Resort needs lots of TLC

The resort was clean. But had a lot of building issues. I stayed on the top floor. Every time it rained (everyday) the roof would leak in the hallways. Then water was running into the rooms. The maids tried to contain it for the most part by laying old towels everywhere. But it was non stop. They’d run out of dishes every night and towels were scarce. Not once did they replace the towels in the room. Staff was friendly and accommodating except for the front desk people. They  [... read more]seemed uninterested in anything. I wouldn’t stay there again or reccomend anyone to either. I’m pretty easy going and don’t expect much. Just this resort didn’t seem to keep up with the necessities.

Great vacation spot!

We had a great time at the Arenas Blancas. The food was good for Cuba, the staff helpful and friendly and the beach is second to none! The location is one of the main reasons for staying there; it's a short walk to shops and markets and the Beatles Bar and if you want to explore farther you can catch the bus or grab a cab along the way. We had beautiful sunny weather all week. I would totally recommend this resort.

Okay resort

Hotel is older. Rooms not so nice. Mold in the shower. Was eating in one restaurant looked over and saw a roach. I’m not a very picky person when it come to the hotels but this place was not so nice.

Not too bad

This was a decent resort. Rooms are definitely dated, but liveable. The Beach is absolutely beautiful, but you need to get there 1st thing in the morning if you want to get a lounge chair to sit on. The pool is a great spot to sit and relax and enjoy the fun daytime entertainment. The staff at the pool bar are wonderful and friendly. Much better than the other bars. The evening entertainment is hit and miss, but what you would expect. The buffet is amazing!! I enjoyed the food immensely. Di [... read more]d not enjoy the service at all. People are very unfriendly and like to ignore you. Buffet staff do not allow you to keep your glasses and remove your plates before you are even done with them. Not a very enjoyable experience. We will not be returning.

Perfect location - would recommend this hotel again

I recently went by myself to this resort as a last minute gift to myself. I booked 12hrs before taking off :) I was on a restricted budget but knew I wanted a 4 star resort. I really enjoyed my stay here. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. The pool is big and cleaned every morning. The beach was great and groomed as well... The rooms are dated but totally functional and I appreciated having English TV in my room and a patio overlooking the ocean. I got used to the rooster wak [... read more]ing me up in the morning after a few days lol... What I appreciated the most was that I felt safe there - as a woman travelling alone, I was never treated inappropriately by any of the staff, and I soon befriended the waiter working on the beach who always made sure I had a drink (or two) in my hand :) The food is good - I enjoyed my meals there even with the limited selection. I always went to the grill for fresh meat, fish and good egg omelets in the morning. One of the definite perks is in its location in Varadero. The weather was not great during my visit but being able to walk around Varadero definitely helped me get through the rainy overcast days. The city is friendly and once again, I never felt unsafe being alone. I would definitely would go back to this resort and would recommend it.

FAIL! FAIL! FAIL!

Where to start... I had stayed at this ‘resort’ last year. It was not quite up to snuff then, but this year was very sad. I have been to Varadero about 6 years in row (at some other resorts). Usually a 3 to 4 star hotel is relatively fine. I had booked through Tripcentral, as I was able to have an agent arrange my booking and let them know what I was looking for in a room. Getting in late, I found my room - musty and dingy, balcony overlooked 4 charming, whirling AC units. Got hotel to [... read more] change the room, unfortunately where I was last year - over the kiddies pool. This, again, is why I used an agent so this would not happen again. THIS WAS NOT THE AGENTS FAULT. The hotel is decrepit, lobby paint peeling with water stains. The lobby bar/espresso bar closed for reno’s. Why on God’s earth would they close something like that, and not do it off-season. Admittedly, they had opened the pool bar which was under construction the previous year- quite nice. The Arenas Blancas was associated with Barcelo Solymar, where you had the use of both hotel facilities. The AB was bought out by an outfit named Occidental, and at their whim, you could still use the facilities of both but, AB guests could no longer use the buffet at Solymar - just out of the blue. HMMM All and all, the star rating for ARi is extremely false. I’m well aware,you do not go to Cuba for the resort food, but every lunch/dinner was identical to the day before - 1/10. Some of the grill cooks had major attitude!!!!!! The 24 hour snack bar had discusting dried out weiners and hotdogs and mayonnaise with a scum on top and not refrigerated! The guests... mostly Long Term Care and couples with children, many under 3 or 4 months old being pushed around the paths in double-wide strollers. Just like a nursery. One thumbs up were the well kept grounds. Honestly, I could go on, but I think you got the drift. STAY AWAY!!!

Back for the second time!

