Simplicity at it finest, I loved it. The people are friendly and helpful. The scenery, breathtaking lots of coconut trees, short walk to the ocean. Nice walk to the craft market, I walked to Santa Marta, there's an ice-cream shop there, the air is clean It was quiet, peaceful & relaxing. I loved the food, oh there are lot of cats on the resort so if you plan on staying here don't forget to bring them some kitty treats? Cuba, I hope to see you again soon❤️

Fun times and so much to do. Havana is a must and snorkel off the beach is amazing. The food is good by Cuban standards and better than the other resorts. Grab the cigars from the lifeguard. The tennis instructor is worth the trip. Bring donations please and contact Jennifer Raymer to help Together for Cuba is a wonderful missionary organization supported by the memories hotel. Thanks Markus and call Eddy Garcia for a ride around Cuba.

We absolutely love this hotel. It is right on the beach. It's right in the middle of town. You can walk to the markets the bank and restaurants. The staff are so lovely and thoughtful. We go often and know most of them on a personal level. It's a great place!!

A great coffee bar. Buffet was sup standard. The indoor buffet has been closed for years, so it has the outdoor one open and it is subject to birds sharing your food, wet weather and strong winds. Pipes draining in the lobby and the maids working 24 hrs to mop the puddles. Over all I found my room clean. Only one out of four elevators working. My aggressive maid entering my room asking for gifts while I stepping into the shower, ok if she want to wash my back. Oh, the gift was a rechargeable light bulb i bring to hand out.i would only recommend this hotel for the low low price, great for people looking yo travel through cuba on their bikes.

This hotel and it's staff are just amazing. We are repeat guests and it gets better every time. We stayed at the Level on this trip and the accommodation was second to none. I love that it is a pet friendly resort and the pets that live there are well loved by staff and guests. The lobby is the coziest place and you will never have a problem finding a place to sit and relax. Staff work around the clock to keep the lobby clean and inviting The food and service at all the restaurants were simply the best! Steps away from the ocean and free golf! What else can you ask for? I will definitely return to this resort.

This hotel was amazing. My friend and I had a regular room in the hotel. Did not see any need to book the Level, too many stairs. .Our room was spotlessly clean, lots of storage room and such comfortable beds. The air conditioning was perfect and our balcony overlooked the golf course/ Our room maid, Odalys, was excellent, supplied us every day with clean towels, clean bed linen and lots of water. Great to have a safe in the room. Big thank you to all the staff, they were so kind, happy and could not do enough for us. To name a few, Julio, Cecilio, Dany, Yuslay (especially sweet) Guiseppi, Yanellis & Elizabeth at the front desk and the two "kids" I wanted to adopt, Laurie and Adrian, and the lady bar manager, sorry I can't remember her name. The food was very good, especially the omlettes in the morning, and of course the bread and the ice cream yummy. The beaches were fabulous, lovely for going for a stroll along the water. Beach bar and toilets were convenient on the beach.The swimming pool was great, and not busy at all. Lovely to lie and relax and read your book. Being a cat person, I loved all the well groomed cats who were very well looked after, they loved to lounge in the sun. We had four meals at the speciality restaurant and they were delicious. Will definitely come back to this resort, The people have so little. We brought lots of stuff down for the staff and their children, and they are so grateful. It just breaks my heart with the situation at the moment, all the hotels closing and the beautiful people not being able to work and they have so little yet are so loving,

I should have gone with very low expectations. Food was low quality and minimal variety. Room did not have hot water or all the toiletries. Room was cold with no heat. Internet was unreliable. Ants and spiders were crawling everywhere.??

The Sanctuary offered a very relaxing experience with a few perks thrown in for extra comfort. The resort is not new but has been maintained well enough. We enjoyed the option to eat breakfast and lunch at the Sanctuary restaurant. There was a nice little snack bar included as well that served a variety of options for lunch. There was usually ample room at the beach, however, I don't believe the resort was near capacity. Pros: ala carte available every night, private adult only area of the resort (including beach), very friendly and helpful staff, good food, good accommodations, dedicated office for Sanctuary guests, very few insects. Cons: We didn't have hot water in our room (other buildings did) - it's Cuba, we kind of expect it.

I had a wonderful time at Melia Las Americas. WE were originally booked for 14 days,however had to return 4 days early, because of ongoing problem with cuba having fuel shortages. The hotel did a fantastic job during our stay, it was my third time at this resort and I would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful beach, beautiful grounds, and more importantly absolutely amazing staff.. They were wonderful event facing what they have to face, you couldn’t tell, always a smile on their faces. Not sure why below youre asking for my email when it was you who sent this to me by email??

Great place, amazing people, good food. The beach and water- I don’t have to say it as we should all know that Cuba has the best beaches and water! Good entertainment and a lovely place to escape and recharge.

Nice resort, aesthetically it's great everything feels new, rooms are nice and comfy for Cuban standards. Pool is nice and the beach is amazing. The only thing i would say is there is not much going on in terms of activities.. specially for kids. As for food, the buffet was okay. We booked the A la Carte restaurants but they were not nice, similar to the buffet and one of them was not even open when we showed up. Also, there are many bars but food wise, you only have the buffet, the bars/small snack bars don't have much to eat.

The hotel is situated between the mountains and the beach 45 minutes from the airport and has beautiful gardens and palms throughout. A short swim out in the ocean reveals long reefs that are an excellent spot to snorkel. If you are a walker the beach is a lovely stretch to enjoy. It is an older hotel but well laid out with easy access to all amenities. The pool is large and well maintained.Rooms are clean, housekeeping is excellent. The staff are warm, friendly and accommodating. Several à la carte restaurants were onsite: the buffet is clean and well stocked.The food, coffees and drinks are above average; we were pleased with the choices and quality. Water was provided daily. Activities were onsite and entertainment was varied; musicians played many evenings.WiFi was a bit sporadic. Information for tours, taxis and attractions was easy to access; a Sunwing rep was present six days a week and was very informative. The appeal for this hotel is the quality of food and the lovely, caring staff.

It is a nice resort. Found room cleanliness not as good as before. The food was okay better selection then last time' but you don't go to Cuba for the food. My only complaint really was the evening lobby entertainment. You get tired of the violin 4 out of 7 evenings' especially when a couple were not very good.

The service, food, and overall condition of the resort, pool and beach were all excellent. We were not disappointed at all despite the economic conditions in Cuba at the time. There was nothing we went without the whole time we were there and had an amazing trip. Would definitely recommend this resort.

