Roc Barlovento: Friendly resort

1st time at this resort. Food is good, BBQ at lunch near the beach is good & fun. Bacon every morning, fries at lunch & diner, always a choice of fish, pork, chicken & boeuf, vegetables include carrots, peas, potatoes, good dessert... The pasta cook is a show to watch when he flips the sauce & pasta in the buffet area. Staff is friendly (not so at Reception desk) but you have to talk with them don't be shy to ask. Lots of French speaking people from Quebec. Watch your beach towel some were  [... read more]taken by others. Some people put their towel on chairs around the pool very early in the morning but nobody uses the chair during the day... Nice beach with lots of huts. Lots of mosquitoes in the room & lobby. The ground is clean, toilet paper & hand paper towel on the resort - rare in Cuba. Location is right at the beginning of main street, easy to walk to the market and restaurants near by. I enjoyed my stay and would not hesitate to go back to this resort.

Club Kawama: Home Away from Home 😄

This was our 5th trip to Club Kawama. As soon as we step off the bus we are treated like family. We were able to get the room we requested. Over the years I have seen many improvements. It's a great location. Minutes to downtown. We were there from April 5 to April 13 and I am already planning my next trip to Club Kawama

Playa Vista Azul: Beautiful resort

This hotel is gorgeous,the pool area is the best!!Make sure you go early to get a good spot as it fills up pretty quickly.Buildings 2,3 and 4 are the best ones as they are close to everything.Stay away from building 7.They are building a new resort on that side and it can be very noisey and there is no view..Bring extra facecloths and towels...Food is ok..pasta bar and omelette bar was awesome.Bar staff especially Nestor were great.If you have any issues with your room go see your trip rep.Ours  [... read more]was Kenya and she was fabulas!!!I would certainly go back to this resort..

Roc Barlovento: Varadero

The good outweighed the bad. Food was very good and a large variety, the animators extremely pleasant and fun. A show every night. Close to the airport I consider this a plus. Beach nicest I've been to in Cuba. Negative is the mal-function in my room. Fridge, dim lights, no lights in certain areas to get to my room, no balcony, no decent view. No complimentary water battle asked 3 times.

Grand Memories Varadero: Not what it used to be

This Resort is a 3* at most. Food was mundane. Pools were DISGUSTING! Beach Awesome. Grounds were ok. Rooms were clean but towels smelled like wet dog. Bedsheets hung out on railing. Service was AWFUL

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Very nice

Beautiful hotel and landscape. Great service and very friendly staff. Rooms was decent, a few thing could use improvement. Was not happy with the air conditioning in the first room, did not seem to be working at all. But staff was happy to relocate us after the issue could not be resolved. Food was pretty good, except the meats. But not many people go to Cuba for the food, it's for the gorgeous weather, beaches, culture and history. Amazing beach at this hotel. Lot's to do, beach yoga, water zoo [... read more]mba, dance lessons. Again the staff were amazing. They treated my daughter like a princess. Everyone was very friendly to us. The pool and grounds were always tidy and well kept. Had a wonderful 5 day stay.

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Hotel was good

The overall resortt was good but we were in a newly renovated room and was not finished. We lost half a day waiting for it to be made so we could unpack. The room was in the Barcelo Solymar not the Barcelo Arenas Blancas we were booked into. They had no room for us so sent us to this resort at 11:30 at night due to over booking. Not very pleased.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: 9/10

Beautiful hotel and property with great staff. Few bad points, largely the food, which was adequate but bland. But, hey, who goes to Cuba for the food? Beach was probably the best amongst the adjacent resorts. Didn't have a problem finding chairs, even in mid afternoon. Had to make a slight detour to the clinic to tend to some bug bites but it wasn't open on Sunday, so we had to go to a neighbouring resort. A bit inconvenient but we didn't let it spoil the trip. Service, while friendly, was  [... read more]quite leisurely. A couple of times they ran out of common items, but the resort was pretty full and they seemed to replenish frequently. Didn't really like the smell of the shampoo, soap and body wash, but all minor things. 9/10, would absolutely go again.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Varadero - Playa de Oro - April 2017

