Muthu Playa Varadero: avoid resort

Other than the beautiful pristine beach at the resort, the food was awful, service was mediocre, 4 big cockroaches in our room, hard time getting beach towels and shower towels, cold showers, etc... we had originally booked the starfish resort but the flights were cancelled so we had to pick another resort leaving the following day from another city. I've been to Cuba quite a few times and really enjoy Varadero... I never complain about the resort food as I don't go to Cuba for the food - I alw [... read more]ays manage to find something I like. However, the food at Muthu Playa was well below what I was used to from the other resorts. Buffet only, minimal choices...we pretty much lived on ham sandwiches all week. And yes, I sound awful saying that knowing that many of the Cuban people are suffering. But compared to other resorts who are deemed 4 stars like Muthu Playa, the food was not even close to being comparable. Restaurants in town were amazing however, wish we had brought more Canadian money! We will return to Cuba but not to Muthu Playa unfortunately.

Sol Palmeras: Great and relaxing

Great hotel and recommendation from Wendy at TriipCentral. Quick and short trip from airport, transfers were all great. Hotel was everything we needed this holiday trip. Super friendly staff, clean rooms and picture perfect days spent on the beach. I’d highly recommend this great family friendly resort to others.

Roc Arenas Doradas: First time at RAD, but would definitely go back!!!

This was out 30th trip to Cuba, but our first at this resort, great size, very good service, we did have a lot of fun with most of the staff. The food was good, we have to consider this being Cuba, usual lines (omelets, meat etc.) were almost inexistant, which I enjoyed. The beach was beautiful with plenty of chairs and palapas. The grounds were immaculate. Rooms, we had the ROC plus, I recommend, out room was freshly renovated, I think we were the first ones in. Basic rooms but clean, excellent [... read more] mattress with nice shower with good pressure.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Nice Resort with one big problem

We were recently at the Valentin El Patriarca for a two week vacation First the positives. The resort grounds were very nice and well maintained, the beach was absolutely amazing, and the people/staff were very friendly, helpful and worked very hard so that you enjoyed your stay. The room needed some updating. The mattress on the bed was sagging towards the headboard. The first night we slept with our heads at the foot of the bed. The next two nights we were given additional pillows and th [... read more]e mattress was changed for the fourth night. Now for the big problem. We were expecting bland food, but were not prepared for what we encountered. The food was terrible. Here are a couple of examples. The Italian a la carte had no pasta, a ham and cheese sandwich had no ham or cheese, but was a weiner between two pieces of bread, I observed staff watering down milk because of shortages, they ran out of butter for bread after the first week. The deal breaker was when we saw cockroaches crawling the food at the buffet. The buffet was repetitive and seldom varied the menu. Even the scrambled eggs were like porridge. Beef was non-existent and hamburgers were made with ground ham. After talking to other people at other resorts, they had the same issues. Food for us is an important item when on vacation, for this reason we will not return to Cuba.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Fabulous week!

The resort was lovely! The rooms were clean, the safe was available, the staff was friendly and helpful and the ocean and pool were exceptional. Our trip into Veradero was smooth and we felt very safe both in the city and at the resort. We were on the 3rd floor but our sliding door didn’t lock. That’s my only complaint. I truly found the food quite great! The 3 a la cartes were a nice treat from a week of only buffet food. The catamaran excursion was outstanding!

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: It's a resort

Beautiful place and tasty food. The staff was scarce, but they were training new people. The pool was dirty and and beach is crawling with mites. Don't lay in the sand direct, get a chair, must get up early for this.

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Worst Rooms and maid service ever in Cuba

The hotel itself is beautiful, no issues on food shortages due to Covid. The bartenders, grounds keepers and dining service staff were all excellent. Sadly our room was terrible, beds held together with 2X4’s if you sat on the end of the bed legs would fall off. No fresh towels, floor never swept, water not replaced in room without special request, linen not changed at all in the seven days. To top it off although money was left as were gifts maid still stole items from both of our rooms. If  [... read more]a complaint is filed a full investigation needs to be held, clearly taking longer than a seven day trip would allow. Although based on other guest experiences ours seemed to be an isolated issue…. Building stayed in was by the children’s pool. Most we spoke to were by the main pool and raved about their service.

