Club Kawama: GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY

Wendy got us a deal for 14 days at Club Kawama at the amazing price of $1345.00 (all inclusive.) Don't think you can do better at this price, for 2 weeks in the sun, including air from Ottawa. However, there were certainly some things we were not happy with, but not unexpected, at a star resort. I have tabled the pros and cons below: PROS: - (1) The fantastic VARADERO BEACH and ocean; the same at a 3star as a 5star. (2) SWIMMING POOL - just great; it was large, had a walk-in hot tub, shallow [... read more] and deep ends, so I could even do some laps if I felt energetic, also, my partner and I are not agile and really appreciated the large steps plus hand rail used to enter. (3) THE LOBBY BAR FOR CAPPUCCINO - following the dreadful coffee at breakfast (see below), it was such a treat to relax at the lobby bar for our morning cappuccinos. They were just great at any time of the day. (4) SERVICE - generally, the service was good. In particular, Ray and Orlando were always available to lend a helping hand; the waitresses at the lobby bar were professional and always served with a smile. CONS:- (1) FOOD - always a contentious subject. We did not go hungry, but the daily menu at the buffet could not exist without rice and chicken. We should probably forgive them for the lack of variety though as the resort had only recently reopened after Covid. Only one a la carte restaurant was open and served a pleasant change of pasta and pizza. (2) DRINKS - again, there were many items not available due to the pandemic. On our first day, we ordered a rum punch and received rum mixed with seven up. Stick to a cold beer and you would be fine. The wine was drinkable, just. (3) COFFEE - I have given this its separate heading as most of us love our morning fix of caffeine. Why is it that every resort in Cuba seems to be unable to serve decent coffee at the buffet? Trust me, the coffee here at the buffet was like dishwater and virtually undrinkable. (4) ROOMS - they were spacious, but that's about all. Our maid appeared to finish cleaning the bedroom and bathroom in about 5 minutes. We found some small items on the floor under the bed which had been there for weeks. We both suffered from many large insect bites and we wonder if there were bed bugs. Water in the shower was usually luke warm. We did not go to watch TV, but unless you knew Spanish or like watching CNN all the time, you were out of luck. (5) CUBAN GUESTS - because this is a cheap hotel, it seems that local residents are able to visit for 2 or 3 days at a cost of about $10.00 per day. I am happy for them. However, at the time of our stay, there were times when there were many large Cuban families who 'took over' the restaurant and pool area. I recommend that you check the Cuban holiday schedule before booking. (6) COVID 19 SAFETY - every hotel is recovering from the pandemic and it was evident that this was a priority at Kawama. For example, bushes and trees were being planted, outside balconies were being painted and there was much work to do. However, I think that safety procedures have taken second place. A mask mandate was not enforced and there was little evidence of cleaning and disinfecting. IMPORTANT - my partner and I have had the 2 vaccinations plus the booster shot, but we have both tested positive for Covid since our return. My partner started to feel unwell during the second week and I think I caught the virus from her on the last day of our vacation. We visited the on site doctor on our second last day to have our 'negative tests' done. The process took about 5 minutes and cost us US $50.00. We had to return some 6 hours later to receive the signed test confirmations, which must have taken not more than 2 minutes to complete. I must be careful how I phrase this, but let's say that I was surprised that we both received 'negative' confirmations. I will leave it at that. CONCLUSION - if you need to escape for a week or two in the sun and the beach and pool are your only priorities, Club Kawama represents very good value

Iberostar Origin Tainos: Starting to lose it's appeal !

Just returned from 2 weeks at Tainos. We've been there 7 times before. It is a beautiful, small resort. The beach is what we go for, and it never fails to amaze me. Absolutely wonderful. The staff are very kind and helpful. Almost like family after our repeated returns. The resort is starting to show its' age. Good use some paint, lamps in the rooms, etc.. Not terrible, but a little TLC would go a long way. Covid restrictions are strictly adhered to. Masks required in restaurants. Not obligatory [... read more] in lobby ( but highly suggested. ). Not required outdoors or on beach. All staff, and most patrons are very watchful of maintaining distancing. They have stopped stocking refrigerators in rooms, which we missed considerably. The food was worse than I have ever seen. We never expect much for food in Cuba. I am not a fussy eater, but this time it was much was than previous trips. If possible, bring some food of your own for snacks, etc.. The really serious downside for our trip this time was that one of our suitcases was damaged and items stolen at the airport. This has never happened to us before, but it is most disheartening. Certainly not a fault of the resort, but something to consider when thinking about Varadero now. We are trying to get compensation from Sunwing now. We'll see how that goes !!! All in all I would give a 3 1/2 star rating and I will think seriously about going back to Vardero due to the airport issue.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Amazing staff, pool facilities, & beach!