Very helpful with any questions, I will return! I love the reef off the beach, I saw lots of different fish while snorkeling. I saw a puffer fish, a barracuda, many smaller colourful fish. I even saw an octopus! I certainly hope the country opens again soon, I wish the world could see the wonderful people of Cuba and experience a nice, safe vacation.

This is the 3rd time at this hotel. Very well managed, personnel always cleaning outside. Very clean, rooms as well. Very good beach and pool. Activities also. Management always around checking everything. will go again.

I wanted to share my feedback about the stay Eliana arranged for us at Melia Las Americas in Varadero this February. The beach was absolutely beautiful — soft white sand and clear, clean water. It never felt overcrowded; there was always plenty of space and we could easily find available chairs and umbrellas. The same was true for the pool area, which was quiet and relaxing with very few people. Although the rooms are a bit dated and could use some refreshing, they were clean and had everything we needed. The hotel itself, however, was fantastic and very well maintained. The long terrace running the length of the property was impressive, furnished with beautiful seating and offering a beach view from almost anywhere. There was plenty of space for everyone to relax comfortably. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of the buffet food — there was something for every taste. There was also a wide selection of alcohol, including wine that was quite drinkable. The à la carte restaurants were good and reservations were relatively easy to get. Service throughout the resort was very good, and the Sunwing representative was especially helpful, patient, and friendly. From our perspective, this hotel offered more charm and better views than the other resorts along the same stretch of beach. Most guests seemed to be golf groups, since the hotel is within walking distance of the golf course. Entertainment was minimal during the day and limited in the evening, so it may not be ideal if lively activities are a priority. Overall, we would definitely return to this hotel and we highly recommend it. Thank you again for arranging a wonderful trip.

Lots of amenities; excellent beach. Ok staff, not too friendly. Ok bars, pool and drinks. My room did not have toilet paper regularly. My room did not have power or light on some days. My room did not have a tv remote and it took 2 days for staff to get a different TV.

I have been to this resort again and again. All of the staff are amazing and friendly, the management system is top notch, the food is always the best no matter which season I have been there. Rooms are clean and functioning. Safe and quality people attending. It's very close to Santa Marta, can walk there in 20 min for culture And just. 10 min tour bus ride to Varadero. All in all 5* My agent Ali Mohammad went above and beyond and I would not book with anyone else! Thanks for everything!

Love this hotel. Never disappoints us. Staff are the best. If you have concerns they are attentive. Food perfect and plentiful. Espresso quality is not the Cuban beans I remember. But there”s a cafe/breakfast place down the street. Drinks I cannot comment, my sister said they were artificial mixes. But beer is good. All these short comings are because of the shortages. Rooms are fine, staff is attentive and friendly. Best hotel, I come here often and this is my favourite.

Pros: Newer resort with modern features Comfortable beds and pillows Excellent selection of drinks Washrooms clean with toilet paper Friendly staff and bartenders Extra large beach towel Very good buffet selection Very clean pool Clean beach Cons: It’s a $20 taxi ride to the Beatles Bar À la cartes are no better than buffet Beach is lower quality than Varadero Elevators sometimes didn’t work Ran out of drink ingredients often Cappuccino bar staff are slow Always loud music 9-10pm

The best place ever. Totally relaxing place. If that is what your looking for. Food was great with no shortages. Our butler Melia was awesome and was always checking on our needs. The staff on this resort are the best always friendly and helpful. Can't wait till next year to return.

We had an amazing stay at this resort and truly enjoyed every moment. From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming, friendly, and always ready to help with a smile. The check-in process was smooth, and we immediately felt relaxed and well taken care of. The resort itself is beautiful, clean, and very well maintained. Our room was comfortable, spacious, and spotless, with everything we needed for a relaxing vacation. The food was excellent, with a great variety of options every day, and the restaurants offered a wonderful dining experience. We especially loved the atmosphere — peaceful, enjoyable, and perfect for both relaxation and fun. There were plenty of activities, great entertainment, and lovely areas to sit and enjoy the views. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and created wonderful memories. We would definitely return and highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway.

the staff are friendly, inviting and accommodating. the entertainment staff are awesome! there is something for everyone on the buffet. the grounds are kept clean and so are the rooms although the beds could stand to be updated!

Where do I even begin with this outstanding experience at Iberostar? We booked an oceanfront room and it was truly right on the beach. Waking up every single morning to the sound and view of the ocean was absolutely magical. Stepping outside and being just a few steps from the sand felt like a dream. We also upgraded to the Prestige experience, and it was worth every penny. Having access to the exclusive restaurant on the 11th floor was a highlight. The massive rooftop offers breathtaking ocean views on both sides, such a spectacular setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For Cuba, I would honestly call it a seven star dining experience. The food at Prestige was that good. The three à la carte restaurants, Cuban, Japanese, and Italian, were also excellent. The quality truly impressed us. Even the house wine surprised me, it was really, really good. Housekeeping was impeccable. Our room was spotless every day, and we never lacked anything. The staff throughout the resort were warm, smiling, and genuinely kind. You feel welcomed everywhere you go, from the restaurants to the cappuccino station, yes, they even had my favorite cappuccino. The beach is probably one of the nicest I have ever experienced. Thanks to Alex, who handled our booking and told us we could walk the beach for long stretches, we enjoyed beautiful daily walks along the shoreline. It was stunning. The pool area was perfect for us. There were activities, but not too many, just enough to keep things lively without being overwhelming. There is a section for children, but during our stay there were not many, so the overall atmosphere remained calm and relaxing. Another thing that stood out: so many guests we met were on their second, third, even fourth visit. After experiencing it ourselves, we completely understand why. The price to value ratio is exceptional. If you are looking for a five star hotel in Cuba, with great food, friendly staff, a stunning beach, and only about 15 minutes from the airport, this is the place to be. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Are room was lovely outdoor shower all the staff are wonderful we loved the piano bar A wonderful holiday Been to Cuba many times and would definitely return to this hotel great entertainment and wonderful staff Highly recommend

We loved our 10 days at Memories Jibacoa. The excellent reviews were spot on. The entire staff were exceptional. The buffet was was one of the best I’ve experienced in Cuba, especially the bread and pastry that was baked fresh everyday. A solid shout out to the pastry chef as well as all the servers in the dining room. Rooms were a bit dated but kept clean and comfortable with fresh towels everyday. The bed was very comfortable with good sheets. A real bonus. Sadly, the Canadian airlines announced their temporary (hopefully) suspension of vacation flights to all of Cuba two days before our scheduled departure fight arrived empty. It was heartbreaking to know how the beautiful people of Cuba would be affected. Stay strong MJ and beautiful Cuba. We will return.

