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Brisas Sierra Mar 06/06/02
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
I went to the Brisas Sierra Mar for my first Caribbean trip in March 2002 with my family. I have broken down my review to help you in each area. Please contact me for any questions, I'd be glad to elaborate further or anything. FLIGHT The flight there was good. It is a little intimidating landing in Cuba and seeing the men in garb because we are so not used to it here, but when we were waiting in line, one of the guards came up to us and started joking around with us, which surprised me. It was a nice welcome to Cuba. As soon as you get through the metal detectors, you are hounded by people trying to take your bags. Don't worry, they're not stealing them; they're taking them to your tour bus for you. However, of course they are looking for a tip. Don't be afraid to say "no thanks" as it can be a little much when you just arrive. CHECK-IN None. On the bus ride from the airport (which was about 1.5 hrs), we filled out registration cards and our tour operator took care of them. We didn't have to wait in any lines. The very friendly staff helped us with our bags to our room. Feel free to tip them, they really seemed to appreciate it. By the way, the bus ride there is interesting to see the real Cuba. You may think "where are they taking me?" judging by the buildings and streets, but don't fear, after the long bus ride is paradise. ROOM Perfect. At first I was a little hesitant because I am a neat freak and have never been away to the Caribbean so I didn't know what could be hiding in that room. My fears were very quickly settled when I smelled how clean it was. The maid takes about half an hour on each room and takes special care for everything and it shows. FYI: Your room key serves as a power switch. There is a slot you must put your key card in to turn on the power in the room. We didn't know this, so thought we had no lights. PERSONNEL Wow! They all were so friendly. Not one negative attitude or frown. You could really tell that they would give you the shirt off their back. The staff were great at the restaurants, at the front desk, at the bard and especially the entertainment staff. Everytime I turned around (literally!!) someone was mopping the lobby. You'll think it's a candid camera gag or something they do it so much. WEATHER Beautiful! it rained once during the week we were there but it only lasted for 20 minutes and was very refreshing. It was nice and sunny the whole time except for that. It wasn't too humid for my liking either. POOL Perfect. I'm usually not a big fan of swimming, but I loved the pool there. There was a pool bar and over in that area was the activities. They had daily dancing and water aerobics and volleyball. The other area of the pool was for relaxers like me. They have tons of floating things to lay on and enjoy the sun. Plus, the hot tub was nice in the evenings. It was partially covered by a beautiful floral vine and had a hammock at the side. FYI: Unscrew the round things around the edges for stronger jets and bubbles. BEACH Very nice. They had a large area for you to use with a long wooden pier and hut and the end. There were paddleboats and water sports for any liking. The beach was so quiet compared to Florida. You can sit or swim in quiet and enjoy the serenity of it all. Back a bit was a beach bar and tons of chairs spread apart so you could sit and relax. FYI: The beach bartender is named Pony, I am told that he is one of the best there. BARS Well, you don't have to search to find one. Each had a distinct style and a bartender with a friendly smile. Of course drinks are unlimited. I'm not much of a drinker, but went to the bar for a Coke after the nightly shows as well as for a pool side drink. FOOD No complaints here. I am usually kind of picky, but enjoyed everything here. The trip is all about trying new things, so do that. I found that I liked things I didn't think I would. The main dining area has theme nights, but you can dress however you want. There is someone to greet you at the door, then you go along the buffet. Usually there is inobtrusive music while you eat, other times people are breaking out into dance during dinner. All three meals there were delicious! For lunch each day, I went to the restaurant by the beach and had mini pizzas, they also had fish and great salad. ENTERTAINMENT They had a nightly show which featured the great entertainment staff as well as local talents. These shows were always entertaining and very interesting to see a different culture let loose. The first night we were there, I was involved in a dance competition with a French lady who couldn't speak english. We came in second place! It was a blast. The entertainment staff knows everyone's name by the third day you're there. They really seem like they're genuine and nice fun people. Don't resist when they try to pull you up on the stage at the end of every show for the club dance. It is quite fun and you will go through club dance withdrawal when you leave. CONCLUSION I had an amazing time at the Sierra Mar and tried to go back this summer, but no tour operators are going there unfortunately. However, I am planning to go back next March again so that's an indication of how much I enjoyed it. As I said, please contact me tmcneil83@rogers.com with any questions because I've only scratched the surface of this amazing beautiful place. Honestly, you would be a fool not to go here. Trust me on this one.
Tyler
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