Better than expected!

I had read many reviews on Roc Barlevento so I had an understanding of what to expect, but honestly it was way better then expected! The rooms are a bit dated, but very clean. The bed is quite comfortable. The food was really good, always something to eat! The grounds were well kept and the pools were always clean. The beach is wonderful! The location is excellent! Staff was always very friendly. The A La Cart’s were ok but the Mediterranean is the best! Over all it was a great time and go [... read more]od value for the price we paid.

Ok Resort

This is our second visit to Varadero and our first at Barlovento, this is an older resort as are most of the hotels in downtown Varadero, our room was dated but clean, the bathroom was small but we always had hot water, our room was located on second floor. Our only issue ...we could not find a chair in shady areas at pool or beach, due to rude people reserving chairs and not using them. We were so tired by the end of our stay because we walked on the beach and around the pools looking for a sp [... read more]ace to sit in the shade and relax but unfortunately as previously mentioned lots of chairs reserved but not used by guests! The weather was beautiful sunny and hot, we came to enjoy sun and beach, and were disappointed because of this behaviour, but we did not want to complain to management because you can’t control peoples actions . Just a small suggestion maybe management can get some more palapas on beach and umbrellas in pool areas?? There were some repairs still going on in one pool area, the grounds in general well groomed and clean. Food was ok. Most staff work hard but we noticed some were not as nice if you didn’t leave tip, overall it was ok but most likely will not return.

Maybe a 2 star hotel.

The grounds are OK. Obviously going through some updating. The room was OK. Large and fairly clean. Missing: There is a fridge in the room, but it is empty. You are allowed one bottle of water per holiday! I have never been at a resort that had a fridge and there was nothing in it! There usually are a couple of beers, some soft drinks and water. Replenshied every day. In Cuba. When I checked in they took me to the third floor. I am 71 years with bad knees. I had to drag myself to [... read more] the third floor room and realized that I would not be enjoying the resort from that level. So, I got in touch (dragged myself the three floors) with the main desk and asked to be moved. They told me the hotel was fully booked and I could not be moved until the next day at 4 p.m. Since I did not want to be trapped on the 3rd floor I harrased them until they moved me the next day. The first floor room they gave me was perfect and gave me access to the lobby, bar and dining area with no problem. I was happy with that. However, there was a phone in my room that did not work, so it was useless. Could not call the front desk for anythig. There was no remote for the TV and I made sure the maid knew so that I would not be accused of taking it. She told me they had problems with service and could not give me one. The maids are really friendly and willing to help. Generally the staff is well trained and know how to provide the services they are employed to do. I think management has to look how much it would cost them to provide some drinks in the fridge. I am not a soft drink person, but it would be nice to have a couple of Crystal cans and water. Since there are no coffee makers in the room, on has to get out of bed to get a coffee. The coffee is great, but again, you have to dress to get one! Even if the hotel offered room service with no phone, good luck. Not that I expect room service, but there are mornings when you would like a coffee and don't want to leave your room! Overall, I spent 10 days on my vacation. I enjoyed meeting people from different countries. BUT, WestJet should look at what is being offered at the price. The hotel should step up, or your support shold be reconsidered.

Friendly pretty resort

Pretty grounds, food choice is good to play it safe with (potatoes, salad, omelettes, fresh grilled meat, rice, ice cream). Wish there were Bananas. Mayo didn't seem to be around for bacon and tomato sandwich quickies. The bacon isn't as cooked as us Canadians are used to so you can cook it longer on a grill or ask the chef to. There seems to be a lack of toilet paper availability at resort and throughout Varadero :( Ask bartenders for napkins and keep in your pocket for emergencies! Community b [... read more]ars of soap used in washrooms, usually had paper towels. Unheated pools with no deep end fyi. Only real frustration was when all 3 coffee machines got fixed/cleaned at same time.. this also stopped any tea service..had to pay at local restaurant for our morning/afternoon coffees. Fun drink mixes at the resort bars (sangrias, mojitos, pina coladas etc) and they will fill your personal large drink containers or use very small plastic cups. Good beer. Rooms facing the pool area have the best view if you don't mind hearing the action. Overall a pretty quiet resort (many senior guests) after the dance show finishes around 10:30pm. Dancers are a lot of fun with very good routines. The regular singer is excellent, he is fun too. Nice Cuban live music at resort. Female host is great and always friendly! Very good late night snack bar with hamburgers and awesome cheese/ham sandwiches. Beach is steps away and beautiful. Short walk to a market and local food etc. Staff good for connections to classic car taxis to Havana..2.5 hr trip but worth it..stop on way at lookout point between Varadero and Havana..gorgeous! Be careful with mixed drinks downtown Varadero..stick to canned beer..we've been sick for days ugh. A lot of smokers, but that's everywhere in Cuba, clean smoke-free dining areas. Wish buffet served tea and coffee all day, not just breakfast..have to get at front bar instead. Beds were 2 doubles, no king was available so not very couple friendly..ask ahead! Good air conditioning and nice tvs plus never saw a bug :)))

