Iberostar Selection Varadero: Great Potential

The check-in, lobby area, beach, pools, grounds and generally all staff were wonderful. The buffet food was ok by Cuba standards. The a la carte restaurants were fun with friendly employees. The bar staff and housekeeping were very hospitable. The entertainment was mostly quality shows. I encountered two restaurant employees in the same day, and in uniform, who used the washroom (by the shops) and exited without washing their hands, makes one wonder about hygiene standards. There are problems  [... read more]with the hotel's Food and Beverage Management: no breakfast available before an excursion because the 24/7 buffet not ready with food for guests at 6:20AM or even 6:45AM. We had to leave to make our pick up with only coffee from Lobby Bar (which was excellent by the way). My sister's departure pick up was at 6:00AM and there was no breakfast available. The 24/7 restaurant food was really bad, not fresh, overcooked baked and crisp eggs and tepid meat. Our transfer to the airport was scheduled before the dinner period at 6:00PM and only landed at 3:00AM at destination yet we were also unable to get any food before leaving. I was told by server that I was not permitted to sit at a table inside 24/7 restaurant to dine because they were blocked off for the a la carte an hour and a half in advance of opening (yet staff were seated beside me). I was asked to leave and eat outside on the patio where people sat to smoke. We were earlier advised we could order room service for our 6:00PM departure but when inquiring at reception, they said that service was not deliverable to the lobby since we had checked out at the required time of noon (we only asked for a couple of individual pizzas, nothing fancy). So, you will encounter instances where no food is available at this resort despite being priced and described as all-inclusive. You need to bring some snacks from home. It is not near any other local restaurants. Otherwise, lovely property but they have some fine tuning to do.

Playa Caleta: Resort was ok for what you pay

So beach was fabulous,good was eatable never were we hungry , pool was perfect and clean . I would recommend to upgrade the room with travel agency as it's worth it. Liked that you could go to town and enjoy the clubs ( 15 mins away) Rooms we're clean . I would have liked to have better washrooms in the lobby and that they wouldn't leave you bottled water in resort ., all and all have a great holiday would for sure go again for the money .

Starfish Jibacoa: not bad

rooms were moldy and smelly, grounds were nice and maintain,the pool is very dirty i never seen them hose down around the pool and it was very dirty considering people were walking bare feet,the garbage can were disgusting.the food is very limited and and not much variety.some staff were friendly and some weren't

Melia Las Americas: Things have slipped.

This is our third year in a row at this resort. The hotel grounds, facilities, etc. are constantly being updated. The General Manager is very visible. The staff are friendly. However, there was no recognition at reception that we were returning guests, nor that we were celebrating our anniversary. Further, the food quality had deteriorated from previous visits and the house wine has become undrinkable.

Starfish Cuatro Palmas: very friendly hotel

beautiful beach . staff very friendly. our 8th time in this hotel. big change in management.. the manager tried his impossible too please. will be back next febr. no taxi needed to visit the vilage and markets

