Muthu Playa Varadero: Bad choice

Mold in rooms bottoms of door jambs in bathroom rotting old and very out dated resort pool has many tiles missing and yes they are sharp walk over bridge to the pool as broken stairs and flooring rotting the swim up bar is permanently closed extremely small resort this resort sucks bad but there are a few wonderful amazing people the rest of the workers only want your tips if you don’t tip this is not the resort for you. this is a low end resort. I should have believed the reviews

Barcelo Solymar: Amazing trip

the trip was very successful,good things are: too much sun ,no rain no huracan too much people, too much food, too much drinks, too much music, hot sun, hot beautiful water (the ocean) and color.cuban people are very kind always, i forgot (laval and my job and all canada) just eating,drinking,swimming,sleeping smoking good cigar.no telephon no internet. bad thinks1-: strong peso,1 peso you need almost 1,2 cad $ 2- too much mosquitoes. thank you for  [... read more]everything le voyage a été très réussi, les bonnes choses sont: trop de soleil, pas de pluie pas de huracan trop de gens, trop de nourriture, trop de boissons, trop de musique, soleil chaud, belle eau chaude (océan) et couleur. très gentil toujours, j'ai oublié (laval et mon travail et tout le canada) juste manger, boire, nager, dormir fumer bien cigare.pas téléphone pas internet. mauvais pense1-: peso fort, 1 peso dont vous avez besoin presque 1,2 cad 2- trop de moustiques. Merci pour tout

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Nice new hotel

We stayed at the Bella Vista for a week and we don't have any complaints. The beach was amazing, the pools were perfect. There was lots of activities during the day both at the pool and the beach. Kids club was awesome and had activities everyday for the kids. The rooms were large and clean. Beds were comfy. In the evening there is a large deck at the back of the hotel off the main lobby. Bar service was excellent. We had great service so we tipped to show our appreciation. Food was good with a  [... read more]large selection. We will definitely go back to the Bella Vista.

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: 5 Star Amazing Resort!

5 stars! This is the third time we have vacationd at this resort and my husband and I can't wait to go back! We came back to celebrate our 20th anniversary and just when we thought it could not get better then before... They took our expectations over the top! The people at this resort are like family... They try so hard to demonstrate that with how they communicate with you and how they want to ensure you have everything you need to be having an amazing time and very comfortably. We love [... read more] love love it! From the beach to the pool, to my favorite ladies Janet and Lady at the pool bar, to the foam parties that were over the top fun and the shows and disco that were so much fun! Thanks entertainment team! And the food... Well I'm sure we had the best food at any Cuban resort... So good at any spot you decide to eat..i loved the pool side daily BBQ that was so good! When we are leaving at the airport we always hear people complain about the food at their resorts.. but not us and not others from our resort. This is the best couples resort anywhere... As much as i want to travel to other places in the world...I feel compelled to just go here again because of the all around FUN experience and the wonderful people waiting to ensure you are having an over the top luxurious vacation! Thanks Royalton Hicacos for amazing Adults only super party fun vacation for the Third Time! Looking forward to the next one!

Muthu Playa Varadero: Wouldn’t recommend it..

