Resonance Blu Varadero: The most tropical pools in Cuba!

This was my second time visiting Cuba. The food at Memories Varadero is above average in quality and selection. In fact, the food is on par with any of the resorts I have been to in Mexico. The room was very clean and the staff was unbelievably friendly. If you want to go on an excursion, I would recommend the full day to Havana. It was only 59 Peso and that included transportation on a modern bus as well as an amazing lunch, with drinks on the waterfront. The pools are second to none. There is [... read more] an amazing waterslide for adults as well as kids. There are three waterfalls as well as a swim up bar within a cave in one of the pools. The water was always clean and warm. Islands with palm trees and loungers can be found throughout the pools. Memories Varadero Beach Resort surpassed all my expectations. I would not hesitate booking this resort again in the future!

Roc Barlovento: Staff and Grounds

Excellent staff and service. I will go there again. Hotel rooms are fair but only used to sleep and shower. Food ok. Grounds are beautiful. Entertainment and staff different every night. Some day time activities.

Hotel Acuazul: Good value for the money

OK, this was my 16th trip to Cuba, my 4th to Varadero. This is an old hotel and it is nearing the end of it's life. For the money paid, it's a deal, but don't expect a lot. It's about on a par for a Cuban 3 star.The staff are great, & the lobby area very nicely presented. Generally a very clean place. The room was OK, not great, but you don't spend much time there except to sleep anyway. The beds were comfortable enough, no phone in the room, no hair dryer, no fridge, a TV, but who watches it an [... read more]yway while on vacation. There are 2 elevators, one of which is permanently broken, so really only one, which tends to stop working periodically. The breakfast is great, with eggs made to request (pretty standard), however lunch & dinner are not quite so enticing. At times they have fresh fish grilled in font of you, delicious! We ate out quite a bit just to sample a few of the local restaurants & escape the generally bland offerings of the buffet. The plates are in the wrong spot (you'll see what I mean of you go), but apart from some extremely rude people from Quebec we encountered in line while trying to get plates, it's not much of a problem. The location is in a word, EXCELLENT! You're on top of a bus stop for the "hop on hop off" bus, a 5 pesos per person (for an all day bus pass) that will take you all the way down the peninsula & back. Cheaper than a taxi for sure. It's also right next door to one of the bigger local markets. Make sure to bargain! ;-) Overall, an excellent location, but a bit shabby around the edges.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: A nice resort

Hotel room was updated , modern and clean. The specialty restaurants were very very good as opposed to the buffet where the food was more "basic" ie. not a lot of meat and the vegetables didn't really have much flavour (picked too soon ??). And this was expected by my wife and I. Pool , beach were beautiful but the washooms in the pool and beach area were not so nice - urinals overflowing, toilets all wet around them and no toilet seats , toilet paper down to the floor and wet- pretty disgusting [... read more]. The staff were all excellent - friendly and helpful. The entertainment at night was the best we've seen at any resort. Would go back to Cuba but we would try another resort/location. The weather may have tained our review because it wasn't the best -cool and very windy but the weather is the weather -can't do much about it.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Disappointing trip

Food was terrible , bed was very uncomfortable cleaning practices for dining area was not suitable. Grounds were well maintained and most people friendly ,but very important standards were not met .not very happy with this trip.

Melia Marina Varadero: Very nice resort

We had a very nice time at this resort. There were 4 of us in 2 rooms (not adjoining). The pool area had lots of chairs available whenever we were looking as well as on the beach. The rooms were always clean and while the minibar fridge did not have a lot in it, except for one day, it was always refilled. The one day it was not refilled, we called and someone came right away. There was an issue with our pillows and pillow cases one day also and once again, we just called and someone came right a [... read more]way and replaced everything. The food was good at the buffet and the three a la carte restaurants we attended. We were also there to celebrate two birthdays. Once we were checked in and settled, we both received a bottle of champagne in our rooms. We also received a birthday cake at one of the a la carte restaurants. The service was always great and the people were all very friendly. The shows that we attended in the evenings were fabulous, great performances and very entertaining. We did one excursion, the Jeep/Safari tour. It was a very long day with a lot of events packed into the day. We got to see a lot of the countryside of Cuba, a farm, swam in a cave and while we couldn't snorkel (the weather didn't permit it that day-too windy and the water was too rough), the entire day was a lot of fun and very informative. Our Guide was fabulous also!

