Where to stay in Varadero?

[jjbouma]

So I'm going to Varadero end of March/beginning of April. Looking to see if anyone has any suggestions on good places to stay as there seems to be lots of varying opinions.

[Flamesguy_SJ]

Weird, I just did a search through the archives in anticipation of my trip to Varadero at the end of April.

I obviously haven't been yet, but the group I'm going with are staying at the Blau Varadero. From all that I've read, it's a pretty quiet resort, but there are opportunities to get out into Varadero or Havana to explore/party, and we're all definitely looking at the catamaran trips they do (I think they go to Cayo Blanco).

I get the general impression that Varadero is a pretty quiet place, and that most people just go for the relaxation/beach.

[bluejays]

When we went, we stayed at Arenas Blancas. It's mostly a younger crowd. Its a small place but very central to the clubs which is why a lot of younger people go. Entertainment staff is the bomb...absolutely great. I have no complaints about the place except the food. You'll be on burgers/fries/hot dogs for the full time of your stay. That's apparently universal for Cuba in general. If you want a little better place, Barcelo Varadero is right beside it, and have had friends say it's very nice (with a little better food). My sister stayed at Iberostar and there were no food criticisms whatsoever as the place is rated #1 (but it's more older couply and not much around entertainment wise...you'll likely have to bus it for $1-$2+/-). But anyway, personally I really liked the location and people at my resort, but in general, in Varadero the workers are really nice wherever you go. The food is just a tad boring for the most part.

[Cheese]

Depends....want to go to a resort that has kids...or one that is adult only?

If adult only then Sandals Royal Hicacos or Paradisus Princessa del mar.
Both are sexy and good places for the wife/gf.

Melia Las Americas is also rated well and people have talked well about this resort...Id suggest read on Debbies and elsewhere to find the style and type of resort you want. Cuba is NOT Mexico or the DR. It is more laid back and about the people. Its also a great place to get to before the Americans get in there and turn it into Hawaii East.

Varadero is a quiet place...although most resorts have clubs attached its better to go to Varadero or Habana to club. Lots of things to do if you desire around Varadero....shop, dive, day trips of various types.

The talk about boring food is WAY over hyped IMHO. The Cubans do not use a lot of spices hence their food is not as exciting as Mexico or elsewhere. In saying that it is still good and plentiful. Lots of fish, chicken and many other things to chose from. Ive never been a hamburger/pizza/hotdog guy in Cuba, ever. Thats bunk and likely due to a 2 or 3 star hotel vs the better places.

Debbies is always a great read for accuracy
http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortrev...cuba/cuba.html

or Tripadvisor.com

[jjbouma]

I'm probably looking for an adults only resort. We're in our mid-20's and there's 6-8 of us going.

We're looking to go and get some RnR on the beach, check out the history in Havana and maybe do some diving.

Also looking for somewhere that is close to some bars, and has decent food or at least some choices so that we don't have to eat the same thing all the time.

We're not too picky about stuff and know that a 5 star in Cuba is not the same as a 5 star back home as we've all backpacked Asia and stuff like that.

Basically just looking for a resort in a good location with decent food options, good entertainment/resort staff and a good deal.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by jjbouma

I'm probably looking for an adults only resort. We're in our mid-20's and there's 6-8 of us going.

We're looking to go and get some RnR on the beach, check out the history in Havana and maybe do some diving.

Also looking for somewhere that is close to some bars, and has decent food or at least some choices so that we don't have to eat the same thing all the time.

We're not too picky about stuff and know that a 5 star in Cuba is not the same as a 5 star back home as we've all backpacked Asia and stuff like that.

Basically just looking for a resort in a good location with decent food options, good entertainment/resort staff and a good deal.

All the resorts are in a good location on the peninsula....none are too far from Varadero. If you want clubbing action at the resort then maybe Paradisus on the end of the peninsula...if not then for sure I recommend Sandals. When holidaying without the kids I prefer to go to resorts without kids. Sandals has a fantastic beach, some great restaurants and you can get anywhere fast on the peninsula anyways. Also very sexy with great rooms for the women (if you get my gist) Havana is a 2 hour drive or taxi away from Varadero anyways.
Varadero isnt the best diving location in Cuba, although there are some decent spots to go to, snorkeling too.
They have a tour to swim with the dolphins and a jeep tour..yada yada yada....but this area is likely one of the best beaches in the world. SOFT white sand like talcum powder at Sandals...warm water that is safe...you can walk out 100 meters or more without going over your head.
Lots of banana boats, catamarans, etc to play with as well.
DEFINATELY get into Havana for a tour. Youll love seeing the old 1950s style american cars in great shape. I suggest renting a taxi to go vs the tour. Youll see more and stay away from the beggars that crowd the buses. Itll cost maybe 20-30 CUCs more, but more personal and the schedule is yours vs a planned piece that you have no control over.
PM me if you want more info.

http://www.signaturevacations.com/sv...=1&Content=map

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/bc709/




Pics I took at Hicacos