Rating: 
"We had a great time at Sandals, Great beach, location, staff and everything. We did the concierge service which we found was ok but probably wouldn't spend the money next time for it. Booking through escapes was simple and they were helpful with all of my questions. Would book through them again."
Reviewer: reviewer728
Date: Apr. 23, 2012
Rating: 
"My husband and I were at Sandals Hicacos from Feb 26 - March 3, 2012 - our first vacation in 11 years and possibly the best week of our life. We loved our room, the grounds, the beach, the people, the food, the drinks, the service, the great big bathtub, the wavy days as well as the non wavy days. Did we mention the people, from the maintenance staff who got us a fresh coconut, to all the wonderful bartenders and the girls who helped at the buffet, to the special people that work upstairs behind the scenes and last but not least Alex the phys ed guy. Let's also not forget Jean Louis who took us on the most awesome catamaran ride ever. We are telling everyone that we highly recommend Sandals Hicacos and we are really hoping to go back again next year. Same room, same time, not telling what room cause we want it open for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Reviewer: reviewer4591
Date: Mar. 19, 2012
Rating: 
"Sandals Royal Hicacos is a world-class five star resort. If you're looking for the nicest patch of beach in the Carribean, some of the finest restaurant service anywhere on the planet and quiet, romantic dates with your significant other, this is the place. There's also time for party hats and mojitos. Please dismiss any complaints about anything to do with this resort - the folks who wrote those reviews are the type who will look for the worst thing about all of life's experiences and dwell on it. This is not the first time we've been there and we're confident it won't be the last. Two things about the trip that made me raise an eyebrow: 1. when I called the front desk and asked for a bucket of ice for a complimentary bottle of champagne, they told me to go get it myself. 5-star? Really? and 2. Beware grey hair. There's LOTS of it here. The first time we went, it was all honeymooning couples (like us). This time, it was like visiting a retirement home complete with bed pans and nurses. We were there three days before we found a couple our own age to chat and dine with. FOOD: Cuba gets a bad rap because of food. This is largely unfounded in my experience. I was easily able to pack on upwards of five to ten lbs in a week there. Granted, Cuba experiences some challenges on the supply and demand scale and has difficulty getting many of the products we take for granted. This doesn't mean that the food is no good. It's fine. If you want a week of food, go to Montreal or New York. If you want a week of pampering service with the finest attention to detail and delicious, albeit humble entrees, go to Royal Hicacos. I had a filet there that was the best I've ever eaten. You could eat it with a spoon. Beware also, they are extremely generous with the booze. In Canada, bartenders measure out drinks by the ounce. I went to the piano bar one night and ordered a single malt scotch. The tender brought down an 18 yo Glenlivet and started filling a highball glass and said to me, "Say when." Awesome resort. We will return once again."
Reviewer: reviewer8385
Date: Feb. 07, 2012
Rating: 
"It was our first time in Cuba so we don't have another resort to compare it to. However, it was great. There were no wristbands which was a surprise to us, and the majority of the people were very nice, EXCEPT the Scuba instructor which was extremely RUDE! He should not be working for a Sandals Resort!!! We were unable to do any of the water sports as the resort had a "yellow" flag all week, however the water didn't seem too rough which makes us wonder if they were just too lazy some days. The food was actually very good to our surprise. Everybody warned us that the food in Cuba wasn't that good, however at this resort it was quite good. The biggest bonus for us was that they had Heinz Ketchup!!! The buffet had very good food!!!"
Reviewer: reviewer1353
Date: Jun. 14, 2011
Rating: 
"My husband and I had a really wonderful time at this hotel. We could not be pampered more. The staff were wonderful and friendly and not because they want anything from you...they're just happy people and glad to be of help. Loved the food esp the pizza and burger at the snack bar in the back...not to forget the staff and two musicians! Loved the guitarist at the main bar too! I have to mention the breakfast guy (the one who makes the eggs)at the buffet!
We spent a lot of time just laying down on the beach reading and drinking our coconut juice ... were very appreciative of the quietness...
The place could use some maintenance to keep up the good rating...someone has to clean up the paint drips and the roof at the main bar. The public bathrooms should be kept cleaner too.
All in all, we really enjoyed our stay and we will highly recommend Sandals Royal Hicacos to our friends and family!
"
Reviewer: KMG
Date: Feb. 12, 2011
Rating: 
"This was our seventh visit to Sandals Royal Hicacos, and as usual it was a wonderful experience. The staff and management of this hotel are excellent; they remember return visitors and go out of their way to make you feel special. Their stated intention is to make it your "home away from home", and they succeed.
The food is particularly good for Cuba, and is improving each time we go; they are currently importing all directly from Montreal and they pay great attention to the quality.
I was particularly impressed this visit, Remembrance Day fell in the middle of the week; the majority of visitors were from Canada or UK and many people were wearing poppies. The staff asked the meaning of the poppies and, on being told, they held one minute's silence round the pool at 11am on 11th November. That is what I call paying attention to your guests.
The hotel itself is clean, the rooms are spacious, and the beach is the best on the Varadero strip.
We will be going back again for sure.
"
Reviewer: Dancerwannabe
Date: Nov. 15, 2010
Rating: 
"I thought this hotel was great for Cuba - you have to remember where you are. The room was big with a lovely balcony, and the maid was fantastic and kept our room very clean. The staff were friendly, though you do have to go out of your way to ensure you are getting what you want (ie. the restaurant picks, refilling things in your room, etc.).
The food was decent (again, you're in Cuba!). The fresh seafood was incredible! Calamari, mahi mahi and red snapper. Yum. The pre-cooked selections were pretty bland, but again, find what you like and stick with it. The fresh fruit selection was great. The staff in the restaurants were very helpful and friendly, and went out of their way to please.
The beach that this hotel is located on is THE BEST!!! The set-up at the beach is perfect.
The pools were perfect, lots of room and no problem getting chairs.
Overall, great experience."
Reviewer: reviewer4788
Date: Sep. 03, 2010
Rating: 
"This is our 3rd time to this hotel, we really enjoy it. The staff is helpful and cheerful and the food is good. We recommend it and we are most definately going back in the next few months.."
Reviewer: reviewer648
Date: Jan. 12, 2010