Hotel Barcelo Cayo Largo

This post-modernist, all-inclusive hotel, which opened in 2003 on Playa Blanca, is run by Spain's Barcelo chain. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma stripped away the beach, which has since been replaced with gorgeous white sand shipped in from other beaches (however, the new beach is much narrower than Playa Lindamar). One of the main problems here is shoddy construction standards; despite its youth, this hotel is already in need of refurbishing. Still, there are many positives aspects to this hotel.

The soaring lobby is open to the elements to front and rear, creating a throughway for breezes (and rains). The large swimming pool and spacious sundeck is inviting; and a second pool captures the overflow. There are four main restaurants, plus three bars. Food is another plus here and earns high marks from guests, as does the varied nightly entertainment. Amenities include a small gym, tennis courts, an archery, but at last visit the bicycles were rusted and most had broken saddles. However, this hotel has fewer watersports than the Sol hotels.

Hotel Sol Cayo Largo

By far the nicest property on Cayo Largo, this Sol Melia-managed hotel outshines the neighboring and similarly priced Sol Pel?cano by a mile. The lovely aesthetic of pastel-toned Caribbean-style wooden structures with plantation rails is enhanced by thoughtful landscaping that makes clever use of the natural eroded limestone and foliage. The huge serpentine pool complex with water cascade is also a visual delight, and the broad deck is a great place to soak in the sun.

Most of the 244 guest rooms are in two-level fourplexes widely dispersed amid the sand dunes 100 meters inland of the beach. Decor plays up the maritime theme, with sponge-washed blue (or yellow) walls. Rooms have ceramic tile floors, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a mix of rattan and faux-stressed antique reproduction furniture, plus TV, telephone, in-room safes, and spacious balconies with plastic seats and chairs.

Hotel Gran Caribe Rancho el Tesoro

Hotel Gran Caribe Rancho el Tesoro is located in a very calm, beautiful environment, very close to the city of Nueva Gerona, in the province of Isla de la Juventud, about 150 km away from Havana. Rancho el Tesoro was founded in 1956 and is set with good taste in the beautiful surroundings. Hotel facilities are very basic and include only a bar, Cuban cuisine restaurant, a little shop and private parking.

From Rancho el Tesoro hotel you can book various tours to visit main attractions of Isla de la Juventud: Punta Frances National Marine Park, Bibijagua Beach, the Los Indios-San Felipe Natural Preserve, the pictographs in Punta del Este caves and many more.

Gran Caribe Rancho el Tesoro hotel is only 1 star, offers very basic facilities and is recommended for backpackers.