Hotel Bella Costa: Great Beach

Structure: The hotel is dilapidated. As you arrive if you are a non-smoker you have to run the gauntlet as there are smokers dotted around sitting at tables as you make you way to the entrance to the hotel. When sitting in the lounge water drips onto you from the air-conditioning above. When looking up the ceiling I noticed it was encrusted with black algae/mould. Rooms: Two guests asking to change their rooms mentioned that their rooms also had mould. On the first day I was to have a garden vie [... read more]w room but was given one with no garden but overlooking a courtyard and the hotel's air conditioning plant and tradesmen service area, room 263. As a result I could not open my sliding door as the noise from the aircon was way too loud and my room vibrated as if I was still on the plane. My room was switched the next morning to room 229 but to a flood damaged area i.e. water leaked all over the passage way floors. In my room I could see where pipes had previously burst. The smell of cigarette smoke wafted down the vents into my bathroom and I am a non-smoker. My unit was at the end so I could hear both the hotel traffic and the traffic along the causeway. The wind blew for 5.5 days and my sliding door rattled continuously and very loudly sometimes like a thunder clap waking me on many occasions throughout the night. I think with an upgrade in the aircon, eliminating the water leakages and mould everywhere and having a handyman check out each room for repairs would go a long way to provide further comfort to guests. E.g. the cupboard doors didn’t close and kept swinging open so I had to position chairs up against them. The room cleaner only sweeps the floor and no surfaces are cleaned. In the entire week I had no change of towels. The bed in room 229 was king size. I don't think they had king size sheets for it so they used other sheets and put them on lengthwise. As a result the sheet only came up to my waist and in order to keep snug at night I had to use a bath towel and wear my hoodie to cover my shoulders. I was also unsure whether the comforter provided was washed after each guest as it did not look crisp and clean, so was afraid to use this to cover my shoulders. The pillows are long, narrow, hard bolster style pillows. The surfaces in the bathroom were never wiped down. The toilet was cleaned and the toilet paper replaced. Dining: I noticed in the Japanese restaurant I was only offered one glass of wine and this came halfway through my main course although I had requested it when I placed my food order. The following day on the beach I noticed a wine trade going on between a life guard and either locals or guests - unsure. Perhaps that is why they limit the wine one is offered in the restaurant? They did try hard with the food given their limited ingredients. Once they offered champagne and a flower to guests entering the buffet restaurant which was a nice touch. The fish in the beach snack bar restaurant is very good at lunch time. The whole fish in the Cuban restaurant is delicious. I was recommended to try the lamb special at the Cuban restaurant but when it arrived it was definitely beef although the manager and chef denied this. I do know the difference between the taste of beef and lamb so I sent it back. Tipping: With the exchange rate so poor with CUC=C$1.33, I wanted to have some CUC1’s in either coins or notes as I was travelling solo. There is a shortage of CUC1’s on the island and everyone is given CUC3’s for tipping. CUC3=C$4 which is fine if you are spending $30 plus dollars on a meal but to have to fork out C$4 every time you want a drink or eat breakfast is a financial drain. I only lined up once for an omelette and the chef took his time about cleaning his station first and three times he twiddled with an existing CUC3 note– evidently indicating to me that if I wanted quick service, I would have to fork out CUC3. I did not want to subject myself to this again so opted out of omelettes for breakfast. The first night at dinner the waitress came up to me after pouring me water which I had waited for forever, ditto a glass of wine, and said to me: “I have two babies.” I felt like telling her so did I LOL! That was a turnoff as this was the only communication she had with me and evidently my tip was all she was after. It would have been far more comfortable for me to have paid tips up front like we do on cruise ships and this takes care of the jockeying for constant compensation. The staff at the bars work very hard to please. Fitness: I attended water gym at 12:30 – there was no schedule of exercise activities as they said they were fixing the board but that water gym is every day at 12:30 and yoga/stretching on the beach every day at 10:30. The following day I ensured I was at the activity station at 10:30 for yoga. Nobody came. Finally at 10:45 the instructor appeared and when I greeted her with Hola and asked her if there was going to be yoga she tore a strip of me and said I should first ask how she was, etc. She gave no apology for being late and keeping us waiting and she had been the one the day before to tell us to be there at 10:30. The next couple of days at 12:30 there was no water gym it could have been held earlier or later but unless you happen to be around you could miss it. I do understand the concept of African time and Cuban time so it would be more helpful to give an approximate time rather to avoid inconveniencing other people. The pools and jacuzzi are lined in rubber and there are airpockets everywhere in the water and it kind of creepy and slippery to navigate. Transportation: To reach the hop on hop off bus is a good 20 minute unshaded walk and luckily I am very fit. Those guests who are not had to take tuk-tuks to reach the bus stop. In town the locals sit at the designated roofed bus stops for the hop on bus even though they are not taking that bus. As a result legitimate bus passengers have to wait in the blazing sun whilst the locals sit in the shade. It would be a good idea if their government would provide shade for everyone waiting for buses. Entertainment: The evening themed show is supposed to start at 8:30 pm but on the four occasions I attended briefly, they only had activities for the children on stage and eventually after sitting in the wind for 30 minutes with no adult show in sight, I went inside so sadly did not get to see the shows and have no idea when they started. There were very good musicians each evening in the lounge during the cocktail/dinner hour.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Definitely a 5 star!!