Nice resort, large clean rooms. Attentive and friendly staff. Poolside activities were ok. Nightly entertainment was ok. Food quality and selection is limited. Questionable food preparation for some food items ie cooking raw chicken and beef with the same utensil. The resort itself is very nice. The food quality and selection is a drawback.

Grounds are beautifully kept.lobby is empresive,bright and clean.rooms needs to be upgraded,needs fresh coat of paint although in notice they started doing that in the upper floors.theres one problem by the dining room Area,there’s offensive odor coming from underneath those counters where they displays the foods,this has to be addressed.

The resort was nice but as with many hotels in Cuba the rooms could use some upgrading however the beds were comfortable. Food at the buffets and Ala carts were very good. Very good variety of food and drinks. Entertainment was very good as well.

The grounds boasted wonderfully green borders, trees, shrubs and flowering plants, even in February, and the groundskeepees kept our surroundings immaculate. The architecture was beautiful and the grounds were well planned and lovely to stroll, and the pool was very large and accommodating. We walked the beaches and soon discovered that this Iberostar had the most beautiful sand along this stretch of the penninsula; we called velvet as it was so smooth and silky. And, there was NO loud blaring music on the beach, which was such such a blessing. We could just enjoy the sound of the waves, soak up the sun, read....and just relax! And the staff were absolutely fabulous!! Friendly, helpful and gracious, which was utterly amazing considering that the Feb 2026 fuel embargo has ruined their immediate future for tourism. They were stalwart and smiling despite the threat. We had a lovely holiday at the Iberostar Prigin Playa Alameda and heartily recommend it to those who would like to relax and enjoy their all inclusive beach vacation in Cuba.

I love the feeling at this resort! It’s smaller and a little older than most, but the grounds are nicely taken care of by the friendly grounds keepers, who are always quick with a greeting and sometimes a flower! The staff in the restaurant are very helpful, Maurice is super friendly and quick to get us to our table and the two young men in our section were very attentive and charming.

The Staff at Laguna Azul is fantastic. Friendly, caring, beautiful people. The food is getting even better with beautiful presentation. And no lack of food, water or electricity. Selection of alcohol seems to have gotten wider. Lots of variety with more recognizable brands. Some rooms are dated but renos are in progress. 1 pool still out of commission but actively being worked on. Relax pool is open, with a few tiles missing, but seems to be getting worked at. Main pool is good to go. Wifi in the Lobby and most days available in the room. The Management is always looking to offer special entertainment such as the Super Bowl party, Valentines Day Dinners, bringing in the bikes and the classic 50s cars, etc Shoutout to Jose and Yarianny who were both on holidays our latest visit. 2 really great Staff members. Always a pleasure to see Maria, Pavel, Yosniel, Dania, Mady, Andy, Ari, Dido, Leodan, Umberto, Tatianna, and many of the others we have met. For a quieter holiday, upgrade to the relax. This gets access to the Relax pool and Relax lunch, which is more of an a la carte. The pool view is just plain beautiful and definitely go up to the Spa or Gym area for great views. Oceanview walk on the treadmill if its your thing.

The hotel is around 30 years old and is starting to show its age. We were there for two weeks and enjoyed our stay. Typical Cuba the food was sufficient but very repetitive with shortages starting to show, they ran out of white wine, Gin, Cola, coffee was Spanish not Cuban. We had to be moved from the first room they put us in on the royal side (7136) block as nothing worked, hair dryer, lights and plugs, the furniture was really beaten up and the view was of nothing! They moved us to 7242 with a view of the pool which was better but still furniture was well worn or broken, some plugs worked, patio doors were damaged and didn't lock. The bed was comfortable and linens clean. The shower preasure was low and some days no hot water to shower in. The last day there we woke up to water pouring in around a ceiling light due to roof leaking. The grounds are very well kept and looks good but you start to see the flaws in the resort on the first day in. I'm sure there are worse resorts in varadero and unfortunately for the shortages we wouldn't stay there again. We love Cuba and have been there 9 times and love it. Shame it's being targeted by the Trump regime.

If you are a beach person this is not the resort for you. Beach is very short and rocky. Everything else is 4 stars. Music can be a little to loud at times. Food at the buffets can be repetitive but still very good.

I would recommend this resort 10 out of 10 for cleanliness. The staff were excellent. There was a wide range of food select selection. We were all really happy with the resort it was by far the best resort I have been to in Cuba.

Cuba is definitely hurting and you can start to see if in the resorts and golf course. Just getting simple supplies for washrooms withing main lobby (ie. hand soap, toilet paper) seemed to be an issue for the staff. Overall the resort is a nice layout with beautiful views of the ocean. The beach is nice but the maintenance of cleaning up the seaweed was bad (some guy drives a tracker sort of dragging and mulching up the seaweed so it never if all that nice to walk on. The water is nice and didnt have seaweed floating in it. The week we were there it was chilly and extremely windy so in the week we were there, we went in water once. Even the pools which looked nice didnt have anyone in them due to temp. The golf course needs some real care but the workers are too busy selling golf balls vs working. They only cut greens once (maybe twice) during week. They are short on machinery and don't seem to be in a rush to replace them. The carts are ok but they are definitely short of them and staff was saying management wasn't being quick to fix or bring new ones in. The tees had very little grass so most tees were simply sand. Fairways were ok but very dry. The greens were running really bumpy and slow. But you have to remember you are in Cuba. Advertised as golf included but at $44USD per player, this equated to $130 CDN for 2 of us each round. They should simply state that as the cost as you cant walk. The food was surprisingly really good with lots of variety. Beer and wine were enjoyable. The specialty restaurants were a nice break from Dining hall. Most people that we met that had the LEVEL upgrade didn't think it was worth it. Our room was very nice and clean. Showers were always with luke warm water. Tipping was crazy. It seemed (although not mandatory) that people were tipping for every drink, every meal, every visit to the grill, guys getting carts ready, etc. Did make you feel guilty when you didnt tip. Staff was very grateful when we left clothing items for them (eg. windbreaker, golf cap, couple dresses, etc. For the price it was good but need to manage expectations.

Our fourth trip here in 10 years…. Still never disappoints! Wonderful room, good and people. The only thing that didn’t cooperate was the weather. Lots to do everyday as the resort has so many cabs and old cars and horses and buggies and you name it .Thank you Memories Jibacoa??