We specifically booked this resort as a cheap, last-minute getaway, knowing full well that it was nowhere close to a 5-star resort, and we were right. Food, accommodation and even staff.. not good, at all. Beach was spectacular (we spent all of our time there) and the nightly entertainment was also very enjoyable. Other than that, the pool constantly had plastic cups/straws floating all around in it, as if no one comes around to pick it up or people don't throw it out in the garbage. We steered  [... read more]clear of the pool altogether. All of the buildings had a lot of water damage and leakage issues.. a steady stream of raindrops coming down from the light fixtures in the main hallways, leaving puddles all over the place. Thank goodness we specifically booked a room on the highest floor off to the side of the building where there seemed to be no water leaking in. If we hadn't... there would have been a real problem and I don't know if I could have stayed with water leaking under my door and through the walls. Most people didn't seem to mind but we also got the impression that the vast majority of those staying on this resort were from Cuba themselves on their own family vacation.. so perhaps they understood/accepted the state of the resort 'as is' is to be expected. Frankly, I was shocked that more people didn't take one look at the resort's many shortcomings and demand a full refund. Also, we understand that it is expected that we tip (we exchanged hundreds of dollars specifically for tips, and also went to our local general store before the trip to buy gifts to leave every day for our maids, such as lotions, candles, candy, etc.), but the fact that staff will treat you poorly if you don't tip them is just unacceptable. We are paying our resort fee for the staff to do their job. Tips, in my mind, are reserved for staff that go out of their way to make your stay more pleasant or continue to provide great to excellent service. To have so many grumpy bartenders or waitstaff that serve you in a terrible mood and expect to get a tip have another thing coming. Some would ignore you altogether, unless they knew that you were going to give them a very large tip for a small, watered down, alcoholic drink in a plastic cup that you've already paid for in your resort fee. One gentleman refused to leave our room without a tip at 11PM after offering to bring our bags to our room upon arrival.. this is a service we neither requested nor wanted as we could find our room just fine ourselves and had no problem carrying our own bags. Even though we apologetically explained to him that we: 1) Just landed after a delayed flight 2) Haven't had a chance to exchange any money 3) The currency exchange was closed at that hour 4) We could only exchange money at the resort or at a bank downtown which was also closed.. the man refused to leave without a tip. I walked into the bathroom out of sheer terror and left my poor husband in the room trying to deal with this individual who would not leave. We offered to find him tomorrow and give him a tip once the currency exchange was open, but he refused to depart without any money that night, so my partner had to give him his cologne in order for him to leave our room. That was our lovely, "Welcome to the Resort!" experience. Additionally, the amount of stray animals roaming around the resort is also concerning. I understand that this is Cuba, but to have so many stray cats sitting on the tables at the beach restaurant where food is served, without the staff at least shooing them away, is alarming. Now I understand why both my partner and I have been sick for days upon returning home. With all of that said, we made the best of our time because we still spent a good amount of money on this trip and wanted to enjoy our vacation that we took time off work for, but I would never, ever, recommend this resort. If you're taking the time to plan a vacation already, I feel like you would be best to pay that extra $100-$150 more on a resort that has better ratings and reviews.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Beautiful resort

The service was awesome. The pool bar staff were amazing in personality and in service. The lobby bar was peaceful, relaxing and the service was great. The beach was beautiful. Our room was spacious and we had an amazing ocean view; thanks to the wonderful check in staff. Everything was clean...very clean. The food was very good.

Playa Vista Azul: Very nice resort

This is a nice hotel, nice beach, but one is vey small but has a bar with lunch buffet that compensate. The water is magnificent as always. The room was okay and our maid Raquel was very accommodating in our demands. Mikes cafe is a most in the morning for a Mocciato or a cold ice coffee with cacao liquor. The food is okay and the best restaurant is the Italian one. Very relaxing week with adorable smiling people!!

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Good value for your money

Nice hotel. Clean, people are extremely friendly and hard working trying to please you. Are room was nice. We have gone to this resort two years in a row. We Obviously enjoyed the resort the first time... but I must say that the food at the buffet in the evenings sometimes this year was not very good. Was a bit disappointed with that. On the other hand the restaurants were very good. One of my favourites is the Japanese and the Cuban at lunch time...they are wonderful there. Love the beach [... read more].

Melia Las Americas: A wonderful resort, exceeded our expectations.

The grounds are immaculately kept, public areas are very clean, our room was kept very clean by Odalys, dining was excellent the variety of food, juices dessert etc. very delicious and every day we looked forward to meet our waitress Rachel, she was such a delight. There is one negative situation we experienced there it was from the Concierge desk, Angela, was very rude to us she should be reminded the role she has there, she should be respectful to the visitors. Fortunately the other people  [... read more]we dealt with were very kind, helpful and fun to deal with. All in all the experience was very good.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Great resort, amazing people!

The hotel and Cuba in general was 100% better than I was expecting. As a first time traveler to Cuba I heard mixed reviews about the resorts and food and I am happy to say that everything exceeded my expectations. The hotel was beautiful! The beach sand was so white and the water was crystal clear. The hotel grounds were always clean and there was always something to do. The food was great! Every breakfast lunch and dinner buffet always had a great variety of food and it tasted fantastic. Our fa [... read more]vorite A La Carte was Japanese. The cook even brought me up to cook the food with him! The most important to us was how friendly everyone at the resort and city was. We always felt safe and anytime we had questions or concerns the people from the resort were there to help. I would recommend the Melia Peninsula Varadero to anyone going to Cuba.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Amazing resort

The hotel was very clean and the staff was amazing. The food was very delicious and fresh everyday. The bar staff was very knowledgeable in making differebt drinks especially Miri who was our favourite. Omar was a pure professional in the restaurant and Paula as well at the beach restaurant. The beach was exceptionally clean and couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing vacation.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Never again

