Very Nice Resort

We stayed at Ocean Varadero El Patriarca in April. The resort is 2 years old, very nice. Our rooms were amazing, the food was good, the restaurants were excellent, the resort was very clean, Doctor services amazing and the staff were very friendly. The beach was nice, very high waves that we enjoyed splashing around in. The only issue I had was the sand fleas. I went with a group of 14 and i was the only one impacted. If you have allergies to sand fleas come prepared with medication for sand fle [... read more]a bites.

Fabulous new resort in Varadero

Ocean Varadero El Patriarca was a destination for our anniversary and though we were very disappointed in our last trip to Cuba seven years ago (in Cayo Coco), we decided to try the island again, but at another location. What a pleasant surprise!! This resort was fabulous, with spacious, modern and well-appointed guest rooms, and architectural detail and high end finishes in the common areas. The resort is well laid out out, and all dining locations and a la carte restaurants have above average  [... read more]menu selections, including steak and seafood. It opened one year ago, and Management and security are very involved and very visable every day, to ensure that this upscale resort is well run. The staff is outstanding and very accomodating, and you can do as little or as much as you chose. The night life offers something for everyone, including a fabulous piano bar each night with live entertainment, a disco, a quiet lounge for a coffee and cognac and of course the nightly cabaret shows. Tours and excurions are easy to arrange and not expensive. There are three a la carte restaurants on site, with no restrictions, but reservations are definitely required. We plan to return next year!

Best Vacation, Exceeded Expectations

Visited this beautiful resort June 5-12, 2014. The lobby was very inviting and the grounds beautifully kept. The room was spacious, modern in decor and very clean. Would recommend the second floor as nice to have a bit of privacy on the balcony and to have a place to hang wet clothing. We took an outlet adapter however it was not necessary. Air con kept the room very comfortable and we could control this as desired. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. We often witnessed various staff mem [... read more]bers helping families with children, offering a hand, a smile, a hug. We traveled as a couple and found a mix of other couples, families and age groups. With this said, the resort never felt crowded nor too loud. The lay out of complexes and green space allow for some quiet times and the choice as to whether to be in groups of people or take some alone time. We are not pool people, however the pool was close to our room and always appeared very clean and inviting. There were always lounge chairs available at both the pool and the beach and again, there was room to spread out if desired. The beach was gorgeous, clean, had plenty of parasols if needing a break from the sun and was amazing for swimming. The shores were cared for, the sand very soft and minimal tides allowed for easy and relaxing water play. We were able to dine at all three restaurants, along with the buffet and did not have to wait in line to do so (despite their no reservation arrangement). While we chose not to attend shows, there was nightly entertainment scheduled and staff during the day who offered activities by the pool or on the beach. The piano bar was a favorite, with the pianist and music trio a hit- along with staff and guests who would join in for singing or dancing. Mike's Cafe was another big favorite, with the best coffee and most delicious selections we have ever had. A big thank you to the staff at Mikes for their hospitality, friendly nature and for starting each day off with us with smiles. Taking a gourmet coffee down to the beach in the mornings while all was quiet was such a treat; on the first morning we sat and watched dolphins play right in front of the hotel beach. This was a fantastic vacation on all accounts, at a lovely resort that certainly exceeded our expectations. Thank you all and we hope to return! Cindy M Room Tip: We did not stay in the Priv section and felt no need to upgrade. Were in #6626, with the 5000's close to beach and pool.

Great resort

Example: What did you think about  this hotel? (grounds, public areas, rooms, dining, features, etc.) i thought it was fabulous, nice and clean, good food , met great people , would like more entertainment like bands but had a great time, will return

Ocean Varadero El Patriarca

Our stay here was great once again! This was our second visit here. We had decided to return since we and our children (2yo & 4yo) enjoyed it last year. Kids club activities, playground and pool were perfect for them. The animators are really nice and flexible to what you or your kids want to do. Walking around the resort was ok for the kiddies too. Rooms in building set up was good too since it's quiet for the kids naptime/bedtime. Our second visit, we were near the pool but still not loud for  [... read more]us. My kids still ask to visit El Patriarca once again!

Good resort

New hotel, really nice, clean friendly staff. Recommended for families. Beautiful grounds, beautiful beaches, nice weather good location good price, excellent weather. Not too big which is great. Fabulous

Excellent resort

This was our first time to Cuba. We heard a lot of mixed opinions of Cuba and the food. We stated at Ocean Varadero and we had a great time. Relaxing and fun. The food was good nothing to complain about. The Cuban people are fantastic and friendly. No issues at all . The rooms were clean and room device / maid service was excellent. The beach was fantastic . Nice white sand and blue ocean . I would have no problem going back to this resort and recommending it to others. The price was an excellen [... read more]t vale for the dollar. Thanks to Trip Central for the recommendation and the great service.

