Melia Cayo Coco 11/30/2004
Reviewers Rating: Excellent
Just returned from the Melia Cayo Coco from a one week stay from November 12 - 19. We had a very nice time. The hotel is listed as a 5 Star Signature Exclusive property and I think according to Cuban Hotel standards it fits the criteria.
The week of our visit was one of very very high winds and high water levels. We are beach people and managed to sit on the beach twice. We swam once and it was a bit of a struggle because the ocean was very cool. Not many people in the water during this week. I have stayed at the Tryp Club twice and do think their "end" of the beach is much nicer than the beach in front of the Melia. The Melia beach drops off quickly and is quite rough. We were upgraded to an over-lagoon bungalow and were both surprised and very very pleased. They were very comfortable except for the fact that the A/C did not get cold at all. Fortunately we were on the second floor and opened the sliding door all night. If the temps were warmer or more humid it would have been a problem.
We found the buffet to be very fresh and rotated to alleviate the "rehash" of food. Not once did I notice something that was there at lunch and now it's back for dinner!!!! The Italian and International A La Cartes were very enjoyable. The lobby bar makes the BEST Cafe con Leche - my mom and I were addicted.
I could vouch that this resort has the best staff in Cuba. They are very customer service oriented and they are more than happy to attend to your requests with a smile. I have to admit I think all Cuban people are wonderful but this hotel was exceptional in this respect.
The only trouble we encountered was the lack of convertible pesos available at the desk for exchange purposes. I went 2 days at a time on 2 occasions without being able to exchange my Canadian dollars. I felt so bad because it made tipping very difficult. I began giving my loonies and toonies out and simply explained they would have to trade them back with other Canadians. They certainly understood and had no problem accepting them. It was better than nothing I guess. Other than that there was no problem with the transition to convertible pesos and we arrived the day prior to the official exchange date.
Try to take advantage of the hotel exchange program available to guests of the Melia. On any given day you can obtain the All-Inclusive wristband to either the Trypp Club, Sol Cayo Guillermo or Melia Cayo Guillermo and enjoy day use of these properties. There is a shuttle that runs back and forth starting at 9:00am at a very reasonable cost of $ 5 CP each.

nkelly

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