This resort is Not a 5 star , we are very disappointed. From the first day we arrived I was not happy. My daughter and I , we got there after 10pm , we had to wait for everyone to check in so that the bell boy would take us all together to the buildings . We where in building # 1 (good location) on the second floor, the bell boy left us in front of the building, no help from him , he didn’t help anyone. The rooms was not what you see in the pictures, old beds and furniture, the air condition [... read more]er was only working on or off, no control over it. The towels where not always available. The food was not good, for a 5 star hotel was really bad. I go to Cuba almost every year, this was the worst ever. By the Beach no one came to ask you if would like a drink , There is a bar there but for 5 star they should come around and bring you drinks. By the pool area another upsetting thing. The beds are occupied by the workers with a book and towels until they get a good tip from someone. The pool chairs also have cushions but they want you to ask so that you can tip them . Not enough lights at night. I didn’t see a onion or tomato in one week, make sure you bring your ketchup , I only saw it two days. What you see on the menu most of the stuff they don’t have. The last day was also a big disappointment, we got a room to get ready and shower because our bus was for 6:30 pm. We got a room where the bathroom was disgusting, was dirty, no clean towels , dirty towels all over , the toilet was dirty with urine and stool. Just unbelievable, the manager apologized for that. Just a bad experience, the beach was beautiful.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Nice

Rooms nice and clean. Food was good. Restaurant because we were there for the 2nd time we got Lobsters dinner is nice appreciation form to say thanks. The beach was the BEST .we asked for king side bed and had double From desk ladies were so good they change us 2 days latter

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Good for first timers

The resort is pretty new. However it’s starting to deteriorate already. I’d say in a year the place will be run down. It’s quiet and not much activities to engage the quests. The shows are not worth seeing. There is no dance in the evening despite the big empty theatre. They have music in the pool and beach area only during the day time but that could be brought to the lobby during the evenings considering there is no night entertainment. The entertainment team try their best but we’ve s [... read more]een better. The food is better than other resorts we’ve been to however it appears as though they recycle through certain food items and there is hygiene issue both contributing to gastroenteritis either vomiting or diarrhea or both. Avoid the buffet and salads and resort to the grilled food and fries. Even at the bar they use the same cloth to wipe the glasses then counter top and use their unwashed hands to handle fruits that go into the drinks. Bartenders are overworked and you have to wait a long time to get served. The excursions are expensive given their high convertible currency. You’ll have to sacrifice all of the above for the beautiful beach and the ocean.

Starfish Cuatro Palmas: Ok resort

This hotel need some serious upgrades, Rooms are dirty full of mosquitos stained walls, the rooms smell not clean, doors don't close properly, no " do not disturb" signs, on doors, one room didn't have a toilet seat, not enough public bathrooms and no toilet paper or soap only in the morning by afternoon not replaced, The girls at front desk are nice the bellmen are nice, the lobby bar men are nice if you tip them, the pool is nice, the beach is nice, the buffet breakfast closes at 10am (craz [... read more]y), lunch starts at 1pm, dinner starts at 6pm, lunches and dinners were very good 4* location very good across the street from 3 bars very entertaining.

Be Live Turquesa: Mrs

The overall experience was great. The flight was direct which is very convenient. The bus was awaiting for us. The guy on the bus was very pushy for the tips. Then on the way back same guy was offering to exchange local Cucs for Canadian bills back for the 1 to 1 rate which is very expressive. At the hotel you can exchange Canadian dollar to local money for 1 Can to their 68 cents. Sunwing representative was giving better rate 1 to 70 cents. The room was clean but smelled like mold a lot. Cond [... read more]itioner worked well. The TV remote control's batteries were dead so we had to change the volume or channels manually. We were given only shampoo and a shower gel no conditioner If it matters to you ladies bring your own hair conditioner to use here. The toilet was flushing only number ones:-)) Food was average. I am a gluten and dairy intolerant so I was harder for me. The cut veggies were not fresh unfortunately. So I avoided fresh veggies for the whole trip. Ate mostly meat and mango. Mango was the tastiest ever eaten. The beach was amazing. Staff was great as well, not pushy for tips. When received tips they were very grateful. We brought some clothing for the staff to give. They were very grateful. So if you have any clothing that you do not wear anymore or your kids grew out of then bring in to lovely staff. We bought a tour form the Sunwing representative. The tour was good. Dolphins were cute, the catamaran was a lot of fun but while snorkeling we barely saw any fish. The last day our towel was stolen from the pool area so keep an eye on your towels as then you have to pay 15 Cucs which is closer to 20 dollars Can. Oh and we did not see any nasty mosquito or any other bugs in the hotel or anywhere around. So no bites!! The entertainment was an average. I wish there was dancing for the guests. Overall I loved vacation. The price we paid and vacation we had was worth going just be prepared.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Not quite good in some aspects

