Overall I would have to describe the TRYP Cayo Coco as "tired", and in need of a total refurbishment and upgrade. The total experience was "adequate", but not great. Nothing horrible to say, but with many small to medium disappointments, I would rate the place at best three stars, as appossed to the current four stars shown in the travel books.

Upon arrival in our room the last week of November 2006, my wife and I both immediately felt a sense of regret for booking into this resort.

The room was well used, and there were numerous chips, scratches, dents etc in all areas, especially the bathroom. The fit and finish was really poor, and the linen and towels were all worn and threadbare.

The balance of the resort is similar, with crumbling walkways, and facilities that have all seen better days. The stagnent pond near the lobby does nothing for the ambiance except to smell bad and breed mosquitos.

The food was fair, but nothing stood out as exceptional or noteworthy. The service was about the same. The thing that is noteworthy is the blatent request for tipping, even in the face of having to stand in line for service.

We still enjoyed our week, and the place grew on us as the days progressed, but I would not return, and would suggest that anyone else considering the TRYP look at another alternative.

We have made seven trips to Cuba, and all the other resorts were a much more enjoyable experience than the TRYP.

We just got back on Friday, having spent two amazing weeks (17 November to 1 December) at Tryp Cayo Coco. We cannot say enough good things about the food, the accommodations, the people, and the facilities. We had only 2-3 complaints: there was no hair dryer (as promised) in our room (only my problem); one bartender was rude, but so were some of the guests (needlessly); and on the last day, some nasty tourists stole our beach towels and we lost part of our deposit.

The food was great! You have to like trying different things and not be expecting North American cheese, sausages, and other kinds of meat/dairy products. However, there was an abundance of fish, fresh fruit, vegetables, soups, breakfast and lunch choices. And, OMG, the desserts! The chocolate -- WOW! especially at the Sunday night buffet.

The wait staff were amazing. Always polite no matter how rude guests were and always willing to go the extra step, including getting an extra large rum and coke and beer for two UK guests at one 8:30 am breakfast, even though he had to go to a bar outside of the resto (and then they had the nerve to complain about the slowness of the staff AND they never left a tip).

The room was basic, but always clean. The bar soap wasn't the greatest, but the liquid one was great and our maid was willing to bring multiple bottles for us. We had one bug in the room, but that was because we were on the patio one evening with the door open.

When the weather was not so great, the entertainment groups went out of their ways to make fun in other places. The evening entertainment was great -- we're sure that the dancers have had professional training somewhere.

We got to know two of the musical groups and they always took time to serenade us at meals when we were at "their" restaurants.

We would go back in a heartbeat, and have been invited to visit some of the staff's homes when we return.

If I had sometime more negative to say, it would be that our tour guide was lousy. We asked several questions about other events or things to do and he said that there was nothing. We found out from another guest that what we had been looking for (horse-back riding, bicycles, etc) was available. Also, we asked questions about Cuban history and culture and he couldn't/wouldn't answer. It would be great if someone on staff (hotel, that is) could provide those answers -- hey, perhaps there is and our tour guide wouldn't tell us!

Cheers,

First off all I just want to say that the people who wrote or will write an occasional bad review for this hotel are just spoiled complainers and expect royalty treatment for the lowest price possible (anglosaxon mentality). Now onto the hotel, it was great, the rooms were clean, the air conditioner was working, what else can you ask for, besides we only slept in our rooms at night. The beach and the water, amazing. Crystal clear water was just beautiful and was warmer then the water in the swimmming pools. The beach was also lovely, yes there was some sea weed but that's absolutely normal and we didn't mind it. All the a la carte restaurants and the buffet, amazing. If you choose the bbq and grill I suggest the smoked pork, unbelievable. The overall staff was very pleasant. The gardeners, maids, cooks, bartenders all said hi with a smile to us so I dont know what are some people on here talking about. If you go to the buffet make sure to ask for Henry, when he saw us coming from far away, by the time we reached him a table was cleaned and set for us. The 24hr snack bar was great, the sandwiches were very helpfull and delicious after a long night drinking. When you see waiters coming around to clean your table, tip them, don't be cheap and you won't have to go line up at the bar because they will bring you anything you want. Ask for Gustavo, great fellow. The entartainment was also good, maybe it did get a bit repetetive at times but we are not complaining, with all the booze there we entertained ourselves. One more thing about the buffet, try the amazing omlets during breakfest and the fish (any kind) and spaghetti during dinner. The drinks were also amazing and I do suggest to bring a large cup or mug with you because later in the evening when they ran out of glasses they used plastic cups, which was ok but you had to run to the bar more often. Overall experience was amazing, would definitely go back and for those of you who will read some of the bad reviews, dont be feared, the spolied complainers will always complain, even if they stayed at a 5+ resort.

Before I went away I had read a few of these and was really worried. i just wanted to write a review to say dont worry. It was an average holiday, clean rooms, food ok (something for everyone). The Trips were fantastic definatley do the jungle tour.

The Cubans are really friendly, you do need to tip to get really good service but just accept that its their way of life. We did not tip all night but the odd peso here and there did seem to work well.

The weather was fantastic and so were the beaches. It was too busy for my liking but good all the same. I found that people just seemed to enjoy complaining about things for the sake of it. You do get what you pay for after all !!! The hotel is that big that you are bound to get people who have not been happy with the service they received.

Couple of things : Ask for a sea view because although we did not pay any extra we asked and got one. Fantastic view!!!

Also try and eat more than twice a week in the a la carte restaurants. ie tip the waiters well and they will find you room in the restaurants. Its worth eating in the better restaurants for the sake of a few pound tip. The BBQ, Cuban and the International restaurants were the best!!!

Overall Really good holiday Not 5 Star But had a great time all the same. Enjoy It !!