Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Super Modern Resort!

All areas of resort kept very clean and tidy! Rooms are bright and nicely decorated! Service is excellent wherever you are on the resort. The best view in varadero is at the 11th floor bar & restaurant! The beach is outstanding! !

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Good location, very quiet (adult only)

Very clean, well-maintained grounds. The room had no washcloths, the bathroom sink did not have a strainer (almost lost an earring), the AC was too noisy to leave on at night so discomfort. Perhaps they should think of having screens for their patio doors. The pillows were too thin. The food in restaurants was acceptable except for the Mediterranean one (Miramar); the food at the buffet did not have enough variety or appeal, the pasta line was too long, desserts were good.

Memories Jibacoa: Would go again

Memories Jibacoa My overall impression of our 10 day stay at Memories Jibacoa is very positive despite imperfect weather, (often windy ), and a few minor incidents most of which were immediately responded to. As others have said many of the staff are amazing -special thanks to Vivian at the bar, the helpful front desk staff, Mirena our Sunwing Rep, Elsy who makes the best cold Spanish coffee ever, Mike, and Lionel -lifeguard at the pool and beach and many others who always greeted us with a [... read more] smile. I was under the impression that the quality of training of the staff is very high indeed. The overall design of this hotel is very pleasing with small stucco buildings scattered about, and very pleasant landscaping especially enjoyable from the buffet restaurant balcony. Our room balcony was screened by a beautiful mango tree. Although our suite was close to the stage, thankfully the entertainment always ended early about 10pm if we stayed in. Other activities - though plentiful and fun throughout the day, rarely interrupted if one simply wanted to read in peace. This was a first for me in Cuba after 4 visits to various resorts. We spent quite a bit of time at the pool as the beach was sometimes too windy. You have to “reserve” your tanning bed early as per usual. In this case there simply wasn’t enough shade although gazebos have been erected - they really can only accommodate a couple. We noticed trees have been planted around the pool so this should improve in a year or two. The food is somewhat important to me personally, and we have stayed at all-inclusives in Cuba where the food exceeded expectations. Here on the whole it was pretty good quality (fresh, hot, a point or two above bland), good selection, at any one meal. But it was the same selection every day. The Spanish wine was awful and often watered down. You can buy a bottle of wine on site however and bring your own. We did two a la carte restaurants. At the International Restaurant: the beefsteak was exceptional, cooked to order. The Italian restaurant did not have any pasta except spaghetti although the menu offered other types. My husband was horrified that he received a napkin with lipstick on it there as well. It happens. However, glassware was plentiful everywhere and clean. I wish they would stop using polluting plastic straws however. For me the highlight was the snorkeling. Find Lionel to swim with you to the best places about 300m from shore. It’s not that deep but you shouldn’t count on putting your feet down on sensitive corals or the odd sea urchin lurking there. Please use zinc oxide based sunscreen to wear when swimming as it doesn’t affect the corals while even small amounts of regular sunscreens can kill them. Or use a UV proof T-shirt. If you don’t want to swim far, there are also colourful fish very close to the beach - where you can just float or walk. Hazards do include highly visible Portuguese Man of War which are blown in under certain weather conditions, but asking a beach staff for advice about safety on a given day should be common sense. I brought my own mask, snorkel and borrowed fins from the dive shop. Other activities enjoyed: the hike up the mountain with Mike, warning it IS quite steep, and a taxi tour of Matanzas which has an interesting history and some special architecture. Regularly playing musicians near the lobby - high quality on the whole. While we did not lay out extra for Diamond Club membership we didn’t feel excluded or deprived at all. There is a lot of “opportunity” to tip or pay extra for things so “all inclusive” isn’t quite the case. So skip the Diamond Club and lay out for what you really want is my advice. We had a few minor incidents. At one point we got locked in our room - no idea how this happened. Fortunately we could call the desk (something you shouldn’t always take for granted) and it was addressed very quickly by a technician who got us out. Our TV remote died as well and they replaced the TV and remote within 24 hours. Make the effort to learn some Spanish.. few speak much English at this resort. On the whole I think this is my favourite place in Cuba to date. I’d definitely go again.

