Sol Palmeras: A really lovely trip

Probably like you, my husband and I read all of the possible reviews on the Sol Palmeras. We read about it being dated and read about the food being mediocre at best. We worried that with it not being a five star in Cuba we would end up in some dive but man are we SO GLAD we took a chance on the Sol Palmeras. We spent one week at this resort over the March Break with our children five and eight. Upon arriving we found the lobby to be modern, clean and quite pleasant. Our check in was quite fas [... read more]t and we got a bungalow in the 500s which was ready for us, even though it was only 11:30 am. While we didnt get a bungalow closer to the lobby as requested, we were offered the option to switch the next day if we wanted. We decided that it wasn’t worth it and that the five ish minute walk to the beach or pool etc really wasn’t a huge deal. On occasion it was annoying but mostly it was fine and even with our kids, it wasn’t a big issue at all. The bungalow was exactly what we were expecting because of all of the great reviews on here. Yes it is dated in that the tiles arent huge marble slabs like some other resorts and the walls are stucco and tile in the living area and the bathroom. The tub is old and we got water all over the floor every time we showered. The toilet, towel fixtures and furniture are also super dated and look old. However, a bungalow with two children was way better than a super modern hotel room. Our kids had a whole living area to themselves with two cots to sleep on. There was a mini fridge that was stocked with beer, water and pop on the first day and daily with water for the rest of the week, despite some of the other reviews saying they only received water on day one. They were able to wake up and go play outside on the porch area or run around and try to catch lizards instead of being cooped up in one room. It was awesome having a little house to ourselves for the week basically. Most importantly, everything was CLEAN. Our maid for the week was Katy and every time we returned from the beach, she had made adorable birds etc on the kids’ beds which they LOVED and all rooms were spotless. We care more about cleanliness than modern amenities. The beds I will say though are super hard and need to be replaced. The buffet has definitely been renovated and is very modern and was always very clean. The food was totally fine in our opinion. No it wasn’t gourmet, mind blowing food but we ate more than enough every day and had better breakfasts than we would at home with eggs made the way you like, bacon, and freshly baked croissants. Our kids loved the eggs and the yogurt every morning. The beach bar has whole chicken legs, pork skewers and fish barbecued right there on the beach every day. It was delicious!! The Chinese a la Cart was our favorite. We would have eaten there three times but it was full for the third time we tried. We also really enjoyed the Italian. You can potentially eat at an a la Carte every night if there’s space. The beach was breath taking, was clean every morning and we always found chairs with a cabana for shade. The pool was busier on the windy days and chairs filled quite quickly. We just put towels out every morning by 8:30 at either the beach or pool and had great spots every morning with shade for our children. Our kids had a blast. They loved ordering their own ice cream and drinks. All of the staff was so friendly and really sweet to the kids. Our five year old loved the kids show and we took her every night. If you’re looking to enjoy the beach and the beautiful weather while not breaking the bank, the Sol Palmeras is a more than reasonable option. We felt like there were zero surprises when we arrived and that the reviews on here had done an excellent job of preparing us and guiding realistic expectations. We feel we got exactly what we were told we would and were very happy with that. My husband and I asked each other several times as the week went on, if we would return to the Sol Palmeras and every time we both said we TOTALLY would!!!

Muthu Playa Varadero: Just a fine Resort, nothing Extravagant

The Food was great, great beaches and water, lobby was good at hotel. After being upgraded from first level moldy room to third floor Ocean view. Everything was ok. Last time we were at Santa Maria at a 2 star Hotel (5 years ago) it seemed that we were better off than the 3.5 star hotel. Either way for the money value it just a fine Resort nothing Extravagant.

Starfish Jibacoa: Relaxing Week

We stayed at this property on the recommendations of several friends who regularly go to Villas Jibacoa. It’s not a fancy place but the vibe is very friendly and relaxed. Not party central- no disco😁They suffered considerable damage from the hurricane of last September but it has been mostly repaired. Not a lot of shade on the beach because the palapas were destroyed along with many trees. We travelled with friends who are avid snorkellers. They took me out to the reef that is easily swimab [... read more]le from shore and it is, in their opinion, some of the best snorkeling that they have found in the Caribbean. The resort is a fairly easy 45 minute cab ride from Havana which is an absolute must-see. The staff were mostly very helpful with the exception of one or two apathetic and surly waiters. The food was actually better than we expected. You never go to Cuba for the food and, at best, it’s usually acceptable, but there was decent variety and always enough. We are (semi)veggetarians but we eat seafood and fish so we had absolutely no complaints with the food. Not a lot of salads and fresh fruit but again, probably as a result of the hurricane. Our Transat rep, Anne Maria, was exceptional and very helpful. Overall, for the price, we would recommend Villas Jibacoa

