Muthu Playa Varadero: hotel is aged

the hotel was aged, the rooms were ok standard. The service was very slow to get anything. We waited 2 days to get a towel for the pool/ beach. The walls in the hotel needs painting, the tiles missing on the floors in the hallways. The food was bad most of the time cold.

Roc Barlovento: Resort not bad, there's nice beech and locations.

Hotel can be batter even for Cuba. Food very simple and every day the same one. Drinks are cheeper. Thay try to clean the room, but never wash the floor. A lots of moscitos! !!!!! Animation - thay just had animation.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Excellent resort!

Rooms - clean, spacious, close to amenities, very comfortable Grounds - clean and easy to navigate Service - always with a smile Coffee shop - awesome coffee! A la carte restaurants - ok but not great. Service super...food not great Buffet - favourite night was Cuban night. Food was delicious! Wish every night was Cuban night! Evening show - only took in one as family too tired to stay up past 9:30 (Michael Jackson themed - awesome! Incredible talent!) Flights - both ways delayed by hours. Day t [... read more]rip to Havana - disappointing. Would not recommend. Do not feel that I really got to see the city (ex. Taken to Chinese restaurant for lunch? Why not Cuban food?). Next time I find someone local to take us there and back Pool and beach - fantastic! Money's worth - absolutely

Barcelo Solymar: Bad choice for the kids first time away

The hotel and grounds weren't bad, except for not having running water several days. It's not as nice as the Breezes places in Cuba we have stayed, but not horrible (I've been to Cuba 10 different times). Front desk staff were terrible. Very rude, expect to wait 20 minutes before anyone helps, even then, it's no, no, no. No internet cards, no water, don't know when it will be back on, no you cant have side by side rooms with your family, no money exchange half the time. Buffet staff were nice an [... read more]d good to the kids. Its really a drunk 20 something resort, don't bring your family here. 14 and 15 yr old girls with us were terrified and harassed by drunk guys constantly. They couldn't go anywhere alone. LOUD music blaring until 1am every single night. Woke up to cigarette butts and urine and spilled drinks in the hallways every morning. Smoking inside everywhere, lobby, buffet, restaurants,not ok with kids around. Food was good, beach was beautiful, though VERY crowded, the middle pool was our oasis. I felt really bad for the kids, so we stayed away from the resort as much as possible. Luckily it was close to town and we could go explore. We didn't let it ruin our vacation, but our travel agent got an email when we got home to never book families there again, so inappropriate.

Palma Real: Getting tired looking

This is our 2nd trip to the Palma Real. The food was better this year we thought. The rooms are looking a little tired. The service from the staff was very good. The hotel is very well situated as close to beach and downtown. I'm not sure I would return here again...I may but it would be dependant on the price.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: My experience at Melia Penninsula Vweradero

although the buildings are dated, the grounds are spacious and well kept The staff are friendly, well mannered and polite. The food is not upto Canadian standards,but I am told that is better than average in Cuba. some of the services that you take for granted in other resorts in other countries do not exist, like ice machines around the resort. This resort had a terrific children,s program and the adult entertainment was excellent.

Starfish Jibacoa: Dont expect much....Of ANYTHING!

I've been a lot of places in the south so I'm not a newb to poverty or the way things are in these countries. This place is under staffed to an extreme. The lobby bar is slow as can be. They only have bottled beer at the lobby bar which they charge $1 for. Beer on tap at the pool bar is free. Public bathrooms are disgusting and primitive.(no toilet paper) Wait staff at the buffet are slow and service staff is slow to bring more food as it depletes. This resort is in the middle of nowhere so dont [... read more] expect to shop or be entertained unless you grab a gypsy guide for $60 to take you to Havana. The Breezes resort next door however is like night and day. Great food and entertainment but you get what you pay for. Speaking of food... I'm not a fussy eater and I've always found something even if its just bread but be prepared for beige buffet and limited supply. Snack bar is okay but basic. Meal times are short and odd hours so make sure to pay attention. Dont expect to have the wait staff bring you eating utensils until your food is cold. They are very rude as well. Disorganized and slow. Everything is done slow. Expect to wait ten minutes for a drink even if you are the only one in line. The rooms are the worst I've seen but at least there are seats on the toilets. Showers are risky. They go from scalding hot to ice cold in the blink of an eye so be very careful and quick or you will get burned. The water is extremely hot and scalding. Beach is fantastic - no peddlers. Of all the places I've traveled this has to be the worst resort I've ever been to. Cuba is a great spot to go just not at this resort.

Muthu Playa Varadero: Average

Resort was clean and staff was very friendly. Food was absolutely TERRIBLE. It was mostly the same thing every day in the buffet and a lot of it was disgusting. They could try to have more of a variety and work on using spices to liven up their food. Nightly entertainment was just okay. The A La Cartes were awful. Same food as the buffet. Pool was clean, no swim up bar. Bartenders serve people holding tips in their hand before you, even if you're standing there for 15 minutes waiting for a drink [... read more]. There was a lot of bugs, everyone at the resort was full of bites all down their legs, maybe because of the time of year, or its bed bugs. I was covered in 33 bites before I went home. Rooms were spacious and nice.

