Palma Real: Going down hill....

Stayed at this resort 5 times. Grounds are beautiful. Beach is incredibly beautiful. Food is awful, same thing served all week. Dishes are filthy dirty. Staff is so so The swim up bar should be adult only !!!! Kids using seats for diving boards while splashing pool water in your drinks.... PARENTS TAKE YOUR KIDS TO THE KIDS POOL !!!!!!!! A lot of locals stay there.. Staff cater to them first... Pay the extra and stay somewheres else ..

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: It was just OK

I have been to Varadero before with varying degrees of success. This was a hotel I was really looking forward to because it was an Iberostar and I have heard such good things. If this is an example of the Iberostar standard, I am underwhelmed. 1) At first, there was a mix up with our room which was resolved swiftly and with an apology so we were very encouraged. But the shower in the new room was filthy, the phone didn't work and despite service coming nothing got resolved. 2) As is typic [... read more]al in Cuba, you can get peanut butter, orange juice, etc...on some days but not on others. very odd. 3) The food in the buffet was never labeled, it is hard to know what you are eating when it is not identified, or identified wrong. An item was labeled as lettuce but was actually shredded green pepper. 4) People are just not very happy. With few exceptions, they just seem to be sad. 5) The grounds are nice, the pool is great, the beach is amazing. SOME of the food is delicious, some are awful (although I will admit this is the way it is with buffets) This is a 5 star, I fully understand that a Cuban 5 star is not a Mexican 5 star, but this does not meet even the Cuban 5 star standard. Go to the Blau Varadero, much better value for your money

Roc Barlovento: Smallest Resort and Comfy

Everything was Great. Rooms could use an extra dresser Entertainment could be updated a few notches Dancers were very good Games were fun Staff very friendly Food ok passable I had no complaints Maid service great Bar Staff Great No complaints

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Great vacation

This hotel was very nice. The rooms were simple but clean. Nice showers. Very beautiful beach no need for water shoes. Only one adult pool but was decent size. Food was ok but was expected to be just ok. A la carte restaurants were pretty good though. Stuff to do for all ages. We’re in our 20s and experienced the catamaran which was a lot of fun. Definitely recommend. We also checked out the Saturno cave which was about a 30 minute drive from this resort. There was also a Cuban bar/disco at  [... read more]the Marino which was only about a 5 minute drive away from the resort. Overall great vacation!

Palma Real: My 2nd home

We just spent the week of 13-20 at the palama, we absolutely love it here. The staff acknowledged us and know who we are, our rooms in building 2 fantastic! Entertainment team, swim up bar team even security amazing. The food wasnt good at all ate off resort alot which we didnt like. The swimup bar needs to be kid free it serves alchohol and too many kids splashing and shouldnt be in that pool. We didnt like that the Cubans staying on the resort butted infront of us or we would all be standing w [... read more]aiting for the pork/beef to cook and one would walk up the cook gave them the entire plate full leaving us to wait in line longer. There was barely plates clean or food even my friend was helping clean tables a few times. The staff always made us feel welcome and brought us flowers and even had a table ready for us everyday! We will be back we love the palama just need some Canadian choices please. Love the Canada squad xoxo

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Worst service ever

We had to beg for wait staff to acknowledge and serve us. The food was horrible. We have been to cuba before so I didnt expect it to be great but it was 3 star quality. Lots of biting bugs and cockroaches. Beach wasnt groomed. Ala carts impossible to get in...no reservations taken. Not impressed with customer serve. Had to use medical on site and doctor was rude. Went to clinic in town and doctor was top notch

Playa Caleta: I love Cuba!

Review for One week couple getaway. Resort: is comprised of two buildings. The main building with front desk is ‘puntarena’ and the secondary building is called ‘playa caleta’. You can use all the amenities at either building as you wish. Each building has a bar, buffet and two restaurants but front desk only at puntarena. There is a large pool with entertainment and snack bar in between the two buildings and has great music and an amazing bartender. Only 1/3 elevators was operating in [... read more] the playa caleta building at the time of our visit and can be a nuisance if you have strollers or wheelchair but didn’t bother me. Wi-if available in lobby and at pool for 1cuc/hr. We stayed in playa caleta and enjoyed the buffet there better and found it to be quieter. 25minute to airport. 25minute walk or 5min taxi/horse carriage to the edge of downtown Varadero where you can catch double deck bus tour. Room: wasn’t ocean view but there is a beautiful countryside view with a canal that runs along the front of the resort. Room was relatively newly renovated. We had a balcony, safe, mini fridge (not stocked), tv. Everything was cleaned daily and operated as normal. Beach: beautiful! Last resort at end of Varadero beach feels expansive and private with little outside access. Sun shades and beach chairs,pedal boats and kayaks available for daily use. Food: Casablanca restaurant and Cuban restaurant were good. Buffet offered selection of deli, cheese and bread at all times. Omelette station for breakfast, Pasta station and meat grill for lunch/dinner. Fresh juices offered at breakfast. Buffet selection would partially change everyday. Drinks: strong! Other Guests: majority of the guests at this resort were from Russia. To be concise; we found many to be inconsiderate, impatient and impolite at the elevator, bar, buffet, and beach. We made friends with all the other Canadians... Overall: the value is fantastic for this all inclusive vacation. For the price and experience, it’s a no brainer.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Princessa del Mar