Playa Vista Azul: Fantastic Resort

This resort was very nice and the service was over the top.As expected there were a few shortages but nothing to dampen our holiday. Rooms were ok and our view was magnificent, staff went out of their way to please everyone. The grounds are average but the cleanliness was evident we had a group of ten people and some had been there several times overall a great resort .

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Awesome stay

Just got back and it was a great time. Good was good, the rooms were redone and nice. The entertainment staff and all other stuff are super friendly they remember your name all week. The only bad stay was the flight.. won’t take swoop again.

Iberostar Selection Varadero: Little gem...

23rd time in Cuba...After trip during covid we decided to go somewhere else this year. But after reading reviews from this resort we give Cuba another chance and Bingoooooo. Resort is very professionally run. Clean, well maintained, with good service. Great beach that was cleaned every day and pools. Both have lots of palapas and umbrellas. We never were sick in Cuba and never hungry. More food varieties in buffet and if you ask you can get almost everything. Staff is really trying to do somethi [... read more]ng from nothing. When comes to a la carte restaurants they need lots to improve. Menu should be printed out to avoid misunderstanding and take time to make choice...some times you have no choice at all. Japanese Restaurant definitely need more meat in meal that they provide and another restaurant is serving lobster soup that is really bad. Over all food was good. Bares should provide more quality alcohols and cocktails and drinks should be made the same way by every bartender. But this is Cuba...still learning. We are diffinetevly coming back next year. It was a good vacation.

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Disappointing Accommodations and service

This hotel is definitely not Iberostar quality. From the moment we arrived at the hotel the experience was not what i expected. I would rate this place at 2.5 stars at the very most. My family and i have travelled to Cuba many times prior to Covid and have had awesome vacations but this was the worst experience ever and i wish we had not spent our vacation fund money for this. Not sure if i will go back to Cuba again. Also disappointed in Trip Central as the travel agent suggested this hote [... read more]l as one of the best in Varadero. First time booking with Trip Central and likely the last. ARRIVAL - there was no one there to welcome us to the resort nor was there anyone to help us with our luggage off the bus upon arrival. Should have been my first hint of the disappointing experience. ACCOMMODATIONS: Our rooms were dirty, run down, furniture was old and broken. The rooms were stinky and smelled very musty and moldy. We moved rooms on Day 2 and although the furniture was somewhat better the shower and sink did not drain very well so we had to turn the water on and off during showering. The hotel seemed very tired and run down. FOOD & DRINK: There were definite shortages of alcohol and food. There was only Rum and Beer on the menu which we drink neither. Often the resort would run out of mix. I am shocked since this is an all inclusive. The food was pretty much pork, inedible beef, and one type of fish. There was no variety and again the resort would run out of food on a daily basis. My daughter lived on cheese buns and cucumbers for the entire 10 days. We had to go out for dinner several nights to enjoy a nice meal. The "a la cart" dinners were the same thing as the buffet only presented a little nicer. Again disappointing. STAFS: The front desk staff appeared unhappy and not very friendly. We had to stalk them for bottled water and toilet paper on a daily basis. The other resort staff were ok but again not what i have experienced in the past. This was my daughters first vacation that she has paid for on her own after years of saving. She was very upset and the first half of our 10 day vacation was ruined by the disappointing experience. Definitely not going to this hotel chain in the future.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Friendly staff

