I'm Cuban, so I know what I'm talking about. They can be rude if u don't tip them or if u don't dress nice. But it is not based on ur skin color. All the souvenirs are black because that's part of our culture. We have a huge African population. And remember, Cubans have limited English knowledge so most of the time they have no idea what u are saying. Even if you talk to them in Spanish they may not underestand what u are saying and are afraid to tell u something. We see foreigners as superior beings.

Hi M-Angel you seens like a very nice and polite person. I'm from cuba and normally i don't post any comment on youtube but this time i felt the need of answer your question. In my opinion as cuban, the biggest problem is staff's salary. The average salary in cuba is about 600 CUP ( 24 USD) at month, so that doesn't cover most of basic needs for any person (food, electricity, transportation, personal hygiene products, etc...). Most of the cuban people can't enjoy any of these resorts and don't even think in international tourism. We are poor motivated with our job and mostly of us are thinking what to eat next day (we definitive are not starving but the food is very expensive for our income). Of course I'm not trying to justify the behavior of the staff with guests but every action is due to a motive and that is what I'm trying to explain. I have been lucky of staying in two resorts one in Varadero and other in Cayo Santa Maria and as you I expect a good service from staff. I hope this give you a idea what may happening. Greetings from Cuba.

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and sharing your feedback and insight. I do agree that worrying about where your next meal will come from is terrible, super stressful. I didn't get that sense from the staff, but I don't know their lives, so who knows. All I know is that in tourism, kindness and smiles go a long way, especially toward tips, so they would get so much more (money) if they invest in their jobs :) take care and bless you and your loved ones!

Wow this video was extremely informal, funny and sad at the same time! You got a sub from me, keep doing your thing queen! Bless Up!

You have to remember that Cuba is a communist country. They dont smile at the Airports cause security is a serious business for them. I love Cuba but if you are a 5* traveller you may be disappointed. They dont have all the fancy little things. I love the naturalness of Cuba and the fact that it is not Americanized really appeals to me.

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

That’s cool!! Thanks for sharing 😊

Loved your review M-Angel heading there a the end of the month stayed at the Las Dumas that is next door loved that resort so your review of this one is great. looking forward to going and getting out of this cold even if it is only one week I will try to bring you back some heat and sun when we get back to Ontario thanks again.

So sorry to hear that this happened to you. I had a similar experience in Varadero at Melia las Americas. That's why I only travel to Barbados and other black Caribbean countries nowadays.

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Sorry u had to experience this type of treatment too 🙏🏽❤️

Are the buffet/ restaurants indoor for dinner? Because I really can't stand mosquitoes.

2 more days! I actually booked after viewing your review. I've been to Cayo Santa Maria Cuba before but a different resort. Looking to enjoy that beach again and this resort.

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

ML thats great, enjoy!!! I could use some warmth and beach right about now 🌬❄️

Any food intolerances? I was there 10 years ago and had diarrhea and vomiting . Want to go again. Searching if anyone has had some GI upsets. Thank you

can't wait for you and Ovela to come and experience our beaches here in Philippines and make a video review as well.great job for this one!

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

I am ready to move to the Philippines, especially after 5 days straight of snow 😖😋

Was there in February 2019.Everything about this place was increadible except the check in.It took four hours to get into a room,therefore I will not be returning..Please work on that....🙂

Love from montreal. I'm trying to choose a resort in cuba, we travel in two weeks. I've been doin research like crazy as I always do. But damn after reading and watching so many reviews. I aint so sure anymore. Looks like hit or miss alot. So many many people have bad things to say. This one is supposed to be one of the best in the whole country coliss!

@armygirl0013

4 жыл бұрын

Melia Jardines del Rey is amazing, in case you are still looking.. KZread has lots of videos up..

@SethVII7

4 жыл бұрын

@@armygirl0013 Thanks, we went to paradisus rio de oro instead, payed the extra for royal service. It was great! Next trip, jamaica or costa rica.

M-Angel just saying things as they are. I love it. (You are wacky in front of the camera lol)

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

😂 you know it! Lol sometimes he can be heheh

@vincea6326

6 жыл бұрын

Can't wait for you to experience Philippine beaches, too. Our country is not only known as a top tourist spot because of the exaggerated landscapes but also the warmth and hospitality of most (if not all) Filipinos. I can vouch for that!

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

Oh I'm sure of it! 💖

My feedback: out 10 - 10 being the highest Rooms: 3/10 (large rooms but dated) Food: 3 out of 10 (limited options) Beach: 10/10 (always clean and beautiful) Pool: 8/10 ( save yourself a chair, all gone by afternoon) English: 7/10 (good) Day entertainment: 7/10 (lots of activities) Night entertainment: 5/10 (A for effort but not my thing) Service: 9/10 (tipping helps, especially the maids - My service compared to those that did not tip was exceptional. Strongly recommend it.) Wifi: 2/10 (Horrible with their wifi limited cards for purchase and even with my provider due to the limited towers). Excursions: limited - declined participation Comments: all subjective... This is not a five star hotel even in Cuban standards. I’d say a 3. Staff very welcoming and friendly. Internet services very poor. Weather in February a bit cool on some days. Overall, I’m glad to have visited Melia but do your homework and compare it to your needs/wants.VIP airport lounge worth it if you have a long waiting period $25.00 Canadian per person.

Thanks for putting this video up. I've been wanting to find a video that gives a honest review without all the BS PR stuff. My wife and I have been planning a trip to Cuba and trying to find a good place. Sounds like this place is not the place to go.

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

Glad i could help!

Sorry to hear this M-Angel. This should not be your experience. I hope that they do change their outlook and be a little kinder to people that might look different in their opinion.

