Halfway between Havana and Varadero, this is a splendid 4-star resort run by the Jamaican all-inclusive chain Super-Clubs. There are 250 rooms and 10 suites on 10 acres of lush landscaped grounds with 300 meters of beach. This beautiful resort with a contemporary take on classical architecture, is centered on a vast swimming pool. Our personal highlight are the sizzling Jacuzzis on the edge of the pool.

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Halfway between Havana and Varadero, this is a splendid 4-star resort run by the Jamaican all-inclusive chain Super-Clubs. There are 250 rooms and 10 suites on 10 acres of lush landscaped grounds with 300 meters of beach. This beautiful resort with a contemporary take on classical architecture, is centered on a vast swimming pool. Our personal highlight are the sizzling Jacuzzis on the edge of the pool.

Chose from five bars, two restaurants, a cafe, grill and room service. The food here is outstanding, especially for Cuba and the service extremely attentive.

That Breezes Jibacoa has a dedicated clientele that come back year after year as well as attracting many of the Havana expatriate crowd is testament to its quality. Highly recommended.

The spacious and tastefully decorated rooms are in two-storey units and have king or twin beds and all the facilities you would expect. Suites have separate living areas.

This is for couples and adults 14 years and older.

One of the newest hotels in Cuba, this mammoth all-inclusive—it has 998 rooms!—at the far eastern end of the Varadero peninsula is also one of the most stylish. It was originally built to be managed by Jamaica´s Superclubs, but the deal fell apart. Today is it jointly managed by Cuba´s Gaviota group and the Spanish company Sirenis. Its low-rise architecture takes its inspiration from the colonial past. And beautiful it is too, with its tasteful columns and furnishings.

Text by Christopher Baker

One of the newest hotels in Cuba, this mammoth all-inclusive—it has 998 rooms!—at the far eastern end of the Varadero peninsula is also one of the most stylish. It was originally built to be managed by Jamaica´s Superclubs, but the deal fell apart. Today is it jointly managed by Cuba´s Gaviota group and the Spanish company Sirenis. Its low-rise architecture takes its inspiration from the colonial past. And beautiful it is too, with its tasteful columns and furnishings. The grounds, being freshly planted, are a work in progress, and shade palms have yet to mature. In a resort this huge, expect to do a lot of walking.

The huge and meandering main saltwater swimming pool with waterfall grottos and a huge spiraling waterslide is complemented by a second pool with swim-up bar, and children and toddlers also get their own pools. A dress code applies in all five à la carte restaurants, which include Japanese (overhanging the main swimming pool), Italian, and seafood restaurants; as with most competing hotels, you´ll need to book your nights to dine in advance if you want to secure a reservation. This hotel is one of very few in Cuba that has a chef and kitchen staff that know what they´re doing. Not gourmet, for sure, but not far short either on a good day (consistency is an issue, as in all Cuban restaurants). Recreation facilities include three tennis courts and a well-quipped gym, and bicycles are available, but some of the watersports are not included in the all-inclusive price. The nightly entertainment is a highlight in a theater. Other facilities include an Internet cafe (expensive).

In guestrooms, the cheap plastic chairs and table on the balconies detract from the otherwise pleasant (albeit far from deluxe) furnishings, with sponge-washed walls in bright tropical colors. The two-tone bathrooms with travertine countertops are a delight. Standard fixtures include satellite TVs, in-room safes, stocked minibars, hair-dryers, irons and ironing board, and queen or king beds with wrought-iron headboards. We´re very demanding reviewers, but are happy to give this hotel four stars (not the five stars it claims to itself), but for Cuba that´s praise enough.

This is an attractive Islazul property with 39 rooms featuring attractive all-stone, two-storey bungalows marvelously situated along the headland overlooking the river mouth. It´s rustic but full of ambience. Facilities include a small pool plus a restaurant. Some villas are modest with small bedrooms, others are huge with a pleasing contemporary feel; some even have kitchens.