Beautiful resort friendly staff lots of great food and very clean will definitely return there was no shortages on anything cannot wait to return the snack bar had always lots to choose from buffet lots of selection and la carts are amazing if you visit Cuba make this your first choice

Hola Amigos !! We just returned from Iberostar Tainos Resort Jan 24-Feb 7 (our 3rd time here) and we had another excellent stay in Varadero Cuba. No problems other than the weather was a little cool at times but better than -23c in On. No shortages of anything food & booze & FUN!! It was an awesome trip as well as a great professional Staff. A huge thanks to Jania & reception Ladies who will take care of all your needs. Our maid Lay was one of the best we’ve had. I would highly recommend this resort as it delivers in every way. Too many to thank ❤️& ✌️ Thank you ! thank you !! thank you !!! We will definitely be returning in the near future to Tainos ❤️ LOVE Maggie & Andy ❤️❤️xo

This may be a three-star hotel, but it truly exceeds expectations. The rooms are a little outdated, but they are kept spotlessly clean, with lots of hot water and great shower pressure. The grounds are immaculate and very well maintained, and it’s clear that upgrades are actively being done throughout the property. The food has been plentiful and flavorful, and the service is absolutely outstanding—staff consistently go above and beyond and make you feel genuinely welcome. A special mention to the coffee bar: the cappuccino is to die for! And the beaches—simply stunning. Some of the best beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water and soft white sand. Excellent value for Cuba

The resort was fantastic, the food was excellent and no shortages of any food at all. Staff was fantastic and very welcoming. I would absolutely return tomorrow if I could but I will be going back.

The grounds were very nice. The hotel is exceptionally clean. The food was great especially the al-a-cartes. The ocean view rooms was really nice and the wifi worked throughout the resort. The beach was nice. Any seaweed was picked up daily.

Hotel itself is new and modern. Some minor glitches with our bathroom door but minor. Facilities modern very clean and accessible. Staff kind, patient and gracious. Buffet had good variety and was very clean. Snack bar had wonderful staff good variety of items any time I went. Beach entry and exit can be challenging to those with mobility issues as there is a big drop at the water and the sand changes to egg size stones at the waters edge. I was there Feb 2-6 unfortunately very cold but the staff did the best they could with our sad faces waiting for sun.

Lovely hotel but lots of stairs for people with mobility issues Very friendly and courteous staff Entertainment a bit repetitive but very good Was surprised to see cats and dogs on premises but they were not intrusive or feral - quite cute actually

Everything was good and much better than expected Lots of food and drinks ? Excellent entertainment close to Beatles bar and calle 62 Friendly staff always there to help out bitch clean and well taken care of lots of chairs good for long walks on the beach

My wife and I stayed at Meliá Varadero and had a very pleasant experience overall. The resort is clean, the rooms are well maintained, and the staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. When we requested a king-size bed, they couldn’t do it the first night but moved us to a renovated room the next day as promised. The food was fair and good for Cuba, with a consistent variety including chicken, beef, fish, and pork. We did not experience any major food shortages, despite some reviews suggesting otherwise. Having stayed at several resorts in Varadero before, I would say this has been the best overall experience so far. Overall, I would recommend this resort—provided you set your expectations appropriately and remember that this is Cuba, not Aruba or some of the higher-end Caribbean destinations. With that mindset, it’s a very enjoyable place to stay.

We travelled here, January 27 to February 3. Check-in was a slow process, but nothing out of the ordinary everyone at the front desk was very pleasant. We were booked in a super saver room, but we were offered an ocean view in the main hotel part for $10 US a night, which we gratefully accepted the room itself was gorgeous! The view and the cleanliness was impressive. At first, I thought our patio door did not lock, turns out it was user error. Unfortunately, the week of our stay it was very cold, windy, rainy, and I think we only saw six hours of Sun the whole week, but wasn’t Cubas fault lol. There is a lot of stairs at this resort, and none of the elevators worked the whole time we were there. It didn’t matter to us. We were OK with the stairs, but for those with mobility issues, I would definitely take into consideration it sounds like these elevators haven’t worked for a long time. The beach looked nice however with the massive winds we had it was in rough shape with lots of seaweed everywhere and a terrible smell because the beach was covered in rotting seaweed. I have been to this stretch of beach before and it is generally gorgeous! The water was still very clear and pretty turquoise. The staff at this resort are outstanding! The whole week everyone was so welcoming and accommodating for everything. We were pleasantly surprised with the food options available as we travel to Cuba many times we know what to expect, with the recent announcements and changes we brought extra snacks and food items just in case however we never went hungry. We did stick to the buffet only because it was so cold outside. We wanted to be away from the elements as quick as possible lol. The resort is older, it does show however they take very good care of the grounds and the building. It was very clean and impressive. The entertainment team was good, it’s not fair for me to judge them because the week we were there it was between 8°and 11° so they were doing their best trying to keep people engaged, but a lot of people didn’t stick around outside. I should mention, we brought Mr. noodles that you just had to add hot water too and we were grateful we did. On those chilly nights instead of going to the 24 hour snack bar outside we were able to eat some warm soup in our room. I would hands down return to this resort when I can enjoy the pool, beach, and ocean another time.

The hotel was a quick ride from the airport. It is the first stop which was great. The hotel itself was well situated. There were gardens through the walkways and everything was in the same building. Our room was nice and modern. Provided nice plush bathrobes and an umbrella. The bathroom was large with a great walk in shower. Our ocean view was absolutely perfect! There was never much of a wait for any type of drink/coffee which was nice. The staff were friendly. The front staff struggled to communicate with staff and were not overly helpful. The Sunwing rep was available for the majority of the day to answer questions. We tried two of the A la Cartes. We really enjoyed the Japanese restaurant / the food was awesome! The snack bar was always open and buffet had lots of options. The pool was large with lots of seats. The entertainment staff were okay. Unfortunately, the weather was bad during our stay so we weren’t able to enjoy the pool or ocean.

Stayed one week at Playa Vista Azul and loved the Resort. First 2 nights we were in a Bungalow. We had no air conditioning and ceiling fan was making a loud noise. The concierge at the premium pool area were awesome. Diana, Adrian, and several others. They took care of moving us and always ask if we needed anything, wanted an a la carte booked for the evening, asking if we were happy! We were moved to 1233 in the Premium Building. The new room was more modern, hot water, air conditioning working. No complaints. Julia the housekeeper was excellent, clean room, water, towels etc etc. We had a few issues with the key cards not working on a daily basis. The front desk staff was unfriendly, and ignored us most times. Grounds were well kept. Beach was great. Food was in abundance and delicious. The staff at Le Coral were friendly and attentive, Katie, Magadera(wrong spelling). Ate breakfast and lunch there daily, snacks while at the pool. Carlos, the bartender at the premium pool was the best! Premium Bar in the lobby was quiet and best Pina Coladas and Rico took good care of us.

