Map LegendAccommodation — Overwater Bungalows (Laguna Azul)
2401–2422. Overwater bungalow range, west arm of lagoon
2423–2434. Overwater bungalow range, north section
2435–2452. Overwater bungalow range, east arm
2453–2464. Overwater bungalow range, outer east
2465–2476. Overwater bungalow range, far east tip
Accommodation — Overwater Bungalows (Emperador)
34. Overwater bungalow block, Emperador lagoon side
39. Overwater bungalow block
40. Overwater bungalow block
41. Overwater bungalow block
42. Overwater bungalow block
Accommodation — Land-Based Buildings (Laguna Azul)
10. Land-based guest building
11. Land-based guest building
12. Land-based guest building
13. Land-based guest building
14. Land-based guest building
15. Land-based guest building
16. Land-based guest building
17. Land-based guest building
18. Land-based guest building, adjacent to main pool
19. Land-based guest building, adjacent to main pool / water feature
20. Land-based guest building, adjacent to main pool
21. Land-based guest building
22. Land-based guest building
23. Land-based guest building
24. Land-based guest building
Accommodation — Land-Based Buildings (Emperador)
35. Land-based guest building
36. Land-based guest building, near Emperador pool
37. Land-based guest building, near Emperador pool
38. Land-based guest building
43. Land-based guest building, near Emperador pool
44. Land-based guest building, near Emperador pool
45. Land-based guest building
46. Land-based guest building
47. Land-based guest building
48. Land-based guest building
49. Land-based guest building
Pools & Beach
– Main pool (Laguna Azul): Large free-form pool near buildings 18, 19, 20 and Reception A
– Main pool (Emperador): Free-form pool with island features, near buildings 36, 37, 43, 44
– Children’s pool: Adjacent to F (Miniclub Tío Claudio), features yellow duck float
– Secondary water feature/pool: Circular highlight near building 19
– Beach: Wide sandy beach along the ocean frontage, lined with umbrellas
– Lagoon (Laguna Azul): Central water body hosting overwater bungalows, connects to the ocean
Dining
C. Restaurant “LOTUS”: Specialty restaurant, Laguna Azul side
D. Buffet “LOS PORTALES”: Main buffet, Laguna Azul side
E. Grill “LA SIRENA”: Beachside grill
G. Seafood Restaurant “EL MALECON”: Seafood/fruits de mer, lagoon-facing with bridge access
H. Bar de la Playa: Beach bar, directly on the sand
J. Restaurant “EL GALLO”: À-la-carte restaurant
Q. Buffet “LA PERGOLA”: Main buffet, Emperador side
S. Restaurant V.I.P.: VIP/specialty restaurant, Emperador side
T. Restaurant “EL PINCHO”: Grill-style à-la-carte, Emperador side
U. Restaurant “LA PIAZZA”: Italian-style à-la-carte, Emperador side
V. Bar “ARCOIRIS” (Rainbow Bar): Pool bar, Emperador side, adjacent to main Emperador pool
W. Grill “LAS DUNAS”: Dunes grill, Emperador side near beach
Facilities & Services
A. Reception “LAGUNA AZUL”: Main check-in for Laguna Azul guests
B. Disco “LA TORMENTA”: Nightclub/discotheque
F. Miniclub “TÍO CLAUDIO”: Children’s club with children’s pool
I. Punto Náutico (Nautical Center): Water sports and boat rentals on the lagoon
K. Cigar Lounge “EL CANEY” (Casa del Habano): Tobacconist and cigar lounge
M. Mercado de Artesanía Cubana: Cuban crafts market
N. Sala de Juegos: Games room
O. Gimnasio: Gym/fitness center
P. Posta Médica y Farmacia: Medical post and pharmacy (marked with Red Cross)
R. Reception “EL EMPERADOR”: Main check-in for Emperador guests
– Bridge/walkway over lagoon in front of G (El Malecon)
– Overwater walkways connecting all bungalow blocks
– Extensive gardens, palm groves, and mangrove zones throughout property
Where to Stay (Room Selection & Renovations)
Renovation Status
– The Laguna Azul side generally draws more positive mentions for room condition. Buildings 18, 19, 20 — sitting directly on the main Laguna Azul pool — are among the most requested, as guests can step out and reach the water within seconds.
