Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Cayo Cruz awaits you: this small island just north of Cuba has an infinite horizon. Dive off its 20 kilometres of beaches and enjoy the Iberostar Coral Esmeralda hotel right on the seashore: a whole new 5-star level within a 5-star resort. Coral Level offers you true exclusivity, with reserved spaces and premium service details: luxury suites with enveloping decor, excellent gastronomy in the three speciality restaurants (gourmet, Mediterranean and creole), or a selection of Rum and Havana cigars at the Cigar Bar. The facilities at the Iberostar Selection Esmeralda are also at your service, with special features like the Spa (with Jacuzzi, sauna and massage booths) or the Day Pool Garden, where Cayo Cruz’s natural beauty and complete comfort meet in perfect harmony. You will return home with an emerald smile on your face…
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Nestled in a picturesque setting, the Iberostar Coral Esmeralda is lauded for its stunning location and immaculate beaches, providing an idyllic backdrop for a serene getaway. While some guests have highlighted issues with food variety and amenity access, diminishing the perceived value, the hotel's service garners high praise for the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction.
Visitors enjoy modern, clean rooms and a range of praised amenities, despite occasional maintenance hiccups. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with engaging entertainment, contributes to the overall lively yet relaxing experience.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Modern
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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First time here, exceptional service. If you think that a 5* does not exist in Cuba, it is false. Very satisfied with everything. Small complex 120 rooms, quiet, average age above 40-50 years (quiet location), smiling staff, just perfect animation. Seaweed collected daily, clean bathroom, buffet and delicious Ă la carte restaurant. You are looking for filet mignon, a beach without algae, the comfort of your home...stay at home!
Thank you to the entire team of the coral iberostar Esmeralda. The hotel is rated 5 stars.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It was our fourth visit to this resort. We like coming back because of its relaxing and calming vibe, beautiful beach, friendly people and the fact that it's adults only. Food is ok, there is always something to eat.
What I'm noticing is luck of staff on the beach cleaning garbage cans, and baskets (that are meant to store dirty dishes not garbage). Garbage is sitting there for days without anyone cleaning it. It looks sad, it is supposed to be a 5 star resort and basic things are being ignored. Coral management go to Valentin Resort next door, and see how they keep their beach clean, providing plenty of garbage cans for guests, that are being cleaned regularly and never overflow with garbage. Buffet and lobby chairs should be washed. Every time we come back they are more and more dirty. It doesn't look appealing. Same goes for loungers by the pool, they look very dirty. Please tell your room cleaning staff not to fold and hang dirty towels. If towels are left in the bathtub, it means towels are dirty. I hope you can make positive changes based on my comments.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luna Alfonso Pous, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded Aug 19, 2024
Dear Guest, First of all, we would like to thank you for choosing us and for helping us to improve with your valuable remarks. We will work as systematically as possible to turn them into positive changes for your next visit. We look forward to welcoming you again in the near future. Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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This is my 20th time to Cuba, here are my pros and cons of this “five” star property:
Pros: •The concierge team and particularly Fernando (mixologist) are great at what they do •Remarkable efforts on special event nights •The property's beauty and boutique landscape are enchanting •The beach is a serene paradise especially during low tide •A consistent feeling of safety in Cuba
Cons: •Encountered challenges with inconsistent water supply in room, had to buy water daily •Have designated smoking areas for a better experience for non smokers •Faced room cleaning lapses and towel shortages (twice) •Reported a leak issue with no resolution update •Dealt with a persistent toilet malfunction throughout the stay, door did not close either
Being in the hospitality & travel industry for 8 years I have an understanding of hotel operations. I firmly believe in quality and value for what you pay, and empathize on lack of food and supplies the Cubans have to support tourism. Unfortunately, this stay fell short in what we paid versus what we received. Simple gestures like a room change, even delivering sparkling wine or … water could have addressed issues without guests having to ask.
