Blau Varadero: Best experience in Cuba!

The atrium is amazing with the plants, the piano bar and those unique elevators. Wow! The staff was superb, making you feel welcome and remembering you. That was really nice.Room was nicely decorated. We would love to go back!

Paradisus Varadero: Overpriced & Overrated Hotel

Good: 1.lobby 2. Public washrooms 3. premises 4. Beach 5. Cleaning lady (Belkis) 6. Friendly lobby staff (Rita) 7. Courtesy room (30 min) on the last day to take a shower Bad: 1. Food in the buffet 2. Long waits to get to the buffet 3. No place to seat in the restaurant 4. Juices that taste like water in the buffet 5. Rude manager of the buffet (Manuel) who treats tourists like beggars . Some waiters in the buffet need to focus on their customer service 6. Too many elderly peopl [... read more]e. one might feel like in a retirement home 7. Some sharp stones in the water (beach)

Melia Las Americas: Amazing place, great people.

Rooms where fine .nice to see they are always trying to keep you comfortable. We loved the night time visits to turn down our beds and leave us a nice design from the towels. We also love how close we are to the golf course. We played 7 games during the 8 days we were there. Those guys and girls we just great. Planning another trip again. Can't wait to go back.

Grand Memories Varadero: Best Cuba Vacation

Truly enjoyed this vacation! If you love the beach - get Diamond club! Nice service on the beach from Raul. Great Al-la-cartes - Buffett was also very good! Yudenia in Le Gourmet was a Gem, great lady! Jesus in Diamond Club setting in buffet a joy to be served by!! Will go back🥰

Melia Peninsula Varadero: We had a great time!

Teresa suggested this resort and I must say that our trip was great. The flight, the bus ride to the resort, the check-in..all went really well. We were quickly checked in by a very pleasant lady and within less than a 1/2 hour we were on the beach. The resort itself is beautiful; very lush with lots of vegetation. The gardeners were hard at work early in the morning raking, planting and keeping the area very tidy. Our room was very comfortable with an updated bathroom and shower. Furniture was  [... read more]a bit dated but we didn't mind.The cleaning ladies did a great job every day keeping the rooms clean and tidy. There were multiple entertainment venues every night. First in the lobby from around 8:30 and then at the theatre starting at 9:30. We would suggest for this to start at 9. The food selection was good but we found the meat (any kind) to be very tough..don't know why. Would have liked more green salad but all in all the food was OK. The service in the dining area was excellent! The animation team was very good; they got people involved and dancing. We would have enjoyed a daily Zumba class..maybe next year. There was an unfortunate incidence on the beach where a gentleman died. In our opinion, the response was not fast enough or adequate. It was obvious that there wasn't a defibrilator on the premises because it took quite a while by the time someone showed up with it. There should be a defibrilator at every resort. In conclusion, we had a great time and we look forward to returning next year.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Lovely resort!

We really enjoyed our vacation at this resort. The beach and pools were amazing. The food was good but a little bland. The food could have used more spice. The staff were very friendly. The entertainment was excellent. The singers and dancers were very talented. The bars were good and the drinks tasted great. We were a bit disappointed to find two single beds in our room. We felt that the resort needed some maintenance. For example, we heard that some shower heads did not work, some safes did no [... read more]t close, some doors in the lobby did not close properly, some phones did not work, some railings were broken, some rooms were without water for brief periods and the rooms smelt musty. Overall, we were pretty pleased with most things.

Resonance Blu Varadero: A wonderful time!

nice clean resort in a beautiful setting! It made us feel safe and at home.Jairus our rep at the Waterloo office made our booking so easy and helpful. We would most certainly book with him again.Just called on him I person to thank him for all his help and expressed to him our future resort bookings with him.

Grand Memories Varadero: 2nd time at this resort

This is the second year that I've been to Grand Memories and it was just as good as I remembered. This year I went alone and I had a lovely and relaxing vacation. I was staying in building 11 which is right by what I like to call the "quiet" pool. There were not as many people on this side of the resort so it was nice to relax and read by or jump into the pool to grab a drink at the bar when it was too warm. There aren't many public washrooms around this area, but my room was really close so I w [... read more]ould just go there.The room was alright nothing too fancy, but everything worked and the shower had really good water pressure. Since my room was on the main floor I had a lovely balcony where I could sit outside and get the sun in the evening. The buffets are okay. I could always find something to eat but the food is definitely bland. Make sure to make reservations for the a la carte restaurants they were hands down the best meals that I had during my stay (I've had the gourmet, asian) You should also utilize the snack bar which is open 24h a day and serve burgers/sandwiches/fries etc. It was nice to unplug for the majority of the trip but if you are looking for internet it is only available in the lobby and cuban bar (much better in the bar) not very reliable but it works. You need to buy cards at the desk in the lobby (1 peso/hour) The shows were the exact same as last year which kind of sucked since I knew what was going to happen. I still recommend checking them out especially the Grease one. I didn't spend a lot of time at the beach this trip though it was really nice (but quite busy). Everyone I know that has gone (Been twice, my parents twice, my sister, a family friend) has really enjoyed the resort. The workers are very friendly and it's really easy to find things, and for the price you can't go wrong! I will probably return sometime in the near future!

