Resort needs some TLC.

Third visit to Cuba because I love it! The beach and water are the best. First time at the Solymar. A pleasant resort but lots of TLC needed on the grounds and the pool areas. If you're a "foodie" or like a variety of tropical cocktails you will likely be disappointed. Main dining room fine but table tops and placemats were dirty.... not cleaned behind each guest. Trouble getting towels in the room.... not extra towels, just towels! I wouldn't revisit this particular resort but will definite [... read more]ly visit Cuba again.

Great Location

Over all, there were positives and negatives during this vacation. We travelled with a group of 5 people and most of us were sick with diarrhea and one with vomiting diarrhea lasting a good 24hrs. The one traveller took ciproflox (antibiotic) the entire time and was fine. The buffet was the same everyday and the a la carte restaurants were not the best. On a positive note, the location was amazing allowing us to go to restaurants that were a 5 minute walk from our resort that were clean and food [... read more] was delicious(steakhouse and seafood) and reasonably priced(12-30 pesos). We met friends that brought a bottle of wine at dinner that cost 5 pesos to open but was well worth it. They had the Beatles bar nearly a 5 minute walk that had an awesome atmosphere that felt safe and had live music that everyone enjoyed (2peso/beer). This bar starts at 930 and ends at around 12. There is also Callo 62 that had upbeat music and is a party atmosphere that we enjoyed. As a side note you should always bring toilet paper because there is not much out there. Last there was La Compasita that was the replacement for the Havana Bar now that it is closed and has mostly Cuban people. This bar is packed and has great music and is a 10$ cover all you can drink however the line to get to a bartender is outrageous. The Cave my friends liked but I was sick that night (**bring a lot of Imodium). We spent most of our time on the beach the water and weather was amazing. Don’t miss out on the beach BBQ at lunch it saved us. The pool entertainment was the same everyday (boring) and no swim up bars. Last don’t forget to try a Cuban Coffee at the main lobby bar before you leave.

Great resort

The hotel is pretty good. They did have some damage from hurricane but not too bad. The rooms were clean. Food wise it was ok could be better but it’s cuba. I like this hotel because it’s close to downtown and the beach is excellent.

Great people, great service!!

This was our third time at this resort, and we really like it. That being said, this was also the most we've spent to go to this location. If it wasn't for the outstanding service from the front desk and concierge (ask for ONAY) we would think twice about booking there again. We were travelling with our 3 month old son and everyone really helped us get as comfortable as possible. The location is amazing, great to be within walking distance to shops and restaurants. The beaches though!!....the mo [... read more]st beautiful and SAFE beaches!!! We had a fantastic time! We'll be back in 2020!

Amazing Beach !

The Hotel itself is showing its age and is in need of basic upkeep, but room was comfortable. A short 30 minute drive from the airport which was nice and close enough to walk into Varadero for some nice restaurants and nightclubs. Food was edible with some choice, not chosen for the cuisine but rather the beautiful beach. The ala carte restaurants we chose were ok with the exception of the Chinese where the service was brutal. Did I say the beach was awesome.

A very fun trip

Ok so... This is good resort for young people, not so much for people with kids. Its pretty easy to comehere alone and make friends. I got a while bungalow to myself. Besdies a leking AC, it was an awesome place to call home base. The resort itself is pretty solid. The resort is being renovated and the upkeep is pretty good. If there was a mess, staff clened it up usually within 10 minutes. The buildings, grounds, and pools were well kept from what I saw. The staff are very kind a [... read more]nd hard working, and deserve a ton of credit. The beach was basoloutely amazing and I loved it.White sand and clear turquise water. The food was decent, and I have to sy Cuba is slwoly cathching up in terms of variety and quality. thye TV servuice was ok, I usually watched Showtime. The internet ws 1$ for a 1 hour wifi card which was decent and it worked ok in the lobby. The Gym onm this resort needs the following: an adjustable bench a chin up bar a squt rack with lympic bar and plates

Great Resort

Overall this resort is great value for the money. Its close to the main strip. Staff are great and my place was excellent; being a newly renovated bungalows. Grounds are well kept. The food is so so. But I've had a lot worse with my own or wife's cooking. I wish they had a better fruit selection. Those who opt for the 5 stars at the end of the peninsula are dead just like all the non existent activities there. I'll be back.

Excellent location

One week at the Barceló Solymar in early December 2017. Choose the Barceló hotels because of their location so close to the main street in Varadero. The Solymar was fine but we preferred the Arenas Blancas side where we stayed in April. The biggest difference in the two sister resorts is on the food side, the Solymar's buffet is very poor in comparison to the Arenas Blancas. No cook to order stations at the Solymar for either meal. The Arenas Blancas is also closer to the main road, which [... read more] for us is big as we spend more time in town than on the resort. Room in main building was fine, a bit dated but clean. Beds very uncomfortable. Hot water not always available. Would stay again but probably on the Arenas Blancas side.

Solymar

This is my third time to the resort and I keep coming back as it i the party resort of Varadero. I must say it has changed a lot. There were a lot more families then I am used to seeing and it was very mellow. Not a lot of activities going on be made our own party. We met lots of friend and there was still a good vibe when the sun was out. When it rained or was cloudy it was ghost town. The beach was clean and the water ocean was warm. The food is not good at all. It used to be bad but has gott [... read more]en worse. They really need to fix that. A lot of people i knew there got sick. i wasn't one of them but I definitely lost weight while there. If you are looking to party, and be able to walk to clubs off the report then this is the spot but pack some food and if you are a picker eater this may not work for you. The staff were very friendly also.

