Varadero - Playa de Oro - April 2017

April 5th-12th, 7 days all inclusive, travelled with my husband Approx 1hr30min ride from airport due to all the stops at other resorts to let people off, if I remember correctly we were the last stop. Check in was simple and quick. We arrived at noon and were aware check in was not until 4pm, so we expected to wait for our room until then, however within a few minutes our room was ready. Room 2327 - clean, spacious, no bugs, some mold in bathroom around door casing (nothing major and no  [... read more]smell) "Ocean view" was actually a back lawn and trees, and a hint of water visible over the tree tops. I had been told by other travelers that the pool side was quite loud until 11pm when the pool bar closes, which may have been true, but our room was near the outdoor theatre which was equally loud. Not a major issue for us, but something to be aware of. Our maid, Yeny, cleaned daily and changed the sheets and towels when we asked. She left us sweet notes and flowers on a few days. Using the safe does not cost extra. Resort was clean, it could use some updating and paint but overall it was nice. We did not go to any a la carte's, we ate at the main buffet and the beach grill buffet at lunch. We were happy with the food, we are not picky eaters and have no dietary allergies/concerns. We always had lots to eat. The coffee was really good at the coffee bar in the lobby, coffee in the buffet was not good (premix in a machine). Staff was always very friendly. If you want a lounge chair by the pool mark one early before you go for breakfast. Do not use a resort towel as they may be stolen. Ours were not, but we did not leave them unattended (friends who travelled to this resort in January had their towels stolen and warned us). If you want a lounge chair on the beach in our section (close to the bar) you will have to get up even earlier. Most days we chanced it and had to walk around the little hill to the left to a section with yellow lounge chairs. We were always able to find chairs and cabanas here. Beach was gorgeous! Great for swimming. No garbage, very little seaweed. Life guards are quite attentive, beach was red flagged one day. Beach was not great for snorkeling, and I did not find any nearby areas that you could go out on your own. There were some excursions advertised on the towel hut and the beach but I did not book any. One annoying aspect was the towel hut seemed to run out of towels quite frequently. They seemed to always be "waiting for laundry". Don't try to change your towel at the end of the day, they will tell you to come back in the morning. We went on 2 excursions. Overall they were good, worth the money (we booked them before we left), I'm happy we did them. However I don't think I would book them again. Next time we think we will book a different snorkeling trip and the Jeep tour. 1 - Havana day trip 90$ CAD - Friday April 7th Our guide, Yaima, was great. Very polite, knowledgeable and informative. She was constantly making sure no one was left behind. I can't remember every place we stopped but to name a few: Revolution square, a nearby fort and cigar shop, a museum that had a pair of peacocks loose in the garden, roadside Pina Colada shack on the way back to the resort 5CUC for a pina colada in a pineapple - best one I had our whole trip. 2 - Catamaran to Cayo Blanco 100$CAD - Monday April 10th We chose to do the one WITHOUT dolphins. Staff was friendly, boat was clean. We went snorkeling first. Water was deep, not easy to see. I had high hopes as I loved snorkeling during our last trip (Brisas Guardalavaca 2014 - we could go snorkeling right from the beach as there was a coral reef nearby. Did a similar catamaran excursion and the snorkeling was fabulous!). Guides did not go into the water with you on this trip, which is not an issue (they did in 2014 which was great because they would call you over to see certain things). We had lots of time to snorkel, but there was not much to see. Afterward went to Cayo Blanco for lunch - seafood buffet, lots of choices, lots to eat. If you're used to Atlantic Canadian lobster you won't like theirs, but the chicken was good. The we had free time for a couple hours on the beach. Ernesto was our Sunwing/Nexus rep at the resort. He was very pleasant and helpful. Overall it was very nice, the beach made up for any minor issues. We would definitely go back. Not having to cook or clean for an entire week - what more can you ask for? :)

We're going again!!!

Our entire trip experience was fantastic. Maria @TripCentral provided great service. Sunwing squished but on time and friendly. The resort was excellent, good people, service and lots to do for family!

Great family vacation

The resort is what you make of it. It could definitely use some upgrades. The lobby washrooms are in need of Reno. Food was good, quite a surprise there. It was a good deal! Would go back for sure!!!'

Good for the price

I was pleased with the resort for the price. The only big downside for me was that there wasn't very good meat for breakfast. Other than that, the food was good. Beach barbecue was good, a la cartes were good. Buffet was decent. Loved the fresh fruit for breakfast. Great beach of course. The entertainment was good. Overall, a good experience. Also, i loved the open concept lobby, always a breeze blowing through, very nice.

