not 5 star very basic no ala carte but you are downtown within steps there is amazing restaurants yes you have to pay but well within any budget the rooms are clean if you have an issue ask the staff as they are fantastic and willing to help when they can all in all a relaxing place to stay

Many of the facilities were not in use including the buffet restaurant. Very confused on day 1 where I was supposed to eat. Nobody knew where to send me. Very frustrating. They crammed us in a tiny room. Food was cold and horrible. Room was acceptable. Staff was very nice. If food is important this is not the place for you.

The place is a terrible place, it’s not a resort for visitors. I will never go there again and recommend this place to anyone. The toilets were dirty floors were cracked and broken tiles. The room was 2 blocks away with peoples houses out the balcony. The room was gross We had to move to a different resort. The worst is that we weren’t offered any money back or even a credit for a future vacation

I've been coming to Mar Del Sur for 22 years now. And this year was the 1st time I ever said "I won't come back here again unless Mar Del Sur improves. I stayed here for 4 months in 2023. This year I only stayed here for 3 days. I didn't have hot water for any of those 3 days. We had to sk the maid, who we know, to let us in a room with hot water to shower. And, the hotels are not getting the supplies they need to feed the guests. We stayed in the next town over until April 28th but visited Mar Del Sur at least once a week as we have good friends who stay there. The situation there has not gotten any better. We know of 10 or more employees who have gotten other jobs because of better pay and they were not given the tools they needed at Mar Del Sur to do their jobs. I'm just putting it out there that if you stay at Mar Del Sur, you will get what you pay for. It's considered a 2bstar hotel for a reason!

I have been to Mar del Sur (Varadero, Cuba) maybe 10 times over the last 20 years. It is by no means a fancy place to stay but the value to money you pay ratio is unbeatable. Where else can you stay at an all inclusive for $1900 a month - including airfare. This being said, next time I go to Cuba I might choose to pay more to have better choices at the buffet. Or best thing to do is probably to not choose all inclusive and then pay to eat at one of the many restaurants that are in Varadero. The breakfast food would be my main insatisfaction. There were many breakfasts where the only option was cabbage and the drink was CocaCola (the Cuban version of). It breaks my heart to say this really. I can only imagine that in Cuban homes, the fridge is not full of choices either. Then again, people who were at slightly better rated hotels (like Club Tropical or Los Delfines) were saying that their buffet selection was very good. Anyhow, the weather was divine; the beach is the best; the locals are sweet; my room was very nice (Bloque 32); the staff at the hotel did their very best with what they had. (Clean towels were a little hard to come by; bring some of your own.) I have known Mar del Sur with a better food situation but it was not the end of the world for us. My husband and I both lost a few pounds during our month in Cuba and we are happy about that. Maybe we should go again. ;-)

We spend 2 weeks there. Hotel old but clean. Food shortage but is always something to eat for people who like simple and healthy. Staff very friendly. Beautiful beach, great location. We will go there again.

Rooms-no hot water, balcony door wouldn’t lock, safety deposit was a joke Pool was dirty, music was loud, public washrooms were dirty, no toilet paper Dining room -food was blend and lots of flies, Beach area was dirty, no garbage cans Beach bar was empty Cats were malnourished Mosquitoes were everywhere All inclusive wasn’t really inclusive!

Pease of sheet, never again, i used to like it, now is a dumb, mostly local noise Cubans, that's ok but hard to integrate with their way of behavior, food???,same for 14 days, communication veri poore

Good resort nice grounds and most people food was good always something too eat that I enjoyed decent pool beach is a bit far away (3blocks or so) excellent location in Varadero local artisans are amazing down 1st Ave a few blocks great gifts and souvenirs amazing bartenders hats off too idalia and reynard room service was good for a single guy I used ear plugs for the chickens crowing in the am met lots of nice people had fun and will return

Clean air, ocean swimming, tropical plants, livable hotel. Locals prefer any payment in cash, USD is worth the most there, credit cards are rarely accepted (with some exclusions). Good luck in you trip.

For a two-star hotel in Cuba, my stay at Mar del Sur was as expected, the food was not bad, good night shows, friendly and polite staff, the rooms were good. The only thing really frustrating is the dirty pool. This is a large well designed pool with a deck level overflow recirculation system which could be a great attraction if kept clean however the overflow recirculation has not been working for years as an employee explained to me , they only in the morning collect the floating dirt using manual Skimmer connected to a suction hose. The result is people swimming in dark waters.

this is the 4 th times stay here,it is a right place to feel the local. now is challenge to Cuba government and people,especially the tropical storm IAN,we still felt the nice feeling froml Cuba .May them in good.but I Do not think it is right place for someone who wish to private "fun" now.

