee after locating someone.I do think there needs to be some staff training of some sort as to priorities.

The Beach: Lovely beach. , lots of palapas and chairs. My husband booked the Hobie cat (which you have to do back up at the towel hut) . He and a buddy went for a ride, and then the nautical person, upon returning, asked if he had tipped yet. My husband said yes, he already put it in the basket. Then he asked how much! I was a little stunned by how bold this was and also expecting to be tipped..Different lifeguards work on alternate days.. but most tend to sit in chairs most of the day. One day, they were caught selling cigars and suddenly stopped speaking English... Do not buy your cigars at the beach!

The beach restaurant needs a major overhaul. Four out the seven days we were there, the restaurant part closed early like 2:30 pm (supposed to be five pm) and other times we got attitude for trying to order food. One day they only had hotdogs on hamburg buns. Another day there was a waitress taking orders and a full menu! Bizarre! The bar part was open daily till five pm. and like a previous reviewer had mentioned, it is the same music cd over and over again.

Having a revamped beach ranchon would be a big bonus to this resort.

The pools are beautiful and lovely. Swim-up bar and the juggling bartender are outstanding!

The last day we were there, the bottom two pools were closed ( includes the swim-up bar) and was green. They were very busy trying to correct it.

Our room was spacious and kept very clean. Our shower head broke off and it was fixed very quickly. We had a welcoming bottle of rum and plate of fruit.

Front desk was always friendly and helpful and so is customer relations, excellent staff.

I really do feel they need some time to make this into a true four star and consistency across the board, in all staff levels is needed.

I understand if I had come from the UK for a two week holiday and had issues, it would be extremely upsetting.

(did not try the disco and only a bit of the shows.)

I used the internet and it was fine , slower than we are used to but ok. 6 CUC's an hour, much cheaper than the phone.

There are a lot of good staff at this hotel and if management makes the right changes and keeps things positive, it will reflect to the patrons. It is a lovely property with a lot to offer couples and families and

I really hope the Riu makes it all it can be.

Karen and Marty