Rating:
"We enjoyed our holiday. The flights were on time, pick up and deliver to the resort were fine. With regards to the Atlantico Resort, a good paint job would do wonders. The staff were most helpful and friendly. At break-fast, lunch and dinner there seemed to be a lack of capacity to keep the food hot once the food had been presented at the buffet. Other than that all was fine."
Reviewer: reviewer5520
Date: Nov. 15, 2011

Rating:
"April 3-17, 2009
The Hotel Atlántico is best suited for the budget traveler wishing easy access to Havana from an all-Inclusive beach resort. This hotel is located directly on the Santa Maria Del Mar beach, and has a free shuttle service into old Havana three times a day. Because of this great shuttle service, we spent most mornings in Havana and the hot afternoons back at the hotel, enjoying the beach and ocean - As much as we enjoyed exploring Havana, it was nice to take a break from the heat, pollution, noise, pestering Cubans, etc. This hotel was a great retreat as the Playas Del Este area is quieter than chaotic Havana, and the proximity of the ocean is a major plus. We witnessed many tourist coming from Havana by bus to use the Playas Del Este beaches, as the Havana hotels have no beaches, only pools. Apart from the wonderful beach, this hotel is bare-bones basic - we often referred to it as the Y as in YMCA. I would rate this hotel as a former 3 star property, needing renovations. However, we found it adequate for our main purpose - spending as much time as possible in Havana. Because of the Atlántico's location on the beach, almost every room has a partial view of the ocean, as well as the buffet and terrace bar areas. To the left or right of the hotel are the public beaches, which could become very busy. But the beach directly in front of the hotel was generally quiet, except for the hotel's Cuban music, which was playing most of the time. The guest at the hotel were a mix of Quebecers, Italians, Germans, and a few English speaking people mostly from the Toronto area. As far as the jineteras situation in the Playas Del Este area, it was evident at the Atlántico, although not as evident as it was at the Tropicoco Hotel down the street, where the young girls were lined up on the sidewalk after dark. Perception being reality, some guest noticed these events taking place and others didn't. Despite the big city realities, we enjoyed our trip, mostly because of the wonderful Cuban weather - 14 days of clear blue sky and 30 plus temperatures, as well as fresh breezes - those fresh breezes were especially appreciated in exhaust choked Havana. As much as we enjoyed this vacation, we would not return to the Atlántico or Havana as we prefer trying new places. I would recommend this resort if your expectations are not too high of either the Atlántico or Havana - you may want to read a Havana travel guidebook before considering this option. If you go, take the time to have a cappuccino at the Hotel Parque Central at the end of Calle Obispo - they have a very nice lobby, and very clean washrooms. If you have more time, do the same at the Hotel Nacional in Vedado, they have a beautiful patio. The Hotel Parque Central also has a nice rooftop patio that is worth visiting - a great place to wash down the Havana dust with a cold mojito.
Hola from Marc and Leesa,
Ottawa"
Reviewer: marc.ruest2552
Date: Jun. 12, 2009

Rating:
"Members of the hotel sold counterfeit cigars; the hotel did not provide consistent shuttle service to the Havana."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Apr. 15, 2008