**Following new *U.S. State department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. With 1,035 rooms, the mid-range Memories is one of the biggest resorts in Varadero. It's also one of the family-friendliest, with Varadero's only waterslide at one of the two pools, and activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. The beach is beautiful, and the baby and kids' clubs are great (we saw little kids having a grand time with staff members in cartoon costumes). But the resort is also dated and worn, beach towels are difficult to exchange, and the sprawling size can mean a long walk to the sand. Still, it's one of the best options for families in this price range in Varadero.
**Following new *U.S. State department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. With 1,035 rooms, the mid-range Memories is one of the biggest resorts in Varadero. It's also one of the family-friendliest, with Varadero's only waterslide at one of the two pools, and activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. The beach is beautiful, and the baby and kids' clubs are great (we saw little kids having a grand time with staff members in cartoon costumes). But the resort is also dated and worn, beach towels are difficult to exchange, and the sprawling size can mean a long walk to the sand. Still, it's one of the best options for families in this price range in Varadero.
This 404-room luxury all-inclusive resort is easily one of the best in Varadero, and arguably the best adult-only option. There’s a true emphasis on personalized service, there are ample activities ranging from yoga to the weekly foam party, the beach is perhaps the biggest and best stretch in Varadero, and just about everything is covered by the all-inclusive package, from butler service, to top-shelf liquor, to access to the spa facilities, to lobster at the seafood a la carte restaurant. Rooms have big king-size beds but aren’t up to advertised five-star standards; for the option of ocean views, consider the also adult-only Melia Las Americas.
This 404-room luxury all-inclusive resort is easily one of the best in Varadero, and arguably the best adult-only option. There’s a true emphasis on personalized service, there are ample activities ranging from yoga to the weekly foam party, the beach is perhaps the biggest and best stretch in Varadero, and just about everything is covered by the all-inclusive package, from butler service, to top-shelf liquor, to access to the spa facilities, to lobster at the seafood a la carte restaurant. Rooms have big king-size beds but aren’t up to advertised five-star standards; for the option of ocean views, consider the also adult-only Melia Las Americas.
The adult-only, mid-range Hotel Los Cactus isn’t flashy or fancy, but it offers a pleasant all-inclusive vacation with a surprising amount of local touches that give guests a sense of being in Cuba. The grounds are blanketed with local flora, and the staff serves up spit-roasted pig or fresh coconut water in the shell. But it’s the usual resort draws of white-sand beaches and a lively pool, both with bar service, that are the main attractions for guests. Its 270 rooms are cheery, if a bit dated, but they give a perfectly adequate place to crash out at the end of a day of sun and sand. As an alternative, the adult-only Melia Las Americas gives a more subdued atmosphere and a location right by the local golf course.
The adult-only, mid-range Hotel Los Cactus isn’t flashy or fancy, but it offers a pleasant all-inclusive vacation with a surprising amount of local touches that give guests a sense of being in Cuba. The grounds are blanketed with local flora, and the staff serves up spit-roasted pig or fresh coconut water in the shell. But it’s the usual resort draws of white-sand beaches and a lively pool, both with bar service, that are the main attractions for guests. Its 270 rooms are cheery, if a bit dated, but they give a perfectly adequate place to crash out at the end of a day of sun and sand. As an alternative, the adult-only Melia Las Americas gives a more subdued atmosphere and a location right by the local golf course.
The all-inclusive Sol Palmeras is a family-oriented three-pearl resort that’s hardly high style, but it is boisterous and big on activities, especially the kid-friendly variety. Free water-sport rentals, a game room with Wii and PlayStation2, and a shooting range join the typical diversions of sun and sand, including Varadero’s notably beautiful beach and two pools. The 408 rooms and 200 bungalows are excellent for families, with multiple bedrooms, mini-kitchens, dining spaces, and interconnecting rooms available. Some couples do come to stay in the Bungalow Suite Romance units, but given the atmosphere here, those travelers might prefer the adults-only Melia Las Antillas, another mid-range resort in the area.