Hotel Bella Costa: nice resort bad service

The hotel was nice and beautiful beaches as well however the service was not good. We constantly were having to ask for toilet paper and for the room to be cleaned before 6 pm was a chore. The cleanliness of the common areas especially the bathrooms was disgusting. We enjoyed everything there but the service, cleanliness and food. I would go back to cuba but not to this resort

Playa Caleta: Emazing place for vacation

Resort is very good, property is little old. But well kept. I enjoyed my stay there and I must have liked the place as it was my second time there. I was there Jan3 to 10 and I will go back. Staff is very helpful, place is kept very clean and beach is fantastic.

Club Kawama: Ok if you want cheap

The place itself was ideally located. It was close to town and you could walk or hop on the bus. The food was bland and not received well by my party of 15. We ended up eating off the resort a few times because of this. Unlike Cayo Coco the staff were not very friendly. In fact it seemed like they were inpartial to getting a tip. Could that mean that we trip in general tip too much. For example when we arrived at the hotel we had not exchanged our Canadian currency. I gave the porter a toonie an [... read more]d he made a face and walked away. I did like the room that was assigned to us. It was in the older section and we had a great view of the front of the resort which also has a water view. There was entertainment every night which I did enjoy for the most part. As for towels you had to put a deposit of 10 pesos before you could get one. Every time I went there there were none. The maid service was only adequate. We got one small roll of toilet paper each day. They did not supply Kleenex and did not replace the small containers of shampoo, conditioner and bath gel. Our room had a small fridge and was supposed to be filled with some water and a bottle of rum. We mentioned this twice to the front desk but nothing was done about it. This room was an upgrade from the standard room which we paid an additional amount for. A few of our friends had issues with plumbing and had to be moved to other rooms. If you are looking for an economy flight on Cubana Air it was fine. I did enjoy myself but would think twice before I went back. Having said that 4 of our friends in our party have been to Kawama 3 or 4 times. One last thing, if you want to tip, give it to the grounds keepers, the ones that rake the lawn etc. we did and they were much more appreciative.

Los Delfines: Would go again

This is a small older hotel in the heart of old Varadero. The beach is incredible and not at all crowded. There are parks and public access points on either side and it is several kilometres before you see the busy parts. Within walking distance are all the small craft vendors, cafes, clubs and restaurants and of course the old cars and horse-carts that will taxi you anywhere (check the price before you get in, some older cars have high set rates). We were a party of 6, ages 23 to 65. I have alw [... read more]ays avoided Varadero because I don't like the crowded beach full of beach chairs and noise but that is at the other end of the peninsula, not here. Sleeping: The hotel itself is a little worn around the edges. If you have been to Cuba then you will know the hard bed, hard cushions, old bedcovers, questionable wiring and plumbing but at Los Delphines everything was clean and in working order. There are tiny ants and the occasional lizard but no insect complaints, use bug spray in the evening for mosquitoes. Try for the Casa or older section. Although there is a fridge in the rooms there is no water or beer supplied but the bars and buffet were always willing to fill your bottle with whatever. Eating: The food for Cuba was quite tasty. Always many shredded veggies for salads, soups, fresh fruit, cooked squash, beans, rice, root veggies, fresh fish and some chicken or pork. Occasional shrimp feasts and always fresh pasta and fresh eggs, yoghurt and bread. This hotel although small and shabby has lots of sauces, mustards, salt and peppers so no excuse about lack of flavour like some places in Cuba. No-one was sick or lost weight and we looked forward to the meals. What protein you don't like the lovely beach cats will help you finish. Note: the french fries (papa frites) are fresh made plantain chips and at the weekly lunch by the pool look for the yuca/cassava fries. There are many restaurants within walking distance for pizza etc but we found prices high for Cuba (large pizza = 12CUC = $14.50CAD) although cheap for Canada. Note: Nonna Tinas, Dantes, Esquina, FM17. Swimming: Beach, fabulous. Water, fabulous. Attentive lifeguards when the waves get a bit tricky. Pool, I have no idea but it looked clean and pleasant. For snorkelling you have to get a boat out. Entertainment: It's a small hotel, don't expect too much. They don't even have a stage but every evening there is something to do as well as beach and patio zumba/dance lessons, exercises and volleyball. The bar area is always lively with the guests from every part of the world: Mexico, Italy, Russia, Germany, Venezula, French Canadians and English Canadians. Many guests return every year and some come many times a year. The hotel in early January was more of the gray haired set than young but there are many fun clubs and bars within walking distance. Note: The Beatles Bar, Todos es Uno amusement park, Havana Club. Our trip included free admission to the Hotel Internacional Nightclub show; it was excellent so go if you can. Also take the hop-on hop-off double decker for 5CUC all day ride on your first day. If you want to see Havana for a day trip, ask the front desk staff for recommendations. Note: ask for the cafe especiale or Spanish coffee at the bar. Staff: Charming, friendly, helpful, attentive and for the most part multilingual. Lots of security so always safe. This is a place you can bring small children or old people. Although there may be some guests looking for a special, temporary, local friend. Tipping: After many years of bringing small stuff we used cash this year instead. We asked some of the staff for advice and they strongly suggested what goods are needed that are of greater value than just cash: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, feminine hygiene, t-shirts, jeans (used is ok), black pants/skirts (used is ok), electronic goods (used is ok), shoes (black for work is best), any clothes. Everything is available in Cuba but some things are unaffordable.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Cuba 2015