Wonderful experience. Great staff. The layout and grounds are very comfortable as was my room. I found many of the guests had been there many times resulting in a warm family like atmosphere. This is an adult only place and most did their best to behave like one. If possible in this quickly changing world I would be happy to return.

First of all, do not book with tripcentral. They are not helpful and just costs you more money to book. Instead, book through Sunwing directly. Now for the resort.. I would overall give a 5/10. The food was plentiful and good (I'm not picky though and enjoy other cusines). The rooms were pretty basic but decently comfortable beds and pillows and we had lots of hot water the whole trip. The room was a bit musky and humid but that's expected. I've heard the safes dont work but I couldn't confirm this as we never used ours. Our room location was right beside the theater and it was so loud every single night we were there. Not all rooms are located this closely so I would recommend requesting something further from the theater area. We did not experience any shortages during our visit and the staff are amazing (no surprise, cuban people are wonderful). We did experience a few things that we didn't particularly like, for example, we were sitting down at the pool and as the weather was colder we didn't want to get into the water to the pool bar so we went upstairs to the Paloma bar and asked for some mojitos but were told "no mojito right now" just because they didn't want to make them for us at that moment (you can tell they dont like making drinks, they just want to pour liquid) and so we asked for different drinks and was then asked "to stay or to go?" And we replied to go as we wanted to take our drinks back to the pool and we were told no because they didn't have any paper/plastic cups available. We were very surprised and upset that we were told no when this is something included with the resort. We also didn't experience many options that were offered with the harmony club, for example, the utopia bar was closed, the game day bar was closed, butler services were not offered to us, we were only allowed to book one a la carte restaurant for one night and we did not get our exclusive dinner or exclusive cocktail activity on the beach. The employees dont really help explain much or show you where to go and we didn't meet our Butler until the day before we left as he said he took some days off and apparently the butler is the one who can help you navigate the resort and schedule any bonus features/options included in the harmony club. So that was extremely frustrating. We also tried reaching out to tripcentral through email multiple times and were ignored. The wifi is also a huge issue. If we did not upgrade to the harmony club I would not have access to wifi my whole trip. The wifi is extremely spotty through Musique and I could only get service when in the buffet on the Blu side or in the lobby on the Blu side. Another thing to mention would be how open the resort is-they dont have sheltered areas at all besides the sports bar and utopia bar that were closed the whole time we were there. Unfortunately the weather was really bad when we went and therefore the rain and wind was very hard to bare unless you were sitting in your room. The location of the resort was also very far from town, almost on the end of the peninsula so I recommend a closer resort. I absolutely love Cuba and will be returning but I will never go to the Resonance resort ever again. This counts for Musique and Blu.

I had a fantastic time! The beach was beautiful, the resort was lovely, staff were so friendly, the food was great, my room was comfortable and I felt well looked after. I would definitely recommend!

We loved our stay here during our first trip to Cuba. The staff were very friendly and eager to help. Amazing beach and we never had trouble finding a chair. The pool was very quiet possibly because the beach conditions we so good during our visit. The food was decent despite the horror stories some people might tell you but I think they might have exaggerated a little. Some choices were limited such as fruits and vegetables. There was tons of guava and pineapple but nothing else fruit wise. There were lots of vegetables were limited to canned corn, cabbage, canned peas, canned baby corn and a few other choices that came and went. Pork and fish were plentiful and there was chicken legs one day. No beef. There's always food available even if the buffet is closed, just go to the sit down restaurant/bar off the lobby and you can order a sandwich or hamburger. There was plenty to drink especially if you like rum. I recommend Havana Especial, pineapple juice and a splash of coconut rum. Don't expect a large variety of pop, they only had Cuban cola (no sugar free options) and a lemon pop that was like lemon concentrate mixed with sugar and carbonated water. We were in a basic room which was great. AC was loud but didn't bother us. The only complaint about the room was that it seemed damp but the room may have been unoccupied for with no AC for days before we got there in that humid climate. The room was the first in the hall which meant the furthest from the end/ocean/view. If you have the option when checking in ask for a room at the end of the hall if you want a nicer view. There is a open top, hop on/hop off double decker bus that stops and the neighbouring Plaza de Americas. For $5USD you can use it for the day to get to Varadero or do a loop of the whole peninsula. It comes about every 40 minutes. Please tip the staff, the Cubans are wonderful people in a tough situation.

The Level Suites Suites are showing signs of wear. The Oceanview Level suits had very poor showers. Often no pressure and Luke warm. The food in the buffet was just ok. They changed to coffee machines vs. Waiters serving coffee, so it created big line ups A lot of the path lighting was out or damaged. We asked that the bulb outside out unit be changed on the first day and they never did get it done.

Beach great .Food good,Very clean.Hop on hop off bus fun.Staff very good.725 price is ? amazing.Loved our trip would return in a minut.take lots of stuff for local .Tylenol aspirin reading glasses.Trip central is the best to deal with.Hats off to trip central

Beach great .Food good,Very clean.Hop on hop off bus fun.Staff very good.725 price is ? amazing.Loved our trip would return in a minut.take lots of stuff for local .Tylenol aspirin reading glasses.Trip central is the best to deal with.Hats off to trip central

Absolute Paradise! An Unforgettable Cuban Escape at Iberostar Tainos From the moment we arrived, we knew we'd chosen the perfect getaway. The Iberostar Tainos in Varadero isn't just a vacation spot; it's a vibrant slice of Cuban paradise meticulously designed for relaxation and joy. Our room was fantastic—spacious, immaculately clean, and comfortable. Waking up to the tropical breeze and stepping onto our balcony to catch a glimpse of that legendary Varadero turquoise water set the tone for every perfect day. The beach is absolutely the resort’s crown jewel. The famous powdery white sand of Varadero met crystal-clear, calm waters that were perfect for swimming. The dedicated staff kept the area impeccable and were always on hand with fresh towels and a friendly "hola." We spent our days alternating between lounging on the stunning beach, taking dips in the large, well-maintained pools, and enjoying the fantastic animation team's activities. The dining experiences were a highlight. The main buffet offered a great variety of options to please everyone, and the themed restaurants were a delicious change of pace. Special mention to the amazing cocktails at the bars—the mojitos were perfection and the perfect accompaniment to those spectacular Caribbean sunsets. What truly set this resort apart, however, was the staff. Every single team member, from the tirelessly cheerful entertainment crew to the hardworking restaurant and housekeeping staff, was genuinely warm, attentive, and embodied the incredible Cuban spirit. They went above and beyond to ensure our happiness. Whether you're seeking a fun-filled family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a peaceful recharge, Iberostar Tainos delivers incredible value and a wonderful experience. We left feeling completely rejuvenated and are already dreaming of our return. ¡Muchas gracias por todo! 10/10 - A Perfect Varadero Beach Resort Experience.

