Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Great people, wonderful resort

We returned home yesterday and wish we were still at Sanctuary!! We travelled with another couple. All our travels thru Canadian and Cuban airports went very smoothly! Upon our arrival at Grand Memories a shuttle was right there to take us to a quick check in at Sanctuary! Mario and Rene, what fantastic young men, our concierges, met us and looked after everything for us. A wealth of information and non-stop work. The overall hotel at Sanctuary is dated, yes, but extremely clean. Our room  [... read more]was great, clean and everything we needed. Yes, our shower leaked under the door. We used towels to stop this and they were replaced daily. Lots of clean towels, water and a few beer each day in our room. Thanks to our great cleaners, sorry not sure of their names. The food was the best food we have enjoyed at a resort in Cuba. We have travelled to Cuba at least 10 times. At Sanctuary there is a restaurant, lobby/cigar bar and the outdoor snack bar. We ate only at the Sanctuary because it was so good we didn’t want to chance anything else. Again thank you Mario for changing our reservations numerous times. Cappuccinos every morning at the snack bar along with well cooked omelettes, bacon and hash browns! We ate this outside by the pool. Service delivery right to our table. You can also go inside to grab croissants, cookies and some fruits ( and a mimosa to go)! Lunch was mostly hotdogs, hamburgers and fries. Calamari a few days with chicken Sandwiches. Most days we had ketchup and mustard. We also brought our own and some jams just in case. Suppers all in the main Sanctuary restaurant! We had other bookings and cancelled them because the meals and service at Sanctuary supper were so good. The food got better everyday. You have a choice of appetizers, then soup and any of 3 courses for supper. No complaints at all. None of us lost weight. The real story and the reason why we will return to Sanctuary is because of the AMAZING service we got and all the amazing people working so hard to make our vacation memorable. I am sorry if I miss someone but here it is. Roxana at the snack bar. My husband now calls her his back up… it’s an inside joke. But she was amazing. Supper meals Noe and Talia and Sendry and then they worked the snack bar. Amazing lovely ladies and gentlemen! They all work so many hours and smile thru long shifts. The chef Enzo and his amazing crew created us lovely meals each and every day! One special Italian meal. Made our stay. Thank you! Freddy the manager of the area seemed to work 24 hours a day. He was always there and ready to hold a door, freshen our wine or just make sure all was well! The beach! It was amazing but made more memorable by the special personality of Natalie ! And her amazing Mojitos which we enjoyed every day!! Love you Natalie!! Also Alex and Amoury (loco) the beach service was top notch. We miss you all already! And we hope nothing but great things for you all! Sorry for the long speech but so many to thank. Again we usually try different resorts but we are sure we will return to Sanctuary for the people and the relaxing vacation we had.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Cuba Reopening

Excellent service, friendly staff, lovely pools and beach and food selection adequate with wonderful pastries. Showers were cool but gradually got warmer, also. Last resort on the strip so first for pick up to airport and any excursions and last to be dropped off. You could see everything improving each day. Doing well with shortages throughout Cuba.

Playa Luxury Cayo Las Brujas: Averge resort

Found the resort okay. Floors of hallways and staircases very dirty. Buffet was same food every day for all 3meals. Last night buffet was shut down with no notification had to eat at a snack bar.No beach towels for 2 days. Cold water for showering 2 days. No welcoming when getting to resort or information at check in for a map of resort or info about restaurants or nightly entertainment. Very disappointed for 5star resort and what paid.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Amazing friendly staff

Upgrade is totally worth it- privilege section- beach section, restaurant and pool and bar tender! Roberto- was awesome- very professional but friendly and made us feel at home the very first day there! He made the stay at the pool very enjoyable!!!! Makes a "mean" kiwi daiquiri and sangria!!! Walk to the lobby was further than I thought- but it made for a good workout each day! A la Carte restaurant was OK.... Italian night very disappointing- the service was not their usual and the foo [... read more]d was a long wait and each table was not offered the same thing- some received pizza other tables were not offered. Lobster dinner was AMAZING in the Privilege restaurant!!!! Friday night was very upsetting- many newcomers into the hotel and not made to wear masks around the buffet or in the lobby- All other days- felt very safe with people wearing masks and following protocol! The staff was super- very friendly, helpful and very accommodating. If you needed a ride to somewhere in the resort- they were there almost immediately to pick you up! Service with a smile daily!!!!! definitely will recommend this resort to friends and will definitely return in the near future!!!!

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Amazing Resort

I spent a week at this resort. It was amazing.My first time at this resort. The grounds were very clean,I have been to many places in Cuba and by my experience this was the kindest of staff.They were always there to help.They work very hard to keep there customers happy. The beach was a five star +++ The pool was amazing. I realize Cuba is not known for there food but you can always find something to eat. Pizza on the beach was awesome.The snack bar had great hamburgers and fries. Would I r [... read more]eturn to this resort….. Absolutely

Club Kawama: Chill vibes

This is one of the cheapest resorts you can book in Varadero. You get what you pay for and then some here! Chill vibes, beds are comfortable, pool is clean, there’s always entertainment on the go every night. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Amazing!!!!