The all-inclusive Sol Palmeras is a family-oriented three-pearl resort that’s hardly high style, but it is boisterous and big on activities, especially the kid-friendly variety. Free water-sport rentals, a game room with Wii and PlayStation2, and a shooting range join the typical diversions of sun and sand, including Varadero’s notably beautiful beach and two pools. The 408 rooms and 200 bungalows are excellent for families, with multiple bedrooms, mini-kitchens, dining spaces, and interconnecting rooms available. Some couples do come to stay in the Bungalow Suite Romance units, but given the atmosphere here, those travelers might prefer the adults-only Melia Las Antillas, another mid-range resort in the area.
The all-inclusive Hotel Tuxpan represents the typical family-oriented resort of Varadero. Its 233 standard rooms with mini-fridges and tube TVs aren’t remarkable, but guests are happy to spend their days splashing around the enormous freeform pool or the gorgeous white-sand beach. And activities abound, including water-sports, a kids’ club with games, tennis, and diving classes. Maintenance issues, like ceiling leaks in the lobby, do mar the tropical haven. But guests intent on an affordable, sunny, family-friendly getaway find these can be overlooked. Travelers could also consider the Sol Palmeras, another Varadero resort with plenty to offer families.
The all-inclusive Hotel Tuxpan represents the typical family-oriented resort of Varadero. Its 233 standard rooms with mini-fridges and tube TVs aren’t remarkable, but guests are happy to spend their days splashing around the enormous freeform pool or the gorgeous white-sand beach. And activities abound, including water-sports, a kids’ club with games, tennis, and diving classes. Maintenance issues, like ceiling leaks in the lobby, do mar the tropical haven. But guests intent on an affordable, sunny, family-friendly getaway find these can be overlooked. Travelers could also consider the Sol Palmeras, another Varadero resort with plenty to offer families.
The upscale Melia Varadero has a lovely beachfront location half way up the peninsula of Varadero. The 490 rooms are split between two categories: The standard rooms have an old-fashioned look with dated bedspreads and bathrooms, while the executive-level rooms look far more chic with dark-wood furniture and stylish artwork. But all rooms have balconies, and some offer truly stellar views. Features are in line with other upscale resorts including two pools with a waterfall feature, five restaurants, and basketball and tennis courts. A kids' club and kiddy pool appeals to families, and business travelers can use the meeting rooms or Internet cafe. One thing to note: Wi-Fi is available in both public areas and rooms, a rarity for Cuba. Travelers could compare rates and amenities with the neighboring sister resort, Melia Las Americas.
The upscale Melia Varadero has a lovely beachfront location half way up the peninsula of Varadero. The 490 rooms are split between two categories: The standard rooms have an old-fashioned look with dated bedspreads and bathrooms, while the executive-level rooms look far more chic with dark-wood furniture and stylish artwork. But all rooms have balconies, and some offer truly stellar views. Features are in line with other upscale resorts including two pools with a waterfall feature, five restaurants, and basketball and tennis courts. A kids' club and kiddy pool appeals to families, and business travelers can use the meeting rooms or Internet cafe. One thing to note: Wi-Fi is available in both public areas and rooms, a rarity for Cuba. Travelers could compare rates and amenities with the neighboring sister resort, Melia Las Americas.
**Following new *U.S. State department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. The Paradisus Princesa del Mar is a rarity in Cuba -- a true luxury, all-inclusive resort in Varadero, known for its picturesque beaches. The resort is split between its standard accommodations and its upper-tier Royal Service wing. Its 798 rooms opt for elegant, subdued furnishings. All rooms include balconies or terraces with either ocean or pool views. Royal Service rooms include additional perks like jetted tubs, butler service, and some offer direct pool access. The action here centers on the beach and the resort's three pools, two of which have swim-up bars. There are also seven restaurants, though some guests find the food underwhelming. Tennis courts, live entertainment, and a cigar bar add to the resort's appeal. Be aware that this is an adults-only property; families could consider the Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa as an alternative.