Great location

We had a great time at the Barlovento. Met some nice people. Food was Ok, staff very friendly and helpful,Beach was beautiful besides the jellyfish coming up on shore at night. Location was the best. Right downtown Varadaro. Rooms are ok but your only in them to sleep. Had a great time.

A Resort to Avoid !!

Complaints are too numerous to list- a selection follows:- 1.Found live cockroaches in bowl of corn flakes in buffet area at breakfast- reported fact but no action taken or apology made ! In Canada the whole area would have been shut down, as where you find one cockroach there are normally hundreds more. 2. Cleaning lady pushed open closed door of washroom which was occupied by wife and tried to clean area despite being told to leave. 3. Toilet in room had to be fixed on 3 occasions 4. For [... read more] first 4-5 days all food in buffet was cold, as heating pads for food were not working 5. Margarine and yogurt in buffet were often rancid 6. There was an inadequate supply of cups for tea/coffee, so soup bowls had to be used 7. Hotel took no action to clean beach in front of hotel, as they say it is public property and not their responsibility- there was broken glass, cigarette stubs everywhere, and in addition lots of dead jellyfish on beach which staff warned us to avoid as they were severely toxic 8. Despite being advertised there was no Sushi restaurant in operation for the whole 2 weeks of our stay 9. The main lobby bar is a total smoking area and unless you like smoke it is quite overwhelming. 10. The one positive was that the staff were very friendly/charming and, unlike Management, made great efforts to provide good service. 11.The overall standard of food served in the hotel was quite appalling !2. Reported problems to WestJet rep and suggested WestJet withdraw this hotel from list of those they offer. I think Tripcentral should take the same action !!!

Great safe fun.

We traveled in a group of 3 with 2 rooms. Jan 4th 18th. Great location beautiful beach. Check in was great, thank you Dalia Vega Martinez you are the best. We had a ground floor room, everything worked and we had hot water at all times. our maid Noelia did a great job and was fun to talk with daily. The lobby bar was clean and a fun place to go with friendly staff .The entertainment crew are alot of fun and make everyone feel special, thanks Mario and crew. The buffet had a great selection and r [... read more]efreshed often. Bread is so GOOD. Service is very good all over this resort . Thanks Sergio, Padero, Yailine. This is not a new hotel but well kept and very clean. The manager is very nice and will talk to you about any concerns. Looking forward to going again.

Not for me !

The grounds and the pool areas are very nice. The staff needs brooms desperately. They are the size of a mega toothbrush and the area is very large to sweep. Smoking is allowed in the main lobbey and everwhere except buffet and ala carte. And the Canadians took full advantage of this freedom. No respect given to staff or others at the Lobbey. I did complain. Staff told me they are sick from the smoke but they have no say. They have a tiny no smoking area beside the bar. Its a joke as the entir [... read more]e area stinks of smoke. Most resorts have banned smoking inside but not here. My room on the main floor had tiny mosquetos and got many bites. Try to find the doctor here was a search mission. I had to get a staff to take me. Dr. office is located at a storage area. Looks like a ghetto. Never went in.

Great Resort

This is our 3rd time there. We enjoy the size and also the location of this resort. Easy walking distance to flee markets and the beach is close and well kept. The gardens are well maintained and so are the pools. The staff in all areas are very courteous and most helpful. Our maid was very good seeing to whatever needs we required. I would certainly stay here again just for the homey feeling of the resort👍

Great safe fun.

