Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Lots to do

The hotel was great, there were things missing from our room but with some perseverance it was received. Food was actually ok, entertainment was good and the entertainment staff were good. Our maid kept our room nice and clean. Bartenders were hit and miss

Muthu Playa Varadero: Amazing intimate resort

Small resort with amazing staff. Food was great, and the beach was amazing !! I would recommend going to Havana with Havana Jouneys ask for Gus! I can’t wait to go again next year, my new favourite hotel!!!

Barcelo Solymar: Pretty Decent Resort

Barcelo Solymar was a pretty good resort for the price we paid. It is known for being a party place. However, we learned that from Jan to March it is more of a family season. So there were way less young folks this time around. Food was pretty good, we had outdoor bbq everyday. We also got a complimentary bottle of rum from the manager and a complimentary dinner for being repeat customers. Also, Barcelo visitors can use the facilities of Arenas Blancas, which had a couple of good features. Gonna [... read more] mentio a couple of issues - they were not changing towels for the first couple of days but then they started giving us small towels instead of bathing ones. This is beause they are having difficulty with their laundry company. Im sure it will be resolved soon. Also the hotel is worn out, you could see it needs a bit of maintenance. Other than that the everything was great. Staff were great. Access to the beach was convinient. Barcelo is also close to the city.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Disappointing Resort........

We stayed at Iberostar Playa Alameda, Varadero, Cuba, March 1 thru March 8, 2019, booking through Transat. We have been fortunate to travel to many resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic. We have actually stayed at this same resort several years back. Lets just say that it has gone downhill since then. Even for Cuba its not a 5 star, rundown and tired would be a better description. Started with the bus ride from the airport. On the bus ride in we were told that we are rich and Cub [... read more]ans are so poor, so that to us $5 is nothing and we should give them $5 CUC when we tip and that tipping was expected. “You don’t have to tip, but it is expected” Uhm… you do the math. And typically, you have to do something to earn a tip. What prompted me to write a review was meeting an elderly couple (83 & 87). They had been to this resort 16 times already. They had called ahead and asked for a room on the main floor as their knees are not very good. On arrival, they were put into the second floor. The next day they came back to reception and had to wait the entire day until they were finally moved to a first floor room. This is completely unacceptable as they had called ahead and the resort was nowhere close to being full. All kinds of rooms on the main floor were empty. Reception staff was simply too lazy to help them out. The room: Mould in the room and even on my pillow. Air conditioning did not work properly, it lowered the temp but everything was always damp. So now we had a cooler and very damp room. The musty smell everywhere you went including our room was disgusting. I’m interested in the positive reviews those few people must have lucked out with their room because the consensus the week we were there everyone had room issues that made for a along week. The safe didn’t even work at first, then they had someone come and change batteries and it worked. However, it is not even bolted down so not sure how much of a deterrent that would be. The maids did not clean much – instead they twisted towels into swans and were satisfied. They never cleaned our balcony. The bathroom sink is plugged and smells of sewage. The towels and thread bare sheets smell like a sweaty locker room. Talking to other guests, they reported similar problems. Bottled water was missing, we told the maid and even called front desk. They finally showed up the next day to replace the water. Beach area was never cleaned properly. Chairs were not cleaned up, cups and straws, cigarette butts everywhere. I understand that the guest should clean up their mess, but if that doesn’t happen, the resort could do a cleaning. It was rather disgusting to walk on cigarette butts everywhere. The gardening staff were very pleasant. We remembered some from our last time there. Raul was very pleasant and helpful. The public washrooms often have no toilet paper – or toilet seats. It was disgusting to watch employees in the bathroom do not wash her hands and then serve a clients in the bar or in restaurant. The food: it was interesting to see an eggs served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the food under the heat lamps was always cold, guess they were just lamps, not heat lamps. The pork and beef were a bit chewy, but that’s pretty standard for Cuba. Most of the food was not bad, bread was fantastic. Seafood was actually pretty good, just have to watch that they cooked it enough, often had to bring it back to get cooked a bit more. The Paella was very good. The fruits are not quite ripe or going bad. Ice cream was excellent. Overall, remember is Cuba, we always found something to eat. Serving staff – big Disappointment. They don’t work too hard. I had to ask two different servers for coffee before I got one. Lazy, unmotivated, indifferent for the most part. Looking more for the tips rather than customer service. It was very unpleasant experience to watch as servants in the restaurant watching for the some clients who gave them tips previously and run toward them with smile hugs and coffee… And you are waiting for this show to end and hope that they will come and help you with a simple cup of coffee. Embarrassing and extremely unpleasant to watch. There were some exceptions, Zulie on the outside tables was great. The tall elderly gentleman serving inside was also most pleasant. Some of the people at the piano bar were great. Remembered your drinks and were helpful. The actual bartender (Yudi)needs some lessons in customer service. Not only unpleasant but actually a very nasty person. Nasty to clients and to the other staff. When we described to her how to make a particular drink, she refused and said that’s not how we make it here in Cuba. Interesting as the other bartenders all made it the way it should be made without us having to even describe it to them. She was simply too lazy to take the effort to make it properly. Front desk, completely unhelpful (as mentioned above). Bought 2 wifi cards, neither of which worked. First it was, “no more money on the cards” but I had just bought them. Then, the cards are good it was my phone, asked them to use their phone with my cards, still didn’t work. A Wifi issue, however the person next to us was logging on as we spoke. Then they just chased me away and said to try again in 5 minutes. Tried again for half an hour, still nothing. Didn’t bother anymore as I simply didn’t need more aggravation. If your not a smoker, might not be a good place to go. There are no non-smoking areas. Lots of smokers here. I don’t particularly care if people want to smoke as long as there are areas for non-smokers. There is a nice covered area by the lobby and bar but it’s filled with cigar and cigarette smoke. The beach area full of smoke buds everywhere. Our Transat rep was promised to e-mail to the manager of the hotel to ask for an extension on our room for medical reasons, when we later asked her she told us that she did not email the manager as she had promised us she would. When we later went to go talk to the manager, the manager didn’t even come out to talk to us, instead sent out a young kid to tell us that they had not received a request and that we would need to pay 10 CUC an hour for any extension. The place was no where near full but they could not help you out. What an experience of the customer service even for Cuba. I was very disappointed. Been to Cuba a number of times so I knew what to expect in general. I simply don’t accept when people are too lazy to do their job. This was unpleasant experience, I will forward this to Iberostar and I do expect compensation for misrepresentation. Stayed at a few Iberostar & this Resort Iberostar should be ashamed!

