Los Delfines: Great little hotel perfectly situated
The hotel is perfectly situated downtown few steps from the beach. Many restaurants stores and activities around. My room was big and super comfortable, AC worked perfectly, hot water everyday. Staff very nice. Pool great.The food, well it's Cuba, but I found something good everyday. There is a terrace on the beach for eating outside, amazing! The only negative for me was their Pina colada, fake and made with some strange mixture powder... But All in all I think it's a great quality/price hotel.[... read more] I will definitely go back!
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Rayanne22 -
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Melia Las Americas: So addictive, you never want to leave
I would like too start with, Cuba made me forget the rest of the world. My experience at Melia Las Americas was indescribable.This resort and Cuba in general, opened a whole new world for me. This was the first country I have visited other then Lebanon, and I now want to travel the world. 5 days was way to short.. I wouldn't mind living at Melia Las Americas. The days felt timeless and stress free. The second you arrive you're treated like family by the most generous, genuine people. Besides the[... read more] beautiful beaches and pools and weather, I was hooked by the staff and the kindness and care they expressed, It was beyond amazing. It suited everyones interests. You wanted to spend a relaxing quiet vacation by the water, their was quiet areas at the beach and pools. You wanted to experience the traditional Cuban culture, it was filled with different opportunities like live old traditional music, dancing on the beach, visiting the locals flee market. If you enjoy the modern party atmosphere, music, dancing, and flashing lights were provided further down along the beach which continued until late at night. I cant even finish the long list of the different enjoyable activities and adventures you can enjoy.
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GGMC -
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Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Worth it if you want peace and quiet, upscale amenities,
There is barely anything I can say negative about this resort. First I want to thank Jose our Sanctuary contact for making all arrangements for our convenience, ala carte reservations and extended use of the room for my guest as I left earlier in the morning.
Catamaran excursion was booked easily with our Sunwing Rep Jonny and all went as planned. We found no issues with choices at the buffet, food was plentiful and good variety. The ala carte restaurants were well hosted and meals were present[... read more]ed very professionally. The Deluxe Junior was well appointed and maintained very well by the friendly cleaning staff. Liquor tree was a nice addition also the well stocked bar fridge. We spent most of our "water time" at the pool which was welcome relief from the heat. The staff at the pool bar were incredibly friendly and hospitable. The poolside food and drinks were the best. I suppose the only issue we had, which has been mentioned before, was at the beach. Small area for Sanctuary and other guests would claim the all the lounges and shade for the day even if not there. Hence spending most of the time at the pool. We have traveled to many 4 and 5 star resorts in Cuba and I would definitely put this in the top 5 we have stayed at.
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Private -
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Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Fantastic resort
Stayed at the Royalton Hicacos Resort for a week from June 16th to June 23rd. The resort is outstanding with the amenities, food and exceptional staff being top notch. We would recommend this resort to anyone and are counting the days until we return next year for a family wedding. Well done Royalton Hicanos.
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Private -
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Starfish Varadero: excellent location but run down but has potential to be a good place once done renos.
the hotel appears to be under new owners about two months ago. they are trying to fix everything that needs to be fixed. The hotel is located on the best beach of varadero and tehre is no complaints about the beach, long stretch and lots of palalpas to sit under and chairs. they have very nice bungalos that are in way better condition then the main building. they do not upgrade very easy and always want money for upgrades, even when the resort is under capacity and only 100 people were on the[... read more] resort most of the time. the main building is very old, about 20 yrs + and needs major work. The food selection is very limited but tastes good and you can always find food. staff is mostly friendly and the activities from animation team usually in the afternoons. the resort is very big and has potential to be good if they can really put money towards making it into a good 4 star. ala cart was good and they ahd free lobster upgrade and we did that twice. There was a seafood lunch grill one lunch time and they had lobster too. there is lots of good night time entertainment.
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Private -
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Playa Vista Azul: Nice resort 4+
Travelled May 6 - May 13. Our room was excellent. It was ocean front, facing the infinity pool, in the lobby building. We spent the whole week at the infinity pool. Never an issue getting a lounger and it was quieter than the main pool. All the staff were fantastic and took very good care of us. Food was good for Cuba. Could not reserve at the al la carte restaurants, it was first come first serve. We tried all 3 and liked the Italian the best.
