Club Kawama: ENJOYABLE RESORT

Comfortable yet not elegant rooms, good food, beautiful beach, nice big pool, very hospitable staff, close to commercial district of Varadero, lots of history and overall an enjoyable relaxing holiday for the price !

Club Kawama: Awesome Vacation-except for "upgrade scam"

Our only issue was when we got to Kawama they charged us an EXTRA $370 for the room we had requested but apparently wasn't avail when we booked, but was now avail. This also happened to the 3 guests behind us a Check-in. We paid for it because it was exactly what we wanted. Other than that Kawama is located at the quiet end, close to town, and the market. The beach is fantastic. The Jeep Safari through Hola Sun was AMAZING! and worth every penny($240) you have to drive standard. Our friends book [... read more]ed through Sunwing and it was a totally different tour and they were disappointed! Staff is friendly, and resort is full of repeat vacationers and is one of the reasons I picked Kawama. We did 10 days and our overall vacation was amazing.

Club Kawama: MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

This is my 5th trip to Kawama, I love it. I do find that some people do not give it a fair chance. That should bother me, but Honestly those who do not like Kawama, I am happy to say should not return, there or maybe to Cuba. It makes better for those of us, and there are many multiple time returners, who LOVE it! I hear all the time how rude the front desk staff is, I also note how rude some people talk to them and they remain professional. If you are traveling anywhere in Cuba for the first t [... read more]ime let me tell you a few things you should know. #1 It is a THIRD world country, and poor. #2 The people are proud and friendly, they hug and kiss both cheeks of friends. #3. It Is A COMMUNIST country , they do not have the modern conveniences we in the spoiled North have, no multiple channels, or movie channels, no wifi everywhere, no phone calling to anywhere you want from your room or even from the Resort. The hotels are Govt. owned and run. They can`t get many medications there, like even Tylenol and over the counter drugs, we take for granted, so bring your own and be sure you have enough.!! The Health care is great, but some drugs are not available.! #4 the food is CUBAN, if you don`t want to venture out of your comfort zone, go to Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or any where else. #5 Tips of gifts,or only Cuban pesos, is much appreciated, but giving Canadian or other country money is not as appreciated. They cannot easily convert it and that is a problem. #6 Bring your own towels, if paying $10, refundable, is an issue, but remember if you spend a lot of time on the beach be prepared for sand fleas in your towel and room. #7 Kawama is handicap accessible, but it is not only for handicapped folks, I use a walker and so did my friend, we had no issues! I saw at least 2 wheelchairs and multiple strollers. If you cannot walk at all there are some obstacles that might limit you getting there, but you need to find that out prior to going ANYWHERE. I am writing this review as I have many times on Tripadvisor, I am honest, fair and Intolerant of people who visit once and have nothing but negative things to say. Research your trip, no matter where you go. If you are a picky person, hoity toity, or used to only the best, Cuba may not be for you, especially if it is your first tip to an Island. I however, believe every trip is what YOU make of it. Cuban beaches are beautiful, the water is clear, clean, and amazing colours. The sky is clear and blue, this tropical paradise is friendly and kind. I will be going back to Cuba and Kawama again and again, Why try the rest when you have found the best, FOR ME ANYWAY! I hope this helps some people understand Cuba a little. Enjoy all your adventures. Bea

Club Kawama: great relaxing vacation

The resort is sprawling over a large are right along the beach, so depending on where your room is, there can be a lot of walking. Most of the paths are easy to navigate and well lit at night, but some are uneven and not lit. We had our room changed to be closer to the center of the resort on day 3 of our stay and the less walking was traded off with more noise at night from the entertainment. Staff were mostly very friendly and helpful when we needed them. Our room was clean and tidy, though th [... read more]e cleaning staff did not do much 'cleaning' during our stay (sheets stayed full of sand, floors not mopped etc) but we had fresh towels every day and the beds were made up and floors swept. The food gets repetitive after 10 days, but we never had trouble finding something to eat. Lots of fresh fruit, great salad bar and usually nice fish, rice, beans, eggs etc. We spent several days on the beach all day and the rest of our days by the pool. Never had trouble finding a lounger and shade/sun when we wanted it. We didn't go expecting a lot of excitement and night life (there isn't much) and we didn't go to Cuba to shop, though there are several markets in Varadero to find crafts and souvenirs. Great place to relax in the sunshine and warmth and get away from winter!!

Occidental Arenas Blancas: nice resort

Hotel was awesome .... but sunwing leaves alot to be desired... between delays of leaving and coming back lost about 36 hrs and my job never and I mean never would I ever recommend sunwing to anybody and they offered me a 50 $ gift certificate that is is incredibly difficult to run through

Club Kawama: Cuba libre

Cuba is beautiful, the beach and ocean at the Club Kawama resort is fantastic. I returned to the Kawama because previously I had a great experience. This time my expectations were too high. The staff is great in the most part, lovely friendly people. One bad experience in the dining room, the waiter said he wouldn't serve me unless I gave him a tip. I was shocked and felt very uncomfortable. 5 out of 7 days we had no water in the room, which was a challenge when it was shower time after the beac [... read more]h. Cuba itself does not disappoint. Sun, sand, surf and relaxation. Great.

