Hotel Los Cactus: Good resort

Overall it was a pretty good resort. The pool is large and lots of shaded areas. The buffet is large and there was quite a selection. However it is open so cats and birds are always around. The beach is beautiful and kept clean. All the palapas were destroyed from the hurricane but they were being replaced with brand new umbrellas on our last day there. Our suite was very nice and spacious. The bathroom could use some upgrades....if you are tall its very hard to use the shower!! The staff overal [... read more]l were nice and accomodating. This was our first time in Varadero and found the staff not quite as friendly as resorts in Cayo Coco. The beach grill was great and Carlos was always cooking up something good!! Lots to see and do though in Varadero!!

Melia Las Antillas: Familiar place

I have been to this resort about 4 times and it has become like a second home to me. The staff all seem to be happy to see the guests and can not do enough for them. Never a disappointment. I usually come with family so we all know the layout and keep coming back to the Melia Las Antilles hopefully for a long time.

Paradisus Varadero: THE WORST EXPERINCE EVER...NEVER AGAIN...

i have to switch my hotel from Paradisus Varadero to Iberostar Varadero due to the horrible level of service in Paradisus that does not belong to five star rating by any mean... and here is what we have been through in Paradisus; -we first check in in room 2026 the AC was broken and the room smells bad and i have a baby that can NOT tolerate this conditions. -same night they moved us to room 1815 the fridge was broken full of water/the AC was very weak/ and my wife wake up in the middle  [... read more]of the night to feed my baby to find that the baby food was full of INSECTS and she got INSECT BIT at the bed (photo and video attached) -so we called room service which supposed to be 24 hours,,there was NO answer for almost 30 min (no one answer the phone) -so i had to walk almost 5 min at 1:00 AM to get to the reception to find help,,so they moved us again to room # 2816 to spend the night tell we speak with the customer service in the morning.. -after we moved the new room was NOT clean and still have some insects (video attached) and MY BABY HAD NO FOOD after we throw her food in the garbage at room 1815,so we called room service again at 3:00 am to get any food for our baby and NO ONE ANSWER THE PHONE for 1 hour until my baby went for sleep STARVING. -further more my baby vomit at night because of the food she eat from the dinner buffet. -and me and my wife both had diarrhoea from the same food. -we tried to eat some fruits at the dinner buffet,,and the fruits was SPOILED and not valid for human consumption. so as a conclusion i had a NIGHTMARE night in this terrible hotel with NO FOOD,NO REST, AND NO SLEEP until i moved to Iberostar Varadero thanks for the help of sunwing agent in Iberostar which was excellent hotel.

Sol Varadero Beach: Hotel sirenas coral

Ground and public areas are nice. The room is clean enough but the air conditioner was not working at all. they have to change the whole system if they really want give the guests the comfort. food and service is good. The staff should have at least bit knowledge english because mostly they speak Spanish.

Memories Jibacoa: Perfect for couples and first-time visitors to Cuba

This is a great hotel, especially for those visiting Cuba for the first time as it is very close to Havana. It is also great for people looking to relax in a nice and friendly atmosphere. The hotel grounds are amazingly beautiful and very well maintained. The staff was extremely friendly and the service was great. The entertainment program was very impressive with live music, singers and dancers - loved it. The piano bar is also a must see, it also had great air-conditioning. The food choices [... read more] were rich and there were enough healthy options. We would definitely go back and recommend it to our friends.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Didn't go

Our trip was cancelled because of a hurricane, hope everyone in Cuba was Ok!...................................................................................................................................................................