I returned from here a few days ago. I had also been there in January, and was pleased, so returned for more fun in the sun. The staff here are exceptional. They remembered me from the prior stay, and I was treated like a friend as opposed to a guest. Barby came around from the swim up bar, and warmly greeted me. She remembered clearly the gifts I had given her in January. Orestes was also a warm, and fun bartender. They can keep you laughing all day long. They all are really, these two  [... read more]do however deserve special recognition. At the lobby bar, be sure not to miss the outstanding voice of Javier. The ala carte restaurants are all quite good. If you are looking for something very spicy, bring your own hot sauce from home as we did. Be sure to treat the staff the same as you would like to be treated. Just because it is all inclusive, it does not mean that tipping is a forgotten item. Remember, we are Canadians, and we know better than to forget our manners. The rooms very cleaned very well every single day, and nothing was left out. There is only beer, water and pop in the room, so if you don't drink these, just tell the staff you need your drink of choice in a takeaway, and they will gladly provide you with it. The cigar bar is a great way to wind down with a two piece band most days. The nightly entertainment is not run of the mill either...don't miss the stunning water ballet

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: THIS IS A VERY GOOD RESORT WE HAVE BEEN THERE 6 TIMES

WE ARE IN OUR 70s THE LAYOUT IS MOSTLY FLAT AND EASY TO GET AROUND THE ROOMS ARE CLEAN AND FRESH,DINING IN THE MAIN BUFFET IS WELL LAID OUT, REMEMBER YOUR IN CUBA THE MEALS ARE SIMPLE AND FOOD PRESENTATION LOOKS GOOD AS WE SAY YOU WILL NOT STARVE WE HAD T BONE STEAKS ON WEDNESDAY EVENING THEY WERE DONE TO OUR REQUESTS, THE POOLS ARE CLEAN WITH POOLSIDE SERVICE IF YOU WANT IT , BEACH IS VERY VERY GOOD AND IS ALSO SERVICED, INTERNATIONAL DINING IS ON PAR WITH MOST RESORTS ,THE STAFF ARE VERY [... read more] FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL DO NOT CHANGE YOUR CANADIAN $ INTO AMERICAN AS THEY WILL CHARGE YOU EXCHANGE RATES TO GET CUBAN CONVERTIBLE $ IT HAS NO VALUE OFF THE ISLAND , CANADIAN RYE IS CROWN ROYAL AND IS CHARGED AT PREMIUM RATES

Punta Peninsula Varadero: Amazing Beach

First impression was not good as the check in process took almost an hour, and the line was not huge, 4 families in front of us.... Getting drinks at the Lobby bar took way too long, and most times the bartenders seemed stressed. The hotel and buildings were beautiful and well kept. The room was nice, but we were supposed to have a king size bed and oceanview. The bed was 2 beds pushed together and we were on the 2nd floor, not the 3rd floor, so the view wasn't what it should have been.  [... read more]There was a coffee maker in the room, but no coffee, cream or sugar for the whole duration...why have it there then...disappointing . The beach was the best in Varadero, great for walks. The grounds were nice, except looking toward the beach from anywhere along the resort seemed to be lacking a lot greenery or gardens or a focal point. Since you can't see the ocean because of the protective hill, something to look at would be nice. Going up in the lighthouse was an awesome view. The buffet was reasonable, you could always find something to eat. However it lacked a lot of variety. The Al a Cartes we went to were okay. There were many places to eat that were NOT open...Seafood Restaurant and snack bars, pool bars inaccessible from the dry side. 2 of 3 snack bars were open but only offered hot dogs, hamburgers and some sandwiches, They all had a buffet line set up, but none of them were in use, like the coffee maker in the rooms. It would have been nice to have a choice of a salad or cold pasta salad or something like that. NO french fries on the whole resort!! We realized when we were in the Duty Free area, that we had been ripped off by the Transat Rep, on the bus from the resort to the airport. He offered exchange for our left over Pesos. He made it sound like a good deal and easier to do then in the airport. So everybody jumped on it. Dollar for dollar we lost 32% on that exchange...then using Canadian dollars in the Duty Free, we were charged 50% exchange... When I asked for a receipt for my Rum, the lady said "you don't need one, the bag is sealed" I didn't like that answer very much. That's when we figured all this out, waiting for the plane...Let that be a big lesson...never again. I would not recommend this hotel at this time..

