Untapped potential

This resort is well situated and has beautiful beaches. However, the staff are not quick to respond to reasonable requests. For example, I had to spend 6 of my 7 days without a working washroom sink despite my request to fix it on day 2. Balcony lights do not work if you want to sit and relax at night time. Two days straight my room was cleaned but all of my towels were removed without providing replacements. Moreover, given the noticeable stains on the bed covers I realized after a few days tha [... read more]t they were not replacing the covers with clean ones; but rather, simply refurnishing the bed with the used covers front the night before. The AC is okay at best. My friend's AC was not functioning for almost the whole week despite telling the front desk several times. The resort is beginning to look worn out and dated. Front desk is painfully slow to resolve any issues or to exchange currency. During the first two says I spent a total of 2 hours waiting at the front desk to check in, exchange money, and report my sink malfunction. That is unacceptable! The resort has decided to remove bracelets altogether so half the time I didn't know if the people on the resort were even allowed there. The majority of the time I felt that there were more locals on the resort vacationing than tourists. If we met other tourists from other resorts and wanted to hang out with them in our room we were told they couldn't be brought on the resort. When we inquired about the passes we were told the passes run from 9 am to 10 pm (day pass) and from 10 pm to 1 am (night pass). So between 1 am and 9 am we couldn't have visitors. What kind of nonsense is that?! Its not like the buffet or bars are even open for them to consume the resort's resources!? The other comical aspect was that the main bar closed at 11 pm. This resort has a reputation for catering to younger crowds, so how does thatmake any sense?! One of my biggest grievances, however, is that they relocated the 24 hour beach bar - which was a beautiful area situated near the beach and away from the sleeping population where party-goers could carry on after the clubs - to a small crevace inside of the arenas blancas resort. It was such a disappointment! I had such a good time at the beach bar last year when I first attended Barcelo Solymar. Why would they relocate something that worked so well and facilitated the needs of the nocturnal guests?! All-in-all the people are still fairly pleasant to deal with but I can see that they are worn thin. This resort had/has so much potential, but it feels like poor management, lack of insight on the wants and needs of the average guest, and lack of basic upkeep has caused this gem of a resort to dwindle into something that I wouldn't recommend to others any longer. What a shame. I hope these simple suggestions become resolved so Barcelo Solymar can return to what it used to be.

Terrible resort

I have traveled a lot through asia and Europe and stayed at many different resorts and this place was easily the worst. People are drunkenly screaming and yelling until 3am the food at times was not edible if you do stay here at the very least stay in one of the detached condos. Great beach though.

Fabulous Resort

Really enjoyed my time at the Barcelo Solymar! Friendly, helpful staff and when there was a glitch with our reservation we received and upgrade which was far beyond our expectations..! The beach and surrounding resort were beautiful and I would recommend it to all my friends..!!

Amazing Resort

Barcelo is the best resort. I've been to Cuba twice and always only stay at Barcelo, Everyone is so nice including the hotel staff, A lot of great activities. Snorkeling was amazing so was the instructor Miguel. The hotel atmosphere is great if your looking for a guaranteed great time stay in Barcelo Solymar.

Loved it!

Although the rooms inside that actual hotel were gross and do not recommend them, the bungalows were really good. We got upgraded due to cockroaches in our room so that was the only negative thing. We went during spring break and we met so many amazing people and a lot of Canadians who we have stayed in contact with. We partied every night with at least 20 people. The beach was awesome and had a lot of fun free water activities to do. We were in a central location and could walk downtown to sigh [... read more]t see. There are 3 clubs within walking distance that were great and only a can ride away from the club cave which was so fun! They had 2 beach parties at our hotel while we were there and they were a blast! Food was so-so but I am a very picky eater and yet I did just fine. Eggs, sweets, pasta, fruit and fries is what I ate that week. Definitely bring your own junk food as well though. Two resorts are in one and they say you can't have access to both but we all did. You can eat at that resort too if you want to switch it up. The one is all families and children and the other resort was all 20s and 30s. Staff was okay but could be a bit better and wifi is not great! You have to pay for it and they only have so many cards to give out a day and once they are gone then you are screwed. We did a jeep tour which was really fun as well. Overall, your trip is what you make it and I have been to a lot of places but this was my favour place hands down! Many things can ruin the fun but when you are with awesome people, on a beautiful beach and have unlimited drinks then what could be better?

