Playa Vista Azul: Very bad hotel

Food, rooms, waiter, cleanliness, long distance to the beach, cockroaches everywhere, no activity whatsoever…they clean all the dishes in one bucket by hand, the room shower broken and also the washroom door, the tv was broken and a very strong smell of mould. Please stop sending people to this hotel.

Paradisus Varadero: Beautiful beach!

This resort is easily on one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever visited. White sand and warm crystal clear water. The staff were kind and helpful and overall, we truly enjoyed our vacation. That being said, we would not return to this resort. For 10 days we didn’t have hot water in our rooms for showers. This is a widespread issue in this resort that has been ongoing for weeks. There are no top sheets on the beds. Just a thin cover that felt more like a tablecloth and a flee [... read more]ce blanket that didn’t look like it was easily washed. The sheets and pillows had an unpleasant odor to them like dirty laundry and towels were in short supply. The grounds were beautiful but maintenance of the buildings and rooms was not great. I assume this is due to the lack of supplies being available to actually maintain the property properly. We didn’t have a bathroom door which seemed to be a fairly common issue. The food choices were minimal and clearly staff did the best they could with what they had. The biggest issue is the main buffet being open air dining. Besides being hot all the time, there were a large number of bugs and birds in and around the food which was very off putting. Hot foods were kept warm but rarely hot, and we were served undercooked pork and chicken more than once. There was no cola, no piña colada’s or daiquiri’s. Sprite, gin and vodka availability varied day to day. We had no eggs for 6 days, no bread/pastries for 3-4 days. The food choices were extremely limited. We are not fussy eaters but it did get difficult to find something to eat. This was common across many different resorts while we were there. Even with all of these issues, we had a great vacation. The beach and water were exceptional but factoring in the cost of this vacation, I think we’ll pick somewhere other than Cuba to visit next.

Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort: A hotel that lives up to its name.

My review and impressions are based on my many trips to Cuba and all the hotels I have stayed at in Varadero and Cayo Coco previously. I stayed at the Grand Aston for 10 days (from early March,2024) and the primary reason I booked my Cuba vacation here was that the hotel was only 4 months old, meaning all the building services were new and operating. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of my room and the beautiful king-size bed (I love a firm mattress). The bathroom and shower facilities w [... read more]ere great. The bed linen was another matter which I will mention as a negative. I loved the beach but as many have already mentioned, be prepared to be up extra early if you want a chair. For this reason, I spent most of my time around the pool as there was always a chair (with an umbrella) you could find even around 9-10 am. Unfortunately, if you are looking to get one of the few gazebos by the pool, it is more difficult. The choice and quality of food were alright considering the current economic woes in the country. The restaurant staff (I presume many are still being trained) was attentive and helpful. I did find all the hotel bars (including the pool bar/deck) to have an understaffing situation where you would have to wait a considerable time to get your order. I have read of people having wifi issues within the hotel premises and even their rooms. While, there may be a sporadic signal dropout, acquiring a wifi connection takes but a few seconds and I do not consider this an issue at all. I used my phone very much watching sporting events and YT videos and did not have a data bandwidth limitation or speed degradation. There are many WiFi access points (AP's) throughout the hotel's indoor/outdoor areas. The location of this hotel is extremely close to the city and thus, it is easy to take a trip into Varadero. Be warned the cost of fuel in Cuba has taken a huge jump and cabs can get pricey, but there is always a $5-all-day bus ticket. Overall, my stay at the Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort was very pleasant and I will return to this place soon. I love Cuba and the Cuban people and its rich culture. Overall: 4.5/5

Starfish Varadero: Will be back!

The room itself was nothing to write home about, but the service was fantastic at every angle. Staff was super accomodating and friendly. We were grateful for the dictor on site, as my daughter left her medication at home. Tour and the bus drivers and guides kept us safe and we felt secure wherever we went. The weather was unbelievable and we enjoyed the adult pool with our fliating devices. Made friends from Canada, and left a few new family members back in Cuba when we left. Kiara, my fa [... read more]vorite staff memeber always treated me with a huge smile amd sparkling eyes. She is why I am coming back. All around excellent stay! Cuba!!

Club Kawama: Quaint Resort

The grounds were very nice and they were constantly working to keep it clean and improve. We saw changes in the two weeks we stayed. Dining room was always clean and set up nicely. Was an area to be able to sit outside and eat also. Staff very welcoming and courtieus. Food - well it is cuba and we knew what to expect. Pool was big with lots of loungers around. Could sit in mutted shade, full shade or full sun. Their was also a small pool if wanted to be away from people. Beach was awso [... read more]me and were always loungers. Some trees for natural shade and umbrells. We stayed in the older rooms. They do need some tlc but were adequate. Not their to spend my time in the room. Their was a coffee hut that was available for relaxing with a cup before the dining room opened and no smoking. Coffee was also available in the lobby bar for those who liked to smoke. Nightly entertainment was good. Music be it day or evening was always way too loud.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: I would go back.