**Following new *U.S. State department regulations* issued November 9, 2017, American travelers are prohibited from staying at this hotel. Read the full list of restricted businesses **here. The Paradisus Princesa del Mar is a rarity in Cuba -- a true luxury, all-inclusive resort in Varadero, known for its picturesque beaches. The resort is split between its standard accommodations and its upper-tier Royal Service wing. Its 798 rooms opt for elegant, subdued furnishings. All rooms include balconies or terraces with either ocean or pool views. Royal Service rooms include additional perks like jetted tubs, butler service, and some offer direct pool access. The action here centers on the beach and the resort's three pools, two of which have swim-up bars. There are also seven restaurants, though some guests find the food underwhelming. Tennis courts, live entertainment, and a cigar bar add to the resort's appeal. Be aware that this is an adults-only property; families could consider the Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa as an alternative.
The 316-room Hotel Roc Arenas Doradas is a solid if dated mid-range, family-friendly option in Varadero. The highlights here are the absolutely jaw-dropping stretch of white-sand beach, the lively entertainment, and the free bus to downtown Varadero (a rare perk). Guests will also find a large pool with swim-up bar and hot tub, a 24-hour lobby bar, a buffet, and three a la carte options (the Italian restaurant is a favorite). Basic rooms have hard beds and none have ocean views, but they’re clean and there are more TV channels than at competing properties. All in all, it's a good value, though if it's booked the Breezes Bella Costa is also worth considering.
The 316-room Hotel Roc Arenas Doradas is a solid if dated mid-range, family-friendly option in Varadero. The highlights here are the absolutely jaw-dropping stretch of white-sand beach, the lively entertainment, and the free bus to downtown Varadero (a rare perk). Guests will also find a large pool with swim-up bar and hot tub, a 24-hour lobby bar, a buffet, and three a la carte options (the Italian restaurant is a favorite). Basic rooms have hard beds and none have ocean views, but they’re clean and there are more TV channels than at competing properties. All in all, it's a good value, though if it's booked the Breezes Bella Costa is also worth considering.
The mid-range, all-inclusive Brisas de Caribe feels like two resorts folded into one. The quieter southern side, catering to couples and older guests, is animation-free and peaceful. The lively northern side has music, a boisterous pool scene, and a playground and kids’ club. The beach is equally divided between an active sandy spot that has water sports and a “quiet zone.” But of the two sides, the boisterous one clearly wins out. The 444 guest rooms feature Caribbean colors and flat-screen TVs, but the furnishings are dated and worn, and a few rooms are located in the basement, where mildew smells can be an issue. Travelers could also compare rates with the Hotel Tuxpan, another family-friendly resort in Varadero.
The mid-range, all-inclusive Brisas de Caribe feels like two resorts folded into one. The quieter southern side, catering to couples and older guests, is animation-free and peaceful. The lively northern side has music, a boisterous pool scene, and a playground and kids’ club. The beach is equally divided between an active sandy spot that has water sports and a “quiet zone.” But of the two sides, the boisterous one clearly wins out. The 444 guest rooms feature Caribbean colors and flat-screen TVs, but the furnishings are dated and worn, and a few rooms are located in the basement, where mildew smells can be an issue. Travelers could also compare rates with the Hotel Tuxpan, another family-friendly resort in Varadero.
The budget resort is appealing on several levels: It's located right next to a lovely public beach and in the heart of Varadero, walking distance to restaurants, bars, and the town's main artisan market. It's got excellent budget rates, a sizable pool, and it has a top-floor disco with 360-degree views of the beach and town. On the downside, its 274 rooms feel a bit gloomy, with dated decor, old tube TVs, musty smells, and rusty bathroom fixtures. And past guests complain about housekeeping and maintenance. But for budget travelers that simply want a beachside spot near all the local action, the Hotel Gran Caribe Sunbeach could be a viable option. Travelers looking for something a bit quieter and more removed may prefer Brisas del Caribe Hotel.
The budget resort is appealing on several levels: It's located right next to a lovely public beach and in the heart of Varadero, walking distance to restaurants, bars, and the town's main artisan market. It's got excellent budget rates, a sizable pool, and it has a top-floor disco with 360-degree views of the beach and town. On the downside, its 274 rooms feel a bit gloomy, with dated decor, old tube TVs, musty smells, and rusty bathroom fixtures. And past guests complain about housekeeping and maintenance. But for budget travelers that simply want a beachside spot near all the local action, the Hotel Gran Caribe Sunbeach could be a viable option. Travelers looking for something a bit quieter and more removed may prefer Brisas del Caribe Hotel.