I went on this trip with my mom and we had a great time. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, the rooms were modern, updated and the resort itself was in good shape. In order to get chairs on the beach, you need to go down early and put your towels down, but there were always staff there to help us with this. The pool area was nice and big and there were always chairs available. Plus there was a pool bar. The food was decent and a good variety. I was quite pleased with this resort. I love [... read more] Cuba!

Roc Barlovento: Good Value and Positive Atmosphere

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Barlovento. It is one of the older all inclusive resorts in Veradero but it was well managed, quite clean and reasonably well maintained. It is situated on the western edge of town and allowed us to walk through the community. There are daily afternoon games and evening entertainment adjacent the pool and on stage. As well, there is evening musical performances in the lobby/lounge are featuring local musicians. The beach is great and there is bar  [... read more]service on the beach. The staff is friendly and it is evident they enjoy working there.

Melia Las Americas: Love the Resort especially the Golf

Totally met our expectations. Our group of 8 guys enjoyed the very challenging course as the winds and multiple tee boxes made this course play differently for our 8 rounds in 7 days. Fairways and greens and rough were well maintained while you had to be a good sand player to overcome the rough sand traps. Service is exceptional at all amenities. Buffet had many varieties of food to more than satisfy. Specialty dining is good for Cuban standards, but acceptable for international standards.....th [... read more]ey do well with what they have (bring your own Wasabi and you'll gain lots of friends). The international restaurant Arcade was the ultimate, fine dining, 5 piece ensemble white glove service, exquisite plating and a very romantic setting to take your love one! Beer is good throughout, alcohol basics are good but the base wine is Very marginal for anyone who enjoys good wines. Suggest you grab a couple of $10 bottles at Duty Free at home. Tips (as r trinkets from home)for staff are much appreciated and well earned. Beach and pools were nice with adequate loungers with shade umbrellas for all without hoarding. Lots of organized beach activity if desired. Water was very rough (MARCH) every day (no snorkelling) and closed beach for 3 days w jellyfish. Trip into Varadero was easy and fun by old US style taxi.,cheap in a group. Only wish we did Havana. Currency exchange can be done at hotel as rate is similar whether at airport bank or hotel. Overall I would rate this as 4.0 -4.5 international stars and consider a revisit with my wife.

Hotel Bella Costa: Good Resort

Rooms were clean, plenty of hot water and plumbing worked great. Housekeeping was polite and very helpful. Rooms had age related issues but quite bearable. Alacarte restaurants were great but the dinner buffet was terrible. Beach was fantastic!!!

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Very good and welcoming resort!

We stayed in the privilage section which was great. I would highly recommend it as it's worth it. Great drinks, very good staff, quiet place, perfect access to a private pool and the beach ( which was a small one but you can always move aside). If you have things you're not satisfied with you have a concierge just a phone away. meals were generally fine, nothing too special. Average Al a Carte restaurants. The best coffee for us, and we are extensive espresso coffee drinkers, was at the privilag [... read more]e pool bar and the privilage restaurant. Serrano coffee brand is the best. We recomnend the resort. Rooms were clean. Large bathroom with a tub shower and a seperate one. We asked the maid to change the towels and she did. Otherwise you might end up for a week with the same towels. Overall great experince. Will hopefully go back next year.

Grand Memories Varadero: Cuba!

Our first trip to Cuba was fantastic. The weather was great and very relaxing atmosphere. I wouldn't say the resort was 4.5 stars but it wasn't a 2 either. If buying duty free at the airport, DO NOT use Canadian cash..62% exchange!!