Melia Peninsula Varadero: A good resort!!!

The resort grounds were very clean. Our room itself was very clean and was situated close to the pool and close to the beach. The water pressure in the renovated shower was a plus!!! Our mini fridge however was not stocked daily...good thing the servers at the buffet Melissa and Annabelle were always so kind and always had a bottle of water ready for us to take when they seve breakfast. The staff who cleaned our room Yanelis is amazing! My kids love seeing her towel origamis in our bed. There ar [... read more]e a lot of very hardworking and kind people in this resort that I felt right at home. The food in the buffet was a bit repetitive but theres plenty to choose from. I traveled with a teenager a school age and an infant and there's always something for them to eat. In terms of ala cart....the Mexican restaurant called Tocorro was good but service is very slow but we were happy to have chicken fingers for the kids. The cuban restaurant was also ok ....I paid extra for the lobsters and my family really enjoyed it. In terms of the beach...it was amazing!! The water during this March break was a tad cold during the day but get much warmer around 2pm....the seaweeds were removed every morning. It's a public beach but we were never bothered. It's a good idea to bring your own travel mugs so you can get drinks before getting comfy under the palapas....btw there were plenty of palapas no pro getting a spot though I take morning walks at the beach so I do reserve the ones closest to the beach girls my fam We didn't drink much but my teenager never had a shortage of pina coladas...I was disappointed though that they didn't have fresh coconut juice to offer but perhaps its not in season. Overall it was a great and pleasant trip...a good break from subzero temps here in Ontario... we will first sure go back.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Outstanding

Wonderful staff in every area. Clean, well laid out. Show on Monday night best I've ever seen in a resort. Good variety of food. Pool clean, lots of chairs all day. Beach is beautiful. Downside is lounge saver at beach. Have to be out by 700 a.m. to guarantee a spot. Waiters in patio bar are great entertainers, very funny and fast with drinks.