Hotel Villa Cuba: Not a good first impression

We arrived at Villa Cuba just before 10 p.m.. They took us to our Villa near the beach which was a huge disappointment. The room fit only 2 beds with a tiny bistro type table and a very tiny bathroom. There was no dresser to place your clothes and a closet big enough to hang your coats. We requested a change in rooms which they did accommodate us 2 days later to a much nicer part in the resort. Due to spending 2 days in the very damp room my sisters white slacks had black mold on them. Once we s [... read more]ettled in to our new room our vacation was quite nice. The staff were very friendly and most spoke English. The pool area was great as well as the entertainment each night. The beach was also beautiful. It is a large resort but mostly for adults. There is nothing there for children other than the pool. Even though the food was Cuban style you could always find something that suited you, variety was wholesome.

Club Kawama: meh.

Smelled of sewage in most areas, food was questionable, front desk was no help and housekeeping was rude most days. The beach was beautiful, full of garbage however except near the water. The main pool was nice, the pool bar was nice, the main snack bar was nice, the lobby cafe was my favorite. There was no WiFi, even though it says two internet bars... But the liquor was free and the sun was hot and the ocean was warm and clear. If you want a cheap place to be near the beach, with free drinks,  [... read more]and close to downtown Varadero, this works fine I suppose.

Roc Barlovento: Last min deal

Hotel was ok, a place to lay your head was a last min booking and was in our budget. Fisrt time away at an all inclusive so i cant compare, everything was just ok but new that going there. Really liked Cuba, and the beach is awsome and lots to do down town,

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Ain't to shabby, even if it was a wee bit shabby

So this was not by any means a bad resort and I would definitely go back. We were there during the high season and smack in the middle of most universities and colleges reading weeks, which was why it was surprising how laid back and generally quiet the place was. I mean if you wanted to party, there was party to be had but nothing intrusive like say elevator vomit or hallway fights. The Staff were for the most part awesome. Our maid was a sweet heart and took fantastic care of us and our stuff. [... read more] She mistakenly took a friends birthday gift that we had left sitting at the end of our bed and showed up the next day nearly in tears apologizing for the mistake. She did not have to do that, she could have walked away with it. The food was what you wouyld expect from a resort in Cuba but there is a great steakhouse next door (literally thirty yards) and you can literally walk the Varadero strip from the hotel if you want to. The accommodations were just fine. Some of the light switched took a little fiddling and the maintenance guys forgot to turn the water on in one of our parties rooms (took thirty seconds to fix) but other than all that the only problem we really had was our balcony roof. Not really avoidable--we had super strong winds the first two days--they pulled a piece of siding loose that proceeded to slap around and make some noise. Maintenance got it battened down for us and the next day the sun came up and all was great. The beach they have is large and even in the high season not overcrowded. You also have access to the neighbouring resorts facilities which have a larger buffet and some other facilities you may wanna use. There are 4 or 5 pools if thats your thing. Overall I would say that it was a solid experience and that I would return. So book up and enjoy.

Club Kawama: Some Concerns

As a 20 time plus guest, I was disappointed my last trip. This Hotel is quaint and close to uptown Varadero . The location is the best. BUT they really need to review who is arriving and their age. It took three days before I was given a suitable room and I had e-mailed prior. New arrivals and first time guests were given Upgrades while we were sent to the far corner of this resort in a terrible room that required maintenance. - after our being loyal repeat customers for many years. One of our f [... read more]riends who happens to be 88 yrs old was given a second level room. There are rooms on this resort that are truly below standard; not painted; walls all marked up - curtains hanging on three rings etc. As well some of the rooms are so far out seniors should not be sent there. With he exception of the Front Desk Manager who attempts to assist everyone the rest at the Front Desk need Customer Service training. They can be rude and simply ignore you. Tomorrow is there only response ...and this can go on for many days.....they hope you unpack and give up. This resort needs to appreciate their long term guests like they used to do....forget the return guest dinner and give suitable accommodations for them. Other than the room allocation...I love this resort due to its friendly atmosphere and no high rise situation. Close to the beach; walk up town; flea markets fishing and restaurants. Leida needs to recover quickly.......They need her back there.

Club Kawama: Front Desk Staff needs to be freindlier

The hotel has been under repair for a couple of years and the grounds and rooms are being upgraded for the better. I have been to Kawama many times over the Twenty years or so. I was always treated fairly by the front staff, but this time the public relation (Leida) is off sick and the quality of their services is suffering. I was disappointed in the hospitality we received during this trip. The food quality has improved over the last few years and of course the rest of the staff was pleasant an [... read more]d helpful as usual.

