Very good resort!

My wife and I stayed at Meliá Varadero and had a very pleasant experience overall. The resort is clean, the rooms are well maintained, and the staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. When we requested a king-size bed, they couldn’t do it the first night but moved us to a renovated room the next day as promised. The food was fair and good for Cuba, with a consistent variety including chicken, beef, fish, and pork. We did not experience any major food shortages, despite some reviews sug [... read more]gesting otherwise. Having stayed at several resorts in Varadero before, I would say this has been the best overall experience so far. Overall, I would recommend this resort—provided you set your expectations appropriately and remember that this is Cuba, not Aruba or some of the higher-end Caribbean destinations. With that mindset, it’s a very enjoyable place to stay.

Great Time - but a warning!

The hotel was great. We were happy with the food and the overall service. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we truly enjoyed our time. The rooms and hotel were clean, no issues with electricity, and no mosquitos during our stay (second week of January). However, a warning for passengers. We purchased items at duty free on our to Varadero (no issues). On our way back to Toronto, we packed those duty free items into our checked luggage. Upon arrival at Toronto, I noticed that not only we [... read more]re our luggage locks destroyed, but our duty free items were missing/stolen. Unfortunately, these items were stolen after we checked our luggage at Varadero Airport. We were a group of 10 travelling. This happened to three of us. Be careful what you pack. We had a wonderful trip, but this was a sad ending.

Great Time - but a warning!

The hotel was great. We were happy with the food and the overall service. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we truly enjoyed our time. The rooms and hotel were clean, no issues with electricity, and no mosquitos during our stay (second week of January). However, a warning for passengers. We purchased items at duty free on our to Varadero (no issues). On our way back to Toronto, we packed those duty free items into our checked luggage. Upon arrival at Toronto, I noticed that not only we [... read more]re our luggage locks destroyed, but our duty free items were missing/stolen. Unfortunately, these items were stolen after we checked our luggage at Varadero Airport. We were a group of 10 travelling. This happened to three of us. Be careful what you pack. We had a wonderful trip, but this was a sad ending.

Great resort

Good food, no shortages, amazing staff, very good drinks and bartender's. Recommend the Level for the lounge and check in/out. Great nightly entertainment. Great value for the price. Maid service was very good. Kept our room really clean and exchanged towels twice a day. Also refilled our fridge. Never had to ask for anything.

Amazing Resort

The Hotel was the perfect size for my wife and i as we arent into the Mega resorts anymore. The grounds were beautiful, the staff in general are amazing and kind.Room was newly renovated and posh. Lots of food and very few mosquitoes. My only rant about this resort would have to be about the pool. Needs a lil TLC and the fact that it wasnt a swim up bar made no sense, because its actually a swim up but not close enough to reach for a drink from the bartender

Nice resort

The hotel was very nice beautiful inside, our room we stayed in was really great also the maid we had for the week was phenomenal she was so kind and sweet always made something with the towels on our bed with fresh flowers (we stayed on level 4 beach view) the food is Cuban but there's always something for everybody pretty disappointed and not having the variety of fruit that we normally have or some of the fruit being less than ripe but still fine, we didn't find the pool to be kept very clea [... read more]n at all and not enough chlorine in the pool, the beach was very nice a bit rocky for our liking and not what we are used to for varadero beaches but still good! The staff are lovely.