BEAUTIFUL RESORT - BEACH FANTASTIC

DIFFICULT TO GET INTO THE A LA CARTES, FOOD OK NOT GREAT, SERVICE WONDERFUL, CLEAN, GREAT STAFF, WOULD GO BACK, ROOMS CLEAN NO PROB GETTING SEATS AT BEACH OR AT POOL. DRINKS WONDERFUL, STAFF WILL SUGGEST DRINKS FOR YOU

Great resort

Overall I would give the resort 4.5***s. I recommend that you book the privilege section where you have your own breakfast lounge and a private bar until 10:30pm where the service was outstanding. I would go back again.

Great resort

Example: What did you think about  this hotel? (grounds, public areas, rooms, dining, features, etc.) Hotel was amazing... 5* for sure.. can't believe it was in cuba.. so modern and new.. with such great service and entertainment.

Great Cuban resort!

The resort was new. The rooms were very modern, clean and well layed out. The staff was fantastic! The beach, pool and spa were all beautiful. Our travel rep helped us arrange great excursions to Havana and the countryside. I'd go again for sure!

Amazing resort

We had a great memorable time together with another couple, last year in February. the rooms was clean, we had fresh towels every day. food was not bad, it was a repetition of the same, but we didn't mind at all, after all they won't keep you hungry. very nice and friendly environment.

Ocean Varadero a modern new resort

This resort is fairly new so don't look for lush vegetation. The rooms are clean and modern and have room darkening drapes. The buffet is a little above Cuban standards and everybody will find something to their liking. Specialty restaurants aren't too bad and you don't need to make reservations, although if you go later you may be but on a waiting list. The lobby bar employees are always having fun and are very entertaining! Big pool, nice beach ( get down early or you will not get a lounger) L [... read more]ike I mean at 7a.m. Hah........ our favorite place at the resort was Mike's coffee shop an exclusive at Ocean resorts. speciality coffee's with or without booze are excellent. The girls there do a great job. Some things to remember if you go. It is a long way to the tourist town of Varadero. You can wait and take a bus, and wait and take a bus, and wait and take a bus or get a cab for $15- 20 CUC.each way. We hailed down a 1955 Chevy Belair convertible, nice ride and even had an Elvis cassette playing. Well worth the money. the only other thing is the resort store is very limited to what they in stock unlike other Cuban resorts.We will return in a few years once the vegetation has had a chance to mature.

Unbelievable

Excellant place in every aspect. Loved the accomadations, loved the hostesses, wonderful waters, nice pools, good food, plenty of activities. The pnly downfall was that we only booked one week, not two

Great choice for Cuba

Best food I've had in Cuba. Also the coffee bar was fantastic (like a Starbucks). Piano bar was so much fun. Staff was great. Rooms are good but def can hear noise of other guests Beach is long and beautiful and more then enough lounge chairs and palapas to go around no matter what time u hit the beach

Amazing resort

Everything was amazing from the food to the rooms, service was second to none! The employees were always helpful, courteous, and happy. The pools were immaculate and you could always get a towel even without an exchange if you forgot yours in the room.

Very nice family resort

There was Friendly staff who were very good with children. The rooms were kept very clean and were modern. The resort had great service. Unlike some places in Cuba the food was very good. I would go back - especially with family.

Amazing time

Excellent hotel, we were treated like royalty for our whole trip. We upgraded to Privilege which was well worth the extra money. We had our own pool and breakfast area and bar. Had breakfast served to us each morning outside on the patio overlooking the ocean. High End international drinks and scotches at our bar. Food was not great but the staff and resort made up for it. Smoking allowed in all areas which was very annoying if you do not smoke. Excellent coffee shop and they served speciality c [... read more]offees at all restaurant and bars - they were delicious. Staff were excellent - we will return

Very good resort

Had a very relaxing vacation. Enjoyed every one of the A La Carte dinners, nice that we did not need any reservations. Also wifi worked very well, but it would be nice to have all thru resort instead of just in reception area

Worst food ever

This five-star resort was very clean very organized and in good condition. After a dozen trips to Cuba this was the worst food we have ever tasted and the least friendly or helpful staff. We are used to the smiling faces and happy nature of the Cuban people but the stuff at this resort did not seem to want to help or chat or even crack a smile