Muthu Playa Varadero: Run Down Resort

The resort was old and in desperate need of a renovation. Rooms had hot water but simple things as new towels everyday and bottled water everyday was non existent. The air conditioner leaked all the time and we had a pool of water on the floor and it had 2 settings only, off or artic. Food consists of A LOT of pork, with very few other options. Food was very bland and tasteless, no variety at all. Service was ok, but nothing to rave about. People on the resort, aside from our maid are m [... read more]iserable and looked very unhappy all the time. They do not go out of their way and made very minimal effort to make your trip enjoyable. Elevator out of service or malfunctioning the majority of the time. Beach was very nice, non motorized boats available. There were always plenty of beach chairs at the beach. The pool was clean and not crowded. Activities at the hotel during the week such as music, games etc. did not happen. They played a few games on the weekends, but nothing exciting. This was a very cheap trip, so you get what you pay for. If you want a nice resort with all the amenities, do not come here. Recommend this hotel only if you are on a very tight budget. I would not bring my kids here. Overall rating is 2.5 - 3.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: The beach is it!

Would not recommend this hotel. This was a convalescence trip so we spent our entire time on the resort. The food is not very good, it is actually pretty bad, except for the grill near the beach. Only one cook could do over easy eggs and their attempt at bacon was greasy deli slices warmed up. I could not stomach the strange butter they served. I thought that it was always that way until I found a good butter in the Italian restaurant. Our room, had very old cheap furniture and the floors ha [... read more]d drops of dried plaster from repairs done on the walls. There is a definite Need for an overhaul. Our room was not properly cleaned and the towels were not changed. I was bitten all over in the bed not quite sure by what, Of course the Internet was expensive and not always working as expected and the few times I had to interact with the staff I did not find then very pleasant. Of course if you are there for the beach then that is great. Hope you get sunnier days than we got. You should only go here if you get a very good deal and don’t expect too much.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Times are changing

this hotel is in very good shape it's situated almost at the end of the peninsula , grounds are well manicured we had a pretty good location Bungalow 13 second floor room 1325 and facing the back towards wild trees fairly quiet. Our check in process was quick Milena was very efficient had our room keys and map in our hands in less than 10 minutes, we exchanged our Canadian Dollars right at the front desk got $72 pesos for $100 Can. meanwhile they had a sign that said $76 pesos for $100 Can. I [... read more] pointed that out to them and I was told that it's a requirement from the bank to post the rate but they charged a different rate I guess its a commission or as she put it we would have to pay $5 pesos each to get on a bus and get to the bank and get that rate Our bell boy gave us a tour of the facilities while driving us to our room which was unexpected and a nice touch. I got short changed twice at the place where you would by the Internet Cards for WiFi and once at the smoke shop I'm sensing a pattern here. Our house keeper Emma was very good and polite always had a different pattern arrangement for the towels. The food at the Ranchon Playa where they only opened for lunch was not that good I would say below average for Cuban standards,also the buffet is getting tired of the same old things everyday for lunch and dinner was the same 3 types of fish and 3 types of meat that they could cook for you on the hot plate,the steam tables were no different always the same, my wife and I did like the rabbit stew and we had that twice, we tried the Italian and Oriental twice each and they were better than the average although I must say that they sell you a white meaty fish by the name of Fogonero for Salmon, I'm not sure why they do that. The section of the beach that this hotel is situated was below average it was not a gradual entry into the water as it had a one foot drop and you need to wear water or beach shoes as the entry points are full of stones also not enough palapas for everyone, we went once to the pool as we are not pool people,our booking agent Jenn was very efficient over all it was better than staying at home where they had snow every day and freezing rain for the seven days that we had sun

Roc Barlovento: Ok Resort

This is our second visit to Varadero and our first at Barlovento, this is an older resort as are most of the hotels in downtown Varadero, our room was dated but clean, the bathroom was small but we always had hot water, our room was located on second floor. Our only issue ...we could not find a chair in shady areas at pool or beach, due to rude people reserving chairs and not using them. We were so tired by the end of our stay because we walked on the beach and around the pools looking for a sp [... read more]ace to sit in the shade and relax but unfortunately as previously mentioned lots of chairs reserved but not used by guests! The weather was beautiful sunny and hot, we came to enjoy sun and beach, and were disappointed because of this behaviour, but we did not want to complain to management because you can’t control peoples actions . Just a small suggestion maybe management can get some more palapas on beach and umbrellas in pool areas?? There were some repairs still going on in one pool area, the grounds in general well groomed and clean. Food was ok. Most staff work hard but we noticed some were not as nice if you didn’t leave tip, overall it was ok but most likely will not return.