Great resort

The grounds of this resort are beautiful and well kept. The view of the ocean from the patio area outside the lounge bar is amazing, It is at a higher elevation. The beach is stunning and you can go out a fair distance without the water being over your head. The two pools are very nice with one being slightly elevated above the other. Plenty of lounge chairs to go around. Organized volley ball in the late after noon. There was also fun dance fit in the pool. The staff do a good job of t [... read more]rying to engage you to participate. Special thank to Julio whom is the sports representative. Julio was very informative about what was going on at the resort and got us set up on the pickleball court. He even filled in when we were a player short. Julio is remarkable, a great sports player and a very good representative and advocate for the Melia Varadero. I was in one of newly renovated rooms. It was extremely clean, the air conditioning worked and the mattress very comfortable. Your wrist ban has a small metal tag with a chip that opens your room door. It also opens and closes your room safe. The breakfast always had plenty of fruit, omelettes, and a variety of pastries, There are some good deli meats and cheeses if you want to make a breakfast sandwich. The serving staff line up and greet you and clap when they open up for the days breakfast. For lunch, I chose to go to the beach bar for a burger or the snack bar for a burger and fries. Dinner also had a very good selection. For Cuba, the food at this resort was better than other Cuban resorts I have been to. There were no shortages, the week I went. You may want to consider the Level which is a higher cost package, having more options. I have been told this and will try it on my next trip to see if it is worth the extra cost. The overall service by all staff was very good, and above all, they were friendly. What sets them apart from other resorts is their response time to deal with issues that can happen. I had a issue with my safe not opening and the repair person was at my room within 15 minutes. When I had a clogged drain the repair person was also within 15 minutes. At other resorts you don't know when they are going to show up ! The only negative thing I can say is from a Health and Safety issue. The entertainment was good but they played the music too loud . This entertainment is located just outside the lounge bar where you can have a drink and watch sports. Some people always think louder is better and get offended if you politely ask them to turn it down. The music was distorted, as it was so loud. Staff would not turn it down when I politely asked. I left as I did not want hearing damage. I was not the only one. Dance and entertainment is important part of Cuban culture and I understand that, but it was also important to many Canadians whom wanted to watch the world series. Perhaps Management at the resort reading this review could consider relocation or at the least turning the volume of music down, so it is not distorted and the music can be appreciated !!!! Management, please take the time to go on line and read about decibel levels to protect the hearing of your employees and customers. Once hearing damage happens it cannot be reversed! You can invest in a decibel meter or use common sense and turn it down! I booked through Monique Kwirant of Trip Central, whom provided exceptional service. Monique even called me to see how my trip was. Monique is very personable and articulate. She was very efficient and a great asset to the Trip Central Team. I have never been to a Melia resort before and they seem to have a higher standard. Management appears to be doing a good job as their employees appeared happy, they provided good service and there was a team concept. It is well maintained! I would suggest you go to this resort as it offers great service and value for your money.

Amazing resort!

We’ve stayed at Meliá Varadero several times and keep coming back for a reason! The staff are amazing — friendly, helpful, and always smiling. The buffet offers plenty of variety with delicious meats, fish, and sides, and the desserts are to die for — big compliments to the pastry chef! The grill restaurant served the best paella and lobster we’ve ever had. The hotel is spotless, the rooms are renovated, and the atmosphere is simply perfect. The beach is stunning — white sand and turquoise wa [... read more]ter. We’ve been to many countries, but this hotel is the one we always return to. Highly recommended!

Wonderful resort

Everything was great. Keeping in mind this is Cuba, we couldn’t have asked for more. Resort staff were all amazing, Gilberto was extremely helpful from the moment we arrived. Ended up being upgraded to a room on the Level because of maintenance issues in our original room. No complaints at all. Pool and beach are nice and close so you can switch from pool to ocean all day. Will be returning!

Above average hotel

Layout of the hotel is good. The staff and the service are good. Food is below average. Beach is very good. No hot water for two days. Air condition gave trouble. The fixed it. No coffee machine. Only a kettle, with no coffee supply. The whole hotel has no black tea.

Amazing family friendly resort , beautiful beach!

What can I say? The staff was beyond amazing and friendly, the resort was spotless and well appointed. Rooms- clean and air conditioned! Food- great selection (especially for CUBA) with extra things like condiments ! The A la cartes where pretty good but if you didn’t like it could always hit the buffet but be advised you need to get up very early (8 am on Saturday)to book your A la carte reservations for the week Kids club- our daughter was 14 months and too young to be left but the staff  [... read more]were amazing and she enjoyed playing there with other kids and the staff adored her. It’s a good safe place with AC and do different things for the kids everyday Entertainment- we only went to Cuban night on the Wednesday but it was so cool, great outdoor buffet, classic cars , professional dancers and performers ! The other nights was late for us 945 as we had the baby so I can’t comment Pools- we’re cleaned everyday and never a shortage of loungers around the pool THE BEACH- wow all I can say is so clean so beautiful and never a shortage of beach chairs ! And super accessible from the resort we could even walk our stroller directly down to the sand it’s approx a 2-3 min walk from the resort Things to note: bring your own travel cups and water bottle for drinks as the flimsy paper cups are annoying Bring lots of sunscreen And also bring. A little fan as well

Beautiful resort.