Rooms are extremely dated - lounge chairs on balcony were rusted not a chance we were sitting on them. Curtains were hanging off the curtain rod. Beach was not maintained (very sad to see) no activities on the beach and very limited activity around the pool during the day Food was the same every day at the buffet Drink selection was very limited Staff at the piano/ cigar and The Rock bar were very friendly I know this is Cuba and we did not go expecting a high class trip but this was a big disappointment and was happy when it was time to come home. This is not a 4.5 star resort

We had a great time at this resort. Room, food , staff and beach were wonderful. The entertainment was good at the lobby and theatre. The golf was good the greens were a little rough. The views were great.

everything was good, even the food choice was good. The only problem are the mattress.They were really not comfortable. Other than that the employees were friendly and the animation team were doing a great job to entertain when it was raining.

Starfish Quatro Palmas First time at this resort, been to cuba 30 times .I likes this place for great location ,always something to do the food was better than expected no shortage o anything My room was clean and well located..there was shows every night i will be back to this resort

Been to Cuba 6 times and seasoned traveler...have always loved Cuba for what it is and our expectations are very reasonable...When every single thing you view in the resort is broken and filthy, I draw the line. I could write an essay on how poor the place is, but more than anything else, when we saw how dirty almost every wall was and the buffet juice dispensers were and just gunge and grime everywhere, we did not want to get sick...Long story short, arriving late at night, after we "thought" about breakfast, we went straight to the Sunwing desk and asked for assistance to another resort. We gave her a few of our choices and within a few hours, we only paid $450 ( for both of us ) more to be moved to the Grand Aston. Ida the Sunwing lady was very nice and the move made our trip amazing after that....sorry, but being a little less money for the horrible state of Starfish Varadero, I think it looks bad on anyone to market this place.

The Butler service was amazing. They went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of everyday. The ocean view from our room was spectacular. The pool was pretty great. Not amazing but still great. The staff goes above and beyond so 10 out of 10 for them. We were very happy with most of our drinks even though they often ran out of stuff but it is what it is. I wouldn't rate lower because of that. When you stay at the sanctuary, you have the option to go to the big resort at Grand memories for the buffet and the entertainment and the disco. Honestly the only thing I will say is that the a la carte restaurants were all the same s*** that you get at the buffet. (Meat , Rice, beans) The only one a la carte that was amazing was the Italian cuz you could get a great pizza which us Canadians love night!!

This is a good location being in the centre of varadero if you want to explore the streets and avenues. The beach is good, I stayed in the lower section which is across the street from the main hotel. The first building is the better option as it away from the open air disco down the street from it. The other rooms are too close to the loud music. Lots of drinks and no shortages of food or electricity. However I did find the quality of food was very poor early in the low season. At the discounted price this hotel was a steal.

Well half the resort was closed to renovations which limited a lot and 1 less pool. Beach was beautiful. Room was fine and ac and wifi worked well. Pools really needed maintenance. But I only paid $439 so worth the price

I love this resort , it’s my fourth stay here. Only one complaint was the food was the same every day All the staff were very friendly and helpful I loved they put us in a ground floor room because of mobility issues. Because this resort is on the smaller size it is so easy to get around to the pool, beach, bars, and restaurants

Overall we were quite disappointed with this resort. We went with an open mind but found a lot of disappointment. We knew the food would be hurt and miss but we found we had to stick to pasta or chicken for the entire week. No fruit, no beef, pasta sauces were bland. Hotel check took 4 hours to get our room. Shower had no pressure. Not to mention I had all of my jewelry stolen out of my checked luggage which I know had nothing to do with the resort but just added to our experience.

The lobby & room services are nice.Especial bar services are very nice. The WIFI is too bad. We cannot use it in room. The foods are same as day and day. No chang in one week! We want stay here in next time ,but make more progresses.

The hotel and grounds were well kept. We did stay in The Level portion of the resort. The staff were very helpful with any of our requests. The pools were clean and the seating areas around them were well laid out. The food throughout the resort was well prepared and better than anticipated. We did take advantage of the golf course next door. I would return to this resort as it was a great holiday.

As usual once again Ali did not disappoint all suggestions and tips were right on point. We knew everything in mind before going and as expected nothing went wrong. The bungalow at Sol Palmera was ideal for our big family of 5. Will definitely come again the beach was beautiful.

We had an absolutely wonderful vacation at Paradisus Princesa Del Mar, January 16 - 23, 2026. The grounds are beautifully maintained, the room was also well kept and clean. The food was delicious, plentiful, and we especially enjoyed the freshly cooked turkey. Beach was amazing and the hotel staff were friendly and were happy to assist. I will definitely return!

From the moment we booked with Jairus, we were kept up to date and informed of all the details and options available to us. EXCELLENT service! The hotel was fully staffed with friendly, happy, helpful people. The room was clean and the resort was well laid out and clean. The food was delicious, the pools were perfect, and the entertainment was super good! There was always a cabana available at both the beach and pool; bonus!!!

This resort looks aesthetically beautiful.  Nice design.  Outside the buildings are nice. They're always washing the floors. The lobby is close to the beach.  The bartenders were wonderful.  Great coffee shop. Now, as for the food, it was mediocre. The food that should be hot was lukewarm to cold unless you had grilled chicken or fish or pasta that they made for you, which was fine.  Not a lot of selection in bread, just these round buns. Pastries all taste the same.  Not a lot of selection in fruit. The pineapple wasn't ripe. The rooms were outdated, but I kind of knew that going there. I had no hot water from the time I was there.  After three days of asking, I gave up. Overall, I would give this resort a three-star rating!

For the rating what was given, this hotel is at the best standing , the beach is safe and meet the safety standards, but blue sunbeds need to be replaced or fixed and cleaned. The area is compact ,the swimming pool and beach are at a few steps from hotel. The staff is neat, friendly and professional. The food is good, the entertainment is amazing. I love the time spent there.

This hotel needs some upgrade elevators not working and washrooms at pool and lobby inop needs attention. Food good but was cold on buffett . Worker very happy and pleasant . Hotel 28 years old needs updated

The place is showing its age but is well maintained. Saw groundskeepers every day and some upgrades being built, maybe a bar closer to the beach!! Housekeeping was top notch, room kept tidy with our constant coming and going. Appreciate the job they did. The main restaurant was a buffet with local fare, which is what I wanted. Always plenty of everything. Bars were stocked and never told me I couldn't have a beer! I would return.