I’m also Cuban. Living in the US. I will put it simple: for them, as you mentioned, it was all about appearance, you probably didn’t look money-source enough so that is the reason for everything. Trust me dear, it is all about that, no race, no gender, no language. And although I’m able to comprehend this phenomenon, I don’t agree with this at all. We, cuban people, only get to understand that being nice and friendly should be part of our daily communication, when we start living outside Cuba. Almost everything we know is a myth… a fixed story told by government, and we will act as told, just like a kid who only know what he sees or listen to at home. I’m really sorry this happened to you. Trust me, I understand 100%

@mangelsays

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the insider perspective. I really appreciate it! Stay blessed 💕

M-Angel Thank you for posting such a great comprehensive report on your experience in Cuba I'm thinking the way you were treated maybe they thought you were mulatto, and your treatment by the staff might have stemmed on jealousy on their part as they saw you as privileged, as Pale91 wrote, the pay is so low and they are forced to work hard with no incentive which is why customer service is lacking. Unfortunately, I was thinking on a trip to Cuba but after your great post I think not. May I suggest on your next trip "Cancun" my wife and I simply love how we are treated by the resort staff, locals and the food/drink is outstanding but of course that's also dependent on the resort you stay at. BTW - its my understanding that mojitos are the most dreaded drinks for bar tenders to make because it takes extra time and effort

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! I will keep Cancun in mind, and lol for the mojito info

OMG, you are hilarious! :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

Heehee im glad u enjoyed friend! Take care 😘

I don't know why you were treated this way have been to melia cayo Santa Maria 9 times now have always been treated like royalty sorry for your experience

we are actually really proud of those black people status im Puerto Rican but i know cubans feel the same...

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

Ok that's nice to hear. I know latinos in the US are really colorist so I wondered if maybe they were the same back home, like in most of the world. Color really shouldnt matter lol.

Hola, I am only 5 minutes into your video.... but I already have to ask, WHEN was this video actually shot ????? Publish date is Oct 7, 2017 which is after hurricane Irma. I believe this video is NOT after Irma which ripped this resort apart Sept. 9, 2017. Please let me and the world know the actual date this video was shot ! This is soooooooooooo very important for would be travellers to know what the true condition of the resort is in, after a POST Irma environment. No offense M - Angel, but pictures and video's posted anywhere that do NOT have their ACTUAL shot dates / defined locations can be construed as false / misleading / propaganda / bull crap garbage ..... I am going to watch the rest of your quality work.

@mangelsays

6 жыл бұрын

JJ Burns lol ok chill haha this review is NOT fake, I dont really say great things about the resort, doubt they'd pay me for this honesty lol. You're right, good idea to include the date. I thought I mentioned it... guess not. We were there mid August 2017. Thanks for watching!

@jjburns8762

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, I never accused you of a fake or paid review at all. Just simply wanted to know the actual shoot date. Got it , Aug. 2017 before Irma as I suspected. It's really crazy M-Angel how many folks even now a days in ( Feb. 2018 ) post video without telling you that it was filmed 8, 10, 12, 14 months ago !!!! How does that help people today make decisions to spend their hard earned $ at a resort ?? Especially after the hurricane ravaged resorts in Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria. ( Sorry I'm ranting to you, no offense ) Folks really need to use their brains and THINK of OTHERS before they arbitrarily upload their vacation pictures to the world. Just simply tell them the actual date it was filmed / shot either in the video or in the description field. How hard can be ?? Nice detailed review, I am sorry to hear that you experienced that at MCSM. Based on your take, I believe you did experience a bias / discrimination. Why, I just don't get it ?? It's not right. I hope you have a much better experience on your next holiday !

@zoyajk5279

6 жыл бұрын

You should of went straight to the manager. I'm sorry for your vacation being like this but it's not only you. They become very jealous. Also just to let you know a good vacation ( most of the times) would be a 5 star and should be at least 1600 and up for a more upscale vacation.

@zoyajk5279

6 жыл бұрын

Go to Punta Cana they will love you❤️

Harsh…

Girl you must´ve crossed a black cat before taking the plane to Cuba. I went on vacation at that same resort for 4 nights & my experience couldn´t have been better. The treatment, the food, the staff. The natural beauties of course are top there. But I don't know how was it that you felt mistreated or discriminated when here at Cuba there is a big percentage of black people, and historically cuban people has been known for not been racist, something that in the 60's & 70's was seen very badly (been racist I say). About the treatment, allow me to disagree, I explain it, I am cuban and if there is something that displeases me is the way most low income cubans treat foreign people, because of precisely what pale91 explains about wages and the situation with money, most cuban people try to be extremely nice & polite towards foreigners with the clear objective of getting some money, I'm not saying we are homeless people or something like that, but many use that way to earn some dollars, and many others are polite just because they are and try to be friendly, the cuban people generally is very friendly, so you really must have crossed a big black cat before you trip to Cuba. Maybe some of the people that you confronted on the swimming pool Aquaerobics were foreign too and don't even understand what do you wanted, at those resorts there are many foreigners from every corner of the world, and believe me I have crossed with many that are the way you describe here. I can guarantee to you that if you ask a cuban in a pool for be your pair, you get it in 2 seconds, don't doubt about it. You really have been paranoid in this tirp to Cuba and to Melia CSM. Greetings and best of luck in your next trip to Cuba, here we don't discriminate people by language, skin color, or anything like that. Cheers.

@cookiepie143

4 жыл бұрын

Well don't deny her experience. Just because you didn't experience what she did doesn't mean it's not true . Did it also occur to you you're Cuban so yours and her experience are vastly opposite?