Washrooms on the resort were lacking toilet paper and paper towels. The loungers on the beach could use a upgrade. The beach is second to none anywhere, just beautiful. The issues with food is numerous. E.G. no pizza at Italian restaurant, really? No bacon for breakfast??

Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort: Beautiful clean resort

Hotel was nice big rooms beautiful beach is beautiful grounds and beautiful pool. Just a little complaint with the Internet very spotty and intermittent. No real issue with shortage of any type of alcohol. Food was as can be expected for Cuba never an issue with not having enough food available.

Melia Internacional: Amazing resort

The hotel is extremely clean and beautiful. The rooms and bathrooms are very spacious The resort is beautiful and clean and the beach is absolutely gorgeous, nothing but white sand and crystal clear water.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Amazing resort

Little bit outdated resort. Everything was exceptional: great, well maintained grounds, clean rooms made every day, great selection of the food and drinks. Every day enogh drinkable water supplied every day in the rooms. Smooth and seamless check in and check out. Something that makes this resort really exceptional is the staff, great people in the restaurants, bars, grounds, maids. We stayed in many resorts in Cuba but never experienced such great service. Beach is amazing, good packed send a [... read more]llowed to run along 5 km of the beach.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: A very Sad experience for my vacation.

The hotel itself was nice. The staff has changed a lot since our last visit 4 years ago. Not as accommodating as previously experiences. Some staff were still great but the newer ones , not so much. While the food in Cuba is never great, this trip was so sad. I felt so bad for the servers, as they had to keep telling everyone they didn’t have any. Napkins were torn in half and forgot getting a second piece if you needed it. The bathroom by the dining areas and main lobby usually had no toilet p [... read more]aper. Very sad and not a pleasant experience. Because I had my purse with me, I was fortunate to have a package of tissues with me. I never left our room without filling my bag. I’m not a drinker but I do like to have a few different drinks when on vacation. They didn’t have the proper alcohol to make the drinks you would ask for. If I expected a piña colada, I would have to ask what is this because it was nothing like it should have been. You might get a glass of wine with dinner but you definitely wouldn’t get a second one, they would run out. Again, not the end of the world but I can’t afford to vacation every year, so I really wanted to enjoy it. I will definitely not return again.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Budget Friendly

The pros: The Beach is absolutely stunning! One of the best beaches I have been on. The staff and entertainment staff are all incredibly friendly! They are the reason people go back. The cons: I will preface this by saying Cuba in general is struggling badly all over. You must bring extra toilet paper with you everywhere. The public washrooms generally run out of toilet paper, and you only get one roll a day in your room. Often the toilet seats are missing, and lightning is poor i [... read more]n many of the restrooms. Lighting at night is lacking, be sure to use a flashlight getting around at night. The buffets are at the lobby, and this is a very large, spread out resort. I would not recommend for anyone with mobility issues. Pathways are flat to the buildings, but you have a rough ramp to get to the beach, which would not be wheelchair accessible. Also there are no elevators so ground floor is a must for anyone that can't do stairs. The ground floor balcony door did not have a lock on it either. Bring a pole to block the door. Food is almost the exact same every day. We always had enough food, but absolutely no variation, with the exception of roasted pork one night and the a la cartes. The grounds were not maintained well, long grass, plastic cups and confetti left all over on the way to the beach. The rooms were very basic. While my room was clean and well stocked with water and towels, another in our party had no towels replaced until asked, had to ask for toilet paper and extra water, sand left on the floors and cups were jot replaced, just rinced in the sink and put back. We both tipped well daily, so seems hit and miss depending on your housekeeper on duty.

Blau Varadero: Great Resort

We were quite pleased with this resort, Everything was good, cant complain. We arrived at the resort around 11:30 am. They checked us in and gave us our room right away. Was quite relaxing and everything flowed smoothly.. Even the flight was on time. Our return trip we were actually 15 minutes early. Sunwing did a great job. Sunwing provided champagne and a dinner at the resort one night that we were pleased with.

Paradisus Varadero: Paradisus Varadero

Beach was beautiful. Staff did the best they could with what they had. Some food shortages however not the staffs fault. Hotel rooms were hit n miss. Lots with no hot water, broken safes, unclean. We were lucky to have an amazing room with amazing maids. We went for the beach and were not disappointed.

