Cuba is a hot and passionate country. The mysterious and unpredictable island state attracts and at the same time frightens with its exoticism, color and previously unknown shades of relaxation with a taste of Cuban cigars and Hawaiian rum.

The white-stone splendor of Havana – the capital of the state, which is still truly a stronghold of socialism and stubborn faith in a brighter future. Anfilade, a round dance, a necklace, an endless series of stunning sandy beaches of Varadero and Holguin, islands with pirate curiosities of Cayo Largo, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco in the Caribbean.

Eternal summer at the epicenter of the sun's rays and refreshing only briefly salty sea water is waiting for travelers to once again amaze their imagination and capture their hearts.

Iberostar Varadero 5*

The first coastline of the resort of Varadero, the soothing rustle of the ocean, the shy rustle of palm leaves, incredibly comfortable rooms with a full range of services. A five-star online beauty is a place for a paradise vacation with family or friends.

While the older generation chooses what activities to devote to the current day, a young team of younger family members can go to the children‘s park or take part in games and competitions at the Star Camp complex.

Many travelers put the emphasis in the fireworks of Cuban delights on fancy cigars with a cascade of spicy aromas, so the lobby area will be a reward for tourists for their burning curiosity – to have time to try everything and everywhere. In the local hospitable bins there is also a magnificent ten champions of taste: 5 restaurants and 5 bars for any, even the most pretentious character of a traveler.

The coveted all-inclusive package includes many pleasant surprises: comfortable pools with plenty of water activities, a wide sandy beach on the ocean, friendly staff ready to help and serve in any situation, live music to the rhythm of Cuban melodies, evening shows and magical massages in spa on site. Maybe this is what heaven on earth looks like?

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Ocean Varadero El Patriarca 5*

Another legionnaire of an endless series of accommodation facilities on the coast of the resort of Varadero, the impressions of travelers are twofold. It seems that the line of services in the institution is at the level, the rooms in the Art Nouveau style are new, comfortable, the territory pleases with lush tropical vegetation, the ocean coast is almost always clean, if the day before there was no time to pamper the storm, the staff, if not impeccable, then quite hospitable and diligent .

And yet, this Cuban five falls short of the absolutely perfect “excellent” rating, disappointing guests with the assortment of dishes on the buffet lines and the quality of exotic cocktails and soft drinks.

Scolding the complex for minor flaws is a thankless task. Tourists who have come to rest, having tuned in advance to a positive attitude towards the surrounding reality, are advised to act in such a way that the minor shortcomings of the accommodation facility become a continuation of its merits.

Travelers sincerely praise a la carte restaurants, note the fine art of maids in making masterpieces of creativity in the form of figures from towels, warmly recall interesting and well-organized excursions in the surroundings. If you sow a good mood, you will reap a rich and memorable vacation, right?

Grand Memories Varadero 5*

The province of Matanzas, with the harsh name of the area translated from Spanish as “slaughterhouse”, is in fact no different in its ferocious character. Geographically, the complex is located near Varadero, west of Havana. Guests are incredibly lucky to be close to the picturesque town of Matanzas, nicknamed the “Cuban Venice” for its collection of bizarre bridges.

If we continue the topic of local attractions, then inquisitive travelers who cannot imagine holidays without dizzying adventures will be very pleased with their choice. Many years ago, the mysterious Matanse stone labyrinths with an opening day of rock paintings were discovered in the area.

Scientists undertake to assert that the works of ancient artists are more than 40 thousand years old, and they are excellently preserved. Having finished with the PR of curiosities in the surroundings, it's time to return to the hotel, famous for its well-groomed green area with a mass of tall palm trees and a scattering of residential buildings.

Despite the proximity of the ocean, the guests of the establishment constantly arrange a full house in 2 pools, perhaps they are attracted by the skill of bartenders in pool bars, who can quickly and masterfully build an exotic cocktail from Hawaiian rum and fruit juices. The staff speaks excellent English, but Russian words are still trying to learn and apply correctly in dialogue with tourists.

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Ocean Vista Blue 5 *

An excellent service and tourism specialist is ready to show his art of hosting guests on the coast of Varadero, mainly to VIPs. The magic phrase “guests from the privilege category room” works flawlessly and gives a lot of additional amenities.

Premium rooms have access to a private pool, their own Coral restaurant, the menu of which includes lobsters, oysters and other delicious seafood, and another area with strong drinks in the main building for privileged guests.