Positives: - The staff at this resort are absolutely amazing. The butlers (Rene & Mario are amazing!) will bend over backward to help you and are always around asking if you need anything. The bartenders, wait staff, groundskeepers, pool maintenance workers, entertainment and all other staff we encountered were super helpful and kind. - The adult only beach is beautiful and well kept. I did find that the flag system was perhaps a little off as it was yellow on other beaches but still green  [... read more]on ours and the current/waves were pretty rough. - The pool area is really nice and along with the grounds is immaculately kept. It can get a bit louder in the afternoon so if you desire quiet head to the beach. - Free wifi is a nice thing to have, though sometimes slow it worked fairly well for us and we were able to easily video chat with family members at home. Negatives: - The food is okay, we certainly never went hungry. There are often things missing and are definite shortages that are noticeable. However, if you are wanting any condiments you should consider bringing them as they are often unavailable (i.e. salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, butter, etc). - The rooms are in definite need of some love. The doors are rotting, our shower overflowed always as it wouldn't drain, the toilet didn't always flush, the fan was falling off of the ceiling, our patio door lock was broken and there were holes in the top of the patio doors where bugs could get in, the cabinet where the mini fridge was was broken, lots of paint peeling etc. We were at this resort 8 years ago when it was managed by Riu and it has not changed at all. - There is no buffet at the Sanctuary side and often times the options at the restaurant there are very limited. Additionally portion sizes at the a la carte restaurant are very small. - On the weekends (Thursday to late Sunday) there are many locals that visit the hotel which is in no way problematic with the exception of meal time. We found often times those visiting would hoard food (taking full plates of items), wait in lines to get food for an entire family of six, push their way through lines aggressively.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Great staff amd booking agent Nicole

A but dated but in good condition. There were a few food shortages amd creative substitutes, but it is more respective of the Islands challenge he's at this time. Beautiful beach, clean rooms. Nice shower.

Melia Internacional: The best in Cuba!

Modern facilities, clean and well appointed rooms, impressive food quality and attentive service. All staff taking steps to safeguard from Covid by use of masks at all times which was reassuring for all. Would be nice to see more lounge areas with a bit more diversity in the drink program, however, all in all a great set up with friendly and attentive staff.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Not fully ready yet in the wake of the pandemic

