HOTEL
The Rio De Luna and Rio De Mares hotels were once
two separate properties, but now, they are connected with many
pathways and the same beach as well as the many activities around
both properties. Quality wise they are about the same.
To receive an oceanview room, you would have to
request a third floor at the Rio De Luna or second and up at the
Rio De Mares.
The lobby at both resorts is nice and spacious.
We found ourselves spending a few hours every day in the lobby….wither
having drinks and relaxing or playing ping pong. In the lobby
of the Rio De Luna, the bar is open 24hrs and a piano player comes
along every two days to play some tunes. Relaxing.
As far as sports and activities, the hotel offers pool, ping pong,
a giant chess board, tennis, horseback riding, a well equipped
gym with a sauna and also, water polo in the pool. On the beach,
activities involve beach volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking, wind
sailing, dancing lessons and many other competitions.
The pools are nice at both resorts. The Rio De
Luna has a much bigger pool and a more relaxing atmosphere. The
Rio De Mares pool is the one with the swim-up bar. Both pools
have a snack bar open most of the day near by.
BEACH
The beach at Playa Esmeralda is one of the nicest
I've seen in Cuba . Definitely the one with nice shade. (Don't
mistake this with all beaches of Hoguin….the Guardalavaca is just
as nice, whereas the Turquesa is very weedy).
The beach is full of trees, palm trees and tons
of palapas. Also, there are many flowers in this area which makes
it look very nice. There are enough beach chairs for everyone!!
You don't have to hurry to the beach at 8:00am to get yours J
; you will find plenty at any time of day. The beach is also the
nicest right in front of the Rio De Luna. The Rio De Mares looks
just as nice but has some small rocks n the water (they are not
really bas, but you might as well walk over 20m to the nicer part.
It is safe to leave your thing right on the beach if you go for
lunch, for a drink or to swim. The beach is private and the few
locals that can access it are very friendly and will not approach
you if you don't start conversing first.
The sand is white and the water is crystal clear.
There are many exotic fish in the shallow end so it is perfect
for snorkeling.
The best part for some amazing snorkeling is right underneath
the Paradises hotel (about 200m down the beach) where there is
a coral reef holding some of the most exotic types of coral and
fish.
Snorkeling gear is free at the activity center.
FOOD
4 star. No less, no more. The buffet is open fro
about 4 hrs for every meal so you can take your time. Daily, they
offered at least 3 types of fish, chicken and one other meat like
pork/stake as well as some sort of pasta. Soups and salads had
a good selection every day. They have a ‘healthy corner' as well,
but not with much of a selection. One whole table was dedicated
to different sorts of cheese, which was nice. Wine is served with
all meals.
Less frequently, they served lobster, calamari
and shark meat.
ENTERTAINMENT
The entertainment is low budget…like everywhere
in Cuba , but it does not mean that it's bad.
By low budget – I mean that there are no expensive
sets and big bands like you might find in some other Caribbean
destinations, but the entertainment staff is something else.
There are a few shows during the week that are interactive and
include audience members. These shows are usually very funny as
the staff makes guests do crazy things on the stage. There are
couple vs. couple competitions as well as one gender vs. another.
Other shows during the week include cabarets, children shows (Disney
Theme), acrobats, etc.
One night per week, the hotel also organizes a beach party where
they set up a stage beside the disco and have live performers.
This is a night of dancing in the sand (do not take your nice
shoes!!) and conga lines.
DISCO
The disco is right on the beach below the Rio De Mares part. Of
course, it is all inclusive and you can have as many drinks as
you want here – but it closes at 2:00am . The atmosphere is great
and many people from Paradisus Rio De Oro come here at night because
they do not have a disco of their own. I was not very impressed
with the music since it was all hip hop and R&B …over and
over and over…every night, however, the crowd was great and it
made up for it.
If you still want to party, hang out or even eat after 2:00am
, the snack bar at the Rio De Mares is open 24hrs and the lobby
bar ate the Rio De Luna as well. Most people tend to choose the
snack bar by the pool to wait for the morning.
SERVICES AND AMENITIES
Internet access is 1.00 USD per 10 minutes. The
price is not bad but the connection is awful. I would advise you
use the internet if you only have to (it takes 10 minutes to get
on to hotmail!)
Both hotel sections have a small store – however, the Rio De Mares
is the one that carries STAMPS and LIGHTERS in case you need them.
The gym is well equipped and you can take the exercise mat into
your own room if you wish (for yoga, stretching or whatever you
do).
Final though – I'd go back to this resort for
sure.
It is a nice 4 star with a nice beach, good service and friendly
staff.
The resort is good for families and couples, groups traveling
together as well as singles. It will suit you if you are looking
for activities during the day and night ….and of course, the beach,
again.
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REVIEWS
ON THE HOTEL