Memories Jibacoa

Jibacoa, Cuba

Virgin rating

Standard Garden View
Standard Ocean View
Standard Ocean View
El Ranchon
Standard Ocean View Room
Standard Ocean View Room
Diamond Club Restaurant
Standard Garden View
Standard Ocean View
Standard Ocean View
El Ranchon
Standard Ocean View Room
Standard Ocean View Room
Diamond Club Restaurant

The hotel

It may be a far cry from Havana’s buzz, but Memories Jibacoa is only 1.5 hours from the capital – letting you experience both sides of Cuba. Emerging from between tropical palms and greenery, before coming to a rest on the white sands of Arroyo Bermejo Beach, its low-rise architecture adds to the relaxed hideaway feel, with garden or sea views from every room. This adult-only escape’s anything but unassuming though, with water sports, a dive centre, an unashamedly oversized pool, and round-the-clock dining and drinking options. You can even upgrade to the Diamond Club for preferred à la carte reservations and an exclusive beach area.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Honeymoon
  • Night Club
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Laundry Service
  • Beachfront location
  • Tennis
  • Restaurant
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Hobie Cats

Where is it

On Arroyo Bermejo Beach on Cuba's north coast, surrounded by mountains and ocean. 50 km to Havana and 60 km to Varadero. Transfer time from Havana Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Hotel information

240 rooms in 18 two-storey blocks with no lifts. Standard Garden View Rooms have balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, cable TV, telephone, coffee-making facilities, mini-fridge with bottled water on arrival, safe, iron and board and hairdryer. Standard Garden View Rooms with either 1 king-size bed or 2 or 3 single beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

All Inclusive of: all meals, snacks and unlimited drinks. Guests are entitled to visit three of the à la carte restaurants per week. All activities above unless otherwise stated.

Standard Pool View Rooms have the same facilities as the Standard Garden View Rooms but overlook the pool, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Standard Ocean View Rooms have the same facilities as the Standard Garden View Rooms but have fabulous sea views, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Suites have ocean views and are located on the upper floors, with private balcony and separate living room, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Diamond Club Benefits are available at an additional supplement and include:

  • Personalised check-in
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Early check-in (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out (subject to availability)
  • Exclusive beach area with waiter service
  • Premium amenities
  • 20% discount on spa treatments
  • 20% discount on laundry service
  • Breakfast and à la carte lunch at exclusive restaurant
  • Mini-bar restocked daily with water, beer and soft drinks

3 restaurants and 1 grill: Selections (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Bella Cucina (Italian, à la carte, open for dinner), La Gourmet (open for dinner) and El Ranchon (à la carte grill, open for lunch and dinner). 5 bars including pool bar, beach bar and nightclub. Please note: à la carte dining is limited to one visit per restaurant per stay.

Daytime entertainment includes themed parties, dance classes, Spanish language lessons, yoga, hiking and games room. Evening entertainment includes Cuban night, gala nights during the week, piano bar and shows every night.

Large swimming pool with 2 separate Jacuzzis. Spa*. Gym. Water sports include windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba-diving*, water polo and volleyball. Tennis, basketball and table tennis.

Laundry service*. Onsite shop*. WiFi access*. Doctor*.

Wheelchair adapted rooms with partially accessible amenities or facilities available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. To discover all the special assistance services we offer please see additional information below.

3 nights.

* Denotes local charge.

Latest travel advice

Special assistance

Please note: minimum age in resort is 16 years.

Please note: Diamond Club benefits are available at an additonal supplement per person per night, it is optional but must be booked for the entire stay and for all guests in the room.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2113)
  • Very good (1112)
  • Average (292)
  • Poor (82)
  • Terrible (48)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing holiday

May 15, 2022 E114ODjeffreyb

The resort is located about 1 hour from Varadero airport. From the moment of arrival there is friendly and helpful staff to great you. In particular two staff members have continuously checked if I feel good, if I need something. Those staff members where Yendri & Josè, both from the activity team. During the entire stay they were very friendly… Read more
The resort is located about 1 hour from Varadero airport. From the moment of arrival there is friendly and helpful staff to great you. In particular two staff members have continuously checked if I feel good, if I need something. Those staff members where Yendri & Josè, both from the activity team. During the entire stay they were very friendly and good. Already upon arrival I was greeted by Josè. As I was travelling alone, I noticed both of these guys to check in with me more often to see if I feel good. Food and drinks are good and room is clean. I would definitely go back to the hotel when I can and hope to find the same staff members again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Holiday in Cuba

