Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Elite is the way to go!

My partner and I had an amazing week at the Iberostar Bella Vista. We stayed from April 4th-11th 2018. We booked through Tripcentral and the booking process was great! Getting from the airport was an easy process. The bus ride was about an hour long, we made stops at 6 resorts before the final stop at Bella Vista. Check in at the elite desk was great, we got drinks on arrival and 3 Al a carte's were booked for us already. We booked an elite swimout room. Being elite and having the swimout  [... read more]was what made our trip. The elite only buffet on the 11th floor for breakfast and lunch was heaven compared to the mail buffet. The food was fresh and not picked over, not as big of a selection but definitely better than main buffet. Also no kids may be a plus to some people. The staff were amazing and often remembered our drink orders from previous days. The swimout room was so nice! Our maid Yenis was the sweetest always leaving us notes, candy and fun towel creations. We did request a king bed and didn't get one but we were able to easily push the beds together. A concern of ours from other reviews was the lack of hot water at peak times. This wasn't so much of an issue for us though, we did find it difficult to work the shower at times. We spent the mornings at the beach, but in order to get a palapa you have to be out there by 6am to save chairs. There were a lot of chairs saved on the beach but some were unoccupied for the whole morning. The beach chairs are also just a hard plastic so we saw some people bring pool floaties to put on top of the chairs for more comfort. In the afternoons we spent the time at our swimout pool. The water was super refreshing and hardly any people using the pool. All elite guests are able to use the swimout pool even if you don't have a swimout room. The main pool with the swimup bar was often so warm is was gross to get into so we spent all of our time in the elite pool. The Al a carts were ok. The Japanese restaurant was good, and the 11 floor Al a carte was good also. The other Al a carts however were not very enjoyable with very small portions. We snuck off to the buffet or ordered room service because we were often hungry after our dinner. Room service was great but a little slow getting to your room. The pizza and the sandwiches were a great little snack. Wifi worked well, the process of getting the access card was somewhat annoying but we were given a card with a time amount for five days instead of just a 1 day card and that was nice so we didn't have to go back everyday to get a new one. We never went to the nightly shows and when we walked by them there was never a huge turn out. There isn't a diso on site. Most days we had no problem getting new towels for the pool or our room. We would suggest bringing a couple ant traps if you have a ground floor room or a swim out because there were ants. The traps were a huge help. Would definitely recommend this resort and would consider going back again.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Will be back!!

This was our first time to Cuba and wasn't disappointed. The resort was a perfect size. You were close to everything no matter which building you were in. The grounds and rooms were clean and well maintained. There was always chairs available around the pool. Each day there were activities going on. The food was good and the outdoor lunch was a nice change from the buffet. Our group was 17 including children and we never had trouble finding a table for us all. Will definitely be returning!!

Hotel Bella Costa: Great time!

It is a tired resort, however being in the suites off the hotel was fantastic. Everyone was friendly and accommodating. The food was pretty good, we had no issues with it but it was pretty consistent each day at the buffet. Italian á la carte was delicious. The beach was beautiful and the pool was nice. A lot of kids in the adult pool, and a fecal incident shut it down for an afternoon. The lobby bar was great, an evening favourite.

