Melia Marina Varadero: deceptive location

Quite disappointed to find out i was 20 to 23 km. away from the actual varadero beach strip.Paid approx 15-16 dollars for 12 small bottles of water, from their onsite overpriced store .took several taxi rides to vradero at 20 to 25 cuban pesos equal to american dollars.8-10 taxi trips.Construction noise when sitting on balcony..wish i stayed home.Checked in at about 6am feb 7..went to havana for 2 days to escape this prison compound. when i came back friday evening feb.13,at 9pm..Desk clerk told [... read more] me i should of checked out at 12 noon that day?What happened to my 7 nights?..he should me the hotel policy which states one is to vacate by 12 noon THE DAY of departure.well my day of departure was the next morning. Sat feb.14 at 5 am? They also tried to charge me for each hour i was late.!!..He finally settled on offering me to stay til midnight?..i said whats the point, i'll just pack and leave to the airport.Asked what cab to airport is.?he said ill have him take you there for 50$..however when taxi arrived and desk clerk had left..cab driver wanted 60?.cab made it halfway to airport and broke down.Waited for another cab.arrived approx 11:30pm at airport. Virtually no seats ..only a few with people snoozing on them..my flight was leaving at 5:15 am..ended up sleeping on floor with suitcase as pillow.Other issues were hand held shower nozzle, which fluctuated hot/cold on it's ownA/C which operates with sliding door fully closed.This was a chore with faulty door. Upon landing was notified 75 pieces of luggage were removed due to weight etc. and would be in edmontontook ages to wait through all luggage, find out mine wasnt there, then line up to fill out form to an address i could not provide, because i am working in canmore, and recently rented new place. was told bags would be shipped within 3 days.Address of my place was on phone which was stolen while i left it for a few min. in my secured resort at melia marina.talked to agent and explained i need items from that bag.i even said i would pay for express delivery to calgary. i called baggage info number at 6:30pm..fellow said luggage was delivered and should be there.I was exhausted, and said great i will pick it up in am.Got hotel for the night..He was wrong, it had not arrived , i found out next morning..Good thing i didnt go try to retrieve it that night!..i would have probably had an assault charge.Finally spoke to supervisor, who brought me to her office where a couple bags had been delivered. Thank god 1 was mine....Anyway..few other things not mentioned, but if this ideal getaway sounds appealing it can be had for about 3000$..oh and no meals or drinks included.

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Great location

Great location, beautiful beaches. Food was not amazing, but not bad. I had plenty of options and was never hungry. Bar service could use some customer service training. I upgraded to the ocean view room and it was spaceous and had a gorgeous view. No pool bars, and I never used the pool.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Great Facade

Spacious grounds no water in canals , clock in tower in central square stopped and no repair made Many lights missing in hallways and doors missing on utility closets Beach hut has only one chef....food undercooked and rarely are there any condiments available A la carte meals worse than main dining room with hot food served cold Placemats not always clean in the dining room Birds in small restaurant near beach were eating food from buffet on many occasions . Birds resting on rafters and defecat [... read more]ing on people below Blanket and bedspread in room not clean Maintainence very poor and toilets broken in public washrooms No locks on many washroom stalls Lack of personel in hairdresser studio Most irritating and frustrating was the shortage of shuttle service despite reservation/ request made for same Beautiful beach and pools although difficulty in replacing beach towels We love the Cuban people and their warmth and friendliness The Sunwing reps on site were extremely helpful when requiring assistance I am commenting instead of my husband

Brisas Del Caribe: No complaints

Hotel is average, but is currently undergoing lots of renovations, in a year this hotel is going to be gorgeous and quite possibly up it's star rating. Food is alright, bland Cuban food buffet - not sure that anyone goes to Cuba for the food anyways, A la cartes were better - tried 3 out of 4, our favorite was the international. Beach is nice, we didn't have to wait long for chairs, the coast is windy though red flags were up 5 out of the 7 days we were there. Room was average and quiet, stayed  [... read more]on the south side - which I'm told is bigger than the north side rooms. Everything in the room worked, no complaints. Pools were nice, not busy at all. Entertainment was good, watched a few shows at the outdoor theater, some shows out on the terrace and enjoyed the piano bar and jazz night. Service is good, mostly everyone was very friendly, except for one waiter at the Tainos Cafeteria who obviously doesn't like his job. Drinks were great and rum flows better than water there! Location of hotel is great as it is right in the middle of the peninsula, not far to go to either end. Did 4 excursions and booked them through the hotel, all were fantastic, recommend Catamaran Cruise to Cayo Blanco and the Jeep Safari as they include many activities. Havana special was a great time, but long day, the Tropicana show only starts at 10pm until midnight, then a 2.5hr bus ride back. We would go back, great value for money (however we booked only a week before going).

