Starfish Jibacoa: Travel agent neglected to inform us about important changes

My wife and I have vacationed at this resort 9 or 10 times since 2001. We have made friendships with many of the staff and families in the neighbouring community. Each year we take items including bicycles to help folks out with the extreme poverty that they face, especially those who don't benefit from tips in the tourist economy. We also love to snorkle on the beautiful offshore reef. We were expecting to do the same again this year. Each year in the past we have been able to put a deposit do [... read more]wn and borrow snorkeling equipment from the resort. As we now know, this ended last April,(after last year's vacation). We book vacations through an agent rather than on line, expecting there will be some advice and heads up from the agent about any changes we should know about. The fact that the freshwater pool was empty until the day we left was disappointing but we could have done nothing about that. However had we been advised about needing our own snorkeling equipment we could have taken fewer give a ways and included our own equipment. For that lack on information I am extremely upset with our agent of many years, Shauna Langille and will not be booking through her again. The resort however is wonderful and the staff very friendly. Take your own snorkle equipment and you'll have a great time.

Melia Marina Varadero: Beach was great, resort was ok

Overall a decent hotel. I wouldn't go back to this same one, and I was expecting it to be a bit better based on other reviews. Food was consistent with my previous experiences in Cuba. The buffet was better than the a la carte restaurants. If you got to the buffet early, the food seemed to be better than if you got there late. Breakfast was pretty good, if you were willing to wait 20 minutes in line for the omelettes. Beach was amazing, and you will not be disappointed in this. It is ho [... read more]wever, on the other side of the road, so you have to walk over a bridge to get there. Pool area was just ok. Pillows and towels in the room were scarce; when we asked for extra, the maid would take them away the following day. Sheets were not changed when they needed to be. Water and beer was not replaced as needed.

Melia Las Antillas: Great food

I was surprised that the food at this resort was so good. Every day there was a table with just different kinds of cheeses, meats, and more! One of the staff told us that all the meats were imported from Canada. Hotel staff was very nice and helpful!

Paradisus Varadero: Great resort, best beach in Varadero!!

Have been to Varadero many times and stayed at this resort twice. We we're there 2017-01-14 for a week. It has the largest beach area, great swimming, and always a beach chair available. The pool is beautiful, clean, and surrounded by palm trees. Service was great in all areas with friendly staff. We were in an older room with no complaints. There was always hot water, a/c, coffee, water, cerveza, clean towels, and sheets. "Louise" from the towel shack is awesome and had us all dancing t [... read more]o music by "Nelson" who patiently took all of our requests :) "Michelle", a friendly and wonderful life guard on the beach who actually had to save a man on our last trip!! People really need to pay attention to the Do Not swim flags!! The buffet was a little repetitive but always good. We always love visiting Cuba and would recommend this hotel to everyone!

Melia Marina Varadero: Melia Varadero

Grounds were nice, just recently built so not as lush as some others in front, but Marina view was spectacular, All hotel staff were pleasant and helpful, our room was not good for 3 people very cramped and with glass partition not ideal for adults with young kids, the town was about 15 minutes away so about a $15 taxi cab, best place to go in Varadero is the Beatles bar, best night ever. The beach is not close enough to hotel back and forth was a bit of a pain, so we only went once.

Paradisus Varadero: Could easily be called Paradise Varadero

Outstanding facilities and pools. Terrific staff. I highly recommend the Royal Service upgrade. Absolutely amazing & an express route to relaxation! Personal butler, golf cart transportation everywhere for the asking, and a premium stocked bar with quality espresso too.

Hotel Los Cactus: paradise

Can't beat the grounds and beach. Staff are very friendly. Rooms are nice and clean. But this is Cuba. Expect a few things that don't always work. Had to take the toilet tank off and push the float every once in a while because the tank wouldn't fill. The door handle to the porch fell off and wouldn't go back on so had to tape it in place to stay. I would recommend this place. No kids.

Roc Barlovento: Nice Resort but needs alot of upgrades

The hotel was probably beautiful when it was new.Your accommodations were nothing fancy, just adequate. This was our 6th time to Cuba and one of the friendliest resorts we have been to. The animation staff were fun and interacted with all the people in the resort. They put on some great shows every night. The three pools looked clean although we preferred to swim in the ocean everyday. You had to be there early to get seats for the day. There were a lot of broken chairs and I felt bad for some [... read more] of the ppl who did not get chairs. The buffet had lots of great choices for meals. The buffet was always set up nicely and clean. They did not seem to want you to drink too much wine as your glass was only half filled at all times. The resort is right in town so you could walk around for the day if you wanted. We went to Havana for the day and had lunch in a really nice restaurant. The city still looks the same, needs a lot of building repairs. I think they only show you what they want you to see. Really poor people but look happy and friendly. We had a great holiday. We knew what to expect in Cuba.The weather and the beaches are just beautiful.

