Cuba 3 star all inclusive hotels: 12 options by the beach

Three stars in Cuba means a beach nearby and an all-inclusive package. For the same money as on neighboring islands, you get the ocean, meals, and drinks with no extra charges. Varadero, Santa Lucia, and Guardalavaca offer different shorelines and different rhythms.

Choosing is hard. Budget chain names sound alike, and old descriptions confuse you with numbers and promises. We picked 12 three-star hotels with all-inclusive packages and sorted them by location and who they suit.

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What to know about 3-star hotels in Cuba

💡 In short:

• In Cuba, hotels are grouped into the state chains Islazul, Gran Caribe, and Gaviota. Within one chain, service and menus are similar.
• Three stars here describe the local standard, not the European one: simple rooms, but the beach and meals are in the package.
• All-inclusive covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, local drinks, loungers, and some water equipment.
• Season, beaches, and availability: 09/2026, verified on the Cuba tourism portal.

The star category in Cuba is not equal to the European one. Three stars means a simple room, air conditioning, and daily cleaning, but not a recent renovation. In return, you almost always get a beachfront location and a full meal package.

The hotels in this selection operate on an all-inclusive basis. That means three buffet meals, local alcohol, soft drinks, loungers, and some sports equipment. Snack bars are open between meals, and bottled water is available at the front desk.

1. Gran Caribe Sun Beach

Sun Beach sits on the beachfront in Varadero. The market and shops are nearby, and you can reach the sand in a couple of minutes. The windows face the ocean, and the coastal strip here is wide.

The sand is white and clean, the water is clear, and there are almost no waves. Loungers and towels are provided on site, and there are free spots even in high season. The snack bar serves drinks and light bites.

The food is simple but fresh. Breakfast is a buffet: meat, fish, squid, mussels, shrimp, watermelon, guava, bananas, papaya, ice cream. Shrimp and fish are cooked at an open kitchen right in front of you.

The package includes catamaran, canoe, and boat rides. The property has a pool, terrace, darts, and table tennis. Entertainment runs daily in Spanish. For more experiences, book a sea safari or a tour to Havana.

• Location: Varadero, beachfront, beach and market a short walk away (on the map).
• Who it's for: a quiet vacation with free water equipment.
• The catch: entertainment is only in Spanish.

Check prices for Gran Caribe Sun Beach

2. Gran Caribe Club Kawama

Kawama was built in the 1930s, and it is Varadero's first hotel. The complex stands at the very start of the resort, on a narrow strip: the Atlantic Ocean on one side, an artificial canal on the other.

The shoreline here is cleaned regularly, and palm trees provide shade. There are plenty of loungers, and catamaran rentals with and without sails are included. The water entry is gentle, and the depth starts far from the shore.

Accommodations vary: two-story bungalows and rooms in main buildings. Cleaning is daily. The restaurant and central bar serve side dishes, hot meals, soups, vegetables, and fruit. The poolside bar operates around the clock and also offers sandwiches and burgers.

For entertainment, there is a sauna, billiards, table tennis, and darts. During the day, aqua gym and foam parties are held, and a kids' mini club is open in season. Live Caribbean music plays at lunch and dinner. The market and a souvenir shop are nearby.

• Location: start of Varadero, beachfront, canal on one side (on the map).
• Who it's for: those who appreciate a historic building and palm shade on the beach.
• The catch: the pool area gets noisy because of parties and events.

Check prices for Gran Caribe Club Kawama

3. Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca

© Antal Feith · CC BYPhoto: Antal Feith, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The hotel sits on the beachfront, a couple of kilometers from the town of Guardalavaca. Here you get the ocean, secluded beaches, and local flavor. Between the main building and the villas, another small beach is tucked among the rocks, sheltered from the wind.

The water entry is convenient and gentle. The depth starts far from the shore, so swimming with children feels safe. Even at low tide, the water stays warm.

There is plenty to do: foam disco, live music, shows, and entertainment run daily. For relaxing, there are three pools on the property. Pedal catamaran and boat rides are free.

Meals are served in three restaurants. You can choose from several types of meat and fish, seafood, exotic fruits, yogurt, and ice cream. The main dishes are simple and filling. Two snack bars serve french fries, burgers, and pizza. Guardalavaca has shops, cafes, and a market, and the boulevard hosts discos.

• Location: beachfront, about two kilometers to Guardalavaca (on the map).
• Who it's for: families, because the water entry is gentle and safe.
• The catch: the water gets deep only far from the shore.

Check prices for Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca

4. Islazul Club Tropical

Club Tropical sits in the center of Varadero, right on the beachfront and close to the entertainment. The building once housed a Cuban youth camp. Today, cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir markets, and shops selling rum and coffee surround it.

Don't expect luxury, but the rooms are clean and comfortable. There's a pool and Latin beach music. Three meals a day are served buffet style, and the food is simple. Guests praise the orange juice at breakfast and the pineapples.

Several bars are available, one by the pool, plus a 24-hour lobby bar. Evenings feature bingo and karaoke, with dancing on Fridays. Popular excursions include trips to Havana and Cayo Largo.