It will be a few years before we rethink returning to the country, it will always hold a fond place in my heart.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bibiana Carbonell Castelo, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded Jan 5, 2024
Dear guest, On behalf of the entire Team, we would like to thank you for entrusting us with your holiday and for helping us to improve through your valuable comments. The hotel management and relevant departments are making all the necessary investigations and changes to ensure that similar situations do not occur again. We assure you that we will do our best to be worthy of a second opportunity to welcome you back. We hope you had a pleasant journey home. Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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This is our first vacation after covid we have been to Cuba many times and love cuba we have never experienced shortages like we have this time we payed a lot more this time around and had a lot less( maybe because its a different island) we had to bring toilet paper on vacation with us. pros: beautiful beach with white sands and blue waters , all adults resort and swim our room is perfect , the people you meet are great having access to the resort next door especially the gym. If you have the chance to meet Daniel , Darion , Victor and Yuni in the buffet they are amazing as well as Jessica and Rosabell at the A La Carte Beach bar staff is great as well Gardeners are very kind as well.
cons: Upon arrival to our room we had tons of big red ants all over ( we went to front and they gave us bug spray to kill it ourselves) Cuba is known for the mojitos and we had them only 2 days out of the week , we had powdered eggs for the majority of the week as well as very little chicken or meat no wine unless you went to the buffet for lunch or dinner very little fruit and veggies (other then squash, cabbage , okra , tomatoes) ran out of bread a few times the gym on this side was not open a few mornings we tried to go it was also very small (that is why we went next door) 24 hr snack bar wasn't open 24 hrs it was only open when they wanted to be open water bottles only every few days ( yea we brought refillable bottles from home but for 2 people who drink 4 plus liters a day it was hard they often ran out of the water to fill our bottles at the bars ) make sure you bring your own toilet paper! it also says 1 hour from airport but it was a hour and a half away noone to contact with any concers the main butler didnt do much
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bibiana Carbonell Castelo, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded Apr 2, 2024
Dear guest, On behalf of the entire team, we would like to thank you for sharing this detailed feedback about your experience. As part of the Iberostar family, the opinions of our guests are the most important reference for us to verify the fulfillment of our quality standards. The hotel management and the relevant departments are working to transform them into positive changes as soon as possible. We apologize for any possible inconvenience. Our Staff will be glad to have a new opportunity to conquer you with our progress in the near future. Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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We booked this trip knowing that Cuba has been going through a particularly rough time and we still had a wonderful time! There was bottled water, toilet paper, air conditioning in the room worked most days, and when it didn’t the maid was able to fix it for us quickly.
Food was great, but a bit limited. They did an excellent job providing options with what they had, and we never went hungry. The desserts were particularly excellent! Loved the cheesecake and various puddings. Can’t speak on the alcohol situation as we did not drink, but they always had pop options, juices (lemonade was delicious) and the lobby bar made amazing blended ice coffees. We had eggs and bacon most days, pancakes, bread, even granola and yogurt, though flour based products (pastries, bread, etc) seemed to have run out the last two days of our stay, but again no big deal there was still plenty of options if you aren’t picky. Often pastas, meats, salads at lunch and dinner, with a fry station where you could have chicken, fish, or other meat fried fresh for you.
Grounds are nice and well kept, always able to get a spot at the pool with some days having one of them all to ourselves. There is no music at the pools which makes it extra relaxing/good for napping and reading. If you are looking for more of a party atmosphere there is a bigger pool at the sister resort with a swim up bar and music.
Beach is beautiful and you can walk for a while. There is not a lot of sand at high tide but still plenty of room to lay out. The one thing that was frustrating was despite signs, people often reserved the beach loungers and it was quite difficult to get a spot under an umbrella or other shade. A bit frustrated that the life guards and other beach staff allowed this to happen, we were at the beach by 8:30 am most days and still found it difficult to find a spot as everything had already been “reserved” by towels, bags, books, etc. But again, we were able to make it work and still enjoyed many hours at the beach.