Hotel Los Cactus: Very good resort

The resort and grounds are good could use a bit of an upgrade but the sense of being very safe and the wonderful staff made this vacation a very good one. The beach was amazing and was cleaned every morning and the blue of the water is incredible. We went for a ride in a peddle boat for free and was alot of fun. Next is the food i had heard that the food was not great very bland and not a good selection, well I admit I'm kind of a food snob but I found absolutely nothing wrong with the food o [... read more]r selections. There was always fresh vegetables fruits salad greens soup delicious homemade bread cold cuts 3 or four kinds of cheese cuban food rice and beans pork chicken sausage and always a pasta station with four different sauces (meat,tomato and creams) There was a beach bbq with hot dogs burgers and pizza. 24 hours a day you could get food. Also the desserts were delicious and well presented. Every night there was a show and music. Contests and dance lessons and fun at the pool every day. There are five hot tubs which are open 24 hours. The drinks were good sometimes they ran out of vodka or tequila but always there was rum and beer. I met people that had spent their vacations at los cactus every year for multiple times one couple since 1994. One lady feels so safe she goes alone how amazing is that.I will definetly go back had an amazing time we all should be thankful for what we have!!

Melia Las Americas: amazing

poor service at the bars. not to many staff members can speak english. grounds were kept nice. staff always expect tips for poor service. lack of staff. staff always wanting to sell things on the side like trips to havanna. pools are not heated. lack of water in rooms. hit and miss.

Starfish Cuatro Palmas: GREAT CUBA VACATION

The Pros This was the first time to Cuba and we had a great time and a wonderful experience in Varadero and the Cuatro Palmas was just perfect. The hotel is a smaller size hotel and is well located in the more quieter area of Varadero and our room was 110V so no 220V adaptor required, it was nice and large and very clean and quiet. The large pool and beach were great and the daily and evening entertainment was good. All the staff were very nice and friendly and our chamber maid Maresleo [... read more]dys was very nice and did a great job! The food buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner was great, tasty, hot and with lots of variety. Abel at the beach bar was a great bartender and we enjoyed talking with him as well as Abelito the bartender of the Cuba Bar, which we spent many evenings at, was very friendly and very nice to talk to and he made us amazing drinks. There is also a medical clinic across the street as well as a market. Karine, our Sunwing representative, was excellent and her French and English are very good and she gave us a tour of the hotel facilities and told us all about the activities and things the hotel has to offer. We really enjoyed our vacation and our experience at this hotel Cuatro Palmas and Varadero’s beautiful fine white sand beach. We went on the paddleboat and the catamaran, which was so much fun as well as enjoyed the food, music, entertainment and the drinks, lots of drinks!!! We will be back again next year and do it all over again! The Cons Make sure you bring toilet paper and always carry a roll with you as we found out that everywhere from the moment we arrived in Cuba at the airport or at the hotel or other restaurants, the toilet paper is no where to be found . At the hotel, in the morning there is toilet paper available but after lunch or in the evening, there is often non available even in the hotel lobby’s washroom. Unfortunately you cannot chose with whom and the other vacationing guests staying at your hotel. There were a lot of English and French Canadians and some international guests staying at the hotel. A lot of French Canadians from Quebec were rude, disrespectful and had no manners and cannot say hello, please and thank you in any language including French. A few of them were just plain idiots taking loud, singing and swearing at the pool, on the beach and in the restaurants like they were the only one at the hotel and like they were home drinking in their garage.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Kids loves it

Both kids and I a had a fabulous time. The pool was a little cold but that never bothers any kid. Beach was beautiful used the paddle boats for some swimming in the ocean fun. Food was OK but you are in Cuba so the food is never exceptional. Staff was mostly friendly The managers at the front desk were very helpful . Get your blue towel when they come in as they do run out for some times 2 days. We changed rooms after the first day as we had no safe and the ground floor sliding door would  [... read more]not lock! Our room on the 5th floor was excellent and our housekeeper Teresa was fabulous! No service at the swim up bar. Outdoor shows in the evenings were fun for the kids and actually had some pretty good talent. Overall we had a wonderful stay.