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This is an attractive Islazul property with 39 rooms featuring attractive all-stone, two-storey bungalows marvelously situated along the headland overlooking the river mouth. It´s rustic but full of ambience. Facilities include a small pool plus a restaurant. Some villas are modest with small bedrooms, others are huge with a pleasing contemporary feel; some even have kitchens.

Extremely good value, recommended.

This 120-room hotel is one of Islazul´s premier properties. It is located just west of the Canímar River. It is a beautiful location and the hotel itself, set around a pool, fits into its surroundings. Its proximity to both Matanzas and Varadero allows for a variety of excursions.

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This 120-room hotel is one of Islazul´s premier properties. It is located just west of the Canímar River. It is a beautiful location and the hotel itself, set around a pool, fits into its surroundings. Its proximity to both Matanzas and Varadero allows for a variety of excursions.

Rooms are basic but comfortable although be warned that we have received comments regarding unreliability of the water supply over the years.

This is located on the Southern coast of Matanzas province, in the well-known Cienaga de Zapata area. The diving on offer here is spectacular and a major draw for many tourists.
The hotel itself is an unpretentious resort with a slightly kitschy 1970´s holiday camp feel. This is not the up-market all inclusive luxury version but we like it all the same.

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This is located on the Southern coast of Matanzas province, in the well-known Cienaga de Zapata area. The diving on offer here is spectacular and a major draw for many tourists.

The hotel itself is an unpretentious resort with a slightly kitschy 1970´s holiday camp feel. This is not the up-market all inclusive luxury version but we like it all the same. The food is adequate, service good and have we mentioned the diving possibilities?

The concrete bungalows are a much better option than the long block of rooms by the pool.

Hotel Playa Larga has 41 rooms in small bungalows with bath, sitting room, fridge, TV and hot water. There are also eight two-bedroom family bungalows. This is a mecca for diving aficionados with some of the best dives in Cuba possible here.

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Hotel Playa Larga has 41 rooms in small bungalows with bath, sitting room, fridge, TV and hot water. There are also eight two-bedroom family bungalows. This is a mecca for diving aficionados with some of the best dives in Cuba possible here. Bird-watching is also an attractive option.

Unfortunately the hotel itself leaves a lot to be desired and may be simply described as basic and bleak. The best that may be said about the rooms is that it is lucky that you do not go on holiday to stay in your room! Reportedly this has been recently refurbished, which should have led to an improvement. To be seen.

Budget hounds are usually satisfied with a stay at this intimate little hotel, which occupies a former castle-like mansion on the main drag, one block from the beach and just a 15-minute stroll from the main center of activity in Varadero. We believe, with caveats, that this hotel offers good value for penny-pinching travelers who shun the all-inclusive resorts in favor of independence.

Text by Christopher Baker

Budget hounds are usually satisfied with a stay at this intimate little hotel, which occupies a former castle-like mansion on the main drag, one block from the beach and just a 15-minute stroll from the main center of activity in Varadero. We believe, with caveats, that this hotel offers good value for penny-pinching travelers who shun the all-inclusive resorts in favor of independence. Hence, plenty of backpackers stay here.

Islazul has recently renovated this property, upgrading it to two-story property. But don´t expect frills. And if possible, inspect several rooms before deciding, as they vary greatly. It´s basically a place to rest your head, as facilities are non-existent.

It has 15 air-conditioned guest rooms. Be sure to take one in the main building; the turret room is preferred. A modern annex to the rear is not to the same standards and rooms here are to be avoided; not least, we´re concerned about security in these rear quarters, as some of the sliding doors that we inspected seemed too flimsy for our satisfaction. These rooms are also noisy, and they look out over an ugly apartment compound. Rooms in the mansion open onto a shaded patio balcony with rocking chairs. Each now boasts heavy wooden furniture, including two single beds. Bathrooms are small, but now fitted with modern toilets and other fixtures.

One of Cuba´s venerable grand dames, this 1950s Modernist hotel—Btoday operated by Cuba´s Gran Caribe as an all-inclusive—is a striking and well-known landmark. Beyond a trademark entrance, the palm-lined drive leads past lawns, tennis courts and the hotel´s saucily scintillating Cabaret Continental.