Starfish Jibacoa: It's a 3 star....don't kid yourself

This is a 3 star resort, bear in mind before booking. Positives: The grounds are lovely, winding walkways, mature trees and everything is within close proximity. The rooms are basic but sound proof. The mature trees are lovely, providing lots of natural shade on the beach and a ton of avian wild life to watch in the evening from your front porch. The sidewalks roll up at 10 and there is no night life to speak of, which is a bonus for us. The beach is lovely, very tranquil, very peaceful, lot [... read more]s of space, no need to secure a chair first thing in the morning, there are spots available all day. The snorkeling is lovely, lots to see. Negatives: The food is horrific. Bring lots of snacks and plan to eat off resort at a "casa particulare" at least a couple of times. You will find lots of recommendations from any staff member. The "a la carte" is a joke. Beware what you order, it will not be what is listed on the menu. Stick to the burger if you can. Keep the two water bottles they give you when you check in. You will not get another and they will grudgingly fill it for you at the bar for a tip. The staff are rude, but still expect tips for service they are not providing. Most days at the buffet, we had to find our own place mats, napkins, cutlery, glasses and pour our own water. They still expected to be tipped. The rooms have no alarm clock, no phone to call the desk, no facecloths. The maid will sweep the room and make the bed. The sheets will not be changed and they don't clean the bathrooms, nor replace shampoo or soap. If you use it up, too bad. It took us three days to get toilet paper and I took it off the maids cart. The beds are hard and the pillow like pancakes. Summary: We knew it was a 3 star going in but we were shocked by the food still. If you stick to pasta, rice, bread ( which is extra good) and ice cream, you will not starve. We had friends with us that only travel to Cuba and they LOVED everything about the resort and plan to return next year for 2 weeks. Everyone else at the resort were returning regulars, some for as long as 50 years. So I think it is the peacefulness of the resort. It did appeal to us but unfortunately we love to eat and we did not get to do that. Would we return...... I am of two minds about that still.

Starfish Varadero: Awesome Resort

We stayed in the renovated side of the resort, the rooms were big, clean, everything worked perfect, the patio was big, the pools were clean, we spend most of our time at the quite pool, the beach was breathtaking.The service desk, the bartenders and the lady at the buffet were so helpful and took care of us right away, The food at the buffet was cold, breakfast was my favourite, never had to wait long to get my eggs fried in front of me everyday.We went to the Italian La A Carte twice, the spag [... read more]hetti was delicious , hot and tasty.Overall the resort was a good value for the price we paid and I would recommend it to my family and friends.

Starfish Varadero: Great time

The staff were friendly , the resort was clean , the beds were comfortable and the shower's worked . Limited selection at buffet but the beach side grill served chicken , pork fresh of the grill so it was a great alternative to the buffet. The Milan Restaurant served excellent pasta and pizza.

Starfish Jibacoa: not amazing resort.

Food was terrible Beach was never cleaned. Practically unusable. Grounds and room was passable. Staff catered to local guests before tourists at the bar and buffet. If I am in a line first I do not expect them to wait on me second. Totally Unacceptable !

Blau Varadero: Amazing place

It was my 7th time at the Blau and the 4th time for my boyfriend. We love to go there. The hotel is clean, the food is good and the staff is amazing. They are part of my family and we stay in touch after each visit. I recommend that hotel... you will be addicted for sure!

Sol Varadero Beach: Sol Sirenas Coral - disappointment

I love Cuba - this was my 8th visit. I knew this hotel was rated 3.5 stars - but I still expected a bit more. The first clue something was wrong is that there were no representatives from Air Transat at all. We were given a phone number in case we had questions. There was no meeting with the rep, no talk about excursions - zero. I was afraid to even touch the lamp in our room as I thought it would fall apart. It was old, rusted and leaning towards one side. The room was clean - but everyt [... read more]hing was outdated and cracked or broken. The mini-fridge is never filled - ever. One whole side of the hotel is closed (the Sirenas side) - but the hotel nonetheless chooses to have their A la Carte meals on the closed side (it's a bit further away and kind of spooky). The beach is absolutely amazing with lots of shaded areas and just enough entertainment. We met a few Canadians but most tourists at this hotel during our stay were Russian. I found most of them rude and arrogant. We did meet a few extremely nice servers at the buffet - and they went through amazing lengths to make our meals fun - even reserving our table for us. A great big thank you to Yamilet and Yunisleidy for making us feel welcome. The Buffet setting was very upsetting - there is no clear line - people cut in from everywhere and the selection there is so minimal...I have never seen so little choice in any Hotel I have stayed at. I did get sick for a bit after eating at the Mexican a la carte (and so did other tourists) - this was also a first for me. Would I come back to the Sol? No - I would not. It needs renovations and upgrades, a better variety of food and better settings for the meals.