Sol Varadero Beach: First trip to Cuba - Incredile stay

This was the first trip to Cuba for both my girlfriend and myself. For our budget we weren't expecting anything crazy, but were incredibly pleased with the resort we stayed at! Clean room, food was good/manageable, friendly staff, and pool/beach area was beautiful. The resort itself may need a little TLC here and there but for a couple looking to relax in the sun and experience Cuba, it was awesome. Not to mention we were a 2 minute drive from Varadero! The only major complaint I had about our s [... read more]tay was on the last full day of our trip S-Trip showed up with bus loads of high school kids (high school grad trip group) looking to party and drink...we were fortunate enough to leave the next day because there were upwards of 100+ staying at the resort and they were quite obnoxious. We got lucky with the week we went (March 5-12). We would definitely go back again - not bad for a 3 star!

Resonance Blu Varadero: Bit of a disappointment really...

My wife and I, along with another couple, stayed at Memories Varadero from March 5th - 12th, 2016. We arrived just after 3 pm so we missed the buffet that day and had to eat lunch at the pool snack bar... Worst burger ever!! It wasn't cooked properly, pretty sure the meat wasn't 100% beef and I bit into 3 small bones nearly breaking a tooth!! It's quite a large resort but only 1 buffet which made mealtime a bit of a zoo. The food was okay for the first few days but they really didn't have a grea [... read more]t deal of variety. We quickly got tired of the same type of food every day. The beach was great and we had no trouble finding beach loungers under the shade huts. The main "party" pool was fun and the waterslide was great! It did get crowded at times and the atmosphere was totally ruined one day when about 100 university students from Nova Scotia on spring break arrived early and started drinking to the point that one guy threw up and passed out by the pool at 11 in the morning!! Our rooms were okay but kind of run down and the bathrooms need major upgrading. The grounds were not kept up as well as most other resorts we have been to such as Hotel Bella Costa in Varadero and several in Punta Cana, such as IFA, Princess Punta Cana and Gran Bahia Principe. Overall, this resort was a disappointment compared to other resorts we have stayed at and we wouldn't choose it again.

Hotel Bella Costa: Beautiful beach, fantastic times!

This hotel/resort itself was decent, a tad outdated but it's Cuba. Oceanview suite was the way to go! The BEACH was incredible, warm water, cold drinks and smiling people. Great value - would go back.

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Perfect vacation

It was great staff is nice, rooms are cleaned everyday and you have access to the other other Sol y Mar , which makes it even better. Nothing to complain about. Beach is amazing. This lobby is a but boring but sincr you have access to theother other right next to it it doesn't matter because the other lobby is huge and beautiful and there's lots of entertainment at night

Muthu Playa Varadero: Staff and food make up for maintenance issues

the buildings are in need of repair, dark hallways, stairways, crumbling plaster walls. the resort staff are friendly and resort is small . food is good, but best eats at beach bbq. if you are looking for luxury this is not the hotel for you, looking for good value vacation, its a good deal.

Hotel Acuazul: Amazing Place

Amazing place for the value. we arrive to Varadero on March the 4th and left on March 11th. The hotel is located close to downtown and close to everything that you will need. 2 block walk to the beautiful Ocean. we stayed on the 6th floor and our view was in front of the Hotel so the view was wonderful looking over the ocean and beautiful sunsets. Some of the staff at the hotel does need some skills and need adjustment but a majority of the staff were very pleasant and nice. the food was ok but  [... read more]please keep in mind you will be visiting Cuba so the food is blend so adjust and bring some of your own spices. all in all great place and would visit this hotel again. its great for the value that we paid for well worth it.

Melia Las Antillas: not that good

Resort is not as good as the pictures show . Nice size. Rooms not that clean .food good .pool freezing . water surrounding the resort stinks. Very very slow service. No WiFi. Difficult to get changed to tip . Tip r not same service. .Orlando and Digna were the best servers.

Hotel Los Cactus: Relaxing & quiet

Nice resort, grounds very well kept, clean. It is a little dated, the rooms were clean. On our first day the air conditioning was not working and we requested a move to another room which they accommodated. It is hit and miss on the hot water. As mentioned, the rooms are a little dated, but hey, you are only in there to sleep. The staff is very pleasant and accommodating. We were told the food is not top notch and this is true; however, it is okay. We only saw one night of entertainment, we went [... read more] to relax in a quiet resort and we did. The beach is spectacular!