When it rains, the lobby area floods and you are walking in puddles .dark and gloomy lighting. My room was 13-110.i got bedbugs from the sheets .still itching one wk later. Food was bad as well .same everyday.no variety and everyday they would run out of something.

Hotel is terrible. When it rains the lobby area gets drenched and you walk around in puddles. My room was 13-110.i got bedbugs from the sheets and 1 wk later still recovering . Food was also horrific. Same stuff everyday and not very tasty. Bar staff only friendly to long time tourists.

this hotel is great for a 2 star I would say it is more like a 3 to 3.5 star. the pool is well kept and enjoyable with a lot of chairs and a bar on both sides .the staff was very good the food was Cuban food, no steaks but you won't starve as there is always something pork,beef,fish,salads,and ice cream with cakes. we upgraded to an apt.140cuc which is a lot nicer. a new beach bar on the beach about a block form the hotel banks and good eateries within walking distances

Lots of stuff to do and see at that central location in the town end of Varadero. 3 minute walk to the beach. Great beach bar, lounges, palapas, very nice staff. The hotel itself included a 24 hr lobby bar that attracted interesting characters, never a dull moment. The cafeteria style buffet was basic but very edible and relatively flavourful. They tried hard to vary the main meat dish everyday. Always fresh fruit. The waiters were polite, friendly and eager to please. Unfortunately during our stay the pool was being refurbished hence the low package price. But the fabulous beach more than made up for it for me. The room was big and the bed was firm and comfy. Pretty clean but bring towels. We had a nice big balcony terrace overlooking the street. No complaints at all and I would recommend to anyone looking for value for dollar and an interesting, relaxing and fun holiday.

The resort overall was really nice for a budget stay. Rooms were clean and the cleaning lady did a nice job and was very friendly. Decent size fridge was provided and a big kitchen and living room area. Public area and pool were good and always kept clean. Public washrooms were good but no toilet paper so if guests need to use it make sure to carry tissues. Pool side snacks and beach side snack bar were good just a long line up. The cafeteria was crowded so we went when they just opened that is 8 AM break fast (They open 7:30), 12:30 lunch and 8 PM dinner. Food was okay but lacked spice but breakfast was great!

Mar Del Sur is a good resort and I would stay there again. However, the food was unimpressive but that's Cuba, not necessarily the resort. The staff were not the friendly people I met when I was going to Cuba in the nineties. They seem to be cut off from the guests in the hotel. Nonconversational. The room was great. Tons of space. Three rooms, Bathroom, bedroom and large livingroom-diningroom area with a fridge. Plus a balcony. The shower was nice and the A/C was great. A short five minute walk to the beach across the road. Cuba has gotten a lot busier in twenty-five years so I wouldn't expect the same personalized service I got back then. But it's still Cuba, and I'd go back in a heartbeat. The Hotel is perfect for a short vacation.

Staff is the best! There the reason I always go back to mar del Sur ! From the receptionist to the bartenders to the wonderful cleaning ladies and the butlers ! It’s family away from home! The pool always has entertainment if it’s not music playing during the day then there is some type of game!! Keeps your day busy! The beach bar got hit by the hurricane last year which is sad so we have to use the military bar which is a little bit of a walk but good news the new bar is almost done being built can’t wait to go back and see it and order some yummy mojitos and rum punch’s!

enjoyed my 2 weeks ,the food is what you get in Cuba but you wont starve and staff are great, pool is nice and well kept as is the hotel and grounds location is in the downtown core so lots to see and do in walking distance .ask for an apartment a lot more comfortable

Beautiful resort with friendly staff. Staff are hardworking and do their best to keep the resort clean. It is and older establishment but It was more than I expected after reading all the horrible reviews. If you are fussy then get a 5 star resort. We eat, drink and had an air conditioned room to sleep in and the week went by too fast.

The resort was ok, the lack of toilet paper was not great, the staff was amazing the pool could have been cleaner, but overall it was a great trip. The people and staff were great, I would recommend this resort for a economic stay and great location.

It's only ☆☆, it's not luxury but for a two star hotel its pretty decent, there is hot water for showers, and a few choices of meals, but the beach is amazing and the bar and pool area, it has a lot of space and the bars have a lot of choice, and the staff are always pleasant and smiling!

I understand this hotel is a BUDGET hotel but the staff needs to be more efficient. They take their time with everything which gets frustrating. English would help and a fresh coat of paint. Pool should be cleaned more and entertainment should be focused on the tourists.

