January 3-10, 2020 sejour

This is the second time in less than a year we are staying for a week at Royalton Hicacos in Varadero because it is a great resort. I have to say that the rooms are a bit outdated they are very clean with good quality mattress and bedding, mini bar, coffee, etc. The room maid did an excellent job every day (building 2500) and Davis the butler was very nice and helpful. Actually all the people are very friendly and helpful trying to make your stay a nice experience. Very good quality drinks, e [... read more]xcellent entertainment, and the food at al a carte, and snack bars was pretty good. the grounds are in excellent well kept condition. I also have to say few less positive things that were not so good compared with our last visit in May 2019: 1) the breakfast and lunch at the buffet was very repetitive compared with May 2019 when every day used to have a different theme (like Canadian, Italian, Asia, etc.) The same food choices every day, cooked, cold cuts, etc. 2) the hot water in building 2500 between 5-7 pm was lukewarm every day. Did not experienced this before. 3) at the initial check in not much info provided especially about evening programs and shows, where to make al a carte restaurant reservation (the system is changing now), etc. When we went later at the front desk to ask what show was on that evening the personnel was not sure, and they were asking each other. Minor things, not a deal breaker. We would definitely like to return. I forgot to mention that the beach is very nice! Thank you Royalton!

Rundown and in need of updating

While the beach, the weather and the Cuban people are beautiful, this hotel is a decaying relic. It certainly should not be listed as a ‘hidden gem’ or even a 4 star star resort, never mind a five star option. It is a 2.5 or 3 star at best. Travellers who have been to luxury resorts elsewhere in the Caribbean will be sorely disappointed in this resort. There is a stench of sewer in the air, the rooms are extremely outdated and lack basic amenities, there is no room service, though it is adve [... read more]rtised, the blue waterways pictured on the web are all empty and left as peeling paint eyesores, the food is mediocre, and we could only get reservations for two of our seven nights. The butlers are useless and we could not access some of the restaurants or the disco because we were not members of the Diamond Club, something we were unaware of before booking. Paying for wifi was expected, but an annoyance that should be included in a resort labeled as luxurious. We we very disappointed in our vacation.

For those who want to relax

very clean, comfortable beds, good air conditioning, rooms a bit outdated but spacious and adequate. one of the best beaches in varadero, A variety of excellent a la carte restaurants. Good selection at buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Relatively small resort which was nice as everything was in close proximity. Staff very attentive and efficient. a nice retreat for those who just want to lay back and relax.

One of the top resorts in Varadero if not Cuba

The resort lived up to my expectations and was in line with my research. This was my 5th time in Cuba and this was the best resort by far. I paid more than I used to but it was worth the overall value I got.

Lovely, lovely hotel!

This hotel was amazing. The staff was very welcoming and eager to please. The resort had a fair amount of maintenance occurring while we were there, but it was still extremely enjoyable and not at all inconvenient. The room was very nice and spacious. We will definitely return here and also highly recommend this place to our friends. It was a fairly quiet place to stay which for me, was what I needed.

Awesome times!!

This resort is like non other. The staff is friendly and helpful. Always something to do day and night. Was a very great getaway!! I can’t wait to go back. I will and already have recommended to friends and family

Very good resort with amazing facilities and repetitive food menu

Pros: 1. Very good and clean hotel rooms. 2. Room cleaning service was very good and creative. 3. Very friend staff and fast prompt service. 4. Food was good. Ala -carte as well as buffet was good in taste. 5. Resort beach as well as pool area is neat and well maintained. Cons: 1. The buffet food menu was totally repetitive. everday breakfast, lunch and dinner had same exact dishes. 2. The cocktail drinks weren't that good. 3. Being first timer to cuba, not sure how tipping culture w [... read more]orks. we ended up giving tips every now and then and might have given at least $150 CAD in tips. probably hotel might provide some pointers/guidelines on the same.

Beautiful Resort

Loved the resort, beautiful grounds, pool and beach. Rooms were big, clean and had comfortable beds and pillows. Food was very good. Staff was fantastic, always friendly and helpful. Would recommend to everyone and would definitely go back

Beautiful Resort. Disappointed by Butler service

Beautiful resort and perfect location. Nice sandy beach. Good food service, friendly staff DISAPPOINTED BY BUTLER SERVICE I think it is just a money grab, I have to call several time to get service. But overall Sunwing flight was good on time.

Satisfactory Resort

We have been to Varadero about 8 times in the past 4 years. This hotel is rated as a Diamond. It is far too tired looking for that rating. A 3.5 Star rating would be more accurate. The reception was disappointing. A group of about 20 Most of the little river canals that run outside of the rooms are empty, so guests see empty concrete as they stroll from their rooms to other areas of the resort. The rooms themselves are spacious and everything in them works if you are lucky enoug [... read more]h to get a room that has been adequately prepared. The first room we received had dirty windows, problematic air conditioning, and few toiletries. The second room was better. The beach is beautiful and well maintained. Buffet food is standard --equal to buffets in 3.5 Star hotels that I have stayed in in Varadero. The Italian and International a la carte restaurants were very good. The drinks at the lobby bar were fine. Paradisius Del Mar and Iberostar are close by. In my mind, both are nicer, have equal or better food, and are less expensive.

Great Resort with amazing staff

The staff totally make this resort. They are friendly, happy to help and seem to know what you need before you do. The grounds are kept immaculate. Food is good. The 24 hour bistro is great and the food there is also good. We would definitely go again.