Starfish Jibacoa: A comfortable, secure feeling resort

Beautiful grounds, warm helpful staff The only difficulty was the repetitious menu, with very little variation. The A la carte dining room was helpful, and we did manage to get off-grounds dinners at a private home restaurant and at the Tower, so that was good. (although the lobster at the Tower was extremely overcooked and tough.)

Club Kawama: Nice cozy resort with a character

I returned to Kawama after three months and I dont regret it. The beach is great, the ocean clean and warm, people working there are very nice, hard working, polite and accomodating to your needs. I feel home there. I cant complain about the food either. A lot of variety, the grill is a blessing fir omelettes in the morning and all kinds if grilled meats lunch and dinner. Lots of fruits and smothies for breakfast and also fresh fruit juices for breakfast only. Fill a thermos if you want ecial di [... read more]nner your kuds to drink juice rather than soft drinks throughout the day. The returning guests had a lovely special dinner as a thank you token. Leida is the best PR person. Good to see such a wonderful lady in that crucial position for the business. If you dont want to pay for beach towels or safe bring your own towels and suitcase key. Though nothing is lost there. We left things unattended everywhere. Security is awsome, my number one reason I chose Cuba in general. The resort is spread out, ask for bellboy service. The team is great fast and efficient. Oh and last but not least we did not experience any food poisoning or any other stomach issues on both visits there. I dont take this for granted given my experiences in other resorts or DR. Bring mosquito repellent. Have fun! Focus on the great things that Cuba and Kawama has to offer and not on what you are missing.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: A wonderful resort

The check-in was fast, our room was what we asked for. Never had to wait in line for anything. Beach is beautiful. The pool was great. Water in room was always hot, toilet flushed, room was clean...we had overlooking pool was great. Now the food....it's Cuba....same on the buffet everyday. Same at the snack bar, same good everyday. All in all it wasn't crowded and we had a great time. Staff were wonderful.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Beautiful resort

From the moment we stepped onto the property, everything we saw was just beautiful! The rooms, pool, grounds, dining area, beach. Everything! The staff were the ones that really made our stay. They were friendly, polite, helpful, and knowledgeable. We had an amazing time.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Great trip

The property is well maintained and well laid out. Beach is beautiful with sandy water and little seaweed. Food was better than most areas we have been in Cuba. Have been going to Cuba for 16 years at least once or twice a year. Probably one of the best rooms we have had. Not all rooms are renovated yet so make sure to ask for a renovated room. Better to be up 2 Nd floor as bottom rooms seem to be damp and musty in some buildings. Staff were friendly but customer service was not great as ma [... read more]ny didn’t speak much English and they gave you the feeling that you were bothering them. Our experiences have always been that the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful in other places so this was not expected. Cleanliness is our number one issue and it was clean!

Melia Varadero: Very Good Resort!

Hotel is going through renovations but it's still pretty good, location is great and the beach is awesome! The food was average, service at the bar was a little slow, our room was clean and all the elevators in the hotel were working.