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Ok resort

Hotel is new and looking nice. Hotel has 826 rooms but very limited dining services/food in cafeteria. Only 1 waffle maker for this whole resort. Staff is very slow especially in cafeteria-takes a long time to get an omelette and long line builds up really quick. Cafeteria staff needs to refill food in a faster/better manner. More variety of food options were available when cafeteria just opened for meals as opposed to 1 hour later, probably 1/3 of food was available. Checked out lagage is kept  [... read more]in the lobby not in the locked room as it’s stated by service desk staff and in the info package-had to have an unpleasant argumentative conversation with a concierge about it. Hotel offers a complimentary shower room but no clean towels to use. Requested 4 times towels, waited forever and never got them. Shower not cleaned between customers. Our room was cleaned daily by the maid and no complaints about that (tipped every day the maid and cafeteria servers with every meal). Beach was nice but you had to reserve the chairs under the umbrellas early in the morning to have protection from the sun. This huge hotel should have more umbrellas available for the amount of people staying there. Overall it was ok, not great experience.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Very Good Resort

I think this resort is Good but i din,t think it,s good for 4 stars .I or Wife didn,t have any problem staying there for one week we would like to go back again some day Thank you.I have to change our room but i get better one.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Recommended

Staff: Very friendly Rooms: Average Pool and Beach: Excellent Food: Average Activities: Very satisfied This is honest and realistic opinion of myself and my family, Not too much for kids, it is more for adults,

Muthu Playa Varadero: Disappointing

This hotel was likely luxurious when it was newer. But it has not been maintained. Tiles missing from floors in all common areas Very basic accommodation and services. No poolside or beach service. Rooms showed signs of mouldy condition. Sewage smell in lobby area. Food was good. I do not recommend this hotel although the beach area was beautiful.

Melia Las Antillas: Pretty good

The room was very nice - 5th Floor Ocean View. The hotel is back far from the beach so the room overlooks the grounds of the hotel, the pool and then the ocean beyond the trees. The Concierge service was well worth it. Elizabeth was excellent and the lounge was a nice bonus. The buffet food was ok. You could always find something to eat. The beach burger bbq was very good. The a la cartes were also very good. The Concierge package came with lobster dinner. I would say this hotel needs some upd [... read more]ating, some of which was going on while we were there. The rooms were very clean and the maid was very good. All the staff seemed to do whatever they could to be helpful. Of course, the beach was beautiful. The hotel needs to add beach drink servers and cleaners. A lot of cigarette butts and smoking everywhere. The guy in the motorized cart driving up and down the beach selling coconut and pineapple drinks was annoying and we watched him cut his straws and leave the garbage on the beach. Some rooms overlooked the hotel patio which could be very noisy. The entertainment was good but somewhat repetitive. Note - there were two camels and an emaciated horse tied up in a field out front of the neighbouring hotel. I think they gave rides or something. Don't do it! Animals in poor condition.

Playa Vista Azul: Good quality resort

I can only say positive things about my stay at Ocean Vista. The food was good, it was clean, the staff were friendly and accomadating. The beach was beautiful. I would recommend this resort to my friends and family.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Not Bad for the Money

The grounds were well kept. Pool area and beach is great; lots of music and chairs available. The rooms however are moldy, damp and the “maid service” only makes your bed daily. I suggest you bring money as this resort only provides one bottle of water per week/per room, (mini fridge is provided in room with nothing in it) only two bath towels per week/per room and the internet is not free. Everything costs money - even though it’s all inclusive.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Great time

Very nice hotel but door scanning system is out dated and the magnetic strip does not work. The grounds have potential to be better. The service was ok Special thanks to housekeeping 😁👍 The FOOD SUCKS!! Change Menu up at buffet where's the seafood.... Beach is AWESOME..