The staff, of course, does not offend the rest of the guests, but the contrast in the service is felt and this evokes thoughts that social equality in socialist Cuba does not rule the ball throughout its territory. The complex on the ocean coast has 2 private beaches with a sandy surface, but, strangely, differing in the caliber of sand grains and their shades.

One piece of land is wide, equipped with rows of umbrellas and deck chairs, buried in dunes of white velvet sand and is distinguished by almost impeccable cleanliness. For some unknown reason, tourists themselves like to sprinkle garbage on another site, the sand here is not so clean and fine, and its surface is always littered with the remains of civilization in the form of the remains of smoked cigarettes, plastic cups and other annoying little things.

Motto: I am how I behave, travelers on vacation, alas, sometimes forget.

Barcelo Solymar 5*

The first thoughts that come to the mind of tourists in this accommodation facility: it turns out that Cubans have strange concepts of what 5 stars are. The rooms in the institution, alas, are very, very much in need of repair. Among the categories of premises, it is better to choose a location in a bungalow in the immediate vicinity of a neighboring fellow in the hotel shop. The service is average, although the staff tries their best to please the guests.

Choosing this place in the province of Matanzas near Varadero is definitely worth it for those who are ready to close their eyes to some shortcomings and are ready to be content with the fact that there is a fabulous, picturesque, stunning beauty and suppleness of the Atlantic Ocean sandy beach. Coming ashore to plunge into the gentle coolness of salty turquoise water, you forget about minor troubles and endlessly enjoy water and solar pleasures.

The beach area is shared with the neighboring Arena. Both establishments have a common infrastructure, among the benefits of which the favorite of the public stands out – a restaurant right on the seashore. Its arsenal includes deliciously cooked fresh-caught seafood and hot Cuban music.

The ensemble is able to surprise visitors even with a repertoire from the storerooms of Russian chansonniers, glorifying the hard hardships of the criminal world. Odessans would definitely joke: modestly, not royally, but what sunsets over the sea.

Iberostar Blue Lagoon 5*

Another example of Iberostar chain hotels is in many ways inferior to its brother in corporate ethics. Everything seems to be in his possessions, the sandy shore is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, 4 outdoor pools are equipped on the territory, it serves tourists, just think for a minute, 15 restaurants and bars, including 4 a la carte establishments with different types of national kitchens.

The magic fact noticed by the once famous Soviet satirist Arkady Raikin: let everything be, but at least something will not happen, turned out to be relevant on the shores of distant Cuba. Here, furniture tired of the crowds of travelers lives in the rooms, and the chefs for exclusive catering outlets and for the main restaurant are the same.

Therefore, dishes of the Italian and Japanese style have notes of the Cuban look at their recipes and cooking technologies. Indiscriminately scolding the complex for all the shortcomings in a row – the reception on our part is not entirely honest.

Travelers are sincerely delighted with the exemplary behavior of the ocean and the clean beach, albeit not intricate, but rather tasty cuisine, the respectful attitude of the staff towards the guests and their natural laughter and goodwill. And how much service happiness does a tourist really need if he feels the efforts of workers and is forever captivated by the charm of Cuban nature?

Memories Paraiso Azul Beach Resort 5*

The first ball in the treasury of the advantages of this complex on one of the islands of the Caribbean is the staff, albeit not all of them, who have mastered the Russian language and speaks it perfectly. The focus on Russian-speaking tourists is a good sign of hospitality and cordial attitude, not to mention the desire for travelers to return here again.

In the necklace of precious opinions, one should immediately add amazing shades of the color of the ocean on the local coast, warm hugs of silky sand on the coast, sound equipment of the beach expanses with the benefits of civilization. The next prize for excellent service is an ode to hotel food as one of the best options in Cuban resorts.

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Grand Memories Cayo Santa Maria 5*

The leitmotif of tourists' stories about this place was the verdict that it is worth making a long flight by plane in order to be able to relax in such beautiful conditions. Service in restaurants and rooms meets the high requirements for a vacation on the sea coast.

The clear waters of the ocean of all shades of ultramarine, coupled with snow-white sand, give rise to dreams of tropical tales and magical adventures.

The well-trained staff does their best to decorate the vacation of travelers with service benefits and kind warmth coming from the heart. Guests here fully enjoy the pools and parkland of the territory, the excellent Havana Club rum and delicious Mojito and Pina Colada cocktails in the bars and the fireworks of water activities on the coastline.

