|
Melia Cayo Coco 01/05/2004
Reviewers Rating:  Excellent
We spent New Years 2004 at Melia Cayo Coco and would highly recommend this resort. We landed directly on Cayo Coco at their new airport and the trip to our resort was an amazing 10 minutes only.
The rooms were arranged in bungalows, and for an upgrade you could stay in the back bay. Our room was large and very clean. Two double sized beds side by each, and the bedding changed every day if you wanted. A mini bar stocked daily with 2 large bottles of water. There was a hairdryer, bidet, tub/shower with good water pressure and hot water. Towels were changed daily. A beach towel serice was available daily as well, with no initial cost--when you turned in your last towel you received a token for the front desk. There was no charge for the safe--you programmed in your own code, which was great as you did not need a special key etc. Each room had a balcony but there no privacy dividers between them--just wrought iron bars. You could make long distance calls from the phone in your room. Internet/fax services were available at the reception desk.
The grounds were absolutely beautiful.The tropical vegetation was well manicured and the walkways were lit at night.
The physical layout of the buffet dining room made for a very pleasant atmosphere. Because of the 20 foot ceilings you did not feel like you were in a cafeteria. In addition, the live music almost every night was wonderful. The food itself was good. Made to order omlettes in the morning and pasta dishes at dinner. Fresh meat and fish selections cooked to your taste. I can't speak highly enough of the excellent service by the dining staff. Water and wine were replinished and dirty dishes immediately removed. Coffee and milk containers were placed right on the table. Cloth napkins every time. There were 3 restaurants, of which only the Italian we frequented. It was adequate and because the buffet had lots of choice we preferred it.
Unfortuntately the weather did not make for a good beach experience. It was very windy and the sand was difficult to walk on because it was so soft and you would sink down. Whether this was due to the weather/season or is a constand condition on this beach, I was not able to determine. As a long time lover of the Varadero
beach, this was my only complaint.
The main lobby and lobby bar was spacious, having live musical entertainment every night. The pool bar and patio area served drinks in glasses and also offered the pizza/fries/etc. menu. Personal service here as well. The beach bar was a small single hut arrangement. There was an outdoor lunch buffet patio which doubled as the Cuban restaurant in the evening. I was appreciative of the washrooms at the beach patio, pool patio and main lobby--complete with toliet paper.
There was a separate facility for pingpong/archery/checkers/etc. which was staffed. Also available, horse back riding, tennis courts/ basketball hoops, fitness room. Due to the weather, the water sports were not operating. There was also a billiard room and bar set on the lagoon--something for everyone!
The nightly entertainment was superior. In addition to the enthusiatic animation team, there was in "in house" group of trained dancers. Also, live music during the shows. Only one time did we have to suffer through the "lip" sink show. All tourist type competitions/games were handled pool side in the afternoon.
Being part of the Sol Melia chain, you had access to 3 other resorts on Cayo Coco. One was right next door, and the other 2 were serviced by bus ($5 for a round trip). Melia Cayo Coco did not require one to wear an identification bracelet, but if you went to one of the other resorts then reception would give you one to wear.
In conclusion, the facilities and service provided by this resort are truly representative of 4 1/2 star quality.
Nancy Blackwell
|