This resort has the potential but we didn’t get to see it. Every day the shortages of alcohol except for rum was getting earlier and earlier (before noon). We did not experience any of the upgraded Harmony Club benefits they listed and there wasn’t a butler.

I had an extremely disappointing stay at this hotel. From the moment I arrived, it was obvious that cleanliness and basic maintenance are not priorities here. The rooms are dirty and outdated, and housekeeping barely does anything. Changing the bed sheets seems to be the extent of their cleaning. The staff were consistently rude and unhelpful, which made every issue even more frustrating. When my door broke, I was repeatedly told maintenance would arrive in five minutes. That turned into nearly two hours of waiting. There was no apology, no urgency, and no accountability. Because of constant problems, I was forced to switch rooms multiple times, which was exhausting and completely unacceptable. Instead of relaxing, I spent my stay dealing with one issue after another. Overall, this hotel is old, poorly maintained, and badly managed. Between the lack of cleanliness, misleading wait times, rude staff, and nonstop room changes, I would not recommend staying here. Save yourself the stress and book somewhere else.

The hotel was good for Cuban standards but the food was not great, there were shortages and the conditions were quite unsanitary you just need to watch what you eat and wait in line to eat the fresh food. Entertainment was lacking except for the magic show. The beach was not as nice as the other resorts and there are thieves that’s steal your things when unattended

Overall a comfortable hotel, good food, clean environment, comfortable rooms, excellent beaches. A b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u vista w x y z 1234567890123456789012345678901234578901234567890

Great experience overall. Beautiful beach and very friendly staff. Service was professional and welcoming. However, there were quite a few issues with food, especially gluten-free options, as staff did not seem familiar with them and choices were very limited.

The only issue was we were given a room with lots of stairs but next day we were given a nice room service was good food excellent hotel is very clean and close to outside activities would go back loved it

Given the state of maintenance from a phone which did not work and could not be repaired, to not having consistent hot water, I would not give it more than 3.5 - 4 stars. It was my second visit, and I would not go back.

The Iberostar Origin Playa Alameda is a nice but somewhat dated resort. Our first room near the beach was clean, but smelled of mildew. The front desk staff immediately moved us to another building and our new room was comfortable and clean. There was plenty of hot water and AC worked well. Food at the resort was a little bland but good. Choices were somewhat limited, but always included a couple of proteins (pork, chicken, fish), omelettes, cooked and fresh vegetables, fruit, breads, and desserts. The 24 hour cafe offered ham and cheese sandwiches and hotdogs. Staff were friendly and warm. The beach was lovely, with plenty of beach chairs and shade for everyone. We tried the Cuban and Italian restaurants on site. Food was okay, but not much different than what was offered in the main restaurant. Although Cuba is experiencing a lot of difficulties at the moment, there were no issues with the resort's supply of electricity, water, and food. We enjoyed our stay at Alameda and were aware of what to expect at a Cuban resort. This resort met our expectations.

Sanctuary Family Resort in Varadero didn't disappoint us. Newer Hotel, clean and well maintained. Food 5 out of 5 Pools 5 out of 5 Beach 4 out of 5 Overall great vacation Will definitely go back

Sanctuary Family Resort in Varadero didn't disappoint us. Newer Hotel, clean and well maintained. Food 5 out of 5 Pools 5 out of 5 Beach 4 out of 5 Overall great vacation Will definitely go back

The hotel was great. We were happy with the food and the overall service. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we truly enjoyed our time. The rooms and hotel were clean, no issues with electricity, and no mosquitos during our stay (second week of January). However, a warning for passengers. We purchased items at duty free on our to Varadero (no issues). On our way back to Toronto, we packed those duty free items into our checked luggage. Upon arrival at Toronto, I noticed that not only were our luggage locks destroyed, but our duty free items were missing/stolen. Unfortunately, these items were stolen after we checked our luggage at Varadero Airport. We were a group of 10 travelling. This happened to three of us. Be careful what you pack. We had a wonderful trip, but this was a sad ending.

This hotel is awesome. The staff are very welcoming and go out of their way to make you feel welcomed. The restaurants always had plenty of food, we didn’t experience any food or beverage shortages. The hotel is extremely clean. The pool and beach have the animation teams that provide activities for you should you choose to participate and in the evening there’s quality entertainment. The Blau is the only hotel I go to in Varadero. I can’t wait to go back!

Blau Varadero is a beautiful hotel. The grounds are always very well maintained, and the buildings are always clean. We have been to this resort on multiple occasions and we have never been disappointed. The staff are very friendly and welcoming.

The hotel was great. We were happy with the food and the overall service. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we truly enjoyed our time. The rooms and hotel were clean, no issues with electricity, and no mosquitos during our stay (second week of January). However, a warning for passengers. We purchased items at duty free on our to Varadero (no issues). On our way back to Toronto, we packed those duty free items into our checked luggage. Upon arrival at Toronto, I noticed that not only were our luggage locks destroyed, but our duty free items were missing/stolen. Unfortunately, these items were stolen after we checked our luggage at Varadero Airport. We were a group of 10 travelling. This happened to three of us. Be careful what you pack. We had a wonderful trip, but this was a sad ending.

LOOK BEOFRE YOU BOOK @ www.youtube.com/@resortwalkthroughs BEACH=The beach here has a gentle decline into the sandy white turquoise ocean. ROOMS=I switched 3 suites before I was happy with mine. They were very accommodating, but my friend saw 2 cock roaches in his 2nd floor room (right above the 1st floor that is condemned) NONO!!! It took him 3 days to get the free upgrade to the top floor ocean view. MOST DEFINITELY DO NOT STAY ANYWHERE ON THE 1st floor, and try not to stay on the 2nd floor either. Get a bungalow suite= worth the money. The bungalow villa is fantastic!! NOTE* The difference between the bungalow and the bungalow suite is the bungalow suite has TWO floors with stairs and the bungalow does not. FOOD/DRINKS= we both loved the food and drinks here & NEVER went hungry! LOCATION= 10 minute walk to the Beatles Bar ( They play old rock n roll and metal here) NOT my style and the club called La Comparsita... Now we're talking!!! (Both downtown Varadero, a very short walk away ) HIT THIS CLUB UP ON A FRI OR SAT NIGHT ONLY. It's dead any other night. Also only pay $20 US and alcohol is all inclusive here that's right! Drink your ass off & get white girl wasted. (and they close late, with VIP upstairs for after hours. This club is octagon shaped with NO ROOF, with stage/live performers for part of the eve then DJ the latest hits (English and Spanish music combo)! Dance all night under the heat of the Cuban stars or dance in the warm rain...either way this club is a win 1000% ♥ SHOPPING= Do NOT bring debit cards or mastercards to the artisans vendors. They accept CAD$ US$ and Cuban pesos ONLY. You can take the hop on hop off bus that stops at each resort and through out the Varadero strip. It is $5 US but your bill must be new (they will NO accept any damaged/ripped/pieces missing money) You can ride this from morning till round 5:00 pm. ENJOY! Just got back from 11 days. Packed chocolate and nuts in my carry on. Brought a lil blanket and my own pillow. The blankets at this resort are the old brown scratchy ones... ICK. Go & enjoy, ask for what you need & want. Be assertive. This is YOUR trip you are paying them. Remember that.