May 15, 2022 Elliot D Leeds, United Kingdom

Came here in March for a two week stay and after two years of not travelling this was just the break we needed. We stayed as part of the Diamond club in a ground floor open view room. The room appeared to be recently refurbished but was a little dated however it was incredibly clean and the bed was the comfiest I have ever slept on in a hotel.… Read more
Came here in March for a two week stay and after two years of not travelling this was just the break we needed. We stayed as part of the Diamond club in a ground floor open view room. The room appeared to be recently refurbished but was a little dated however it was incredibly clean and the bed was the comfiest I have ever slept on in a hotel. Many people mention the food and drinks and following the pandemic certain things are in even more of a short supply. Despite this the food was good and plentiful, yes it could get a little repetitive towards the end of our two weeks but it was always cooked well and very tasty and we also visited the a la carte restaurants which broke up the routine and for us the Italian was the best. On occasion due to limited supplies some drinks weren't always available but the staff were so helpful suggesting other things we could try. There was always entertainment and we enjoyed the low key and relaxed piano bar above reception. The hotel isn't huge so easy to walk around but still plenty of space to find a quiet spot and it's in a beautiful location. We upgraded to Diamond club which we felt was well worth it, it doesn't change your room just gives you some extras and for us the separate breakfast area that came with this upgrade was the best part. And finally the staff, always friendly, always helpful and for us they made this holiday an amazing experience. I can certainly see why people return year after year. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stay somewhere else

May 14, 2022 Emma H Sheffield, United Kingdom

Really nice small resort, but staff were often so rude, not sure where the good reviews are coming from. Often slagged us off in Spanish thinking we couldn’t understand, and served Cuban guests who had pushed in first. All the bar staff acted like everything was a hassle and often told me they were out of drinks, I would see a Cuban guest with the… Read more
Really nice small resort, but staff were often so rude, not sure where the good reviews are coming from. Often slagged us off in Spanish thinking we couldn’t understand, and served Cuban guests who had pushed in first. All the bar staff acted like everything was a hassle and often told me they were out of drinks, I would see a Cuban guest with the same drink 5 mins later. Rooms were very clean and nice, so was pool. Beach is great for snorkelling. Food was largely inedible, vegan sister came back invisible, shortages aside no care was made again Cubans always served first and pushed in. The sea is crying from all the plastic straws and glasses this hotel use, stay somewhere else and don’t get slagged off to your face Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful but could be so much better..

May 14, 2022 593rachaele

I travelled here with 2 friends for a relaxing girls holiday, and to be fair that was what we got. The Hotel was set in a stunning location, with some really friendly staff (some are awful but you get them everywhere) and we expected the shabby chic style for the rooms, so wasn’t to fussed about the furniture or bathroom furnishings. There’s so… Read more
I travelled here with 2 friends for a relaxing girls holiday, and to be fair that was what we got. The Hotel was set in a stunning location, with some really friendly staff (some are awful but you get them everywhere) and we expected the shabby chic style for the rooms, so wasn’t to fussed about the furniture or bathroom furnishings. There’s so much that with a little more thought could be better such as a welcome pack when you arrive letting you know when bars and snack places are open. We discovered the late night Panini/toasty shack at the pool 3 days before we came home (Open 11pm - 3am). The 2 biggest issues we experienced were what stopped the hotel getting the full 5 stars - Food and the sheer number of Cubans on days passes. I will explain. Cuba has massive food issues the country is on rations and for instance beef is only for the tourists, so I understand that this was never going to be near the food you’d usually expect anywhere else. But in the buffet the food was cold, there was no imagination used. Pizza, Pasta and Paella every night. You couldn’t help yourself because of Covid. We tried all 3 alcarte and found the best to be the International one. No chips! Literally Chips are usually a staple at buffets but none here. The food lacked flavour. Every one said the same, take your own hot sauce if you use it they have none, and I’d take sachets of salt and pepper, we asked daily for it sometimes we were given shakers other times not. So for any brits going it’s 2 star food. We were told by repeat returners this was the best in Cuba. Weight gain was not an issue on this holiday! The hotel allows day passes for Cubans to visit and weekend stays too, now I have no problem with this however we witnessed them taking 7-10 plates of food back to their tables and filling zip lock bags, one day 10-15 packs of butter were taken by one Cuban guest, the next day there was no butter available. They would push into the queue and get served first. I personally was talked over by one lady and she was served before me. We decided to go to the pool, the lifeguard cranked up the music to a level that meant conversation wasn’t possible as he sat drinking beer with his friends. An elderly lady next to us complained it was too loud, the turned it down slightly to which the lifeguard aggressively asked us ‘Lady is that OK?’ Pointing at us and the group of Cubans clearly having an animated conversation about it. The lifeguard decided at 5 he was too hot so got in to play volleyball with his friends and continue the party. The pool shut at 7! We didn’t go back to the pool after that. And to be fair the beach and sea are fabulous so no loss there, plus we could get shade under the trees or umbrellas, shade was always reserved at the pool with towels out before 6am. We witnessed Cubans coming from the next door resort and staying with friends whilst they got them their drinks and food as they had wristbands. They also received pool service for drinks. I understand that the hotel next door had this exact issue it used to be well used by international guests but is now 95% Cuban 5% international guests. I do hope Memories sort this out soon as many people could see this happening. I would have given this hotel 1 star if I hadn’t met some lovely staff, some lovely people, and the beach and snorkelling hadn’t been fabulous. Cuba is having a really hard time at the moment. Poverty everywhere. You only need to walk down the beach to be asked by locals for food, clothing, shoes etc. Oh Beaches are free for anyone in Cuba so if a family set up camp on the memories beach as long as they are within 2 meters of the shore line and don’t pass that then they can. I for one didn’t have a problem with it some did, at least the beach sellers can’t come around the sun beds.. they can go into the sea to you though, and do but they don’t harass you. Sorry for the long post, it’s more for awareness, don’t let this put you off but just manage your expectations. It really is a beautiful place. But we won’t be back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Cuban Resort