Our stay was from Dec 19th till 26th . This hotel is not new but it is very clean. Our room was nice and the maid was very good. We stayed in room 181. Everything in the room worked . The beach is right there. The food was hot fresh and lot's of variety. They have a beach grill, very good. This is right in the heart of Varadero, walk anyplace. The public bus is right out the front door. The staff are very helpful..From the front lobby to the beach the staff were all nice. Pool and beach gam [... read more]es are fun, They have nightly entertainment. You can't go wrong with this hotel. The Christmas dinner was 5 star, the selection, presentation, and service was perfect.

Fantastic Resort

Everything about our vacation and resort was awesome. The food, the room, the staff..everything was perfect. We also got engaged which makes it even more magical. Thank you Trip Central and Teresa for everything

Really something, nice resort

Everything was almost perfect, friendly staff and managers where ever You are on the resort. The location is great,close to markets and small stores and bars. Good value for price compare to other resorts.

Roc Barlovento November 2017

This was my second visit to this hotel and will definitely return. The grounds are always clean and the food is good. The Mexican restaurant is very good has for the Fusion Restaurant average. The breakfast buffet is very good bacon every morning that’s a plus, dinner buffet is average . The staff are amazing always smiling and saying hola too you. The beach is very nice and clean. The rooms and bathroom could be renovated but we are only there to sleep. Special thanks to Miguel and Jos [... read more]epf at the lobby bar, they make great drinks.

Nice Resort

Rooms were dated but were clean and the bed was comfortable. Public areas were clean, lots of trees and grass. Ala carte restaurants were tasty and the buffet restaurant had cooking stations with a good selection of fresh food made in front of you Staff were friendly and helpful. Being adult only the age spread was from young adults to seniors. roaming cats and dogs made this resort unique. Great location downtown, walking is safe in town and you can walk the beach forever.

Roc Barlovento Hotel Snapshot

My husband and I stayed the week of October 7th to October 14, 2017 at Roc Barlovento, Varadero, Cuba. The city of Varadero had just been hit with Hurricane Irma. There was a lot of damage done. I believe the locals, hotel staff, army and university students shut down Varadero for two weeks in order to clean up the fallen trees, debris and try to work with damaged infrastructure. The hotel surprisingly was up and running without too much damage. The staff and locals were in good spirits desp [... read more]ite the damage and shortage of certain staples in their diets. The hotel was out of tomatoes and bananas but other than that had a good choice of foods. My husband and I brought an extra suitcase full of clothes and toiletries for the locals. We went to the market downtown and the locals were happy to be selling their awesome keepsakes again. The airport was almost empty when we came through as Westjet was the only airplane in on October 7th at the time we arrived. All and all, we did have some issues with the bed being too low and hard. The resort was full due to other hotels not being up and running so reception was unable to change our room and was unable to address our concern. Would I return, yes it was within walking distance to the main street of Varadero and the resort itself was very clean and the hotel staff were very friendly.

Awesome Resort

Amazing Resort and would definitely go back to this same place. Location perfect to starting of downtown to the market. Buses right next door to catch daily to go from one end of Varadero and back. Buses stop every 30 minutes and you pay $5 CUC and can ride and get off all day long until 9:00 pm. Resort staff friendly and helpful. Smaller resort with little under 400 rooms, but bigger not always better. No long waits or line ups. Not a lot of people running around in chaos. More low keyed  [... read more]place if that is what you want. Adults only and no kids. Not a Hilton hotel, but everything is clean. Rooms are clean, bedding clean, clean towels and shower does have hot water. Did not have any issues or problems to deal with. 2 Pools and a low lying down pool (for just lying in on your back which was neat). One main buffet which was clean and food "OK" for CUBA. Always good choices and variety daily. Tour arrangements right on site. Highly recommend the JEEP Tour which was a full day and well worth the price. Well organized and coordinated. Was perfect! Trip to Havanna by taxi which was cheaper than bus tour and you got one on one personal experience. This is recommended as well. Overall, a great experience. Local markets were great and close to where this resort it. Other resorts further down, but would not have the easy access that this place does and not the busy of bigger resorts. I would definitely stay here again. Our local travel agent Kevin Dupuis was great and always readily available by phone or email. He was great in setting up the best possible deal and location based on what I wanted. I would use him again to assist my travel planning. Faye Gee Sudbury Ontario CANADA

Great Value for Money, Lovely Resort.