We stayed at the upgraded Elegance, which is definitely worthwhile over the basic package. Speaking with other guests, the beds were more comfortable, there was beautiful and artful bed making each day, the rooms are closer to the beach, breakfasts are in a private and small Elegance dining building, private butler to arrange a la carte dinners. A suggestion to the resort, would be to not label their a la carte dining rooms as Italian, Gourmet or Caribbean, for (perhaps) due to food shortag [... read more]es, the menu was the same - pumpkin or chicken soup, rice, chicken and most likely boiled cabbage. Service at these locations was cheerful and quick, but food did not resemble anything that was billed. For valentines, we signed up for a surf and turf meal, that was a pumpkin soup, tasty pork stuffed with walnuts, eggplant ravioli (very tasty, but was simply eggplant with tomato, rice, and a Cuban dessert. This was the best meal of our stay, but not the surf and turf that was advertised. Basic package includes the main buffet, that changed little from day to day. I believe there were some food limitations. Food is simply prepared without spice. Fruit was beautifully cut and presented, Cuban pastries, breads were good, but butter sometimes lacking. Bottled water always provided by servers. Open bars and evening lounge performers at 8 pm. Tipping is appreciated, first US$, then Cdn, and rarely pesos. We did not use pesos during our stay. There were no Covid restrictions at the resort or on the buses, guests did not were masks, but most of the time everyone is outside. We did not sign up for day trips. We did hire a taxi for a tour and trip into Varadero - dinitely recommend travelling this way. We also took the hop on, hop off bus that stops at each resort with Varadero as a destination, we stopped in the plaza Americas, which was expensive shoes, tshirts, expensive cigars. Simply took a taxi back to resort. Rating is based on our upgrade. People in other tiers, were not as comfortable or happy.

Resonance Blu Varadero: Needs Work

The hotel is a bit run down. My safe never worked, had to bang on the door tumblers to come out so I could lock my door. My friends bathroom was full of mild. The food was the same old, same old everyday. The pool and beach was the only saving grace. Only rum and beer at the bars. Some days there was no cream for coffee. Had the same bath towels all week I would not return to this resort. Needs work!

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Adults only had a great time

Had a great time. Staff were incredible, entertainment was spectacular! Food was better than the last two times I’ve been. Wish there was more seafood options while dining. There was no vodka which seems strange.

Grand Memories Varadero: Nice gardens -rundown resort

Grand Memories was probably gorgeous when new -The gardens and palm trees are beautiful , the beach is amazing -white sand and turquoise water - although a fair hike from our room in building 14 . The hotel is very run down ,our room had a horrible moldy smell that we couldn't get rid of - We had one sorta white towel in the room - and never got a clean one for our 10 day stay -the hard bed was made twice - we had to beg to get our 2 blue beach towels -that they charge you for if you don't have [... read more] them when you leave .the sink didn't run well -the toilet ran all the time and you had to open the tank to pull the flush- the shower was nice and hot although the side of the tub was a real climb to get into .the balcony door didn't lock and the front door after the first 7 days wouldn't lock either -open all the time -at least our safe worked -many didn't . The buffet was clean and pretty and the made to order omelet in the morning was great - the other food was very bland -no beef or seafood at all , only pork and chicken in various stewed things - rice beans and mashed potatoes ,there was always olives and fresh watermelon and pineapple ,sliced spam and salami etc. very poor , and even the 3 al-la carte restaurants served just dressed up buffet fare with nice linen LOL The two pools were really nice and the swim up bars were nice - all you could get was rum -no other liquor available The 3 other bars served pina-coladas in the morning till they ran out -then only rum and coke or punch The bathrooms in the common areas -had broken seats, if they had seats at all - all the door locks were missing or broken and they were always out of toilet paper -I brought my own and carried it with me .there was hardly ever soap -no paper towels and no disinfectant anywhere My partner and I both came home with horrible colds - took tests -we are both positive for COVID. The service staff in the restaurant were very nice , the others we encountered -the maids etc.not so much . we went on a couple excursions which were affordable and fun -including a day in Havana with the TROPICANA show - amazing !! this was my 1st trip to Cuba and my partners' 3rd not sure we'll ever go back