Melia Las Americas: Melia Las Americas is First Class

We do not want to write a glowing review for fear that we will not find a vacancy next time! But the resort is beautiful, pristine and simply first class. The Dupont Golf course next door is perfect for all levels of ability to play the game. The Zanadu hotel has an excellent restaurant and a view of the eighteenth finishing 18th golf hole. I need not write more as you will want to go there to hear the music everywhere, the attentive staff, so please please do not go there, you won't like it and [... read more] I will not be able to get a reservation! So forget about visiting MLA because you will never leave. DMCC & MR

Roc Barlovento: Good resort

The Roc Barlevento was certainly better than I was expecting based on photos, but it still needs a lot of work! The one pools liner was ripped and uneven where as the other pools were tile and in excellent condition. The staff was great for the most part and most of them spoke English well enough. The worst part for me was the food, it was tasteless or if you found something you liked and went for it the next day it could change different. My room was mediocre could have been better and the wate [... read more]r pressure was crazy!!!! It would be so strong at times I would have to hide in the corner to try and not get pelted! But I know I had one of the lower end rooms and my friend who was staying in a different room at other side of the resort had a beautiful room!! The beach was beautiful no negative comments!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Winter Getaway

We spent one glorious week att he Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero from Jan 15-22/17. Our private butler was exceptional makng sure we got a ride to the main lobby whenever we needed one. The waitresses at the main buffet and the a la carte restuarants were wonderful but one person in particular was Tania Aguilar at the Main Buffet who was just the best. We couldn't have asked for anyone who was more pleasant that she. The only thing that we would suggest is that the trees in between the [... read more] Sanctuary buildings and the beach be taken down so that everyone can enjoy a clear view of the beautiful beach. For anyone who has a hard time walking in the sand or who cannot walk down the narrow wooden walkway, they miss out enjoying the beach. Other than than that, our week & the weather was beautiful.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Stay at El Patriarca

This hotel was different from other hotels that I've stayed at as it was not a high rise building but rather set up in several different building small buildings across the grounds. The room itself was nice and the maid service was excellent. The room came with three twin beds and the bathroom was equipped with both a stall shower and a bathtub with shower head. The room did smell a bit damp when we first arrived but that's really the only negative thing I have to say about it. The beach and poo [... read more]l were easily accessible. Overall the resort was beautiful and I would definitely come again!

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Great Beach/Great Bar Staff

The Sanctuary Rooms are great, clean and large and well equipped. The staff are the best. From check in; to room service, to the staff on beach and in the cigar lounge, all great! I love the Sanctuary dining areas, the pool, the grounds. The adult section is why I return. I think the staff are great everywhere. My only wish is that as a Sanctuary guest, I would prefer all dinners to be within the adult section. Great time

Muthu Playa Varadero: A Much Needed Getaway, Great Place For The Price

When booking a vacation there are a few things that you look at Room, Food, Beach/Pool, entertainment and Service. I will be explaining my experience with these things. Room: The first night we had a room on the bottom floor which actually smelled musty and was not very modern. We changed rooms the next days for a room on the 3rd floor and it had been newly renovated and was really nice. The room had a small balcony which was cozy and the air conditioning worked like a dream. Beds were hotel  [... read more]beds not the most comfortable but weren't uncomfortable either. On vacation we did not spend much time in the room but was comfortable while in there. Food: The food was 'meh'. I definitely did not go hungry and my boyfriend whom I went with (who is a very picky eater) ate well also. We also both did not get sick or get tourista even one night of our vacation which is everyones fear when going to cuba. I personally loved the breakfast buffet, fresh bread, omelette bar and a lot of different types of sausages which were delicious. and OMG COFFEE is amazing in Cuba. My bf also liked the pancakes and french toast option at the breakfast buffet. Make sure not to miss this. Lunch was ok with hot dogs and hamburgers by the pool or a BBQ style buffet near the beach. Both were good but nothing great. For dinner the resort has specialty restaurants Italian, Cuban and International. I had the pleasure of having the Cuban and International restaurant. These are both great food. The cuban restaurant offers steak which was delcious and my boyfriend had chicken which was also delcious. The international restaurant was my 'WOW!' dining experience everything on the plate was delicious and my booyfriend and I cleaned our plates literally. He had a chicken breast cooked literally to perfection and I had grilled prawns and literally mouthwatering. The specialty restaurants which two are included in the trip are definitly Worth it. Make sure you take advantage. Beach/Pool: The beach was breathtaking and beautiful. The most beautiful beach I have ever seen and not even a 5 min walk from my room. Honestly, it can't be beat. Pool area was clean and staff was nice. go early to get a chair by the pool because they get taken up quickly in the AM. Pool was always clean also a nice place for a quick dip during the day. Was disappointed that the hot tub did not work and that the pool bar was not open during our whole vacation. Entertainment: Shows every night, animation all day long, club in the evening, many excursions offered nearby (Reccomend Catamaran Cruise and Jeep Safari). Service: Literally nothin compares to the hospitality of Cuban people. They are the nicest people around and everything I did I felt welcomed and relaxed. My chamber maid left little notes everyday which was really sweet. The bartending staff was always fun and helpful. You are never a short walk away from someone who is willing to help you. Anything you need is served to you with a smile and a laugh. Absolutly amazing service.