– The Emperador side (buildings 35–49) is older in feel according to multiple reviews. Guests describe some rooms there as “dated” and note that furniture and fixtures show more wear. If you’re booked in Emperador, request an upper floor for better condition rooms — top-floor rooms in buildings 36, 37, 43, 44 are closest to the renovated pool area and tend to be better maintained.
– The overwater bungalows (2401–2476 in Laguna Azul, blocks 34, 39–42 in Emperador) are consistently rated highest for novelty and condition. They’re built on stilts over the lagoon with direct water views. Reviewers flag that the walkways can feel isolated at night — bring a flashlight or keep your phone charged.
– Buildings 10–17 in Laguna Azul are farther from the pool and beach but quieter. Families report these work well if noise is a concern.
Quiet & Sleep
– Best quiet sleep: buildings 10, 11, 12, 13 — away from the disco (B: La Tormenta) and the main pool speakers.
– Worst for noise: any building near B (La Tormenta disco) — it runs late. Check your building’s proximity on the Property Map before finalizing your room. Buildings 21, 22 on the Laguna Azul side appear closest to the disco zone.
– The overwater bungalows are naturally quiet — water-facing, no road noise — but you’ll hear lapping water and wildlife. Most guests consider this a plus.
Convenience for Families
– Buildings 18, 19, 20 (Laguna Azul pool zone) put you within 2 minutes of the main pool, Miniclub F (Tío Claudio), and the children’s pool.
– The beach is a short walk north from any Laguna Azul building — roughly 3–5 minutes on flat paths.
– Stroller users: the resort is largely flat. Main paths are paved. The overwater bungalow walkways are boardwalk-style — manageable but not ideal for heavy strollers.
Top Spots & Hidden Gems
Guest Favorites
– The Laguna Azul main pool (near buildings 18–20 and Reception A) is the social hub. Guests consistently call it the liveliest pool with the best people-watching and consistent bar service nearby.
– Bar de la Playa (H) on the beach is the most-mentioned spot for sunset drinks. Reviewers note that staff here tend to be especially attentive compared to the interior bars.
– The overwater bungalow walkways in the 2401–2434 range offer the best lagoon panoramas — particularly around dusk when the light hits the water. Even non-bungalow guests can walk part of the dock area.
Hidden / Non-Obvious Spots
– El Caney (K) — the Casa del Habano cigar lounge — is largely overlooked by non-smokers but functions as a genuinely calm escape in the afternoon. The seating area is shaded and rarely crowded. Even if you don’t smoke, some guests use the outdoor terrace here as a quiet reading spot.
– The bridge/walkway in front of El Malecon (G) is a genuinely scenic shortcut between the Laguna Azul and Emperador halves of the resort. Early morning walks across this bridge — before the breakfast crowd — give you the lagoon almost entirely to yourself.
– The mangrove/dense forest zone on the Emperador lagoon bank is a natural ecological buffer. It’s not a manicured garden but reviewers who walked the perimeter path there noted it as unexpectedly peaceful and a good spot for birdwatching.
– The Nautical Center (I) is underused by most guests who don’t realize non-motorized water equipment (kayaks, paddleboards) is typically included in all-inclusive. Walk up, ask, and go — lines are short outside peak midday hours.
Dining Tips
– El Malecon (G) — the seafood restaurant — requires reservations (book at your reception on day one). Reviewers consistently rank it as the best food on property. The grilled fish and lobster (when in season/available) are specifically called out.
– La Piazza (U) on the Emperador side gets strong reviews for pasta and pizza. Go at opening time to avoid the queue — it fills fast.
– El Gallo (J) is recommended for its Cuban-style dishes. Guests say it’s the most “authentic” food experience on the resort compared to the international buffets.
– At the buffets — Los Portales (D) for Laguna Azul and La Pergola (Q) for Emperador — reviewers suggest arriving 10 minutes before service opens to get the freshest items and shortest lines.
– The signature cocktail at Bar Arcoiris (V) is the mojito (fitting given the hotel name). Guests flag it as notably better here than at the pool bars — the bartender ratio is lower and care shows.