6/10 Our first Cuba ressort and it’s for sure not a 4-5 star! We weren’t expecting much food and drinks but that wasn’t even the main issue, it was the staff and room. First off, we came and checked in at 10am- expecting our rooms to be done maybe a bit before or at 4:00. When it hit 4:00, still not ready. This also didn’t happen to just us, but multiple other people. Already being tired from your flight, then waiting till 4:00 thinking your room will be ready but it still isn’t, is insane to me. Then our room itself wasn’t bad, but toilette seat had some red spotting (we thought it was period blood) and the like pull our mirror was falling off the wall. We were also having problems with the thermostat and when we called the reception they didn’t understand what we meant ( what isn’t the issue) and we’re being very annoyed and rude to us! On the other hand food was actually decent- had chicken for most of my meals with some nice dessert! Had two pools and two beaches that were nice and clean. Over all I think the main issue is staff and hospitality, and the rooms.

The hotel was very nice, tho it could use a little tlc. My mattress was a little hard, the cushions on the chairs in the lobby and on the infinity pool deck need some stuffing. During an early morning walk I realized that how alot of areas are unsafely dark. Buildings not adequately signed with building numbers. These are minor issues, not major. The staff were awesome, our room attendant, Marishka, was exceptional and friendly. The staff at the buffet especially one in the morning, fabulous. Ariel from the beach buffet, was a great representative of your hotel.

Nice clean room, food is simple, but good, beach is great, staff are friendly! Had a great week! The 24 hour snacks, drinks, coffees, for in between meals! Drinks and beers were ice cold, very nice hotel

Good food, no shortages, amazing staff, very good drinks and bartender's. Recommend the Level for the lounge and check in/out. Great nightly entertainment. Great value for the price. Maid service was very good. Kept our room really clean and exchanged towels twice a day. Also refilled our fridge. Never had to ask for anything.

I can’t say enough about the people. I’ve travelled to many islands and the Cuban people are by far the most appreciative, hospitable and this trip was no exception. Rooms were typical but clean. Beach was AMAZING. I wish people wouldn’t “cool off” (pee in the pool). If you sit and watch how many people actually leave to use the facilities you would most likely spend more time at the beach!! The hotel had no vodka (which unfortunately is all we drink) but the staff managed to find 1 bottle for the two of us. We went to town and bought the only vodka on the shelf. So we did have to ration for the week. I would have liked to change my beach towel at least once. Unfortunately they were only open the first day we arrived.

The resort was pretty solid altogether. Service was above average, and the staff were quite friendly. The beach was nice, and so was the pool. We spent a lot of time in the loby and it was a great place to relax. The food was better than I've had so far in cuba, but it's still not anything to write home about. The buffet was pretty similar every day, with either pork and chicken or pork and fish as the main attraction. Lots of rice, bread beans and vegetables to fill your plate. Fresh fruit was usually available, but the quality wasn't great. The deserts, however, were exceptional, as was the coffee at breakfast. The resort had a few issues; some of the washrooms were in a state of mild disrepair, and our room had its eccentricities. But we had hot water throughout and no power issues. Entertainment wasn't always our thing, but you have to respect that they made a solid effort. There was always something going on. There was a special Canadian cocktail hour... this was a little silly, I'd probably skip it if I were you, and the gala dinner at the buffet just ended up being the buffet with more pageantry. The lobby bar isn't super well designed, as it's difficult to queue up and often devolves into confusion. But if you hang out in the lobby long enough, someone will come and take your order. The cigar lounge was a bit expensive (15 USD for a basic cigar), but they poured you a nice glass of rum, and the guy who ran it was friendly. Overall we had a good time and if you're easy-going, you will too.

The washrooms at the pool seldom worked the ones in the lobby also. Elevator not working, food on buffet was cold always,alacarte restaurant was good, Hotel needs complete freshen up it’s dated.People we’re very good and polite. Good service all around

I travelled alone to the Grand Aston Varadero from Dec 25/25-Jan1/26. i found both good and bad during my stay at the Grand Aston. Beach- not so great- you have to climb up and down a hill of sand to get to the water, and there were several rocky areas. I only spent one beach day there, and the weather the last 2 days did not allow for beach swimming so that was it for the beach for me. The pool area was nice and the chairs were in much better shape than at the beach. Food/dining- They could not manage to keep the food in the buffet hot (air conditioning was part of the problem, maybe-it was always very cold in there. Lots of repetition- I never once saw bacon, and I was there every morning for breakfast. Omelettes were good. New Year's Eve dinner was quite good with turkey, pork, beef and lots of lobster! Service was close to terrible in the buffet. The kicker was on the first night. The young girl serving me was inattentive and she went as far as to hang out in the back corner, chatting with a co-worker, while she cleaned her fingernails. I found this disgusting and I went over and told her just that. A la cartes- I went to only two-the Japanese, where I ordered a curried pasta, which did not taste like curry at all. We waited about 30 minutes for dessert; it never came, so we left without leaving a tip. I worked 30 years in the service industry, and I tip well, but I just saw no justification for a tip for such poor food and service. And I have been to Cuba 14 times, so I know what to expect-this was unacceptable. The Cuban a la carte was much better. I found the sports bar at the end of my stay--they had amazing pizza and snacks; (you pay extra for it-but so worth it). Staff- Most of the other staff were friendly and accommodating. My chamber maid (Regla), was excellent and she went out of her way to make me comfortable, brought me extra hangers, and my room was always very clean. She really appreciated the gifts I left her each day, and wrote me a little note every day. The ladies at the coffee bar were also very good, very attentive no matter how busy they were. All in all, I would rate this resort as a 3-star. The hotel and grounds are kept beautifully; most of the staff are friendly; the location is okay. I was looking for a quiet vacation and it was quiet. I think the Selectum next door might be a better choice---I heard it was much better than the Grand Aston. I guess it depends on what you're looking for, so I hesitate to recommend most resorts. I, myself would not return to this resort.