Selectum Family Resort Varadero: Absolutely amazing resort!

It is definitely a newer hotel, no kayaks,paddle boats etc yet,becasue there is rocks etc on the beach shores from the reef. However! The food is GOOD! No problem at all! During my stay there WASNT any shortage of condiments, food shortage etc There wasn't a disco. From what I was.told a few months there.was.one,and I personally like to go dancing after the nightly show. After.1am, the hotel lobby bar closes off, but there is the plaza disco which is a 15 sec walk next door and you can also v [... read more]isit the Beatles OR Havana club (boulevard) if.you want nightly parties. We always had towels etc. And the guest services is.always very accommodating, if you request anything. Once again,seriously speaking the food (breakfast,lunch, dinner AND snack bar and the BBQ lunch at 1pm) is good. We.didnt bother with any of the a la cartes becasue the buffet was satisfying for us. As we all know, we go cuba for the beaches and a vacation, don't have super high expectations, and when you arrive you.will see for yourself how accommodating the.locals are. We will be back again, and I feel I will visit selectum again. I only.wish they have.a.disco,so I can enjoy the.late night parties. Good job to all the staff from the.management to the grounds keepers who care for the gardens,to the cleaning staff who try their utmost best Keep up the excellent work!

Iberostar Origin Tainos: The resort was good.

The resort was good. It could be made better by paying attention to the aesthetics of rooms. Staff was very nice and co-operative. The option for vegetarian food can be enhanced to support vegetarian tourists.

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Amazing Resort

We just came back from visiting the Royalton Hicacos for 7 days (Mar. 3 to 10). This is a Large Resort. There was nothing missing .... Plenty to eat and Drink... Plenty of Chairs, Polapas, Umbrellas and room for all on the Beach... The Staff were Incredable and Kind as usual.... the a la Cartes were Great, Amazing Delicious Food. The Butlers met us daily to see if they could help us in any way ... I would go back ....Cheers to All the Staff ...!!!

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Excellent Resort

The staff is friendly, the food is local & fresh . The drinks were excellent. The beach is exquisite…the cleanliness of the resort was exceptional. Courteous & helpful staff make all the difference. Will definitely book again

Melia Las Americas: Lack lustre resort, fabulous beach

The best part about this hotel is the beach, but the rest is disappointing. We were surprised to find that the main pool had been drained before our arrival and wouldn’t be in service throughout our entire trip, we would’ve appreciated being notified as this is their main attraction. Any question you have for the front desk staff is met with an eye roll and a shrug. Even a question as simple as “where is the buffet”. The plugs in our first room didn’t work and the handy man sent up wasn’t able t [... read more]o fix them. It took us 4 trips down to the front desk before Rachel admitted that she had lied about all the rooms being full and could in fact move us to another room. Our new room looked a little bit dated but we were happy with it and the beds were very comfortable. The food was better than we expected and we found the Cuban restaurant by the smaller pool very good, especially for lunch. Overall this was a 2/5 experience.

Sanctuary at Grand Memories Varadero: Beautiful beach and service

The grounds were well kept. The beach was always cleaned, and we could always get loungers at all times of day. The rooms were central to restaurants, bars, pool, and beach. Butlers were super friendly and helpful. They go above and beyond!!! Rooms were clean and the king bed had a good mattress. There were shortages but there were still always other options. We will be going back.

Melia Marina Varadero: Amazing Resort

Beach - This was the best part. Cuba has one of the best beaches in the world, White sand and crystal-clear water. Beach was a 7 mins walk from the hotel. They have a buggy service too for pick up and drop off Rooms - I had got the room on the 2nd floor where the main lobby is. Room was fully functional, comfortable and spacious, it had the marina view. The only issue was hot water, sometimes it's hot or else bath with cold water. I had slow wifi connection in the room, enough to run my whats [... read more]app. Service - Cleaning staff, bar tenders, buffet chefs and waiters all of them were smiling, friendly and happy to help. You tip them and will give you top notch service. Food - Being a Vegetarian, things were different for me. We would always get fruits, salads, live counters for pizza, pastas and fried rice with vegetable. You would never go hungry. But the food becomes monotonous after 3-4 days. Sp Thanks to Chef Elisio Reis who made good vegetarian dishes for us. Excursions - I would recommend taking the Catamaran tour with dolphins, it was amazing. You could touch and hug the dolphin. Dolphin also takes you for a ride with an extra tip. Definitely worth it. For the cost, it was really worth it. I would definitely visit again.