Hotel Tryp Cayo Coco - Cuba

Me & my girlfriend went to Cuba in Jan/Feb 2008 staying in the Hotel Tryp, Cayo Coco. Before going we had read reviews, some very good, some not so good, however I like to make my own opinions.

Now after flying 8 hours plus to Cuba we landed in Cayo Coco and were quickly through customs and on the coach to the hotel. The rep joked that it would be another 3 hours, but truthfully it only took about 10 minutes. Cayo Coco we were told is part of a group of islands just north of main land Cuba and that they were mostly dominated by hotels! And from what we saw, it was very true. Anyway, we arrived at the hotel in double quick time and were checked in within about 5 minutes. The reception staff were all very friendly throughout the holiday and always willing to help. We were told to leave our bags with the porters who would bring them to our room in 10 minutes. We were told where our room was and given directions, however it still took a good few minutes to find the room, taking a couple of wrong turns I think!

We arrived at our room and I will describe the room soon another, however I must mention the porters. After saying they would only be 10 minutes we waited at least 30 minutes and when they did arrive no apologies, however they still expect a tip! They ask for £5 which I thought was way too much so gave them only £2, which I was later told by the rep to be very reasonable. SO WATCH OUT FOR ANYONE TRYING TO ASK FOR TIPS!
Anyway, onto to the room - we were on the ground floor with our patio looking out over the smaller pool. The room consisted of 2 double beds which were in good condition and very clean. The wardrobe was built in, with the doors being very stiff to slide and most of the shelves nearly falling off. There was a safe built into a small cabinet, which also contained a small fridge which had a bottle of water in which was replenshed everyday, although we did hear that others had problems and had to ask for more bottles. There was also a TV with various Spanish & American channels, and a table and chairs. The bathroom contained everything you would expect, everything in good order. Towels were changed everyday, although sometimes they seemed washed but still had some stains on. Overall the room was to a very good standard considering how much you are paying.

Out and about in the hotel; there were 2 pools. As I said we were right next to the smaller quieter pool which had a hot tub near by. The main pool was about 3 times the size and featured a pool bar and had day time activities. There was also a Flamengo lagoon with 4 wild flamengo's. Lovely feature although with sun loungers at a minimum some days it would be better used as another pool area. About 20 metres walk from the hotel was the beach which was very pleasent. Everything you would expect from a country renound for spectacular beaches. The only qualm I had was that seaweed was washed up every morning and was not always cleared at a very good standard. I can't say more about the beach other than enjoy!
There were bars situated around the hotel where you could get all the drinks you need, there was a very good selection and they would make you anything you wanted. Although it was very good service the bar staff didn't smile or really acknowledge you unless you tipped them!

Onto to the food & restaurants; there was one main buffet and 2 snack bars. The main buffet was always very busy, however I can understand why as there was a very god selections of food, plus there were chefs cooking fresh in front of you cooking you a choice of stir frys etc. A great feature! We only visited one of the snack bars which was very nice, not really much I can say about it. There was also another 6 or 7 a la carte restaurants, which we only managed to visit 3. We went to the Cuban Grill, BBQ Grill & Italian. The cuban & BBQ grill were fantastic, very small & intiment. They were wonderful & I would recommend them highly! The Italian however, was not the best! The bread rolls were stale, my pizza base was stale and my pofitorole (spelling) was stale! Not a great experience!

There was a small market just outside the reception, selling souveniors. Next to the market was the gym & outdoor courts to play volleyball etc on. There was also nightly entertainment although we never went as it's not really our thing. There was also a night club.

Away from the hotel there is alot of day trips you can participate in. They varied from a day trip to Havana to an excursion to swim with dolphins. We went on a catamaran trip which took us to 2 snorkeling sites and onto a private beach while providing us with drink & a lovely dinner! A brilliant trip which was made better by seeing wild dolphins swim right past us! We also did a trip through the mangroves to a secluded island where we were cooked a lovely seafood lunch! Another great trip!

I don't think there is anything else to add. We had a fantastic time, and I would give the holiday a 8/10 considering how much you are paying. We paid around £750 each so it was a top bargain. If you go, enjoy yourselves and do some trips because they are well worth it!