Hotel Roc Barlovento

The Hotel Roc Barlovento is far from fancy -- but it's an affordable adult-only option well-suited to those looking for kid-free fun, a nice beach, and the opportunity to walk to shops. Those hoping to stay in a resort bubble where they don't interact with locals probably won't be happy here, as the beach is accessed across a public path, and to reach the small gym guests must walk past a local residence. In short, this small resort truly feels like a part of downtown, and guests can expect plenty of stray cats and a few dogs hanging out on the premises. (There is a little cat house with food where management tries to keep cats out of the way, but as many guests feed the cats scraps it doesn't work.) Because there are two pools of about equal size, the resort is able to keep different groups of guests happy. At one pool are those who want to participate in booze-fueled contests, with bass thumping from the speakers and the animation team members on microphones (speaking both Spanish and English); at the other are those who want to relax with a book. There's also a small shallow "relax" pool by the activity pool which is just the former kiddy pool (the hotel stopped allowing children in late 2014). The resort felt pretty empty during our visit -- occupancy is typically between 60 and 70 percent. Canada is the primary market here, and we heard many guests speaking Canadian French. Germany is the second most important market (we saw several signs in German), and Cuba is the third -- this is one of the few area resorts where locals come on holiday, especially over the summer. The property first opened in 1992, and this datedness is evident throughout -- though the streamlined, dark brown wicker lobby furniture looked modern, and 60 rooms were receiving renovations during our visit.

Hotel Roc Barlovento is the first resort in Varadero and is right at the beginning of the downtown area. This means guests can walk to shops and restaurants -- though some of the more popular at the other end of downtown, such as the Beatles Bar and Calle 62, require a taxi ride. The hop-on, hop-off bus stop that runs the length of the peninsula is right outside (it costs 5 CUC for a day pass). It's about a two-hour drive from the airport in Havana, which typically costs between 100 and 120 CUC. 

The rooms at Hotel Roc Barlovento are nothing to write home about, but they're adequate for the price. All come with small balconies with one folded up lounge chair, and face the pool or the grounds (and in some cases the tennis courts). There are flat-screen TVs with 25 channels, including options in English, Spanish, French, and Chinese. There are no coffeemakers or music players, and use of the safe requires a small fee. The mini-fridge is empty but a bottle of water is provided daily. Rooms typically have two single beds (a little larger than twin-size) and just 22 rooms have king-size beds -- surprising for an adult-only resort where most guests are couples. Bathrooms have shower-tub combos (with good water pressure) and no bidets, and the toilet seats don't always fit properly. Rooms are housed in a three-story building (there's no elevator) with connecting exterior hallways. Decor is basic -- colorful patterned bedspreads, tile floors, and simple wood furniture. 

The beach on the entire Varadero peninsula is beautiful, with white sand and turquoise water, and the stretch in front of Hotel Roc Barlovento is no exception. But because this hotel is downtown, the beach lacks the secluded feel found at other properties. Guests must cross a public path to reach the sand (a residential neighborhood is in view to the right), though the are security guards to keep beggars and vendors at bay. There's a beach bar for drinks. There are loungers provided and some palapas available. 

The resorts in Varadero have a reputation for bland, mediocre food, with many guests going so far as to pack their own condiments, but the buffet at Hotel Roc Barlovento at least is large, with a fruit bar, salad bar, dessert area, and meat station. There were even whole cooked chickens during our visit. There are three a la carte restaurants, though not all are open every night. The fusion restaurant with a sea view is especially popular, and there are also Mexican and Cuban options (the poolside restaurant becomes the Cuban restaurant in the evenings). There is a popular "Cuban Day" once a week where roast pork and iconic Cuban drinks are served. There are four bars, including the 24-hour lobby bar, poolside bar, beach bar, and a bar with outdoor seating near the Mexican a la carte restaurant.Daily entertainment includes activities such as yoga, Spanish classes, and poolside bingo. During our visit the animation team was actively engaging a handful of guests by the main pool in a competition, and in the evening most guests enjoy the show at the nearby theater. There's not much of a late-night party scene, though, and many guests seeking nightlife head to the bars and clubs in town. There are two main pools and one "relax pool" (a former kiddy pool, when the resort allowed children). Loungers are of the blue mesh and white plastic variety, and there's not much shade (during our visit one pool had a couple of umbrellas, but that was it.) The quiet pool (which has a volleyball net and is zero-entry) is near the snack bar, which serves hot dogs and the like, but neither pool has a swim-up bar. There's also a games area with ping-pong and pool near the towel hut here. Guests are provided with towel cards at check-in, but as laundry must be sent quite far away (a common issue in Varadero), towels (or sheets for that matter) aren't usually changed often. All guests must wear wristbands.