hotel was well maintained and the rooms were descent. however, the food was much better at past varadero resorts. my husband got severe food poisoning and almost couldn't travel home. site doctor was amazing!
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Martatoronto -
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Muthu Playa Varadero: Okay Resort
SEPT 7-10, 2018! 4 DAY TRIP TO MUTHU PLAYA VARADERO. This is my 2nd time to varadero and my 9th to Cuba. I must say varadero is not the greatest but for a 4 day trip, it did the job. Checked into the hotel around 9:45. Check in went smooth, the lady at the front was very nice. Dinner was ending at 10, she called the dinning room and told them that a party of 4 just checked in and not to close the resturant. She told us to leave the luggage at the front and she would watch it. Very Nice!
PROS:[... read more]
-24 hour lobby bar-GREAT
-Coffee bar-YUM
-Big lobby
-Elevators for rooms
-BEACH AMAZING
-lots of pool chairs, beach chairs
-Included pedal boats and catamaran
-Rooms were okay
-Room safe included
-Nice gift shop
-Nice workers
CONS:
-No people
-Lack of entertaiment (daily and night) which I understand because there was only 80 people on resort
-FOOD!!! buffets were bad. Had to leave the resort to get food, felt like I was at a cafeteria.
-Snack bar.....only have ham and cheese sandwhiches...and burgers..
-Double decker bus...40 mins to get to downtown
-Lack of excurisons
Hotel was okay expect for the FOOD. Be nice to the workers, tip them nice, bring them gifts...you will get better service. Don't expect too much from this resort. 6/10
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Opokueri -
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Hotel Los Cactus: Great Resort
The stuff in the hotel are very friendly and the resort is big full of activities. I went to this hotel on September 14-18 which was singles week. Didn’t know in advance. Met people from different countries and cultures. Would definitely go back to this resort again.
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Rod &Di -
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Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Amazing resort!
We just got back on Monday from our stay at the Royalton. We had and excellent trip, very relaxing and stress free. We enjoyed the beach which was absolutely stunning, as always for Varadero. The staff were amazing everyone was so friendly and helpful, but a few stand out. Special thank you to Leonardo our butler, who always went above and beyond. Anita from the entertainment staff was very good at what she does. She is a great people person, and would make a great butler. Yvonne our Gardiner w[... read more]ho looked after the gardens in front of our room, was very nice and friendly and even fixed my fan that I had purchased at the market in town. Next was how beautifully kept all of the grounds were. All of the time we would see people working to make it nice. The food was very good, perhaps the best we have ever had in Cuba. There were a couple of the A la carts that they could have used more air conditioning. What we liked most about the resort, was that there were always different activities going on each day and great entertainment at night too, where they get the audience involved with trivia games. There were also a lot of choices for food. The lady that makes the Cuban sandwiches in her little hut, unbelievable! Barbecued sausages on the beach, ice cream bar, 24 hour snack bar which had great coffee. If we go back to Cuba again, we would go there in a heart beat!
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Private -
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Sol Palmeras: Great resort lost to do
The resort is kept very clean. The public bathrooms are emasculate. Lots of entertainment and activities all day long (lots of fun). Needs a separate coffee bar, just like there juice bar and ice cream bar.
Check out was the worst I have ever experienced, only one room dedicated for everyone that had a late check out and a shortage of towels to that room which backed up everyone waiting. This area differently needs to be fixed as there are quite a large amount of people with late check [... read more]outs. The other thing I didn't understand is why we had to return out beach towels by noon or pay a deposit to keep them longer, when we were not flying out till late in the evening and we could return the towels in by 5 pm and get our receipt back to give to the front desk as proof that we returned them.
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Private -
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Starfish Varadero: First and last time to starfish Varadero
When I arrived there, I told the front desk that it was my first time to this resort I have been Cuba several times already. She told me to wait for the bell hop. The bell hop told me directions to my room and didn’t want to take me and my luggage to my room. I couldn’t find my room; so I went back to the front desk. The bell hop was annoyed and reiterated the direction. I finally found my room and there were hallways and stairs. The room was hot and the safe locked. I phoned front desk an[... read more]d no one answered the phone. I went to the front desk again. The bell hop told me that I had to wait for the engineer in the morning. I was tired and hungry and went for dinner. Front desk told me that the engineer was looking for me. So I waited in my room and the engineer finally came to fix the air conditioning and unlocked the safe. First time that I encountered such ‘unwelcome’ experience from a resort. So wanted to go home that night! I kept asking for bath towels 2 days straight. Housekeeping never stocked up coffee despite I left a note for her.
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The Sparrow -
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Melia Marina Varadero: Amazing resort!
Simply put, a wonderful resort. All features of the hotel were impeccable. The staff courteous, professional and friendly. The location was excellent. Food was very good. In particular, the specialty restaurants were delightful.
I definitely recommend a stay here.