Playa Caleta: Good

Resort good rooms were great staff was great. 4th time there this time the food was very diappointing very small selection and running put of food at snack bar and snack bar not open hours stated. Not all bars open was an inconvenience only 1 bar per building open. Only 2 alacarts open a night and couldn't get a reservation. Not as good as the other 3 times there probably won't go back.

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Nice holiday

Bad start with terrible check in, so badly disorganized and did not get one request granted for any of us. We were a family of 10. Despite being a repeat guest of an Iberostar, didn’t seem to matter. 2nd day we finally got settled in appropriate rooms and could start to enjoy our holiday. Despite being only 1yr old, this resort is badly in need of repair. Broken tiles, washroom backups, dirty hallways etc. Part maintenance part vacationer fault. All staff and entertainment staff work really ha [... read more]rd to please, rooms were clean and comfortable. Only one buffet open all week, food ok but you have got to expect that in Cuba. The staff made it possible for us to feel welcome and the entertainment staff were truly amazing, we had a lovely time.

Grand Memories Varadero: Awesome Hotel

Not a single complaint, was fully satisfied with everything from the staff to the rooms to the actual layout of the resort itself, very well done, I was especially pleased with the variety and quality of the food, as well as the fact that there were many unique flavors, not plain and bland like some other places I’ve stayed, extreme value here, I will be returning 😊

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Beautiful Resort

Grounds were very well kept. Beach was spectacular! Food was ok, could always find something. Dissapointed with the beds, uncomforable and very lower. Saw many bad practices when handling food at buffet and using same dirty cloth for everything.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Quiet resort

I slept great, food was much better than my last two trips to Cuba (different resorts), most staff was fantastic, was close enough to airport. Cons: Can’t see ocean without going directly down to the beach. Very little entertainment or atmosphere provided by staff. Made friends who brought their own music. However Coffee bar and piano bar were amazing and made the resort. Probably won’t go back just because we prefer a bit more activity, and I would like to see the ocean throughout the resor [... read more]t, like sitting in the lobby etc which you can’t do here

Barcelo Solymar: Resort for Young People

The housekeeping staff were extremely nice. The front desk staff, not so nice. There is no system as to who gets a nice room; I paid for a superior room but I had to fight to get a room. Our first room had water pouring out of the bathroom ceiling, it took two days to get a new room. First room had mould on the ceiling. Food was the same every day, nothing changed. They cater to a young crowd, that are too drunk to know what they are eating. I will never go back to that hotel and I will never fl [... read more]y Sunwing again.

Starfish Varadero: Great Resort and staff were amazing

The hotel was beautiful and upon arriving at the front desk for check in ,we were upgraded to the newly renovated side,at no extra cost.Check in was fast and the front customer service staff were friendly and very helpful .Tamanna at the buffet was the sweetest woman ever.She’d see us coming and she’d have a table ready for us.

Palma Real: poor this year

I am really disappointed this year on Palma Real Resort. First of all i did not get the room that we had ask for . The front desk at the resort told us that the room would be available in a few days of being there, but when i went back to see them for that room they had given it to a local familly. The food was nasty, the staff was horrible, I didnt see much white teeth at the bar or the restaurant. Although the morning breakfast cook was great the rest of the employees needs work . I dont own a [... read more]nyone there for tips . I will truly think twice about going again to Palma Real next year.

Grand Memories Varadero: ok

Hi, Was told the food was not very good. Place was large, clean, pool bar fun, people nice, but had to change rooms due to bed bugs. Was told he wouldn't stay at this resort again nicer resorts for the premium price he paid.

Playa Caleta: Needs a lot of work, but very clean

We have been going here for 11 years and know what to expect , the staff treats us great , the food is ok , we don't starve but no different from the other resorts we do la cartes , they are great , the beach is close , the grounds are beautiful, the rooms are clean , the bars are great , the people are why we go back year after year