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Pre/Post Irma

Arrived in Varadero on Sept. 4th. Negotiated a cab for $35 US. After a short wait at the main entrance of Grand Memories, shuttled to check in at Sanctuary. Check in was very quick, with champagne and fruit skewers. Found out we were upgraded to a suite adjacent to the beach. We did have Diamond Club reservations. room was very spacious, with two bathrooms, and a tub/shower separate from a stand alone shower. We had a dispenser stocked with light/dark rum, vodka, and whisky, and a small bar frid [... read more]ge with beer and soda, restocked daily. Our room was second floor, facing the beach, although we could not see the ocean from our room, it was visible from the third floor. Apparently, we had a butler assigned to our room, although no one came when we called the front desk, requesting ice. We also found out that wifi cards are free, one a day, for Diamond Club.This we found out from another couple, and we were not reimbursed for the days we didn't know about it. Food was pretty average, and nothing to rave about. Unfortunately, they were out of pizza, everyday at the snack bar. Then, we were told by way of a general posted meeting with management, that Irma was imminent. Told to stay in our rooms for 48 hours. Just as Irma hit, we lost hydro, and water. Luckily, management, by way of housekeeping gave us a candle, and bottled water. Unfortunately, they did not give out matches with the candle. They also taped the balcony door glass, in case it broke. Since our room was perpendicular to the winds, we did not sustain any structural damage to our room. The resort, however was heavily damaged. Although water was restored to our room, we never did get any hydro. No air conditioning, no cold drinks, no hot shower. We were given ham and cheese sandwiches, and melted ice cream for two days, before they got the buffet sorted out. For some reason the generator for the Sanctuary section of the resort did not work. We were not given a reason why. Whether it was damaged, or previously incapacitated, we were never told. Our Sunwing rep. was basically MIA after the storm, except for a note under our day saying we would fly out after 2 days. In those two days, we managed to find out Memories, just down the road, had hydro, and cold drinks. Apparently, all the UK tourists had been transferred there by their very active travel reps. Would have been a fabulous 10 day vacation, but for Irma, and I think the Resort should have been better prepared. At least our housekeeper stocked us up with soda, rum, and candles. Btw, the resort stopped serving any alcohol immediately after Irma, because the military takes over. This is what we were told by other guests, and the Management did warn us that there would be no service of alcohol for that 48 hours. When we left Sanctuary, on Sept. 12, it was more of a ghost town.

Melia Las Antillas: Terrible

Dear Sunwing,     My name is Stephen and my girlfriends name is Rowene We had the worst experience of my life with your company and the resort. The staff was the most incompetant unorganized people i have ever dealt with. Rude and 0 communication about the process of evacuating the huricane irma. We had asked to leave before the storm hit on wednesday and was told there is no possibility of leaving. This was simply untrue and you left is in distress and anguish for the rest of the w [... read more]eek. There was no running water, room cleaning or hot food for the remaining days. The rooms were atrocious and filled with ants and coachroaches. After the storm we left in a flooded room with not even clean blankets to sleep because they were used to stop the flooding. The food we were served was mystery meat sandwhiches left in room temperature for days on end. I wouldnt serve this food to animals let alone call it fine dining. The airport had us line up 2.5 hours before telling us that they cant check us out at the airport. 0 communication as mentioned above. We then had to reline up 2 more hours into wrong lines as your staff sat in circle and talked ignoring all upset passengers. This was circus of an airline team and unnaceptable. I feel really cheated by how poor this vacation was and want MY MONEY BACK! I will not be returning to Sunwing and telling all my friends family and social network of my experience.  I hope we can resolve this and have us fly sunwing in the future with an apology and full refund. You can contact me at Steveomastro@gmail.com

Starfish Varadero: Amazing people at Hotel Starfish Varadero

I was one of many unfortunate people who got stranded at the hotel for safety reason regarding the hurricane!! The knowledge and capability that every employee has to guide us in every steps, (before, during and after the hurricane) make a huge difference to us! The situation was handle calmly for every single employee at this hotel, and this was a big contribution to calm us too! Not only they have to deal with 500 more tourist, that arrived from other hotels,also they have to deal with t [... read more]he anxiety and frustration of all of us, and they did with a big smile and willing to!! The structure of the building is strong and safe, also have a electricity generator, that was big bonus!! The food was good and a lots of variety !! I noticed that the many tourist doesn't left tips! No even in this catastrophic situation!! The main income from Cuban people is tourist, and now with this devastating situation, the have nothing! Just an smile and music !! Love this people ! They are very rich in they heart!! Good hotel to go!!