May 13, 2022 Joe C St. Catharines, Canada

We travel extensively in the Caribbean, always at minimum 4 1/2 (Trip Advisor) rated resorts. This includes multiple vacations in Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Martin, Mexico, and of course Cuba. This resort ranks in our all-time top 2. Food: Best buffet of all the resorts we’re been to. Lots of variety and food is cooked fresh in front of you at… Read more
We travel extensively in the Caribbean, always at minimum 4 1/2 (Trip Advisor) rated resorts. This includes multiple vacations in Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Martin, Mexico, and of course Cuba. This resort ranks in our all-time top 2. Food: Best buffet of all the resorts we’re been to. Lots of variety and food is cooked fresh in front of you at multiple stations. Awesome pasta station. Tons of seafood options, beef, pork, chicken, pasta, rice, veggies, fruit, salad options, and desserts amount the best. The bread is better than any bakery. Snack bar at beach is also great. Service at the alacarte restaurants was great, but food was not as good as the buffet. Late night snack bar (open 10-2) is not great. Bad sandwiches and no beverages. You can also get sandwiches at the sports bar. Overall I give food at this resort 4 1/2 for food, because of their awesome buffet. Accommodations: Clean and neat. Bed was really comfortable. Air conditioning worked better here than anywhere we’ve been. We were on the first floor beside the pool and loved it. 5 Housekeeping: They cleaning was top notch. 5 Service: The staff can make or break a resort, at we found amazing, friendly and helpful staff everywhere. 5 Beach: There are definitely nicer and bigger beaches in Cuba. Sand is a bit gravelly, and as you walk out in the water, you’ll find a mixture of sand, rock, coral and seagrass. The snorkelling is awesome, but best if you get out to the second reef. Beach gets our lowest rating of 3 1/2 Bars: We found the service at all bars great. The lobby bar is open 24/7, which is great for us early riser Spanish coffees. There is a pool bar which is great, if you’re like us and hang out beside the pool. There is no swim-up bar, which is a definite downside. Although there’s something to be said for not having a spot for those people who hang out at swim-up bars all day, drinking but never get out to pee. HELLO!? There’s also a nice piano bar and a sports bar. 4 1/2 Grounds: Beautiful and well maintained. What you’d expect at a tropical resort. They need to do more to trim the palm leaves at the tops of trees. Several near misses when heavy palm branches fell out of trees. For this reason. 4 Entertainment. The entertainment staff were not as engaging as we are accustomed to. They were seldom seen unless they were doing one of there (few) daytime events. Poolside activities we experienced in our 10 days there were Bingo, Trivia, aerobics. The evening shows were okay, nothing special when compared to other resorts. But the piano bar (upstairs from the lobby) gets a high rating. Overall I’ll give entertainment a generous 3 1/2 If you decide to go to Havana, your best and cheapest option is to go with a taxi. We had a 56 Ford, driver and English speaking tour guide and it cost us $120 Canadian (plus a $20 tip). Speak with Jose in the main lobby to make arrangements. This is the only resort where we’ve been surveyed several times during our stay to see what could be improved. Overall, this resort, and especially the staff gets a 4 1/2 rating from us. Read less