Of the dishes in the restaurant, tourists especially note the culinary products from tuna and the abundance of avocados and pineapples. Discerning gourmets should pay attention to the skill of the chefs in the a la carte restaurant, but the administration will have to work on the variety of animation programs.

Ocean Casa del Mar by H10 5 *

Here you will find a beautiful ocean and a marvelous cozy beach with fine crystalline sand and fancy shells honed to soft edges. The main contingent of tourists in the institution are guests from Canada who came to bask in the rays of the generous sun.

The staff still has only a vague idea about professional service, but has already learned how to make transparent hints of a reward in the form of a tip. You will not find Russian-speaking guests here with fire during the day, but in fairness it should be said that one of the managers at the reception speaks Russian quite well.

The work of public catering outlets did not leave customers delighted either. The notorious all-inclusive system, from which guests expect a complete abundance of food and drinks, does not work well.

In the southern regions, they almost do not treat them with ripe fruits and do not indulge in dishes from the sea catch. Custom restaurants disappointed with the assortment and service, the service at the main place of eating turned out to be head and shoulders above, but also very far from the perfection of a five-star level.

It's time to remember Ilyich's testament: the complex needs to study, study and learn to welcome guests from all over the world, otherwise a beautiful object of the tourism industry at first glance seems like a cheap fake up close.

Melia Marina Varadero 5 *

By monitoring the reviews and stories of tourists about the rest, you gradually build an overall picture with reasonable conclusions. You should not expect European chic and aristocratic gloss from the Caribbean Sea resorts in this region.

For example, this complex was able to earn epithets: soundly, at a good average level, and this verdict is worth listening to. As always, a series of laudatory songs to the ocean and the beaches of Varadero, advice to definitely visit Havana and plunge into the thick of its color, a recommendation to leave a bad mood at home and enjoy those hot emotions flavored with the taste of tropical fruits that the island can honestly give.

A large green area attracts, so sometimes it is better to move around in an electric car. In the evenings, under the incendiary music in Latin American and Spanish rhythms, travelers famously dance at the disco in the bar, a discount for daredevils is a spicy cocktail based on Hawaiian rum and a kind smile from the bartender.

After a busy day, the guests are waiting for stylish spacious rooms, some of which have a view of the picturesque bay and the ocean, and then, under the inky southern sky with twinkling stars, they sleep especially sweetly and peacefully.

Melia Jardines del Rey 5*

A slightly coquettish complex on a picturesque shore with still low palm trees and not very large thickets of tropical vegetation on the territory welcomes guests according to the principle: who and how lucky. The lottery starts at the reception, here you have to keep your eyes open. Rooms of the same category in different buildings and bungalows can differ drastically in terms of filling and service equipment.

The complex has a lot of positive qualities: 2 spectacular multi-level pools with pool-bars, sparkling animation in the evenings with pleasant melodic music, a luxurious bowling alley for those who like to drive colorful balls.

In restaurants, chefs give priority to meat dishes with spicy seasonings, but freshly squeezed juices did not seem the most delicious to the guests. Fans of “staggering” on the Internet should be as careful as possible.

On the island of Cayo Coco, no one can call wi fi frisky, but with interactive traps, everything is tip-top. Some travelers who like to carelessly leave access to their neighbors to their wi-fi, which still works somewhere, run the risk of falling into material costs and paying other customers for their Internet curiosity.

With this sensible advice from the seasoned, leave your personal collection of mobile apps behind the threshold of your vacation and give preference to the gentle embrace of the ocean and the hot kisses of the sun.

Iberostar Bella Vista 5 *

And again on our list is the brainchild of the network corporation Iberostar, this time with slightly different service offerings. The main direction is family vacation without problems. The infrastructure provides for a round dance of entertainment for children and adults, all-inclusive meals with endless snacks at intermediate meal stations with snacks and drinks.

The rest of the guests of Bella Vista do not get bored. Travelers are invited to quench their appetite and thirst throughout the day with four restaurants that operate both on a custom menu and in their favorite format – buffet.

The Atlantic Ocean lures you with the bliss of the cool bosom of the Atlantic Ocean, beckoning you to relax on the sun loungers with an umbrella in the company of a book or a delicious cocktail on the beaches of Varadero. Theatrical performances and concerts from qualified animators become a worthy end to the day under the cover of gathering twilight. After a sparkling day, both the older and younger generations go to sleep in nice rooms to the measured buzz of split-systems and the unobtrusive rustle of ocean waves. Tomorrow again in the tourist battle towards discoveries and adventures.