Starfish Jibacoa: No wonder people keep going back!

In many ways the Villa Jibacoa (aka Villa Tropico) is the anti-Veradero experience, and for us, that is just fine. The grounds are spacious and beautifully maintained, the rooms are mostly one-storey bungalows scattered comfortably around the property, the staff is welcoming and unpretentious (as are the guests), the resort backs up onto beautiful green hills, cities and smaller communities are not far away and easily accessible, the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, and a beautiful reef -- [... read more] perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving – is right off the beach. Before we went we checked the reviews and were puzzled by the number of visitors who had gone there five or six time -- or more. (We met one man at the resort who was there on his 13th visit.) We wondered what kept bringing people back. Now we know. The basics are there – spacious, comfortable rooms; good meals that the staff goes out of its way to vary and cook to order; lovely beach; several bars (best Spanish coffee I’ve ever had); great pool; nightly entertainment; access to a variety of tours. But what sets this place apart, I think, is the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff as well as the uncrowded beach and beautiful grounds. It’s a great place for families and we enjoyed the variety of guests from toddlers to seniors. We are already planning our trip back next year. Note that while snorkling gear is not available for rent on its own, for 10 pesos, Nick and the crew offer what must surely be one of the best diving deals in the Caribbean. They will fit you out and take you on a Hobie Cat to some of the greatest reef viewing in Cuba. Scuba lessons and trips are also available. Also, don’t miss out on the relaxing massages available right on the beach by a family of highly trained massage therapists. Another plus is the availability of a physician onsite, who was helpful, resourceful and skilled. The Villa Tropico is just a wonderful place to relax and do as much or little as you like. We want to give a particular shout-out to Ann Marie, the Air Transat rep at the hotel, who provided a thorough and helpful orientation and then ongoing support and suggestions throughout our stay. As a Canadian who has become a Cuban citizen, Ann Marie offers insight into Cuban culture and society as well as how to get the most out of your stay. When I look at some of the criticisms of other reviewers, I realize the Villa Jibacoa is not for everyone. If you want your beach vast and groomed, your room in perfect repair, your trip uninterrupted by kids and families having a wonderful time, your entertainment at Las Vegas levels, and 16 restaurants to choose from, you should probably go somewhere else. Please.

Grand Memories Varadero: Very Disappointed

Hotel staff needs to realize that without tourist they have no jobs. They say that they survive on tips but good customer service is what gets you good tips. We paid for a "superior " room, not sure what there definition of superior is. Very tired looking room. Need to be painted, stained or dirty walls. Sliding doors very dirty. Mold in the bathtub area. My mother had a difficult time getting into the tub, very high. Poor lighting in the bathroom area.

Los Delfines: nice resort

clean rooms, very nice beach, clean swimming pool, good service and food and exceptional restaurant a la carte. good location close to Havana, some problems with internet connection should be improved.very professional and nice entertainment programs. we really enjoyed staying there

Hotel Tuxpan: Very nice beach but you must lower your expectations for Hotel

We knew going in that this wasn't a 5 star hotel and that was fine with us. We needed a bed to sleep in at night and a place to shower etc. The hotel provided that. It should be noted that the food included in this All Inclusive resort is much to be desired. Not only is it extremely bland, it's not cooked well. Virtually any of it. Chicken is cooked to death, dry and flavourless. For beef, they shave huge chunks off of something and it's like shoe leather. They have some sort of cabbage that tas [... read more]tes like pure onion. I'm actually quite an adventurous eater. I'm not talking about food that doesn't chime with what I'm used to at home. No, no, I'm talking about food that they have put less than little effort into. It's clear they don't care and they're not even trying to present anything edible. The fruit does not seem fresh and that was surprising to me. It's a tropical island after all. And they served basically melon and water melon, pineapple and possibly one or two other types but that was it, every day. The food was the same pretty much every day. Little to no variety. In our room, the water for showers was warm some times and cold other times. It was the luck of the draw from day to day. Again, I had low expectations so this wasn't a deal breaker for me, but it should be noted. Also our toilet plumbing burst when we flushed it one day. It wasn't clogged or anything. It was the water coming into the bowl at the back of the toilet. Some thing broke inside there and water was spraying everywhere. I tried to turn the shutoff valve off (because I know to do that in these situations) and the valve was stuck. It was so old and rusted it wouldn't budge. So I ran to the front desk and had to light a fire under their ass because they seemed like they weren't in any rush to come. When they came I had already used every towel in the room to try and barricade the water into the bathroom so that the whole room wouldn't fill up with water. It was finally sorted out when the plumber came and was able to stop the water by screwing in the internal mechanism inside the bowl at the back, I guess the mechanism came loose and thankfully wasn't actually broken. Even he couldn't get the shutoff valve to close. So it's no luxury hotel and most of the staff didn't seem to be too enthused with their jobs or lives for that matter. However there were a few around the hotel who were pleasant. The lobby bar staff were great. The pool area bar staff had disgusted looks on their faces most of the time. Same with the beach area bar. Finally, we enjoyed the beautiful beaches and the included kayak and peddle boats. The staff that entertained guests with exercise sessions and games on the beach were great. All in all we made the best of it and enjoyed our holiday but only because we kept reminding ourselves to make the best of it, which in retrospect isn't what I would call a great experience. It took a lot of positive thinking and lowered expectations.