Wonderful Vacation

Having read many reviews and as this was our fourth time staying in Varadero, knowing that this resort had some negative comments, I just didn't know what to expect. My previous stays were at 4.5 and 5 star and I expected this to be a step down. I was wrong. The food was just as good as anywhere else, less to choose from but everything was fresh and tasty. the barbeque at lunch time near the beach was wonderful. This resort has 3 a la carte and we went to two of them, the International and the C [... read more]uban, we had filet mignon in both and it was very good, cooked perfectly. Last year three out of nine of our family got violently ill from the unhygienic food and plates a the Melia Marina. There were activities and entertainment that was very enjoyable. The rooms, grounds and common areas were clean and well cared for. The beach was one of the best I've seen in Cuba. The layout of this resort is awesome, the hotel is really close to the beach. The staff were very good too, especially housekeeping and our baristas at the coffee bar and our waiter at the barbeque. Its not easy to please everyone and I know many North Americans expect that a four star hotel in Cuba should be just like staying in the 4 stars in Canada, but that is unrealistic. Cuba is changing and conditions for the people of Cuba is improving but it is still a third world country and we were in luxury compared to the way people live there. It was an amazing vacation, Ill go back as soon as I can. I got the best value and am really happy with this resort.

Basic but ok

This resort is typical of Varadero resorts. Worn out, damp mouldy rooms. The staff are friendly, rooms cleaned well with what they have to work with. The food was edible but flavourless. The beach was perfect although there are not enough loungers or palapas. I've been to Cuba more that 15 times ranging from 2 to 4 star so I knew what to expect. It was a good beach vacation, don't go for the food or lodging but if you want a perfect beach Varadero delivers.

Rooms could be better

Overall the food, pool and beach areas, bars, restaurants, main lobby area are decent. Inside the hotel however, is pretty worn down and aged - bed sheets and towels are sometimes stained even after washing. Balcony doors and shower heads would be partially broken, and the key card to the room would stop working intermittently and would require replacement.

Disappointed

The beach, as always for Cuba, was fantastic. The rest was unremarkable to unpleasant. The biggest peeve for me was that the table cloths were NEVER clean and the cloth napkins were likewise dirty. Something I just could not stand day after day. Also, there is a plumbing vent under the vanity in the ensuite which emitted a constant unpleasant odour. We kept our balcony door open at all times and this helped. We spoke to our neighbor and they said they had the same problem. I won't be returning.

Great resort

I don't have any complaints about this resort our stay was great. Had a great room with an amazing view. Beach was amazing, all the staff was very nice. The food is what you should expect in Cuba wasn't great but learned what to eat and what not to eat. I would definitly stay at this resort again.

Nice resort

It's really a good 4 stars hotel for vacation in Cuba based on my personal experiences. Especially amazing for its public areas, beach. We enjoyed them every day durig our vacation. Also, all of its bars and cafe are good and easy to get what you wants. By the way, a litthe suggestion is that the room's cleaning is needed some of improvement by my personal idea. Hope to spend more time with my familly in there again!

A good resort

Best things include the beautiful beach where you can take long walks in both directions. The food was so-so as expected. The room was comfortable and clean. We were lucky to get an oceanview on the third floor where we watched amazing sunsets. The Coffee Bar was open all day and a great place to start your day. The internet was available in the lobby at 1.5 convertible pesos for one hour. It is very slow and sometimes stops working for a while. Make sure you use up the full hour at the [... read more] same time as you lose any remaining time for future use. The bar drinks are not the best quality but the beer is good and plentiful. It is better to buy or bring your favorite premium drinks and buy your imported mix such as real Coca Cola at the gift shop on site. A bit expensive but adds to your holiday enjoyment. This is a very nice older resort !!

Pick another resort

This has been my 5th time to Cuba always loved it always went to a 4 star... This resort is a 2 star we paid a thousand each return from Ottawa and it was worth 500 each at the most but I still say try to pick another resort. Weather beautiful (thankfully), beach very nice.

Really enjoyed my stay at this resort

This resort has a lot of good qualities including amazing staff, lots of entertainment and the best beach ever. The food takes some getting used to but I think that's common throughout Cuba. It was my first time in Cuba and this resort made me want to go back.

Amazing resort /Amazing staff

First off, Maria Harris of Tripcentral helped me book the flight to Cuba with Sunwing. She was absolutely fantastic and helpful in every way! We loved our first trip to Cuba! My daughter and I were there from March 3rd to March 10th 2017. The resort was wonderful. The staff were all fantastic! The grounds, pool area and beach were absolutely beautiful. Our room was on the 5th floor and was always very clean. We always had fresh towels, hot water and a clean bathroom. We were always asked if ever [... read more]ything was okay. Breakfast was very good. The BBQ at lunch was always great and dinner was always very good as well. Our waiter always had a table waiting for us and was always fantastic! The band TrabaSon was fantastic and always played at 8 every night. They had a amazing MC that spoke many languages and always had great entertainment (games) lined up. The different themed show at 10 every night was always great and very entertaining! The coffee bar in the lobby was absolutely amazing...best coffee ever! My daughter and I had a fabulous time and will definitely go back to this resort!