Grand Memories Varadero: Grand Memories Veraderoo

Great time upgrade to Sanctuary big resort they can't keep up with so many people they try their best to keep people happy.I would commend the entertainment team best shows every night at 930 food go when it opens its hot ,rooms have problems with locks and doors pool foam parties are great fun you will find 90 percent Canadian s.if u want to book Havanna trip talk to the bell boy they will arrange private tour for 150 USD very safe too. Tropicana show is good too. I would recommend GRA ND Memo [... read more]ries Sanctuary to get good service

Sol Palmeras: Amazing holiaday

Wonderful place ,everyone was do help ,kind ,caring ,just like a big family .great food and lots of things to do .entertentment was outstanding ,best trip and holiday ever !!! The staff were so helpful ,rooms very clean ,everywhere was very clean .the food was outstanding too.a real treat not to have cook or clean ,just have fun !!! The beach was very clean ,water so blue and clean also.the pool had lots of activities going all day long .I sway best holiaday anyone could ask for ,!!

Sol Palmeras: Slightly lacking

Unfortunately there were things about this hotel that made it distinctly un-Cuban. The room bar fridge was only stocked with water. Even after asking for pop and cerveza we were told "no". They also didn't mention that all of the rooms were non-smoking. We were allowed to smoke on our balconies but heaven forbid the smell made it into the room, they would charge you $200 for extra cleaning. There was a small area set aside from the main lobby for smoking, but it was usually filled to capacity. T [... read more]hey also needed more than one bell-hop at 4:00 a.m. when our bus pulled in. The poor man was run off his feet and as a customer who just wanted to lay down, waiting was unbearable.

Hotel Bella Costa: You get what you pay for....

The beach was lovely, groomed nightly. The resort is older, as the rooms. The rooms were dated, but clean. No screens for the patio doors, so mosquito's were a problem. We went with three other couples, each of us killed cockroach's in our rooms. Bartenders were quick, courteous, but chilly, smiles were rare. We still had a good time, but we would never return to this resort.

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Very nice resort

The hotel, pool , grounds were beautifull very well located with perfect access to a beautifull beach. The rooms were very nice .. there were a few kinks eg, our safe did not work some of the lighting was off or on according to its mood.. We were with our daughters so we were able to share their safe in their room with them. Dining was good in the buffet and the grill restaurant by the pool. We were very happy with the food tasty and lots of choices. We have been to a few all inclusive resorts [... read more] in other countries besides cuba and we are still trying to find one in which we can say that we loved the a la carte restaurant and here in cuba I have to say the same... After trying a couple of the a la cartes we much preferred to eat in the buffet restaurant. The entertainment was very nice ... I was disappointed that there was no dancing especially with latin Cuban music. We had been to a different resort last year in cuba and there was always some opportunity to dance before dinner and after the entertainment show Mainly to latin music and I did miss that in this resort. But overall it was very good.

Sol Palmeras: Sol Palmeras

We just got back from 12 glorious days at the Sol Palmeras. Other than a slow check in the trip and hotel were top notch.The hotel was clean and the service excellent. The lobby has been tastefully updated with a dedicated outdoor smoking area. Non smokers paradise.The rooms are modest but clean and all have balconies or patios.The staff were warm and attentive. If you stay there and complain then stay home! This is my 20th trip to Cuba and by far the best. The beach is short so we did  [... read more]laps and had a refreshing drink at the beach bar each way. All of the details were well thought out from pour your own ice cold water at the bars to personal service in the main lobby to linens on the tables for meals. Food was very good with lots of variety. Lots of fresh fruit, veggies , cheeses, cold cuts. Always a fresh leg of pork or roast beef and you can have fish made to order as well as eggs to your liking in the morning Try the ice cream stand( coconut with coconut and pineapple liquor) or the juice hut where you can personalize your own drink. There is lots to do from beach volleyball, basketball, ping pong, Yoga, dance lessons and Bingo if that's your thing:) We will be back next year and have never said that about anywhere else we have stayed in Cuba. Did I mention we had perfect weather in the mid 80's for the entire time? Great location about 30 minutes from the airport in a clean air conditioned coach. Excellent value