The road to the hotel was horrible the worst I have been on. They started repairing the road but looks like a 2 year project. Once there the hotel was was not bad but looks a little tired a lot of repeat customers but I think it is because of the price. The food was average and the a la carts was above average the beach in this area is not the greatest you need to go away from the hotel and the beach becomes a lot better. This hotel is a great example you get what you pay for. Beautiful area to explore but the roads makes you think twice I would go back again but not for another 2-3 years until the road gets fixed.

The distance from Santiago de Cuba to the hotel is a mere 60 km. But due to the condition of the road the trip takes 2 to 3 hours. A bus has fewer problems with the road then a little car. But, except for the driver, that isn't a real hussle. Enjoy the landscape (Sierra Maestra)!
Although the rooms are rather basic (compared to European standards), the hotel itself isn't bad at all. We liked the pool and terraces and the nearby beach. The food in the buffet restaurant is of reasonable quality and the Cubans who are working here are friendly. Regarding the behavior of the foreign tourists I even have to admire them.
The whole resort (including pools) is clean, but the hotel itself is in need for a refurbishment (but hey, this is Cuba). When looking for a lazy holiday I recommend this hotel. When you have a car (almost everybody arrived by bus) you can try discover the neighborhood. We arrived here the first day of January 2012. There weren't many tourist (less than 30 % occupied).
Try to visit Las Cuevas ( 50 km to the west), El Salton (30km into the mountains) (only 4x4) or walk to Chivirico (8 km, more a village then a town) and take a (bicy-)taxi back. Remember that the hotel is located quite far away from everywhere (in fact the bad road is the problem) and that there is no big city within hours. When you don't like all-in-resorts: avoid this hotel (he..., I won't come back).
The Cuban government announced the renovation of the road (ready in 2013). When finished, the hotel will get many more visitors.
Keywords: little beach, all in resort, nature, potholes, walk, Canadians, not Cuba.

Hotel: everything is functional, but with signs of deterioration. The rooms are decent, we had no problem. Outside paint is very old. One of two elevators does not work, but it was no problem for us.
Food: good enough for us. I am vegetarian, and it was OK for me. Sometime the selection of fruits was small (2 only). There also were meat / chicken / fish choices every day. Two a la carte restaurants menus are quite simple, though, and mainly serve the same food as in the buffet, looks like.
Service: good, no problem found.
Transportation: It takes 2 hours to get from the airport, and the road is like a country road; expect 2 hours of vibrations in the coach. Winter is the dry season, and the roads are dusty; wear dust mask when going out after few dry days with no rain. We had only one rain in 6 days. 6 days is because Sunwing airlines had 7 hours delay from Montreal, and practically we arrived one day late. So do not use Sunwings!
Beach: not big, with grey sand. Water was good, warm and clear, a lot of corrals not far from the shore.

Buy a beer for the bus ride, sit back and relax. The bus drivers know every pot hole so don't worry!
The staff is super friendly if you are friendly to them. Just came back today. 2 great weeks of sun shine. They had a fantastic buffet New Years eve.
Yes the beach is small but you have the shade, the beach and the bar all in one place. The beach is very long so you can go for a long walk.It is super safe there.
Adolpho who has worked at the hotel for many years has opened his own restaurant called Oceanos down the street. The food is great,very well priced. His family lives there also. He also has music there most days. He can't always get supplies so he will tell you what is fresh. You can walk there, it is dark at night but very safe or you can take a taxi from the hotel.
Bring a flashlight.
As for the hotel-yes it need updating. but this is Cuba.I liked the stairs,good exercise.
The view is amazing and everything you need is there.If you want a 5 star go to Vegas.If you want a great experience go to Brisas Sierra Mar