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Royal service stay

We checked into the Royal Service and we’re not given wristbands as they had run out. This meant that there were several people coming from the other side to eat at the restaurant, swim at the pool and use the beach. It was crowded with quite a few loud and boisterous partiers. Definitely not worth the “Royal Service” -our side of the resort had no warm water and every day we were told “We are working on it.” They said they weren’t able to move us to the non-Royal side (with hot w [... read more]ater!) due to 100% occupancy(there’s no way that resort was fully occupied!) Food was ok for Cuba, wait staff were excellent. No COVID precautions or restrictions were in play. Many restrooms on the resort did not have soap and I didn’t see any hand sanitizer anywhere (except my own supply!)

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Really good, really bad

The food was the best of 8 resorts I've stayed at in Cuba. Nice modern shower. Nice layout of the grounds. There was no hot water. Little bugs in the hotel room. I would stay there again. I don't care for swoop. Had to pay$70 each way for luggage each person.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Wonderful resort

We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful resort variety of foods was plentiful and the staff were very friendly, overall cleanliness was excellent we used the spa facilities and enjoyed first class massage. Entertainment of an evening was excellent I wouldn’t hesitate to vacation here again

Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda: Great time at the Iberostar Alameda!

Just returned from a 10-day stay at the Iberostar Alameda with a friend and we both travelled using the Solo Air Transat package, having our own rooms. Overall it was a great resort and we had a wonderful time. Accommodations: Nice rooms, we were on the 2nd and 3rd floor which they graciously assigned in #19 which was close to the beach, terrace and restaurants - thank you Wendy! The rooms are spacious, the bed comfortable, working safe and the bathroom was wonderful. Ladies, don't bother [... read more] bringing special hair dryers or flat/curling irons as there is only one plug in the washroom attached to their dryer which will only accommodate an electric shaver. The bedroom does not have any mirrors close to electrical outlets. My lights were out one night and the technicians came by instantly to fix the issue - this was amazing. The rooms need a thorough cleaning but all in all, the room was great. Beach: Beautiful beach and no issue getting chairs underneath a hut umbrella. There are some rocks further in the ocean but not harmful or sharp. Entertainment: Fantastic. Every evening on the terrace there is a band and a show or disco following. This was excellent! Entertainment at the pool during the day as well however, we are beach people. There were activities on the beach as well if you wish to participate. Food: No complaints - the food was great and plentiful. Breakfast had a wide variety, with eggs, omelets, pancakes, yogurt, cereal, fruit, cheese/cold cuts and the pastries were very good. Lunch equally as good and included veggies, salad, rice (of course) fish, porchetta and hamburgers. Dinner at the restaurants served good food, particularly the Italian. Staff: This is the best part - the staff are absolutely fantastic. Everyone made an effort to accommodate us in every way. From bartenders, to entertainment staff, the hotel reception, maids and waitresses who made our stay extra special. Grounds: The grounds are beautiful and the gardeners do a great job of keeping it well maintained. The buildings on the most part look okay however, the stairs in our building were loose and not stable or secured properly to the floor, and the outdoor stairwell walls could use a paint job. This resort has lots of potential and hopefully, it can be restored. Overall: I would return and recommend this hotel and will give it a 4 star because of cleanliness in the rooms and maintenance required. A great trip overall. Thank you to everyone at the Iberostar Alameda!

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: 3 star at best

Beautiful beach, lots of sun, inconsistent food and beverage and everyone wants a tip or your shoes or the clothes off your back! No air conditioning in our room and no other room to go to. Room smelt strongly of mold. Trip Central did a great job setting up our vacation and did warn us of the possible lack of services and good food. We went ahead because we've never been to Cuba before. Now we have been and we don't have to go back. They are beautiful people and trying to do their best, we h [... read more]ope the government turns things around for them.