My husband and I really enjoy this resort. A beautiful stroll on the beach each morning and then back to a lounge chair to read a book while the waves are crashing behind us. We never went hungry and the service and staff are consistently amazing. Rooms and decor could use a refresh.

Don’t stay here

Room was never properly cleaned. Bathtub was dirty. Towels were never changed. Buffet was lukewarm or cold all the time. Was never offered a la carte restaurants. Hamburgers were bloody awful. No snacks or anything to munch on between meals. No show in the evening except kids show. I wouldn’t consider this hotel again. Hotel lobby was flooding when it rained. I would rate this a 1 star I like Cuba and I know what to expect I have been to Cuba before. I know Cuban hotels, I would ra [... read more]te. It maybe1 1/2 compared to other Cuban Hotels

Upgraded!

when we first arrived at the resort, we were told we would have to check in at the sister resort. We thought we would have to walk to ours, however, we were happy to find out that we were upgraded to that resort. We loved the ability to enjoy the amenities at both resorts, while getting a room in the better one. Staff were friendly, and food pretty good considering it was Cuba. The town was a short walk down the street, where we are out at restaurants and bought souvenirs. Overall, loved it!

Excellent Resort

The cleaning and serving staff were great and very helpful. The resort was kept very clean. The washrooms were kept very clean and the common areas were kept in great condition. The cappuccino was was great and the service at the bar was prompt. The food was good and had a good variety. The location close to town was excellent and the beach is the best in the world. Had a great seven weeks.

Great staff, Beautiful beaches

This has been the 13th time in almost 20 years that we have stayed at the Arenas Blancas in Varadero, Cuba. The staff have always been very accommodating and friendly. The grounds are brautiful and well maintained. Shopping in the area has grown as it has all across Cuba. The food could use some improvement and the a la carte restaurant that we ate at was not as good as in the years past. However, this trip was a little off season. Usually we go in February. Still, the trip was well worth the [... read more] money and was a very affordable trip. Going back again in the winter.

Fell in love!

Barcelo Arenas Blancas was fantastic! Grounds were beautiful, food was good, best location, amazing beach of course, incredible view from balcony and staff were very friendly! Our 4th time to Varadero and we finally found our resort of choice! Can't wait to go back!

Short and sweet

I had a superior room ocean view but a lot of trees were in my way of my view. King size bed flat screen tv with English channels. I have been to Cuba 6 times and this was one of the nicer rooms. The shower is outdated but functional! Clean. AC worked fine hot water worked fine. Buffet was ok. I didn't starve. Not a pool person but the pools did look a little cloudy. One thing I will complain about are the damn roosters that woke me up between 4 to 5 am every morning and won't shut up! My room w [... read more]as 4245. Staff very friendly. 1 bell boy between 2 hotels isn't that efficient. Walking distance to restaurants bars and night clubs. Had a great time :)

I have been at a better Resort

it is needing new leader ship and new chef and the service need to learn how to work with people . the only nice thing i have to say the sunwing rep was great there answered all my questions and one of the entertainment person was great

2 star

Food is terrible, chicken never cooked, bacon in the morning is always raw, same thing every day for the buffet. Good beach and location, no I would not stay here again... bad alcohol and no ice blended into piña coladas or margaritas so it's really gross.

Great Resort!

The swimming pool was beautiful. The Italian food (a la carte) was yummy! The buffet had lots of options! The maid did an excellent job of making our sheets and cleaning the room! The staff were very friendly. Thank YOu!

FABULOUS RESORT & FRIENDLY EMPLOYEES

We had a great time at this hotel. This was not our first time to Varadero but was our first time at this hotel. We were able to see a lot of our old friends while there plus we made a lot of new ones.. Everyone of the employees were very accommodating and friendly. Plan to come back during the winter months with a few of our friends.

Cheap and cheerful

Walk to town, friendly guests. Don't choose this resort for modern amenities, great service or great food. Choose it for the amazing fun atmosphere, short walk to town, best beach, great amenities that are actually used. I couldn't ask for a better vacation.

Great party resort

My third time staying at this resort. Improvements are constantly being made. Great beach. Great food. Great night life. Great variety of pools Can be tough to get drinks at night without tipping. Staff are mediocre. Location is as good as it gets. Resort land is well kept

This was an amazing resort!

The grounds were neat and clean of garbage and the pool area was very picturesque and well kept. The beach was in walking distant and there was a lot of lounging chairsas was the pool area. There was 2 bar areas and service was good and the server's were very kind and helpful and the drinks were delicious!! It was my first experience to a tropical island but I would love to go there or any where in Cuba again!!