Brisas Del Caribe: Rooms are not great

The beach was amazing and the best part of this resort. The rooms are run down and have many issues. I changed rooms once and friends had to change 3 times. The resort is renovating and updating rooms, lobby and walkways. The lobby coffee bar was great.

Starfish Cuatro Palmas: LOVED IT!

Other than my long wait for my room the day we landed in Cuba, I had a fabulous vacation. Right in the middle of Downtown Veradero! The maids and staff are kind and fun. Im glad i choose Cuatro Palmas!!

Club Kawama: Club Kawama

i have been to this resort several times. the reason i keep going back is because of the staff and how they make it like my second home.food is good as you will get in cuba. the beach is fantstic, entertainment great, lots to do 5 minute walk to downtown

Occidental Arenas Blancas: exellent all expectations met or exceeded!

Grounds great, food good, diverse and plentiful, staff friendly, helpful, patient with some of the obnoxious guests, beach fantastic. Feeling of being able to do what you want on the resort, and off. Close to town, bars, restaurants, shopping, etc.It has it all. I felt good to give tips but not obliged. Havana aggressive about soliciting tips.

Hotel Acuazul: find a better place

Pool was to cold to use. Food repetitive every day. Elevator could not be called for most floors so unless you like stairs stay away. Staff did not earn tips but expected them. Loud music every nite. The only good thing about it was location beach and rum.

Club Kawama: Worth the price we paid!

Stayed at Club Kawama from February 7 thru to February 14/15. Travelled with my girlfriend and we are both in our 50's. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much from the reviews I read. Let me tell you, we had an amazing time! The staff and people there were very friendly and the hotel was very clean. They are constantly cleaning the pool area, halls, rooms, etc. The beach is a must see! Beautiful turquoise water and soft sand with a beach bar too! Our rooms were very clean and the mattresses on  [... read more]our bed were brand new! I had nothing to complain about when it comes to the food. There was plenty of it every time you went to the buffet to eat and it was good! The snack bar was open 24 hours and you could get hamburgers, hotdogs and french fries which by the way were really good! The entertainment was awesome, there was always something going on. As far as I'm concerned, please don't judge this hotel by the reviews you read. Everyone always expects a 5 plus star hotel when they go away and don't want to pay a lot of money for it. It's not going to happen. Bonus of this place is that it is close to everything shopping, banks and restaurants. There was always lots to do. I had my best Cuba trip at this place and I will definitely be returning to Club Kawama again!!

Muthu Playa Varadero: It's a 3.5

Before going I did my research about this hotel, so I didn't have high expectations. It holds its 3.5 title! Internet didn't work, so don't expect to use that.. You'll get a bottle of water in your room the first night, and after that you'll have to pay for bottled water or refill at the restaurant .. Our bed was awful it looked like it was just a box spring, but we talked to other people that had better beds.. There was always lots of variety of food, and drinks.. Snack bar was good, try the tu [... read more]na sandwiches..All the la carte restaurant's were pretty good.. All the food was editable, but you just have to remember none of the food will compare to food at home.. It's close to the bus that takes you to the flea market.. All in all its a 3.5 not a 5, so for a 3.5 it was decent! They need to do some updates for sure!

Melia Marina Varadero: Planning our Return already!

It my our first trip with our 2 year old. Of course, we were worried about everything. This is my 4th time in Cuba and I know all about expectations and limitations. Melia was absolutely beyond any expectations. It blew us away - the facilities, the rooms, the food, the service and the sheer beauty of the Marina itself. I won't even mention the beach - everyone knows how amazing those are in Varadero. I am very grateful to the hotel for making our first family trip an absolute dream come true. W [... read more]e have started planning our return trip already!

