Barcelo Solymar Review and Pictures

[heidi_lk]

So after being one of the unlucky couples who's Mexican wedding was cancelled from the swine flu, we were rebooked to Cuba to stay at the Barcelo Solymar.

 

After all the stress of re-planning a wedding was done, I was very very happy with how things turned out. The WC at the Solymar was amazing and managed to get us a legal wedding even though we sent all our papers in 3 weeks before arriving as opposed to the 3 months that was required.

 

I will hit some key points of our trip, but feel free to PM me if you have more questions!

 

The hotel: Hotel was not as fancy as the 4 star resort in Mexico, but had a much more cultural feel to it. The resort had little bungalows, which my husband and I stayed in, while the rest of the guests were in the main part of the hotel. There was typical minor issues with the hotel, some servers were rude, some maids were not as good, and some of the food wasn't great, but nothing that would deter me from going back. The beach was AMAZING; best I've ever been to, better than the Mayan. This hotel was fantastic for being able to get spots on the beach and at the pools. Our group of 22 never had any problems all sitting together at any time of day. We spent most days on the beach, and most nights (late nights at the mini disco. This resort was not as "posh" as some I have stayed at in Mexico, but certainly suited our group, and was an amazing time with friends and family.

 

The wedding: Our WC Marta was amazing. She met with us prior to the wedding, asked our likes and dislikes, and told us all the details. The wedding package was very reasonably priced (about $500 less than Mexico) and was worth every dollar. We were married in the Gazebo, which was decorated beautifully. After the vows, two guitar players played for us to have our first dance (Cuban tradition). They played for about a 1/2-hour after that as well. We then did the cake cutting (for photos) and champagne toast, which was all perfect. The wedding was on time, organized, and I never felt stressed at all. The wedding dinner was in a private restaurant (for 2 hours) and they served soup, salad, then filet mignon and lobster, and wedding cake for dessert. It was all so delicious!! Red and white wine were included and we bought some Champagne for another toast. The band came in to play which was just an amazing touch. They played for at least 1/2 hour. Service was top notch!! After dinner we all pulled up chairs the pool, and had our own little reception. The band happened to walk by, and did another performance just for us! Truly a moment to be cherished forever.

 

Photographer - We booked Peter Van De Maele. He was an amazing photographer. Just a great person, very professional, so much fun to work with, and took amazing photos. I have included a few of his preview shots below. Would highly recommend his services!

 

We absolutely fell in love with Cuba on this trip and can’t wait to go back. We also stayed at the Melia Las Antillas for out honeymoon, which was a wonderful resort as well. It was more geared towards couples, and had wonderful service, a perfect honeymoon spot.

 

Pictures

 

The Resort

 

 

Our Bungalow

 

 

 

 

First Dance

 

 

[heidi_lk]

Champagne Toast and Cake Cutting

 

 

[heidi_lk]

Sample Wedding Pics

 

 

 

 

 

[heidi_lk]

 

 

[Jules]

Heidi,

You look absolutely radiant in your photos! I am so happy that despite having to move locations your wedding turned out as amazing as it did! Congratulations to you both

Take care!!

[sarafish81]

Congratulations!! It's awesome that everything turned out, despite the location change. You look gorgeous and I love the color of your bridesmaid's dresses! Cheers!

[emme]

Your pictures are absolutely beautiful!! Thanks for your review...and it looks / sounds like you had just as great of a time in Cuba as you would have in Mexico. It just makes the statement ring true..."it's not where you are, it's who you're with"...

[Amarillis]

Congratulations!!! You looked stunning! I am thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. DH and I have never stayed at the Solymar, but plan to on our next visit to Varadero!

[lakerbride]

Glad it worked out for you! Wonderful pics- everyone looks so happy

[Jananaz]

I'm so glad everything worked out!! You look GORGEOUS!