Text by Christopher Baker

One of Cuba´s venerable grand dames, this 1950s Modernist hotel—Btoday operated by Cuba´s Gran Caribe as an all-inclusive—is a striking and well-known landmark. Beyond a trademark entrance, the palm-lined drive leads past lawns, tennis courts and the hotel´s saucily scintillating Cabaret Continental.

A recent refurbishment graced the four-story hotel with a totally contemporary facelift. In the sunlit lobby, first impressions are entirely positive. The furniture is eye-pleasing atop charcoal-gray terrazo floors, with a wall of glass offering tantalizing views over the beach and ocean a stone´s throw away. In fact, the hotel is now fitted throughout with classy imported furniture. This includes in the 162 guest rooms, with their salmon, golds, and brown color schemes, including fabrics (which include bedspreads too small for the beds). But a closer inspection—obvious to even the most myopic visitor—reveals serious deterioration throughout. Water leaks are a big problem here. Molding seams and crumbling cornices, etc., are throughout.

At least the guests rooms are spacious and come with satellite TVs, small refrigerators, and in-room safes, and all rooms are ocean-view with balconies. And although management here is unresponsive, the staff is for the most part willing and conscientious. Don´t get your hopes up for high food standards, however. The word bland sums it up. Animation (cabaret-style entertainment) is rather pathetic compared to similar-sized hotels, but you do get access to the Cabaret Internacional, of international standard. And the hotel offers a modicum of watersports.

Sol Palmeras is the third property of the string of Meliá hotels, which are located adjacent to each other on the beach side of the golf course adjoining the Plaza America Shopping Center (the others are Meliá Las Américas and Meliá Varadero).

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Sol Palmeras is the third property of the string of Meliá hotels, which are located adjacent to each other on the beach side of the golf course adjoining the Plaza America Shopping Center (the others are Meliá Las Américas and Meliá Varadero).

There are 373 rooms, 32 suites and 200 bungalows. A huge pool with a thatched bar lies at its center. There is lush vegetation (bougainvillea) around the bungalows which make for a very pleasant ambience.

Just a few minutes stroll from the heart of the action in Varadero, this contemporary hotel is a perfectly adequate four-star all-inclusive establishment that is advantageous for its proximity to central Varadero. Some people might find the rich tropical-fruit color schemes a tad too overripe, and much of the infrastructure and furnishings are dated.

Text by Christopher Baker

Just a few minutes stroll from the heart of the action in Varadero, this contemporary hotel is a perfectly adequate four-star all-inclusive establishment that is advantageous for its proximity to central Varadero. Some people might find the rich tropical-fruit color schemes a tad too overripe, and much of the infrastructure and furnishings are dated. The atrium lobby features a spiral staircase augering up to a glass ceiling, and wrap-around balconies dripping with cascading iv—a Varadero trademark.

Accommodations are in 525 air-conditioned rooms (in five-story blocks) and 193 beachfront “bungalows” (a misleading term; these are actually two-story blocks each with eight units). Soft goods are predominantly in Christmas colors—lots of reds and greens—but the overall effect is harmonious. Amenities include the usual (satellite TV, telephones, in-room safes, etc.) plus iron and ironing boards and minibars. Bathrooms feature marble countertops and have hair-dryers. Several rooms are equipped for handicapped travelers. The rooms were looking a bit tired at our last visit, and we thought the mattresses were ready for upgrading.

The resort appeals to an international crowd with extensive recreational amenities ranging from a rifle range to darts. It also competes against other Varadero hotels with a beauty salon, kid´s club, babysitters, and massage services, plus six bars, a huge pool complex, and—uniquely—miniature golf. And one dozen outlets, including five full-service restaurants, offer food 24/7. There are a few negatives however, including lack of beach cocktail service. The hotel claims to offer WiFi Internet, but we haven´t been able to verify this. The regular Internet may have been upgraded, but was 20th-century slow when we last used it.

