Varadero resort/hotels?

[Hemsworth]

There was a topic recently (which I can no longer find for the life of me) where some of you shared your favorite hotels to stay in Varadero (maybe it was on another forum...). We are planning our first trip to Cuba and for this one we want to do an all inclusive. Next trip will probably be a casa...but first we want to get a feel for the island.

Anyhow, I hold the members of this forum in the highest regard for Cuba information and would very much appreciate a little feedback about your hotel experiences. About the only thing that I would like is to stay away from the hotels that cater to the younger, louder, drunker types. I prefer the older, less loud, drunk types.

I have already read through the "Utimate Cuba Thread" and we are getting some great ideas for day trips. I have only been off of the North American continent once in my life and that was about 18 years ago for a trip to Barbados (wife's home country). Lol...so I'm expecting some culture shock.

Thanks to all!

[Hubba]

Stayed at the Melia Las Americas, great resort, adults only and a two minute walk fron the LCDH plaza americas.......ahhhh memories.

[Hemsworth]

Trip advisor seems to indicate that it is a good one. Thanks!

[zathan]

Been twice to the Melia Las Americas, would recommend if you want a quiet spot. The beach is short but you can walk in the water past the rocks and find another very long stretch of beach that goes towards the city. Like mentioned above you have a LCDH within walking distance.

It's a little more expensive then others but you get what you pay for. Golf is free but you have to pay for the cart which is 33 CUC per person. They carry international alcohols, not the cheap watered down knock offs. The selection of food is a little short but it'S better then other 5 stars I've been to. Even the beach snack bar serves good food compared to other resorts.

On the beach, every morning someone snorkels for a little while and comes out of the water with crayfish (lobster tails,) and offers them to people on the beach. If you want one you just have to follow him to the Barbacoa. I stayed in bungalows both times. You do have to walk a little everywhere you go from the bungalows but it is extremely quiet and you can sleep late if you want.

Have a great trip.

[PoohBore]

Try breezes in Jibacoa, which is halfway between varadero and Havana. Havana is then a 45 minute taxi ride away

[Hemsworth]

Is it mandatory that you rent a cart for golf? I could really see myself enjoying a 6 am round with a couple of smokes! Now I'm getting excited!! Do they have half decent clubs to rent or would you recommend that we bring our own?

[brassie00]

Is it mandatory that you rent a cart for golf? I could really see myself enjoying a 6 am round with a couple of smokes! Now I'm getting excited!! Do they have half decent clubs to rent or would you recommend that we bring our own?

Carts are mandatory $30CUC, club $50 CUC's (usually TM R7 )Depending on how much you plan on playing ,might want to bring your own.

Nice course ,specially 16,17 and 18, played 2 years ago and only seen 2 other groups on the course.

Be careful ,if your a walk on they tend to try to inflate the price

[dpodiluk]

I'll add my .02, if your looking into adults only the Sandals is a great place. Was there a few years ago and will be going back in a month.

[Vcool]

Breezes varadero was nice, paradisus varadero was great too...

[sk00ts]

I have been to the Melia Varadero five times now (most recently 2 weeks ago) and we love it. It is an older resort but has a lot of upgrades. And is smaller than a lot of the newer resorts with 400 or so rooms. It is also next door to the plaza americas and the LCDH and about 5 mins away from Varadero itself. It is a little more expensive than some but that keeps most of the rift raft out

[Pilsner14]

Sol sirenis coral. Mint hotel......walking to town and just down from the Barcelo. Great mix of party, family, and fun. Best stretch of beach! Smoked one of the best cubans ever out of their humidor there.....a Monte edmundo that was absolutely brillinant. Also walking to LCDH there which is nice.

[Hemsworth]

Thanks for all of the pointers. This place is priceless!

[JohnnyC]

Just returned last week from my 5th trip to Varadero. The last 3 years I have stayed at the Iberostar Varadero. Good food and Great service. Last year the beach was narrow due to erosion but they have dredged the beach last fall so the beach is great now.

[Jnaube]

Stayed at the Barcelo Marina Palace and the Iberostar these are two great hotels. I had proscuitto at every meal, great food like lobster/ langouste, I w absolutely satisfied.

[PatC]

Riu Varadero is a great resort. Especially if you stay in the royal section. The royal section gives you access to the indoor air conditioned cigar bar and a steakhouse (best restaurant on the resort). The food in generally poor at cuban resorts, but the restaurant that is included with the royal section is good. There is also a cigar store inside the gift shop with a decent selection.

[AussieCanuck]

Stayed at a new resort called Ocean Varadero El Patriarca last month. Check it out on trip advisor. It was great. It's only been open since October 2012 so all the facilities are nice and new (some of the other resorts tend to be a bit dated). Food was reasonable ( it's Cuba), drinks were good and the lobby area is a great place for smoking cigars. A trip into Havana will cost you approx 45 CUC ( we went with a tour group but then did our own thing in Havana so just paid for the transport).