Palma Real: Allegro Palma Real, Varadero

The facilities are no more than 1.5 stars but the food was surprisingly good. With one exception, the front desk staff are not helpful or friendly at all. The service overall was not great. We were treated like we owed the staff for being there. We never used the "party pool". You could smell the pee standing beside it. The "quiet pool" is very run down and need's replacing. The draft beer is TERRIBLE. Its about a 6 minute walk to one of thefts beaches anywhere. and your right in town so  [... read more]eating out is a great option as well. Many of the local restaurants are excellent.

Villa Tortuga: It was excellent

Going to go back, spotless grounds and pool, room were clean , food no issues , We thoroughly enjoyed 2 weeks , our room overlooked the pool, no mold or bugs in the room, close to all markets and attractions

Palma Real: Another Great Stay!

This is our second time back to the Allegro Palma Real, the resort is definitely in need of some TLC, fresh paint in the rooms and hallways would go a long way. Hotel is clean, beds are comfy and we had hot water all week without fail! The food at the resort was actually very impressive considering it is a 3 star and better than some of the food we've had at some 5 stars in Cuba. Jesus our bartender was top notch!!! Remember this is a 3 star resort, anyone going with the expectation of pa [... read more]ying for a 3 star with 5 star amenities is going to be extremely disappointed. Nothing beats the location, this resort is steps away from the downtown and easy access to everything! The beach is incredible and probably the nicest out of anywhere we have stayed in Cuba, Mexico or the Dominican. The restaurants and live entertainment downtown such as the Beatles Bar and Calle62 are excellent, we had a surf and turf dinner including appetizers, desert and drinks for $15 pesos each and it was delicious! I have two complaints 1) we were not able to get a lock for the safe in our room, every time we went to the front desk, we were told there were none available. We did not have this issue last year and were aware that we'd have to pay for the lock, however we were not able to get one. This was frustrating as we then had to carry our cash and passports with us every where we went. 2) All of the staff were extremely friendly except for the front desk staff, only one lady was super (forgot to get her name) the rest of them were rude and made you feel like you were bothering them. If you are looking to experience the Cuban culture and want to be close to downtown this is a great, basic resort close to everything! I would definitely return!

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Worth it

Would definitely go back. May not be appropriate for a family with an older child as the washroom shower has a see-through window to the bedroom. A la carte restaurant portions were small and reservations line was long.

Hotel Bella Costa: Awesome Resort

This was 11th time at this resort and we enjoy it every year. We look forward to going there. The spot is beautiful and all the workers are great and very helpful. The resort is laid out and everything is very accessible.

Melia Marina Varadero: Not a 5 star, even for Cuban standards

The good; We were room 1138, one floor off ground. This was nice since we were one floor above from the pool level and one floor level below the main lobby/buffet. The views from the lobby was great. You can see the marina well. Pool was big, the beach with the onsite restaurant included in the package as well as the beach bar. The beach was a safe 5 minute walk but the awesome golf cart driver would pick up and drop people from the lobby to the pool to the beach. The rooms all have  [... read more]modern dehumidifiers, AC, ceiling fans, flat screen TVs, and balconies that you can sit out on. The mini fridge had the contents of beer and pop replaced every day and well as a 2L of water each day (be sure to take the bottle off the table or they won’t replace it). The Lobby made the best iced drinks like Frappuccino’s and daiquiris. Paid $20 cuc pp for snorkeling of the small catamaran. That was a good value. When snorkeling for 30 mins and sailed for an hour. The Medicore: Food was okay at times. Not much selection and we had a few foods that were uncooked (omelettes, mussels and prawns at the “hot” skillet table). The al la cartes were a mixed bag. The Asian place was the best, finished my plate clean. Latin was okay. Italian was awful. No pasta option and the prawns were uncooked. Wifi was affordable. $1 cup for an hour. Slightly spotty. The spa was $115 for 50 mins of a couples massage. You got access to their sauna and whirlpool and rooftop infinity pool prior which was lovely. The bad was the actual massage. They didn’t know what they were doing and seemed confused. The bad: the service staff at the buffet in the lobby. They would be rude and not care if we had cutlery or napkins. We had to go get that plus drinks for ourselves many times. The room was at first okay when we first checked in. But we noticed weird crusty white spots on the bed sheets, the pillows, the couch, and dried liquid spots on the tables. We went to the lobby and asked for help, they said they’d send someone right away. We went back to the room to wait to show them when they arrive but they never came after 15 minutes. Went back out, was told the same thing again, went to the 24hr snack shack for an hour, went back to the room, and still no change. We waited and then called the lobby. No answer. So we went to the lobby with a pillowcase to show the stain. After they ignored us for 15 mins, they offered to give us a room just for the night. This was after they said they have no rooms. This room was fine. But the next morning when we went back to our original room, they still hadn’t done the room. This was at noon the next day.

