Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Enjoyable stay!

The resort was good. The beach great! The food was fine (really liked the Gourmet restaurant). My friends and I enjoyed the nightly entertainment at the disco. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Overall, it was a great relaxing vacation.

Barcelo Solymar: The Food was great

My booking agent knew a lot about Varadero and the hotel itself. The food was great. Inside the hotel lobby was beautiful, looks like you are inside a rain forest. Kept clean. What i did not like was that there is a very strong sewage smell that comes through the bathroom (no vents). It wakes me up. This same smell come along the corridors. I went on a bus tour of the city and the same smell in some area. Oh and it the amount of tip given out is more than the cost of the vacation. Next  [... read more]time I am going to change my money into their local peso and give out as tips. Change your money at the airport. The exchange rate in the hotels and banks is terrible. Do not go on the horse carriage tour it is a waste of money. I went on a private tour to havana it cost us same amount as the group tour (I connected with one of the tour guides and this was arranged). The group tour wastes a lot of time, it takes so long. Wifi only works in hotel lobby as usual. 1 peso of an hour.

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: WONDERFUL

The hotel was beautiful. Very clean. Food was good service was great. Everyone was very helpful. It was a wonderful experience for me as a senior single woman. I felt completely safe. Beautiful pools and grounds. Beach was pristine always someone there whenever I got to beach to pull my lounge around.

Club Kawama: Christmas Paradise/ Club Kawama

This was approx our 15th time to Club Kawama and our only destination to the sun for our vacations. We just returned from 2 weeks during Christmas, it was AWESOME!! The food was amazing and the staff could not do enough. This Resort has so much to offer and the reason so many of us keep returning. We are already planning another trip in Feb 2019......can not wait to return.

Roc Barlovento: Smaller property

We enjoyed the smaller property does not seem to be so crowded and found it quiet and a great place for total relaxation. Within walking distance to markets. Food was good and good variety very fresh.

Palma Real: Had a blast

I loved this place. Great people great location. Lots to do everyday and amazing helpful staff. I’d stay again. They are updating areas of the resort so if you get a room that hasn’t been updated you can ask to move. They are very accommodating

Palma Real: Allegre Palma real Dec 09-14 2018

Over all clean hotel, room are bad, moled , 1 lobby pool broken,, 1show pool, cleaned but pool side missing or follen in the water. Buffet seens the same every day, Most personal friendly, lobby keeped cleaned.

Club Kawama: Really fun vacation

My friend and I went here and we met the most amazing friends! Everyone was really nice. The beach was clean too. Our first room was shitty so they gave us a better one when we asked. We don’t eat meat or dairy so our food options were limited, but the food wasn’t any worse than what I’ve had before at other resorts. Really close restaurant called Kiki’s, and it’s safe to leave. Overall we had an amazing time!

Sol Varadero Beach: Just ok for a 3 Star Resort in Cuba (December 18 - December 25)

I visited this resort with a friend and we did not have high expectations, as it is a 3 star resort. We mainly went to relax by the beach and also drink / eat whatever that is not bad. In summary, I think the beach area is pretty good, the food is just ok due to the fact that they will have 2-3 items that I was able to eat everyday, which were actually not bad. The activities / entertainment was repetative and not comparable to other places I have been to in cuba (also 3-4 star). The customer se [... read more]rvice is horrible and the hotel facilities are also pretty bad. Beach: Beach Area is pretty good. It's white sand, great beach as you would expect with most resorts in Varadero. The only downside was the very old and recessed beach chairs which still did the job. 5/5 beach area. Food: It was almost the same food everyday which was surprising to me as I had read otherwise from the reviews. Omelletes were made during breakfast however they didn't have a lot of toppings to choose from most of the time. For lunch it was the same story however I didn't mind cause I didn't have high expectations, and also there was always the same 3 food that I actually liked and ate through out the trip. Dinner was similar to the lunch. Snack bar: The 24 hour snack bar only has ham and cheese sandwiches, a chicken salad sandwich with a 10:1 ratio of mayonaise to chicken, and hashbrowns (which they consider as the fritas / fries). They usually have your typical drinks available. Room / Facilities: I'm not one to care much about the resort rooms as I use them very little in my vacations, however, bathroom / shower was horrible in the rooms. The shower head had so much calcium build up that they had to send a mechanic to try to clean it up for half an hour. The lights weren't working. All equipment were actually old equipment from Melia Resort (shower curtains, dryer, etc.). The bathroom was very dirty. Activities / entertainment: Same activities everyday: stretching and aerobics for 30 minutes by the beach, and a volleyball tournament hosted by the entertainers. It is interesting to note that when the guests wanted to continue playing volleyball, the entertainers sometimes had to take the ball away for other reasons lol. Also at night, there were entertainment shows which included dancing and singing by the same people. The show was pretty good but surprisingly, there was no engagement or interactions with guests unlike very other resort I have been to down south. The entertainers mostly didn't even speak proper English which may explain this. Customer Service: Again, I'm a young guy with almost zero expectations in terms of going above and beyond for guests, however, this resort truly has unbelievable customers service. (Please note that there were nice and helpful staff, but the management and typically the majority of staff were horrible should you face any issues whatsoever). Here are a couple of examples: A guy at the front desk, "Ernesto", continually mocked and wasted guest's time any chance he got. For example, if you had to ask for a replacement room card, he would take his time to get up, try every single card that was previously de-magnitized (almost 100 of them), and of course, he had to use a new card. He did this with every guest. I would call downstairs to go get the towel deposits, he would say come down. As soon as I'd get there, he would say come back in 1 hour. After 1 hour, he would smile and say ya I can't do it today come back tomorrow before 5.... this was the trend with Ernesto. On another note, I was made to pay 15.50 CUC for a lobster dinner at Christmas night. Next morning I found out that everyone actually got lobster for free. "Yoel", the manager in charge took approximately 1 hour of my time to come down, talk to the head chef, talk to reception, the lady in charge of reservations, etc. and agreed that I should not be paying. At the end when there was no further justification, he said sorry I have a lot of things to do I'm sorry about what happened. I said that I don't think it's ok and he smiled and walked away. I didn't follow up as I don't care for 20 dollars as much to allow it to ruin my vacation but horrible job by the Yoel, the manager there. One night, the electricity went out intermittently and the bar staff decided they'd close at 11:45 instead of 2AM. There is no TV or source of entertainment in the lobby except bar chairs. Overall, I wouldn't go back to the resort, but if it's the cheapest option and you're looking to just go and enjoy the beach with some accommodations on the side, then this may not be a bad option for you.

