dear Julie,

My husband and I have visited Cuba many time and although we did not stay there, we visited Las Brisas. It looks looked a very nice place but it is very big and we like smaller hotels.

As far as the food is concerned the meat dishes are usually greasy but they serve lot of salads and fresh fruits so there is usually something you can eat. The water in Cuba seems to be safe and we have never had any problems with being sick, so I would say itis safe to eat anything at the hotels. If you go out of the hotel you may be invited into the homes of some of the Cuban people and I don't know if that would be as safe to eat there, although we have eaten many meals with the Cubans with no ill effects.

As far as taking used clothing down they will appreciate anything you give them and it won't matter about size, as every one of them needs clothes. We always take things like toothbrushes, used clothes, used shoes; barrettes and scrunchies for their hair are popular and so are any little toys you might have. Combs and hairbrushes,nailpolish and lipstick are popular with the young women.

I don't know if Las Brisas is the best hotel in the area but we have found that all you can really do is try different ones till you find what suits you. I think you may not like your hotel but I'm sure you will love Cuba and the Cuban people.

If I can be of further help feel free to e-mail me.

Kathy

Julie:
You will do fine at this hotel. I stayed there for a week a couple of years ago. The hotel is pretty good. Large clean rooms, common areas clean and attractive etc. A small shop on site , not much to buy , but you can get Rum there for the same price as at the airport. The pool area is great with a swim up bar. Staff are excellent. The food is O.K. I certainly got plenty to eat and sufficient variety. I missed out at breakfast ( not that i needed any extra) but I did not realize that there were "stations" in the dining area where they prepared omelettes etc. There was one evening where they had an A la carte dinner, otherwise it was buffet style. I can't say that the meals were "greasy" as such. Certainly some items were but that is the same as at home. The resort is casual and laid back. the beach is not the best as it is a "man made" beach area. There are paddle boats , snorkling equipment etc available so you should be O.K. The entertainment at night is done by the staff with audience participation by times. Some of these folks are very talented. We enjoyed our week at Las Brisias and you should too. Just "go with the flow" and you will be fine
Cheers and have a great vacation.

For the above message...I too went to the Las Brisas and had a marvelous time! Made friends with many of the animators - how are they doing? Do you have any updates on them? Please post an update as I don't check my email account, love to know of any news!
Gracias!

it's been well reviewed. Guardalavaca is my favourite area, but I usually stay at
one of the lower-priced hotels.
The natural beach is a km from the Delta - great swimming. Snorkeling is also excellent, as is the scuba.

- visit the dolphins (cheaper if you taxi instead of the tour
- drive to Banes - about 40km - BEAUTIFUL scenery.
- don't worry about the food.