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Gran Caribe Villa Cojimar (Formerly Ventaclub) 02/05/2003
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
We just returned from a fabulous week at the Gran Caribe Villa Cojimar in Cayo Guillermo. This Conquest Vacations package was well worth every penny. Formerly under Italian management (Ventaclub), the resort was recently acquired Gran Caribe, a Cuban company affiliated with Barcelo Resorts.
Most brochures list this as a three-star property, but carry older pictures and descriptions from its Ventaclub days. Gran Caribe has begun an extensive renovation project since acquiring this property, with, as we understand, the intention of it becoming a 4 or 41/2 star property.
Renovations are ongoing, but are being done discreetly. Rooms have all been repainted on the exterior and most interiors are repainted as well. The one story cottages are being done first. We were in #17 which has a beautiful new bathroom, new windows and patio doors, new tile, and a nice ocean view. They have also begun replacing the old A/C with new LG brand units. We had one of these and it operated at 100% effiency all the time.
The landscaping is being upgraded as well and was even significantly nicer by the end of our week. The pool area is beautiful, always plenty of loungers and beach towels available. The pool was cleaned every day and always sparkled.
The food was much better than we expected. The variety is a little limited as is expected in Cuba, but we always found lots to eat,and their were new things every day. Don't miss breakfast, the omelettes and pastrys are wonderful.
The staff is what makes this resort stand out. Small tips here and there go a long way in ensuring top-notch service. Our waiter Jose would go every night from the buffet restaurant all the way to the lobby bar to make us espresso and bring it back. After the first day he knew what we liked to drink and had it waiting at our table for us. Little things like that made it a wonderful vacation.
I highly recommend this resort. For any more information or pictures feel free to email me personally.
Justin
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