Starfish Jibacoa: Our "Rations" Vacation

The service staff at this isolated, tired and deteriorating resort were wonderful. From the wait/food prep staff in the dining room and the bars to the front desk staff, they all tried to make us feel special in their own way. It was however annoying to have the chef, while preparing food on the grill, doubling as the pasta prep person as it resulted in very long and slow moving line ups in the dining room. The food shortages during our vacation were disappointing and perplexing. On our second [... read more] day we were told there was no butter. There was no provided alternative i.e. jam etc. The butter shortage lasted several days after which we went to breakfast only to be told the resort had run out of eggs. The eggs also returned after a couple of days absence but the disappearance of hotdogs at the entire resort lasted for about the last 10 days of our 15 day vacation at both food venues. The rooms were adequate despite the rock hard beds however, the state of disrepair of the a/c unit in our room was extreme. The a/c unit in our room gave up the ghost on day 11. I reported it to the front desk at 8:00 am and was told it would be addressed during the day. When I returned to our room at 5:00 pm nothing had been done. I went to the front desk and was told the staff made a mistake and replaced the a/c unit in another room by mistake despite the log book having the correct room number. We had to move to a smaller room for the last 4 days of our vacation. Thankfully the front desk had another room as we had been told the resort was at capacity!

Playa Vista Azul: Nice resort

It's a Nice resort , amazing view from the pool to the sea. Food was good for Cuba . Room very clean . Maby not enought activity and not enought of place with shade on the beach, but at all we have a very Nice week!

Starfish Jibacoa: Amazing snorkeling!!

What an improvement since the last time I was here.It is an older resort but they are upgrading and improving. The walkways are now lit and alot more even, the pool has a new liner and the food has improved considerabley. The snorkeling is awesome, especially for timid swimmers who like to walk in and not go in deep waters. They installed playground equiptment while we were there. They also got a big load of furniture and they were working on smoothing more of the walk ways.Our room was nice on  [... read more]the third floor of a building, working air and fridge, view of the ocean. Last time and next we will book a bungalow as I don't like stairs. The frogs were loud, we thought it was a dying generator or something the first night Ha! Ha! The beds need upgrading, they ran out of eggs one morning and napkins the next, no biggie we just laughed, it's Cuba. The weather was great, customer service was fast and friendly. We could not get the safe set and the TV lost it's signal once,both were quickly resolved.

Melia Las Americas: One of the best

I can't say enough good things about this resort, truly a pleasure to stay at. From our check in at the front desk, the bellman, cleaning staff, bar staff, restaurant staff and entertainment crew were all super friendly and were more than happy to help out. The bellman even took our golf clubs over to the golf course to lesson our load. The cleanliness of the entire facility. There were guests their that had stayed 12, 10, 8 years, truly speaks volumes about this resort. Everyone,  [... read more]including guests were so friendly. I have stayed at many resorts, but Melia Las Americas tops my list.

Playa Vista Azul: One of the best resorts in Varadero

The swimming pools were great. We all fell in love with the infinity pool. The chaise lounges at the main pool were uncomfortable. The blue ones at the infinity pool were superior. The staff were top rate, especially our Transat rep Angela. The bathrooms were very functional and eco friendly. The towels could have been of a better quality and the soap was not adequate . Our only complaint with the room was that the main bureau drawers were falling apart. The buffet was okay for Cuba s [... read more]tandards but a bit more attention to napkins, cutlery and place settings would boost the quality of the dining room. All in all a very positive experience and we would probably return.

Sirenis Tropical Varadero: The Real Hotel Labranda

I will start with the good things about the hotel. Beautiful building and beautiful beach. Disappointing parts of the trip Hotel room had the following problems - safe not working, refridgerator not working, tv not working, toilet seat broken, no air conditioning and no outside phone lines. Everything was fixed except the air conditioning and telephone lines. The rest of the resort was also had issues, no cutlery for most meals and the food was poor and tasteless, chicken and fish and pasta  [... read more]daily. The grill at the beach was well prepared and tasty. I wouldn't return as this hotel has under gone extensive renovations and this is the outcome, not prepared for people. The lack of good customer service just blew me away, poor choice for a vacation getaway. The location was a 15 peco cab ride to town as so far away, another issue as nothing close to the resort.This at present is a 2.5 star and if all was addressed would be a 4 star location. Very disappointed for the money paid out for this resort.

Punta Peninsula Varadero: Will not be going back

The grounds are nice however there is no food close to the beach for lunch or even snacks. Have to pack up to go to the buffet. The "24 hour snack bar" is awful. Staff rolls eyes when you ask for food. They always tell you they only make sandwiches with cheese and ham. Found put on day three they actually have a menu but too lazy to make that food so just say they only make sandwiches there. As for dinners, al la carts were barley open. When they were service was really awful. First night at Cub [... read more]an food we waited an hour for cold food. Sushi was ok however the mosquitos would eat you while you ate. My 3 year old and I looked like we had chicken poxs by day 2. I found even trying to get water from anyone a difficult task. This was by far the worst place I have ever stayed.

