Hotel Los Cactus: A relaxing week away

A wonderful vacation. It has a beautiful beach where we spend the majority of our days. A clean hotel with friendly staff. The food was fine, nothing too exciting to eat, but we were always able to find something we liked. I recommend the beach BBQ for dinner. It has a lovely view of the ocean while eating delicious BBQ chicken, pork or fish. Lots of bars and drinks to choose from, and also a coffee bar which we visited every night for a speciality coffee. We would go back to Breezes Vara [... read more]dero

Gran Caribe Sun Beach: Great value

Fresh food. Cold ac. Clean. Good drinks. Great location, close to the beach, shops, restaurants, bars, and discos. Some very friendly staff. And some extremely unfriendly staff. I have been 2 times great value.

Gran Caribe Sun Beach: Great location

The hotel was about what I'd expect from a 2-3 star resort so I don't regret having stayed there for the price. Our room, while in need of some repairs like the rest of this older hotel, was always clean and despite what other reviews we read before we left, we always had fresh towels and bathroom supplies daily. As usual, frequent small tips do go a long way in terms of better service. The pool and grounds were generally well maintained and the entertainment was better than expected. Food [... read more] was available throughout the day, but unfortunately the quality of most of the food was disappointing, particularly in the dining area where most meals are served. The snack bar, which is open at specific times had a kitchen that could make sandwiches, burgers and omelettes so we tried to eat there instead when possible. The Italian restaurant was an exception and the food there was very good, though you need to reserve a spot each time. The language barrier at the hotel was greater than I expected and while most of the staff tried their best, there were several times, particularly when trying to get information from reception, where we were simply told to come back later, presumably so somebody else could deal with us instead. One thing to be aware of is the fact that most places will only accept cash and while the hotel will exchange big bills for smaller ones and change, there is no place at the hotel to get money out with a bank or credit card. The nearest ATM was a few hotels down the strip and the nearest bank, which offers lower fees than ATM withdrawals, was about a twenty minute walk away and open only to 3pm, so that's something to keep in mind. While wi-fi access is not available in most places, the hotel apparently did have wi-fi but we could never connect to it. To use the internet you can purchase access cards from reception and if you can't connect with your own devices there are two computers available for guests to use, though they are extremely slow and used up a lot of our minutes just waiting for them to connect. The best part about the hotel, in my opinion, is its location. It is right across the road from the beach, which is well maintained and staffed and there are lots of merchant booths and restaurants in the area. The other hotels further up the peninsula might be nicer, but they are also more isolated, which may be good or bad depending on what you're looking for out of your vacation. The first few days after we arrived we had a lower opinion about the hotel, but the service improved throughout the week so it is very likely that they were under-staffed or impacted by hurricane Matthew which was hitting the east coast of the country when we arrived so this review is based on the days when the hotel was more functional and overall I don't regret having stayed here for the price.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Would never go back

I didn't like this hotel too dark for people to walk back to there rooms no towels in the room no beach towels for 3 days air conditioner didn't work switched 2 rooms had a group of 19 ppl buffet staff we great but the rest wasn't helpful I would not recommend this resort to anyone

Hotel Los Cactus: Paradise lost,

while the staff and groundskeepers were all very courteous and helpful,the fair on offer at the buffet was at best a struggle to find something both tasteful and pleasant,I stuck to omelette in the morning a burger for lunch and some pasta for dinner,The room was,, being generous, dated,although clean,the fact I could not get Pop before 11am at the buffet bar was strange,I do not drink alcohol,also beer could be bought at a premium at the bar for those who wished it,,only draught to be had for f [... read more]ree,never so glad to leave a place ever,at $1100.oo for all inclusive I expected better and on many other holidays got it,won't be back in Cuba let alone Breezes,sorry for being so negative,but this is being Honest

