Best kept secret in Veradero... Muthu Playa

Muthu Playa Varadero is one vacation spot that shouldn't be over looked. It is the host of an amazing resort and staff and the most perfect gorgeous beach I have ever visited. After spending week at this resort I am hooked, fish line and sinker hands down I am not interested in visiting at another resort this place is like a hidden gem. My family and I just spent the most wonderful vacation together at this resort, there were eight in our immediate group and others that joined us from other dest [... read more]inations in Canada that I am also sure will be happy to give or already have given a rave review for Muthu Playa Veradero! The staff, I have to start there... they are absolutely wonderful, personable and passionate to ensure you have the best vacation possible. The hard working crew at Playa never stop, they are putting their heart and soul in whatever they have on task, the chefs are ensuring every dish is prepared perfect, presentation is spot on but like they say on Master Chef... taste is key and these chefs did not disappoint. The bartenders... well they know how to keep the crowd happy! The lineups were kept at a minimal rarely waiting more then a few moments to get a drink specially made just the way you like it! Always presenting as a professional but carry a special charm about them it is hard not to feel like you have become part of such a great family. One of my favourite spots just after breakfast and supper you could find me at the coffee bar having a special spanish coffee , it was one of my favourite moments in the day. (I don't even like coffee but I can say Starbucks cannot compete with an authentic special spanish coffee in Cuba, I am now seeking out their secret recipe so I can attempt to replicate here at home. My room was cleaned thoroughly everyday by the hardworking room attendees, they paid great attention to details and always had a smile to share. The BBQ lunch buffet by the beach was a hit everyday the fresh delicious bbq refueled you for your afternoon of fun in the sun. The entertainment crews and shows were so good they actually tock my breath away, just to name a few were the Night Spanish dancers, the synchronized swimmers light night show was amazing and full of talent, the magic show still has me puzzled and the best Rock n Roll band is truly the best I have seen live. Thank you Muthu for such an amazing and memorable vacation with my family that I will only have great memories of and could never forget. Look forward to seeing you all next year!

Very good hotel

Hotel is pretty big, very nice and helpful staff, pretty clean everywhere. One fact was a bit disturbing, it was allowed to smoke inside the lobby. Food is decent, there was always something to choose from. If you give tips, they will be ready to help you with anything.

Good stay

The rooms weren’t the cleanest, there was gum stuck on the head board of the bed when we got there but the maids/staff were super nice. The pool was dirty and there was a stray dog in it once but the beach was amazing. The food also wasn’t the best. But overall it was a great stay

Great lacation

This was our 13th stay at this resort, the staff are like family to us, the beach is beautiful with lots of chairs and shade, the new management has made some changes, food was good, choice of drinks were better, but we were disappointed that the brands had changed and the slushy machines were gone, and that the hours for the bar areas had changed. The coffee bar is wonderful. The gardeners have done a wonderful job with the trees and plants. The buildings need some TLC, which we were told that  [... read more]some renovations are planned to start soon. We would go back again.

Great resort.

Had an awesome, relaxing week. Clean rooms with no bugs in sight which is so important to me (no hot shower though). Beautiful beach. Excellent food. Staff: Some very nice and friendly, others not so much.

Pleasantly surprised

After being at this resort 4 years ago, I was pleasantly surprised with the changes. The food at the buffet was blah however the a la cartes were so delicious. The beach was breathtakingly beautiful and clean. Small resort with plenty of bars and entertainment. The rooms were still very outdated with the smell of mold. Our air conditioner control didn't work so we just turned the breaker off. Our safe was broken too. Even with just a few mi or complaints, the staff was very quick and eager to he [... read more]lp. All in all we had a great trip and would all go back again.

Terrible !

This place is disguisting. Far from a 4 star resort. I was hospitalized with ecoli upon returning. I was covered in bed bug bites. The staff are so rude and ignorant. I explained when leaving I never used my towel card as we brought towels but had to pay for them anyways. The food isn't fit to eat. Stay home if you are thinking about going here. Don't waste your money

Muthu Playa Varadero in Varadero Beach - not sooooo good

It was an experience for me in any possible way - generally, the hotel is in need for a major renovations starting from the painting internal areas; updating the showers/bathrooms with changing shower bases as well; upgrading the A/C in rooms to allowing regulating it according ( presently you can turn in On and Off only); the designated areas ( gym, coffee shop, massage) need to be visible by putting a sign on walls about them with direction to them on them as well. The hotel area ( grounds, tr [... read more]ies, flowers) were in very good condition; It would be nice if the hotel staff ( waiters and "towel" and beach persons) would be more understandable that tipping from the clients is an extra but not mandatory. It would be nice if the food variety would be upgraded as well. All soups there had the same colour/aroma and taste but were named differently - the cream of seafood was far away from the "cream". More fresh vegetables would be nice to have. What about having a table with the Cubans traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner food/meals? A map with the hotel/resort layout would be nice to get when checking-in.

Good value

We were there for 1 week. The hotel is showing signs of age, but all in all OK. The staff were wonderful, very accommodating. Our room had a view of the ocean and beautiful sunsets every night. The food was fair, a few problems (overcooked), same food every day, although the desserts were good. The weather and the beaches were fantastic during our stay. Would probably recommend but with warnings about the food.