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Very Clean Resort

Very Clean Resort, food was good lots of choices and the grounds well kept. Walking distance to town. Pool and beaches clean and lots of snacks offered throughout the day. Beach towels were always clean and could exchange daily.

Club Kawama: Best food in a resort in Cuba (6th time)

Great beach, grounds were ok. I paid too much but the time of year it is what it is. Beds were typical of Cuba - uncomfortable room also had issues in the bathroom that wouldn't take much to fix (mold on ceiling, soap dispenser hanging from a hole in the tile, pane of glass missing from bathroom door) and micro ants in the bathroom area.

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Ok resort

The pool and beach areas were beautiful and well-maintained. The disco was very loud until 3:30 a.m. so hope you don't get a room directly above it like we did. The food was ok and the rooms could have been a lot better.

Club Kawama: Beautiful Beach and friendly staff!

We would compare the hotel to a university setting in regards to the rooms and the food. The beds were similar to cots and the food was average. However the beach is breath taking and the staff are very friendly and welcoming! I would come back for sure. The location makes it perfect to walk downtown or go to fabulous restaurants. It is an average hotel but the whole experience was awesome

Club Karey: Pleasantly surprised for a low rated Cuban resort

Food was far better than expected..excellent pork roast,fish and turkey. Mattresses a little bare and water pressure barely adequate. Staff were excellent. The beach could have been better cleaned of debris such as beer cans, glass bottles, etc.

Roc Barlovento: Nice Central Location

First impressions of the hotel were great. The grounds were nicely kept, the staff was friendly. We arrived around noon so the room was not ready until 4. We were able to have a nice lunch and wander around a it. We had requested a king size bed which they were not able to accommodate as they said the hotel was full and maybe the next day. Our room had an awful smell to it so we reported it immediately and once their technician recommended we be moved they did so right away to a room with a king [... read more] size bed. Amazing they found one afterall. The pools were nice and clean, impossible to get a chair around the main pool closest to the activities unless you went out with your towel at the crack of dawn. During the day the staff would remove any unused lounges from the pool areas and take them to the beach. The beach bar was closed so you had to go to the snack bar for a drink which was about a 2-3 minute walk from the beach. The beach was beautful, nice soft sand, fairly clean, crystal water. You could walk to all the markets and restaurants or take a taxi or a horse and buggy ride. We stopped for lunch one day at a local restaurant called El Criollo located at Calle 18. The hotel is located at Calle 8 so not a far walk. The food was great and not too expensive. We also went to dinner one night at El Toro, a steak house which serves Canadian beef. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection. It is located at Calle 28. At the beginning of the week the snack bar served most of the same lunch selection as the buffet, salads, meat ,cheeses, buns, etc, but by the end of the week they only had hamburgers. The buffet was pretty much the same selection every day. There was an omellete station for made to order eggs, but they had precooked scrambled, poached and hard boiled if you didn't want to wait. They have bacon too, but you usually had to ask for it as it was not made readily available on the buffet. One night they had ribs which were delicious. They had a Cuban day at the resort and that evening there were huge roasts of pork at the buffet. The only problem with the buffet is that it was too small to handle such a large amount of guests. There were always line ups outside to get in and then huge lineups waiting for food. The Cuban a la carte restaurant was wonderful. The food was amazing. The Italian a la carte was ok. We never got to the Mexican as it was always booked. You can exchange your money when you arrive at the airport or any time at the front desk of the hotel. . The rate at the airport was better than the hotel, similar to the bank rate, but the lineups at the banks in Varadero were over an hour wait. There was no archery at the hotel like the inclusions stated. There was also no hairdryer in the room. All in all it was a nice hotel, great vacation.

Club Kawama: Very good value for $$$$

Close to great beach , close to airport , walking distance to town (shopping and restaurants) , staff friendly and accommodating , kept clean grounds and pool area . Two good coffee bars, afternoon entertainment good ( aquatic dance , beach party)

Club Kawama: not bad, not good

-Hotel staff, pool, beach, and room were ok. -Resort is in a good location at one end of the Varadero strip. -Weather was very windy and/or cold 5 of 7 days (early Feb). -Food was terrible at the buffet. Lots of it, but very difficult to find anything that tasted good or looked appealing. The same food was recycled from one meal to the next. Even the coffee was bad (although you could get an ok cup in the hotel lobby). -No issues with any theft/crime/harassment on or off the resort. -Took two ex [... read more]cursions, both were ok. -Spoke to various people during our trip from various other resorts. Everyone seemed to have pretty much the same pros/cons in regard to their resorts. Terrible food, mediocre cleanliness, ok beach/pool/drinks, etc Glad we saw it and no regrets about the trip at all, but we'll never go back to Cuba. Compared to several other islands, we rank Cuba in last place.