Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Didn’t meet expectations

I would give this resort a 3.5/5, even by Cuban standards. The grounds were well maintained and the beach was wonderful. The pool was lacking - very shallow and not near enough shaded loungers. If you want to lay in the sun without a shade, there are lots of loungers. But if you prefer some protection from the sun, you won’t have much choice. The rooms are large and kept clean. However, they have an ant problem so do not even take food products into your room- the ants WILL find it. Al [... read more]though kept clean, towel and fridge service seems to depend on how large your daily tip is. Less than 5cuc, don’t expect all of your towels to be replaced or the fridge stocked. Butler service is a joke. Anything we asked for (more towels, broken umbrella replaced,some matches etc) was denied and we were told to call housekeeping. The one thing we requested that was in their power, they didn’t even do. We requested a Bali bed on the beach for the next day (at an additional cost) and were told “it’s done!” The next morning when we went to the beach, they hadn’t received our reservation. The butler service sounds great as a selling point but in practicality, it’s pointless. The food was the best we’ve had in our 10 years going to Cuba. That being said, the buffet and the 24 hour bistro have an extreme fly problem. I know it’s the Caribbean and to expect a few flies. But this was horrible and the worst I’ve ever seen! We went to sit down at one buffet table but thought twice when we saw 6 houseflies sitting on the cutlery and napkins. The buffet is full of flies. You use your cutlery with one hand and keep swatting at the flies with the other. I don’t know how they will fix this problem but something has to be done. Would I return? Maybe. But not at full price, maybe at 50% off. There are other resorts in Cuba that are a fraction of their price and just as good, if not better.

Club Kawama: A dated but still comfortable hotel

The grounds were well maintained. Only the main pool was kept functional , but well looked after. There were many rooms with clogged toilets and drains and burned out light bulbs. The walk ways could have better night lights. The "Tosca" restaurant was stifling hot without AC ?? There many shortages with over worked staff because of economic cutbacks , but they still offered friendly service , as they say "that's Cuba".

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Amazing

We had a really good time, my son love the kid club , the room service was good and clean . Beach was nice and the pool very clean. The food in the buffet was ok no complain was varity to eat. The ladies in the kids club amazing my son love them.

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Amazing!!!!!!

This hotel was amazing! So many activities to do! Very clean and the staff were so friendly. Did often run out of a few things like champagne, and mint for mojitos but overall I enjoyed my stay. The availability of food and drinks 24hrs a day was great. Butler service was good as well.

Barcelo Solymar: Amazing resort

the resort it self was amazing! food was great although could have changed the foods once in a while, beaches were amazing , our room got an upgrade to a bungalow due to renos, which was fine. minutes from town shopping and amazing staff. pools and bars were amazing, will be comming back soon:)

Memories Jibacoa: Extremely disappointed

We have been there ten times and was great when it was Breezes Jibacoa. Since it has changed to Memories it started going down hill. This time was the worst. Have no fault with the staff, room, cleanliness of entire resort. The beach is terrible, the food was a struggle the entire time with cold food that was supposed to be hot and cold food was lukewarm.Thank heavens for the specialty restaurants although the portions were tiny. Everyone was complaining about everything. They have cut out a lot [... read more] of stuff that we enjoyed like Oktoberfest, theme nights and fun games by the pool.

Melia Marina Varadero: Good Outweighed the Bad

This was my fourth visit to Cuba, the last time being 10 years ago. I was excited to stay at what I thought would be the best resort I had booked with yet. This was not the case. I know that the star ratings in Cuba don’t relate to here in Canada but the first day was a total disappointment and the Melia Marina was not even close to the service or cleanliness of some of the other resorts I have stayed with. We arrived at noon and every hour they told us our room would be ready in an ho [... read more]ur. As the hotel seemed fairly empty I am not sure what the hold up was. Once we finally received our room at 430 it was a disaster! The shower was black, the towels grey with unknown splatters, a dirty toilet, a couch covered in stains, the furniture looked like it had been beaten and the floor filthy. I went to reception and they had a hard time understanding my concerns but said they would try to find me another room in a couple hours. Sadly I am not proud of how I behaved but I demanded they fix it immediately. We got our second room in seconds unfortunately we walked into a room with the air conditioning grid hanging open and the filter in the bathtub. I snapped some pics and back down to reception we went. Finally our third room was acceptable, but not what I was expecting based on pictures and past reviews. I was finally able to change out of my travel clothes and shower by 7pm. The rest of the trip was lovely, the food was Cuban food. You really cannot complain because they are doing the best with the resources they have and I assume the lack of restaurants and entertainment had more to do with it being off season. Once again not the resorts fault we picked the first week of October to travel.