There are many reviews around on other websites so I don't want to repeat too much but I would like to say first off that the staff and this resort in general really do everything they can to give you a good time, it is not the hotels fault or staff if you're not in the mood for whatever that day... They put in 110%. The staff work extremely hard and the resort is a credit to that. The buffet was plentiful and the food was good, sometimes it was even great. The coffee was fabulous. Rooms w [... read more]ere clean, air conditioning was great and the water pressure and temperature of the shower was much better than home. Beach was A*, pool area was wonderful. Seemed to be all new sun shades around the pool area, very nice quality. We went on some nice well priced trips organized initially by the lovely lady that sits in the lobby at the tour desk daily. Entertainment was beyond amazing, the Magic Show and the Aqua Ballet especially. But the 'in house' entertainment was also very good. Great position for the Market, Atm and bank in the other direction only a few minutes walk. This hotel was at the beginning of Varadero so therefore not in the thick of tourist central but felt very safe and lots to see and do.

Lovely people, great customer service but average resort

The hotel was average, needs a lot of work in places. Food was good for Cuban standards! Beautiful beach and great staff who were always happy to help! The third pool was supposed to be open when we got to the resort but wasn't which was a little disappointing.

Nice Resort

The Resort is Nice. Very Peaceful and Quiet. The Beach is Amazing. Very Calm. Not a lot of people so you always have a lounge chair. Staff is nice. Rooms & Bathroom need to be upgraded. Food and Drinks were alright. Nightly entertainment is good. A pool bar would be nice and a cerveza would be nice to have at the bar at the beach.

Mediocre experience I would rate this hotel as more of a 2.5/3 stars, not 3.5, based on our experience!

I would rate this hotel a 2.5/3 stars, not 3.5 based on our experience! Here's why: BEACH: The beach was infested with sand ants so you couldn't lounge on the beach. You had to run from the ocean to the poolside to avoid getting bitten! It was very frustrating and not enjoyable at all if you enjoying sitting on the beach to read/lounge. No opportunity to dry off except if you didn't mind standing along the shoreline where the waves come in to air dry a little. You definitely needed some  [... read more]footwear while walking (...no, hustling) along the white sand. We brought lots of Deet so we were good. There is a plane that passes overhead to help keep the mosquitos at bay. The water was a gorgeous turquoise color, that was cooler in the mornings but got very warm in the afternoon. It only rained one day, but June is theit tropical storm season. The rain typically lasts only for about 15min intervals. FOOD: As for the food, it was mediocre - same items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wanted to reserve the Sushi bar but it's only available Monday evenings - would have liked to have known that beforehand. Then reserved the Mexican restaurant for Sunday dinner for 7pm, as it was the only availability. When we arrived it was closed the whole day with no sign of setting up. We went to the Concierge to inquire, who seemed surprised. She called the restaurant and was told it had been switched to another option "upstairs". We opted out and just went to the buffet instead. No surprise as to what was on the menu - leftovers from breakfast and lunch! Too bad as I think it would have been a nice experience. The cappuccino machine in the restaurant was broken for 2 days so you had to get your coffee from the bar to bring with you to the buffet. The area for the ROC Plus seating never felt the AC so it was a miss sitting there! The 24-hr bartenders were very friendly and the housekeeping staff was very nice too. The Concierge was always ready to help! The Beach Bar was never open during the daytime when we wanted something to eat so that was annoying. We had to hustle to the buffet, assuming it was during their operating hours. AMENITIES: On Sunday afternoon I purchased a small painting from Sili, the artist, and it was beautiful - freshly painted as it was still drying! (LOL!). I left it in my room to air dry some more and I loved it! Small ones are 10 CUC's and the large are 25 CUC's. The market down the street was great and we went twice! There was an annoying beggar who didn't want to take NO for an answer so we finally left. Too bad for that, though. There are cats around the site and they love meat, so don't bother with bread. I guess a carb-free diet helps keep them lean and trim! They are so cute!! ROOM: There are no screens on the sliding doors so you can't open the door for fresh air if you don't want mosquitos or ants getting in. That was a disappointment as we prefer to have the window open and AC off at night to enjoy the tropical breeze.