Starfish Jibacoa: Awesome!

Honestly for the money it was a great vacation , the staff was very friendly the food was good, the beach was great with coral reef for snorkeling . Talked to a lot of other people and they go 2 times a year for the last 3,8,15 years so that’s saying something ! Would go back again !

Playa Vista Azul: Amazing Resort

We were a group of five and were there ten days in February 2019, we all thoroughly enjoyed the resort, from the friendly staff, to the great location (deluxe pool room) which overlooked two huge pools, and the buffet and a la carte restaurants below as well as the theatre. About a five minute walk to the lobby and the fabulous infinity pool. We also went to the little beach which was lovely. The food was ok, the buffet could do with a little more selection, enjoyed Mikes and the fancy coffees,  [... read more]the a la carte restaurants were quite good, liked the fact we did not have to book ahead of time, the Italian being our favourite, my husband loved the chicken wings at the snack bar near the pool. The room was lovely and our maid was delightful and very creative, loved the ceiling fan in the room and the elevator in the building. My only complaints were the brown chairs at the pool were very low and hard to get out of and not too comfortable, more umbrellas would be a plus and a couple more waiters in the lobby especially in the evening. Will definitely go back.

Palma Real: Ok resort

We booked so last minute ( 1 1/2 weeks prior to our trip) as we didn’t want to spend too much money. Well, you definitely get what you paid for in Cuba with this 3.5 star resort. It was a prime location and friendly staff. However, rooms were absolutely awful, the only plus side is that we barely spent any time in our rooms (holes in walls, broken AC, broken balcony lock, dirty looking). The food was very mediocre, to be expected as you’re traveling Cuba. They also don’t play any sort of p [... read more]ool game or have any kind of daytime entertainment.Wouldn’t recommend this resort, spend the extra couple hundred for a better quality!

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Amazing staff

Overall it was a great experience, staff was amazing, the bar and beach access was awesome! Only down side was some issue in the rooms and food variety. Our room had a leak, and a balcony door that did not open. Similar issues for the rest of our party in the hotel.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Lovely resort

Very nice pool and beach area. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Rooms were spacious. Air conditioning units in some of the rooms were a bit noisy. Lots of food choices in the buffet. Dinner in the Japanese restaurant was very entertaining.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Nice people and good resort

The beds were not comfortable and the entertainment was very amateur. Other than that, the staff tried very hard to do a good job from start to finish. The grounds were immaculate and the rooms were always very clean.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: FANTASTIC RESORT

Where they treat you like Royalty and Family. This was my 5th time returning to Sanctuary. The service is always awesome. one tiny glitch. but for the most part just as amazing as the first time my husband and I went.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Good value for price!

This hotel had nice amenities that were clean and comfortable. The beachfront location was a plus! Good variety of food and restaurant options with fun activities throughout the day. The service was slow but staff were very friendly.

Barcelo Solymar: Very good resort

Grounds - beautiful, pool excellent, beach to die for. The dining room and meals were excellent. A la carte meals were a disappointment. The room was clean, however it was very noisy at night because the room was over the service entrance for supplies. Also the new hotel next door was worked on all night. However we enjoyed our whole experience at the Barcelo Solymar.

Club Tropical: Second Stay at Club Tropical

Stayed in the apartments on the beach....need repair ..Wonderful view and certainly convenient. For the price we paid it was a deal. VERY central to everything ..right up town Veredaro walking distance.to everything. We had a drowning while there that I felt may have been prevented with the proper red flag up - as well as the lifeguards need to be up on their chairs, not in the corner, hidden. After a tourist noticed the man in the water, and began shouting - a Lifeguard ran from the next res [... read more]ort to assist? It was too late!! At most times the lifeguards spent more time trying to get tips or socializing. They need to be on their high chairs watching or at least on the beach. Horrible we had to witness the drowning. Was angry the last day as we were authorized to stay in our room up until three by the front desk but apparently one of the maids had her family visiting the Hotel - wanting to use our room and was attempting to rush us out with her children in our common room sitting waiting.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Mediocre at best

Our room was tired Our mini bar was stocked twice which meant we had no water for 2 days Very rarely could you go to the washroom and find toilet paper, hand soap or paper towels The resort grounds were pleasant but not exceptional The buffet was poor at best same thing everyday. Very little variety No limes for drinks Bar tenders were pleasant but few bars so always a long wait for a drink The shows were okay but needs work First time at a melia and won’t likely go back

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: 4 star at best

Staff was friendly. A few minor issues. The 2 hot tubs were never working. 2 of the 3 espresso machines were always broken so couldn't have coffee with breakfast. Had to go to the lobby bar for coffee. Took numerous phone calls to get 2 bottles of water to our room every day.

Club Tropical: Amazing resort amazing staff!

Everything at this hotel was clean and enjoyable! Randy with the animation team is the best hotel employee I’ve met to date! I would definitely use Trip Central to book again as everything went according to plan! Thank you to all the Club Tropical staff for making this an unforgettable trip for my friend and I!!!!!!!