Grand Memories Varadero: Worst resort ever

Well how do i begin about this nightmare of a vacation. I had no issues at all with my booking agent but the resort itself is another story. First day i got sexually assaulted by a man working the grounds. Not to mention all the cat calls from every man that works there. Sorry but if i don't know you don't touch my body. Then i had lent a dress to a friend to wear and she had left it at the front desk when she was done. Even took a photo of it when she left it. I went to the front desk to ask ab [... read more]out my dress and they said it wasn't there. After fighting with the staff I ask for the manager and asked him if he had seen the dress in the picture I had showed him low and behold it was right on the desk behind the lip. He literally moved 1 foot and grabbed the dress. So trying to steal from me much? Then as I was checking out they tried to charge me for a wine that I never had the entire trip. I did not drink a single bottle of wine while I was there. That's fine and dandy we got that sorted turns out there is another girl there with the same middle name as me. But when I ask for a proof that nothing was owing on my account it was like pulling teeth. All I got was attitude. The service there is absolutely horrible the food there is absolutely horrible I physically got sick from the food three times. This is one Resort I will never go back to and I've been to Cuba five times now. I just hope someone else there reads this and takes my warning to Heart.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Very good resort

Beautiful resort well looked after although they didn’t replace the broken iron in the room reported the first day or the TV. Food was adequate we didn’t go hungry, the cheese was excellent. The al cartel restaurants were good, maid service was god. Friendly staff.

Roc Arenas Doradas: Hazel and I loved our stay

The hotel and grounds is one of the best We have stayed at. The food was the best we have had . We would recommend it and make a return visit. The beach was great for long walks . The pool with the swim up bar was clean and a nice size .

Gran Caribe Sun Beach: IT was BAD!

Wow where do I start?! First: They switched our hotel from what we booked at Gran Caribe Sun Beach to Gran Caribe Puntarena Playa Caleta because the elevators weren't working. When we arrived at MIDNIGHT the hotel Gran Caribe Puntarena Playa Caleta didn't know we were switched and they didn't have a room for us, in fact the receptionists exact words were "who told you that you could come here?". After standing at the reception desk for a long time they found us a room. Second let me tell you  [... read more]about the room: The door wouldn't open easily and you had to violently put your shoulder into it and force yourself in. The toilet would not flush properly or at times at all. The bed literally had spring poking out, the TV didn't even work and an exposed wire was hanging out for you to trip on. The bathroom sink didn't have a stopper so if you dropped something into the sink it was gone! We brought these issues to the front desk and the whole 7 days we were there nothing was changed or fixed. ( we didn't care much about the TV, but the other issues could have been addressed.) Third the food and drinks: The food is not great, it's tasteless and the alcohol is watered down. The bars were rarely stocked with anything (except Rum) so if you want a margarita, this hotel will not have it. The tables in the dining spaces were gross, their were stains on the table cloths which made you lose your appetite, the waiters would not approach you or bring you water if you didn't have tip to give them. Fourth the pool: the Pool bar was never open and the ones close to the pool were never stocked with anything. Overall our experience at Gran Caribe Puntarena Playa Caleta was absolute SHIT! Would not recommend you going, it's also pretty far from downtown Varadero. You can take a shuttle from the resort that only has two times a day that it leaves at 11 am or 3:30 pm. You will also need to change currency to CUC if you plan to spend money on anything, which you can either get from your resort or the bank (the bank requires your passport and will make you wait a good two hours). Although, the beach was right behind the resort, so if you're looking to just lay on the beach this is a good spot. For the price we paid, we may as well go somewhere else and pay just couple hundred dollars more for a MUCH better experience and time.

Roc Arenas Doradas: The overall impression...... Excellent

I had a great experience for the first time being in Cuba The only complain was I only stayed one week instead of two The resort was amazing The staff did everything to make my stay a good one Food was great (may have gained a few pounds)

Playa Vista Azul: Great resort

Very friendly courteous staff, Hotel was very clean ,common areas very spacious Rooms very comfortable with good service Food at buffet was good but some difficulty getting into a la carte restaurants as they were small and unable to accommodate larger ggroups

Club Tropical: Central

This hotel is absolutely perfect for us! It is in the middle of town ,central to banking, shopping, dining. The people on the resort are wonderful. Everyone is nice and helpful. We have stayed many times before and will continue to book here.

Melia Las Americas: Love this Resort!

This was our 5th time going to the Melia Las America’s. Very clean rooms, food is great, amazing staff and if you enjoy golf as we do the course is excellent! Lots of people return to this resort every year and we cant wait to go back!