Two beaches, one was small and closer and the othe[... read more]r was a bit of a hike but much bigger. The was a small bar at the big beach but it was at the top of the stairs to the beach and not on the beach.
For us, the only negative was that there was no snacks or food in the lobby building. You had to walk to the other side of the resort for the buffet, snack bar, al la carte restaurants and late night drinks and snacks.
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Oana -
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Melia Peninsula Varadero: Unfortunately.... I am disappointed
I am not a pretentious person but this resort is not a 5 stars.
It will be my 1st bad review.
Personal need to be paid all the time.even for a bottle of water for my 2 1/2 daughter.
I needed 3 towels in our room and I did had them all day. Only 2 out of 7.
I asked coffee in the room each morning. ..I did not have.
I asked for milk in our room . They never call back or come to the milk.
The bar disent have chairs do u order and go away.
The buffet has gaz problem so ou[... read more]r meals were half cooked. Bleah to eat raw chicken
To be served it was an eternity. They came with a small coffee and then try to have a second it took forever that we said we might forget about it.
Food is not tasty bug not even cooked.
The children don't have juice to drink in afternoon. Only dinner time and that all.
The beach bar is very poor and far.
I didn't like it.
I will stop because there is nothing I try to say I liked it.
Maybe the sun ad the clear water.
I will not return for sure here and for Cuba I Wil think twice or let more years to pass util I will forget thus bad experience.
Ieeill definitely spend money in Republiqur dominicaine or Mexic but not soon in Cuba.
I am sorry for the ones working there but there is nothing try can do. The management is to blame and also the system they are in.
They might think is beautiful place and do a good job. Get out in the world to compare.
Have a nice vacation for the ones go there find your beautiful in small thinks. Water beast sun .
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Jaimz -
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Barcelo Solymar: Awsome party resort
Was amazing !!! Good temeperature and lots of fun !! Service was tops !! Amazing food for cuba , amazing night life will go back very shortly !! Also easy booking with this travel agency thank you!! Cant wait to re book!!
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Leila -
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Roc Arenas Doradas: we loved everything was perfect
we loved everything was perfect,we will come back again for sure.we have a good time.muito bommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
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Private -
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Starfish Jibacoa: Clean, quiet, restful.
First, please note that while this hotel is often described as being in Varadero, it is about 1.5 hours away from that main Varadero strip, and about 1.5 hours to Havana. I met several people on this resort who felt they had been misled and were looking for the action and buzz of Varadero.
The beach was clean. I recommend bringing rubber swim shoes as much of the frontage is sharp rock. I went for the snorkeling but perhaps I didn't go out far enough as I was disappointed. I saw a lacklus[... read more]ter grey fish, and then a very large barracuda on another day. Yet many other reviewers marvel at the snorkeling so take my observation with a grain of salt. There was a bad storm when we arrived which might have churned up the water.
The staff without exception were very kind and helpful though I do speak conversational Spanish which might help. I was somewhat irritated as a sole traveler that when I went on the beach, I would be approached the by security (white shirt/black pants-walkie talkie people) looking for material things. They were the only staff to do so.
There is an amazing seafood restaurant off this resort - about a 10 minute walk up the hill. For 15 pesos you have a huge and tasty dinner, far superior to the buffet which is the usual bland fare.
This is not a resort for people looking to party, or to take a local bus to see the sights (such as in Varadero). You are at the mercy of paid excursions as the resort is in a remote location. Like myself, most visitors were over 50 or families with children.
Some complain that the Cuban locals "take over" the resort. I remember the days when locals weren't permitted on their own beaches nor to speak to tourists, so I found this refreshing. Unlike other Cubans you might encounter off resort, they don't ask you for material things - they are there to enjoy their vacations with family.
If you are looking for quiet, to decompress, to swim, to reconnect with a partner, to meditate, or want to try solo travelling for the first time, this IS THE PLACE.