We are first time in Varadero resort and had a great vacation. Hotel is well kept, as well as aground. Room was clean and we got renovated room. Staff is very friendly. A lot of entertainment. Food is good for Cuba.

Great resort!

One of the best we ever went. Great service, clean, very good food selection. Recommend! Beautiful beach. Always umbrellas available. Pool area not that big, but good taking care of. Entertainment can be improved a bit, specially the evening shows.

Awesome Resort

Great resort, amazing staff, spectacular views and the food was some of the best that we have had in Cuba ( it was our 12th trip there ) Highly recommend it !! The only downfall to our trip is that it is not very a good resort is you want to use a scooter or a walker !! No access to the adult pool or go to the beach which would have been nice to be able to do !! We would rate it a 4****

Fabulous Resort

Hotel room was wonderful, the food was plentiful and very good, room service was great. Had a massage and it was super and really affordable. There was no communication as to what was going on at the resort for example we did not know about Cuba Day and others things.

Wonderful place

We just returned from a great week at this property. This is our 6th trip to Cuba and first since COVID. The property is compact, well kept and on a beautiful beach. We upgraded to the Level and enjoyed room service for breakfast each morning and our teens enjoyed it late at night. The Level allowed us to eat at the a la cartes nightly which was a welcome treat from the more limited buffet. Cuba is suffering with huge inflation and food shortages but we felt this resort did very well with what t [... read more]hey have and we were never hungry. The service was always wonderful and we felt so welcomed. Activities were very limited but we weren’t there for the nightlife. We plan to return!

Amazing vacation!

Not only Melia Varadero met our expectations, it actually exceeded them! The hospitality and service during our stay was exceptional. Everything, from the accommodation to the delicious dining options were impeccable, and the beauty of the beach goes without saying. Everyone makes sure you feel like home when vacationing at Melia Varadero. We made friends with lots of people: Leacnet, Abraham, Jorge Contino, Lizandra, Eglis, to name just a few... We've met Marco, the general manager, who is alw [... read more]ays there, making sure everything is ok, chatting with people, always smiling. We had friends who went at Melia Varadero before us, and they told us about the picture perfect vacation they had. And we could experience it as well. We decided to upgrade our vacation to Level, and it was worth. Breakfast and lunch daily at TexMex is reserved for Level clients. And it is the most picturesque view you'd experience. The bar from the 5th floor, only for Level clients, is the perfect place to have a cocktail and a chat before heading out to dinner. We recommend Melia Varadero to anyone who wants to spend days being spoiled and relaxing on the beach or at the pool.

Beautiful Resort

We absolutely love Melia Varadero. We were there 20 years ago and the updates at the hotel were stunning. The beach is beautiful and the staff work so hard making sure the resort and grounds are kept beautiful. Staff always friendly and helpful. They worked so hard at making Cuban Fun Day a great day.Definitely will be making this a yearly trip to the Melia.

Amazing resort

The resort was great clean and well kept. There was plenty of food and the staff were very helpful and pleasant. The weather was superb. Was great having the mall right next to resort and shorter from the beach little waves but water was so clear. I definitely would recommend and return.

Amazing Resort! Exceeded expectations

This is my 1st vacation to Varadero/Cuba and was so lucky to land Melia Varadero...Such an mazing stay, service, and all...I would not say too much as what has already been mentioned here by others and in details...a unique experience and get away. Whether its food, restaurants, rooms, bars, entertainments, grounds or beach...it was just all together top of the top! A special thanks to all the dedicated amazing hard working and big heart/smiling staff of the main buffet restaurant...also the inc [... read more]redible top team of the main bar...Best Cuba Tuesday BBQ party, and also Saturday night beach party!! these guys know how to party and bring in the best to the beach!! A few minor things to mention but perhaps will just pass them to management later... In my opinion, this place is epic...do not even 2nd think about "Melina Varadero" this is where to be and where to go back again and again...