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Iberostar Bella Vista - It could be great - but its just good

Our first impression was that the hotel was modern, bright and clean. It is a very beautiful resort. Although the beach is very small, it is quite stunning. The only problem with the beach is that you need to save your spot by 6:00 a.m. or you won't get a spot with shade. Also, the lounging area around the pool is small. We felt that the common areas for guests is small to accommodate the amount of people at this resort. The rooms are bright and clean. Our maid was great. We  [... read more]were actually surprised most with the food. We thought the food was great. We didn't enjoy the buffet dinner, but the al a cartes were great! The only downside is the booking system for the al a carte restaurants. You can only book one day in advance for the next day and you need to line up at least 1 hour before booking starts if you want a reservation. They really need to improve this system! The problems we had with this resort is the way it is managed. We waited 2 days for a beach towel because our maid was off work for a day and NO ONE else would give us our missing beach towel. We also had 2 days with no clean beach towels to exchange! It is a ridiculous process. We also had a lot of problems with the door mechanism to our room and couldn't get in a few times. Very frustrating, especially when you are ready for bed. The accumulations of these little inconveniences is really what made us annoyed with the hotel. I don't think I would return there.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: It was better last year, we will not be back next year.

The rooms we fairly nice but not cleaned as good as they could have been. Our floors were always sandy (we did not go to the beach). The resort was out of things every day; for example no coffee for the rooms (we had a coffee maker but no coffee we asked the maid but the hotel was out), no diet cola at the pool bar, no buns for burgers and hot dogs one day at the pool, no calamari at the pool (on the menu) no bread for toast at breakfast, we had to wait approximately 1/2 hour several mornings. [... read more] The new food manger actually read my comment card at breakfast and tried to get me to change it from "only good" (his words) to excellent. We usually don't return to a resort but we liked this one so much last year that we came back, that was a mistake it was much better last year.

Punta Peninsula Varadero: Terrible resort

the rooms were dirty - no towels - missing pillow - no air conditioning - safe did not work. You had to find a housekeeping to clean the room. The food was terrible - we were all sick on day 3. My son ended up in hospital

Roc Barlovento: Great Vacation

From check in to check out we had no problems . This adults only resort is walking distance to everything, the bus is right outside the front door. Our room was nice , comfortable bed, clean, everything worked. The food was very tasteful, hot and a great selection . The staff are all very helpful, they work hard to make your stay everything you hope for. The beach is perfect and made for swimming and walking. The grounds and pools are well kept and they are growing vegetables in some of the gard [... read more]ens, great idea. I would recommend this hotel .

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Not a level 4.5

I understand Cuba food is not great but this resort so far was the worst I've had. Their snack bar was great and the Italian restaurant was amazing but that's it. Getting water was like pulling teeth they didn't offer it or have it readily available. We paid for upgrades but received not a king as requested and paid for but 2 doubles because they were out. They need to not offer what they can't accommodate. The resort was clean , our maid Ada was amazing and Veradero beaches are beautiful. We w [... read more]ill go back but not to this resort .

Starfish Varadero: Great resort

Don't listen to all the negative reviews, they probably wouldn't be happy anywhere. Yes some of the rooms are not renovated yet but the ones that are, are very nice, there was lots of food and always something different, lots of seafood, shrimp etc.the grounds are well kept and very clean, the staff is amazing and work to make you happy if you are polite to them. THANK YOU BRIAN AND RICCARDO AT THE RECEPTION!!!!!!!!!!! YOU MADE OUR STAY FANTASTIC!!!!!We had the bungalow right beside the pool, a  [... read more]little loud but was so close to everything.always something to do here the shows were fun and entertaining. we never got sick and ate everything there everyday, 2 fresh bottles of water in our room everyday.The room was cleaned everyday, so GO! HAVE FUN!!!

Playa Caleta: NICE Place

People are friendly and the place is nice but its not so clean and full of people from some country who keep cutting u everywhere at resturant, front desk. Cuban staff is friendly in general, the only thing, is that outside resort they ask for tip in a nasty way, the transgaviota people specially.

Starfish Jibacoa: Beautiful Resort

We thought that the grounds were absolutely beautiful. The staff take great pride in their resort. The grounds are nicely spread out with lovely gardens, planters and landscaping. There are lots of different kinds of trees along the beach for extra shade. We enjoyed lots of singing birds particularly the yellow canaries. The snorkeling was excellent right from the beach. There was a good variety of food which we enjoyed. We found the staff awesome. It's obvious that they work hard and are friend [... read more]ly which must be challenging at times with some of the entitled rude guests!

Palma Real: good resort

rooms where ok clean front lobby bar was good service, the food at the main buffet was ok not great but could find something to eat .tried the Italian restaurant enjoyed that .the pools appear to be clean .would go back again if the price was 700.00 or less

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Just Okay

If you go to this resort stay at the Sanctuary. Check out is at 2 instead of 12. You get the good chairs. Better service. The main buffet was horrible. We’re not picky eaters and have been to Cuba 7 times. This was the worst. Over crowded. Cold food. Ran out of plates!, glasses. Service was almost nonexistent. Forget about getting refills on drinks. Too many people, not enough staff. They ran out of beach towels! This was at the Sanctuary. Used same towels for 3 days. The al a cartes w [... read more]ere good as was the service. You have to make Reservations. The Grand Memories beach chairs are the old white hard ones. Beach was beautiful. Won’t be going back.