This three-star property a ten-minute taxi ride from the heart of Varadero is one of the few large-scale beach properties to offer a non-all-inclusive option. And we think the rates are fair, too. For these reasons we like this 316-room hotel (managed by Cuba´s Gran Caribe chain), which also offers a modicum of comfort and amenities. It´s a short walk from the dolphin show and from Marina Chapelin, with its excursion boats and rentable sailcraft.

Text by Christopher Baker

This three-star property a ten-minute taxi ride from the heart of Varadero is one of the few large-scale beach properties to offer a non-all-inclusive option. And we think the rates are fair, too. For these reasons we like this 316-room hotel (managed by Cuba´s Gran Caribe chain), which also offers a modicum of comfort and amenities. It´s a short walk from the dolphin show and from Marina Chapelin, with its excursion boats and rentable sailcraft. That apart, it´s somewhat of a drab and outdated place compared to the ritzy newer all-inclusives that have sprouted along this shore in recent years. And upkeep here is an issue—we saw plenty of broken and missing tiles plus mildew on our last visit, and the public toilets were seriously deteriorated: “Hello! Toilet paper anyone?”

The 20 acres of landscaped grounds feature a huge freeform pool with sunken thatched bar and adjoining whirlpool. Here you get three main restaurants and two snack bars, all serving meals that rise to mediocre at best. And it has tennis, a pool table, darts, and volleyball, plus a modicum of watersports. Light sleepers should ask for a room as far from the nightclub as possible; very few patrons use the hotel disco. The 700 block is a good option, with the added advantage for families of being close to the kid´s pool and the kid´s camp with eager and creative staff. This resort has its own nightly (albeit tepid) cabaret, plus a water aerobics show twice weekly.

The air-conditioned rooms are sparsely furnished with simple furnishings and colorful fabrics, and fussy sleepers may find the mattresses and pillows none too comfortable. All rooms have satellite TVs and in-room safes (many are broken), and tiny refrigerators are available by request. As with most Cuban hotels, washclothes are not provided, and here you get only a minimum of toiletries. At least the cleaning staff here is conscientious.

Here´s a hotel that stole our hearts the moment we entered the lobby of this mammoth and architecturally-inspired hotel, which opened in 2005. The sloping, Mayan ziggurat-style structure—“Wow!”—is approached via a sweeping elevated drive framed by international flags. The cavernous, albeit sparsely furnished, atrium lobby speaks to the hip contemporary vogue, such as brushed stainless steel rails, that infuses this property throughout.

Text by Christopher Baker

Here´s a hotel that stole our hearts the moment we entered the lobby of this mammoth and architecturally-inspired hotel, which opened in 2005. The sloping, Mayan ziggurat-style structure—“Wow!”—is approached via a sweeping elevated drive framed by international flags. The cavernous, albeit sparsely furnished, atrium lobby speaks to the hip contemporary vogue, such as brushed stainless steel rails, that infuses this property throughout. The atrium opens rearward to a soaring wall of glass and a ceiling featuring a blue-tinted skylight.

All rooms have sliding glass doors onto oceanview balconies overlooking the grounds, with its sensational freeform pool. Expect sophisticated furnishings of rust-reds and golds, regal hardwood headboards, and modern imported fixtures that include silent air-conditioning, satellite TVs, minibars, and safes. It also has full suites, which come with bathrobes and matching slippers, plus turn-down service.

The always-lively action here is assisted by competent animation staff, but you can always escape the noise on the beach, which lies beyond a strip of natural forest. A full complement of watersports includes Hobie-Cats, plus there are plenty of on-land activities, from petanque to tennis. Two of the most impressive aspects are the state-of-the-art children´s camp, with its own sand pit; and a state-of-the-art theater. And the restaurants here are stylish, plus there´s a more rustic beach grill. All in all, this would be our top pick in Varadero, competing with the equally impressive Barceló Marina Palace and Sandals Royal Hicacos.