At this time, this resort, and I suspect most other resorts in Cuba are trying very hard to come back post pandemic, but are not quite there yet. I knew this prior to booking, but was not aware to what extent it would play. The grounds are beautiful for the most part. A little dry looking generally, and the wildlife pond opposite the pool looks like it needed about another foot of water pumped into it. Kind of green/brown and scummy looking, although it did not smell which was a bonus. The w [... read more]ait staff and the Cuban people who work there are amazing. So friendly and helpful with a "Hola, com esta?" Certain areas and venues were not operational. There is an 'Ice Cream' hut near the pool. Always empty, no one around, although there was ice cream at the buffet. But just vanilla and strawberry. A restaurant closer to the beach, deserted. A couple of bars that it didn't seem you were supposed to step up to. They kept the doors closed, and had wait staff come to your table and take your drink order. I didn't have a problem with that. They were always so nice. The food? Well, you know what they say, you don't go to Cuba for the food, and they're not fooling around. Although the food always seemed fresh, it was the exact same fare everyday. Now I know how the dog feels. They occasionally moved the dishes around from area to area, possibly to give the illusion that there was some variety, but they weren't fooling anybody. Covid protocols dictate the staff must put the food on the plate for you. Usually too much, and I hate wasting food, especially in a country were some might not eat every day. You just point to what you desire. Don't you dare touch the serving spoon or tongs. I forgot once and received a stern but still friendly look. I had to laugh, the al a carte's are no different. It's the same food as in the buffet, but it was presented a bit prettier on the plate, but again, it's the exact same food. They must have just taken some from the buffet over to the al a carte restaurants. Only went to two. Not worth dressing up in long pants and a collared shirt to eat the same food as the buffet. Most of the dishes had no spice, no flavour. I was made aware of this prior, so I brought a bottle of hot sauce from home to liven things up a little, and I'm glad I did. Take ketchup with you too, if that's what want, because there simply isn't any. I brought a few ketchup packets along, and one day another hotel patron saw me opening one over my omelet at breakfast, and asked where I got it from on the buffet. I said, "Didn't. Brought it from home, sorry". Good luck getting any salt or pepper out of the shakers. It's a solid block in there from the humidity. Pull the plug out of the bottom, and you might get some, but be careful. It tends to all come out at once as I found out the hard way. Four stray dogs and a couple of cats frequent the buffet at meal times and sit by your chair looking for a handout if you choose to eat at the outside tables. They don't dare venture inside. A couple of the dogs will take the food from your hand, and they are so gentle. Not like our ungrateful K9 at home who gets feed every day. Nearly takes my finger with it, every time. The other dogs and the cats are a little timid and standoffish, and you must throw the food to them, and it shows. They are skinnier than the ones that take it from you. Wine and beer are a hit or miss on certain days and in certain restaurants. On our first day, we got there and checked in just in time for lunch. When I came back to our table with my food, my wife informed me she was told by wait staff that there was no cerveza (beer). Ever. In the whole resort. All week. I said "you've got to be (bleep) kidding me". I think I used an expletive as well. Well, we found this not to be entirely true, they did have it, but not always. Wine wasn't always available either, and they ran out of red wine mid week. I think they save it to sell at the al a cartes. My wife drinks red wine exclusively. She was not impressed. They were not able to make a wide variety of cocktails at the bars either due to availability. I never want to have another Pina Colada again. The beach was gorgeous, and the water was always beautiful shades of turquoise and azul. We were always able to find a couple of loungers and a palapa, although sometimes at the far end from the entrance. The water was too wavy and the undertow was too strong for a non-swimmer like myself. Sand is deep and difficult to walk in. Reminded be of walking in deep snow in Canada. A number of jellyfish washed up on shore. Had to step around those carefully. Our room was OK. Just OK. Safe worked flawlessly. Bed was firm. Not impossible to sleep on, although my back was sure glad when we got home to our own bed. Our room was on the ground floor, and although the main door locked fine, the adjacent sliding glass patio door did not lock. It had a catch only that could be jiggled loose if someone was determined enough. We kept the curtains closed when we weren't there, and hoped no potential thieves were the wiser. Hot water wasn't always available for a shower, but if you ran it long enough, it got lukewarm. Sometimes. Sort of. Toilet tank didn't always refill after a flush, but I was able to jiggle the supply valve and get water to seep in slowly as long as you didn't need to flush it again right away. I guess we could have requested another room, but if I can make something work, albeit not the way it ultimately should, I'll go with that instead of making waves with the front desk. The mini-bar was always empty. I guess you're just supposed to use it for your own items. No beer or pop like we've had at other resorts. Toilet paper seemed to be a hot commodity, and after the toilet paper hoarding fiasco early pandemic in Canada, I was not in the mood. If there was even a few sheets left on the roll when the maid came in to service your room, you wouldn't get another. We got to hiding what we had in a drawer and leaving her an extra couple of bucks so we'd get a fresh roll. Can't imagine what non-tippers did to wipe themselves. Shudder. The nightly entertainment didn't happen every night, and it was fairly lame as usual at most all-inclusives. Other nights there was an impromptu mariachi band that went from table to table playing songs at half tempo. Imagine 'Yesterday' by the Beatles at half tempo. Haha. We had the unfortunate luck of having to return on March 31st, the day before the requirement for an antigen test was removed. We waited almost two hours in the morning to get the test done at $25USD each, and then were told to come back at 3:30-4 o'clock for the paperwork. Waited another 2 hours just to get the form when we returned that afternoon, and had a rude woman from a neighbouring resort jump the line and get hers completely done, form and all, while the rest of us waited even longer. So, our seven day vacation was really only four. The first day is mostly wasted getting there, and you're so exhausted from the 3:30am arrival at the airport and the grueling, hurry up and wait plane and bus ride, that you pretty much just want to sleep the rest of that first day. The next day, it rained, all day, although that's no fault of the resort or the Cuban people. Then we had 4 beautiful nearly cloudless warm days and cooler evenings, although the last two were so windy the beach was not an option unless you enjoy picking sand out of your teeth, and the last day was wasted on the antigen test. Do I recommend this resort? Sorry, I don't, but maybe things will improve once we get further out of the restrictions of the past two years.