April 5th-12th, 7 days all inclusive, travelled with my husband Approx 1hr30min ride from airport due to all the stops at other resorts to let people off, if I remember correctly we were the last stop. Check in was simple and quick. We arrived at noon and were aware check in was not until 4pm, so we expected to wait for our room until then, however within a few minutes our room was ready. Room 2327 - clean, spacious, no bugs, some mold in bathroom around door casing (nothing major and no  [... read more]smell) "Ocean view" was actually a back lawn and trees, and a hint of water visible over the tree tops. I had been told by other travelers that the pool side was quite loud until 11pm when the pool bar closes, which may have been true, but our room was near the outdoor theatre which was equally loud. Not a major issue for us, but something to be aware of. Our maid, Yeny, cleaned daily and changed the sheets and towels when we asked. She left us sweet notes and flowers on a few days. Using the safe does not cost extra. Resort was clean, it could use some updating and paint but overall it was nice. We did not go to any a la carte's, we ate at the main buffet and the beach grill buffet at lunch. We were happy with the food, we are not picky eaters and have no dietary allergies/concerns. We always had lots to eat. The coffee was really good at the coffee bar in the lobby, coffee in the buffet was not good (premix in a machine). Staff was always very friendly. If you want a lounge chair by the pool mark one early before you go for breakfast. Do not use a resort towel as they may be stolen. Ours were not, but we did not leave them unattended (friends who travelled to this resort in January had their towels stolen and warned us). If you want a lounge chair on the beach in our section (close to the bar) you will have to get up even earlier. Most days we chanced it and had to walk around the little hill to the left to a section with yellow lounge chairs. We were always able to find chairs and cabanas here. Beach was gorgeous! Great for swimming. No garbage, very little seaweed. Life guards are quite attentive, beach was red flagged one day. Beach was not great for snorkeling, and I did not find any nearby areas that you could go out on your own. There were some excursions advertised on the towel hut and the beach but I did not book any. One annoying aspect was the towel hut seemed to run out of towels quite frequently. They seemed to always be "waiting for laundry". Don't try to change your towel at the end of the day, they will tell you to come back in the morning. We went on 2 excursions. Overall they were good, worth the money (we booked them before we left), I'm happy we did them. However I don't think I would book them again. Next time we think we will book a different snorkeling trip and the Jeep tour. 1 - Havana day trip 90$ CAD - Friday April 7th Our guide, Yaima, was great. Very polite, knowledgeable and informative. She was constantly making sure no one was left behind. I can't remember every place we stopped but to name a few: Revolution square, a nearby fort and cigar shop, a museum that had a pair of peacocks loose in the garden, roadside Pina Colada shack on the way back to the resort 5CUC for a pina colada in a pineapple - best one I had our whole trip. 2 - Catamaran to Cayo Blanco 100$CAD - Monday April 10th We chose to do the one WITHOUT dolphins. Staff was friendly, boat was clean. We went snorkeling first. Water was deep, not easy to see. I had high hopes as I loved snorkeling during our last trip (Brisas Guardalavaca 2014 - we could go snorkeling right from the beach as there was a coral reef nearby. Did a similar catamaran excursion and the snorkeling was fabulous!). Guides did not go into the water with you on this trip, which is not an issue (they did in 2014 which was great because they would call you over to see certain things). We had lots of time to snorkel, but there was not much to see. Afterward went to Cayo Blanco for lunch - seafood buffet, lots of choices, lots to eat. If you're used to Atlantic Canadian lobster you won't like theirs, but the chicken was good. The we had free time for a couple hours on the beach. Ernesto was our Sunwing/Nexus rep at the resort. He was very pleasant and helpful. Overall it was very nice, the beach made up for any minor issues. We would definitely go back. Not having to cook or clean for an entire week - what more can you ask for? :)

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Found my "Go To" Vacation Spot!