Good place for the money spent

The hotel is getting old, we were on the 5th floor with only 1 elevator working, then it broke and we had to walk up to our rooms. They finally got 2 elevators repaired. A few things not working in the hotel room, but the place was clean, the food was available 24 hours a day and was OK, the wine served was watered down. We bought a bottle of wine in the shop which was not expensive at all. Of course, the best parts were the staff who were fantastic, the entertainment superb, the sun shone e [... read more]very day we were there, and the beach was amazing. We had a few outings which were a lot of fun. I would recommend this hotel for the price and tell whoever what problems were, but all in all a good time.

It was a good resort

The room was clean, everything needs to be upgraded, but we didn’t go for that! People very nice and friendly.., we had a good time! The beach is 2 min from the pools! We went with the kids and it was really good, because the resort is not too big! I will definitely go back!

Great Beach

This resort is in need of a lot of update with that being said , Our room was kept clean , beach is beautiful. The food is Cuban and not very warm!! What I found was the waiters & waitresses didn’t wait on you like other resorts . Overall a cheap place to visit remember you get what you pay for !! I went for the sunshine & beach and was definitely not disappointed with that 😀

Great Vacation!

We really enjoyed our week at Muthu Playa. I was a little worried because of some of the other reviews but we had a great time and thought the resort was quite nice. It was clean, our rooms were nice, the bathrooms were clean and felt up to date. We had no issues with hot water, while the AC was cold, each room has control over the temperature (not sure why other people complained when they could just adjust the temp as we did), everything in our room worked, the pool was clean and clear, the be [... read more]ach was amazing and the staff were sooo friendly - we looked forward to meal time because we would be greeted like we were old friends. The food was pretty good for Cuba but the variety wasn't super huge - which we have found to be typical of just about any place in Varadero. Given what we paid for this trip, I think we got an amazing deal. It far exceeded my expectations. My advice to those who travel to Varadero or this hotel in particular - Cuban hotels are not like the glitzy over the top hotels you will find on other islands - they are quite simple but well planned out and far less expensive as a result. If you treat the staff well and tip them you will receive amazing service. Just think that these people earn $40 per month, so tips are incredibly important to keep them from extreme poverty. I have seen some people write about negative experiences with the staff and that you shouldn't have to tip to get great service. I think this outlook is negative and selfish - you need to treat people nicely and with respect no matter where you go and what issues you run into. They are so happy to help if you ask nicely with a smile. You have an opportunity to go to a country for VERY little money compared to other vacation destinations and you could use some of what you saved to make the lives of the people there better (so tip!). As far as I'm concerned, it's a win/win. I get to make someone happy which makes me happy. We even exchanged email addresses with a few staff members and plan to stay in touch. You have the power to create your own experience, so choose the positive path.

Go for the beach!

Don't expect amazing rooms, they are quite outdated.. Service is poor (very different mentality) but nothing outrageously bad. Good, let's just say you won't stay hungry :) Beach (sand, water, chairs, umbrellas, etc) is perfect.

Just a fine Resort, nothing Extravagant

The Food was great, great beaches and water, lobby was good at hotel. After being upgraded from first level moldy room to third floor Ocean view. Everything was ok. Last time we were at Santa Maria at a 2 star Hotel (5 years ago) it seemed that we were better off than the 3.5 star hotel. Either way for the money value it just a fine Resort nothing Extravagant.

Kids loves it

Both kids and I a had a fabulous time. The pool was a little cold but that never bothers any kid. Beach was beautiful used the paddle boats for some swimming in the ocean fun. Food was OK but you are in Cuba so the food is never exceptional. Staff was mostly friendly The managers at the front desk were very helpful . Get your blue towel when they come in as they do run out for some times 2 days. We changed rooms after the first day as we had no safe and the ground floor sliding door would  [... read more]not lock! Our room on the 5th floor was excellent and our housekeeper Teresa was fabulous! No service at the swim up bar. Outdoor shows in the evenings were fun for the kids and actually had some pretty good talent. Overall we had a wonderful stay.

Very Good Resort

I think this resort is Good but i din,t think it,s good for 4 stars .I or Wife didn,t have any problem staying there for one week we would like to go back again some day Thank you.I have to change our room but i get better one.

Recommended

Staff: Very friendly Rooms: Average Pool and Beach: Excellent Food: Average Activities: Very satisfied This is honest and realistic opinion of myself and my family, Not too much for kids, it is more for adults,

Disappointing

This hotel was likely luxurious when it was newer. But it has not been maintained. Tiles missing from floors in all common areas Very basic accommodation and services. No poolside or beach service. Rooms showed signs of mouldy condition. Sewage smell in lobby area. Food was good. I do not recommend this hotel although the beach area was beautiful.

Not Bad for the Money

The grounds were well kept. Pool area and beach is great; lots of music and chairs available. The rooms however are moldy, damp and the “maid service” only makes your bed daily. I suggest you bring money as this resort only provides one bottle of water per week/per room, (mini fridge is provided in room with nothing in it) only two bath towels per week/per room and the internet is not free. Everything costs money - even though it’s all inclusive.