Holguin, Playa Pesquero Review

Overall Rating

Very friendly staff; excellent selection of drinks, including international; good selection of food.

Too easy to stay at the hotel and not explore Cuba.

Playa Pesquero, Holguin is a fantastic hotel. I have been to hotels all over the region, and this is, without a doubt, the best so far.
The hotel itself offers a good standard of room, with all of the amenities you could want, from TV and fridge through to an ironing board! If anything goes wrong, the staff fix it very quickly, sometimes before you even know it has gone wrong.

The hotel has some 7 restaurants offering a variety of food. Most of them are open only in the evening and are a la carte - you need a reservation for these. The main buffet restaurant offers a huge choice of food, from fruit and salad to a carvery. If you want your food prepared fresh, they will do that as well. If you cannot find something you like from the choice, then you are really trying hard not to be pleased.

The bars at this hotel are fantastic. There are bars on the beach, bars by the pool, a 24 hour beer garden and, for those who REALLY want to rest, they even have mobile bars. The main bar is in the lobby area. Operating 24 hours per day it has to be seen to be believed. Where most hotels offer just local brands, here there are international brands as well. (However, the locally produced rum is fantastic and should not be missed, at least in a cocktail). For choice, you will find it hard to beat. At last count I saw 15 different brands of whisky available, from Old Havana through to Chevas Regale.

For kids? I can't really comment too much. They do have children's clubs; they do offer ice cream throughout the day and up until 10pm. There is a TV in every room. There are pool tables, sports activities, sailing, pedaloes, etc. etc. Most kids, even the moodiest of teens, should find something that they enjoy...

What really makes the hotel stand out though is the people. In many hotels you get the impression that people are happy to help you, but they are doing their job. Here, it is personal. The hotel has managed to create a culture where the staff care about the guests. Nothing is too much trouble for them. How do I know? How many places would you go to a second time, one year on and be recognised as a returning visitor? On the third visit my usual drink was on the bar before I had even finished saying hello.

The hotel is ideal as a base for going out to see some of the island. It is also ideal for those who just want to go to the beach and cook themselves. (The beach at this hotel is also good, plenty of room, clean sand, plenty of sun beds). It will not suit everyone. If you like to party in local bars and nightclubs, this resort is not likely to suit you. If you like to relax, get to know some of Cuba, yet still enjoy a little bit of luxury, then you will enjoy this hotel.