I don't ordinarily write reviews because I feel experiences are all relative and I haven't been wowed by a vacation spot in many years. However... This resort offered everything I could ever want from a Vacation. I (48), traveled with my father (81) and his girlfriend (79). I stayed solo in my own room and I always felt safe. The room was spacious and had comfortable beds with nice linens and everything you could want to be comfortable. If something isn't there just ask. Walk ways t [... read more]o the pool and beach were always enjoyable with a wonderland of exquisite trees, bushes and flowers. The beach is incredible with white sand and clear blue water. Many days I walked along the shoreline for as long as I wanted, always feeling safe, relaxed and happy. No one ever around harassing you to buy something. It's not a massive resort but I did get in a lot of walking, which was great-- at least 6K steps a day! The food was fantastic for the most part. Could always find something delicious and healthy to eat. My favourite was the fresh fish, pizza, pasta, home made bread and cheeses, assorted vegetables, legumes and fruit. They had chicken, beef and lamb which were all tasty. I can not believe that anyone could have a problem with the food here. They cook with real ingredients, minimal oils and salt and I never had to reach for the salt and pepper shakers. I didn't like the butter or margarine so I just stuck a piece of cheese in a bun, or they do have oil at the salad bar. The ice cream is the best I've ever tasted. So fresh and creamy!! The service at all of the al a carte restaurants is fantastic. Beautiful happy people making sure you are happy and satisfied. Tip: If you are feeling snacky between 4-6, they have a Cafe in the lobby with delicious sandwiches. Atmosphere was Cuban Casual elegance. Not flashy on first impressions, but when you sit and take it all in, it's very impressive. I felt the atmosphere had a Cuban/Spanish flair with thatch roofs, pretty windows, light fixtures and tiles, open air areas, gorgeous bamboo woods and architecture. I absolutely loved all of the live music, and pop up bands throughout playing beautiful Cuban music. Always a delightful suprise popping up somewhere! Considering the traffic, the resort was ridiculously clean throughout. The service was among the best I've ever experienced at an all inclusive. Cubans are warm, genuine and helpful people. I was amazed at their ability to smile and serve so efficiently day after day. The bar staff especially, were incredibly efficient. Various drinks were served in literally seconds, and the bar was always clean. I loved how they always greeted myself and everyone with a warm way of saying hello or friendly hand gesture. They actually remembered what people were drinking and always made you feel special and taken care of. Quite a feat with the number of people they serve day after day. A Special shout out to Cesar and Mandy at the lobby bar! The shows are so fun and the entertainers are so talented. They really take you away to a fantasy land when they perform. Some of the shows are geared towards children but don't miss out on the 80's night, or dance shows. The magic show was great as well. So much fun to watch. I did make use of the Spa for a Pedicure and Massage. The pedicure was nice, gentle and effective (my toes still look very pretty). The massage with reflexology was truly the best I ever had. I will go again when I go back. I've been to many all-inclusives throughout Mexico, Dominican, Jamaica, Aruba. I can confidently say Cubans are the 'coolest', most gentle, beautiful (inside and out) and hospitable people I have ever encountered. I met many fantastic people at the resort from Europe, UK, South America, Canada, many of them repeat visitors. I can certainly see why. The only thing I would change, is to make it an adults only. The stay made for a busy time but the kids were pretty cute and well behaved. TIPS: I was feeling a little stressed about the tipping situation. Thankfully, I didn't feel pressure from anyone to tip, but when we did it was so graciously and genuinely appreciated. Mosquitoes: Not a problem for me and they usually love me. I did try to remember to spray my legs and feet, day and night though. Unfortunate things happen on Vacations. I am still (hopefully) waiting for my luggage to come home. Things happen but I won't let it take away from my glorious holiday. Thank you to everyone at Iberostar Veradero for a wonderful vacation! I felt truly spoiled and I will be back! Hasta Pronto!! xoxo Leigh from Hamilton, Ontario

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Paradisus Princesa Del Mar Varadero Cuba

Beautiful resort; the grounds were beautiful; the Cuban staff were wonderful. We tried the Japanese restaurant and it was amazing. I would Not recommend the Italian restaurant...my 17 year old grandson makes better pastas, and the Maitre'd was not very friendly or accommodating. We met a lot of terrific people and would definitely consider returning to this resort.

Starfish Jibacoa: Like coming home

This was our third time at this resort. Not crowded, fantastic snorkelling. Although we went later in the year than usual (April), we learned that the winds are fairly consistently high which makes swimming around the reef nearly impossible. We still managed to get in the water 3 days out of 7. This place is doing its best to update with a children's play area, new pool and definitely better food. If you like doing activities, this may not be the resort for you. If you like relaxing, enjoying  [... read more]the sun and staff, and maybe snorkelling, this is definitely the place for you

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: spotless resort

The grounds were absolutely amazing, spotless, the food was awesome, in the buffet lobster night was amazing, swim up bar and service there for drinks was disappointing, shows were awesome, Marialys in customer service was a gem, and thank you to Krista Shaver for taking care of everything for us from Tripcentral

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Beautiful resort!