Muthu Playa Varadero: Love the entertainment

Entertainment was wonderful, people were friendly. Washrooms needed to be cleaned more regular and paper provided. Weather was not so nice however staff really tried to keep everyone happy and positive. Love the dance lessons.....staff made all feel welcome.

Palma Real: not satisfied building falling apart

building falling apart service sucks food terrible air condition don't work cold water not hot the pools are not clean in water level is low lots of black mold all around the building and inside the room

Playa Caleta: Beautiful well kept Grounds

My 3rd trip to Cuba and my 3rd different hotel I would rate this one best of the 3 The grounds and public areas are very clean and well kept my room was also clean,,,, but very dated and in need of a new bed or at the very least a new mattress Im not like others on here when it comes to food... found the buffet very enjoyable and the restaurants just so so . The buffet had lots of choices and with a little tasting here and there it was easy to find something I liked the staff is amazing,,, alway [... read more]s cheerful and happy to help at any time beaches here are nice,,, but I found the sand a little rougher on the feet compared to the other hotels I stayed at just down the road my stay was Jan 22-29 / 2015 I would stay here again

Blau Varadero: Very nice resort

First employee very good service, very good food, fast service, always smile, always ready so serve us, very cleans, beach it like to walk in the flour, and we don't have to wait to have taxi fast service and to take the bus to return

Iberostar Selection Varadero: One of the top resorts in Cuba!

We just returned from a week's stay at Iberostar Varadero. We traveled with two boys aged 6 and 9. My wife and I have stayed at a variety of resorts in Jamaica, Mexico & Cuba, including Sandals and Couples resorts. This was our first vacation as a family. My first overall comment was that there was very little or no wait times anywhere on the resort. At the buffets, the lobby, the currency exchange desk, or any bars, our wait time would usually be zero or worst case a minute or two. This means  [... read more]more beach/drinks/pool time! The room we stayed in was clean, comfortable and there was always hot water and a fully stocked fridge. The fixtures and furnishings are showing some age, but they worked fine and it was a very nice room. We stayed in block 12, which was far enough from the Disco/Performances so with the fan on we weren't disturbed. We split our time between the beach and the pool. Both were very nice, and never seemed too crowded. We could always find chairs, and lineups at the many bars were usually very short or non-existent. They had roaming serving staff as well and we used them several times when we didn't feel like getting up. The buffet food was decent and offered good variety at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Mediterranean and A-la-carte restaurants were just ok - some of the courses were lacking flavor and some dishes over-cooked. The Japanese was fun, and the meat/seafood that was grilled in front of us was tasty, although a little over-salted. In summary I'd say the resort offered great food relative to other Cuban resorts. A note to folks with allergies: My wife has a gluten allergy and they printed up a letter at check in and shared it with the restaurants. This did help with communication, but in the end it simply meant that most options weren't available to her as they use flour in many dishes and sauces. The kid's club was a lot of fun for my kids. They met other kids their ages, and we were expecting them to dread going but they kept nagging us to take them there, which meant mom and dad had several hours of peace on the beach!!! The staff at the club are very enthusiastic and fun, and my kids spent several hours playing around the pirate ship pool with the tipping bucket. My kids also enjoyed the "kids disco", a little dancing/game playing treat that ran between 8 and 8:45pm. We booked the "swim with the dolphins" experience via our sunwing rep. It was a cool experience, but with the boat/bus journey it took over 4 hrs instead of the 2.5-3 hrs that was advertised. I wish we had booked 9am instead of 11am as it felt like it took the whole day. I snuck away for a round of golf at Varadero Golf Club that I booked via sunwing. A great track with slow greens that does look a little worn in places. However I would highly recommend it - some great holes including the spectacular ocean-side 18th. Lastly - the staff were very nice. The gardeners gave my kids little animals made from plants and my wife some flowers. I asked one of them to make a bouquet for my wife for her Birthday and it was fantastic! The bartenders were great, and we got to know some of the serving staff and had some laughs with them. We tend to be tippers so I'm sure that helped. Note: We can't comment on the performances as we were in bed before they started.