The main advantage here is the coastline. You can walk straight from the complex to the ocean, the sand is soft and clean, and the water is warm and free of seaweed. Loungers are freely available, and the depth increases gradually.

• Location: central Varadero, beachfront, markets and bars nearby (on the map).
• Not for: those expecting premium service and designer rooms.
• The catch: rooms are basic, with no recent renovations.

Check prices for Islazul Club Tropical

5. Starfish Varadero

Starfish Varadero suits those who want to dance, eat well, and spend plenty of time on the beach. The grounds are full of flowers and greenery, and the beach area is clean and well maintained.

There are enough loungers, so you can easily move with the sun. The long coast of the peninsula is nearby: you can not only swim here but also walk for hours.

Guests praise the food separately. Portions are generous: meat, fish, shrimp, crab and lobster, several kinds of cheese, vegetables and fruit, grilled steaks. The lobby bar makes good coffee.

Entertainment runs in several areas at once, by the pool and on the beach. The team of entertainers, dancers and singers works with almost no pauses. In the evening there is live music near the bar, and there is a separate program for children. The staff here is friendly and attentive.

• Location: Varadero, the long peninsula beach nearby (see map).
• Who it's for: those who came to dance and eat seafood.
• The catch: entertainment runs almost nonstop, so there is little quiet during the day.

Check prices for Starfish Varadero

6. Gran Caribe Atlantico

Atlantico sits on the ocean shore, and from here you get great views of sunrises and sunsets. The sand is fine, the water is calm. To get to the beach, you just step outside the complex grounds.

Guests value the hotel for its atmosphere and proximity to Havana. A free shuttle to the city runs twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. The trip takes about half an hour, so you have time to walk around the historic sites and get back for dinner.

The property has a pool, a tennis court, a gym, billiards, and a beach volleyball court. There is a shop with food and drinks.

The food is simple and natural. Vegetables, fruit, omelets, fish and meat, with plenty of options. If you want to sit outdoors, choose a table on the restaurant terrace.

• Location: a Havana suburb, beachfront, shuttle to the center (see map).
• Who it's for: those who want to combine the beach with sightseeing in the capital.
• The catch: you can't walk to the historic center without the shuttle.

Check prices for Gran Caribe Atlantico

7. Club Amigo Mayanabo

Mayanabo is a quiet place in Playa Santa Lucia, Camaguey province. There is no active nightlife here, but nature is close by. The grounds are small and full of greenery, and the ocean and a lake with flamingos are very close.

Free rides on boats, kayaks, a sailboat and catamarans are already included in the price. The building is not new but tidy, with a cosmetic renovation done. The coast is about two hundred meters away.

The sand is snow-white, and the water shimmers with shades of turquoise. Seaweed sometimes appears in the water, but the staff clears it regularly. Crabs run along the shore, which adds local character.

The food is simple and tasty, with fresh grilled fish especially good. After lunch you can swim in the pool or head to Coco Beach, which you reach by taxi, bicycle or scooter. Excursions are offered to Camaguey, Playa Bonita and a crocodile farm.

• Location: Playa Santa Lucia, about two hundred meters to the beach (see map).
• Who it's for: a quiet nature getaway without partying.
• The catch: seaweed periodically appears in the water.

Check prices for Club Amigo Mayanabo

8. Gran caribe villa tortuga

Villa Tortuga suits those looking for a quiet beach vacation. The complex is in Varadero and consists of three-story villas rather than a single building.

The ocean is very close here, about seventy meters away. The sand is snow-white, palm trees provide shade, and the water is clean. There are enough loungers, so you don't have to fight for a spot by the water.

Guests have access to a snack bar and a 24-hour lobby bar. There are two pools, outdoor and indoor, so you can swim in any weather. A fitness center is available.

Entertainment runs daily. Sometimes they organize Cuban days with music, songs and special cocktails, and invite magicians and singers. Other activities include billiards, table tennis and a hot tub.

• Location: Varadero, beachfront, the ocean right there (see map).
• Who it's for: couples and families who want a quiet beach by the villas.
• Not for: those who want lively nightlife nearby.

Check prices for Gran Caribe Villa Tortuga

9. Islazul Acuazul

Acuazul combines three hotels in one complex, so the crowd here is diverse. Guests come from different countries, which creates a special atmosphere. The complex is in Varadero near a souvenir market, a bank and cafes.

The coast is about one hundred and fifty meters away. The ocean here looks like it does in advertising photos: turquoise and transparent.

The all-inclusive package includes a continental breakfast or a la carte dining. There is a restaurant and a lobby bar for this, where they serve coffee and drinks based on sugarcane rum. The oceanfront terrace is a pleasant place to spend the evening.

The entertainment program is packed. The animation is high quality: songs, dances, music programs and aqua shows. Billiards and table tennis are free, and the front desk is open around the clock.

• Location: Varadero, about one hundred and fifty meters to the sea (see map).
• Who it's for: those who want shows and a full entertainment program.
• The catch: the complex is large and crowded.