Practical Layout & Distances
- The resort is split into two distinct halves: Laguna Azul (west/central) and Emperador (east). Walking between the two receptions (A to R) takes approximately 10–15 minutes at a comfortable pace on flat paths.
- The bridge near El Malecon (G) is the primary crossing point connecting both halves across the lagoon — it’s the most direct route and saves backtracking.
- From the farthest Laguna Azul land buildings (10–14) to the beach: estimate 8–12 minutes on foot. From buildings 18–20 near the pool: roughly 4–6 minutes.
- From the far Emperador buildings (47, 48, 49) to the Emperador beach access: approximately 10–12 minutes.
- Overwater bungalow guests in the outermost ranges (2465–2476) face the longest walk back to any restaurant — allow 10–15 minutes to reach the nearest buffet. Factor this in for breakfast timing.
- The resort operates an internal buggy/shuttle service. Pickup points are near both receptions (A and R). Guests in distant buildings or bungalows are strongly advised to learn the shuttle schedule on day one — it is not continuous and runs on a fixed loop.
- No significant elevation changes anywhere on the property. Entirely stroller and wheelchair accessible on main paths. Overwater bungalow walkways have minor gaps between boards — manageable but worth noting for small-wheeled luggage.
- The Gym (O) and Game Room (N) are centrally located near the Laguna Azul core — neither is at the beach end. Guests staying in Emperador buildings should budget an extra 5–8 minutes to reach these.
Map FAQ
1. Are both receptions (A and R) active, or do I check in at just one?
You check in at the reception corresponding to your booked accommodation side. Laguna Azul guests use Reception A; Emperador guests use Reception R. Both handle general requests, but for room-specific issues, go to your own side’s desk.
2. Do I need reservations for the à-la-carte restaurants?
Yes — El Malecon (G), El Gallo (J), La Piazza (U), El Pincho (T), Lotus (C), and Restaurant V.I.P. (S) all require reservations. Book these on your first day at your reception. Slots go fast, especially for El Malecon.
3. Where do I pick up beach towels?
Based on guest reports, towel stations are located near both pool areas — at the Laguna Azul main pool and the Emperador pool. A wristband or room card system is typically in place. Confirm the exact point at check-in.
4. Is the children’s club (Miniclub Tío Claudio, F) free and what ages does it cover?
The Miniclub Tío Claudio (F) is included in the all-inclusive. Typical age range is approximately 4–12 years. Confirm current operating hours at Reception A as schedules vary by season.
5. Can guests from Laguna Azul use the Emperador pools and restaurants, and vice versa?
Yes — the all-inclusive covers the entire property. You can freely access all pools, buffets, and bars on both sides. For à-la-carte restaurants, reservations are required regardless of which side you’re staying on.
6. Where is the medical post if someone gets sick or injured?
Posta Médica y Farmacia (P) is marked with a red cross on the Hotel Map — located on the Laguna Azul side. It handles basic medical needs and carries common medications. For emergencies beyond their capacity, they coordinate transport to the nearest hospital.
7. Are the overwater bungalow walkways lit at night?
Lighting exists but reviews describe it as minimal on the outer sections. Guests in the 2465–2476 range specifically recommend using a phone flashlight. Footwear is also advisable — boardwalk surfaces can be slippery after rain.
8. Where do water sports depart from?
The Nautical Center (I) is on the lagoon within the Laguna Azul section. Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddleboards, sailing) are typically included in all-inclusive. Go directly to Point I on the Resort Map and check with staff for daily availability and safety briefings.
9. Does the disco (La Tormenta, B) operate every night and how late?
Disco La Tormenta (B) generally operates nightly during peak season, typically from around 10:30 PM to 2:00 AM. Off-season it may run on a reduced schedule. Guests in nearby buildings report clearly hearing the bass — check the Property Map and keep distance in mind when selecting your room.
10. Is there a shuttle between the two sides of the resort?
Yes. An internal buggy shuttle connects Laguna Azul and Emperador, stopping near both receptions. It runs on a fixed schedule — not on demand. Ask at check-in for the current timetable and pickup points. During peak meal times the wait can be 15–20 minutes, so guests often find it faster to walk across the bridge near El Malecon (G).