Brisas Del Caribe: Amazing

Was great I will do it again good food good servicse clean room nice view great hospitality I loved the beach and most importantly the 24 hour bar is awesome the staff is great and very helpful I felt like home

Starfish Jibacoa: Enjoyed our vacation

The grounds were great. Clean inside building but it needs new matreses sheets and pillows. I would have preferred the swimming pool to be heated. The staff was great. Service was great and location ifs perfect.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: 1st time to Cuba, great 1st impression!

Other then a little bit of construction going on when i was there jan 12 to the 26th 2015 service from the beginning to the time I left was exceptional! A friend from Canada that was to join me could not make it so I was on my own. All of the staff from the lobby to the beach were very helpful in making my stay a great trip to remember for a very long time! All of the food was plentyful and flavorful, the ala carts were fantastic! I am going to go back because i made a lot of new friends, both  [... read more]locals and from other countries. Alot of us got tear eyed as I was saying my good byes, "until we meet again", I said! When I got back to Canada and looked at my emails a few of my new friends wanted to know how my flight was and to make sure that I got home safe. Obviously we all made a good impression on each. I LOVE YOU ALL, HUGS AND KISSES!!! Thanks again tripcentral.ca and Air transat for all of the memories! :)

Playa Caleta: Little hidden gem!!

This hotel is highly underrated!! Yes, it is an older hotel, but the hotel was kept very clean, everyone had a job to do, the beach is amazing, the biggest and widest beach than any other resort I have been to, the food was really good, (I heard someone when I was there that all they serve is chicken, pork or fish, but really people, what choices do you have at home? There is also beef available. The staff were very friendly, and I would like to thank our maid who did an amazing job with our roo [... read more]m, (Bania) and also Pedro at the pool luncheon and especially to Jose, who gave me 2 tremendous back massages, (I don't think he charges enough for what he does)!! For all the people that complain about this resort, all I can say is....if you want all the comforts of home while you are away, then you had better stay home!!! I would recommend this hotel to anyone that wants a great vacation at an affordable price.!!

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Amazing resort

the hotel was at my expectations, Food is fairly good, staff really friendly, visit to Havana was a little too much walk for old peoples. The show were great. Learn a lot about Cuba as it was my first experience with it. ready to go back at anytime. Next time will bring mosquitos repellent because they are bad at night.

Brisas Del Caribe: Amazing experience

I went with my family and are highly satisfied with our stay in Brisas del Caribe: It was clean, drinks and food were good in general, I specially loved their pastry. The resort made sure there was always something to do, and the best of all was their staff: amazing people. Of course there were minor issues but not worth a complain. I highly recommend this resort and the plan offered by Tripcentral.

Sirenis Tropical Varadero: Would not go back again

Went with a large group of family, 11 of us. My girlfriend and I were the only ones with a decent room. Others had no water, no working toilet, the list goes on. Poor service. Locals were getting served before us even though they would come after. Ended up leaving - the buffet had absolutely no labels on anything. Paid extra for the upgrade - no bottle of rum. Swimming with the dolphins the Cubans DEMANDED to "tip" a minimum of 10 pesos per person which is unacceptable. Would never go back to Cu [... read more]ba again. 3 times is enough. Save your money and go elsewhere.

Hotel Tuxpan: Loved this resort

Although the rooms need to be fixed up alittle, the Tuxpan was clean and the staff were amazing!! I liked that it was small and I didn't have to walk 5 k to get to the beach. Food was good with lots of choices. I would go back again.