Check prices for Islazul Acuazul

10. Islazul Club Karey

Club Karey suits those who like seclusion, nature and long walks. Guests stay in bungalows, and the green grounds stretch along the road. According to the official Islazul website, the beach is just a stone's throw away.

The beach is long and almost deserted. The bottom is sandy and smooth, so getting into the water is comfortable. There are few people and no loud entertainment, so you really do get a break from the city here.

The food is simple, but fruit is always abundant. The focus is on seafood and fish. The lobby serves good coffee, and the beach bar offers pizza and burgers. You can snorkel in the ocean and watch schools of bright fish. Almost tame pelicans live here and are fed fish.

Entertainment is modest but present: a night show, daytime and evening programs, a gym, table tennis, aerobics and beach volleyball. It also works with children: there is a playground, a children's pool and a mini club for little ones.

• Location: Varadero, a quiet beachfront spot (see map).
• Who it's for: those who want peace, snorkeling and walks by the water.
• The catch: there are few loungers and umbrellas, so spots get taken in the morning.

Check prices for Islazul Club Karey

11. Club Bravo Caracol

Caracol sits on the first line of the Atlantic Ocean in Santa Lucia. The name translates as "snail," and from the air the buildings really do look like shells on the white sand.

The grounds are spacious and well kept. The drive from the airport takes several hours, so people come here for peace and quiet, not for a weekend getaway. Guests note the coziness and silence, and every room has a balcony and a terrace.

Rooms have a TV, air conditioning, and all the standard amenities. Guests have access to a pool, a souvenir shop, and a mini club with activities for children.

Active guests have plenty to do as well: a gym, a beach volleyball court, a tennis court, bike rentals, and water sports. The cuisine is Cuban and international. Even at three stars, fruit, fish, meat, and alcohol are served every day. One restaurant offers a buffet, the other operates a la carte. Nearby there are lakes with flamingos and coral reefs.

• Location: Santa Lucia, first line, far from the airport (on the map).
• Who it's for: those who want quiet and water sports without the crowds.
• The catch: the drive from the airport takes several hours.

Check prices for Club Bravo Caracol

12. Roc Santa Lucia

Roc Santa Lucia sits on the Atlantic coast in the Playa Santa Lucia area. The hotel belongs to the Roc Hotels chain, which has properties in Spain and Cuba.

The rooms are cozy, with stylish decor and balconies overlooking the tropical garden. Each has satellite TV and a private bathroom. The building itself is in a quiet area, with no noisy neighbors.

Active guests can enjoy catamaran and kayak sailing, windsurfing, and diving. There are soccer and volleyball courts, table tennis, and an outdoor pool. Bike rental is free.

Dining is on an all-inclusive basis. There are a la carte restaurants serving Caribbean and Italian cuisine, as well as the Los Flamingos buffet restaurant and bar.

• Location: Playa Santa Lucia, Atlantic coast (per the map).
• Who it's for: those who want to combine beach time with water sports.
• Not for: those who want nightclubs within walking distance.

Check prices for Roc Santa Lucia

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What does all-inclusive include at 3-star hotels in Cuba?

The package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner in buffet format, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, loungers, umbrellas, and some water equipment. At Islazul and Gran Caribe hotels, snack bars are open between meals. Some excursions and car rental are paid separately.

When is the best time to go to Varadero and Santa Lucia?

High season in Cuba runs from December to April, when there is no rain and the heat is milder. In summer the air gets hotter and short downpours are more frequent. Spring and fall are the cheapest times to travel, but check the forecast and prices before you go, as they change every year.

How do the Islazul and Gran Caribe chains differ?

Islazul and Gran Caribe are state-owned hotel chains. Gran Caribe has more historic buildings in Varadero and Havana, such as Club Kawama and Atlantico. Islazul more often runs quiet complexes with bungalows, like Club Karey. Within the same chain, service levels and menus are similar.

Can you get from Varadero to Havana?

Yes, the drive takes a few hours and is usually included as part of an excursion. The Gran Caribe Atlantico hotel is located near the capital itself and offers guests a free shuttle twice a day. Buses and organized tours also run from Varadero to Havana.

Is a 3-star vacation in Cuba suitable for a family with children?

Yes, because most hotels have a gentle slope into the water, and loungers and meals are included in the package. At Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca, the deep water starts far from the shore, and Club Karey has a children's pool and a mini club. Check the age requirements for the mini club in advance.

3-Star all-inclusive hotels in Cuba on the map

The map shows all twelve hotels from this selection. Most are in Varadero, three in Santa Lucia, and one each in Guardalavaca and near Havana. Open the map to compare distances between resorts and plan your transfers.

In short: what to book

If you want a quiet beach with a market nearby, go for Gran Caribe Sun Beach. For peace and walks by the water, head to Islazul Club Karey. Dancing and seafood await you at Starfish Varadero, and a budget option near the villas is Gran Caribe Villa Tortuga.

For trips with children, Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca with its gentle entry into the water is a good fit. If you want to combine the beach and Havana, choose Gran Caribe Atlantico. For seclusion and flamingos, head to Club Amigo Mayanabo in Santa Lucia.

Compare available dates and prices for hotels in Cuba on Trip.com and book in advance.