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Tired Resort

I was at this resort 8 years ago and it has definitely been let go since. Although some improvements have been and are currently being made the overall upkeep needs improvement. Staff for the most part appears unhappy which is a big change from the last time. On the plus side beach was beautiful, entertainment was awesome and food was actually not bad...we definitely did not go hungry.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Loved this Resort

This was my 2nd time in Varadero but my 1st time at this resort. I will definitely return as the hotel was far beyond my expectations. I loved the layout of the resort, all amenities were easily accessable. The staff were so friendly and go out of your way to help in any way they can. The food is usually not what people go to Cuba for but I thoroughly enjoyed the food there. The Cuban and Japanese restaurants were excellent. Book early because they fill up fast. I don't know the name of the cook [... read more] who made omelettes at the buffet but he made the best ones I've ever had. We loved both the beach & the pool areas. The snack bar right above the pool make excellent thin crust pizzas. Overall, I was impressed. I am already planning a trip to go back.

Melia Marina Varadero: Beautiful resort

The hotel itself and swimming pools were gorgeous. Our room was on the fourth floor with a big balcony that looked out at the whole picture perfect scenery. However, being that the beaches are starting to be developed I was not very impressed.

Starfish Jibacoa: Fantastic.....as always....4th time there now and many more to come

This resort is great. I like it a lot as there no huge buildings around....is like being in the country. The little bungalows are spread out.....not crowded all together like many other huge resorts. The staff are great as always. I have never had a bad experience there. I like it as it is not so crowded like the huge resorts. Villas Jipacoa , I find, is perfect. ....great service, friendly staff,.... and excellent beach. I know many of the staff there. They are always welcoming and many have a [... read more] great sense of humour as well....works for me. I also enjoy performing music with many locals there. Music is a big part of Cuban culture. The room was clean, and cleaned every day and air conditioners worked well and the food was good......just a fantastic time. I will be back again this winter. Rick

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Good for what you pay

The hotel overall is really nice, lots of pools, bars and restaurants. The best bar is the lobby bar, the drinks from the pool bar and beach bar weren't very good. The rooms are okay, we booked a queen room and had 2 double beds though. The shower head was broken but my husband kinda fixed it so we could at least shower. We were missing half of the shower door but it wasn't a big deal and after talking to other people it sounded like theirs was the same. The room overall was fine for how much ti [... read more]me you spend in there. The food isn't bad but you definitely get sick of it after a few days cause it's mostly the same stuff. There's the a la carte and other restaurants though. The beach is amazing, and the hotel is only about a 10 minute walk to downtown Varadero. The majority of the staff are so nice and friendly, we loved Sandra who works in the lobby bar, she makes the best drinks and is the sweetest person ever. The lobby bar closes at 11 then there's a disco which is open till 1 and after the buffet closes at 11 the a la carte serves snacks (hotdogs, hamburgers and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches) all night which are actually really good.

Sol Varadero Beach: Good beach, old resort!

We got a great deal on a 4 nights stay at this hotel. The beach was really great! But the hotel is getting a bit old, and repairs are sloppy. Hence its probably a great place if you don't plan to relax in your room too much. The most annoying thing is that they only provide 1 bottle of water a day. Expensive alcohol like champagne and Havana club 7yr old were free but rare at the bar.

Melia Marina Varadero: Had fun at the resort!

Melia Marina just outside of DT Varadero is where we stayed! Cuba is a totally different culture from North America so you must expect the differences! The resort rated as 4.5 star was certainly not what we consider a 4.5 in our standards but people were so accommodating and wonderful that all was accepted as an excellent vacation! Same with Cuban food, different from our standards but most things have to be imported so good from my perspective! Scare of Hurricane Matthew was upon us, but Wes [... read more]tjet Rep, Israel, relieved my fears as we were far enough away and it did not affect us in the least!! All in all, a great vacation!