The Mar Del Sur was the worst resort I have ever stayed at. The first night we had to change rooms because there were bugs all over the floor and the bed. We had to change rooms again 3 days later because we hadn’t had any hot water for 2 days. The resort is pretty run down and not very clean. The staff tried their best but when that’s all you have to work with it’s pretty hard. The beach is a block away and is very nice with cabanas and an open bar on the beach. The food was ok and the staff was really nice. I would defanatly never stay there again.

Noted on arrival no one looked happy! Receptionist uncommunicative and slow. Late arrival and snack meant stale sandwich! Pool dirty, floors swept occasionally but years' old grime decorated the corners, windows dirty, litter everywhere, No TP in lobby bathroom on arrival nor the morning after and so on...Bring some in a zip lock to carry with you. If you are a Celiac bring food! Despite toaster, Quebecers want to put bread on grill to warm up, they pretend to not understand that you are allergic to bread. Booking with agency meant standard room: no balcony, no fridge, a toilet that doesn't flush unless you turn on the shower, hold the faucet in place to turn on, small tiny space. What level of disrepair do we settle for? -running toilet, little to no hot water, shower head on floor, fridge and loud AC. Dark hallways and stairwells as there were no lights, 3rd floor meant 4 flights of stairs, room lights not bright enough for reading, walkways in disrepair, pool deck like walking on a rough road, complete with holes.The main building is a compound with only two ways in or out. Your building could be several blocks away so walking for that cup of coffee to have in your room was an excursion. The lobby bar coffee was watered down as I have 2 cup coffee thermoses to avoid the plastic. So for four cups of coffee one scoop of grounds, more hot water. 9th trip to Cuba first time I felt unrest and despondency among the staff. Few would talk to you only happy when speaking to Cubans. Beach is amazing! The weather was fabulous. Had a great week of sunshine. Daily walks to dole out trinkets and giveaways to the happy villagers instead of morose staff that act like they hate foreign tourists, Yes there are villages! Tourists leave a lot of litter! Shame on you! Valentines brought a lot of locals to stay at the resort which meant long long lineups for meals. Many Quebecers who are more important (foolish to think that we are equal) expect better treatment. Line ups were ignored. Staff does not know how to say no when they rudely jump the queue. Shortage of wine at meals.

The newer part of the hotel is very nice only problem is that when it rains water enters through the window and the place is flooded. Only one restaurant for all the buildings that is almost full especially on the weekends when the locals come. Property is clean and although is a good distance away from the beach it is located in a neighborhood that is centrally located to buses and taxis. Food is mediocre, but then this is Cuba. I would stay there again because I am a budjet traveler.

First of all there is multiple buildings to this hotel. The older part should be taken out of action and be renovated. When it rains everywhere in the room was flooded. Had to have a room change in another new building.this part of the resort is very nice. The location was ok had to walk a few blocks to the beach. Foods sucks. Room was always clean. Maids very pleasant also dining room supervisor. Local Cubans their for the weekend very rude. I believe they need to shut the old buldings and stop putting tourist in such dismal rooms.if you are on a budget it's ok .

The resort wasn't top of the line, but it was excellent for the price we paid. Perfect if you are not super picky. Food was much better than the last resort we stayed at which was higher rated than this one. The location is awesome so close to everything. You do have to walk about a block to the beach, but there is an all inclusive bar on the beach so doesn't really make a difference once you get there. Also I am veryyyy lazy, and didn't mind the walk so that says a lot lol. Id stay here again.

This was my first trip to Cuba, and was told not to expect much from a 2 star resort. I'll start with the cons: The lobby washrooms were disgusting! The men's room had no sink or urinals..just pipes sticking out of the wall. I don't even want to discuss the women's. For the first week housekeeping was fine, although we had to remind the gal for clean towels and toilet paper daily. Our last 2 days we didn't get any clean towels at all. Fortunately we had brought beach towels with us. We had no bottled water in the room, and had to buy a bottle and had to continuously get a refill at the bar. The kitchen had no lights (just wires sticking out from the wall), as did the over the bed lights. Air conditioner should have been replaced years ago. Now for the Pros: I thought the resort was well laid out. The swimming pool was lovely and big, and there were plenty of loungers for everyone. The staff was friendly, and for a 2 star the resort was pretty clean. We had a 1 bdrm. apt. which was spacious, with a good sized balcony with table & 4 chairs, with a partial view of the ocean. The beach was beautiful, great beach bar, with lots of loungers. Excellent location! Our stay - Feb. 15 to 25, 2017

The staff in the hotel was very friendly the grounds are clean food was okay no complaints dining area was very comfortable I would definitely go back again I thoroughly enjoyed my time there staff was very friendly very helpful

L'air climatisé et l'eau chaude dans les chambres. Bar ouvert 24h Le buffet était bien, plus de choix que j'aurais cru. Pour le prix (moins de 550$CAN) je ne pouvais demander mieux. Le staff sympathique et aux petits soins pour nous. La plage à 2 minutes à pieds et le bar qui vient avec, super!

