Sol Pelícano

Anónimo, CA, 2005-04-26
Just got back from Cuba (April 23, 2005). Four of us travelled together - in our forties, no kids accompanying us. Had a bit of trouble with check-in. The staff spoke very little English and we had no idea of the process. Didn't get the King size beds we requested and our room smelled funny at first. After we realized that last-minute booking meant last minute selections, we cooled off (didn't hurt that we went to the beach and had a couple of drinks).

The staff was great. As it was our first time, we overtipped, but got great service for it. Sometimes there was a long line up at the bar but our waiters would come over to us in the line and get the drinks for us. Others would save tables for you and at the buffet, they would get your drinks for you.

Food was just fine, nothing special but nothing bad either. We had expected bland food so we were pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. Sometimes the breakfast foods were cold. I was told AFTER I left that you could ask the chef to throw the bacon and stuff in a pan to warm up with your eggs. Let's face it though, nobody goes to these places for the food.

The beach...now that was awesome!! Soft sand, aquamarine water, warm as a bath...didn't care for the salty water but after awhile you get used to the taste (with a few pina coladas to cover it up!).

The entertainment at the Pelicano was great as well, with a couple of nights being interactive. We found it hard to get used to the fact that English wasn't the first language there......as a matter of fact, most times it was the third or forth. During the entertainment the emcee would speak first in Spanish, then Italian, French and then English. We didn't really mind though as we were the foreigners there.

Activities - there was volleyball, dancercise, aquafit, etc being offered but we didn't care much for it......only those already looking fit seemed to be the ones doing the activities...we just came to vegetate. If you go to Cayo Largo, you have to go on the Katamaran Cruise. It cost 69 Cuban pesos each. It was very enjoyable, snorkelling on the coral reef, throwing bread to the fishes and watching them jump out of the water to get it, visiting Iguana Island, and Lovers Beach, finished with a lobster or chicken lunch. We also rented scooters for a couple of hours and really enjoyed that.
We did see nude people on the beach and quite a few topless at the pool, but only for short periods. At one time we went to Serena Beach and there was a naked couple doing something that should have been kept private...that was uncomfortable for us (I don't think it was for them though!).

The Canadian dollar was only worth 70 cents there so that ticked us off. They didn't want our loonies or toonies on Cayo Largo as they couldn't be exchanged there for pesos. We tipped in pesos but we also brought along small presents which seemed to go over really well-it seemed some staff preferred the presents over the monetary tips.

All in all the experience was very enjoyable If you are looking for a quiet relaxing place to go without the commercialism, Pelicano, Cayo Largo's the place for you. No venders, except for a couple of souvenir tables at night. We would definitely go back. For now we are preparing to take Spanish lessons.

Anónimo, CA, 2005-04-25
I can't even begin to explain the disappointment that my husband and I felt when we arrived at this resort.

Our first thought when we arrived was to turn around and take a flight home ASAP! It was not at all what we had expected after reading all of the wonderful reviews.

To start with, the grass was dead, the trees were dead, the flowers were dead, the paint was falling off the buildings, there was just nothing at all appealing to look at around the resort itself.

The first room we had was very small and just fit the 2 tiny single beds, the air conditioning did not work and it was stifling hot. It wasn't until many visits to the office to complain that we got upgraded to a bigger room with air conditioning and a king size bed, I must say that the Sunquest representative was very helpful and understanding.

There was not much at this resort to keep you amused, the animation team was not overly friendly, there were no activities throughout the day and the night entertainment was lacking.

The lunch/dinner experience was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen, the food itself was the worst I have ever had and they served the exact same thing every single day for lunch and dinner. To make matters worse, there were long line ups and the rudest people I have ever seen. People were literally pushing you out of the way and you had to fight for your food.

If you do decide to go to this resort be prepared to spend all of your time on the beach, it is the only place that you can actually relax and enjoy the scenery. The beaches on Cayo Largo are the most beautiful I have ever experienced, the sand is powder soft and the water is many shades of gorgeous blue, there is also a shuttle that you can take to two other nearby beaches that are definitely worth seeing.

All in all, I would not give this resort more than a 2 star, it should not by any standard be considered a 3.5 or 4 star and if that is what you are expecting, I suggest that you not go there, you will be disappointed!!!!!!!

If on the other hand you are going strictly for the beach and don't care about bad accomodations and food, then go for it, the beach will not disappoint.

Anónimo, CA, 2005-04-22
Sol Melia should be ashamed to run this facility and rate this place more than a two star. Sunquest was absolutely no better in selling something that does not exist.

The 'resort' must be considered no more than a bed and a beach.

The availability of activities is questionable as requesting things like mask and snorkel or sailing fall on deaf ears or debate and argue just to use these. The watersports in general are severely restricted. You can swim on a beautiful beach or in the pool......... that is the extent of the watersports. The food is edible and palatable but do not expect hot food as you are lucky to receive warm at best. Everywhere on this facility you will encounter waits and line ups. Our room stunk like a sewer and was filled with ants and bugs. Three days later we received an apology and a room change. The staff here, while polite and kind, work within the confines of the resort owners' limitations.

Admittedly, this island has the most beautiful beaches you will ever see.

The hotel staff are wonderful and kind. The facility is a dump in comparison to other island hotels that rate 3 or more stars. The excuse given is that relative to the other resorts on Cayo Largo this is a nice resort. However, this facility is in a global market and should be rated as such.

Before booking Sol Pelicano or Sol Cayo Largo, have recourse with your travel agent because should this fall short of your expectations, not much will happen at the facility its self............. buyer beware!