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Trinidad del Mar

Trinidad, Cuba

3.4(830 reviews)

Family

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.

Things to Know

Formerly Memories Trinidad Del Mar

Before you book in Cuba

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Traveler Insights

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

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.

Common Questions

How easy is it to visit the city of Trinidad from the resort?

Very easy. The city center is about 12-15 km away, and taxis charge roughly $5 each way. Many guests go multiple times during their stay. The city is walkable once you arrive and there is no shortage of things to do - colonial architecture, pottery markets, museums, and live salsa music at the Casa de la Musica most evenings. Some guests arrange a full day including a guided excursion to the nearby Escambray mountains and Valle de los Ingenios sugar plantation ruins.

How does Playa Ancon compare to Varadero beach?

Playa Ancon is consistently rated as one of Cuba's top beaches alongside Varadero, with clear water and white sand that holds its own. The key difference is crowds - Ancon is significantly quieter and less developed, which many travelers prefer. Varadero is a larger strip with more resort density, while Ancon has a more secluded, undiscovered feel.

Is the food quality acceptable for an all-inclusive stay?

Manageable, but it requires flexibility. The buffet covers the basics and most guests find enough to eat comfortably. Where it frustrates is consistency - dishes run out, replenishment is slow, and the selection narrows. The a la carte dining options receive better reviews than the buffet. Supplementing with a meal or two in Trinidad town is recommended for longer stays and makes for a great cultural experience as well.

Is this resort appropriate for families or more geared toward couples?

Memories Trinidad Del Mar accommodates families and does have kids programming, making it genuinely family-friendly. That said, its quieter scale and cultural tourism focus appeals especially to couples and independent travelers. Families looking for a large, activity-packed resort with waterparks and extensive kids clubs will find the scale here more modest than at a Varadero mega-resort.

What activities are available beyond the beach?

The resort offers catamaran snorkeling trips, kayaking, beach volleyball, tennis, and organized excursions to Trinidad city, the Escambray mountains, and local horseback riding. Diving is available nearby through local operators. The UNESCO city itself is an activity-rich half day or full day - most guests recommend visiting more than once. Evenings in Trinidad with salsa dancing are frequently described as trip highlights.

What's nearby

Playa Ancón
5 min drive · 0.9 mi
Trinidad (Plaza Mayor)
20 min drive · 8.4 mi
Museo Romántico
20 min drive · 8.4 mi
Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos
20 min drive · 8.4 mi
Manaca Iznaga Tower, Valle de los Ingenios
30 min drive · 16 mi

More things to do (17)

Marina Marlin Trinidad · marina2 min drive · 0.6 mi
Playa María Aguilar · beach5 min drive · 1.7 mi
La Boca · town11 min drive · 5.4 mi
Museo de Arquitectura Colonial · museum20 min drive · 8.2 mi
Museo de Historia Municipal (Palacio Cantero) · museum20 min drive · 8.2 mi
Museo de Arqueología Guamuhaya · museum20 min drive · 8.4 mi
Loma de la Vigía viewpoint · viewpoint20 min drive · 8.6 mi
Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad · historic site20 min drive · 8.6 mi
Mirador de la Loma del Puerto (Valle de los Ingenios) · viewpoint20 min drive · 10 mi
Ingenio San Isidro de los Desfiladeros · historic site25 min drive · 14 mi
Salto El Pilón · nature40 min drive · 12 mi
Museo de Arte Cubano Contemporáneo, Topes de Collantes · museum50 min drive · 20 mi
Topes de Collantes · nature50 min drive · 20 mi
Casa del Café, Topes de Collantes · museum50 min drive · 20 mi
Salto del Caburní · nature50 min drive · 21 mi
Gruta La Batata · nature50 min drive · 20 mi
Parque Guanayara · nature60 min drive · 24 mi

Amenities

Horseback Riding

Waterpark

Diving

Tennis

Kids Club

Snorkeling

Water Sports Rentals

Buffet Dining

Show 1 more amenities

Beach

Style & Rooms

Atmosphere

Bay View

Google Reviews★ 3.4 · 830 reviews

senda

2 months ago

“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...”

Sandra

2 months ago

“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...”

Dakota S.

2 months ago

“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...”