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Private -
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Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Good for Cuba
I went with my family and we had a good time. Very nice kids friendly hotel and most of the people were able to understand English. Lots of activities through out the day and the entertainment staff were friendly. The reservation buffets were nice elegant evenings as they soothed your mind and body with beautiful music. Sometimes at the snack shacks beside the pool we had to chase the birds away from coming on our chairs and attempting to eat our food. For me the downside of things was I found t[... read more]he food to be very salty and sometimes the shower to wash off when you came from the beach wouldn't work. Those times we had to go into the pool after to get off most of the sand so that we wouldn't bring it back to the hotel.
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Maria and freeliza -
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Mar Del Sur: budjet hotel Mar del Sur
The newer part of the hotel is very nice only problem is that when it rains water enters through the window and the place is flooded.
Only one restaurant for all the buildings that is almost full especially on the weekends when the locals come.
Property is clean and although is a good distance away from the beach it is located in a neighborhood that is centrally located to buses and taxis.
Food is mediocre, but then this is Cuba. I would stay there again because I am a budjet traveler.
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#Sunbeachmustclose -
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Gran Caribe Sun Beach: Horrid
Stay away from this resort
Food: has flies all over it
You will loose soooo much weight
Rooms: they r okay our ac worked others didn't
The room makers won't give you towels or bedsheets unless you tip them. Everyone tries to hustle that peso from you
Staff: act very nonchalant unless you pull out a peso then they are all smiles
There is a black entertainment lady who tells everyone a story about her mom with cancer and her two sisters, which we find out wasn't true. She does that then as[... read more]ks you for your clothes for her sisters and the next day she will be wearing them around the hotel.
Advice: if you can't stand the food the is a pizza shop on like 12 Calle just go there we had to survive on that and it was very affordable the staff over there was much more friendly.
Just STAY AWAY from the resort. When it rains water drops from ceiling down everywhere. If you have a hard time with stairs stay away from this hotel. The elevator is broken 97% of the day.
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Dolphinlover -
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Playa Vista Azul: Very nice place
I like the unit room which is. A very nice and neat too.
The food is good except the pork bacon isn't cook enough.
They have 3 separation swimming pool which is a very nice to give us.
People were very friendly and helpful.
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Hewan -
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Mar Del Sur: Mar del sur varadero
First of all there is multiple buildings to this hotel. The older part should be taken out of action and be renovated. When it rains everywhere in the room was flooded. Had to have a room change in another new building.this part of the resort is very nice. The location was ok had to walk a few blocks to the beach. Foods sucks. Room was always clean. Maids very pleasant also dining room supervisor. Local Cubans their for the weekend very rude. I believe they need to shut the old buldings and st[... read more]op putting tourist in such dismal rooms.if you are on a budget it's ok .
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Private -
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Iberostar Selection Varadero: BEST VACATION EVER
The resort was just beautiful. The staff was very welcoming and they provided efficient and great service. Also, the resort was very clean and accomodating. I recommend for people to go to this resort.
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TorontoDave1983 -
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Palma Real: Great value, price and location
The staff was all exceptionally friendly and were very accommodating and helpful. The location is perfect for anyone wanting to go out at night as there is free entrance to Havana club while staying at this resort also Calle 62, Beatles bar and la comparsita are all very close amongst others. The hotel rooms were clean and beds comfortable. For the price you really can't go wrong. My travel agent was also a pleasure to book with! Thanks again!!
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Private -
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Iberostar Selection Varadero: Great Resort!
This resort is very comfortable. Not too big or too small. It's just right. Very friendly and outgoing staff. Everyone works very hard to make your stay enjoyable. All requests ( crib, baggage pick-up) were all handled promptly. The buffet offers a wide variety of choices, from lobster to fresh fish, chicken and pork. The food was delicious. My children have food allergies and they accommodated us without hesitation. The grill was also delicious with vocal entertainers. The entertainment at nig[... read more]ht was fantastic! Great shows! Probably the best one's I've seen in Cuba. They did water acrobats too! The grounds are well kept and charming. The kids splash pad is also fantastic with water slides, a park and kids club. Very family oriented. The beach was well kept, white sand. Low tide you can walk out more than 10 metres! Beautiful, beautiful. Had a great time and will most likely go back again.