Convenient and friendly

Middle of the road (Cuban standard) offerings. This, close to Varadero night life resort is for those who’ve wish to walk the town and beach and not rely on taxis or buses. Don’t expect everything to be immaculate or the resort dining to be first class......This is Cuba after all and the true value is in the experiences.

What did you think it'd be?

I had an awesome time at Barcelo Solymar. Initially disappointed in the room - tile instead of carpet, a few bugs here and there, in need of repair in and around room - it was still serviced very well and I remembered why I was here. The resort is a very social place. I met some of the best people ever and the pool was great. A short walk got you to the beach and to the Barcelo Aranas (sp?). The beach....WOW. Spectacular. The cleanliness around the resort was top notch. I came for the ch [... read more]ance to unwind, meet people, enjoy the atmosphere and it didn't disappoint. If you come to cuba for the room and stellar food, I suggest a different country. If you come for the friendliness, safety, views, beach, pool, people then you've hit the jackpot. And you won't starve. it's not fantastic food but it's decent. I'd go again in an instant.

Barcelo solymar

The people in Cuba are great but the hotel needs a full make over. We had to change rooms 3 times as the noise woke us in the middle of the night would not allow us to sleep. Also our last room leaked when it rained. The towels we were provided with were hand towels and very stained. Multiple other problems...Regarding the food, well I don't want to look rice in the eye for awhile as this was the only thing I could eat most times. They need to learn who to cook and not put sauce on everything. T [... read more]he beach is beautiful but is full of people's sweet drinks which cause lots of bugs to fester. I was bite and had to see the doctor for an infection. This is caused by the "wonderful" tourists who think they can just make a mess and not clean up after themselves. Overall I will not return to cuba and will not recommend anyone to go there. This fourth trip was my last.

Wonderful time

The staff was great, there was a few issues that were caused by the hurricane. But that was to be expected, and our time was fantastic. The beach was gorgeous and the entertainment was wonderful. The fridges were restocked every day

Average resort

I would give this hotel about a 5 out of 10. Rooms (they call superior) were at the most average, even for Cuba. The grounds were nice and well kept, even after hurricane Irma. The hotel staff were nice and were helpful. And here we go again about the hotel food in Cuba. In short for food, not good. After 2 days of eating the "same old" off the hot buffet table, I switched to the salad bar and survived on it, 3 meals a day. It was almost impossible to get a snack between meals. Overall,  [... read more]wouldn't go to Sol Palmeras again, but I might try the sister hotel next door, Arenas Blancas. We did have access to that hotel as part of our package and I was wishing we were staying there. So I would say, as much as Barceló would like to say how good they are, they are just another Cuban economy hotel.

Good resort

Amazing beach, the hôtel is average. The food is not that bad but it's not great. I had the suite and there's these tiny little ant's that you can barely see on the floor. Overall, I had a great time and I recommend this resort.

Amazing!

I loved the hotel the only thing is that the food was so bad the people are beautiful and sweet and I can't wait to go back.. the clubs were fun too but leaving the hotel is better to get good food as well

Satisfactory

Mixed between families, couple retreats, and college aged party seekers. Staff were okay, cleanliness was nothing impressive. Food was terrible and made me and my friends very sick. The nicest staff members were the maids. Bars arent open late, big downside. Beware of getting ripped off by locals! Dont pay more than 2 pesos for a beer or a pack of cigarettes.

Air Conditioning Nightmare

My wife and I have been to Cuba 5 times and stayed at Barcelo Solymar/Arenas Blancas 3 times. The Resort Staff, Beach and food were great considering that it's Cuba. The Solymar Buffet is very crowded but there seems to be enough food. The only problem that we had was that the Bungalow we reserved had no Air Conditioning and it was leaking from it. After 2 days they moved us to another that had A/C at first for about three hours, then it quit around 4 pm and quickly the temp went to 34c. That [... read more] evening one of the Technical staff went onto the roof, came to the Lobby and said that it was fixed at about 11:30 pm. We went back but it still was not on at all. We missed the alacarte the two times that we reserved due to A/C problems,standing in line at the front desk. We slept with the windows and doors open to survive and had to listen to people that were passing by screaming and some arguing throughout the night. A lot of people cannot handle their liquor and have no consideration for others. The 4th day we were moved to a room in the main hotel that kept it's A/C throughout our stay but had no hot water. We did not complain about that since A/C had become most important, especially during the Cuban summer weather. I actually contacted the Hotel two weeks prior to our trip to make sure that we would have A/C since my wife has COPD and were assured that it would be fine and a memorable vacation.They would not even tell us where the Hospital was located when my wife had problems with her breathing. Fortunately , with her puffer's and going off Resort to restaurants with A/C , she regained her breathing. I spent so much time and went back and forth to the office more times than we were moved about this problem that continued to re-occur . Not to mention that each time there was a line up of people. The experience is unforgivable and we will never stay there again, nor recommend this hotel. Our rep from Transat told us it was a common problem and that he will be informing the head office. Beware if you choose this hotel, hopefully it does not happen to others.

Best 2 weeks of my life!

This is definitely not a family resort. Good for young people looking to have a great time. AC works, and rooms are generally clean. It's cuba and you can expect some things to be less sanitary than what you are used to at home... The beach is beautiful! Definitely the go-to resort for partying and having a wild time !

Awsome party resort

Was amazing !!! Good temeperature and lots of fun !! Service was tops !! Amazing food for cuba , amazing night life will go back very shortly !! Also easy booking with this travel agency thank you!! Cant wait to re book!!