Not a complaint, but just a tip for info: the water was a bit choppy most days so if you are looking to snorkel or are not a strong swimmer keep this in mind. Although it was still beautiful and you could swim easily, just wavy and not much visibility in the water at least when we were there.
There is no bus to any towns for shopping as we have experienced in past trips to Cuba, but there are some shops you can walk to in about 5 minutes or so off the resort, and we enjoyed visiting them. A good little adventure if you are not doing any excursions.
We spent most of our time at the Coral, but often took walks around the sister resort which was equally as nice and much bigger, so you have options for pools, and can use their buffet as well - seemed like the same food just more of it.
Staff were all so friendly as usual, they are really trying to make the best out of the crisis Cuba is facing, and we wish them all the best.
Overall a very relaxing vacation which is just what we were looking for.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bibiana Carbonell Castelo, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded Apr 1, 2024
Dear Macy, Thank you for trusting us your holidays. We will be honored to welcome you back in the near future. Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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If I could give 0 stars I would, unfortunately the minimum is one star, but this hotel doesn't even deserve that, what good thing can we salvage from this place? Well, its architecture is the only good thing it has, if you don't want to ruin your vacation, don't visit this place, Discrimination against Cubans is obvious, they treat us as if we were worthless, while the tourists only need to be walked by the hand. The food is the WORST, it is terrible, poorly prepared, very little variety to say the least, every day they serve you more of the same and if you arrive a little late to the buffet what is already sold out you will not find it again, the staff Very inattentive and not to mention their poor treatment, there is no soft drink in this hotel, only beer, rum and water, nothing else. If you want to take something else, I advise you to bring it from home. The room service is not the best either, they do not replenish the soap, or the paper, much less the hair products, and if you run out of any of this during your stay, you have to come to the reception to request it because they alone They don't realize that a mini soap is not enough for 2 days. The end, it is a disaster, do not spend your time or your money in a place like this.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Group of 12 of us travelled to this resort from April 6-13th. Upon arrival to the end of our trip this resort meant all our expectations. The rooms were beautiful, our group had a mix of rooms from the roof top suites , the swim out and ocean view rooms. No complaints from anyone. There was always water in our rooms, two rolls of toilet paper if we needed anything we asked our cleaner and she would provide for us with a smile . The beach was stunning , so beautiful, the softest sand. Drinks were plentiful, Cappuccino's, Spanish coffee and Mimosas in the morning. There was pop everyday just at different bar locations and it was Pepsi. So much liquor of every kind. They did run out of white wine and red wine on our last day. And the food, no complaints from anyone in our group. If you like seafood there was lots. Mussels almost everyday, calamari and some type of grilled fish. We had eggs and bacon everyday except our first two days but honestly there was so much to choose from you won’t go hungry. Hamburgers and hot dogs available everyday . Bring your own condiments as they have none. The pools were relaxing. We all had the best time. You make it what it is and come prepared.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bibiana Carbonell Castelo, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded Apr 19, 2024
Dear Larry, We are honored to receive your friendly feedback. We will be delighted to be your choice when you arrange your next holidays on this beautiful Island. Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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This is a great resort if you want a relaxing vacation, all the staff are friendly and ready to help from the butler Dayron, the bar staff and severs who work very long hours always with a smile, our life guard Danny who was quick to help when you needed shade, to the gardeners who brought me bananas and flowers every day. Rooms are spacious and clean our housekeeper for block 7 did a great job everyday, I loved the decorations on the bed daily. The beach is beautiful and kept clean. There may be sea weed at times when the ocean is rough but the staff work hard to keep it clean, We had a couples massage twice during our stay, shout out to Tonya and Alex they did a great job!! Highly recommend them. During our stay there were no shortages that we were aware of plenty of eggs, fruit, vegetables, bread, coke and mix for drinks. If you get a chance you have to try the pizza!.
