Dear Kathy:
We have been to the Sierra Mar, and enjoyed it a lot. The food was great, the best yet (we have been to Cuba 4 times now). If Yvette is still there, assistant manager, she is wonderful. We rented a jeep and took her on her day off with us into Santiago. We went everywhere. Up into the mountains to a coffee plantation, to few schools, to the fort in the city, and toured the city itself. She speaks english very good and french somewhat. There are always activities going on, and the entertainment, though some nights a little lame, has been the best so far. You should go to the beach with the orange sand. It costs extra, at the time we went $3. We didn't do any other tours though. The snorkelling is good, but you have to swim quite far out. The staff is very friendly. Bring all sorts of clothes with you for tips. They have to pay the same for clothing as we do. We have gone to a used clothing store and bought clothing for $5 for a garbage bag full. Dinky cars are a big hit for tips. Anything we take for granted they lack, so bring! The rooms are clean, and most have a good view of the ocean. I would definiately recommend this resort to anyone. The only drawback was that when we were there, a lot of older people go there, so if you are young and what a whoop it up, not here, at least when we were there, 2 years ago.