Memories Trinidad Del Mar
Family-friendly resort in Trinidad. Bay View.
Atmosphere
Amenities
Traveler Insights(312 discussions)
Memories Trinidad Del Mar occupies one of the most distinctive positions of any Cuban resort: sitting on the gorgeous white sands of Playa Ancon while being just minutes from the colonial gem of Trinidad. Unlike Varadero or Cayo Santa Maria resorts that are marooned from Cuban culture, this property lets you actually experience the island. Guests repeatedly describe the UNESCO-listed city of Trinidad as the trip highlight - the cobblestone plazas, Casa de la Musica salsa nights, rum cocktails at La Canchanchara, and friendly locals create an authenticity that no resort can manufacture. It's a smaller, quieter property, which is exactly what draws its loyal repeat visitors.
The physical setting is genuinely beautiful. Playa Ancon is considered one of Cuba's finest beaches, with clear water and soft sand, and the resort has it largely to itself. The downside of the intimate scale is that food and service infrastructure are stretched thin compared to larger chains - the buffet has supply inconsistencies that are frustrating on a long stay, and the pool is better described as a dip than a swim. Rooms are comfortable and clean enough but showing age, and utilities like hot water and air conditioning can be unreliable in the way that Cuba resorts sometimes are.
This resort is best suited to curious, culturally-minded travelers who want Cuba - the real Cuba - as part of their vacation rather than just a beach backdrop. It is not the place for guests whose priority is a polished mega-resort experience with reliable food and nightlife. Compare it favorably to similar small Cuban properties for its beach location, but come with flexible expectations and a genuine desire to spend time exploring Trinidad itself. The combination of Playa Ancon in the morning and colonial Trinidad in the evening is genuinely special.
Pros
- +Unbeatable location on Playa Ancon - one of Cuba's most beautiful stretches of white sand and turquoise water, far less crowded than Varadero
- +Only a 20-minute taxi ride (~$5) to UNESCO World Heritage city of Trinidad, where cobblestone streets, live salsa music, and colonial architecture await
- +Small, boutique-scale resort means you never feel like a number - staff learn your name and preferences within a day
- +Spectacular sunsets visible directly from the beach, which guests describe as among the best they've ever seen at a Cuban resort
- +Wide range of on-site activities including catamaran snorkeling, kayaking, beach volleyball, and organized excursions to the nearby Escambray mountains
- +Faux colonial-village architectural design blends beautifully with the natural surroundings rather than feeling like a concrete block hotel
- +Genuinely warm staff who go out of their way to help - multiple guests cite specific staff members who made their trip memorable
- +Quiet and peaceful atmosphere without the loud, overcrowded party energy of the larger resort strips
Cons
- −Buffet food quality is inconsistent - dishes frequently run out and are slow to be restocked, leaving limited options during busy service periods
- −No hot water reported in some rooms; hot water supply can be unreliable even when it exists, particularly in the early morning
- −The pool is quite shallow and small relative to the beach, which is the far better option anyway but disappoints guests expecting a resort-sized pool
- −Beach vendors and hustlers approach guests repeatedly and resort security does not consistently enforce the beach perimeter
- −Wi-Fi is available but extremely slow and unreliable - plan to disconnect completely, which some guests see as a positive but others find frustrating
- −Limited nighttime entertainment compared to larger Cuban resorts; those expecting nightly shows and a buzzing bar scene will be disappointed
- −Air conditioning units in some rooms are old and loud, either not cooling effectively or sounding like a jet engine throughout the night
- −Getting to and from Trinidad town requires arranging a taxi each time; there is no regular shuttle service, which adds cost over a week-long stay
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“I hadn't been to the hotel for two years and honestly, the change surprised me. They are renovating the rooms, and the buffet restaurant too, a positive change under the current management. The people are super friendly, Osmani and Odalys from custom...”
“The hotel is old, but for what we Canadians are paying, we can't ask for more. If you want luxury and gourmet food, go to the Dominican Republic or Mexico... I come for the beaches and the hotel staff who are wonderful and very friendly, they make me...”
“I want to highlight the great work that the girls at the Diamond Club are doing, always giving advice on everything. The beach is very nice, the water is warm. Evening entertainment with their night show, salsa and Spanish classes. A very pleasant we...”