Starfish Jibacoa: ...I would not recommend to my enemy.

This resort was recommended to me by a client who raved about the snorkeling which we were not permitted to do at all while there. There was a red flag put out and no life guard or staff to inquire to. The staff were very rude and tips were expecting even though the service was bad. It was like you were paying for the drinks at an "all-inclusive". The whole trip was a disaster from the air Transat staff giving us 1 visa for 2 people, I paid extra for option plus and soon realized I purchased a c [... read more]heap blanket, terrible food and one beverage for 100$ a person. There was no priority boarding and the seats were just like regular fair. When we checked in we were giving a map and told to find our Bungalow in the dark while dragging our suitcases, the paths were rough and in some cases they had been torn up to lay new pipes to you had to lift them over trenches. These were badly patched while we were there so the drag out wasn't quite as bad. The food was the worst I have ever had. At least 7 of 10 days they made pasta noodles with little tomato sauce for both lunch and supper. The fruit was not ripe. The room was well, a room. The bathroom was disgusting and we often found insects. And the toilet flushed sometimes. The weather was good, the pool was not clean with the bottom liner lifting in multiple places. On more then one occasion I saw cigarettes floating in the pool. The beach was nice, with limited seating and most of those were broken. The beach was covered in seaweed and jelly fish. The resort and beach were covered in litter. I can't put into words how disappointed I actually am. I will never use tripcentral air Transat or Villas Jibicoa ever again. I will be putting a review on Tripadvisor as well. Disgusted. Absolutely disgusted. I gave everything 1 star but its lower. Honestly run, don't walk away. It's the worst money you will spend. I bought this trip as a Christmas present and we wasted our days off here.

Sol Varadero Beach: Feb trip 2019

Hotel run down and has bugs.legs totally bitten..the quiet swimming pool has no safe ladder to get out of pool..i fell off and cracked my shin bone and bruised my wrist...food was repetative..only one a la carte open each night, so it was a rush to get in line everyday...there was a large group there so 2 days at 930 the a la carte was already full..no one speaks good English..and so many rude russians...can't believe we ran into maybe 5 couples who spoke english..beach was nice but sand fleas. [... read more].no one cleans beach and chairs on beach are old and ripped.we love cuba but would nrever go back to this resort...

Palma Real: Amazing vacation!

Although Palma Real is dated and needs upgrades in the area of plumbing, electrical and of the quiet pool, we enjoyed our stay immensely. There was maple bacon at breakfast every day and seafood at lunch and dinner every day. The location is unbeatable and the staff amazing, especially Moses, Natalie and Ever. We will be back!

Paradisus Varadero: Great time!

Had a wonderful week here. Room was clean, no hot water 2nd morning but it was fixed right away..The food was good, staff always friendly nobody bothering you for tips constantly. Forgot my book by the pool and the staff brought it to me the next day. Beach was nice but a little rocky to get in for swimming.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Wonderful beach

The hotel felt a little old and rough around the edges, however it did not hinder us from having a great time. The staff was great, the pool was always clean, the beach was stunning. It was a wonderful relaxing week.

Barcelo Solymar: Nice place

Great place. Get access to 2 resorts. Excellent beach! Very cloae ro downtown Varadero. Free acces to palma real to go to the havana club and party all night with lots of people. Close to the Beatles bar and Cali 62. Cheers!

Palma Real: Horrible!

I really don’t have anything good to say about this resort. The first room I got was in building #2 and the hallway ceilings are covered in black mould. In fact the entire place is covered in mold. The safe didn’t even have a door on it. Half the lights in the room don’t work and the beds are as old. Once all 6 of us weren’t happy with our rooms we all got upgraded to suits in building #1. These rooms were better although still no working safe and the room was dirty. The maid really didn [... read more]’t do much. There were still socks from a previous traveler under the bed. The bathroom never got cleaned. She replaced my towels for 2 small hand towels and that’s what I had to shower with for the remainder of the week. The fridge was never stocked with anything. The resort itself just looks worn down. Tiles are cracked or missing and door frames are all cracked and prevent doors from opening all the way. Snack bar was lame, the buffet was plain nothing special.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Great resort

Stayed in Veradero 6 times. This was the best resort. Holiday was to celebrate my friends 70th BD & we were upgraded to the Royal suites. Like having our own resort. Rooms were clean & lovely with jacuzzi tub. Enjoyed a private beach, smaller private buffet for breakfast & lunch. Staff were very friendly & obliging. The resort was quite spread out but staff assisted with golf carts. All restaurants had great decor & good variety of food. Entertainment staff &nightly shows weren’t as good as t [... read more]he Iberstar next door. Would definitely go back