Average resort

Public areas good, pools good, access to beach good, staff very good. WiFi very poor. Food was average but many cooked items were cold or barely warm. Soap was not replaced when finished, towels could be changed more often.

Playa de Oro

What did I think about the hotel? The hotel was nice, the beach is to die for! The only complaint would be the rooms had mold Ex: on the lamps, walls. As well as the lack of towels. The service? Staff was very friendly and welcoming! Activities: The programming was very lacking and repetitive. The disco at night is horrible, the songs are the same every night. Bars: Excellent drinks! Food: The food was very good.

Acceptable -(just)

- Nice lobby - most reception staff friendly - 1'st room had water leaking from ceiling - after two complaints they moved us to another room but washroom lights were burnt out and took two days to fix. - Very nice pool area - friendly pool bar with hot snacks (burgers, dogs, nachos) available. - Mediocre main buffet. Breakfast ok if eggs but found precooked item not kept very warm (pancakes, sausage etc). Stuck to salads at lunch as there was a good variety of items. Not impressed with an [... read more]y meat dishes from main buffet. - Italian and especially Cuban specialty dining rooms were good. Cuban is outdoors and barbecues all the meats which is a big improvement over the buffet. - 10:00 p.m. entertainment was excellent. Good variety day to day. Dancers, singers, magic, circus acts etc. - Beautiful beach area with its own bar. Activity staff at pool and on beach to get groups into various activities if desired.

Hotel Playa De Oro

I had a great visit at the Playa De Oro. First, my I requested a room on the second floor... had to wait but got it. Neither doors locked sliding or main But they came and fixed them right away. My room was comfortable the bed was rather hard but clean and ok. Cleaning was very good.. one bar of soap and one shampoo and bath gel. Had a secure safe for my passport and money. Food at the restaurant was ok.. average but could have more variety especially fruit. Sometimes, no bread in the morn [... read more]ing but later a surprise of new items like the parm cheese ring at the pasta area. wow. One day I saw a cochroach run through the buns!!!! Great staff and bar service. The people are awesome and friendly, happy to serve and lovely to visit with anytime of day. I loved the location, size of the complex, the beach is awesome and clean. More comfortable chairs would be great.. hard and I do not like to "towel a chair" at 7:00 am to save a seat.. some people take others towels and chairs.. not good. This resort needs a update but it is rustic in it's own way, sand paths, great beach grill.. oh yeah!!! I would send friends to this resort. Check in lady was not very nice. When you travel a long way and expect a warm welcome ... did not get it.. work on that front desk! SunWing reps were average... not really concerned about your needs. Close to bus to travel into town, bus pick up for tours good, get out on the safari,Havana tours well worth it. Watch"Papa" on Netflix. Great feel of Cuba. And, don't forget to tip and take some little gifts like toothpaste, soap, cards, pencils, crayons, paper...etc. the people appreciate it all! You must remember when you visit Cuba it is a beautiful country going through change... things are not fancy, people are lovely and need all the extras we can share. Thank you Cuba and all the best in the future.

Just what I was looking for

Grounds: The grounds have a great layout, from my room it was about a 3 minute walk to the beach or the lobby. The pool is in the middle of the resort, around all of the room buildings There is always breakfast and dinner available in the lobby building with enough options to keep options open. Every day there is a BBQ lunch just off the beach. Public Areas: It's clean, since there is a mix of people from groups of young people to families to older people. With a diverse groups of roami [... read more]ng people, there are times when the beach is quiet and relaxing while it can quickly pick up to a party vibe. If you are looking to have just one kind of setting, just party or just relax, you may be disappointed. I am sure the vibe changes week to week so you may be disappointed if you have expectations of the atmosphere. Food: It didn't have much in terms of spices or sauces so it was sort of plain but it was still BBQ on the beach so I can't really complain. Features: They have events and shows every day. There is enough to keep lightly busy, but most of the day will still be in the individual's hands. There are excursions available, I did the Jeep Safari and I was really pleased with the experience.

Nice resort

The food is the usual Cuban buffet. Pretty bland ok choices not sure why the fruit is never ripe. Beaches are wonderful. Drinks could be better. Not many choices. Entertainment was ok . The staff was amazing .