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Tony10 -
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Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Great resort
Although the resort was a little dated, but then again it’s cuba, it was very clean. The resort staff were incredible. Always upbeat, happy and a pleasure to talk to. They would go out of their way to make sure your stay was a great one.
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Megh1991 -
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Hotel Los Cactus: Beautiful Resort
Hotel Los Cactus’ resort is beautiful. We were pleasantly surprised with the cleanliness of the grounds and rooms. The staff do an excellent job maintaining the resort and tending on the guests. The biggest issue was the food - both my partner and I struggled with finding food at the buffet that agreed with our stomachs. However, the a la cartes were great, best meals we had all week! We visited during singles week not realizing the occasion. Majority of the events and entertainment were aime[... read more]d towards singles. Would recommend this resort to others for sure.
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Private -
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Paradisus Varadero: Amazing Paradise!!
Just returned 2 days ago!
Girls trip!
Excellent food, in all restaurants! Japanese was fabulous!
Amazing service. The staff really do go above and beyond.
Everything went beyond my expectations!
Cannot wait to go again.
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Private -
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Gran Caribe Sun Beach: Good
Everything is good considering the hotel is two 🌟 ,dining is good, but the hotel needs repairs
and paint.
The price is good too. The room is clean but very poor . The room hasn't phone, control tv , dry hair. I don't know what can I say because for me was cheaper and I feel good.
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SJDM -
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Muthu Playa Varadero: Meh
Hotel was run down. Not a 4 star maybe 2 or low 3. Rooms were small. Bathroom was decent. Beds were alright. Pillows were awful and the room always had a funky moldy smell. Pool was nice, buffet was dark and dingy. The lobby bar was nice and reception was nice and roomy. Food was so repetitive same things every night over and over again. Staff was the best I’ve seen on a resort. Everyone very friendly and very service oriented. A dollar goes along way!
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Tania53 -
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Grand Memories Varadero: Great Resort
Very nice resort. The rooms were spacious and clean. We enjoyed the A La Carte restaurants in this resort. Plenty of day and evening entertainments. The beach was close by. The staff there were amazing and very friendly.
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(JP) -
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Resonance Blu Varadero: Great Improvement Great Vacation
Memories Varadero, I will get straight to the imprtant review, Memories had definitely made changes since my last visit in 2014.
Front Desk was quick check in, little confussion on VIP and Diamond guests services, but Management quickly solve that problem,
Staff seems to be confused in VIP guest services, I did receive 3 different answers from 3 different staffers, That I found quite funny, they need more consistent training and more English language.
I found Gardeners spoke better English [... read more]than few of Front Lobby staff.
It was nice to see few familiar faces still working there.
Rooms- Freshly white painted clean rooms, flat screen TV in upgraded rooms. I was in Bldg 24, my friend 25.
New high confy matress, fresh crisp linnens with satin bed covers. Furniture was in good condition.
New balcony window , drapes, new doors, and new closet aluminum door. Always hot water available, I didnt notice any mold smell once AC was on. I have allergies, Room was missing some ameneties, like coffee cups and coffee, I did have a Coffee maker though, notepads, pictures on walls. I think rooms are not fully completed, but no biggie, I had what I needed. 1 bottle of water was left on the dresses, only after I asked the manager why my mini fridge was empty, 3rd day I received beer and pop. Im am VIP member.
Several Buildings are still under renovations .
Very clean grounds always cleaned and vibrant with flora. Beautiful Palm Trees everywhere.
Some updates in Lobby and work continues, I was impressed.
Food- within week I stayed, always fresh, plenty to chose from, salads, meats station, pizza and pasta stations, seafood station and of course deserts and fruit juices. Stations very clean, Nothing to complain about.
Pools were clean, 24 hr. Snack bar, always something open, 24hr lobby bar, coffee bar in lobby was great.
Beach was clean, one of cleanest in the area, believe me I walked a lot and visited other resorts, most were almost empty and beach wasn't cleaned daily like Memories. Last day of my stay, there was some washed up seaweed from all the rain.
There is Beach Grill and Bar as well.
Diamond Club beach section wasnt that busy, has its own bar, plenty of shade and pallapas, bartenders were awesome, made sure our cups were always full. Regular section was busier but still plenty Pallapas and loungers for guests.
Entertainment, was great from morning to 2 a.m, always something going on. Beach water aerobics, games, dance lessons, lobby shows, Lobby piano players was great. Nightly entertainment in the square was also amazing, disco afterward. White Party, Bravo MEMORIES!!
Service was very good for most part, few new people need training in buffet area. 2 ladies at buffet made us laugh every day, we call them Mamas, one on fruit station, one on breakfast grill.. Fast like speedy gonzales..lol. Very funny.
Diamond Club Restaurant in the square for lunch was amazing, great lunch and service. What can I say, I was definitely impressed. I only had one Ala Carte, Japenese, it was perfect, no very salty, pefect taste.
