Hotel Punta la Cueva

My daughter couldn't enjoy her birthday the way she'd planned, and our family wasn't happy with the pool service either. Today, August 27th, she chose this hotel for her birthday and woke up early, excited, so we got ready and headed over. At the entrance, two security guards searched all our bags as though we were thieves, saying management had ordered it because food wasn't allowed. They also refused to let us bring in a small round cake for my daughter to eat when she wanted. The head of security said the manager didn't allow cakes. Yet they don't provide cakes, sweets, or candy for children there, so what was I supposed to feed an 11-year-old celebrating with her family? We all know a birthday party includes cake, sweets, and soda. The manager never came out to explain why we couldn't bring the cake. The service was terrible, and my daughter was especially disappointed that her day didn't go as planned.

There was little nearby, so the location might suit grumpy or unfaithful people. I don't recommend this place. During my seven-day stay, there were only two TV channels, the sets were old, and some had no remote. Phones didn't work in every room. The rooms were rather unattractive, with no windows or balconies, and in almost every room the walls and ceilings were in poor condition. Hot water worked only now and then. Restaurant service, and service in the lobby, were mediocre. Dogs and cats gathered outside rooms and the restaurant, and mosquitoes and gnats were practically guaranteed. If the pool is full and in use, you might be able to overlook all these drawbacks.

The only good thing was the price of local beer at the bar. I went for one in the afternoon, looking over the city, just to get some relief from how awful the place felt. I wouldn't recommend staying here. There are much better places in Cienfuegos, and you won't enjoy your stay. The rooms are old, with no minibar or refrigerator, and there were ants in the bed. The TV only had national programming, there was no hot water, and reception staff were slow and unfriendly. The restaurant opened an hour later than announced, and breakfast was just bread, cheese, ham, and maybe some eggs. The resort is about 30 years old and needs maintenance and renovation. The beach is full of trash.

We had an amazing time. The music was joyful, the food was good, the hotel is beautiful, and the pool is spectacular. I recommend it.