Hotel Los Cactus: enjoyed stay

2 nd visit better than last year golf included this time had set of clubs to borrow so saved $$$ only cost was cart fee all staff friendly Food still needs improvement with smaller resort got to know lots of people......enjoyed vacation

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Amazing Resort

We found the Iberostar Varadeo to be a top notch resort. The grounds are beautifully kept and guest friendly with multiple walking paths. All areas of the resort were very clean and well lit for night time strolls. Our room was spacious and the king sized bed comfortable. The staff were very friendly, helpful and strived to meet our needs to insure we were having a good time. Down at the beach is an employee who assisted with locating beach chairs with shelter. Walking about the res [... read more]ort we encountered different employees most of whom inquired if we were finding our stay enjoyable and if we needed assistance with anthing to ask. This made us feel pampered and we loved it, never having experienced this kind of hospitality before. Regarding dining one will never go hungry as there is a multitude of selections. However, much of the prepared foods, in the buffet dining area, had very little flavour so we had a variety of cheeses with our breakfast and dinner. I would highly recommend supporting the local economy by purchasing fresh, seasonal, fruits, as those that were available were tasteless--I had never seen pineapple slices so white before instead of the deep yellow of ripe sweetness. Our favourite dining spot on the resort was the Cuban al la carte. Our first meal was succulent and flavourful--so much so that we returned a second and third time. Had we visited longer we would have had all our dinners at the Cuban restaurant. We were able to sample a bit of the local cuisine with the rice and beans and the yucca--Yum! The lobster, fish, shrimp and soup were also most flavourful. We plan to return in 2 years with a few family members and some friends.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Paradise!

This was my fourth time at sanctuary and it only seems to be getting better! The staff are what make this resort so amazing. The pool bar staff were outstanding and incredibly friendly. The restaurant and lounge bar staff are welcoming and are quick to find a solution to any concerns we might have had. The entertainment staff are amazing! They really bring the beach and pool to life and are really fun to be around. Remember that everything is on Cuba time, be patient and polite and you will find [... read more] that this resort is truly paradise ❤️

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Great vacation spot!

We had a great time at the Arenas Blancas. The food was good for Cuba, the staff helpful and friendly and the beach is second to none! The location is one of the main reasons for staying there; it's a short walk to shops and markets and the Beatles Bar and if you want to explore farther you can catch the bus or grab a cab along the way. We had beautiful sunny weather all week. I would totally recommend this resort.

Melia Marina Varadero: Beautiful Place

As much as I loved the staff, there was only one elevator working all week during our stay and the tiles on the floors needs to be changed. Had to take the stairs with my bad knees. Staff was very friendly and courteous. The food in the buffet holders was cold.

Starfish Jibacoa: Great for the money!!!

The resort is between a wooded hill and the beach! The location is perfect for snorkeling since the coral reef is just meters away from the shore! It is great for bicycle trips as well! Will be back soon! :)

Melia Marina Varadero: Come for the beach, don't stay for the food

Incredible beach / water. The hotel is extremely dated for a 4 year old property. Some staff are great - others, appear disinterested in providing any level of service. Food is not great - but hey it's Cuba.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: OK Resort

The resort is laid out very well and was easy to get around. It needs to be updated and they are on some of the areas. When we first arrived we were given a room with twin beds on the ground level after requesting a king and at least one level higher. The air conditioner did not work, no door on the safe, bathroom door was broken, and the room was not clean. It took 2 days to get moved to a different room. Food in the buffet was good but limited selection. other restaurants and snack bar were gr [... read more]eat. We have been to Cuba 16 times and this was the first time we felt the staff at the resort were not that friendly (a few acceptations). We would recommend but would give the heads up on issues.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Wouldn’t go back

We had regular expectations for Cuba. We are not travel snobs and have been to other places in Cuba..This resort was nice and beach is amazing however the food wasn’t great. We lived off hotdogs ice cream and French fries all week. Our rooms were not cleaned properly. The maid did not wipe down sink or countertops or clean the bathtub. She didn’t even change our sheets when we asked for it to be changed. The pirate ship playgrown that was advertised to us when we initially booked (we have tw [... read more]o small kids), was closed. It looked like it was underconstructuon for a while and no one was working on it.. this really disappointed me because my son was really excited about it when we booked our trip. Also make sure you have the correct amount of towels they give you and if security takes them off the lounging chair go report it missing because they will make you pay $15 per towel when you check out. Because we didn’t report our missing towels they made us pay. And threatened to let us not leave the resort... so overall we will not be returning to this resort.