We stayed March 2nd-9th,2022. We had a wonderful time on this beautiful resort! Only 354 rooms so very intimate and easy to get around! The grounds are lush and well maintained and the rooms are big and clean! King size bed was a nice surprise and comfortable! The shower was awesome as well! All staff were friendly and attentive and the entertainment was lovely! The beach is rather rocky in front but a short walk leads you to beautiful swimming where the turquoise water meets the sand! Great fo [... read more]r snorkelling right out front if not too windy. The food was impressive! Presentation was great too! Be sure to book at the Japanese Restaurant! Request the Teppanyaki table when booking for a fun, inclusive experience! There was no Vodka on the resort for our stay. Luckily someone had mentioned this prior to our arrival so we bought our own at duty free on the plane! There is a cute little beach and a salt water pool at the Spa where you can spend the day if you book. No food or bar fyi. There is a separate from the spa Massage Hut right on the ocean edge! Be sure to book a one hour full body massage and reflexology during your stay! We had Shelley and she was INCREDIBLE!!!! We met some really great people during our stay and rocked the Disco! So much fun!! Also would be a great spot for couples seeking some romance as there are many little spots to call your own! Great little Gem and we will definately be back!! Terri and Steve

Starfish Varadero: Great resort

Food was really good. Nice rooms and very friendly staff. BBQ every day at the beach for lunch. I am disabled and was catered to very well. Arletys a hotel maid was a very nice girl very helpful.

Melia Cayo Coco: Beautiful resort

We visited in March 2022; Its a beautiful resort; Pool: nice lots of seats; and if you need one they will get one for you Beach: is amazing and large with a Bar and a lunch buffet very good Staff: are amazing will do anything to make you happy Clean:washrooms cleaned as soon as you leave the stalls; lobby very clean Rooms: need some updating however all you do is sleep and shower what more do you need; showers great lots of hot water no issue with pressure; Food; I've been to Cuba 16 t [... read more]imes and this resort had the best I've had lots of choices and the A'La Cartes where very good; Bars; all you need to ask and they will have it but Cranberry juice; All in All I will be going back;

Grand Memories Varadero: Big Resort with Restrictions

The resort was very big with limited activities presumably due to Covid restrictions. It was obvious that the resort was running well below capacity, which has some benefits as well as problems. The staff for the most part were friendly but midweek some were let go due to lack of business, resulting in some obvious morale challenges. Evening activities and dining options were limited due to closure of sections of the resort. The up side of few people was that both the beach and pool had open c [... read more]hairs for choices of seating. The room was clean but the bed spreads and blankets were removed, again presumably due to Covid restrictions. A bit cold to sleep under a bed sheet so I asked for and got a blanket. The room features were as expected for Cuba. The room did not look like the advertising.

Paradisus Rio De Oro: Great spot.

The resort was very intimate and small so it wasn’t far to walk anywhere! Food was good, rooms were clean, service and staff were amazing! The gym was clean with a beautiful view of the ocean and spa. Spa massage and beach massage were incredible! The only improvement would be alcohol in the room and there was no vodka on site.:(

Hotel Blau Las Morlas Varadero Beach: Las morlas

The stay was great staff was friendly and very helpful room was clean and spacious couldn't ask for a better time always felt safe we had no room safe but didn't worry about it we spent time on the beach every day it was very relaxing no need to hurry for anything if you were a bit late getting to the buffet no one tried to hurry you

Memories Caribe Beach Resort: Memories Caribe on the beach

We had a fantastic time at this resort. This was our second time there. The beach of course is to die for. The staff are absolutely amazing. We did notice that there were Fewer choices at the Buffet. Lunch is at the beach bar, diamond club were great. The weather was fantastic and we can’t wait to go back again.

Memories Flamenco Beach Resort: an interesting resort

I booked this resort last minute. check in was very efficient. my room was a little bit far away but it was a big resort and a quiet building. that I requested. the beach is awesome. the first couple of days food was sparse no eggs no cheese, this is more reflection of the times in Cuba rather than the resort itself so I don't blame the resort for that. they run out of beer one day not a big deal. the main thing that bothered me was I saw many instances of the wait staff ignoring Cubans. the onl [... read more]y place that this did not happen was a snack bar. I found the snack part to be very efficient and a friend of place to be. there was also one dinner server Luis who was also excellent. during check out there was a little bit of a confusion on whether I owed money for the rapid test. I didn't they said I did. I took about 30 minutes to clear up. overall I think it is a reasonable resort if you have children. if you don't have children it would not be the place to go

Melia Buenavista: Amazing experience

The staff were amazing and the food was pretty decent! The rooms and buildings were great and the spa was exemplary. Shoutout to Yobani, Yoandry, and Joe(l?) and the rest of the staff, they really made my experience here great. The beaches were phenomenal. Absolutely loved my time here!

Hotel Blau Las Morlas Varadero Beach: Las morlas

The stay was great staff was friendly and very helpful room was clean and spacious couldn't ask for a better time always felt safe we had no room safe but didn't worry about it we spent time on the beach every day it was very relaxing no need to hurry for anything if you were a bit late getting to the buffet no one tried to hurry you

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo: The good, The bad.