Melia Marina Varadero: Great Resort Overall

I just returned from a quick four night stay at the Melia Marina Varadero and I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone looking for a Cuban getaway! Check In/Out: Very good. We had a bit of a wait at check in but a group of over 20 had arrived just before us and they seemed to move them along as quickly as possible. Check out took only a minute. Our flight left in the evening so we were able to arrange a late check out of 5pm. This is an option depending on availability on the day of your [... read more] check out (can't prearrange) and costs 8 pesos an hour past your stated check out time (ours was 12pm). We thought this was a good deal and allowed us to soak up as much beach time on our last day as possible and still be cleaned up and comfortable for the trip home. Bus trip seemed short and we had cheerful hosts on both trips. Room: We had room 1003 on the ground floor. Took us a few days to figure out the room numbering system as we assumed all rooms starting with a 1 were on our floor - turns out its the second digit that indicates floor - made us feel a bit dumb! We thought our room was the best possible location. Only two flights up the beautiful round staircase to get to the lobby for the buffet, WiFi and the Lobby bar and direct access to the poor and the Marina side from our floor. We never had to use an elevator except for coming and going with our luggage - bonus! We were on the pool side and could actually walk out of our patio door and head directly for the pool - which would have been awesome except you can't lock your door from that side! Although, you also can't lock yourself out so it makes sense. I thought the room was a good size and was very modern for Cuba including a Flat Screen TV and decent air conditioning. The bathrooms are a good size as well and include a nice big tub and a large open concept shower - never once had a problem with hot water. The bathroom has french doors above the tub that can be opened into the bedroom. Great for relaxing in the tub and watching a movie - not so great if you are sharing a room with someone where you would like more privacy. Wasn't an issue with my friend and I at all, but I didn't notice while standing in the shower that I could see her wandering around the room through the clear glass part at the top of the French Doors. Mini Bar had a large bottle of water, two cokes and two beer, which were replenished every day. My friend and I were of extremely different opinion on the beds. I like a firm mattress and found the bed to be very comfortable and slept very well. My friend, on the other hand, found the mattress unbearably hard. Food: I won't spend too much time on this as I'm not picky with food. Our biggest disappointment was that when we asked about A La Cart restaurants the first day we were told no reservations were available for our entire trip - which sucks, as we went promptly the first morning and didn't dilly dally. I understand that by nature resorts don't have capacity for all guests to have all the a la cart reservations they are 'entitled ' to (note the use quotes) too but it was still a downer for us nonetheless. So Buffet? I found lots of things to eat everytime, and more importantly so did my friend who suffers from Celiac Disease (zero gluten). I thought enough items seemed to switch up every day that I never got bored of the selection or struggled to find something to eat. Pool Bar/Beach Restaurant - Both good, pretty basic offerings but we enjoyed our meals there. Also one day the Beach restaurant was closed for seemingly no reason and without warning. In general I enjoyed what I ate, but again I am so easy going with Food I'd look elsewhere for more detailed feedback. Beach/Pool: Both Lovely. I've been to Cuba before but only to Santa Maria and thought the beach wasn't as nice in Varadero - but 'not as nice' needs to be bell curved as Cuban beaches are beautiful. The pools were great but a bit cool. We did't have the greatest weather which also kept us out of the pools. We never struggled to find chairs at the pool or beach, but shade is minimally available at both so keep that in mind. Also, the walk from the resort to the Beach? Seriously, its less than five minutes. We never bothered with the shuttle but it seemed readily available for anyone that wasn't up to the walk. Bars: All good. I'm a beer drinker and my friend doesn't drink, so no comments on the cocktails. I found the service to be relatively good, although very busy and therefore slow in the lobby bar at night. It would be nice if there was more table service available, or if there were ANY beach or poolside service, but that is a premium service in my opinion and wasn't expected. To note, there is no disco on the resort itself. There is one next door (in the Marina, you can see its flashing lights from the lobby), but it was always empty and you have to pay for drinks. We went into Varadero one night to Havana Club and had an absolute blast - although why the DJ felt the need to sing along to all the tracks and add in his own rap here and there is beyond me (but a hilarious memory nonetheless). WiFi: Available! In Cuba?! We bought a few cards and it was nice to be able to check in with home and post the odd mean 'I'm not in the snow' photo on social media. When it was working it was great, when it wasn't.. go to the pool and forget about it. One small helpful note: Of the three cards (1 hour) we bought, only one person mentioned the log out procedures and she only mentioned PART of the steps. You need to enter the website 1.1.1.1 AND THEN click the button on the right that looks like it says cancel or something. We missed that second part and the log out screen shows a big check mark so we thought we were done - the check mark means you're still online. So really, we only need one card oh well. Overall: Its a great resort with friendly staff, comfortable rooms, plentiful food and drink and lots to do. I'd go back in a heartbeat.