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luna Alfonso Pous, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded Feb 3, 2025
Dear Sarah, We sincerely appreciate your detailed and positive review. It is wonderful to know that so many of our team members contributed to making your stay special, from Dayron and Danny to our bar and housekeeping teams. We are also delighted that you enjoyed our spa services with Tonya and Alex. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to see you again soon! Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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Quiet, peaceful, relaxing, clean grounds and beautiful flower gardens; excellent friendly, respectful, welcoming accommodating smiling staff; lovely large clean well appointed room with full bath and separate shower, comfortable bed, English/Spanish cable TV, free WiFi everywhere; lots of fresh tasty food choices (bread, cheese, meat, fish, pasta, vegetables, some fruit, ice cream, pastries, etc) at the main buffet restaurant, plus optional special of the day type restaurants in the resort or the neighbour resorts, plus 24 hour room service. Ran out of white wine a couple of nights, but lots of other drinks/beer were fine. Sufficient lounge chairs at the beach and pools, long sandy beach to walk on (with some sea weed when going beyond the 3 resorts on the beach), and some plastic ocean debris washed ashore is visible when walking beyond the 3 resorts, but still a pleasant walk especially at low tide. Ocean pleasant for swimming, didn't experience any undertow, lifeguards on duty. Sadly there were insufficient clients and the tour of the large city 2 hrs away was cancelled. There are 2 small shops at the hotel and a few shops at the neighbour resort plaza offering local crafts (wood carvings, shirts, sundresses, hats) that can be purchased with cash US/Can$. Large majority of guests were Canadian, but a handful of (rude) Russians. Evening entertainment was very good (baby grand piano, guitar, sax, DJ, inviting singing/dancing along); karaoke 1 evening, 3 Cuban/international dance evening shows.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Â You will want to tip the staff and entertainers, bring US$1 bills and Can$5 bills. Cubans can't...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bibiana Carbonell Castelo, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded Dec 8, 2023
Dear Jacqueline, Thank you for placing your trust in our vocation to service. We will be honored to surpass this experience in the near future. Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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Exceptional Service by Ernesto Garcia – A Truly Memorable Experience The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the incredible service provided by Ernesto Garcia, your talented and professional massage therapist. Ernesto took the time to discuss my specific needs and preferences, ensuring that the treatment was tailored perfectly to my comfort level. His expertise and skill were evident throughout the session and I left feeling completely relaxed. It is rare to encounter such a high level of professionalism and care, and Ernesto truly went above and beyond in making my experience unforgettable. His passion for his work and dedication to his clients was evident in every aspect of the massage. Please extend my sincere thanks to Ernesto for making my trip so much more special. I will be recommending your resort to my friends and family, and I am already looking forward to my next visit. what a privilege to have such a remarkable therapist on your team!
Exceptional Service from Dayainys I want to take a moment to recognize Dayainys for her outstanding work in housekeeping. She was always warm, friendly, and highly professional. Every day, our room was spotless, and she took great care to make sure we had everything we needed. Her attention to detail and dedication did not go unnoticed. A big thank you to Dayainys for her kindness and hard work—she is truly an asset to the team!
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luna Alfonso Pous, Other at Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Sophie, Thank you for your kind words about Ernesto Garcia and Dayainys! We're so glad you had such a memorable experience with both of them. We'll be sure to share your appreciation, and we look forward to welcoming you back. Kind Regards, Quality Manager Iberostar Coral Esmeralda
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i would say that you have to get up and reserve a palapa for shade and one far enough away from the loud music. i was next door at the selection, the coral might be a better experience. nice beach though, i would go back anytime.
The swim up rooms are EXACTLY the same as the junior suites but offer the swim up pool. I preferred the ocean view you get from the 2nd floor of Buildings #6 and #7 but you should ask for pool side.
There are more places to choose from in the Cayo Cruz area.
LOCATION
CaribbeanCubaCamaguey ProvinceCayo Cruz
NUMBER OF ROOMS
121
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