I had an oportunity to meet new Resort Manager and the Big BOSS.. Resorts are under management, so far they are doing a great job.
I wont name anyone but, A Big Hello !!! to to my beach bartenders.
I visited Grand MEMORIES and boy, Memories Varadero is way better and rooms nicer. My friend visited Grand MEMORIES same week and said it was almost empty and food was horrible, as rooms, wished he transferred.
In conclusion, I had a terrific time, met lot of people on the beach and pool, I went Solo, but definitely wasn't lonely, or alone.
I was very sceptical when I booked because of bad reviews on Tripadvisor, but Im glad I didnt change Resorts.
My observations, there was a lot of Latinos the week of Sept 4 to 10, I noticed they received priority over English Speaking and other languages. But they dont tip! I tipped very well and in some areas waited quite long time for service, one point, I actually yelled to get served as bartenders were serving their Spanish speaking friends ahead of me, that happened several times in the week, that is unacceptable. I did mention that to Diamond Customer Relations, but I was told, that It wasnt true..LOL.
But, I didnt let that ruin my vacation. Im not a drinker but I do get thirsty at times.
My other thing was, I spend a lot on tips on ppl that served me and bought gifts that I made into packages.
On My last day, I was asked if I can give them some clothes and toiletries before they finish their shift? I was bit shocked ! I gave this perticular servers 2 CUCS daily. I never had anyone run after me to ask me that before in other Parts of Cuba.
Exchange rate , wow its high, 1.48 on $50.00, I got approx. 27 CUCS first night there.
Exchange your money in town or airport better rates.
Overall, I had excellent vacation and would definitely return for 9 th time if improvements continues.
GREAT VACATION !🌴🌴ðŸ–
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Djuradj -
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Resonance Blu Varadero: Nice big resort
I would go back any time
Nice big resort, good food, very nice people
Rooms are nice and clean
Drinks are good, ones in a while you get a not well done piña colada ;) ( that’s ok) like I said we would go again :)
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Rashad124 -
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Hotel Bella Costa: Super Amazing!
Super amazing hotel! The people are wonderful and friendly. The beaches were beautiful and had lots of fun with family! There's lots to do there and entertainment is great. Can't wait to go again! 😀
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Suzi18 -
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Resonance Blu Varadero: Nice resort!
Just got back from our first visit to this hotel, I must say although I had read horrible reviews prior to our trip, we had a beautiful one week stay. Traveled with my husband and our friends. Our rooms very clean and everything functioned except balcony door (very hard to open).
Being diamond club members, we had our beer, water, and soft drinks in our fridge daily, beach towels we exchanged ourselves ( even so they are listed under Extra features-Diamond Clubâ„¢ Inclusions).
The staff was[... read more] very pleasant, helpful and always wanted to please us. Food was good as always in Cuba. We also ate at the Italian and Japanese a la carte restaurant, and it was good as well.
I probably don’t need to say this for anyone who has ever been to Varadero before, but the beach was absolutely beautiful.
This was an nice hotel and we will definitely return in the future!
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Private -
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Memories Jibacoa: Good time in Memorier Jibacoa !!!
I can say with certainty that I am completely satisfied with the fact that I chose the Sunwing > Tripcental.ca with help of David Bell. This is my first visit to Cuba.
Many thanks to Arturo Martinez -menager for good done job !!! I will not dwell on the details and assessments of everything that the MJ offers, but if you have the opportunity to use MJ services, it's worth it. A peaceful and blue sky for all my Cuban friends from whom I received an unforgettable and good time spent in paradis[... read more]e!!! - location, location, location !!! Jeanetta room # 2225
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Private -
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Memories Jibacoa: Good time in Memorier Jibacoa !!!
I can say with certainty that I am completely satisfied with the fact that I chose the Sunwing > Tripcental.ca with help of David Bell. This is my first visit to Cuba.
Unforgettable time in a botanical garden, friendly staff who even greets you by name. Many thanks to Arturo Martinez -menager for good done job !!! I will not dwell on the details and assessments of everything that the MJ offers, but if you have the opportunity to use MJ services, it's worth it. A peaceful and blue sky for all [... read more]my Cuban friends from whom I received an unforgettable and good time spent in paradise! Miroslaw room # 2225
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Spurs1966 -
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Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Mixed feellings
Very good beach and pool. Friendly but not always efficient staff. Even though the resort was nowhere near full, we were put into a ground floor room in spite of requesting a second floor. The room was so musty we asked to change and were shown another equally smelly ground floor room. Only then were we given a choice of acceptable second floor rooms.
Another negative feature was the poor quality food in the restaurants. The meal in the so-called French restaurant (there was nothing remotely [... read more]French about the menu) has to rank as one of the worst I have ever been served. Out of the restaurants, only the Japanese was any good.