Roc Barlovento: Great Resort.

This was my second year at the ROC Barlovento, and it is still the well run, well maintained Resort it was last year. It has added a third pool, closer to the Beach, which is a much quieter area for those who prefer that to the large and small pools in the center Courtyard area, which have music and activities. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I liked the food, even tho I am a vegetarian, which greatly limited my options. Meat eaters had choices between various casseroles, stews and the [... read more] grills where they could get their meat or fish cooked fresh to order. This is not a Party Resort (in case that is what you are looking for) but it is in town and not that far from restaurants, bars, and dancing at Casa de la Musica, Beatles Bar, or Calle 62. Don't forget to visit the Beach bar too, and meet Yusett, bartender extraordinaire :)

Hotel Los Cactus: Would definitely return to this resort

We travelled with 3 other couples and I think all really enjoyed the resort... I know we did! It is older and there is definitely room for improvements in the rooms but the housekeepers were fantastic. Food on the buffet could have been hotter some days but lots of options and the made to order omelets were a definite highlight!! The staff was very attentive and friendly. Didn't spend much time at the pool but it seemed nice - the beach was beautiful. They lost most of their palapas in the hur [... read more]ricane but umbrellas were plentiful and there was always someone available to put it up for you. They dug the hole so deep you could probably lean against it without it moving. We LOVED the Cuban A la Carte El Mojito. Staff there is second to none and made it a truly enjoyable, memorable experience. Be careful... this resort enforces the no shorts for men rule at the a la carte restaurants. Our husbands really had to scramble to comply with this rule. If I had one complaint, it would be that they tended to run out of wine often as well as mix for many of the drinks... mojitos, pina colatas, rum punch, etc.

Melia Las Americas: Resort was very nice!

The resort is very large and well located to the golf course. Just a 2-4 minute walk depending on where you are staying in the resort. We found the staff very friendly and courteous. There was always something going on to keep you occupied. We found the food bland and average but better than most Cuban resorts. The only other complaint was that we found the pool water temperature quite cold considering the hot weather. Overall, I give it a 4 star rating.

Starfish Jibacoa: Changes at Villas Jibacoa

We have been to this resort several times, the last time in 2016. On arrival this year March 24, 2018 we were very surprised to find that there was now a 3 story block of rooms that had not been part of the resort on all our previous visits. We were disappointed to be placed in this block because what we had loved about this resort was the one story villa style rooms we stayed in in the past. Please make it clear to people that the resort has changed, and explain the difference in room choices.  [... read more] Still a great spot to relax and snorkel off the beach.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Great trip, beautiful resort.

Just returned from a week at Laguna Azul, and we were very pleased. We went on the recommendation of our agent and we weren't disappointed. The resort was beautiful and well taken care of. The staff was very friendly, and we were well taken care of. A shoutout to the bartenders they were amazing. The food was outstanding, lots of variety, we didn’t go hungry that’s for sure. The entertainment was also great, always something going on by the pool or beach, and the night shows were outstanding [... read more]. We met alot of great people. We will definitely be returning to Iberostar Laguna Azul.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Great Beach

This resort is in need of a lot of update with that being said , Our room was kept clean , beach is beautiful. The food is Cuban and not very warm!! What I found was the waiters & waitresses didn’t wait on you like other resorts . Overall a cheap place to visit remember you get what you pay for !! I went for the sunshine & beach and was definitely not disappointed with that 😀

Hotel Los Cactus: Overall great time!