Grand Memories Varadero: Disappointing

My friend and I travelled for a 4 day girl's trip in February 2018. This was my 1st tropical vacation, and I was unsure what to expect, but I was sadly disappointed. Customer service was poor; I found many of the staff to be unhelpful, either due to limited language skills or limited interest. The staff member that showed us to our room was friendly, until he demanded a higher tip than what was offered, then he became very rude when his demand was not met. We booked an excursion while the [... read more]re. We showed up early for the bus (they were late by more than 10 minutes). When we could not produce our sales receipt (staff never told us we needed it upon booking) my friend went back to the office to obtain the receipt, while I remained at the bus. The tour guide would not wait, even 1 second beyond the last passenger boarding the bus, despite our having paid approx $270 Cdn for the outing. Neither the vendor nor the tour office would assist us, even though they failed to provide us with the proper info in the first place. They simply blame-shifted and told us to rebook. We rebooked for the next day, our last day, and were promised access to shower rooms at the resort in order to be ready for the flight home, as we were required to check out of our room before the excursion. When we returned, the woman who booked us the shower room denied us access, as the room was now in use, despite our having booked it. She arranged for another room, 20 minutes later, but made the inconvenience to her very well-known. The new room was across the resort, and we asked to be driven out, as they had returned our luggage to us, and we were not able to walk that distance and back, on time, with all our luggage. They agreed, but then never sent anyone. The person we stopped promised to return, but didn't. We got no showers, and almost missed our airport bus, after having to change in the busy public washroom at the resort. We found only ONE service staff to be friendly and accomodating, and she was well tipped for taking care of us. The food was terrible. The drinks were plentiful but mediocre and they were often out of ice or mix, especially at the beach bar. We paid extra for a superior room; and even at the extra cost, the keys never worked on the first 4-5 attempts, the track for the sliding door to the balcony was broken and it did not lock. The mirror had been removed from the wall and not replaced, but the supporting hooks remained. The bathroom doorlock and the hairdryer were broken. The beds were uncomfortable and the bedding was old. There was never warm water for showering. That being said, we tipped the housekeeping staff well and they gave us extra pillows and folded the towels into shapes. The beach was beautiful, but it was difficult to get a lounger or shade. We never used the pool, as it was always at full capacity. The massages we booked at the spa were very relaxing and enjoyable. Despite the above, we did enjoy ourselves, but I won't return. If you are just looking to lounge on a beautiful beach and drink unlimited alcohol on the cheap, and you don't care about the food, service or accommodations, this place might be for you. If you're looking for even a little luxury or pampering from your vacay, journey elsewhere.

Starfish Varadero: Awesome place to relax and have fun!

I would actually refer my family and friends to this hotel. The staff were friendly, once they got to know you and recognize you. Even the cleaning lady on the first evening in the bar area was saying hello by the 3rd day! They all worked hard to keep the place clean and make sure that you got what you asked for. Our toilet was broken when we first got there but the room was immaculate! By Monday we had a different room and I felt sad to leave ours because the chambermaid was so awesome! T [... read more]he beach was clean and the staff were there to help you. The poolside beds were awesome, staff there was a little more curt with you but there were a ton of really, and I mean really drunk people there. I would go back to this resort. If you are expectations are too high, then you don’t need to visit Cuba, the culture and the people are beautiful!

Resonance Blu Varadero: Not a great resort

The bar service was slow and the drinks where disgusting. The food at buffet was cold and the meats where all under cooked. This was my third time at memories and I will never go back. Had to ask for toliet paper and bottle water we where diamond club and room key stopped working twice during our stay. The Sunwing rep was very rude. It’s was my worst trip to Cuba ever,have gone 3 times before

Paradisus Varadero: overall pretty good

Food was good but very repetitive. Beach area was very nice with lots of space and palm trees. Drinks were great. Premium choices especially in the family consierge area. No exchanging beach towels, out every day. No face clothes. Show was great. Main pool was great.

Starfish Jibacoa: Felt Like Camp

The experience we would describe like camp, the food was pretty bad, we had to go off the resort a few times to eat because we were losing a bit of weight. The staff was okay, Eddy and Luis at the Pool Bar were exceptional as well as some of the few bartenders at the lobby bar, the maid was very kind but other than that the staff weren't very happy unless you were handing them a tip and then they would perk right up. The beach was very unclean, the hurricane had blown through a few months before [... read more] we came so I thought they would have cleaned it up by the time we got there. Both myself and my partner got sick while we were there because some of the staff would fill our water bottles with sink water instead of larger bottles of water like they are instructed to do. We had a great first few days but by the end we wanted to go home.

