Family-friendly resort in Cayo Coco.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(387 discussions)
Sol Cayo Coco is a four-star all-inclusive that earns genuine loyalty from repeat Cuba visitors, particularly Canadians who have discovered the resort's secret weapon: a staff culture that builds real relationships over years of return visits. Multiple travelers describe bartenders and service staff who have been at the property for a decade or more, who remember guests by name across annual trips, and who go out of their way to make stays feel personal. This human element is what Cuba travel is about for many visitors, and Sol Cayo Coco delivers it more consistently than its physical condition might suggest on first glance. The two-beach setup is a practical advantage - having both an active social beach and a calm shallow one for snorkeling and wading covers more moods than single-beach resorts can manage.
The resort's recent lobby and room refreshes have improved first impressions, but ongoing infrastructure challenges are real. Plumbing and maintenance issues come up in reviews with enough frequency to represent a pattern rather than individual bad luck. The buffet, however, is a genuine bright spot - travelers who expected mediocre Cuban resort food report being consistently surprised by the variety and quality. The Cayo Coco location itself is one of Cuba's natural highlights: the surrounding waters support flamingo colonies, endemic bird species, and reef snorkeling that can be done directly from the calmer of the two beaches. The protected ecological zone around the cayo gives the destination a character that pure beach resort areas cannot replicate.
Sol Cayo Coco sits in the mid-tier of Cayo Coco's resort options, below the Meliá properties but offering a more authentic and nature-forward experience. It is best suited to travelers who have already been to Cuba and want the country's particular charm - the music, the warmth of the staff, the natural surroundings - without necessarily paying for the island's most polished accommodations. First-time Cuba visitors who need consistently reliable room quality should probably look at Meliá Costa Rey. But travelers who value character over perfection, and who want to experience Cayo Coco's incredible natural setting, will find Sol Cayo Coco delivers more than its modest reputation suggests.
Pros
- +Access to two distinct beaches - Las Coloradas and Playa Larga - giving guests options between an active beach scene and a calm, shallow retreat ideal for snorkeling from shore
- +Long-tenured staff who have worked at the property for years and treat returning guests like family - travelers say these relationships are what keeps them coming back to Cuba
- +Excellent buffet with a wide daily selection that impresses travelers who come expecting standard Cuban resort food
- +Compact resort layout where everything is within easy walking distance, making it more relaxed to navigate than sprawling mega-resorts
- +Refreshed and updated lobby and room decor that makes a better first impression than older photos suggest
- +Prime birdwatching territory right at the resort's edge, with flamingos and endemic Cuban species observable from the property without booking a tour
- +Snorkeling is accessible directly from the calmer beach, with good visibility and reef fish within easy swimming distance
- +Genuine connection to Cayo Coco's natural environment - the resort sits within one of Cuba's most ecologically significant archipelagos
Cons
- −Aging infrastructure shows in plumbing and electrical systems - guests report sporadic issues with water pressure, fixtures, and room maintenance
- −Black flies in the dining areas are a persistent complaint, particularly around food warmers at the buffet that do not maintain consistent temperature
- −The resort needs a significant renovation investment that has not fully arrived yet - travelers compare it unfavorably to newer Meliá properties nearby
- −Internet access is limited by Cuba's national connectivity situation - do not expect reliable or fast Wi-Fi regardless of what the resort advertises
- −Not all staff speak English, which can create communication friction for guests who do not speak Spanish
- −Mosquitos at dawn and dusk are a consistent reality across all Cayo Coco resorts including Sol Cayo Coco - repellent is essential
- −The off-island excursion options, while plentiful, feel formulaic and tourist-oriented rather than genuinely immersive in Cuban culture
- −Cuban peso currency logistics and limited on-property cash exchange create friction for travelers unfamiliar with the destination
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Nice resort. People are awesome. Good service. Lot of beaches. Every time that I hace a chance I come visit My Friends and spend a winderful time toghether enjoying the amazing activities, food, room and endless beaches. Comming back soon”
“We’ve stayed at this resort multiple times, and it truly feels like a home away from home. As repeat guests, we’re always welcomed like family, with warm smiles and thoughtful service that never goes unnoticed. The staff consistently go above and bey...”
“Just returned from another fabulous week at the Sol Cayo Coco. The staff this trip were absolutely amazing and went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed to make my vacation memorable. If you are looking for a great place to unwind...”