Paradisus Varadero: Huge Resort

We had booked our trip and went the first week of December 2018. The resort was quiet. The capacity was at 25%. I like how quiet it was because we get to relax but yet we wanted more of a night life at night but the main lobby bar cristal was very quiet. I wished the bartenders at the main bar were more interactive and fun. There were no recommendations on the drinks. Just asked us what we wanted with a grumpy face. There were other bartenders that were ok but could have been better. We stayed a [... read more]t the family concierge and we loved it. It's a big resort so bring a stroller if you can. The family pool area is the best. The music was always popping even though most days we had the pool to ourselves. The service in family concierge is good but the buffet service could have been better since we are staying at a 5 star. The food was alright but it's Cuba after all. We had Hansel and Lilli as our family concierge. They were both awesome and very accommodating. Our house keeper for week Dec 6 to Dec 13 was amazing as well. On our last day, my daughter became fussy and Hansel surprised her with a balloon and that made her smile so much. That little service makes a big difference. Thank you Hansel! The bartenders and servers in the family pool area and outdoor restaurant were great. No complaints there. Please let them know they were great! Lilli was fantastic. She had booked a dinner for my husband and I at Royal Service for one night. Their dining service at the Royal Service area is 100% better then the service we received at any dining at the main area and family concierge. A big difference. We really enjoyed our food and evening in the Royal Service area which is adults only area. Thank you Lilli! Hansel and Lilli both amazing! Always found us and asked what we needed and arranged our trip to Havana in a vintage car. There's a great daycare at this resort. I trust them so much. We had one person (forgot her name) watched our daughter one evening in the room for 1.5 hours while we went to the beach party Saturday Dec 8. The entertainment on the beach was fabulous. A must watch. The daycare lady was so friendly and sweet. There's also this other day care lady ...who looks younger then her age. I forgot her name but I saw her mostly everyday when I brought my daughter Ever into play. She always called my daughter by her name and was always just so cheerful to be around. If we had come at a busy time to this resort...probably wouldn't have received the best service but it would have been more entertaining and fun. We really enjoyed our stay. Just wished some of the workers were more friendly and cheerful. Make it more fun you know? Daycare and Concierge are a must! They provided 5 star service. Buffet and a la carte service needs more work. The beach was beautiful. All the pool areas are nice and clean. Family Rooms are big. Nothing to complain there. A good resort overall.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: OK

The hotel was nice, grounds and pool area always kept clean, everything is very convenient, people and staff are friendly and helpful. I got sick from the food a few times, had no hot water for a few days, other then that, it was OK.

