We were staying at Hotel Guama in July 2011 during off-peak season. Almost all huts were free and we enjoyed the island almost fully left to ourselves. However, banging music in the afternoon at the swimming pool was ruining a quiet and peacful atmosphere. We did not stay at the hotel at day time so it didn't bother us a lot, but when we came back by 6 pm it was still banging which seemed ridiculous since the whole place looked so peaceful and solitary and romantic... That is why I scored the hotel as very good - not excellent.
The bungalow was quite comfortable and the views from our bungalow porch were just breathtaking. In our air conditioned bungalow we had a bathroom, a small lounge with a fridge and a bedroom. Breakfasts and dinners were quite modest, but tasty. Considering the price it is a fantastic offer. The staff were friendly (reception staff, a rowing boat man) though speaking very poor English.
What to consider staying at Guama:
- repellent cream,
- your own car to get to the beach and be mobile and able to travel to the National park (or be ready to pay 10 convertibles one way to get to the beach, excursion to the Zapata National park for two - 60 convertibles including guiding and transportation),
- visiting a crocodile nursery which is just 5 minutes walk across the road from the boat station Guama,
- asking for a rowing boat trip at sunrise,
- having an idea of what you are going to do while staying there (the reception staff cannot offer any useful advice),
- having a few bottles of water (there is no shop on the island).
- transportation limitations. A resort is located on the island where you can only get to by boat. The transportation to/from the resort from the boat station is free a few times a day according to some schedule not known to anyone. However, try and insist that you are entitled to a free boat ride if you have a booking confirmation. We paid for a boat trip (mistakingly, though showed a booking confirmation to them), however traveled free on all other three days of our stay there. It could be a problem to get to Zapata without your own transport. We hired a taxi from Havana (cost us 90 convertibles), an alternative could be going by bus and getting by taxi from a highway stop Jaguey Grande (about 2 hrs from Havana) - we saw some taxis at the highway petrol station there so may be this option is feasible. The bus which run to Zapata does not go there any longer (may be in peak season it will run again).
Overall, very good impressions, a very exotic and unique place!
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