Better than expected on 1st visit to Cuba

On arrival, our room lacked a tub stopper, the rain-shower head appeared partly blocked, the toilet ran continuously after a few flushes, and the TV was dead. However, a call to customer service dispatched a friendly service man who fixed these issues quickly. Another maintenance issue we did not address was that one of the balcony chairs was broken. Up before dawn to get an early breakfast, we tripped and almost fell over a masonary ridge while walking beside the pool. Ground-level lighting [... read more] to safely show the many changes of level and steps in the route from hotel entrance to 24-hour restaurant/bar would ensure a safer walk . A few more lounge chairs with cushions would be better as those without cushions were hard and uncomfortable. On the plus side, the food was very good with many choices. We especially enjoyed the 3 a la carte meals. The staff were uniformly friendly, helpful, and happy, making our stay overall very enjoyable.

3.5 to 4 star

Nice time. Good entertainment, decent food, and rooms were nicer than expected. Had only a couple problems as my we had 2 rooms and the keys had to be exchanged every day as they would stop working. The worst part is that my legs were eaten alive!

Resort is nice

Stay at place like this is excellent ; apartment is not worth 5 star need some renovation ; service is excellent : tv , I recommend more on English and more movie channels ; wi fi should be free like in Europe

Melia Marina Varadero

Unfortunately we were highly disappointed with out hotel experience the first night we had to change rooms since our washroom was covered with ants, two days later we had to change room again because the bathtub was leaking and we had water coming from the washroom to the rest of the room, a day later we had to change again since we had red ants in the room. Every time we called the from desk they couldn't do nothing to assist other than spray ray all over are room and belongings they had  [... read more]no solution other than change rooms. we asked to speak with a manager and the girl at the front desk called one of the cleaning guys to come talk to us she said he was the manager. The people working at the hotel had a terrible attitude and zero customer service. I will never recommend anyone to stay at Melia Marina Varadero and I regret wasting my money going there to be treated poorly and have a terrible stay.

Good Resort

The hotel needs a lot of maintenance - - very small issues that could easily be resolved are just left unattended. Broken door handles, paint chipping, bulbs missing, shower heads need cleaning, water pressure very low. When asked to address issues in our room, they were dealt with immediately, promptly and certainly to our satisfaction, but we should not have to ask to have these issues corrected, they should be done routinely to avoid any problems for the visitors.

Gets better & better....we'll be going back!

We visited the MMV two years in a row and noticed right away that they had made a lot of improvements since last year. For the 2nd time, we stayed in a spacious All-Inclusive Studio Marina Apartment which included a handy kitchenette (sink, stove, MCW, dishes), large closet w/plenty of hangers, king size bed, couch, table/chairs and a safe. The balcony had more than enough room (two loungers & a small table w/two chairs) which overlooked the Varadero Marina. When you stay in the apartment buildi [... read more]ngs (condos), you have access to the private roof top pool which is located between buildings 2 and 3. The private pool bar is open from 10 to 6 with friendly bartenders who make the best drinks ever (you rock Juan Carlos). They have a small assortment of munchies but don't go to the pool bar 'hangry' expecting a big meal. We always bring munchies with us to Cuba...pringles, nuts, candy, etc. The resort is spread out so be prepared to walk a bit, however, if you're not in the mood to walk off the food and beverages...just call for a pick up from your room or flag down a golf cart driver. These guys are the best! They love to joke with you and they're so friendly and personable. We called for pick ups several times a day as someone in our party had a sore foot. There are plenty of markets a few minutes walk (or golf cart ride) down the pier to buy your souvenirs. The vendors will barter a little and are very nice to deal with. This is also where you’d go if you’re doing a water excursion. The staff are much more attentive in the buffet and in the lobby this year. We were very happy about this as getting a drink in the lobby bar last year was a struggle at times. Kudos to the management for implementing these improvements. The depth of the beach is much larger than it was last year. There are staff there to help you get your loungers setup and the beach bar serves refreshing drinks. They also have staff getting your drink orders from your beach chair. The beach restaurant is a great spot to take in lunch and the amazing view from the hill top. The food has really improved here. Don’t forget to tip the wait staff, the golf cart drivers, your maid, etc. The staff work hard whether they’re tipped or not. We brought gift items that are hard or expensive for them to buy in Cuba (shavers, deodorant, Ibuprofen, bandaids, antibiotic cream, etc) as well as a few bags of baby clothes. They’re so appreciative. When I handed Laura (7 mths pregnant) two bags of baby clothes, we both had tears in our eyes. Luckily, Laura was having a girl and I had brought girl clothes. There was a breeze most nights which kept the no-see-ums away. The 24-hour snack bar by the big pool could improve on what food they have available for the late arrivals, but you’ll find something to fill the hole. This hotel is one of the last drop offs from the airport which could take up to 1 to 1 ½ hours. The bathrooms on the bus are unusable. If you’re in a hurry to get to the hotel and get working on your all-inclusive stay, I would suggest taking a taxi (confirm the fare first). If you want to venture into Varadero, ask a golf cart driver to drop you off at the bus stop. It’s $5 per person for the entire day. Be sure to keep your bus ticket. There are plenty of markets, restaurants, bars and site seeing to be had. Be prepared to pay $1 to use a public washroom. Have fun in Cuba!