Roc Barlovento: Whatever

old dirty room mo hot water bugs food drinks no shade at pool and beach lobby staff young man not nice the only thing good was the beach and people service excellent.......................................

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Nice resort

The resort in beautiful as is the beach (ofcourse). If you are looking for a mostly relaxing vacation this is your place. While there are things to do(shuffle board, boccia ball etc) there is not alot of entertainment. Never did the ala cartes but should have. Buffet not very good. Could always find something to eat. But never that exciting. For 1000. Its fine. Anymore, look elsewhere.

Club Kawama: Nice resort

I was at this resort from April 02 to April 6, 2018. I arrived around 10pm and was given a room that had no telephone, smelled terrible of mold and lights by the night table were out. A/C was very loud and very cold. Had to get out of bed to turn it off due to being too cold and back on for getting too hot and room was becoming unbearable to breath. Following morning, I asked for another room which was granted after ppl checked out. This room was far better and made the rest of my stay enjoyabl [... read more]e. Resort is very big, didn’t get to see it all. The beach was nice, pool clean and water warm. Food was good. This resort open in 1931 to government officials until tourist were allowed to stay in 1981, I think. Everyone was very friendly, this was my 11th time in Varadero, Cuba and first time experience with a bad room that I had to change. Overall I enjoyed it.

Melia Marina Varadero: Review Melia Marina Varadero

The hotel was mediocre and not as elegant as claimed.Why I am writing like that there is a reason which in my view is very valid. Bricks and mortar are not the only things that constitute the word hotel. People at reception, at bars, in bus service, eatery places, room service places and other numerous places. The hotel room was available at 3: 40 P.M.Hot water in Bathroom not available twice in morning for a shower. First-time towels were changed after a repeated request on the third day. The t [... read more]oilet I bet you is not still working properly. Safety box mall functioned twice. Nobody will tell me that I didn't know how to operate it. People on the large were down to earth very helpful and very polite no doubt about that. Since their monthly wages are very low their expectations are very high from the visitors. That is why every bus to airport or anywhere to other towns would ask you for tips. No one forces you to give but somehow one feels obligated when others are paying. There is one bus that is an exception "Transgatovia" Bus number 2820 did not ask for a dime. Beaches were great clean and attractive. Drinks on the beaches were flowing only for those who were tipping extraordinarily. Not much vegetation around the grounds of the hotel and around. The beaches was not very impressive as far as vegetatation is concerned. I could keep on writing but what would I accomplish.

Palma Real: Enjoyable resort

Location location location. Sure it’s got some bumps and bruises but it’s safe decent food decent accommodations. Good value for the money. If ur used to top end look elsewhere but if ur down to earth u can have a great time here

Hotel Los Cactus: Nice older resort

Hotel las cactus is a nice older resort The lobby bar is small but comfortable. The room we had was a standard room with a kingsize bed. The bed was a bit low to the floor but ok. If you go to Cuba expecting the food to be great, your at the wrong place. Mind you,there is always something you will like and will not go hungry. The beach was nice (wish visitors would not leave there garbage lying around though). Very soft sand but lots of shells near the waters edge. I would recommend beach  [... read more]shoes. There is a great grill near the beach with hotdogs, hamburgers and french fries. They also make pulled pork sand wicked. The trip to thE market in varadero was awesome. Super large area to shop for gifts etc. Pool was very nice. Workers were always pleasant.

Barcelo Solymar: 4 starts room ???

The room was old, few constructions inside, door cracked, lamps doesn’t work etc... For a 4 starts room, I had more expectations. It’s probably an old 4 stars room but not anymore. Need few renovations

Club Tropical: Nice Resort- Good value for your money

I thought the hotel was a very good dollar for dollar experience since it is centrally located in Varadero, thus eliminating cab rides like those you have to include in your vacation plans if you choose one of the out of the way resorts. The food was comparable to other higher rated resorts I have stayed in ,in Cuba and that accounts for some twelve resorts throughout the island and some twice. The beach within steps of the hotel simply adds to it's character and the multiple shops and restauran [... read more]ts within walking distance might keep you walking. A favorite cultural experience can be had if you attend to the home of some local people in the village who will cook home meals and welcome you to dine with them.All in all the rooms are clean(some of the older ones may be dated), but clean, good food , good location, pleasant staff,and nice people from all parts of the world. I would return!!!