This is the second time I stayed this hotel ,everything is almost same,including the staff's work ,but,maybe the room is old than before,like my age. I change 3 times room,because I want a quiet room,the last one is good(the first one is ok,but bathroom was block for somedays,the second is close the highway,the view is very beautiful). The last but important,I am very appreciate the service of Tripcentral.ca,they give me so many helpful information and advise.

A basic Cuban hotel. Met all my needs and I am seasoned in travelling to Cuba. The staff behave with dignity and respect:) Grateful for small tokens of appreciation . A CUC at each meal, Sunglasses ,Bic pens, Bandanas , Smarties and/or leggings. I have been here before and will return again. An economical modest retreat,with roosters as alarm clocks lol

I had a renovated room,it was fine except I did not have a phone or safety deposit box.The food was ok.I liked the beach very much,the water was warm,the sand was clean. The walk from the hotel to the beach was close,5 minutes.The entertainment in the evening was varied, it was ok.The people working there were very kind and helpful. I would go back to this resort again sometime.

I had such an incredible time, especially as my first solo trip. The staff were extremely friendly. I really enjoyed the food. I was worried about negative reviews, but had realistic expectations. WELL worth the price paid.

This is a place I love the resort is comfortable the food is good and the employees were great I will go again I really loved the service I felt at home every day i was treated well. It was right were I wanted to be in downtown area everything I wanted to do was near by

rooms.ok if your creative with the staff...but just ok...hotels this cheap tend to draw a certain french canadian crowd.(need i say more)absolutley no courtesy form guests(French Canadians) they expect 5 star service for the money.we liked location only..if this was a 5 star hotel for the dame money...the french canadians cheapin it to drive anyone to go elsewhere..

It was clean the food was good fun games great location and the employees were awesome no complaints. This place was one of the best resorts I've been at.They had differ foods every day i was surprised when one dinner i saw that they had porketta the rooms were cleaned every day . We were greaded with a friendly face kindness by the staff every day.

For the price we paid, we found the hotel to be more than adequate, and actually very nice, indeed! It is also in a great, central location, close to the beach and very near the main tourist area (main street section) of the town of Varadero! We stayed in the newly renovated Block 20, and enjoyed a huge suite with two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, along with a large kitchen (not required, given the all inclusive hotel). (We understand rooms in some of the other blocks may not have been renovated, so this might have been a problem for others staying at the hotel.) The room was much larger than we needed, and there was enough warm (if not hot) water for five people most of the time. The food was very good, even if a bit repetitive, with enough choice to satisfy our needs. The pool area was clean, and the nightly entertainment was good, if not fantastic. For a 2.5 star hotel, it was excellent value and we would certainly recommend the hotel to anyone not looking to stay in one of the "gated" luxury resorts further down the Varadero peninsula!

Two weeks without running water almost all the time. to small restaurant to accommodate all the tourists and low level food... I love Cuba and travel quite often to Varadero. I’ve been to Mar del Sur before, but every time is going worst and worst… Otherwise nice people and always friendly!

rooms were grungy bathrooms by the pool and bar were very dirty no toilet paper and no paper towels people were very friendly food was the same every day not many choices to choose from and they only let so many people in the dining room at a time the out door patio had cats and dogs runny threw it and chickens there was chicken poop all over the floor outside cats were sraying on furniture not very clean at all

I was very disapointed in this resort. We booked it as it was close to central downtown (which it was) and had a playground for our son (out of order). Definately not safe!! The ala cart restaraunt was not operational either. Front desk staff had a 'couldn't care less' attitude. And spent much of the time doing her nails. The Bartenders and wait staff were wonderful. The maid service only made our beds 2 days (the other 5 the blankets were folded at the foot of the bed. Our garbage did not get emptied until I put them in the middle of the room to be tripped over. I am aware that this was only a 2 1/2 star...but it wasn't even close. The grounds although maintained decently, had many cracks and uneven pathways. Many stray cats and dogs on this property. Bring tteats for them as most seemed friendly. The Lights in our complex were hit and miss making it difficult not only to navigate our way, but find where to put a key in to open the door. Only 1 key was given to my family of 3... upon arrival (11:30 pm) there was no where to get anything to eat and they don't exchange money at this resort so we couldnt even go get something Once my hungry husband began to complain were were tossed 2 stale sandwiches. The only day activites at the resort was a game of bingo at 330 in the afternoon. I will return to varadero, but never this establishment!