Barcelo Solymar: Very nice resort

Dining rooms and pool areas very clean. Was initially put in a hotel room (not what we booked) then moved to a bungalow. Hotel room was clean but appeared 'tired'. The bungalow room was very nice. Bathroom could be updated like some of the other bungalows but otherwise was clean and functional. Bar fridge was restocked daily as required. Grounds keeping staff and cleaning staff extremely friendly.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Iberostar Holguin: Great resort in development

1) Grounds are flat with very freshly planted palms trees. You can see all resort from one place. 2) Public areas are great, nice design, soft, pleasant sofas, quiet music, caffe bar, drink bar, smoking area, all perfect! Very nice cigar bar with nice conditioning and selection of cigars. Main theatre is great. Disco-bar with high quality sound and light gears, music is your choice! Just ask DJ! 3) My room was very nice and king-bed was perfect, all new bath very pleasant. Safe, umbrellas, iro [... read more]n. Two bath robes and slippers! Nice balcony to smoke a cigar after long day! WiFi in the room, and all grounds, not only lobby! (you need to buy 1CUC/h card in the lobby). 4) The beach is in development as Dec 24, 2018. Most people go to Pesquero for Aquatic activities, most with kids. The shuttle is provided. But..,it is minus.. For me and my wife who is allergic to sea water it was not an issue!!! We enjoyed pools, very clean and nicely positioned. Great pool bar! A barmen is virtuoso! 5) I very pleased by attention of the management to clients needs, we required special food for my allergic wife and all stuff in food service was on alert, very personally!! Many thanks to General Manager, Jorge Saez-Parra and all personal of the hotel.

Roc Barlovento: Very good Resort

Most and foremost,all the staff are truly great..very friendly and helpful. The resort is kept clean,the rooms are comfortable and the food for us was amazing. So much to choose from. The long sandy beach is beautiful. Is easy from the resort to walk to Town. This is our second visit and most likely we will come again. Thank you...

Brisas Del Caribe: What we expected

The hotel was just as we had imagined realĺy, of course it's not fancy or anything but it was clean and mostly efficient service. Our son was unwell on the first day and we were very quickly moved to a brighterroom within the actual hotel and not in the cabins. The pools were clean but cold but the beach was utterly breathtaking and is a stone's throw away from the hotel. It had everything we needed and it was cheap. We didn't need to see.d any money when we arrived other than tipping. We would [... read more] absolutely return to Cuba.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: great

Food was good staff very frindly grounds nicely mantained.There was a little construction but not a major bother .I would recomend it would go backThe cleaning staff always kept room fresh and tidy gret vacation

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Great Experience in Cuba

All in all, the hotel is very nice, the accomodation and amenities are great at the price-point and there was lots of activities to pursue inside and outside of the resort. Almost all staff members including the maids, bartenders and servers were welcoming and if i were to ignore 1-2 not-so great interactions, I could confidently say they were the nicest resort staff I have encountered. It is fairly easy to gravitate towards individuals that have a positive influence on your stay and I want to g [... read more]ive a particular mention to Richard and Maday at the beach bar for having that positive influence on our stay. The variety of food (fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads) offered was impressive and to someone who is not a very picky eater, it was quite good. It was also easy to avoid dishes that I did not like and truly, the only dish that I could not consume was the prawn salad in the 24hr bar. While I understand it is a 24hr bar, they had "lunch time" items but nevertheless it seemed that always, about a quarter of the items on the 24 hr bar were not available. Additionally, it was common that the menu description of items at the A La Carte restaurants were exaggerated to sound more appetizing than they truly were. Finally, I had trouble booking the A La Carte restaurants as the booking agent stated "it was high-season and they were almost entirely booked" but when I approached my Transat Representative and inquired about reservations, she managed to book one for each night of our stay. In general, our Transat representative was a great resource to have and I strongly recommend consulting your booking agency representative when at Princesa Del Mar. In conclusion, the issues that we faced during our stay were insignificant, minimal and we are left with a feeling of wanting to come back

Roc Arenas Doradas: Resort was great

It was a nice resort. The staff were wonderful, the food was good. The rooms were clean. The beds could have been better and the shower upgraded but besides that it was fine. The size of the resort was good.

Sol Palmeras: It was a great resort for the money!

From the outside, the resort looks old and not a 4 star. But once you go in, it looks much better. The rooms were pretty clean and look a little bit old, but this was not an issue for us. the food was really good for cuba. I have been to cuba around 9 times and only 2 hotels that had good food. which sol palmeras is one of them. The a al carte were all really good. So as far as food wise, nothing to worry the beaches in varadero is always beautiful, unless you get a storm and you cant s [... read more]wim... staff were all very friendly and helpful. however if you need to find the infirmary, its a bit complicated and a bit far. but other than that, the hotel is great and will be back there again!

Sol Palmeras: Wonderful Resort

We had an amazing time at Sol Palmeras. The resort was clean. The staff was super friendly. The resort grounds had everything offer. A basketball court, volleyball, badminton, bocce ball, pool activities. Being right beside the ocean was even better. The walk to the beach was breath-taking. What made going to the beach even better was the BBQ/Bar area. We didn't have to walk back to the resort to eat. Everyday we had lunch on the beach. Chairs, tables, cutlery were all supplied! There was nightl [... read more]y entertainment which made the day complete after spending all day on the beach. A lot of people say the food in Cuba isn't the greatest but they're just not staying at the right places. This is my second MELIA resort I've stayed at and second time around it was even better. Keep in mind I ate from the BBQ and a la cartes everyday. But even breakfast at the buffet was great. Fresh fruit and omelettes made right in front of you everyday. What more can you ask for?