Sirenis Tropical Varadero: Great Hotel

It is are second time staying at Naviti Varadaro. Rooms are very nice, cleaning staff is great. Buffet was also good they cooked use a whole pig out by the beach bar, and the last night we where there the had lobster and a huge cheese table at the dinner buffet. Great chefs. We would diffenetly recommend this hotel to anyone.

Playa Vista Azul: Something for everyone

This fairly new resort is a well represented 4 star with all the amenities to make me want to return again. The food was plentiful and tasty. Beds were not hard. Staff were energetic and helpful. I enjoyed the nightly entertainment in the lobby & theatre, but everything quieted down around 11pm. (I think a bus took partiers to a bar/disco close by.) Our pre-arranged ground floor room request was granted and the walk-in shower was beneficial for ease of access. There was a mix of young and o [... read more]ld with a separate wading pool for kids. You could choose from two beautiful beaches with kayak use at one. There was a money exchange at the hotel lobby to buy wifi cards ( 1 CUC peso for 1 hour) or cigars/rum.

Grand Memories Varadero: Had a really great time!

The wait and cleaning staff were amazing. Our room was a standard room and exactly what we expected. The entertainment staff, was fun and full of life. The buffet was good. There was a varied of foods to choose from. We only visited the Italian restaurant but enjoyed the atmosphere and dinner. Heard great things about the Oriental and Cuban restaurants. Enjoyed using both large pools. No issues getting a lounge chair when needed. There were a few differences compared to being at home but absolut [... read more]ely manageable. Read all reviews and plan ahead to suit your fancy. I brought packages of Heinz ketchup and vinegar because that’s what I like. Priorities for us. 1. Feel safe, 2. Clean, 3. Eatable food, 4. Close to the airport. We met our targets. The taxi driver into town was amazing. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Grand Memories Varadero: Decent resort, marred with theft issues

Nice enough resort. Unfortunately, my engraved wedding ring was stolen by staff from our locked hotel room. My wife and I treated very poorly and unprofessionally by staff whilst reporting it. Huge cockroach in our room, but that's Cuba. Food was okay. Most staff were nice. Resort is old but well kept. Beach was 15 min walk from our room because the resort is huge. Wouldn't go back due to theft issue and extreme lack of coherence and professionalism whilst handling the unfortunate situation.

Brisas Del Caribe: Satisfied but not impressed

We just spent a week at Brisas, it was our 3rd time there over10 years . The staff is very friendly only a few were aloof, not rude just hand you your drink with no eye contact or any interaction. While we never went hungry or had any stomach issues you have to wonder why we didn't. Some food not kept warm or not cooked to a high internal temperature. Too often there is still food stuck on the clean plates which is more than I can handle. The pools are not cleaned ever that we saw and 2 w [... read more]ere closed all week. Very green and full of leaves and such. Spent the week in the awesome ocean. Truthfully the biggest issue is not the resorts problem. Canadians are a tiny minority compared to the Russians. We even had some toss all of our stuff on the sand and take our loungers while we had a swim. They jump in front of you in line and are loud and terrible while they smoke at the non smoking bar. Of course the staff won't intervene. The resort is worth it's price and the staff are awesome, they just need to cover the small details better.

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Fabulous resort!

Resort was great. Can't wait to go back! Staff were excellent especially Adrian, Lisandra, Tusnery, Darien, and Darys at the 11th floor bar and restaurant. They made our stay very enjoyable. Food was good; paid for elite package so had choice of steak, fish, pork, lobster tail daily for lunch that was cooked to order. Specialty restaurants were good except for the steakhouse (avoid it). My favorite was the Japanese more for the show than the food. Unfortunately, we only seen one of the nightly s [... read more]hows (the rock show) which was good. Our room was always made up fresh with a towel animal waiting for us upon our return.We didn't do any excursions because Havana is a 2.5 hr drive each way; will see it next time. We did pay 5 CUC to ride the double decker bus all day, so went into the town of Varadero and did some souvenir shopping. All in all a great trip and already planning to return for a longer stay next time!