This was the fomer Sandals (Beaches) report. It has long been one of our favorite all-inclusive resorts in Varadero. The pluses include a handy location close enough to be away from the “downtown” action yet with Varadero village a short taxi or horse-carriage ride away. The grounds here are a riot of colorful bougainvillea. And the staff earns high marks, not least because the employees here have a small profit-sharing incentive ...

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This was the fomer Sandals (Beaches) report. It has long been one of our favorite all-inclusive resorts in Varadero. The pluses include a handy location close enough to be away from the “downtown” action yet with Varadero village a short taxi or horse-carriage ride away. The grounds here are a riot of colorful bougainvillea. And the staff earns high marks, not least because the employees here have a small profit-sharing incentive (although they´re not above requesting tips and your personal items as keepsakes). And the downsides? At last visit, this property (built in 1992) was showing its age, with visible physical deterioration. And, this being Cuba, the food quality falls far short of SuperClubs´ high standards elsewhere in the world. This hotel relies heavily on the Canadian market and draws many repeat guests.

The low-rise property (a mix of two- and three-story buildings) has lovely landscaping and the handsome lobby makes a good start. The buffet restaurant here has always pleased us (we´re fussy reviewers, and Cuban hotel buffets rarely excite on the food front), but the two à la carte restaurants—one Cuban, the other Italian—are a consistent letdown, with relatively bland dishes. Night owls have the choice of a piano bar and the resort´s nightly cabaret entertainment, followed by a disco. Scuba diving classes are offered for beginners, but dive trips cost extra. At least you get free use of Hobie-Cats and other watersports, and facilities include a games room with pool tables, plus tennis, and three whirlpools.

The outdated 270 junior suites and suites lack the contemporary liveliness of competing hotels and are a bit drab, with green-and-cream color schemes. Many rooms have king beds, and all have satellite TVs, phones, mini-fridges, and bathrooms now past their prime. Alas, few of the accommodations have ocean views and most are set far back from the beach.

Oasis´s Brisas del Caribe is a recent addition to its portfolio in Cuba. It took over the administration of the 1996 hotel from the state owned Cubanacán in 2008 following a 2007 renovation. We have not visited since the change in administration although we have herad that the property is somewhat improved. This was in the past very much a middling property that suffered from lack of maintenance.

Text by Christopher Baker

Oasis´s Brisas del Caribe is a recent addition to its portfolio in Cuba. It took over the administration of the 1996 hotel from the state owned Cubanacán in 2008 following a 2007 renovation. We have not visited since the change in administration although we have herad that the property is somewhat improved. This was in the past very much a middling property that suffered from lack of maintenance. It´s setting a 10-minute drive from town requires a taxi or shuttle for exploring beyond the gorgeous beach (fortunately Varadero´s double-decker bus offers regular service). Billed as a four-star, we gave this only two prior to the revamp.

Choice of facilities here compete well with most other all-inclusives. You get the usual watersports, plus tennis, scuba diving (for a fee), etc., and a cement minigolf course. The à la carte Italian restaurant is the best of three restaurants. A beachfront seafood restaurant has a lovely setting; the food wins no prizes and a hint of raw sewage gives one pause. And the eight bars include a 24-hour snack bar serving night owls, who can practice their moves on the disco floor—don´t expect sizzling nightlife here, as it draws very few guests. This hotel has two well-maintained pools, including a smaller and quieter option for those for whom the activities around the main pool prove too lively.

Most of the 440 guest rooms are in twin wings to either side of the main building. However, the recently upgraded bathrooms now feature shiny new black-and-white tiles and bidets. Couples with kids in tow should opt for the southern section, which has two-bedroom family rooms. This villa section is served by its own pool and bar.

Ideal for water sports lovers, families, couples and singles. It is located in the most authentic part of Varadero. Only a few meters from the shopping mall, and Plaza América Convention Center.

Ideal for water sports lovers, families, couples and singles. It is located in the most authentic part of Varadero. Only a few meters from the shopping mall, and Plaza América Convention Center. Families and children of all ages will be more than pleased in this hotel.