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Mixed Review

Good: New facility. Rooms, lobby, pool, grounds, tennis courts, gym, etc. were very nice. Evening entertainment was very good. Table tennis, shuffle board and bocce were fun to play in between pool and beach visits. Nice new paddle boats, kayaks and catamarans to use for free. Bad: I only had hot water on one out of the 7 days there. The main buffet was extremely busy. The flow of the buffet was poorly designed and the staff not very efficient so getting anything made on the spot was an extrem [... read more]ely long process. An example is doing only 1 omelette or 2 fried eggs at a time. The snack bar was a welcome alternative but you have to resign yourself to the fact that you will be waiting up to an hour to get drinks and a hot dog. The food at the restaurants that you can book was good. Unfortunately, we were only able to use 2 of our 3 restaurant passes since all the seating times (except for 9PM) were taken. So-so: I am used to extremely friendly staff at other resorts so I was surprised by the staff at Bella Vista. Many seemed bored, indifferent, etc.. They weren’t rude or anything. They just didn’t go out of their way for anything. The beach was very pretty but fairly small. No room to play catch, beach volleyball, etc.. You have to pay a small fee per 1 hour of internet usage. Very slow connection. I could not see any email attachments, etc.. This was kind of a blessing since I was kind of forced to truly disconnect and go off the grid. The elevators were extremely slow. We were on the 7th floor and literally never used the elevators except at arrival and departure when we had our luggage. I didn’t mind the stair climb at all but it’s worth mentioning since I know this could be a challenge for people with more limited mobility.

Paradisus Varadero: Excellent resort

We upgraded to Family Concierge and best decision we ever made. Nice facility with modern room .Well maintained facility. Our Butler, Pavel was amazing . Great shows and great food. We will come back for sure

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: great vacation

I spent a week at this resort with my wife, and two daughters, aged 5 and 7. We had a fantastic time at this resort! Things that were perfect included the beach, friendliness of staff, swimming pools, excursions, entertainment, cleanliness, safety. Things less than perfect did not detract from our experience and included food (mediocre at buffet and a bit busy and frantic, better at a la carte restaurants) and little details like pools not filled at the kids centre, broken faucets, toilets th [... read more]at ran continuously etc... Highlights were the beach, the killer rock cover band that me and my kids danced our buts off to, the buena vista social club band, swimming with dolphins (the girls loved it, while my wife felt a bit guilty), being on a catamaran, and the bellamar cave. Would definitely recommend and return!

Sol Varadero Beach: ok resort

This hotel was ok...you get what you pay for....very close to beach, and one of the first few hotels you come across in Varadero, which means you can easily walk to town...Italian restaurant is the only one worth going to other than two buffet ones...but you have to line up at 8:30 am each day to reserve for the following day. Room was fine along with pools etc. Food at buffet was ok....they tend to run out of things of you arrive too late...get your coffee or tea from the coffee/tea nook out [... read more]side the buffet area first...good variety shows at night to watch. Internet cards suck as govt blocks all .com sites so you can see facebook but not post etc....bring your own phone plan.....also, they rip you off on leaving when you try to exchange your cuban money back to Can$$ at airport....expect 1:1....Better off rather than exchanging all your Canadian money to cuban on arrival, just exchange what you need for the day and save whatever Canadian you need on return...best excursion is jeep safari...but if you have a chance go into town to Marlin diving and ask for a snorkeling trip to Caribbean side of Island...better coral structures, fish and you get to snorkel much longer!!! Also rent a moped at resort..cheap and fun! My only complaint...we had alot of Russian/European tourists at the resort and every second person smoked...everywhere!!! likely less of this if you stayed at a 5 star.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Iberostar Varadero - Awesom

We just spent a week at the Iberostar Varadero in Cuba in March 2018. It was amazing! The room was clean and easily accommodated the three of us (two adults and a seven year old). Yeni always made sure we had fresh towels. And we never had issues with noise coming through the walls. We mostly ate at the buffets where the wait staff were quite attentive, ensuring we had coffee, water and juice at breakfast. At supper, we never had an empty glass of wine! The food selection was diverse and  [... read more]there was always something to enjoy eating, even for our picky 7 year old daughter. Jorge, Roxy and many other took care of us! The beach was wonderful and we were always able to find chairs and a shady spot to relax. The bar was close by, and a waiter was always near to top off a drink. Poolside was the same, and Julisa kept us well hydrated! Activities were great. Zumba lessons with Chocalate, shuffle board, pellet gun competitions, quizzes with Denis, kept us laughing and busy all day. A few pluses was the proximity to the airport, only a 30-40 minute drive and it was easy to organize a day trip and tour of Havana. Only 355 more days to go until we're back!