Our first room was a bit aged and in need of renovations, it was in the 600 block. It was a long walk for my wife whom had a recent surgery. I decided to upgrade to the 100 block area a lot closer to pool, buffet, and main beach. This room was much nicer and had 110v. The food at the al la carte's and main buffet was good.Grill at the beach was awesome, hotdogs , fries hamburgers and pizza. The beach was wonderful, they have paddle boats, kayak's, windsurfing and small catamarans. I would go bac [... read more]k here for sure, they really do need to update the older rooms. I would recommend paying a little extra and get a room that has been recently renovated.

Playa Caleta: Had a Great Visit!

travelingraysgirl1 Alberta, Canada 3996 Pending review Had a Great visit! Our room was on top floor with an amazing ocean view. The furniture in room was a little worn but room was clean. Received great service from Mary, our room attendant. Always had clean towels and toilet paper, with the exception of the last night. (Read the reviews ahead of time and brought towels and toilet paper) so no issue there. Received our 1 bottle of water on second day and bought water for 2 cucs thereafter.  [... read more] Never had issues with noise and slept well. (I do always sleep with ear plugs) Resort washrooms were usually clean but devoid of toilet paper and sometimes soap. Again I had read reviews and traveled with back pack always with toilet paper and soap, so non issue for us. (Note: i have stayed at 4 star resorts in Varadero and elsewhere In Cuba and experienced same) Common area were clean but dated. This resort would have been a luxurious resort in its day. The older 70s decor and wear didn't bother me. I enjoyed the retro look. Service was always good and friendly too. The resort had mojitos and Pina coladas at lobby bars when they had the resources to make. Always great coffee at the coffee bar and hot chocolate on occasion too. Never experienced any issues with any Russians as others have stated but did hear Canadians drunkenly belting out tunes one evening and had a couple of seemingly oblivious, entitled young Canadian girls bud in line once, but thankfully the bartender caught that and asked us for our order first. No biggie if he hadn't noticed though. Just pointing out that it was a couple of Canadians that i found to be rude, not Russians. Contrary to what others reported I found the Russians friendly. Would go out of their way to ensure we got noticed/served too at bars. We treated them kindly and with respect and received same. Buffet was small and quite simple and if you got there late things would not get replenished. Food is removed promptly at posted closing times so don't be late if you can help it. We always found food there and never went hungry. Ice cream was available every lunch and dinner and was delicious! Snack bar was where we ate lunch most days. Everything was tasty and food that was available changed by the hour it seemed. Didn't mind the variety. Snack bar did have chicken and tuna sandwiches, burgers, ham and cheese grilled sandwiches and fries. Alacartes were very good to excellent. We liked each of them in this order: italian, international, chinese, cuban. (At the cuban you can oder a lobster tail for $12 cucs, i didnt buy the lobster tail but if i were to return i would.)All the Alacartes were good and preferred over the buffet. Note: never got sick while eating anywhere on this resort. Two pools, both large, but preferred tiled pool closest to Puntarenas as it appeared cleaner. Other pool had dark lines around water line which to me made it appear dirty. Entertainment was excellent and very energetic. Great animation team! Safes are free. Beach Towels require 10 cuc each for deposit and is returned when you return the towel. There is a shuttle to Varadero but never used. Went on two excursions jeep safari (highly recommend) and Vista to Zapata and crocodile farm (also recommend, but don't bother with replica village or boat ride, nothing intriguing to see there and just more tips to hand out) Also to note: all the food at the resort was better then the lunches which were served on both of these tours. Was not impressed with the tour food at all! Being that this resort was cheaper then most, I feel we got a great deal and would not hesitate to return. As someone said to us, same sun, same beach for a better price. Don't go to Cuba if you are expecting brand new resorts with 5 star amenities, and fabulous food - just don't. I go because the beaches are amazing, Cuba is safe, and the cuban people are lovely. I know wherever I stay in Cuba it is considered a luxury to the average cuban who struggles just to feed and clothe their families. I am made to feel grateful by the simplicity of Cuba and I embrace their culture and their people. Thank you Puntarenas and staff for a wonderful vacation!