Sol Varadero Beach: Nice resort

I had a great time.the serinas side was closed for renovations.but. the coral side was nice .very friendly staff..the food was great.my room was clean. Beach is nice.not crowded.but wish the had ashtrays on there tables.people put there cigarettes anywhere.. Staff were very helpful. Watch out for the sand fleas after it rains..

Resonance Blu Varadero: Run down Rooms

The first impression we had to use the washroom in the common area in the lobby when we went in there was no toilet paper or paper towel and several of the stalls were out of order. This was the norm during the entire vacation. We checked in and was taken to our rooms which was not what we had asked for so we had to go back changed rooms again. The room we stayed in had a faulty air conditioner and mould all over the walls and ceiling it was damp and smelly. the bar fridge was dirty. The [... read more] towels were disgusting stained, discolored, well you they looked like they were been used to the clean the floors. The good part the grounds were beautifully kept the staff was nice and friendly very helpful.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Welcoming resort

Had a great week (Sept 26-Oct 3). Staff are very welcoming and make this a wonderful resort for your vacation. Friendly and accomadating. Rooms, pool, beach and all others very clean. This is the third time I have been to Cuba. Twice to this resort. One of the main reasons is that the food here is exceptionally good considering other more expensive resorts do not have very good food. The beach restaurant at lunch is the best! Negatives are the following: Bar is missing many different [... read more] selections of drinks. Disappointed on the fruit drink mixes. Artificial flavorings. The public restrooms are clean but only half of the toilets are in working order.

Occidental Arenas Blancas: nice resort

hotel overall was nice but the food and service was not so good. I asked for a birthday cake never received it , had a lot of trouble because of that, however resort is nice. rooms need fixing. It was a birthday trip I was very disappointed with no cake and champagne even though I had that on the reservation and even asked customer relation for it

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Allright

Was good but no hot water we had problems at the airport they tok our souvenirs and they want us to pay 500 pesos the people was very roods no more cuba if I get free trip I will notgo very very rood people my self and my wife

Melia Marina Varadero: Wonderful and Amazing Resort and Vacation

The hotel was great. The staff were very friendly and cooperative. The room was spacious. The menu were slightly different every day. The food were more Creole Style. We enjoyed the flavors of the food and no "MSG" in the food. There were chicken, beef, pork, lamb, rabbit and fish. The restaurant by the beach served up a great lunch. The snack bar at the pool served sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, fries, Ice cream and coctails. It was one of the best vacation we had.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Off season and it showed!!!

I've stayed at other resorts including other Iberostar hotels in Cuba so I know to lower my standards but this was shocking... We were there for 6 days and 5 nights and was an adult vacation with 9 couples...The food was great and the specialty restaurants were very good with premium cuts of meat and fish... the grounds were not up kept at all, glass on the floor on day 1 and day 6 was still there!! They were under renovations which was fine they had it sectioned off and the workers were very re [... read more]spectful... The rooms were run down, musty and the air conditioner didn't work the first day, the maids poorly cleaned the rooms even when we left a large tip!!we continuely had to ask for towels, soap every night which was annoying after day3 ..I found the drinks really watered down and not a large selection of premium liquor unless you find the cigar bar( which we stumbled across it)...our pool waiter "Louis" was the high light of the trip, he was fantastic with our large group and really works hard to provide exceptional service...the beach wasn't good for anyone who was older as there was a drop in the sand that could be dangerous however the water was fantastic and the staff on the beach was fantastic also and always very helpful... Your staff is truly your greatest asset at this hotel.. I would return to Cuba but try another resort..

Melia Las Antillas: Amazing resort

We have visited this resort Sep.23-30, 2016. Checked in without delay. Have got room in block 6700 the first from the beach. Ground/landscaping very good maintained. Room was clean not a five star but everything was functional. Amazing with sand beach well maintained. No problem with beach towels. Three restaurants were to visit.(Cuban, Italian, European cuisines). Main for every day restaurant had air conditions with dissent varieties of food and clean. Staff was very respectful.