Club Tropical: Nightmare Resort

The noise was unbearable, my room was on top of the bar and the entertainment area. Very noisy all day and evenings. The lobby is under renovations therefore the electricity would go off intermittently , lots of construction noise. The breakfast is a regular fare not much to be said. Other than the grills where the omelets were made needed a good scrub. The food was lacking, only chicken, grilled ham and fish, white rice, rice with beans. Beans, chick peas, eggplant with cabbage served eve [... read more]ryday. most of the food was recycled from the previous day No afternoon snacks were offered unless you asked. Only ham sandwiches were offered no cheese was available The last day I was offered half of a hamburger patty. The office staff very rude and unwilling to help. Lots of ants in the room , lack of water in the bathroom. The pool is about 3-4 feet . The beach is very good .Should I say more ? This is a place where most of the guests go there to drink and sit around at the bar. There is no dining other than the buffet restaurant where all the meals are served .No variety of food available. Having said all this we must understand that Cuba is going through a difficult time and food is scarce even in the restaurants. Therefore if you want good weather a lovely beach lots sunshine and are there to drink this is the place for you . Next time no two star hotels for me. Adios.

Brisas Del Caribe: Decent hotel

The staff was amazing as always ,our room was clean, beach was fanyastic. 2 issues i noticed one the staff serving the buffett were confused on who was in line first and afew times we waited 15 min to get served because of ppl jumping in line. Not big issue but for some it was, the other issue is the elevator, well it closed on me and squished me pretty good making my drink go all over, the second time i was trying to hold it open fir a older couple and it closed on my arm causing damage to i [... read more]t,pulled the skin off of my wrist,it will not open if held, iwent to the dr, would not do anything unless i gave her 25 canadian dollars for a tylenol for later cuz it will hurt on the way home, I asked for ointment gauze and bandage and again she said 25 canadisn dollars for tylenol for way home it will be sore, so i went to the bar. Got rum and cleaned it with that. Later that evening a lady bartender. Tended to my exposed skin where it was ripped off with ointment and bandaid, and did not ask for money, i will add my insurence was denied by dr. Over all other then the elivatore accidents and wait for food it's was a great visit

Muthu Playa Varadero: Great place

This was our first time to Cuba and did not know what to expect. At first, it seemed a little run down but as we entered you could tell there had been some recent renovations. Rooms were clean. Housekeeping was great. Everyone was practicing social distancing for the most part and masks were still Mandatory. Cooks, Servers, and everyone employed at this Resort were friendly. A definite recommendation.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Good resort but bad luck

The resort was good but due to a family emergency we only stayed for 2 days and cut our vacation..it would be great if we could be reimbursed for the part of our trip or a doscount for a next one so we can repeat our experience there

Starfish Cuatro Palmas: Amazing Resort!

I have been to Varadero 4 times and I have to say that Starfish Cuatro Palmas is definitely a great place to stay. The staff is very welcoming and efficient. My room was very good with hot water, nice view to the nightlife in the heart of Varadero; hot water, A/C working very well all night & day. The food was better than the usual food served in Cuba. The beach is as the usual breathtaking turquoise warm water and white sand in Varadero. The resort is huge and such a nice place to relax. I'll b [... read more]e definitely going back to Cuatro Palmas. I have never been back to the other 3 resorts, but Cuatro Palmas, I'll for sure. it has a better infrastructure. Also, for being a 4-star resort, we have wifi for free and I had no connection issues with their wifi.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: One of the best destinations you will love to go back

Excellent service,amazing customer care,beautiful night show ,friendly staff,clean beach and swimming pools, good food, on the top of all that very clean and safe rooms. The staff were very helpful and trying to help you every way they can.