Clean Grounds Good Food Excellent Staff Overall, it was a great stay. Nightlife was good. People seemed to enjoy it. Never got to use the pool since the beach was out of this world. Varadero, city is beautiful too.

Everything was fine but our rooms were in unit 16 and unit 17 which were not the most desirable buildings.It would a been better if we had a nicer room.puntarena hotel was nice with balcony n ocean views missed hearing the ocean waves n looking out at the night sky n ocean.service n entertainment were all great however.

We enjoyed the resort, our two bedroom apartment had two bathrooms and a large living area. Food was basic and well cooked. We enjoyed the pool and the walk to the beach was a quick five mins..We will return!

well it was ok but rice and beans is not my food the room was good for a old hotel did need some maintenance on it but have stayed in worse and paid a lot more money in Canada and the USA bar open 24 hrs and they have coffee there

Despite the fact that my camera was stolen from my room (that was not cleaned even once during the whole time I was there), and no one compensated the loss or really did anything, I had a good time. You can't ask more for the price, and really you get what you pay for. But it's not the luxury I came for, it's the sun and the beach, and let me tell you, it's really worth it. So if you want a blast vacation for the buck, this is the place to go. And take tonnes of Travelan with you ) Suggestion: Lock your personal belongings right away in the safebox, and you will be fine.

People are really nice the food was the worst I have ever eaten,not enough variety and food has no flavor.Room service was a joke and the hotel bathrooms were never cleaned properly.I would never want to go back unless it's for free!

I enjoyed my trip very much. The hotel was a two star for sure. We did like our 1 bedroom apartment with balcony and fridge. It was run down but we expected that. We were on the main resort block 12 room 108 first floor. The food is not very good at all. We ate two times at the hotel and the rest of our meals were at the restaurant nearby. (Salsa Suarez) awesome lasagne!! People were overall friendly at the hotel.

Good things: Beautiful pool, nightly entertainment, great music and sound system, ping pong, basketball, pool table, kids playground, location, big rooms, beautiful hotel. You get a lot for one of the lowest priced hotels in Cuba. Bad things: Room was clean but smelled musty - the AC helped (room 204, staircase 12), food quality was no worse then any other hotel in Cuba but the variety was poor (I won't be eating rice and beans again for a very long time), we had an ant infestation for a few days but you get that at home too so no biggy.

I was at Mar Del Sur over Christmas and had a great time. Excellent staff, decent facilities, plenty of food options and excellent entertainment. Will definitely return. On the negative side, my room was tired looking and could use a renovation.

The hotel stay is best suited for those who not wanting to be pampered all the. If you like to explore and not want to spend your every waking minute at the hotel. The food is good more of a meat and potato style, however with the money you save on the hotel there are good little restuarants on all of the streets.The staff here is the greatest, always with a hello smile and warmth. If they are treated badly then you get it back. Problem are almost always fixed right away, sometimes with a little wait. It is government run hotel, so think how your government works a lot similar. The pool is not the greatest but I spent my swimming time in the ocean. I would say go and stay at the mar del sur.

First and most important, the beach is a block away and is absolutely stunning! There is also a bar there open until five but does not serve beer! The staff is pleasant. They are a little less ambitious because they do not receive many tips. Especially, compared to other hotels. The rooms need to be upgraded. The room I was in had older sagging beds with no fitted sheets. The curtains needed to be washed. The maid did not do a through job even though I tipped. The air conditioner worked great and the room was large and had a separate kitchen with a fridge, no stove. There is a very small safe available in the room. The pool was quite yellow on the bottom but was cleaned while I was there and looked much better. People seemed to enjoy the pool area, bar and lounge chairs. The people working at the pool bar, snack bar were happy and friendly. Drinks were house brand liquor, and they had good draft Cristal beer. The grounds were kept up nicely. Lots of trees, plants and flowers. There were places to sit every where and enjoy. There was lots of food at the buffet. Nothing special but good. There was always a large variety of vegetables, cooked and uncooked which I very much appreciated! There was also a vast assortment of bakery breads and desserts. There was a fruit table as well. Usually three or four different fruits at a time. The wait staff were nice. The snack bar set ed panini like sandwiches with a little meat and cheese also once and a while hamburgers. They taste like they were made from ham. Very good though! No Wi-Fi and phone calls are expensive. There is Wi-Fi available at the end of the street. There was security and the security people were polite and good at their job. I enjoyed myself and you cannot beat the price! The main thing I wanted while traveling solo is safety and I felt safe there!