This resort was beautiful. The grounds were kept impeccable,the staff were so courteous and friendly. There was always something to do or lots of places to relax and do nothing. Lots of variety to eat.

Roc Barlovento: Amazing Food ,Service and View

The hotel was under renovation but the staff were able to keep the hotel clean and the noise to a minimum. The housekeeping staff were very efficient, friendly and made me feel very welcomed. The front desk staff were excellent and knowledgeable about different venues and shops. Don't believe every thing you hear about the food in Cuba . We enjoyed a variety of foods all seasoned to perfection. I would definitely stay at the Roc Barlovento again and as a bonus the guest they have come from all  [... read more]over world making it a most interesting vacation.

Grand Memories Varadero: Awesome resort!

After many trips to Cuba over the years, Grand Memories was the best resort I have been to. The resort is well maintained, clean, staff were committed to ensure guests had a good time and the food was very good, lots of fresh fruit, many items prepared as you order ie eggs, omelettes, fresh fish, pastas, there were lots of delicious options. The beach at Grand Memories was always clean with plenty of plastic (I'd prefer canvas) chairs and many cabanas for shelter and beach staff were very atte [... read more]ntive.

Hotel Los Cactus: First time all inclusive

Got home yesterday and we LOVED it!! The beach is beautiful! Lots of shade if you need it. Had trouble near the main beach entrance, just past where security sits. There's a ridge in the sand where it kinda drops off and you're not expecting it. Lots of people almost fell so be careful there. The pool we sometimes found cold but was refreshing and we really enjoyed it. The hot tubs are awesome. It is an older resort but work is being done to improve it. It has wonderful mature trees, shr [... read more]ubs and pretty flowers. Found most everyone very friendly and helpful. Shout out to Carlos at the beach grill!! My husband, friends and I enjoyed our trips to his grill. The 3 a la carts were really good too. The resort has the BEST ice cream! Even people with dairy intolerance could eat it. Buffet is buffet....Danni was always warm and welcoming. She's a dear. Stayed in a Garden View Suite. Bottle of wine on arrival, some got rum instead. We really loved the room. It was clean and large with a whole separate room we didn't use. 2 newer looking ac units that worked great. Lots of hot water, just give it time to adjust its temp. Mini fridge. The water was replenished every day, the pop and beer was not. Comfy bed. I really loved the adults only, smaller resort atmosphere. We got to spend time with old friends and new. We will be going back and I can't wait!

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: All around excellence

The hotel, staff, food and entertainment were most excellent. I would highly recommend Oceans El Patriarca to anyone who wants to visit Veredaro, Cuba. With the helpful, cheerful and friendly staff it made out stay delightful

Playa Vista Azul: All went well till the last day

Had a wonderful experience till the final day. My friend took a tumble and really hurt herself and no one helped her. Seeing that I went to the bar and brought my own zip lock bag and asked the bartender to fill it with ice as she is hurt. I was disgusted when he continued making drinks serving others alcohol as I asked him actually begged him...he again shrugged me off like it was more important to get people intoxicated then to help someone who was hurt..went to the front desk to complain and [... read more] language barrier there. My bus arrived to be brought to the airport or would have seen hotel manager let me tell you I'm not impressed and will not return

Punta Peninsula Varadero: More positives than negatives

Your experiences at this resort will depend on your attitudes and your perspective. We had a much better time than some, but not as good of a time as others. The grounds were very nice. The pools were great (we went in all of them!), the hot tub and jacuzzi could have been hotter. The beach is amazing! Super close, clean and soft sand. All in all we had a good time at this resort, the food was what we expected and if you went to the buffet at peak times you had to wait for plates/tables. The ni [... read more]ghtly entertainment blew us away! The rooms were standard, a little run down but clean. We had an issue trying to exchange our beach towels, but with the towel racks on the balcony, they were dry by morning.