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: A wonderful holiday

We really enjoyed our stay at the Royalton Hicaros Resort. Beautiful grounds, nice facilities and what makes this stay so special is the staff. They cannot do enough for you. Food in all the restaurants was the best. The beach is the nicest I have ever seen. We so hope all their staff and families were safe from the hurricane that was happening as we left. We would go back to this resort anytime with exception maybe not in prime hurricane season. A great place to go.

Palma Real: Very good hotel overall.

For the food, there is little choice but very good food. The beach is not in the hotel but a 3 minute walk and with a beach bar dedicated to Palma Real. The only downside is the road that passes close to some rooms makes a little noise even at night, but the stunning water views compensate. I easily give a 4/5.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: My expectations were exceeded

Room 1721-Great junior suite, spacious and well kept. The housekeeper was excellent and made animals and birds daily. Overall the staff was friendly and very helpful. Our stay was curt short by Irma but we will be back for sure because everyday was wonderful. We went to Havana and saw the fantastic Tropicana show and shopped at both the hotel and Varadero.This is truly a 5 star hotel.

Sol Palmeras: Amazing Resort

We stayed at Sol Palmeras for a week (August 31 - September 7, 2017) in one bedroom bungalow, The resort was amazing, great and so relaxing for our family. The buffet was bland but you could always find something to eat and enjoy, the restaurants food was more favor full. The room was clean and comfortable for our family, there is a lot of bungalow zone and before booking I did read another review stating the distance, so given that my mother in law was traveling with us, and requested a  [... read more]closer bungalow to the hotel amenities because it would be a easier walk distance for my mother in law. I contacted the hotel and María Ofelia Díaz Prendes responded and agreed to make that request happen and we did get close bungalow (room 121) - Thank you. The hotel/resort area and beaches are decently kept and clean, ocean view is excellent, which does have restaurant/bar close by. Overall, our family (myself, husband, mother in law, child - 2.5yrs old) had a great time, kids area/pool, extremely friendly staff ... We would and will be returning to Sol Palmeras.

Palma Real: Keeps on getting better!

I dont recall how many times I have been to Palma Real but during my many trips, I have gained a lot of friends from both staff and fellow vacationers. This trip my friends and I noticed the food seemed to have improved. I was much hotter and seemed to have more flavor. We were also faced with hurricane Irma half way through our stay. The employees reassured us we would be safe from catastrophes at Palma Real because the hotel had been used as a shelter for others in then past due to it's sligh [... read more]t elevation, short buildings and strong structures. We watched workers preparing by putting up plywood panels for extra protection while we waited for our carrier, Air Transat to come for iur safe evacuation. Since the aftermath I have heard there was minimal damage and things should be back to usual at Palma Real in the very near future.

Be Live Turquesa: We had a nice time

Rooms needs to be upgraded other vice a very nice and clean hotel, stuff is nice and helpful, beach is clean. Mexican and Italian restaurant enjoyable. Nightly entertainment always good. I would return to this hotel.

Be Live Turquesa: Great time

The grounds were easy to navigate and clean.The rooms were comfortable and clean.The bidet was a nice touch.There was a small unstocked mini fridge which was handy for storing water and drinks for the evening.

Hotel Bella Costa: You get what you pay for...and I wouldnt personally pay more than $700 canadian dollars to go to this resort

