First trip to Cuba this fall. What's your favorite resort?

[Jaded]

Headed to Cuba this fall with the family. I have no idea about which resorts are good, since all of them have positive things to say about themselves. So, I figure everyone else has done the trial and error and hopefully you can share your tips and favorite spots with me. Much appreciated

[Habana Mike]

Hi Jaded

Where are you from? Most us Yanks don't have much experience with Varadero but our neighbors to the North are undoubtedly full of good info.

Welcome to FOH!

[Jaded]

I live in Victoria, BC. Soon though we'll ALL get to enjoy Cuba!

[vavrekjjj]

just do not expect standart like you have in Dominican republic, Mexico, Jamaica... :-)

if you want beautiful beach and mediocre standart then RIO DE LUNES y MARES is nice,

In Varadero : Iberostar chain and also BLAU ....

[shlomo]

Trip advisor is your friend.

[Mycroft]

I have never stayed in a resort but I ran the blockade several times in late 90s early 00s when I lived in the states, for bicycle trips mostly. I stayed in an illegal casa down the beach from Guadelavaca in the East once. If you are set on a resort stay I would almost recommend Guadelavaca. Seemed to have a relatively laid back vibe and just up the beach there is some full-on Cuban reality in the form of an impoverished old fishing village. All inclusive food will likely suck but if so you can get an amazing (illegal) lobster meal in a real cuban shack for a few dollars. Rent a car and drive a couple of hours up the coast to Baracoa (some dirt road but ok). Amazing, beautiful, tropical town and the drive goes past a tin mine the desolated moonscape of which you will never forget (no photos allowed). Eastern Cuba is not the place for cigars though.

[ChrisMG]

sandals or Iberostar. I stayed at Villa Cuba which wasn't great. I should also add that I was last there in 2008. Im sure a lot has changed since.

[moryc]

Hands down Royalton Cayo Santa Maria. Propably one of the better resorts I have stayed at. Food and service is excellent (yes food in Cuba can be excellent). If you are looking for a party, this place is not the place to go to. If you are looking to relax its your place. It is an adults only resort. Its a bit out there so if you want to go to Havana you have to take I believe a 40 minute flight. They have daily trips that depart in the morning and come back in the evening. There is a LCDH walking distance. Is it your first time going to Cuba? If so don't bring USD (some people exchange and bring USD). You will get penalized on exchange.

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g670039-d3682304-Reviews-Royalton_Cayo_Santa_Maria-Cayo_Santa_Maria_Villa_Clara_Province_Cuba.html

[treberty]

If you want to be close to Havana and don't need to stay at a Fancy resort, there's Club Atlantico at Play del Este... it has a free shuttle service to Havana. It's not the Ritz, but you get the beach and Havana!

[cigarbreak]

Depends on where you are going and who you are going with... If Varadero, my gf and I had a grand time at Sol Palmeras; if Cayo Santa Maria I have twice been to Hotel Playa Cayo Sta. Maria and was not dissapointed. If Havana, i have a contact for a decent casa one block from Hotel Nacional for around 30-35/night CUC. If going to Cayo Sta Maria, I also have a tour guide connect that picked us up from CSM, drove us to Havana for overnight and brought us back. He was both the driver and tour guide with impeccable English. I note that the beach at Cayo Santa Maria is unreal....Varadero beach has nothing on the Cayo sands and turquoise waters. But as some have said, make sure to do the research on TripAdvisor! do a little statistical analysis on the weighting of good vs poor and avg reviews and you will find your destination

[cigarbreak]

Additional, if with family, Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria graciously took care of my recent trip which I booked 16 family members with two kids under 10 and two teenagers. The teenagers loved it so that must say something! lol

[ayepatz]

Anyone got some Casa Particulares recommendations?

[Ramrod918]

Agree with Moryc, Royalton cayo santa maria, stayed 2 weeks beautiful beaches , food, and having that market town an lcdh within stones throw helps a ton.

Also stayed in Royalton hicacos in varadero, very good resort, was surprized they had ketchup and the food wasnt half bad either!

@Jaded sunwing does direct flights from YVR used them both times but you probably already know that.

Have a gret trip!

If your lookin for family style resort, cant really help ya sorry.

[cigarbreak]

Anyone got some Casa Particulares recommendations?

Hey shoot me a DM if you'd like. I did stay at a Casa Particulaire with my two aunts and my Mother a block away from Hotel Nacional.