**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 adult-only upper-middle-range resort from the Melia chain offers a serene, relaxed beach getaway on Cayo Coco, an island studded with other all-inclusive resorts. An array of features includes a large and attractive outdoor pool, several restaurants and bars, a fitness center and sports courts, plus direct access to a pretty stretch of white-sand beach. A variety of 250 guest rooms are available -- some in bungalows on stilts over a seawater lagoon -- and though decor can look a bit dated, the spaces are clean, sunlit, and offer a good set of amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, private balconies/terraces, and rainfall showers in the bathrooms. For a kid-friendly option, check out the Sol Cayo Coco, which has a kids' club and play area on the beach.
This adult-only upper-middle-range resort from the Melia chain offers a serene, relaxed beach getaway on Cayo Coco, an island studded with other all-inclusive resorts. An array of features includes a large and attractive outdoor pool, several restaurants and bars, a fitness center and sports courts, plus direct access to a pretty stretch of white-sand beach. A variety of 250 guest rooms are available -- some in bungalows on stilts over a seawater lagoon -- and though decor can look a bit dated, the spaces are clean, sunlit, and offer a good set of amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, private balconies/terraces, and rainfall showers in the bathrooms. For a kid-friendly option, check out the Sol Cayo Coco, which has a kids' club and play area on the beach.
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.
Casa Buena Vista is a reliable budget option offering four individual rooms inside a family-owned apartment. The property is housed in an elegant but faded colonial building set in a calm residential pocket that’s removed from tourist bustle yet walkable to sights, like Calle 23 and the Malecon. The sixth-floor setting wraps the place with stunning city views, although some rooms facing inward lack any vista at all. Rooms are otherwise quiet and comfortable, but very basic -- with fridges, private bathrooms, and little else. Guests appreciate the lofty views, hearty breakfast (for a fee), location, authentic local vibe, and value for money. Overall, Casa Buena Vista suits those seeking a cheap but reliable accommodation while they explore the city. Travelers seeking an intimate apartment stay with a more modern vibe could try el81 Guesthouse.
Casa Buena Vista is a reliable budget option offering four individual rooms inside a family-owned apartment. The property is housed in an elegant but faded colonial building set in a calm residential pocket that’s removed from tourist bustle yet walkable to sights, like Calle 23 and the Malecon. The sixth-floor setting wraps the place with stunning city views, although some rooms facing inward lack any vista at all. Rooms are otherwise quiet and comfortable, but very basic -- with fridges, private bathrooms, and little else. Guests appreciate the lofty views, hearty breakfast (for a fee), location, authentic local vibe, and value for money. Overall, Casa Buena Vista suits those seeking a cheap but reliable accommodation while they explore the city. Travelers seeking an intimate apartment stay with a more modern vibe could try el81 Guesthouse.
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.
This no-frills value hotel in a residential part of Vedado is intimate, with just 30 rooms and few features. It occupies a neocolonial-style home dating to 1940 that once belonged to the wife of Fulgencio Batista, and its large porch with rocking chairs and preserved historic details are notable aspects -- though the competitive rates are probably the biggest draw. Rooms are clean, if basic, and up to four guests can fit in a single room. It's a perfectly serviceable option for the price, but leisure visitors should note that there's no pool and Old Havana isn't within walking distance.
This no-frills value hotel in a residential part of Vedado is intimate, with just 30 rooms and few features. It occupies a neocolonial-style home dating to 1940 that once belonged to the wife of Fulgencio Batista, and its large porch with rocking chairs and preserved historic details are notable aspects -- though the competitive rates are probably the biggest draw. Rooms are clean, if basic, and up to four guests can fit in a single room. It's a perfectly serviceable option for the price, but leisure visitors should note that there's no pool and Old Havana isn't within walking distance.
The three-pearl Hotel e Gran is a historic colonial landmark right in the heart of Camaguey. Established in 1939, the property is full of charm and offers a few lovely features, though expect worn and low-frills furnishings that are common throughout Cuba. There are an outdoor pool and whirlpool, 24-hour cafeteria with Wi-Fi, all-day restaurant, and a lovely interior courtyard, plus a rooftop bar with panoramic city views and a lobby bar. Its 72 guest rooms and suites are decked out in antique-style furniture, and come equipped with air-conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Many offer pretty city views and some have Juliet balconies, although some past guests have said street-facing rooms can be noisy at night. Travelers seeking a more intimate colonial-style property could try nearby Hotel Camino de Hierro.