I’d like to start off by saying this is my 9th trip to Cuba. I do not consider myself fussy, at all, I know what to expect when in Cuba. This is our experience from March 3-10/2022. The good, the bad, the ugly. I have read many post on the hotel Facebook page and was extremely excited to arrive, my first trip in 2 years it was time. I’ll start with the good: The staff at this resort is among some of the best I have ever encountered. Extremely friendly, always willing to help, alway [... read more]s positive and upbeat. Our room was always cleaned, the building was always clean, the grounds was clean- over all a very clean resort. Sometimes the washrooms would be messy ( public area) but majority of the time always clean. The pools was clean, the beach clean, and always tons of room. We never had an issue getting a seat at either place. The power was out a few times but restored rather quickly. Wifi is free and works great! The drinks was always spot on! They had many options and the bar staff was amazing! Our fav guy was located in the pool bar, he made some of the best margaritas, Pina Colada’s and strawberry daiquiris. The lobby bar has a drink called street lights, that’s really good as well, they have an ice coffee that daughter loved ( strong coffee flavour) the Miami vice & blue lagoon where a few of the other favourites. All these drinks are made virgin too for all the littles who like yummy drinks as well. The a-la cartes are a must! The best food we had all week, we did Cuban and Italian and both was absolutely amazing! We did the jeep tour, it was a full day but so fun, not a lot of kids around to give treats to and that was disappointing to us, but it is a fun day and well worth the money and memories. The private island they take you to for lunch has puppy’s and they are so precious- the chicken meal they serve is amazing!!! Now the ugly. Let’s start with the food, now I know you don’t come to Cuba with high expectations of the food, but at every resort I was at you could count in eggs, bacon, bread, pizza and pasta. There was always eggs every morning, and rolls…. But never no bread, butter , ketchup …one day there was bacon no other time on the trip was there any, no pizza at all, not even at the Italian place, one night we had a pasta station after that we had none. There was always fresh beef and chicken, that could be friend- always fresh veggies, but there was not a large selection at all, and out of all my trips to Cuba this was the worst selection to date. None of the stores on or off resort had any snacks at all, so my suggestion is to bring lots! The snack bar almost always had fries and a chicken sandwich ( on a bun) that was yummy! I by no means am picky but honestly there was very little selection, and disappointing on the pizza and pasta! I ate veggies, chicken & rice all week so didn’t starve but if you do have fussy people- it may be hard! The a la cartes had more selection and the best food! There is a restaurant with a red roof down on the beach & they In saying that Wednesday was inspection day and things came to life at the resort - we had a pork roast dinner& it was amazing. Entertainment- there was no shows all week, even though they was scheduled! They had a few outside in the court yard area, kids music than some competitions between adults but nothing like normal, tell Wednesday night when they had their Cuban dancers and that was truly amazing! This was a huge disappointment for me , entertainment is a must! And I was very saddened there was only 1 show. For being a 5 star resort that should be big. Also every day at the pool they’d have the entertainment doing a few games for kids and dancing but that was it. No bubbles like I seen on the Facebook page, no volleyball, no nothing, it was very quiet! We was in block 7 & it was beautiful even on the first floor we had An amazing view! However the septic or sewer was outside our deck and If the wind was blowing the smell was awful. That lasted about 2 days, and then the wind blowing in a direction that we could enjoy the deck :) Overall, I have stayed at 3.5 stars that have offered more than this star. I truly and honestly see the potential for this being a 5 star. If they upped their food game just a bit & entertainment I could see this being a 5 star, but deff not as is. I know covid has taking a lot from us and in no time they may be running at 5 stars. I loved this hotel, very much, just fix those few things and I’d return.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria: Amazing Beach

This hotel is small and perfect for those looking for a quiet intimate getaway. The food was delicious the staff was very helpful and the beach was just incredible you can get around the hotel easily and all the meals are à la cart. I was impressed by the food as I’ve been to Cuba many times and this was the best place by far

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: Fantastic time

Recently returned from a stay at the Iberostar Selection Bella Vista resort in Cuba and I can’t wait to return! I was on the 8th floor overlooking the ocean (Star Prestige Package) and the room was spacious, clean, modern. My brother and I enjoyed all our meals (we did not try the buffet), especially on the 11th floor where the staff were friendly, attentive and accommodated of all of our requests. I can’t say enough about the staff at this resort!!! As well the Manager was accessible, appro [... read more]achable and very helpful prior to and throughout our stay. This was my first trip to Cuba and some of the highlights would be - the Cuban people, beach, stunning scenery and finally the amazing coffee!!

Iberostar Origin Bella Vista Varadero: The best of Varadero!!!

The Iberostar Selection Bella Vista is an amazing hotel. The restaurants, pools, beach and staff are exceptional! Cuban beach’s, weather and hospitality have always been reasons to travel to this beautiful island, this hotel experience took it to the next level! If you do choose this hotel, upgrade to Star Prestige, it is well worth it! Cleanliness and safety protocols are a high priority. We felt very safe and had zero COVID concerns. In all, a hassle free amazing vacation!!!