Palma Real: LOVED IT

I just returned home from 7 nights all-inclusive at Allegro Palma Real and I can honestly say that I cannot wait to go back! ARRIVAL at Palma Real- We arrived at night, around 11 pm. There was only 1 lady on the desk and by that time everyone had already had a few beer on the bus so it was a long process waiting for everyone to check in. I suggest you hit up the lobby bar and get a drink while you wait. (I told them I was waiting to check in and they were fine with it). You also have to pay  [... read more]for a safe. I did not, and I made friends with my housekeeper initially so I felt safe leaving my belongings out. Nothing was ever stolen! ROOM- Room was very spacious and what I expected for a 3*. Phone,Air conditioner, tv,fridge,hairdryer, and balcony was what we got in Building #2. I enjoyed our building because it was close to the pool and the lobby. If you do not like to hear noise or loud music, i suggest you ask for Building #4 because it is the furthest away (2 minute walk). The elevators usually do not work, so if you have mobility issues, ask for a lower level. Our balcony did not lock, but we were on the second floor and I was ok with that. Air conditioner did not work for 2 days, however, soon as I called to inquire, they sent someone right away and it was fixed and cold in the room, it was perfect. FOOD- Buffet was OK. The only issue I have with the buffet is that they constantly are mixing foods to make it look pretty on plate. Every day there was different things mixed with the rice, or pasta. It should be laid out so that everything is by itself and we can pick and choose what we want to mix with it.(EXAMPLE- Do not mix fish in things, put it to the side for people to add on their own.) Breakfast was amazing, I highly suggest getting there early and getting the guy on the grill to make you omelet. He will also make your eggs any way you like, even if there are eggs in the buffet. (I did not enjoy the ones pre-cooked)The Snack Bar was Ok. There are only two items you can get, Ham and Cheese Sandwhich, and Hamburger. Rarely do they have fries. They also serve drinks. If you are nice and always there, they will give you nice glasses instead of the plastic ones. I was disappointed when there was no other snack options available. And it was NOT open 24 hours. There should be a few more snack options, not just some extra fruit laid out in the heat and flies. I tried 2 a La carte restaurants- Le Pizza , and Cuban Restaurant. I enjoyed the Pizza, but did not enjoy the cuban restaurant at all! You must book between the hours of 10 am-Noon in Building #1 if you want to make a reservation. POOLS- Swim up Bar pool was nice, however, there should NOT BE KIDS IN THAT POOL! I can tell you it was one of the most annoying things that everyone was complaining about the entire week! Splashing kids everywhere, ruining any of the games, and making it near impossible to enjoy the swim up bar. Parents would just let their kids roam around and swim by themselves. There are 3 other pools that the kids should be in, NOT THE BAR POOL! As for the other pools, they were very nice and usually had not many in them, so it was a nice relaxed area. Don't expect super clean pools, you get what you paid for and sometimes there was some cups and random stuff that was found floating, but for the most part it was still great! BEACH- Beach is literally a 5 minute walk (if your slow) and it has the most beautiful water and sand I have ever seen. Lots of chairs to lay out on and some covered with cute palm tree looking umbrellas. I haven't swam in a beach in almost 15 years because I do not like the beaches in Canada. However, this one, I was out for hours at a time and the sand bar went for miles. There is a free Catamaran trip with our hotel but there are many on the beach that will try to charge you. The one that is included in our hotel is the one on the right side of the beach. So when you enter the beach, take a right and walk down the beach. You will pass a volleyball net, and then you will see the boats, Let them know that you are with Palma Real and it is FREE. It is only about 20 minutes but really fun! I suggest you do it any day you can because we had very windy days and they were not running that day. Water is very salty, bring goggles and its nice to not have the sting in your eyes from the waves. There is a snack bar for Palma Real located right before you enter the beach on the right. There is a gate, and a sign. Basic drinks served and some snacks like hamburgers or fries. There is a larger snack bar buffet for other hotels located right after the volleyball net and we ate there twice and no one said anything. TIPPING- Exchange your money at the airport and ask for lots of 1 dollar bills or coins. These will come in handy, trust me! I did not tip very much on the resort but if I went off the resort I always tipped people or tried to give a few pesos out to the locals to help out. Also if your able to, go to the Dollar Store before you go and get a bunch of basic stuff that you would want to give away. THEY WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT. Anything that they can get, it will go to good use. Pencils, toys, treats, cups, hats, facecloths, shampoo, razors, pads,nail polish, literally anything is appreciated. Also, I brought old clothes that I had and gave those out to people, including my housekeeper. ENTERTAINMENT- We missed most of the night time shows that they had planned but I heard they were good. We made our own entertainment by getting together in the Lobby bar with people we had met. We had found someone who made a beer pong area and asked to play, everyone is welcome! Smoking is also aloud in the lobby so its very open and fun area to hang out before going out for the night. Lobby Bar closes at around 11 but thats just in time for the Clubs to open. BARS- There is a club called Havana Club that is located by the Snack Bar. It is opened at 11 and it gets so many people in there that is a big sweat show, in a good way haha. SO MUCH FUN. Free drinks and disco lights, smoke machine and projectors. If you go right at 11, sometimes your the first ones there, but don't worry, many many more will arrive. And even some from other resorts. The Beatles Bar was very fun. About a 5 minute walk from the resort. There is a cover band that plays old 80 hits and the lead singer is amazing. You can dance here but most of the time you grab a table at 9:30 pm and wait for the vibes to start. Once one person gets up to dance, everyone starts and its so fun. Beer is $2 a can. Calle 62 is a outside bar that is about 2 shops down from the Beatles. there is seats but also a dance floor and a closed off street. Many Many people go there and lots of locals makes for a super fun night of dancing and hip music. EXCURSIONS- Highly recommend the JEEP SAFARI TOUR, so so so much fun. Beware though, you will have to drive a Manual or hop in with someone who is ok driving, even on the highway. They did not even ask for our license so if your young, don't worry haha. You drive the whole day to your destinations. TIP- BRING dollar coins!! or treats for the kids in the villages. There are some very sad spots you will pass and you can stop and give the kids treats. (They will run out of their home and expect it) Bring a bag with you and just take it with you whenever you get out of the jeep. Also bring your goggles, the Cave to swim in is amazing!! and the water is so clear and fresh that you will want goggles to dive in. it is 22m deep with all clear water. You can also drink here(for a price) The Boat ride was fun but short, The operator in the first boat will only tell you to switch drivers once, So if your in a group of 4 and everyone wants to drive, switch is up quickly amongst yourselves so everyone gets a turn. We switched while the boat was still moving haha. FRIENDS- I highly suggest that you mingle with people at your resort. It would not have been the trip it was if it hadn't been for the friends we made. Age differences did not matter and we all discovered quickly that we were all wild party goers who were here to do that same thing. We made friends for life. SHOPPING- Walking out of your resort and taking a left down main street is where you will find all the shops. Every single shop pretty much has the exact same items. so go explore before you buy because you WILL find better deals or someone who is willing to barter with you. If you walk about 15-20 minutes you will find larger and larger areas to shop. I suggest hopping in an old car for about 5$ and driving down to the end to see what kinds of shopping there is and then either walking back, hitting up the markets, or taking a old taxi back. (The old car taxis were so much fun to drive in). Do not take the horse and carriages before you ask if the price is per person or total. A friend of mine was ripped off because he told her total price is $10 and then said per person after the ride. Make sure when purchasing items at the shops that you say the price and ask if they have change before buying. They will try to rip you off and not give you proper change or charging more. I bought a change purse one day for $3 and the next day he told me $5 so I said no "I paid $3 yesterday", he said "oh ya, $3 no problem". Then said he had no change, which i said ok I wont buy it then, and then all of a sudden, he had my change. I did not like that kind of scammers. HOME ITEMS- I recommend you bring a few bags of chips with you from home. These came in VERY handy on late nights when there was no where to get any snacks. Even a knock-off pringles in the store was about 4 pesos. Any condiments you think you might want also. Also go to Dollar Store and get pool floaties. They were the hit of the pool and when we left, we passed them on to new people. OVERALL- I had an amazing trip, I would recommend this resort to anyone who is wanting to combine the best price, best location, and not overly picky. This is the perfect vacation for you. I cannot wait to return next April. I will continue to try to book last minute to get the best deal. ps. Mellis the housekeeper is an amazing person! I hope she is there when I return. Great Service!!