Occidental Arenas Blancas: Had a beautiful time

This was my second time to Cuba, and I travelled by myself both times. The hotel room exceeded my expectations and was much nicer than the hotel I stayed at last year. The room was clean, bright, large and I had a lovely balcony. The staff were extremely friendly and the pool and beach areas were all well maintained. Short walk to the bars on the main strip. Nothing is ever perfect in Cuba, but for the money, the experience was very positive. Staying at Arenas Blancas, I could also take advantag [... read more]e of the events next door at the Solymar and it was great to go to the shows there and beach parties....then return back to my quiet space :) Like everything in life, if you look for fault, you will find it. If you look for what is great - you will find that too. I would not hesitate to recommend.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Fair

For a 5 star hotel it was pretty average. The food was bland and not enough of a selection. The staff was friendly except for the staff at the main lobby who ignored your requests. Some of them didn't even make eye contact. The bartender at the racquet ball bar was the worst. She should not be working in a position dealing with the public. She is rude and is another staff member that does not make eye contact. The maids in building 4 are so nice and very accommodating. Always smiling and happy.  [... read more]The 2 hour wait for the sunwing bus to go to the airport was unacceptable. The staff could have come out with sandwiches because we missed our evening meal. I don't think I will ever go back to Cuba again. They need some restructuring at the airport. The three hours through customs was horrific. Is it necessary to photograph each individual traveller coming into and again when departing cuba. INSANITY!!!!!

Resonance Blu Varadero: Better then expected

Not as big as reviews make it out to be. Clean and pretty grounds, nothing unique and lacking in personality. Typical condo style units! Room was clean and updated stayed in 29307 building. Close to pool and entertainment center. Boring in the evenings. Shows were ok, esp liked the water show. No diet cola available and seemd like half way through vaca no ketchup, mustard cola light etc.

Resonance Blu Varadero: 4th time in Cuba and this was Worst trip

The rooms are dirty, bathrooms look like crime scene, patio door does not lock, huge crack under door for bugs to come in. They do not leave any drinks in the room except for water. this is the first time I have ever seen this. no night time entertainment such as indoor dancing. the shows were not very good.

Palma Real: Great Vacay

I liked the location of this hotel. The food was good, liked the variety. Am not a picky eater so I enjoyed the food. Most of the staff was great, the odd one lacked customer service skills. Stayed in building 4 which was nice. I found the nights a little cool but other then that was great tanning weather.

Palma Real: Very Nice Resort...

That resort is very nice with great locality, but the rooms are in bad conditions. I had some problems with that resort such as, frigde was not working and some mood in the rooms. The rest everything is ok. The food was good and very weel servided. The great pools.

Grand Memories Varadero: Great resort but larger than what we like

So went to Riu Varadero feb 7-14 2015. We had a really nice stay. This resort is very nice. We usually pic smaller resort under 500 rooms but an enjoyable stay. The rooms and resort were very clean and maintained at all times. You always see them cleaning up. It is rated a 5 star but remember this his not a Canadian 5 star, remember when you go to Cuba they don't have all the luxuries we do here. Things will change now that the USA and Cuba are getting along. The food is bland as they don't have [... read more] the luxury of all the spices we have here. The meat is sometimes not chewable and I don't have dentures, I have all my original teeth so not sure how people with them chewed some of the meat. This is not just at this resort it is at everyone we have been to which is 4 all over. Chicken was always very good as well as the roasted pork. They do serve some bacon at breakfast but really need to seperate it before cooking as some is on the raw side and others way over cooked. They do try to please you and you do feel bad for them as they have no idea how spoiled we are here at home. But this is to no fault of the overall resort as that is what they have there. I'm sure they must think people are so wasteful with the food. But our overall stay was wonderful and are planing to go back again but to a different area. Just remember Cuba is like going back in time right now. So go with an open mind and you will Have a great time.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Nice Resort with Potential

Beach 5 Main buildings 4 Rooms 3 (rating ranges from 1 - 4, many 2) Cleanliness, maintenance 2 Food 2 Staff Friendliness/helpfulness 5 Exercise room -1 (every machine broken/missing parts) I had a great time in Cuba because the weather was good, the beach was beautiful, and the people were friendly. Our first room was terrible (broken closet door, broken shower drain, hair on floor in shower and between sheets upon our arrival). Second room (we were moved on second day) was fine. I knew of frien [... read more]ds who had rooms in a terrible state. Towels were only changed once a week but you can get around that by using a beach towel which were easily exchanged. The restaurant staff is very friendly and simply in need of training (to supply clean plates, paper napkins rather than cloth ones which were dirty, and to replenish food which had runout (only replenished upon request). Selection of food was limited but okay. Breakfast prepared eggs, omelettes, French toast, and pancakes was great with freshly squeezed juice when available. Lunch at the beach restsurant was great, best meal of the day: grilled chicken, rabbit, fries, salad and great service for beverages. Buffet was mediocre. Activities' staff was good with games, yoga, Spanish lessons, dance lessons. Management listened to your concerns and were receptive to feedback. With several tweaks, this resort could rank much higher.