Food was decent, beach was amazing. The hotel is run down and not well maintained. for example, the pool was awful. Water was too chlorinated and the pool liner was falling apart...the bottom of the boot was all hilly...the patio doors do not lock and access to doors from the outside are fairly easy. Every guest that we spoke to had the same issue with their patio doors. The TV and DVD player were p[provided in the room but neither one was functional. There was a mini fridge in the room which [... read more] was never stocked. and not functional either. Half the lamps and or light bulbs did not function. After complaining light bulbs were installed over the week and by the 4th or 5th day we were there we had the majority of the bulbs changed. The bathtub drain was clogged and we had to shower with water up to our ankles. The rooms had a moldy smell...The beds were hard and small. The air conditioner was extremely noisy and did not really cool down the room. At least the safe and door locks worked. We booked an ocean view room and paid extra for this but what we really got was a pool view and after complaining we were told that this was an ocean view. I stayed at this resort 20 years ago and had an ocean view room with the actual view of the ocean and not the pool. After complaining the front desk told us the hotel was booked and could not change our room. I have been travelling to Cuba for the past 20 years and have always enjoyed myself despite the lower quality of food and the lack of luxury that you may find with hotels in non-Cuba destinations. One reason is the staff at the hotels, who are usually friendly and provide good service. This was my first experience where the majority of the staff was rude to the guests. One issue could have been that there were many local Cubans staying at the hotel as guests. It was apparent that the staff was giving priority to the local Cubans as guests. The staff at the snack bar was rude to my daughter and her friend (both girls were 11 and 8 years old respectively). Trying to get a drink at the bar was frustrating. With the exception of one or two bartenders in lobby bar, the majority of the bartenders, waitresses purposely served the local Cuban guests and would leave the regular guests waiting as long as they could get away with it.. On one or two occasions, we noticed that the maids did not replace the towels in the room. They simply took the wet and dirty towels off the bathroom floor and hung them up to dry. Some friends that we met on vacation, who spoke Spanish, overheard the staff making fun of and insulting the guests for a variety of reasons not knowing that the guests spoke Spanish. There were many staff that realize their are issues with the hotel and, although they appeared to go out of their way, there appeared to be many more that really just didn't care. Although this is not the worst resort that I have been to in Cuba, it does rank low and I would suggest not going to this resort unless you can get a very good deal. Absent the rude staff, I would give this resort a 3.5 star....however, considering that the staff is a vital component to making your stay nice, I cannot justify such a high rating.

Hotel Bella Costa: A regular Cuban 4* Hotel

It was my 3rd time this summer that I went to enjoy a weekend a Bella Costa with friends and family. This is my general review; Hotel: Needs loving and renovating. The service is generally pleasant. We love the fact that locals and foreigners and co-vacationing together, we all have to learn from one another´s culture! Food: Generally OK not better not worst than any other 4*. We must say that the service in general needs to be revised and Buffet team needs to be coach. Understanding  [... read more]that the hotel sometimes gets really packed, but it remains unacceptable for an institute of CUSTOMER SERVICE that it regularly lacks glasses, plates and that we need to wait more than 10 minutes for a simple omelette or a pasta dish... THE SERVICE at THE BUFFET NEEDS TO BE THOROUGHLY REVISED. Beach: Beautiful and well kept, but we keep on wondering why there is NO BAR at the beach... Pool: The hotel should really invest into changing the lining. It is almost shameful to have a pool bottom in such bad state. It clashes with the rest of the nice ground and garden around. Really, this should be looked into as a top priority. We will definitely go back to Bella Costa, because we understand that we get what we pay for.

Palma Real: 2e home

This resort is so friendly ..it like my 2 home ..it's not fancy but it's in town and we can walk ..the food is good and the room is ok ..the room are renovated and don't forget it's Cuba ...it's my 5 time and will be back ...

Palma Real: All the pillows had black mold

The negatives: we had three separate rooms and all 6 of our pillows (not the covers) had black mold spots on them. The sheets had a stench of dampness everyday. Some days there was no hot water at all. One day I was showering with cold water and it shut off on me mid shower so I had to rinse my whole body in the sink. Hint to hotel management: stop being so cheap and change your pillows for pete's sake. On the positive side: staff were very nice - restaurant servers only started being nice  [... read more]once they caught onto the fact that we were tipping; to our amusement, they wouldn't even look at us the first two days when we needed something. Food was good. I feel like hipster westerners who come to cuba are food snobs. I found it delicious.