Amazing resort

Great party place for young people, great people , staff etc! You won't regret it. The food is as good as it gonna get in Cuba , unless you actually leave the resort scene. Awesome location near clubs !

Ok resort - you get what you pay for

the hotel room was absolutely garbage - but my friends room was decent you get what you pay for - want to go cheap cuba is the way to go beach and water is amazing, cuba's towns not so great if you are smart - do not go here money exchange rate is terrible 1 CDN = 85 cents forgot to mention food = it is edible - it has been 1 week back and i am still not going to the washroom properly. lol

Great Family Trip

My husband and the 2 kids had an amazing time at this resort. The grounds were spacious leaving enough room for the kids to run around. Variety of food for everyone and a beautiful beach. A great trip!

Excellent hotel

We were all so happy and satisfied that everyone wants to come back. The restaurant's menu has improved from our last visit two years ago, I noticed more variety. The rooms have large TV screens on the wall, and everything was clean and neat. We had nothing to complain about. It was a truly enjoyable stay and we're definitely coming back!

Close to everything in Varadero

nice having two resorts in one, more choices in activities and food. Beach is fantastic and staff are amazing with big smiles to welcome you and inform you. Just a ten minute walk and your in Varadero, very convenient.

Very nice resort

Very courteous staff, and over all the resort was kept very clean. We liked that we could use the facilities at Arenas Blancas and often went there for dinner for a change. We really enjoyed the beautiful beach, but found the evening entertainment lacking.

Barcelo Solymar Resort

Excellent resort, ideally located 5 minutes walk from town, and right on the beautiful beach. The variety and quality of the food was excellent, and the service from most staff was great! The bungalow rooms were much superior to the hotel ones. The only problem was the extremely loud and unclear sound system (making it louder does not help people to hear, it just makes it more unpleasant!)

Great BEACH RESORT

The accommodations are adequate & the food is typical of Cuban cuisine but I can always find something to eat. Plus I am not there to gain 5-10 lbs. I liked the resort and would recommend it for the great beach & beautiful swimming waters. Also, the entertainment at night was very good.

Trip of a lifetime

The pool setting was beautiful, having the beach at our door step was perfect. The food was very tasty, The people that work in the resort were wonderful and just so friendly! Trip central was perfect!

Great Resort with 2 in 1 Experience

We booked our 5 day stay at the Barcelo Solymar Arenas Blancas and were really pleaesd with the entire experience. There are 2 sides to the resort therefore you can use all amenities in both including the pools, gym, and restaurants. the food selection was great with several restaurant choices and the staff was also great. We booked an excursion through the hotel and thoroughly enjoyed it. The beach access was also amazing. There are plenty of lounge chairs and activities going on. The stretch o [... read more]f beach that the resort covers is huge and simply amazing!

Amazing hotel

The hotel is very clean and neat. Staff are friendly and very helpful. Its close to downtown and beach. They have activities for kids and adult every day. I pretty much enjoy my vacation in this hotel.

Clean and friendly

Convenient in many ways: 5 minutes walk from all of the boutiques and restaurants. Last on, first off the bus when going on trips (activities/tours) and only 15-20 minutes from the airport. 2 hotels in one therefore, two buffets to choose from ( although many have complained, I have no complaint on the food. What does people expect for a all-inclusive for the price?) Great beach, clean and friendly staff. The equivalence of a travel lodge to our standard; no luxury, no swim bar, older resort, st [... read more]ill would go back just for its proximity to the shops.

Splendid staff and wonderful accommodations

This was my first Barcelo experience and I was pleased with my vacation. Front desk man Oscar is the man who gets things done professionally and quickly. Animation team is fun and friendly. Accomodation was acceptable.

A good resort

Good resort for young people with a good location, close to downtown Varadero. Rooms and facilities were clean and the beach was amazing. This is my 3rd time at Solymar and I must say the only complaint is the food, which was far better when I first visited the resort years ago.

Beautiful beaches! Beautiful people!

Rooms were clean, staff was friendly, food was better than most cuba resorts. Lots to do! I suggest staying on the other side or in a cabana for a more peaceful nights sleep. Staying in the main building got a little loud at night from all the party goers coming home late. The entertainment staff did a fantastic job making everyone feel welcome. I would stay here again!