Great resort!

Overall it was a positive experience. I feel their standard of what 'clean' is, is not what we are use to (especially the hotel rooms and washrooms). The toilets did not always flush (around the entire resort). The people and staff were kind and friendly. Although not directly on the beach, it was only a five minute walk. The food was decent and the entertainment was good.

This is a 3 star Not 5

I was expecting much better hotel and service. Since it says 5star hotel and I compared it with Melia las Americas which is 5 star too. After two days I end up switching to Melia las America since I got food poison with their lobster and chicken. Ground is hazardous, lots of holes and uneven ground. Beach too far. Music too loud in the restaurant or common area

Would recommend Melia Marina

Hotel staff were amazing! Couldn't do enough to make your stay enjoyable...Beach was beautiful...white sand for miles...and I highly recommend the beach restaurant for lunch. Its a stretch to say the beach is 7 minute walk...besides there is a shuttle and Bosch (shuttle driver) will serenade you for the short drive .... The a la carte restaurants were definitely better than the buffet...the buffet did not offer much variety and there was not always air conditioning which made for an uncomfortab [... read more]le meal. Room was clean but tired...overall my experience was positive especially for Cuba and based on the price.

Melia Marina Varadero

This was our third time visiting this hotel and a few things had changed the buffet wasn't as good as previous years and our room had a musty smell and the furniture were damaged and the lamp shades stained.the service was better than ever ,the entertainment was excellent .The beach grill wasn't operating and the marina and some of the shops were closed .we had a very relaxing week and still enjoyed the hotel and would recommend it but may or may not return because of the many steps and wal [... read more]king as having arthritis problems .The meals we had at the restaurants were lovely .but the people are what make this hotel so nice ,the staff are wonderful

Very Nice Resort

Very friendly staff and excellent service. The pools were great. Lots of different pools with lounges in the sun or shade. Building was in good shape and was being upgraded during our stay. Rooms were as on the website. If we asked front desk for an extra water bottle, literally 2 minutes later someone was at our door with it.

Good experience for the second time

We stayed 4 days in this resort as our second time(first time was back in Jan 2016). We had good experience here with kids. Location: farther end from the airport, it took over an hour to reach to hotel because the shuttle bus had to drop off people to other resorts first; Food:nothing fancy but still okay, fair amount of varieties; Room: clean , door key required one time reprogramming but front desk turned around quickly; Beach: really in love with it, clean and shallow water, kids friendly Cu [... read more]stomer service: Very friendly staff, especially the shuttle driver who give us ride to the beach, always cheerful and friendly; Entertainment: not as good as 2 years ago but they do have shows every night; hopefully they can bring more entertainments/ shows for kids as the main reason we returned to this place is because this is a kid friendly place

