Grand Memories Cayo Largo
Family-friendly resort in Cayo Largo. Budget, Business.
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Atmosphere
Amenities
Traveler Insights(156 discussions)
Grand Memories Cayo Largo is the kind of resort that succeeds entirely on the strength of its natural setting. Cayo Largo del Sur is a small, protected island cay off Cuba's south coast with almost no development beyond the resort complex, and the beaches here - particularly Playa Sirena - are legitimately world-class. Clear turquoise water, white powder sand, and almost no one on them. If you have seen photos of Cuban beaches that looked impossibly beautiful, there is a good chance they were taken on Cayo Largo. The resort itself is a solid, functional all-inclusive that delivers on its basic promise without ever surprising you.
The important caveat is location and logistics. The property sits on the marina side of the island rather than on those spectacular beaches, so you access the best swimming and sunbathing via a resort shuttle. The shuttle is free and runs regularly, but guests who want to walk out their door onto a world-class beach will be disappointed. The food operates at a level typical for Cuban all-inclusives - sufficient and well-intentioned, but with limited variety that becomes repetitive over a full week. The paid Wi-Fi situation is a recurring frustration for guests who expected connectivity to be included. Staff friendliness is universally praised and represents the most consistent positive across all guest experiences.
Cayo Largo makes the most sense for Canadian charter travelers seeking a genuine Caribbean escape rather than a resort-heavy experience, beach purists who prioritize sand and water quality above dining variety or nightlife, and Cuba enthusiasts who want to see the country's most extraordinary natural coastline. It is not a fit for travelers who want to explore local culture, eat diverse food, or maintain connectivity. Compared to Varadero, Cayo Largo offers dramatically superior beaches but a smaller, less polished resort ecosystem.
Pros
- +Cayo Largo del Sur is one of the last genuinely pristine island destinations in the Caribbean - the beaches rank among the most beautiful in Cuba and are dramatically undercrowded compared to Varadero
- +The adults-only pool area provides a quiet retreat away from the main resort activity, which families with children also use during peak season
- +Kids Club is well-run and supervised, giving parents real time off while children are engaged in organized activities
- +Resort-operated free shuttle service to Playa Sirena and Playa Paraiso - two beaches that consistently appear on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean
- +Nightly entertainment program is lively and genuinely Cuban in character, with live music, dance shows, and audience participation events
- +Friendly, warm staff who are consistently praised for their genuine hospitality even within the constraints of the Cuban service economy
- +The spa services are affordable relative to comparable all-inclusive properties in Mexico or the Dominican Republic
- +Tennis courts and gym provide active options beyond the beach and pool for guests who want to maintain fitness during their stay
Cons
- −The resort itself sits on the marina side of Cayo Largo rather than the stunning Atlantic-facing beaches, meaning you must take a shuttle to access Playa Sirena and Playa Paraiso rather than walking out your door
- −Food variety is genuinely limited even by Cuban all-inclusive standards, with repetitive buffet options that become monotonous by the midpoint of a week-long stay
- −Wi-Fi is paid and not included in the all-inclusive rate, which feels like a significant omission at a property marketed to international travelers
- −Room door and patio door mechanisms frequently malfunction across multiple units, a maintenance issue that has been raised in multiple reviews without consistent resolution from management
- −The boxed lunch service that used to be provided at the beach shuttle destination has been discontinued, meaning guests must return to the resort for lunch or purchase food separately
- −Cayo Largo is an isolated island cay with no town, no local shops, and nothing accessible beyond the resort complex - if the on-site experience disappoints there is nowhere to go
- −Flight connections to Cayo Largo are limited and primarily operate through Canadian charter packages, making it difficult for US travelers or independent travelers to access
- −Some guests describe the nightly entertainment as repetitive over the course of a week, with limited rotation of acts and shows
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“My second time at this all-inclusive hotel. Not as good as I remembered it from 5 years ago. The resort is nice enough, good location, however there was no beach for almost the entire 2 weeks I were there. Not the hotel's fault as it has to do wit...”
“This was our 3rd time here. We absolutely live this place. Do not expect luxury but it’s more then comfortable. Do not expect great food but it’s manageable. The people are absolutely phenomenal. From the cleaning lady to the gardener. I can’t name...”
“We had a spectacular time at this resort! The staff makes you feel like family. On days that the beach was too small they took us by request to a nearby beach in a cart. Very accommodating and the entertainment was fantastic!”