First time to Varadero with family😀 The resort is quite nice like the garden and landscapes, the gardeners were the friendliest always smiling and acknowledging you with a warm greeting. But we noticed how there are garbages around the pool and we didn’t see any staff cleaning or picking up garbage around. There were cigarette butts around the pool area and it has been there piling on the ground for the whole week we were there. We felt so bad we even picked up all the plastic cups by the  [... read more]pool since nobody cleans up, it’s like that everyday! The room is very disappointing, 😒it wasn’t very clean, I had to clean and disinfect our rooms (ours and kids room, my mom did the same in their room too) when we got to our rooms with Lysol wipes that I brought with me😖 also there were ants all over the bathroom floor (in all our rooms) so I figured how to get rid of them, I sprayed repellant all over the bathroom floors and it solved it😲 when I noticed there were ants on our bed, I made sure the maid change our sheets before it gets to our ears while sleeping, five days in and they haven’t changed any of our sheets so I had to request she change sheets. Food is not very good and not a lot of main dish to choose from! Very disappointing☹️ When food is gone they don’t replenish and refill, or they would take forever if they decide to do so😡 The beach is beautiful 😍 loved the turquoise water the one positive thing! We still made the most of it and had fun but we will not come back to this resort😥

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Very classy design in both areas reception and lobby

I came to this hotel after reading positive reviews..i was mostly impressive with the ultra modern spacious look in both reception and lobby area...having said that i realised it had no cuban ambience at all...there was little cuban music playing in these areas ..if there was it needs to be vamped up!!... The beach was lovely as cuban is known for this...the music on the beach was annoying after animation had stopped!!.thumpjng on going music ..nothing cuban at all.... The staff were ex [... read more]cellent and were very friendly..not all came up to 5* standard which was a pity.. The chef on the pasta aisle never had plates nor did they refill their ingredient bowls ..it was not nice scraping what was left.. My room was well taken care of.. . my maid did lovely towel designs...she was lovely....felt it needed to be freshened up a bit..door knob missing still on the cabinet where the fridge is ....also some paint is needed as it looks like bad fingerprints over the door....a/c worked but remained on 23/ 24 ..too hot for the weather..i'm used to 17/19... My biggest complaint is lack of live cuba music around the resort every day.... one live group.. your resident band.. only played live one afternoon in cuban park a week as well as one evening a week ..not enough!!!!my reasons for coming to cuba so many times is for the live cuban band...this is my first visit to this hotel so i know the difference... I would not class this as a *5 star...the fire escape look is a put off ..its all too americanised looking hence the lack of a cuban feel around the place... . I did speak up concernng a top step that needs to be highlighted..its dangerous at night where there are no lights to see if its a step or not..its very dangerous and the report has gone un noticed... the customer care people too who have also reported same..... I spent two weeks there from 12 july to 26...i may be back if you can get your resident cuban band playing more ofter than 2xs a week..they are a drawing card to any hotel !!.. I found it quite boring otherwise..because i love to dance to this groups music.!!!..

Club Karey: never again

No rep.always on call or off. Do not go on that weekend,very noisy and the cubans are bad. Waited one and a half hours to be picked up, last bus to airport, so we were not able to sit together, on the way back. need heated hot plates. no ala carte available, no early check in had to wait and no bonus drink. leaky toilet, broken curtains,.Will not go back.

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Great service

It really was a great expérience.I was worry being our first trip to Cuba but it turns up to be more that I was expected to be. The pictures that I find on internet reflects the reality. The personal was always with a happy face and always ready to serve you. The main lobby- a big open space with bufet and a great view. The room-very nice and always clean.The cleaning woman it always leaves us a small animal on the bad( made from towels)and 2 candies.For our boy was wonderful; he always was [... read more] eager to ses what gift ne will receive that day.The air conditionner was a blessing.One night it was not working for 4h but it was our fault because we did not close very well the door from the balcony(It seems to be a connection betwen those two). The food in our opinion was great( we heard a lot of bad reviews about this subject).I thing that if you live in a castle or " on big foot" maybe is true. If not, I don't think you can not find something to like(scrambled eggs in the morning, "pollo y pescado a la plancha"and salad if there is nothing else that you would like). The pools are great, clean and a nice bar in one of the pools. The beach- speechless Every night they have a show.Great wednesday show. The only think that I do not recommend is the excursions.We paid 245$ ( the kid was free to our luck) to swim with the delphins.Very very bad experience- shourtly : doesn' t worth it.And for seeing the corals- same thing. If I had not chosen that excursion and would have chosen instead to give a tip to people who work in the hôtel, at least half of what we paid on the excursion, I would definitely have been happier. We would definitely go there next time.