Beautiful Clean Resort

Melia Marina is a beautiful resort for families who want to relax and older people like myself. No party issues or loudness like other resorts. Entertainment consisted of light music in the lobby (there is no disco). Outside they have a couple shows a week, salsa dancing, ballet and singers. The pools were large and clean, swim up bar was awesome, staff were attentive. Managers always around in the kitchen making sure staff were working as well as helping out with clearing tables (nice to see th [... read more]em chip in). Beach is across the road which was only a 5 minute walk or the golf cart always comes to pick you up. The walk was nice - good exercise. You have a choice to reserve a room facing the pool or marina, distant ocean views. Instead we choose a studio apartment (2 minute longer walk but well worth the extra space) we faced the Marina, and were upgraded to a 1 bedroom apartment which had 2 bathrooms, kitchen and living room with pull out sofa and a separate bedroom and balcony. This worked out great for 2 women as we had privacy. Grounds were well maintained. Good brand name drinks (coffee and baileys at the coffee bar was great). Plenty of fancy specialty drinks to try something different. The food was typical for cuba- a step up from other places I have been. Pizza in buffet was good but no so good at the pool snack bar. Restaurant on the beach as busy and understaffed- waited an hour for food, but no fault to the staff they work hard. Pool and Beach had dance lessons, water aerobics, volley ball. Beach bar had fast service a couple beach waiters. We traveled with AirTransat- plane was big, smooth and comfy but a bit chilly bring a warm sweater. Only recommendation for this resort is to put a activity board in the Lobby-we didn't know where the entertainment was half the time so we missed a lot of shows. Sometimes they are downstairs, upstairs or at the pool which is the opposite side of the building. When we finally figured out there was stuff going on there at night our trip was half over. The manager said they post the activities in the elevators? We didn't use the hotel elevator so didn't know. We thought everything shut down at 7pm, but the shows go from 9:30-10:30. Then other then the lobby and people playing cards it's very quiet-like I said more focused on older crowds and quiet families. Beach was beautiful, great for swimming. Marina has some shopping and a small market with gifts same prices as Varadero, great for last minute shopping. There is a quality liquor store on site, small grocery store and a cigar/coffee shop. I would go again for a quiet vacation. Felt very safe at this resort. You will need to take the hop on hop off bus for 5 pecos (use it all day) as Varadero is too far to walk, but only half hour bus drive as they have to stop at all the resorts on the way there.

Great value excellent management

This is the third time we go to this resort, It keeps getting better. cannot understand the negative reviews , this resort has all you need for a great vacation clean rooms nice buffet great service and lovely beach and pool . Will be back many more times

Great Resort

Overall I would recommend this resort: Room - great, spacious, clean, good beds Food - probably some of the best yet in Cuba, especially the ala carte restaurants Facilities - pool was lovely; beach was too windy for me (but not the fault of the resort!); Bars were plentiful Staff - restaurant staff couldn't have been better; same with the bar staff; room staff didn't clean the room until after 5:00 which was problematic for us and they ran short of towels so didn't always change them (eve [... read more]n when they were on the floor being used to clean up water - yuck.

Excellent Resort

Overall service was very good 3/4 specialty restaurants were excellent- both food & service Italian Restaurant food was poor Evening live musicians were superb Breakfast keyboard musician was excellent

Normal resort

Rooms dirty not very clean also the bedsheets and the blankets are dirty with bad smell, food not that good i just ate salad, pool and beach amazing, excellent activities and night show, friendly and helpful staff.

Very nice resort

The hotel was very clean and staff were very friendly and helpful. Great beach food was very good a little repetitive.Great pools and grounds to go walking.Entertainment needs to be improved big time. Great little shops and restaurants close by.The restaurants in the hotel are very nice but the portions are very small if you like to eat go to the buffet first. Over all we had a very nice time and I would recommend this resort.

Very nice resort

It is a very nice resort, the room was big with balcony, good services, four restaurants and buffet, place very secure, the personnel is professional but a bit far from downtown varadero and airport and There was bed bugs.

Gorgeous Resort with a few issues.

“The Good” - Checkin/Checkout were simple and fast. Front desk staff very helpful. - The hotel and grounds are gorgeous. - Beach is stunning. - Rooms are clean and comfortable. - With a bit of experimentation, you can find food that is good. We preferred the buffet to the ala carte restaurants. - Restaurant staff was all very helpful and pleasant. - Night time entertainment was good. - Evening lobby entertainment was very good. Don't miss Friday nights, as they have two world-class  [... read more]vocalists. “The Issues” - Night time entertainment was sometime hard to find. - They have a very good animation team, but they are hampered by lack of location to perform. They seemed to be stuck in random corners of the resort, with little or no seating making it hard to see, if you could find them. - Restaurant staff were "not happy". Some were even heard telling guests that they had to tip them because they were paid so little. - Beach is a bit of a walk (8 minutes), but electric shuttles seemed to be always available if you did not want to walk. We focused on the amazing beach and lived with the shortcomings and had a nice vacation.