Memories Jibacoa: Great resort for the money

The staff is always what makes Cuban resorts so appealing. Fantastic covid training for all staff. Everyone masked 100% and constant sanitizing. The setting and the grounds were beautiful. Food was really well done considering Covid shortages and the fact that is is Cuba. Rooms were clean and comfortable and A/C worked great. Beach cleaned daily and always plenty of lounges at the pool and the beach. The only downside was the number of day passes and short term passes being issued. The vib [... read more]e at this resort is a quiet older crowd so it was really noticeable when midway through the week a lot of younger locals started hanging out in groups around the pool and lobby. The inebriation was apparent and the garbage (empty plastic cups, and half filled drinks) left around the pool was annoying. I understand the hotel has an obligation to keep the resort full but hopefully, when Covid starts to diminish, and more rooms are taken by longer term bookings, it will reduce the short term passes for this resort. Highly recommend this resort if you can pick it up at a good price.

Los Delfines: Great resort

Great upkeep of the grounds and pool. Very clean. Great service. The food was ok for Cuba. Many restaurants in the area if you don't like what they're serving. No issues with electricity, water or AC. Fast check in. Animation team was great.

Melia Las Americas: We keep going back!!

We are returnees for I think the twelved time. As always, there is something that's going to go wrong, I had to pay again for my clubs because I could not find my receipt. So I got it over with. There was a lot of people that had not filled out their Cuban entry form, best to have everything done Toronto airport was not very busy and no issues there other then the Tim Hortons line up !! Flight was good. Everybody was wearing mask Varadero aiport was not busy and went through witho [... read more]ut issues, was glad my clubs got there this time, we were there in November and our clubs got there on 4th day !! Mask were worn till we got outside, there was a cooler beer vender in parking lot unlike November Checking in was a breeze, we know a lot of the staff and got our rooms right away There is a serious shortage of beers in stores and at the resort, beers on the golf course are $5.50 us compared to $2.00 no so long ago !! The golf course is in very good shape and the staff are very helpful as usual The people of Cuba are in need of medical supplies & every day items that we take for granted, that they cannot buy at this time, we all brought goods on our trips to help them out All in all, we had a great time again, lots of laughs, in fact I am returning April 3rd to do it again with some other friends!!! Cheers!!

Melia Las Americas: DISAPPOINTED

While the resort itself was beautiful and clean, food plentiful and drinks very good I could not get past the amount of people at this resort chain smoking. Being a lung cancer survivor two years now I could not spend any time on the Terrance as my lungs could not handle the smoke. One evening I was only person without a cigarette out of about 50. No matter where I went on the grounds, whether it be the beach, pool,, everyone around me smoked. I do know from experience other resorts in V [... read more]aradero have designated smoking areas, both on beach and bar areas. The Melia las Americas was a free for all smoking resort. For that reason, I will not be returning to MLA.

Club Kawama: Good times in cuba

Rooms were clean, resort grounds clean, beach was awesome! Draft beer was strong, lots of food at buffet, snack bar had hamburgers, omelettes, hotdogs, fries. Location is walking distance to the hart of varadaro with markets and restaurants to eat drink from if you get sick of resort food

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: March 17-24 2022

Overall clean resort,, staff wore masks all the time. Resort was very quiet due to low occupancy rate. Little entertainment each night, restaurants were limited in opening each night. Buffet limited selection as well. This resort is still feeling the effects of low fill rates and have had to make many cost cutting measures. Wifi hit and miss. Had no hot water for 2.days. Mini bar only stocked with water each day in room. A lot of flies nightly in the lobby. Easy access to antigen test on site, 5 [... read more]0 dollars American for 2 people. Overall I have been to Cuba many times with reasonable expectations but I would not return to this location but would return to Cuba.

Melia Las Americas: Best Resort Ever!

The resort was beautiful! Beach beautiful! Staff amazing . Food was good considering the shortage issues they are having . No complaints! Elsy the recreation lady was an amazing beautiful person -Raoul at lobby bar was a treat - great guy - all staff were wonderful- beds could be more comfortable- that would be my only suggestion. We had a great vacation and would go back in a heart beat !

Grand Memories Varadero: Run down

Food was not great, the snack bar had one item late night. Drinks were watered down. Was dehydrated most of the trip because they wouldn’t put water in the room unless I tipped. Not coming back, it will be the last time.