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Iberostar Bella Costa 08/25/2003
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
Let me just say that I absolutely love Cuba. I went about 5 years ago when Bella Costa was owned by LTI. My first trip was amazing. I spent two weeks and enjoyed it immensely. Upon my return to the Bella Costa in Aug 2003, I was quite disappointed with some of the changes to the resort. Don't get me wrong, it is still a nice resort and the reason I returned was because of its lush settings. There are other resorts that are newer and better but the Bella Costa left a lasting impression. I was quite surprise to see that the buffet was half the size that it was 5 years ago. The drinks were being served in a tiny plastic cup...you need 5 just to quench your thirst on a hot day. The staff seems to be sparsely scattered around the resort. The shows are night were mediocre compared to 5 years ago. The activities during the day was boring and I can't help but think that the staff did not seem to care to involve the guests. Compared to the LTI Tuxpan, Bella Costa was quiet and boring. The LTI staff seems to get the ppl involved in activities and to be honest, the guests were having alot of fun. I remember 5 years ago, when I got on the plane leaving Varadero, the resort music was still resounding in my ears. This time, there was hardly ever any music, especially the kind to make young people have fun. Maybe it is because most people dont tip the staff that there is a definite change in attitude with the guests. We found some really nice staff and tipped them well, especially the maids, the bar guy and the waiters serving. For anyone looking for coconut water, find the gardener and he will get as many as you want. I still had a great time at the resort because we were a big group but the love affair that I had in my head with Bella Costa is sadly over. I blame Iberostar for not keeping up the standards that LTI had set. Yes they did repaint the building but the gardens were not as lush and healty as 5 yrs ago and the changes that were made around the resort I did not consider an upgrade but rather a downgrade. I was shocked to see the once well stocked lobby bar had some sparsely placed bottles in the background.
Anyway, I would suggest that if you want to go the the Bella Costa, you will still have a good time because the charm of the older hotel is still there but there are other places such as Solymar, Beaches and Tainos...they are newer and seem to be making a name for themselves. The best resorts there are the Paradisus, The Sandals Hicacos and The Bahia Princip, which I loved.
Hope this helps make your decision easier.
Singh
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