The three-pearl Hotel e Gran is a historic colonial landmark right in the heart of Camaguey. Established in 1939, the property is full of charm and offers a few lovely features, though expect worn and low-frills furnishings that are common throughout Cuba. There are an outdoor pool and whirlpool, 24-hour cafeteria with Wi-Fi, all-day restaurant, and a lovely interior courtyard, plus a rooftop bar with panoramic city views and a lobby bar. Its 72 guest rooms and suites are decked out in antique-style furniture, and come equipped with air-conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Many offer pretty city views and some have Juliet balconies, although some past guests have said street-facing rooms can be noisy at night. Travelers seeking a more intimate colonial-style property could try nearby Hotel Camino de Hierro.
For cash-strapped travelers intent on splitting their time between the beach and Havana, this dingy, 188-room budget all-inclusive hotel from the '70s might fit the bill. It's right across the street from Santa Maria del Mar's beautiful beach, and offers free shuttle service to Havana (a 25-minute drive away). The rooms are tiny and dated (though some have great ocean views), the food is mediocre, the ugly concrete building doesn't look like it's been renovated since the Soviets built it, and prostitutes are frequent overnight guests. If you can overlook those flaws, it's OK for the price.
For cash-strapped travelers intent on splitting their time between the beach and Havana, this dingy, 188-room budget all-inclusive hotel from the '70s might fit the bill. It's right across the street from Santa Maria del Mar's beautiful beach, and offers free shuttle service to Havana (a 25-minute drive away). The rooms are tiny and dated (though some have great ocean views), the food is mediocre, the ugly concrete building doesn't look like it's been renovated since the Soviets built it, and prostitutes are frequent overnight guests. If you can overlook those flaws, it's OK for the price.
Located in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana, mid-range ApartHotel Luis y Ada offers three spacious rooms -- rented individually -- on the 17th floor of a residential apartment building. Common areas include the huge open plan living and dining area, a decent-sized kitchen, and a large breezy terrace. With the sky-high setting comes loads of natural light and a beautiful Havana city-to-ocean panorama. Guests appreciate the authentic residential setting, tasty breakfast (which costs extra), the spotless and spacious interiors, the views, plus the host’s warmth and exceptional English. Perfect for travelers seeking bright, comfortable, spacious rooms, and a more “local” Havana experience that’s close to action, but out of tourist bustle. Travelers seeking an apartment stay that's even more central could try Casa Buena Vista.
Located in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana, mid-range ApartHotel Luis y Ada offers three spacious rooms -- rented individually -- on the 17th floor of a residential apartment building. Common areas include the huge open plan living and dining area, a decent-sized kitchen, and a large breezy terrace. With the sky-high setting comes loads of natural light and a beautiful Havana city-to-ocean panorama. Guests appreciate the authentic residential setting, tasty breakfast (which costs extra), the spotless and spacious interiors, the views, plus the host’s warmth and exceptional English. Perfect for travelers seeking bright, comfortable, spacious rooms, and a more “local” Havana experience that’s close to action, but out of tourist bustle. Travelers seeking an apartment stay that's even more central could try Casa Buena Vista.
The 258-room, mid-range hotel in Vedado is notable for its charming lobby filled with antiques and its 10-story height that allows for terrific ocean views from some rooms. The rooms themselves are classic (reflecting the style from the hotel's opening in 1928), but maintenance issues in this historic building aren't uncommon. There are a small outdoor pool (awaiting renovation during our visit), a buffet restaurant, an a la carte Cuban restaurant, and a 24-hour lobby bar, but no gym. It's worth considering the NH Capri La Habana, an even taller hotel in Vedado, which has modern style, fewer maintenance issues, and more features, including a gym and room service.
The 258-room, mid-range hotel in Vedado is notable for its charming lobby filled with antiques and its 10-story height that allows for terrific ocean views from some rooms. The rooms themselves are classic (reflecting the style from the hotel's opening in 1928), but maintenance issues in this historic building aren't uncommon. There are a small outdoor pool (awaiting renovation during our visit), a buffet restaurant, an a la carte Cuban restaurant, and a 24-hour lobby bar, but no gym. It's worth considering the NH Capri La Habana, an even taller hotel in Vedado, which has modern style, fewer maintenance issues, and more features, including a gym and room service.