American Party Punta Varadero 5*

Some travelers, having chosen once to rest on the shores of the island, do not cheat on their passionate partner anymore, others are looking for profit and endlessly compare the island state with fellow travelers in the tourist clan, others say a firm “no” to the still young Cuban service and return to old Europe, where everything is clear and stable.

All 3 categories of travelers made a single verdict: the perfect ratio in the price / quality category. Restaurants with tasty and hearty dishes from fish and seafood, chicken and pork, vegetables, legumes and cereals received generous praise from the guests.

Separate respect was granted to the beaches, where everyone always had enough space under the sun at the edge of the emerald-azure water. The sandy surface was not always perfectly clean and depended on the momentary diligence of the cleaners – it doesn't matter. But on the beach there was always a decent amount of free sun loungers and umbrellas, which allowed you to sleep an extra hour in the morning and not run to take positions on the shore.

Another bonus for tourists is a cascade of sweet desserts and the most delicate ice cream with fruits, which could be enjoyed during the 3 meals a day, and during the sudden appearance of appetite during the day.

In the arsenal of this Cuban hotel there is another pleasant trump card – an extremely good-natured, sincere and hospitable staff. The very case when you feel that you are welcome not only for a tip, but just like that. Smile and you will receive a smile in return, from which it will immediately become brighter for everyone.

Valentin Pearl White 5 *

The location on the island of Cayo Santa Maria is a good choice for those who want to spend their holidays closer to virgin nature. A picturesque area with graceful pools, bridges and islands of emerald southern greenery.

A long beach with yachts equipped with bright colored sails, yellow golden sand, azure clear water, sun loungers and umbrellas woven from palm leaves and tree branches. Inconspicuous, almost homey comfort of the rooms with colored fragments of the interior, pleasing to the eye.

There are 19 buildings on the territory, mostly stylized as bungalows and equipped with an unobtrusive scattering among the plant framing. Complaints of tourists about the service are not original. Claims mainly relate to some inertia of the staff in the course of solving certain issues.

Not always a wide range of dishes on the Swedish line in restaurants leads to pandemonium at the counter and the struggle for individual culinary products. Not always high-quality drinks at first, suddenly becoming delicious cocktails after a tip, the bartender's imaginary indifference to those travelers who are in no hurry to fork out.

The target audience of the institution's fans is noisy Canadians, “Russo tourists” – guests for the staff are rather rare and almost exotic, so without a primitive knowledge of English or Spanish, it will take a long and tedious explanation. Prophecy of local guides: Cuba is a poor and still developing country, you should not expect luxury and aristocracy from it, although, as you know, maybe after 100 years of work in the tourism business there will be great progress.

Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa 5*

A rare feature of this accommodation is the egregious fact that it only accepts adult tourists and never positions itself as a family establishment. There are no playgrounds on the territory, restaurants have no idea about the children's menu, animators are used to entertaining only an adult audience. The complex is located in the tourist village of Las Morlas, some distance from civilization.

In the arsenal of rooms of a standard category, and guests are also offered accommodation in suites and junior suites, all-inclusive meals are provided in 4 restaurants, one of which offers Italian dishes more familiar to the Slavs.

The line of services includes a spa complex with massage areas, a fitness room, outdoor pools with bar counters, a beauty salon with a large selection of hairdressing and beauty treatments. Intermediate meals are freely available to guests almost around the clock, you can have a bite to eat here in snack bars with a string of fast food and other culinary products.

A shady court and a squash court will help maintain physical fitness. In the evenings, guests of the establishment are met by animators and there are noisy discos with live music. The undoubted plus of the accommodation facility is a beautiful, thought out to the smallest detail, picturesque area. Pelicans and seagulls visit tourists on the wide beach. In the necklace of hotels in Cuba, this five-star residence occupies one of the highest lines of the hit parade, and for Cuba, such an assessment is worth a lot.

Summing up our truthful story without embellishment, we decided to take the trouble and bring the data into a single summary:

Forewarned is forearmed. It is always worth replenishing your personal tourist piggy bank with previously unknown impressions. May your dreams of a trip to a colorful overseas country come true for you.