Didn’t meet expectations

I would give this resort a 3.5/5, even by Cuban standards. The grounds were well maintained and the beach was wonderful. The pool was lacking - very shallow and not near enough shaded loungers. If you want to lay in the sun without a shade, there are lots of loungers. But if you prefer some protection from the sun, you won’t have much choice. The rooms are large and kept clean. However, they have an ant problem so do not even take food products into your room- the ants WILL find it. Al [... read more]though kept clean, towel and fridge service seems to depend on how large your daily tip is. Less than 5cuc, don’t expect all of your towels to be replaced or the fridge stocked. Butler service is a joke. Anything we asked for (more towels, broken umbrella replaced,some matches etc) was denied and we were told to call housekeeping. The one thing we requested that was in their power, they didn’t even do. We requested a Bali bed on the beach for the next day (at an additional cost) and were told “it’s done!” The next morning when we went to the beach, they hadn’t received our reservation. The butler service sounds great as a selling point but in practicality, it’s pointless. The food was the best we’ve had in our 10 years going to Cuba. That being said, the buffet and the 24 hour bistro have an extreme fly problem. I know it’s the Caribbean and to expect a few flies. But this was horrible and the worst I’ve ever seen! We went to sit down at one buffet table but thought twice when we saw 6 houseflies sitting on the cutlery and napkins. The buffet is full of flies. You use your cutlery with one hand and keep swatting at the flies with the other. I don’t know how they will fix this problem but something has to be done. Would I return? Maybe. But not at full price, maybe at 50% off. There are other resorts in Cuba that are a fraction of their price and just as good, if not better.

Amazing!!!!!!

This hotel was amazing! So many activities to do! Very clean and the staff were so friendly. Did often run out of a few things like champagne, and mint for mojitos but overall I enjoyed my stay. The availability of food and drinks 24hrs a day was great. Butler service was good as well.

Great Break

Toronto airport reception by Sunwing was timely and efficient. Arriving in Cuba was easy however we had to wait in the bus for over an hour because two of the guests were caught bringing drugs into Cuba - Bad. The hotel reception was good and our room was first class - I believe it was recently renovated. The beach was fantastic and the meals were very good. We took a side trip to Havana on a 1956 Chevy Belair - great ride and our guide -Jenny - was excellent. Hated to leave but a week is the p [... read more]erfect duration. Would recommend the Royalton to anyone.

Royalton Hicacos - Lovely Resort

The Royalton Hicacos was a great spot for a beach vacation! Although not directly on the beach with ocean views, the bungalows are nicely situated. Be prepared for a lot of walking to and from rooms to the beach and grounds. Everything is clean and well kept. The bed was quite comfy, there is a stocked mini fridge and coffee/Kureg machine in the room. You will NEED AN ADAPTOR in the room to plug in your devices. They do have these at the front desk, but will need to ask for it. The beach  [... read more]is the star of the show, and is great for strolling and swimming. The beach staff will take you out on the water on a Hobby Cat, you can kayak and paddleboat, all included. You can also go snorkeling for 20 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos), which was a far better experience than the excursion booked through the travel agent. A la Carte restaurants were very good, make sure you book them as soon as you get there so you get in and get a decent time. No issues with food or drinks - but bring a 'traveler' cup (Bubba) for your drinks - they will fill up and you can take to the beach and stay cold. Evening entertainment every night at 9:30 was pretty good and the venue is outdoors, so very comfortable. The pool was nice with cabanas for lounging. There is an afternoon FOAM party in the pool twice a week, and water aerobics and daily pool side entertainment. The staff were generally helpful and our butler was very nice and accommodating. You can buy WiFi: 1 CUC peso for 1 hour. Take Canadian $, and change at the resort. We travelled the week of Sept 23rd, and for $200 Canadian, got 146 CUC. The hotel gift store was ridiculously expensive, so don't plan on buying anything at the resort. You can take a local bus from the resort into Varadero to the market for 5 CUC - the pass lasts all day and gets you there and back. There are only 2 buses that run into town every hour, so plan accordingly. For a 5* Cuban resort, it was a noticeable improvement from our previous visit to Memories in Varadero, and overall, would recommend the resort.

Very nice resort!

Me and my wife just returned from our vacation in Cuba. We stay at the Royalton Hicacos Varadero. Resorts classed as fife star and in our opinion is not better than any other 4 star resorts. Hotel and the whole facilities are clean with exceptional helpful staff who are more than happy to help you when you ask them. Beach is perfect , food just OK, like any other resorts we stay for the past 10 years. Staff at the bar is very nice and we could not ask for any better service and ambient at the ba [... read more]r is very enjoyable. We would say, overall is a very good resort and we would come back to the same resort.

Fantastic resort

Fantastic resort I would recommend this resort to anyone had a great time and the staff was well prepared and treated us like gold the food and the atmosphere was FantasticFirst time to Cuba and it will not be our last

AMAZING RESORT!

This was the best all inclusive! 18+, attentive staff, nice entertainment, great food at the restaurants and a gorgeous beach! There is no ATM so bring cash and you will need an adapter for the plugs.

Very nice and elegant resort!

This was our second stay. We were just as happy as first time. It's a lovely space, well managed, kept clean, with team that is outstanding from the rooms to the restaurants to the bars... Just steadily great throughout the resort. Terase team of a buffet restaurant was outstanding and we kept going back to converse with these lovely people while having all our meals. The evening performances are top level! Jezz bar with elegant stylish music, such a pearl. Ice cream parlour... Hidden Jem - over [... read more]all just wonderful. If you need to arrange the excursion you can trust it to your room butter. Ronald was amazing. But all butters always are.They are all knowledgeable and nice. Most importantly - everything is safe and guests are all nice crowds - no loud people. Weekends attract locals and get busier, still very nice.

Love this place!

This was our third time at this resort. If you want friendly service, good selection of food, great entertainment and a stunning beach - this place is for you! The resort itself needs updating in some areas but the homey vibe overrides any shortcomings in that regard - best place in Cuba!