Sol Varadero Beach: Needs work

While the staff was very friendly and helpful, the Serinas half of this hotel need a facelift. Our first room was very old and smelled strongly of mold. We asked to be moved. Our second room was old but did not have mold. The air conditioning did not work and the toilet seat had 2 large cracks that would bite your butt if you were not really careful. The only drawers in the room were 2 very small ones in the night stands and the closet contained only 6 hangers, so we lived out of our suitcase fo [... read more]r the week. The beach is beautiful but go to the Coral section, because the Serinas section only has a dozen palapas, while the Coral has more than 3X that and we're adding more when we were there. Overall we had a good week with fine weather but the hotel needs an update.

Club Tropical: Good

the resort was clean , staff was friendly ,entertainment was good,food was alright , right on the beach ,close to the markets i have 3 boys i hope to arrange at trip back to the Tropical Resort i think theClub Tropical Resort is a fair bang for your buck.

Hotel Acuazul: it is a good hotel。

the grounds，public areas，dining and features are very good。 however，room is not very good，the problems are as follows： 1) almost for 4 days there is no hot water； 2) wash room (on S lever ) seems nobody takes care， taps and toilets are not working well。

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Not impressed by Cuba or the resort

First Cuba. Everything I read before I went talked about the poverty and neediness of the country. I found all of that to be true and it colored my impressions of the entire trip. The resort. Again, I was warned, a five star in Cuba isn't like a five star in other locations. Oh boy, that is true. In my opinion, the resort, although clean and maintained, was worn out and unimpressive. Again, as warned, the food was mediocre to bad. The main pool was crowed and noisy. We were able to get a [... read more]n upgrade to Royal Service and that pool was much less crowded. The Royal Service beach area had lots of chairs and shade, plus a bar. The general beach area not so much. Beach is pretty. Pools in both areas really cold. Would not suggest paying for Royal Service. I view this destination as a budget vacation and you get what you pay for. I would not do this again. Although I saved money, I found too much lacking for my tastes. I would suck it up and find more funds and go somewhere more upscale and not Cuba.

Playa Caleta: Not to bad

The hotel was clean and the staff was friendly. A lil frustrating when the dont have currency to exchange and then you cant purchase nor tip till they get some the next day. Food could have been better but over all not many complaints.

Hotel Bella Costa: Amazing Family Vacation!!!

Last year, 4 of us vacationed at Hotel Bella Costa. Our expectations were passed with flying colours. We decided to return to Cuba with our children and grandchildren. Now the family has 8 people to please, ranging in age from 6 years-to 75years. Your resort, our excursions and Varadero managed to keep us entertained. The end of each day was the same, 8 tired happy vacationers. Each of us always found good food at every meal to our liking. Hard to believe how well the staff went out of there w [... read more]ay to meet our needs and wants, with only a minor language barrier. The rooms and facilities were clean and well maintained. We all agreed the mattresses and pillows should be up graded (minor complaint). We are already planning to return and recommendBella Costa to others.

Los Delfines: Great Central location

This resort is central to the local markets and a number of great restaurants to also support the locals. The beach is fantastic, resort very clean, friendly staff. My only concern was we didn't have hot water.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Nice Resort

The hotel was nice looking. Grounds were very clean, beach had some debris in/on the sand. Beach bar needs work! Workers are arrogant, and only serve you if u have money in your hand. I had a VIP room and it was nice. Food was shady the first few days but after that it was good.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: average

The hotel was dated and not very well cleaned, the beach was very separated from the rest of the hotel. The lack of restricted smoking areas was a huge negative. Overall the hotel could use some improvements

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Good Resort

Nice Place , Pool was nice , service was good . The rooms were clean .The Only complaint was the washroom lighting was poor . The fixtures were designed for two bulbs and one was removed from each fixture in the bathroom and the bed lamps. The food was ok .

Melia Marina Varadero: Very Nice Resort

Very friendly staff and excellent service. The pools were great. Lots of different pools with lounges in the sun or shade. Building was in good shape and was being upgraded during our stay. Rooms were as on the website. If we asked front desk for an extra water bottle, literally 2 minutes later someone was at our door with it.