Has anyone been to Sol Rio de Luna Y Mares?

Answer 1

Here are a few suggestions you may find of interest. On the Luna side where I have stayed for my five visits, my suggestion would be the#5 block. I've stayed in 5303, 5304 and 5308, all offered excellent unobstructed ocean views and the housekeeper Arles is wonderful, there have always been lots of fresh towels toilet paper etc. That block is very quiet, the tennis courts and theatre are on the entry side and the Luna lobby bar, a la carte and pool are steps away. If by chance the buffet and bar aren't open during your stay, the Mares buffet and bar are a 2 minute walk. Hopefully during your stay, Rosario a pianist will be playing in the Luna bar in the evenings. I particularly enjoy relaxing after dinner with a cream liqueur in that bar which is smaller and much more intimate than the much larger and more crowded Mares bar. The 600 block would be my second choice, on one side is the Luna pool which is much quieter than the Mares pool and the block is the closest block in the entire complex to the beach. Go a few steps down the path from the ocean side of the building, down about 6 steps and you are right on the beach, steps from the Romantico restaurant and where Juan, Jorge and the crew look after the chaise lounges. The other blocks, 7, 8 and 9 are a little more remote but of course quiet. A good day to go into Guardalavaca would be Sunday, that is the main day off for Cubans and they head for the beach from Holguin and all points in between to picnic, play soccer, Baseball and socialize. They are wonderful to talk with and enjoy their company. Don't be afraid to try out your high school Spanish, they will listen and are appreciative of your efforts. At the Guardalavaca market you can buy lots of inexpensive souvenirs and don't be afraid to negotiate. Prices at the hotel shops are not negotiable. Vendors also set up shop at the resort however the selection won't be nearly as large. Most likely you will be approached on the beach to buy cigars, they are illegal and the quality is suspect however the price will be a fraction of what you would pay in the legal cigar store. My friends have never complained about the quality and if you are caught with the illegal ones when leaving the country they could be confiscated, be wary of the public bathroom down the steps to the beach, when I was there last December it was disgusting. The taxi to Guardalavaca should be 5CUC each way a horse and buggy 12CUC return although prices can always change. Some friends who took a horse and buggy to Guardalavaca were fortunate to get a driver who took them on a nice tour of the area. If you run into such a gentleman it would be a good gesture to reward him for his kindness One other thing and "don't leave home without it," are your thermal mugs they are really a necessity. A suggestion, when you arrive and are buying CUC you might find it helpful to buy about 50single Peso coins to use for tips, also put 25CUC per person away in the safe with your tourist card for safekeeping. If you lose the card, which I did on a visit to Varadero a few years ago you could get nailed to buy a new one. Fortunately I had had my passport stamped for a souvenir when I arrived and thanks to a kindly check in man for Air Cubana I avoided having to pay. Chances are you will love Luna y Mares and will be looking forward to returning thus joining so many repeat visitors, the staff are excellent, and you will mke many new friends.