We had a lot of fun, especially our kids, our boy 24 and our daughter 19 had an amazing time and met so many people, we lucked out with incredibly warm weather, the hotel was what we expected as it was a 4 star hotel. I'm the foodie of the family and the food just wasnt the best for me, but because they had blue cheese and fresh bread I was then good, my family had no issues with the food, overall a pleasant resort, good place to visit with people on a budget as it was pretty affordable

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Nice Resort

Staff was friendly and helpful and food was very good. Bartenders could use a bit more education. Beach and pool staff were excellent. Rooms were a bit run down. Fitted sheets on the beds would be an improvement.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Great time at a great resort

We had been to this resort in 2009 so we knew the hotel, beach, etc. We did notice a bit of wear and tear in terms of the hotel grounds and rooms (for example, lights on paths to villas not all working, legs of patio chairs rusted) but nothing that affected our ability to have a great vacation! Hotel rooms were nice and spacious as we remembered, a bit musty so I might bring some kind of air freshener next time. We did have a little ant problem. There were a couple around the bathroom sink from  [... read more]the get go but then I made the mistake of emptying the rest of my fruity drink from the beach out of my travel mug into the sink. When we came back from supper, the sink was covered in ants! :( so I'd recommend rinsing any glasses, mugs, etc and the sink, and not leaving anything sweet out as I left a pack of opened mentos on the tv stand and the ants covered that as well. Other than must and the ants, we loved this resort. Great beach, pool, bars, restaurants and very friendly people! We liked to sit, drink, and listen to the live musical entertainment near the lobby at 830 then head to the show for 945. Overall, a great time!

Roc Barlovento: Roc Barlovento

For a 4 star resort, we expected a lot better food and a nicer dining area. The location was okay, but we prefer something a little more central. There was nothing really special to justify the price. The a la cartes were really poor. The beach needed raking. The snack bar should have offered more choices.

Club Tropical: Club Tropical

We love the location of this resort and the pool and beach. The room we had was excellent because it was in the main building. Our only complaints are there no elevators and the cappuccino bar should be in a separate location, away from the bar.

Hotel Bella Costa: Overall a good vacation

There were several pro's and con's to this resort: Pro: short walk to the beach, competition for lounge chairs not horrible, beautiful well kept beach and water was good (very little rocks, debris) Con: rooms were dated and worn with a bad need for a reno, beds were hard and uncomfortable, food was mediocre (pork and beef like shoe leather), the ice cream usually melted, but with the occasional dish that was good. Some things like the pizza bar were good and morning eggs/omelets were always nic [... read more]ely done. The pasta bar was good as was the fresh squeezed orange juice in the mornings. The staff were usually kind and helpful. The drinks were a bit frustrating.. like getting beer or lemonade served in cups a bit larger than dixie cups. One swallow.. gone... back in line for refills. The cups were ok for mixed drinks. The music noise around the pool was annoyingly loud. All. The. Time. with the same old Cuban thump thump thump beat. A bit of variety with the odd North American music would be nice to mix things up a bit. I think most people sat at the beach to escape the noise around the pool as much as to enjoy the beautiful sand and water. The 'adult' pool was mostly used by kids since it felt like it was 3' deep. Ok for water aerobics I guess but not much else. It didn't matter much given the much warmer ocean water. While we paid for the Ocean View, we mostly saw the trees lining the beach, but the sound of the waves and proximity to the beach made up for it. Sadly, being on the ground floor, we had to keep the screen door closed (for security) and there were no windows we could open to enjoy the ocean air and sound at night. Getting in and out of Cuba was frustrating with very long check-in times and lineups, then waiting for Cuba immigration (in and out) taking FOREVER, then security scans of baggage, etc. then waiting in and for the bus to and from the airport. Overall, due to the amazing weather, great beach, and safe Cuban environment, the trip was still good despite some of the down sides I mentioned. My impression was this was one of the better hotels in the area.

Melia Las Americas: Most enjoyable

We have been going to Melia Las Americas for the past six years and we have never been disappointed in the service provided, albeit, a bit slower than the previous times. The food was better than average. The A la Carte restaurants were great, especially the "International Restaurant".

Punta Peninsula Varadero: Lovely spot

Hotel room was big and clean and the staff were amazing. The resort is in a good spot, right on the beach and a quick walk across the street to the Marina (good selection of restaurants and some shopping).