Palma Real: Surprisingly good!

My 3rd time here recently (Sept 28 to Oct 5 2019. Not much has changed since I was first here 14 years ago. It's a nice resort. Basic rooms. Beds could be a little more comfortable but still adequate. We had a few nice surprises with the food...a couple of our meals were extremely good. always something good to eat...we never went without. Beach is beautiful. Bar and restaurant there are awesome. Staff was nice and helpful. One of the pools is closed. The one with the pool bar. Hotel is downto [... read more]wn so it's very close to restaurants, market and nightlife. All very safe to visit. Definitely recommend this resort if you're looking for a "no frills" vacation.

Sol Palmeras: Great time

We stayed in Sol Palmeras for 4 nights and 5 days. Our stay was fantastic and overall we had a wonderful time. The positives: 1. We arrived at the hotel around 12PM(4 hours before check in time) and were able to get a room right away. The front desk gentleman provided us with the option of staying in one of the Bungalows( at an extra cost of 20Pesos a night), but we decided to stick with the suit in the hotel. 2. Our room was pretty clean and tidy. There was no odd smell like other reviews. O [... read more]ur cleaning lady was very nice and did a great job at cleaning the room for the next 5 days. 3. Food at buffet was adequate. Food in the restaurants in the resort was much better. We stayed away from the fish as we were worried it would upset our stomachs. There were not much salad options(no tomatoes/lettuce). Lots of cold cuts, pasta, meat, rice, etc. 4. We managed to make a reservation at three different restaurants, we enjoyed Italian the most, amazing food, and friendly staff. Mexican food was good too. 5. Beach was breathtaking, we swam in the ocean for hours and had lunch by the beach bbq area, there were burgers, fries, hotdogs, shrimps, rice, etc. 6. The resort had a great retro look. It was clean. Lots of places inside and outside to get food and drinks. A couple of stores in the resort as well for small items. There is also a shopping plaza within walking distance. There is entertainment on any given night including singers. There are cute lizards by the pool. The staff were friendly and helpful and most spoke English good enough. 7. Entertainment was amazing at night, we attended the Disco night, pool party, concert and dancing. A few things that can improve: 1. The hair dryer in the room is very weak, your hair will get dry faster if you have someone blow air to your head. 2. While taking a shower, the water leaks from the bottom of the tub and the washroom floor gets flooded with water. We tried putting a towel there, but that’s not enough. I don’t know if this was just in our washroom, or any other rooms experienced the same thing. 3. One small cockroach in our washroom, would only come out at night, we accidently stepped on it one night and killed it lol Overall, It was one of the better resorts in Varadero. For the price we paid, it was well worth it. We didn’t have much negative experience and had an awesome time there.

Palma Real: Worst vacation ever

It was not a good experience. The hotel is in bad condition, rooms are moldy and smelly. The bed sheets were damp and smelly when we arrive. It took 4 hours for them to be changed after complaining to the front desk, by then it was almost midnight. While they did tidy up the rooms everyday, some towels were not fresh, seems like unwashed. The food is not clean, flies everywhere, cockroach in soup, when complained to the cook, he said it was just spice, errrrrrr.

Blau Varadero: Nice place to stay

I was at the Blau Varadero from September 28 to October 5. It was my tenth times there. As usual, the service is amazing. The staff is like family. We arrived and feel welcome! The food is good and the A la carte restaurants also.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Memories varadero

Not impressed at all. We have been there 5 times and to see the hotel in the state it is now is unbelieveable Mold in the rooms. No clean beach towels all week. No shower curtains or even a place to hang the towels in the shower to dry. I do understand that it was only about 40% occupied but still The food was the same every day did not matter if on the beach or in the cafeteria. The activity pool dirty and fungus growing on the rocks of the cave bar.Lack of working lights on the paths., To [... read more]ilets in the lobby closed Not at all what it used to be a few years ago so sad and very disappointed Will not go back there

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Great Break

Toronto airport reception by Sunwing was timely and efficient. Arriving in Cuba was easy however we had to wait in the bus for over an hour because two of the guests were caught bringing drugs into Cuba - Bad. The hotel reception was good and our room was first class - I believe it was recently renovated. The beach was fantastic and the meals were very good. We took a side trip to Havana on a 1956 Chevy Belair - great ride and our guide -Jenny - was excellent. Hated to leave but a week is the p [... read more]erfect duration. Would recommend the Royalton to anyone.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Manicure land scapping resort

My only complaint is the food Nice presentation of the various food bars and food trays However they don't know how to cook various pieces of meat and the hot table are NEVER hot A la carte restos let to be desire except Italian resto Most of the 10 days I was there, I had sever dearia and I am still sick after being back 72 hours. I lostb10 pounds!!!

