TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Room Condition: The rooms were uncomfortably cold with non-functioning air conditioning, and the bedding was damp, which led to health issues. 2. Food and Service Quality: Despite knowing about potential shortages, the food was lackluster for a five-star hotel, with long waits for essentials like plates, highlighting poor service. 3. Holiday Decorations: During the holiday season, the lack of festive decorations was disappointing compared to nearby resorts. 4. Prestige Level Disappointment: The upgrade to the prestige level did not improve the experience as expected, due to continued poor service and additional frustrations from strict rules. 5. Beach Misrepresentation: The resort advertised a sandy beach, but it was mostly rocky due to erosion, contrary to promotional materials. 6. General Service Issues: Even at low occupancy, there were long lines for the bars and a shortage of serving materials, showcasing a lack of preparedness. I recently returned from a seven-day family vacation at Iberostar Bella Vistain Cuba, expecting a five-star experience; however, it fell far short of those expectations. We booked a family suite to accommodate privacy and comfort for ourselves and our two 16-year-old twin boys. Unfortunately, both rooms were uncomfortably cold, with non-functioning air conditioning, and the bedding was damp and appeared unclean. This resulted in my husband and me catching colds after our first night. We were prepared for some food shortages due to previous experiences in Cuba, but the quality was subpar for a five-star venue. Service was notably poor, with frequent waits for essentials like plates in the buffet area, sometimes up to 20 minutes. Despite being the holiday season, the resort barely decorated compared to others nearby, featuring only a minimalistic wooden Christmas tree and some lights. In an attempt to improve our experience, the manager upgraded us to the prestige level. Yet, this proved frustrating as services remained inefficient, filled with strict, unclear rules, and occasional rude interactions, despite a few staff showing kindness. Although the hotel was at just about 30% occupancy, we frequently encountered long lines at the bars and they often ran out of glasses to serve drinks. Another major disappointment was the beach. Contrary to their advertising of a sandy beach, it was mostly rocky due to erosion over recent years. This was a significant letdown, as it was a major factor in choosing this location. Overall, Iberostar Bella Vista did not live up to its 4-5-star promise. I would advise potential visitors to consider other options that might better meet their expectations for comfort and service.

I had the best time here the staff was amazing and food was good for Cuba that could be. The group from the internment Liz American she is amazing very friendly and helpful. Javier from social media Gide was also amazing and great person. The maid Marisbely that clean my room was also very amazing very polite and very attentive to what ever I needed. Boras from the bar is amazing very attentive and all the staff here. Especially Daniel room division manager was very helpful for any situation.

Had a great time @ Iberostar Bella Vista. My girlfriend and I visited Cuba years ago and vowed never return. I’m happy we gave Cuba another chance and selected the Iberostar Bella Vista. We had a great week. I do recommend upgrading to the star prestige. We enjoyed our breakfast at the panoramic rooftop every morning, lunch and dinner are also offered but we like to try everything. We went to all the ala carts, the buffet and the snack bar. Even if you’re a picky eater as I am, I always found something to eat whether it was grilled fish or chicken, salad, rice and potatoes lots of breads to choose from. Several desserts as well, I enjoyed ice cream every night. The staff works so hard, very long hours to ensure you’re having a good time. They definitely exceeded our expectations. I have to give a special shout out to Rafael and Javier who made our time more fun and enjoyable. Looking forward to our return visit. Gabriella

Javier and Rafael are amazing provided such great service made our vacation one of our best and both are easy on the eyes. Highly recommend going to this resort. Cuba exceeded our expectations

Recently stayed at Iberostar Bella Vista (IBV) for my sixth time and wanted to take a moment to give a review. Staff are friends that have become family!! The most resilient, strong, kind, thoughtful, caring, fun people you will ever meet are the Cubans (specific names and areas they work below). Top shelf service when treated with kindness and respect. Many efforts have been made to improve facilities and offerings. All new lobby furniture, a fantastic games room, renovated children’s club program, new lounge chairs, more variety of alcohol available (noting seasonal restrictions of course), snack bar options and more. The truth is that Cuba IS very much struggling with electricity, fuel, and food availability. There WILL be times you cannot exchange your pool towel, might not have mojitos, excursions may be limited or experience a redundancy in the buffet. This is unequivocally NOT the fault of the staff. Please, please, please be kind and show a bit of understanding and empathy! I choose to upgrade to Star Prestige (adults only) option. This gives the opportunity to enjoy the 11th floor bar, Panoramico restaurant, swim up pool, late check out and a few other perks. The room styles and views can vary greatly. The swim-up rooms are Star Prestige. The west/main pool facing receive much more sun, less wind, and are generally preferred. Sea view faces the front of the hotel and is generally not as popular as you will not experience the stunning sunsets and you will likely be looking at the water treatment facility across the street. Ocean view faces the main ocean/beach and offers stunning views of the beach and magnificent sunsets. Try to request a room on at least the 5-6th floor (center or west facing) and up for the best views. The Star Prestige suites are stunning with two bathrooms, jacuzzi tub, separate living space and separate bedroom. For guests that want (or need to book because travelling with children) regular rooms, they are functional for sure. The main buffet area is fairly small so in the high season it can get quite busy. There is another buffet-style restaurant near the snack bar that is open during lunchtimes.of course there is also the snack bar that is open 24/7. The beach has taken a bit of a beating with storms over the past year but is coming back. Less coral than last Spring. There is a nice section to the left that is very sandy. Once in the water, it is crystal clear, warm, and no coral at all! To the left of IBV are other hotels with noticeably larger beaches. Guests are free to walk or swim wherever they choose. There is an also well equipped gym, tennis court, bocceball, outdoor pingpong and theatre for those that are interested. Nightly entertainment shows occur each evening around 9:30. Returning to the staff. Many folks will recognize Yvon, Diana and Javier who are paramount to guest services. These three leaders and faces of the resort are extraordinary! 11th floor: Ana, Roxana, Javier, Katy, Yudy, Yeni, Mayren, Dayana, Lamar, Frank…simply amazing. Kindness, warmth, laughter, great drinks and dining service. Pool Bar: Zaimar, Ernesto, Mariam. Fun, engaging, kind and funny. Beach Bar: Dayma and Alexis. Best drink makers! Thoughtful, efficient, kind and fun. Lobby Bar: Boris, Diango, Yaniela, Rosi, Julio, Karla, Julien, Zaily, Maria, Massiel, and many more that I didn’t name. These folks work hard!! The evenings, especially in the high season get super busy and they stay on top of it! They greet you with smiles and hugs and have much fun with the guests. Towel hut: Indira and Michel. Indira has another full-time (unpaid) job as protector and guardian angel to many shelter and street animals, children with disabilities and the elderly. I have worked with her for years and am in awe of the passion she has for this work. Entertainment (day) team: Ali and others that really take the time to engage the guests. Energetic, fun! Want a private Spanish lesson on the beach? Ali is your guy! There is a reason for why I, and many others, keep returning to this hotel. It’s not like a 5-star, top tier in Mexico; it is because it feels like returning home to family every single time.