Just returned from 2 weeks at Melia Cayo Coco which we enjoyed immensely (also had 3 nights in Havana - highly recommended). Probably the best hotel in the area, given those others we visited during our stay. Were in 'Block 82' which was comfy - bit of damp in wardrobe and bathroom very clean but in need of re-furbishment. Staff were great, especially Yamil & Junior (now at pool bar), Orelvis, Fernando & Florencia (buffet restaurant), Esther Marie (maid), Jorges (gardener) & Maury. Facilities and service were very good throughout, but you may have to temper your expectations as this is Cuba.

Tips are way of life in Cuba, but we felt that good service should be rewarded and tipped appropriately. Small gifts for the staff (and/or their children) were greatly appreciated and we would suggest leaving at home a few of the clothes you won't wear, so there is room for vitamins (for Yamil and others), balloons, colouring books and pencils plus toys/games & chewing gum (children of all ages), cosmetics & toiletries (Pantene shampoo?), costume jewellery, etc for female staff/wives of staff and all manner of things for the guys (eg aftershave samples, fishing tackle, multi-tools, etc).

Mobile phones (working & with chargers) are valuable and ordinary Cubans can own them now, but they can't afford both the line and phone - so help them out (eg Junior). Giving is its own reward.

Speedboats & snorkelling was best excursion (view shared by those who also went on Catermeran trip) although enjoyed elements of other trips to see the 'real' Cuba. Most staff live in Moron - a location that is something of an eye-opener.

Everything about the hotel and resort was wonderful. I had looked at reviews before and was pleasently surprised when we arrived. The place is tidy, clean and bug free. The rooms were lovely and clean and big, and the beach and sea were amazing. The buffet food was much better than expected, even better than the a la carte restaurants. I would highly recommend to stay here. Staff are really friendly. We took cheap tops and sandles and painting and colouring books and left them for our maid as they are really hard to come by.

Also take lots of mozzie stray, as got some bad bites. Remember to use it ALL the time!!!

I would highly recommend the spead boats. where you can go swimming with the tropical fish (take a banana to feed them) and the day out on the Catamaran where you visit Paradise Island.

Overall, a beautiful holiday

I got back from the Melia last week and i had a great time! To be honest the hotel wasnt 5 star but that didnt matter because it was still beautiful and the staff were great, plus the food was really good too!
Half way through our stay we upgraded to a superior suite on the lagoon and it was well worth it and didnt cost us much. The room was lovely and we got little extra's such as champagne in the mini bar and late check out etc.
All in all i would definitely go back to this hotel but i would say that if your very fussy and want complete 5 star luxury rooms then go somewhere else.

There were six of us in our party from the uk (Norfolk) this time, and this time it was really special as it was our wedding, as well as a holiday.

To start as we got to the hotel, the wedding planner was there waiting for us, got us checked in first, then a champers to meet the other people getting married. She arranged to meet us the next day to go through the paper work and the extras that we wanted and it took about 1/2 hour. (we got a free upgrade to a lagoon room)

On the way to the room we called in at the bar billiard, and Orlando was there as normal and greeted us as he did two years ago, he even remembered what we drank WOW ! (so a very good start )

we got unpacked and we met our other party members in the lobby bar, Toqui then showed up and even he remembered us and hand shakes and kiss`s followed. Ailec then came and she tryed to dust of my in-laws shirt as she did two years ago WOW !

We can honestly say we will be going back to this hotel a good few times yet. !!!!!

Our wedding day was on 21st April, @ 3pm. All went well, to more than we expected to be honest, even down to the horse and cart being on time (this is CUBA don`t forget). We got married in the gazebo above the pool and the flowers looked amazing, the photo and video we also very good if not better than here in the uk.

Don`t believe what others say about the food here, i am the most fussy eater you`d ever meet and i didn't go hungry once if any thing i ate too much. Yes the buffet did have mostly the same sort of things in it, but there is loads of choice and there is also the fresh pasta and grill.

Would recommend the jeep on tour, it was a good full day out, but as for the Trinidad trip only do the two day one and don't expect much about the hotel where you stop, sort of like a still out of "SAW" and drinks were very expensive 7cuc for two rum n coke when a bottle in the village was 3.80cuc, but the forest trip on the Russian trucks with Jack was worth it.

In all a very good holiday and Wedding, too many good staff to mention, would highly recommend a wedding here !!!