Roc Barlovento: Disapointed

I’ve been at this hotel many times because the food was always consistently fantastic BUT it has changed drastically ! The buffet was awful . Every meal was overcooked and tasteless . The staff looked unhappy and inconvenienced by the guests .

Palma Real: Love this hotel

I always stay at this hotel, amazing staff and in terms of room and food; you get what you paid for. I usually dine out most of the time, depending on the night and the type of the food available at the buffa. Overall the location is 5 star and that is what I’m looking for.

Blau Varadero: My favourite resort in Varadero

Everything was perfect. Would never stay anywhere else when visiting Varadero. I heard people from other resorts complaining about hundreds of mosquitoes everyday. I did not see even one at the Blau. Can’t wait to go back

Memories Jibacoa: Jibacoa

Upon arriving at the hotel I do not think people were greeted properly. I had also gotten diamond club daily which was not explained properly upon arrival which led to some confusion. The grounds and location of this resort are beautiful and nicely taken care of. Some other things they need to change are the pool closing at 7 pm which is ridiculous and lack of daytime interaction with guests. I also did not like how the animals at this resort are treated,I do understand they are technically stra [... read more]ys but come on there is no need they cannot put water and some food down it is very cruel and gut wrenching to watch. The food overall for Cuba was average and the beach was spectacular.

Club Kawama: bEWARE

I have been to this hotel before and had some small issues but this time was not good, I understand that in September you will get a lot of locals on the resort but it was a horrible experience. Twice I was turned away from the buffet as "it was done, no food left" but I watched locals carrying massive trays of food out, they were heaped up. I went to go the snack bar and the line up was long and I watched as the locals were getting 6 hamburgers 5 sandwiches and countless hot dogs. I went into t [... read more]own and ate. Several times we ran out of beer and they had to bring in cans of buck and arrow, ( NASTY), but I watched as workers and locals staying on the resort come to the back door of the beach bar with small white buckets filling them up with beer. Ice, for 3 days they was no ice on the resort. NONE!!!!!! I had to ask for my room to be cleaned on 2 different occasions. One time when I went to go to my room to change, my house maid was sitting outside my room waiting for me, she had gone through my stuff and was asking me for various items as "they are hard to get items",. I was angry, she opened my suitcase to show me stuff she wanted. I understand they don't have a lot, I take ALOT of extras for them but she went too far!. the nightly entertainment was always geared to the locals, I am sorry they were many other nationality on the resort as well. I will most likely return but not for a long time!!!!

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Royalton Hicacos - Lovely Resort

The Royalton Hicacos was a great spot for a beach vacation! Although not directly on the beach with ocean views, the bungalows are nicely situated. Be prepared for a lot of walking to and from rooms to the beach and grounds. Everything is clean and well kept. The bed was quite comfy, there is a stocked mini fridge and coffee/Kureg machine in the room. You will NEED AN ADAPTOR in the room to plug in your devices. They do have these at the front desk, but will need to ask for it. The beach  [... read more]is the star of the show, and is great for strolling and swimming. The beach staff will take you out on the water on a Hobby Cat, you can kayak and paddleboat, all included. You can also go snorkeling for 20 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos), which was a far better experience than the excursion booked through the travel agent. A la Carte restaurants were very good, make sure you book them as soon as you get there so you get in and get a decent time. No issues with food or drinks - but bring a 'traveler' cup (Bubba) for your drinks - they will fill up and you can take to the beach and stay cold. Evening entertainment every night at 9:30 was pretty good and the venue is outdoors, so very comfortable. The pool was nice with cabanas for lounging. There is an afternoon FOAM party in the pool twice a week, and water aerobics and daily pool side entertainment. The staff were generally helpful and our butler was very nice and accommodating. You can buy WiFi: 1 CUC peso for 1 hour. Take Canadian $, and change at the resort. We travelled the week of Sept 23rd, and for $200 Canadian, got 146 CUC. The hotel gift store was ridiculously expensive, so don't plan on buying anything at the resort. You can take a local bus from the resort into Varadero to the market for 5 CUC - the pass lasts all day and gets you there and back. There are only 2 buses that run into town every hour, so plan accordingly. For a 5* Cuban resort, it was a noticeable improvement from our previous visit to Memories in Varadero, and overall, would recommend the resort.