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Private -
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Melia Marina Varadero: Great time at the Melia Marina - Level Review
Melia Marina Review – The Level
This was a last minute trip for my DH and I, we have stayed at this resort 1 year ago and decided to go back. I also want to preface this review by saying that we know we are going to a communist country, we know the standards are different than other parts of the world. They do the very best they can with what they have, if you are not okay with that or understanding please go somewhere else. I saw some truly appalling requests from a few guests.
Arrival:[... read more] We arrived late on Monday night so we did not check into the level, instead in the main reception. It was quick and easy. They did have the champagne but we did not partake.
Room: We were in 1620 and it was very nice, it faced the pool and beach. Our room was always cleaned twice. Once in the afternoon and turn down in the evening for bed every day. King bed, 36 inch TV (I’m sure our TV last time was bigger but no problem), bathtub with waterfall faucet, shower, and toilet with separate door. Everything was clean and in great working order. We had our gold level towels in our room as well as robes and slippers. We would leave our towels in the room during dinner and during turn down service they would exchange them. You could also go to the level and get them exchanged as well if you didn’t want to wait.
Resort: We found the resort just as perfect as it was last year. Someone was always cleaning something. They also replaced all of the pool lining plastic tiles (not sure the actual name) while we were there.
Staff: Wonderful! They are truly what make this resort the best. My thanks to the level staff Anisleydis, Lazaro, Yosvani and Lazio. We loved the pool/beach staff Yusel, Jamie and Daumier. They were AWESOME! We played beach volleyball, Spanish lessons, action 16 I think it was called, and dance lessons. They kept us moving and having fun the whole time. The entertainment team is at the beach in the morning and in the afternoon starting at 3.
Level: We really enjoy the level services. They are always happy, smiling and willing to help. We would always go up for drinks and they made the best mojitos! My only small complaint was they are changing what is included in the level and a certain whiskey that was included before was not this time. If we are in the level and it’s on the shelf it should be served. Long pants are required for dinner, shorts are OK for lunch. I enjoyed getting the free wifi cards, nice to check on things at home in the evenings.
Buffet: We went to the buffet a couple of times for breakfast and lunch. I really liked the breakfast food at the buffet, it was hot and fresh. The fresh baked breads were the best! There are 3 cook to order stations which are going at all times. At lunch they had a pasta station and 2 cook to order for chicken or fish. I really enjoyed their pasta – just make sure you don’t add salt. Breakfast hours are 7-10am lunch is from 1-3pm and I’m not quite sure about the dinner hours. If you are hungry when the buffet isn’t open there is the snack bar open 24 hours.
Entertainment: We personally don’t go for the entertainment, but if you were to do so you may be a little disappointed. They don’t have a theatre like many resorts do but that doesn’t bother us. We watched the Cuban show and one other and enjoyed dancing and singing.
Kids Club: This hotel does have a kids swimming area and are building an infant area currently. I wouldn’t bring your kids here unless they could amuse themselves or you are bringing things to entertain them.
Marina: There are a large number of shops in the marina area with toiletries, liquor (very cheap for bottles), watch store, shoe store, clothing stores, bowling alley, evening club/disco, 3 restaurants and a small tourist souvenir market at the end. I would encourage everyone to take the hop on/ hop off bus to the marina to enjoy the area. I really enjoyed walking the marina in the evenings. This is NOT a part of the all-inclusive. This is the Marina directly BESIDE the hotel. Do not assume this is included.
Varadero: We love going into Varadero and walking around. If you go down to the Calle 22 area, make sure you are cautious. Tourists don’t go down there very often so a lot more scams/tricks to get you to buy items.
Tips: Varadero is saturated with toiletries, please try and bring other items the Cubans would enjoy. I left razors, tampons, advil, medical kits, extra clothes with tags on, hydrocortisone spray, Pepto, hair ties and pesos of course.
Travel Agent: We used Taylor Curtis from Tripcentral. She was amazing!! Very thorough, efficient and quick to answer any questions I had.
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Pamela -
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Palma Real: Front Desk - Requested Upfront Payment
We were told that we did not have a reservation (yet our flight was confirmed, and our transfer was not a problem). The front desk requested we pay money upfront money during check in which was returned the next day but in Cuban Dollars not Canadian which we gave them. This seems like some sort of scam.
You should not feature this hotel in your travel packages.